How do you know if a skateboard deck is good?A good deck is made of 7+ ply maple wood for strength. It should be lightweight with a medium pop (bend and bounce). Look for a concave shape (curved inwards) for better foot control. Check for cracks or warping, which means it’s time for a new one!
Well, one of the easiest ways to find a good skateboard deck is to spot a poorly made skateboard. Spotting the cheap wood, or the wrong length will assist you to narrower board down your search alternatives. Eventually, buying guide will lead you to get a good new deck for your skateboard.
Before buying a skateboard deck there are a few specialties that you should learn skateboard deck. We are here to elaborate on the whole process probably best to recognize a good deck. By the end of the article, the concept of how do you know if a skateboard deck is good will be cleared.
What to Look for in a Good Skateboard Deck
When choosing a skateboard deck, there are several key factors to consider:
Material
Skateboard decks are typically made from maple wood, but some are also made from bamboo or other composite materials. Maple is a strong and durable wood that is well-suited for skateboarding. Bamboo decks are also becoming increasingly popular, as they are lightweight and eco-friendly. However, they may not be as durable as maple decks.
Construction
Skateboard decks are constructed from multiple layers of wood that are pressed together. The number of layers can vary from 7 to 9, with 7-ply decks being the most common. Look for decks that are well-constructed and have a smooth, even finish. Avoid decks with any flaws or imperfections, as these could weaken the deck and make it more likely to break.
Shape and size
Skateboard decks come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The most common shape is the popsicle shape, which is wider at the nose and tail than in the middle. This shape is ideal for street skating and performing tricks. Other shapes include cruiser decks, which are longer and wider than popsicle decks, and longboards, which are even longer and wider.
Skateboard size chart:
| Board deck type | Heights | Deck size |
| Micro-decks | Under 3.4″ | 6.5″ – 6.75″ |
| Mini-decks | 3.5″ – 4.4 “ | 7″ |
| Mid-decks | 4.5″-5.2″ | 7.3″ |
| Full-decks | 5.3″ or over | 7.5″ |
| Extra | Over 6′ | 8″ |
The size of the deck you choose will depend on your height, weight, and riding style. Taller and heavier riders will need a wider deck, while shorter and lighter riders can get away with a narrower deck. If you are new to skateboarding, it is a good idea to start with a medium-width deck.
Concave
The concave is the curve of the deck from side to side. It provides grip and stability for your feet. Skateboard decks typically have a mellow, medium, or deep concave. Mellow concave is good for beginners, as it provides more stability. Medium concave is a good choice for all-around skaters, while deep concave is best for technical skaters who need more grip and control.
Kick
The kick is the upturn of the nose and tail of the deck. It is used for performing tricks. Look for decks with a kick that is the right size and shape for your needs. A higher kick will make it easier to pop the board and do ollies, while a lower kick will be better for grinding and sliding.
Shoe Deck Size :
Shoe size is another way to find the perfect width for you. Here is a diagram to make this effortless for beginners.
| Shoe size | BOARD WIDTH |
| 6″-9″ | 7.5″-8″ |
| 9.5″ or larger | 8″-8.5″ |
As you can see it’s preferable to choose full-decks width.
Other factors to consider
In addition to the factors listed above, there are a few other things to consider when choosing a skateboard deck:
- Price: Skateboard decks can range in price from around $20 to $100. More expensive decks are typically made from higher-quality materials and construction. However, it is possible to find a good quality deck at a lower price.
- Brand: There are many different brands of skateboard decks available. Some popular brands include Element, Primitive, and Real. Choose a brand that has a good reputation for quality and durability.
- Graphics: Skateboard decks come in a wide variety of graphics. Choose a deck with graphics that you like and that represent your personal style.
How to Test a Skateboard Deck
Once you have found a few skateboard decks that you are interested in, it is important to test them out before you buy one. Here are a few things to look for:
Flex
A good skateboard deck should have a good balance of flex and rigidity. It should be flexible enough to absorb impact, but stiff enough to provide good support.
To test the flex of a deck, hold it by the nose and tail and bend it slightly. If it bends too easily, it will be too flexible and won’t provide enough support. If it doesn’t bend at all, it will be too stiff and won’t absorb impact well.
The ideal amount of flex will depend on your riding style and preferences. If you are a beginner, you may want to start with a slightly softer deck that will be more forgiving. If you are an experienced skater, you may prefer a stiffer deck that will provide more stability and pop.
Pop
Pop is the ability of a skateboard deck to spring back into shape when it is bent. It is important for performing tricks.
To test the pop of a deck, hold it by the nose and tail and bend it slightly. Then, release it and see how quickly and forcefully it springs back into shape.
A good deck will have a lot of pop, which will make it easier to perform tricks like ollies and kickflips.
Weight
Skateboard decks come in a variety of weights. Choose a deck that is light enough to be easy to maneuver, but heavy enough to be durable.
If you are a beginner, you may want to start with a lighter deck that will be easier to move around. If you are an experienced skater, you may prefer a heavier deck that will be more durable and stable.
Tips for Choosing the Right Skateboard Deck for You
When choosing a skateboard deck, it is important to consider your riding style and preferences. Here is an in-depth guide to help you choose the right deck for you:
Riding Style
The first thing to consider is your riding style. Are you a beginner, street skater, vert skater, or something else? Different riding styles require different types of decks.
- Beginners: If you are a beginner, you will want to start with a wider deck. This will give you more stability and make it easier to learn the basics of skateboarding.
- Street skaters: Street skaters typically prefer decks with a medium concave and a shorter wheelbase. This gives them good maneuverability and pop for doing tricks.
- Vert skaters: Vert skaters typically prefer decks with a mellow or flat concave and a longer wheelbase. This gives them more stability and speed for skating ramps and bowls.
Other Factors to Consider
In addition to riding style, there are a few other factors to consider when choosing a skateboard deck:
- Height and weight: Taller and heavier riders will need a wider and thicker deck for support.
- Shoe size: Riders with larger feet will also need a wider deck.
- Budget: Skateboard decks can range in price from around $30 to $100. It is important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you don’t overspend.
Types of Skateboard Decks
There are many different types of skateboard decks available, each with its own unique features. Here are a few of the most popular types of decks:
- Double kick: Double kick decks have a kicktail on both the nose and tail of the deck, making them ideal for doing flip tricks.
- Old school: Old school decks have a more mellow concave and a longer wheelbase, making them ideal for cruising and carving.
- Pool and bowl: Pool and bowl decks are similar to old school decks, but they are typically wider and thicker to provide more stability when skating ramps and bowls.
- Hybrid: Hybrid decks combine features from different types of decks, such as a double kick nose with a mellow tail. This makes them ideal for riders who want a versatile deck that can handle a variety of terrain and tricks.
Choosing the Right Deck for You
The best way to choose the right skateboard deck for you is to try out different decks and see what feels best. If you are a beginner, it is a good idea to visit a local skate shop and ask the staff for help. They can help you choose a deck that is the right size and shape for you.
Once you have chosen a deck, you will need to purchase trucks, wheels, bearings, and grip tape to complete your skateboard. You can also choose to purchase other accessories, such as a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads.
What are the features of a good skateboard
A good skateboard is one that is well-made and durable, and that is suited to the rider’s individual needs and preferences. There are a number of features that contribute to a good skateboard, including:
- Deck: The deck is the most important part of a skateboard, and it is important to choose a deck that is made of high-quality materials and that is the right size and shape for you. Skateboard decks are typically made of maple wood, and they come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and concave profiles.
- Trucks: The trucks are the metal components that attach the deck to the wheels. Trucks come in a variety of widths, and it is important to choose trucks that are the right width for your deck.
- Wheels: Skateboard wheels come in a variety of sizes and hardnesses. Larger wheels are faster, but they are also more difficult to flip. Harder wheels are more durable, but they are also less comfortable to ride.
- Bearings: Bearings are the metal balls that allow the wheels to spin freely. It is important to use high-quality bearings to ensure that your wheels spin smoothly and quickly.
- Grip tape: Grip tape is the sandpaper-like material that is applied to the top of the deck. Grip tape helps to keep your feet from slipping off the board.
How Do You Know If A Skateboard Deck Is Good? Other Features to Consider
In addition to the core components listed above, there are a number of other features that can contribute to a good skateboard. These features include:
- Concave: The concave of a skateboard deck is the curvature of the deck from side to side. A deeper concave will give you more grip and control, while a shallower concave will be more comfortable to ride.
- Wheelbase: The wheelbase of a skateboard is the distance between the two axles. A longer wheelbase will give you more stability, while a shorter wheelbase will give you more maneuverability.
- Kicktail and nose: The kicktail and nose are the two upturned ends of a skateboard deck. The kicktail and nose are used for doing tricks, such as ollies and kickflips.
- Hardware: The hardware that is used to assemble a skateboard should be made of high-quality materials to ensure that it is durable and reliable.
Summary
Today we tried to cover how do you know if a skateboard deck is good. In conclusion, we want to remind you that the skateboard deck will be lightweight and provide you with proper flexibility. Choose the best material, size, length, and width, know your needs, look out for the manufacturer’s name, and most importantly research, research and research. The more you will learn about skateboard decks, the easier it will get to help you choose a deck.
FAQ‘s
How much is a good quality skateboard deck?
How much is a good quality skateboard deck?
People often ask, how much is a good skateboard for beginners? A good quality skateboard usually costs around $60 – $150. But the high-quality skateboards cost even more. The deck usually costs around $35 – $55 and the wheels are often between $20-$40.
What are good skateboards made of?
Skateboards are usually made of plastics, bamboo, and wood products. Plastic boards are comparatively cheaper than other boards. But they aren’t very sustainable.
Bamboo and wooden skateboards are quality boards with good skateboard manufacture. The best kind of skateboard is made of American or Canadian Maple Wood.
How do I choose a skateboard deck?
There are basically four types of decks. –
Micro-decks: Micro decks are for riders who are below 5 years old.
Mini-decks: Mini decks are for 6 to 8 years old kids.
Mid-decks: Mid-decks are especially for teenagers. Whose height is at least 4’6″.
Full-decks: Full-sized skateboards are for people who are taller than 5’6″.
What should I look for in a quality skateboard?
A lightweight deck is the first sign of a quality skateboard. It helps to contain three perfect combinations of rigidity and flexible enough that allows the board to respond during stunts.
Bamboo and wooden decks are more durable than plastic ones. For the board 7+ ply deck is perfect. The type of wheels leans on your demands.
How can I check a deck’s quality?
When examining a skateboard deck, look for signs of warping, cracks, or visible imperfections in the wood. A quality deck should feel solid and well-constructed without any areas of weakness. Run your fingers along the edges to ensure there are no rough spots or uneven layers.
How long does a good deck last?
The lifespan of a skateboard deck can vary depending on various factors, such as usage frequency, type of terrain, and maintenance. With proper care, including regular cleaning and avoiding excessive exposure to moisture, a good-quality skateboard deck can last several months to a year.
Can I trust online reviews to assess a skateboard deck’s quality?
Online reviews can provide valuable insights into a skateboard deck’s quality, especially when multiple users consistently praise or criticize a particular brand or model. However, it’s essential to consider a wide range of reviews and sources to form a comprehensive opinion.
