We’ve all been there – standing at the skate shop, eyes glazed, looking at the wall of decks, scared to death of asking that intimidating, elitist-looking shop owner for help (they’re usually pretty chill and won’t make fun of you). But if you want to strut in there like you know how to buy a deck, this post is for you.
Choosing the right deck can make or break your skating experience. Literally. So, We’re diving deep into the world of skateboard decks (The wooden plank you stand on, not the whole setup. If you’re looking for tips on buying a complete board, wheels, and all, check out the guys on buying complete decks here.)
Sized does matter: Understanding deck width and your Goldilocks zone
Deck width is all about balance between stability and flip trick ease. It’s like the Goldilocks principle of skateboarding: If it’s too narrow, you’re wobbling, and it’s hard to get your foot on the board during landings. If it’s too wide, and you’re lugging around more wood than you need. It’d be heavier and harder to flip. You’ve got to find that “just right” sweet spot.
But Jedain, shouldn’t I just get the widest deck for maximum stability? Absolutely not! Unless you’re exclusively skating vert or have feet like Shaquille O’Neal, you’ll significantly sacrifice maneuverability. Trust me, trying to flip a wide deck, especially doing flat ground, is no fun.
Here’s the breakdown:
- 7.5″ to 8″: Perfect for technical street skating. Easier to flip, but less stable.
- 8″ to 8.5″: The Goldilocks zone for most skaters. Versatile for both street and park.
- 8.5″ and up: Ideal for cruising, pools, transition skating and bigger feet. More stable, but harder to flip.
I’ve ridden everything from a toothpick 7.75″ to a boat-like 9″. I actually used to ride a 7.25. Not that there was nothing wrong with that, but when I started doing vert, I was so imbalanced, and I never locked any transitions correctly; my feet were always off. It was not until I started looking at the other guys that I realized they all had a mega wide board; then it clicked: The new boards are great for street, but not so much for vert. These days, I’m all about that 8.25″. It gives me enough stability to land safely while still letting me flip.
To find the perfect deck for you, I created this handy Skateboard Deck Size Calculator, designed to help you select the ideal deck width and length based on your age, height, weight, shoe size, and preferred skate style.
Length and wheelbase: The long and short of it, or why size really does matter in skateboarding
Next up, we're talking length and wheelbase. Interesinly, this is a topic often overlooked. we tend to mostly focus on width. But this is just as critical.
Deck Length: Deck length refers to the overall length of your skateboard deck from nose to tail. Typically, skateboard decks range from about 28" to 32" in length. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- (28"-31"): These decks are highly maneuverable and great for technical street skating - quick and nimble, but maybe not the smoothest ride.
- (31"-32"): This is the sweet spot for many skaters, offering a balance between maneuverability and stability.
- (Long (32"+): Longer decks offer more stability at speed and are ideal for transition skating, cruising, or downhill. These are smooth and stable but not as agile in tight spots.
Wheelbase: Now, the wheelbase is where things get interesting. The wheelbase is the distance between the inner mounting holes of your trucks. It typically ranges from 13" to 15". This measurement is crucial because it directly affects how your board turns and responds. Longer decks with wider wheelbases are more stable at speed but less maneuverable. Shorter decks with narrower wheelbases are more responsive but can get squirrely at high speeds.
- Shorter wheelbase (13"-14"): A shorter wheelbase makes your board more responsive and easier to turn. It's great for technical tricks and street skating.
- Longer wheelbase (14"-15"): A longer wheelbase increases stability, especially at higher speeds. It's preferred for transition skating and cruising.
Concave: The secret sauce of board control and why your skateboard isn't as flat as you think
Now, let's talk about something that doesn't get mentioned much. The board's concave. It's the subtle curve across the width of your deck, and it's crucial for board control. It might not look like much, but it makes a world of difference in comfort and performance.
The concave adds depth to the deck's profile, creating a slight "U" shape. This curvature influences the board's responsiveness, control, and your ability to pull off sick tricks. It became popular in the early 1980s as street skating evolved.
There are three main types:
- Mellow: Subtle curve, easier on the feet for long sessions. It's like skating on a gentle hill - comfortable, but you might miss that extra bit of control.
- Medium: Balanced feel, good for all-around skating. The Goldilocks of concaves - not too much, not too little.
- Steep: Deep curve, maximum control for flip tricks and technical skating. It's like skating in a half-pipe - great control, but your feet might feel it after a long session.
But Jedine, isn't steeper concave always better for tricks? Not necessarily. While steep concave can give you more control, it can also be harder on your feet and less forgiving on landings.
Materials matter: What's your deck made of? The wood, bamboo, and space-age materials showdown
Alright, let's get into deck materials. Back in the day, it was all about maple. Now? We've got options, baby! It's like going from a world where you could have any color Model T as long as it was black, to suddenly having a rainbow of choices. Here's the rundown:
- Maple: The OG. Durable, good pop, consistent feel. Still my go-to for everyday skating. It's like the trusty pair of jeans in your wardrobe - reliable, comfortable, and always in style.
- Bamboo: The eco-warrior's choice. Lighter than maple, with a unique flex. Great for cruising, not so much for heavy impact. It's like the organic, fair-trade coffee of the skateboard world - feels good to use, but might not give you the kick you're looking for in every situation.
- Composite: The new kid on the block. High-tech materials mixed with wood for durability and performance. Pricey, but could be worth it if you're breaking decks faster than I break my New Year's resolutions. It's like the smartphone of skateboards - packed with features, but you'll pay for the privilege.
I've tried them all, and honestly? I always come back to good ol' maple. Call me old-fashioned, but there's something about that classic feel that just can't be beat.
Materials matter: What your deck is made of, or how to turn trees into sick tricks
Alright, deck nerds, let's dive into the actual material, wich can can make or break your skating experience.
Here are the typical materials we're dealing with:
- Hard Rock Maple: This is the OG, the king of deck materials. Most decks are made with 7 layers.
- Bamboo: The hipster's choice. It's sustainable, flexible, and strong.
- Birch: Sometimes used, especially in longer boards. It's like maple's softer cousin.
- Fiberglass and Carbon Fiber: These are the performance-enhancing drugs of the skateboard world. They're added to wood decks to make them stronger and lighter.
Some companies are going all mad scientists on us, mixing and matching these materials like they're playing Frankenstein. You've got your hybrid constructions, like the Powell Peralta Flight Decks or the Santa Cruz VX decks. These bad boys use 5 plies of maple sandwiched between carbon fiber layers. It's like the turducken of skateboards.
In my experience, nothing beats a good old 7-ply maple deck for everyday skating. It's got the right balance of pop, durability, and affordability.
But aren't those fancy composite decks indestructible? Look, unless you're made of money or sponsored by NASA, stick with maple. Those high-tech decks might last longer, but they'll also last longer in your wallet - if you catch my drift.
Now, let's talk about how these bad boys are made. It's not just some dude in a garage with a jigsaw (though I have respect for those DIY deck makers out there). Nah, it's a whole process:
- They start by slicing up thin sheets of wood, usually maple, like they're making the world's most extreme deli sandwich.
- Then they stack these sheets with some special sauce (aka glue) between each layer.
- Next, they squeeze the hell out of this wood sandwich in a hydraulic press, giving it that sweet concave we talked about earlier.
- After that, it's all about shaping, drilling holes for trucks, sanding, and slapping on some sick graphics.
So there you have it - from tree to trick-ready in just a few steps. It's like magic, but with more sawdust and elbow grease. Remember, no matter what your deck is made of, it's what you do with it that counts. Now get out there and shred!
Shape and style: Beyond the popsicle, or why your skateboard might look like a surfboard's cousin
Now, let's talk shape. When I started skating, popsicle decks were just becoming the standard. Now? It's popsicle sticks as far as the eye can see. But there's a whole world of shapes out there, like a skateboard fashion show:
- Popsicle: The all-rounder. Good for everything from street to park. It's like the Swiss Army knife of skateboards - versatile and reliable.
- Old school: Wide nose and tail, great for cruising and old-school tricks. It's the vintage vinyl record of skateboards - not the most practical, but oozing with style and nostalgia.
- Shaped: Funky designs that can be surprisingly functional. Great for standing out at the park. It's like the avant-garde art piece of the skateboard world - not for everyone, but those who get it, love it.
I've got a shaped deck that I break out for special occasions. It's got a fish tail and a pointed nose - totally impractical for most skating, but man, does it turn heads at the park.
But Jedine, won't a weird shape make it harder to do tricks? Maybe, but it'll definitely make it easier to look cool while failing those tricks. And isn't that what skating's all about? (Spoiler: it's not, but don't let that stop you from expressing yourself).
Tactics adds two more categories to this list:
- Cruiser: Mid-length boards designed for, well, cruising. Great for getting around town. It's the comfortable sedan of the skateboard world.
- Longboard: Longer boards ideal for transportation, cruising, and downhill racing. The limousine of skateboards - smooth, stable, but you wouldn't want to parallel park it.
The great debate: Brand name vs. blank decks, or how to choose between bling and bang for your buck
Alright, time to address the elephant in the room - brand name vs. blank decks. This debate is hotter than a TikTok dance challenge in a retirement home.
Brand name decks are like the cool kids at school - everyone wants them, but are they really worth it? They often have better quality control and cooler graphics, but they'll also cost you more than my first car (okay, slight exaggeration, but you get the point).
Blank decks, on the other hand, are the rebellious outsiders. They're cheaper and often just as good quality-wise. But you might miss out on that sweet, sweet clout that comes with a recognizable brand.
Me? I've ridden both. These days, I usually go for smaller, skater-owned brands. It's a nice middle ground - good quality, cool graphics, and I get to support the skating community. Win-win-win.
But Jedine, won't people laugh at me if I ride a blank deck? Kid, if someone's judging you based on your deck brand, they're not worth skating with anyway. Worry less about what's under your feet and more about what you can do with it. It's like worrying about the brand of paintbrush instead of focusing on creating a masterpiece.
Choosing based on your shoe size: Why your feet and your board need to be in sync
Here's something I wish I knew when I started out - your shoe size can play a big role in choosing the right deck width. It's like Cinderella and the glass slipper, but instead of a fairy tale ending, you get better board control. Slam City Skates offers a handy guide:
- For UK shoe sizes 6.5 to 9 (US 7.5 to 10), start with a deck width of 7.5" to 8.0".
- If your shoe size is UK 9.5 (US 10.5) or larger, go for a deck width between 8.0" and 8.5".
Remember, this is just a starting point. Your personal preference and skating style will ultimately determine what feels best. It's like dating - you might have a "type" on paper, but sometimes you just click with something unexpected.
Tech decks: The future of skateboarding? Or just really expensive planks of wood?
Let's talk about something that's been gaining traction lately - tech decks. No, I'm not talking about those tiny finger skateboards we used to play with in class (though those were rad). I'm talking about decks with advanced construction techniques.
Tactics mentions tech construction skateboards that use layers of fiberglass or other materials to improve strength and retain pop. These are great for skaters who like to jump down stairs or put a heavy beating on their deck. It's like the difference between a regular car and a rally car - built to take a beating and keep on rolling.
But Jedine, aren't these just overhyped gimmicks? Not necessarily. While they might not turn you into the next Rodney Mullen overnight, they can offer some real benefits in terms of durability and performance. Just be prepared to shell out a bit more cash for these high-tech marvels. It's like buying a smartphone instead of a flip phone - yeah, it does more, but you'll pay for those extra features.
Final thoughts: Why choosing a deck is like finding your soulmate (but with less commitment)
At the end of the day, choosing a deck is like choosing a romantic partner - it's all about personal preference and what feels right for you. Don't be afraid to experiment with different widths, shapes, and materials. Your perfect deck is out there, waiting for you to discover it.
Remember, the best deck in the world won't magically make you a better skater (trust me, I've tried). It's all about putting in the time, eating your fair share of concrete, and having fun along the way.
So get out there, try some decks, and find your perfect match. And hey, if you see an old guy at the Ohio skate park trying to relive his NYC glory days, come say hi. I'll be the one nursing my bruised ego after trying to keep up with the kids half my age.
Keep shredding, and remember - age is just a number, but a good deck? That's priceless.
But Jedine, isn't all this deck talk just overthinking it? Can't I just grab any old board and start skating? Sure, you could. And I could also try to kickflip in Crocs. Doesn't mean it's a good idea. Take the time to find the right deck for you. Your future self (and your ankles) will thank you.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a date with a handrail that's about to remind me I'm not as young as I used to be. Catch you on the flip side!
