There are many skateboard brands out there, but which are the most beloved? Today, we’re diving into a topic that always gets the skate community fired up 🔥 – the best skateboard brands… Or at least the most popular ones every skater needs to know.
This isn’t some arbitrary list – it’s based on what skaters are talking about, combined with each brand’s historical impact and current standing in the skateboarding world.
If you’re a visual learner, here is a video titled Which Skateboard Companies Are the Best? to give you more insights on what makes these brands good or bad.
A video titled Which Skateboard Companies Are the Best? from the Ashton Kelley YouTube channel.
Key takeaways
- Brand popularity is often driven by factors like team riders, graphic designs, and the brand’s overall image in the skateboarding community.
- While deck quality is important, many skaters choose brands based on personal style preferences and connection to the brand’s ethos.
- The community plays a significant role in determining brand popularity, with word-of-mouth recommendations heavily influencing choices.
The Skateboard brand landscape: Community choices and industry icons
Before we dive into the list, let’s talk about how we got here. This top 10 isn’t just pulled out of thin air – it’s based on real opinions from skaters like you and me, combined with each brand’s historical significance and current impact on the skateboarding world. Also, don’t be butt-hurt if your favorite brand like Enjoy or Birdhosue doesn’t make a list, and don’t hate me if your new 2020s skate brand didn’t make the cut either; these are just some of the classics; not an exhaustive list.
Skateboarding is subjective. What works for one skater might not work for another. But these brands have risen to the top because they’re doing something right in the eyes of the community and have left an indelible mark on skateboarding culture. With that said, this list is in no particular order.
Top 10 Most Popular Skateboard Brands
1. Baker
Baker, founded by Andrew Reynolds in 2000, has cultivated a massive following in the street skating scene.
Why Skaters Love It:
- Street Cred: Baker’s team is stacked with influential street skaters.
- Consistency: Many users report that Baker decks have a reliable feel and performance.
- Culture: The brand’s image and videos have had a huge impact on street skating culture.
Baker Skateboards is known for its edgy graphics, and a team of professional skaters that have influenced the industry. The brand’s dedication to skateboarding culture and continuous support for its riders make it a top choice for skateboarders around the world.
2. Girl
Girl Skateboards, established in 1993 by professional skateboarders Rick Howard and Mike Carroll, has maintained its popularity for decades.
Why Skaters Love It:
- Team: Girl has always had a stellar team, influencing many skaters’ brand choices.
- Quality: Consistently mentioned for good deck quality and pop.
- Videos: Girl’s skate videos, like “Yeah Right!”, are considered classics in the community.
Girl Skateboards has always been about creating top products for skateboarders. With a team of legendary riders and a strong commitment to quality and innovation, Girl continues to make some of the best skateboards and accessories.
Community Insight: Often mentioned in the same breath as Chocolate Skateboards, its sister company.
3. Element
Element has been a staple in the skateboarding world since 1992, and many skaters say it remains a popular choice.
Why Skaters Love It:
- Accessibility: Element decks are widely available, making them a common choice for new skaters. Many skaters mention Element as their first or go-to brand.
- Eco-Friendly: The brand’s focus on sustainability resonates with environmentally conscious skaters.
- Diverse Range: Element offers everything from street to cruiser boards, appealing to a wide audience.
Element Skateboards was founded by Johnny Schillereff with a mission to bring progress to skateboarding. The brand focuses on environmentally friendly manufacturing practices and materials, such as its Featherlight Helium decks. Element’s dedication to sustainability and producing durable, high-performance skateboards has made it a favorite among skaters. They also make skateboards.
Some people can’t stand Element due to its heavy affiliation with the show Viva la Bam in the early to mid-2000s. That shows the kind of stained Element for me. I liked the show, but all I could ever think about was the dam show when I saw an element logo.
4. Zero
Founded by professional skateboarder Jamie Thomas in 1996, Zero Skateboards has been synonymous with hardcore skateboarding. The brand is known for its bold graphics, top-quality decks, and a team of riders that consistently push the boundaries of skateboarding.
Why Skaters Love It:
- Attitude: Zero’s focus on performance and a never-quit attitude have earned it a place in the hearts of skateboarders everywhere.
- Graphics: That skull logo? Pure attitude.
- Videos: Their “Misled Youth” video was like a punch in the face – in the best way possible.
5. Real
Real Skateboards rounds out our top 5, noted for its consistency and pro team.
Why skaters love I t:
- Pro-Backed: Founded by skateboarding legends Jim Thiebaud and Tommy Guerrero, Real has maintained a strong pro team.
- Innovation: Known for experimenting with construction techniques to improve deck performance.
- Graphics: Real’s graphics range from clean and simple to artistic and complex, appealing to various tastes.
Since its inception in 1991, Real Skateboards has focused on producing skateboards that cater to every type of rider. The co-founders have consistently maintained a dedication to quality and performance, with innovative shapes and construction techniques that make Real a top choice for skateboarders of all levels.
Skater’s Choice: “Anything Deluxe (Antihero, Krooked, Real, There, Unity). I love that Deluxe started doing the True fit sizes for skaters who prefer shorter wheelbases.” – An experienced skater praising Real and its sister brands.
Tip: Try before you buy
Consider visiting your local skate shop to test out different decks. Many shops have demo boards or will let you stand on a deck to get a feel for the shape and size. This hands-on experience can be invaluable in finding the brand and model that suits your style best.
6. Plan B
Plan B Skateboards, founded in 1991 by Mike Ternasky, has a legacy of producing some of the most innovative skateboard products on the market. They’re known for those high-production value videos that make you want to skate and film at the same time.
Why Skaters Love It:
- Innovation: The brand’s commitment to pushing the limits of skateboarding technology.
- Team: Plan B has always had a stacked team of influential riders.
- Comeback Story: After going dark for a bit, Plan B came back swinging in 2005, showing resilience that resonates with skaters.
7. Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is skateboarding royalty, founded way back in 1973. Many skaters say this brand has managed to stay relevant decade after decade.
Why Skaters Love It:
- Heritage: Many skaters appreciate the brand’s long history and contributions to skate culture.
- Variety: Santa Cruz offers a wide range of deck shapes and sizes, catering to all types of skaters.
- Iconic Graphics: The Screaming Hand logo is instantly recognizable and beloved.
Known for its iconic screaming hand logo and a long history of supporting skateboarding culture, Santa Cruz produces high-quality decks, trucks, and accessories that cater to the needs of skateboarders of all levels.
Fun Fact: Many older skaters choose Santa Cruz for nostalgia and quality when returning to skating after long breaks.
8. Chocolate
Founded in 1994 by the same team behind Girl Skateboards, Chocolate Skateboards has become known for its vibrant, unique graphics and diverse team of professional skaters.
Why Skaters Love It:
- Graphics: Chocolate’s designs are often described as pure eye candy.
- Team: The brand has cultivated a team of stylish, technical skaters.
- Community Focus: Chocolate is known for its emphasis on creativity and community.
The brand’s focus on creativity and community, combined with its commitment to producing top-quality skateboards, has made Chocolate a go-to brand for many skateboarders.
9. Toy Machine
Created by professional skateboarder Ed Templeton in 1993, Toy Machine Skateboards is known for its distinctive graphics and a team of talented skaters.
Why Skaters Love It:
- Unique Aesthetic: Toy Machine’s graphics are like a trip into Ed Templeton’s artistic mind.
- Team: The brand has consistently had a diverse, talented team of riders.
- Attitude: Toy Machine maintains a fun and irreverent attitude that resonates with many skaters.
The brand’s commitment to producing innovative, high-quality products while maintaining a fun and irreverent attitude has helped it stand out in the skateboarding industry.
10. Alien Workshop
Founded in 1990 by Chris Carter, Mike Hill, and Neil Blender, Alien Workshop has become a staple in the skateboarding world. Their graphics are always trippy, man. It’s like they’re designing decks for skaters from Mars or something.
Why skaters love it:
- Unique Aesthetic: Alien Workshop’s otherworldly aesthetic sets it apart from other brands.
- Innovation: The brand is known for its innovative deck designs and constructions.
- Legacy: With over three decades in the game, Alien Workshop has built a loyal following.
Alien Workshop’s dedication to supporting its riders and pushing the boundaries of skateboarding has made it a favorite among skaters for over three decades.
My favorite deck brand and a few thoughts on the industry
Back in the day, Enjoi was my absolute favorite brand for the longest time. I mean, how could it not be with Rodney Mullen, my all-time favorite skater, associated with it? That panda logo just spoke to me, you know? And I’m literally still rocking the white panda, as you can see from my about me image. But times have changed, and Enjoi is no more 😔.
Being a bit older now, I’ll admit I was a little out of touch with some of the newer brands when I first started this blog. It’s been a wild ride catching up, and I love the fresh ideas and designs coming out of some of these companies. It’s like skateboarding is constantly reinventing itself, and that’s what keeps it exciting.
Something I’ve noticed over the years is how heated discussions about skateboard brands can get. My friends and I used to argue about them like it was a matter of life and death. But here’s the thing – a lot of it is subjective. Sure, there are quality differences, but many of these companies source their equipment from the same places. It’s just business, you know? At the end of the day, most of them are pretty similar in quality.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Skateboard brand collaborations have a significant impact on the industry by bringing fresh perspectives, innovative designs, and increased visibility. These partnerships often result in limited-edition products that generate buzz and drive sales, while also bridging gaps between skateboarding and other cultural spheres, such as art, fashion, or music.
Skateboard brand videos play a crucial role in a brand’s success by showcasing their team riders’ skills, demonstrating product performance, and creating a unique brand identity. These videos often become cultural touchstones within the skateboarding community, inspiring riders and influencing trends in both skating style and fashion.
Not necessarily. While premium brands often use high-quality materials, many affordable brands offer excellent decks. The “best” brand depends on your skating style and preferences. It’s important to consider factors such as deck construction, durability, and performance rather than price alone when choosing a skateboard.
Brand can be important for style and supporting teams you like, but it’s not everything. Focus on finding a deck with the right size, shape, and concave for your skating style. Consider factors such as the brand’s reputation for quality, but prioritize how well the skateboard suits your individual needs and preferences.
It varies. Some larger brands have their own manufacturing facilities, while others outsource to specialized skateboard manufacturers. This is why you might find similar quality across different brands. The production method doesn’t necessarily indicate quality; both in-house and outsourced manufacturing can produce high-quality decks.
The best skateboarding brands are known for their high-quality products, innovative designs, commitment to the skateboarding community, and support for their team of professional riders. Additionally, the brand’s reputation and longevity in the industry also contribute to its status as the best. Factors like consistent product quality, responsiveness to skater needs, and cultural impact all play a role in defining a top skateboarding brand.
Many skateboard brands are increasingly focusing on sustainability in their manufacturing processes. This includes using eco-friendly materials like bamboo or recycled plastics for decks, water-based inks for graphics, and recyclable packaging. Some brands are also implementing take-back programs to recycle old decks and reduce waste in the industry.
It varies. Some larger brands have their own manufacturing facilities, while others outsource to specialized skateboard manufacturers. This is why you might find similar quality across different brands. The production method doesn’t necessarily indicate quality; both in-house and outsourced manufacturing can produce high-quality decks.
Final thoughts: It’s all about what feels right under your feet
At the end of the day, the best skateboard brand is the one that feels right to you. It’s the one that makes you want to grab your board and hit the streets. It’s the one whose videos get you hyped to skate.
Remember, skateboarding is about individual expression. The brand you choose is just one part of that. So whether you’re riding a deck from one of these popular brands or some obscure local company, what matters is that you’re out there skating.
So, what’s your go-to brand? Has it changed over the years? Drop a comment and let me know. And hey, if you think we missed a brand that deserves to be in the top 10, speak up! Skateboarding’s all about community, and that includes sharing our thoughts on the gear we ride.
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