Our Verdict:
SKOCHO Blank Skateboard Deck
- Deck size -38.5” x 9.35”
- 2-ply fiberglass and 4-ply bamboo construction
- 3.79 pounds
- 120kg weight capacity
- Deep concave
- Pre-drilled truck holes
- Kicktail
Longboarding is a fun activity that keeps on getting more popular by the day; everybody, from adults to teenagers, around the world is getting into the sport. If you are also looking to join the bandwagon, the first thing you want to do is find the right board for you.
While you can always buy a new board from the store, it’s also possible to piece together your own skateboard by buying the components separately. The deck is the first thing you want to consider as this goes a long way to affect the overall performance of the board.
Note that longboard decks come in different shapes and designs to suit different riding styles. So, if you are wondering what type will best fit you, here is a guide to choosing the best skateboard decks.
Best Skateboard Decks Comparison Table
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | Price(Amazon) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
My #1 Pick
| My #1 Pick | SKOCHO Blank Skateboard Deck |
| CHECK PRICE |
Second Choice
| Second Choice | Sector 9 Nica Deck |
| |
 | Santa Cruz VX |
| CHECK PRICE | |
 | Powell-Peralta Flight Deck |
| CHECK PRICE | |
 | Girl Mike Carroll |
| CHECK PRICE | |
 | Real Skateboard Deck |
| ||
 | Element Skateboard Deck |
| CHECK PRICE |
Best Skateboard Decks Buying Guide
Things to Consider When Buying Skateboard Decks
There are a couple of features about the skateboard deck that you should consider when shopping for the appropriate board . This will include everything from the material used to manufacture it and the dimensions of the deck to the shape and overall design as well as your riding style.
These factors influence the durability and performance of the board . So, when you go to buy a deck for your board, be sure to keep the following in mind.
Your Skating Style
There are a number of riding styles when it comes to longboarding, and each rider may opt for a different style of riding, so your riding style is something you must consider before buying a skateboard deck as different skateboard decks are designed for different riding styles.
Carving/Cruising
If you are looking to cruise or carve on your skateboard, then the appropriate deck should be smaller in size. Ideally, you want to aim for something in the range of 28-40”. This makes it easy for you to avoid obstacles and carve on sharp street corners and turns.
You may even start with a smaller board deck but this is the recommended range if you want to be safe on the tarmac.
Freeride
Most skateboard enthusiasts tend to go with freeriding as their riding style of choice every time they hit the tarmac. If you are contemplating doing the same, then you should consider a board with a deck size between 38 and 42 inches.
For a beginner, choose blank decks with a drop-platform or a drop-through design for more stability.
Downhill Riding
Downhill is a skateboard riding style that involves higher risk and is usually reserved for the more accomplished skaters. Considering the high speeds reached during downhill street riding, a lot of training is needed for this type of skateboarding style.
Ideally, you should look for a brand with a relatively longer deck between 37 and 43 inches. If you’re still new to downhill longboarding, look for a deck with a drop-through deck or a top-mount.
Deck Shape
Skateboard decks come in a variety of shapes and this goes a long way to influence the stability of the board during riding. Generally, there are three different shapes involved and these include:
Twin-Tip
Most longboard deck shapes are designed with a twin-tip. This results in a very stable board that makes it easy for everyone to ride, including beginners. It also adds to the overall aesthetics of the board although you won’t be able to perform tricks on it.
Kicktail
A deck with a kicktail is perfect for those who want to attempt different flip tricks while riding. It allows you to pop up and down the curb with ease and makes for a more action-packed riding session.
No Kicktail
Skateboard decks without a kicktail are highly recommended for newbies since they maximize the effective wheelbase to result in increased stability. This also makes them a good fit for learners looking to pull off some flip tricks on the board.
Deck Style
You will come across different kinds of deck mounting styles in the market, which can directly influence the performance of the board. When choosing skateboard decks, remember to consider the following basic deck styles:
Top-mount
This is essentially the most common deck style for skateboards in the market. In this case, the trucks are mounted to the bottom of the deck using crews. Overall, this style offers you better stability and more control during riding.
Drop-through
If you are thinking of performing tricks on your board, a drop-through deck design will be the perfect choice for you. Rather than mounting trucks beneath the deck as in top-mount skateboards, a small cut is made on the platform for the trucks to be attached.
These skateboards tend to be more stable compared to top-mount blank decks but they can be difficult to control, especially for rookie longboard skaters.
Drop-platform
If you are more interested in freestyle riding, it doesn’t get better than doing so on a drop-platform deck. This style results in the lowest platform for more stability, making it the perfect choice for beginners.
Thanks to the enhanced stability, learners will have an easier time practicing new tricks and making quick turns. It is also a great way to improve your balance on the board.
Best Skateboard and Longboard Decks
1. SKOCHO Blank Skateboard Deck – Best Longboard Deck
This blank deck from SKOCHO is our number one choice for the best skateboard deck, and this can be credited to a well-thought-out construction that utilizes an ideal mix of high-quality materials in the market.
Constructed with a combination of 2-ply fiberglass and 4-ply bamboo, the deck is sturdy enough to bear your weight without feeling unstable. It can support up to 120kg of rider weight. The material offers great flex without being too stiff.
The board dimensions are38.5” x 9.35” , which is a sweet spot for all riding styles. From freeriding to carving and going downhill, you’ll feel right at home on the SKOCHO skateboard deck. A deep concave shape makes for a low riding platform to increase your stability during riding.
A slight inward curve just before the nose and the tail acts as convenient pockets for your feet while street skating to ensure you enjoy improved handling. The kicktail makes the board a good option for attempting tricks and improving your skating skills.
You also get pre-drilled holes where you can attach trucks for an easy installation process. Another thing you’ll like about this deck is that it’s pretty lightweight, allowing you to carry it anywhere you go with ease.
Despite all these great features, this deck will cost you less than $100, ensuring that you get great value for your money. The only gripe I have with the SKOCHO skateboard deck is that it doesn’t come with clear grip tape, so you’ll have to get one separately after buying a deck.
Other than that, you can expect a fulfilling experience on this nice bamboo deck.
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2. Sector 9 Nica Deck
The second pick on our list of the best skateboard decks is the Sector 9 Nica. This awesome deck stands out with its elongated oval shape and nice-looking graphics. Its relatively simple design makes it a nice choice for learners, as well as intermediate enthusiasts.
This deck is designed with a 5-ply vertically laminated bamboo, which results in ample flex for more comfortable handling. The top and bottom of the deck feature cute graphics that blend in well with the bamboo grain finish.
Measuring 35.5 x 8.9”, this deck will be a suitable option for those who want to enjoy a laid-back cruise on the tarmac or adopt the board as a daily commuter tool. It is also pretty lightweight and at only 3.97 pounds, you won’t have a problem carrying it in your pack.
However, you don’t want to attempt tricks or go downhill on this deck. Note that the bamboo skateboards aren’t as strong as maple wood decks, so any rough use will have the board chipping and cracking before you realize it.
The considerable width of the deck allows you to pair it with 10-inch trucks for more dependable performance. You also get free grip tape when you buy this deck, which helps to keep your board from getting dirty easily.
Furthermore, the Sector 9 Nica deck is decently priced, meaning you won’t have to dig too deep into your pockets to afford it.
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3. Santa Cruz VX- Budget Longboard Pick
The Santa Cruz VX deck looks just as cool as it sounds. It boasts a unique 7-ply construction that is unlike your regular seven-ply deck. This involves a 5-ply maple wood combined with 2 layers of Quad X technology.
The Quad X layers mix fiberglass with carbon fiber fabric, resulting in a relatively thinner profile yet strong enough to offer durable performance. Also, you get enough pop and responsiveness when riding on this deck.
Measuring 31.8 x 8.25” the skateboard deck offers just enough room for your feet and ensures your stability on the move. The sleek and glossy matte finish on the top sheet will also grab your attention at first glance.
Overall, the VX deck is stronger than an ordinary 7-ply but remains remarkably flexible. A steep nose and tail allow you to perform some tricks with the board. You may be able to flip it and pull off tricks like an Ollie but you will struggle with more complex tricks.
You will also appreciate the rugged construction of the deck, which delivers reliable resistance to chipping. This means it will serve you diligently and cope easily with frequent use. On the flip side, the Quad X layers can be difficult to get screws through when installing trucks.
Lastly, the Santa Cruz VX deck will cost a little more than $60, which means you get a great bang for your back. If you are still learning your way around a longboard, this will be a great brand for you.
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4. Powell-Peralta Flight Deck- Best Skateboard Pick
The Powell-Peralta offers insight into what the future of skateboards looks like. Boasting a tech-inspired design to go with cool graphics at the top, this is one of the best skateboard decks you can get.
The flight deck comes in a cute popsicle shape with dimensions of 8.5” x 32”. It has a notable k20 concave shape and a smooth edge all around. Although the deck is slightly thinner than usual, it also manages to remain durable thanks to 7-ply maple wood construction.
You can even run it over with a car and it will remain intact. Another cool thing about this deck is it allows you to perform some cool tricks. Once you get a feel of the board, you will find yourself tossing it, flipping it, and even sliding down ramps and stairs with a perfect landing guaranteed.
Both the nose and tail of the deck feature an 18-degree angle, leaving you with a nice pop to enhance your skateboarding skills. The cool neon graphics against the black background also allow the exquisite artwork to stand out.
Overall, Powell-Peralta skateboard decks are a go-to brand for transition skaters given the vast catalog of varying shapes and lengths on offer. It is one of the rare skateboard deck brands where you can get an old-school 9.5” deck or above.
But their most popular offering today has to be this skateboard deck. One thing you may not like about the deck is its price tag. Otherwise, the powell peralta flight deck is a great brand for anyone looking forward to a nice longboarding experience.
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5. Girl Mike Carroll
The Girl Mike Carroll is a solid choice for girls who want to remain fancy on a skating board, but this doesn’t mean that it was designed for girls alone. The amazing unit from Warehouse Skateboards features a ton of pop and ready to take you down a street or pool in your neighborhood.
As far as shape is concerned, the skateboard deck features a minimal kick, which has been a tradition in the brand models. A less imposing concave shape, as well as a slightly shorter tail, will remind you of the skateboards from the mid-’90s.
This combo also allows for greater control of the board, making it a tool of choice when street skating on both flat ground and ledges. The 31.75” x 8.37” deck is made out of 7-ply maple wood and will be a nice choice for cruising and carving in high-traffic areas.
The design of the board also makes it a suitable option for skaters of various skill levels, including pros and learners. Pre-drilled holes on the Girl Mike Carroll skateboard deck provide you with an easy way of installing trucks when you decide to piece up the board together.
You can also customize the skate decks with the included Warehouse Skateboard stickers, depending on preferences. On the downside, the Girl Mike Carroll package doesn’t include grip tape, so if you need one on your board, be ready to spend extra on buying it separately.
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6. Real Skateboard Deck
The Real skateboard deck comes in stylish assorted graphics that add to your riding experience. It measures 8.38 x 32.56 inches, making it just long and wide enough to accommodate skaters at all skill levels. This is reinforced by the stiff and stable 7-ply North American maple wood used to design it.
Whether you’re a learner keen on improving your skills or a professional looking to whizz down hilly courses, this will be a nice choice for you. Overall, the Real skateboard deck is praised for the pop it offers.
Thanks to a fuller tail and nose than your average board, the skate decks take more time to touch the ground and this results in a higher pop and stronger snap. The width of the skateboard deck remains constant from the nose to the tail to make for a very unique shape.
You also get a pretty low concave that results in more stability when you’re riding the board. Pre-drilled holes on the deck allow for easy mounting of trucks, ensuring you have a comfortable time when piecing your board together.
Furthermore, a Jessup grip tape is thrown into the package when you buy the deck for your riding pleasure. The graphics on the deck can also be customized to fit your preferences. Although the Real skateboard deck will cost you more than you’d like, you also get a worthwhile product that will serve you diligently for years.
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7. Element Skateboard Deck
Element is a renowned brand that has been producing quality skateboards and street decks. They employ a combination of cutting-edge technology and high-end materials to manufacture durable and practical skateboard decks for their customers.
Although this is a modern deck, it still comes with some traditional skateboard design, which is instrumental to its durability down the line. For instance, the seven-ply maple wood skateboard deck can cope with the punishment from rugged terrains you skate the board on.
Meanwhile, the stylish graphics ensure you earn admirers at the park. With a length of 31.25 inches and a width of 7.75 inches, the deck has the ideal dimensions for all kinds of skaters. It will particularly be a great fit for intermediate skaters looking for a nice time on the tarmac.
The Element skateboard deck feels thicker and stiffer for more stable performance but remains conveniently lightweight to let you carry it effortlessly into subways and inside your backpack.
A free Mob grip tape is offered as a bonus when you buy the deck and you get to choose a graphic that best appeals to you. The brand takes board aesthetics to the next level with limited editions.
Aside from offering you a fun time while skating, you can also hang the deck on your wall to add to the décor of your room. For instance, the limited-edition skateboard deck series Element put out in collaboration with Disney and Star Wars proved to be a crowd favorite.
8. Toy Machine
If you are a sucker for hilarious cartoon characters and patterns, then you will fall in love the moment you get a glimpse of the Toy Machine skateboard deck. Its top features iconic graphics of monsters, aliens, close-up eyes, and goofy faces from your favorite animated movies.
Add to this outgoing colors and harmonious drawing lines, and you end up with a super cool board for an exciting street skating experience. With dimensions of 31.75 x 8.25 inches, this deck will naturally suit various skating styles, including cruising, carving, and even street skating.
A medium concave shape on the skateboard deck allows for more stable performance while the 7-ply maple wood construction results in a strong, stiff, and durable deck. You get to enjoy a ton of pop during riding that allows you to feel in your element.
This skateboard deck features a conspicuous standard popsicle shape and smooth edges. It can be used by a beginner, an intermediate, as well as a professional skater who doesn’t want to break the bank. You’ll also like the pre-drilled holes on the deck that allow for effortless truck assembly.
Considering the animated graphics, this deck will naturally fit those who like to hit the city streets on their boards. The only grievance is that the package does not come with grip tape, which compels you to buy one separately.
If you can find a way around this little hurdle, then there is every reason to acquire this remarkable offering from Toy Machine. The best part of all is that it will only cost you in the range of $60!
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9. Mini Logo -Budget Skateboard Pick
The Mini-logo is one of the best skateboard decks you can find on a budget, thanks to high-quality workmanship. Handmade in Santa Barbara, California, the brand uses 7-ply, rock-hard American maple wood to provide you with a solid and durable board.
This blank skateboard deck is Airlam fused; this is a unique Skate One feature that uses waterproof glue to seal against moisture, while the bottom of the deck is coated with SST slide treatment to enhance the length of your slides.
Boasting more than three decades of skateboard deck-building experience, the brand manages to deliver a high-performance price point unit. The Mini Logo measures 32.08 x 8.5 inches and features a slight concave for improved stability.
This blank deck is made out of pure American hard-rock maple wood, meaning you get a nice feel and reliable pop without crazy gimmicks. While choosing a board based on its graphics is a thing within longboarding circles, this deck comes blank without any artwork.
However, it guarantees you reliable performance if you are not too concerned about this. Another great thing about the Mini Logo skateboard deck is that it is extremely cheap. It will cost you about half as much as other products on the market.
Not to mention that the blank skateboard deck comes with a warranty against delamination. The only underwhelming aspect of the Mini Logo is that it doesn’t feature any graphics, which might explain its reduced price.
10. Jart Skateboard Deck
The Jart skateboard deck stands out with its striking multi-color design with the famous logo in the middle. It is constructed using 100% hard rock Canadian maple wood with a 7-layer design, resulting in a very durable board.
Integrated eco friendly 2XS glue in the skateboard deck’s construction provides reliable strength and a lasting pop. Between this and the low concave shape of the deck, you get enough confidence to pull off tricks in the air without risking injury.
At 31.85 x 8.25 inches, there is enough surface area on the deck to plant your feet firmly while riding. Overall, the skateboard deck is sturdy enough to cope with frequent use and the standard popsicle shape makes it a great choice for beginners.
It also comes with free grip tape to enhance your stability on the board and the subtle yet charming graphics will endear to any skateboard lover. Another thing is that the skateboard deck is reasonably priced, so if you have a limited budget, this will be a good brand.
Tipping the scales at 6.61 pounds, the skateboard deck is heavier than most of the other options in our review. All in all, it is a great eco friendly product that will serve both beginner and intermediate boarders.
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FAQ
What is the Best Skateboard Deck Brand?
The truth is there is no direct answer to this question. Street skateboarding, after all, is a very personal sport, and what’s good for one person may not be the same for another. Nevertheless, based on merchandise sales, online searches, and customer reviews, we can compile a list of the closest thing to this.
That being said that, the best skateboard deck brands include:
- Baker skateboard decks
- Real skateboard decks
- Flip skateboard decks
- Bamboo skateboards decks
- Palace skateboard decks
- Anti Hero skateboard decks
- Polar skateboard decks
- Primitive skateboard decks
- Hockey skateboard decks
What are the top 5 best skateboard brands?
The skateboard industry is as competitive as it is colorful, with so many players scrambling to get the lion’s share of the market. It comes as no surprise that leading skateboard brands try to take their creativity to the next level with a view of getting an edge over the competition. Currently, the skateboard brands considered to be at the top of the food chain include:
- Element Skateboards.
- Plan B Skateboards.
- Girl Skateboards.
- Bamboo skateboards
- Zero Skateboards.
- Creature Skateboards.
Choosing the Right Deck Size
Depending on your weight, height, shoe size, and even skill level, you should select a skateboard deck size that best suits you. The most important parameter to consider is the width as it influences how comfortable you’ll be when standing on the board, as well as the energy you’ll spend to get it moving.
Generally, kids under the height of 3’5” with shoe size 3 or under should go with a skateboard deck between 6.5-6.75 inches wide. Meanwhile, bigger kids of 4’5” height with a shoe size between 4 and 6 will get a better it on a 7” wide skateboard deck.
Additionally, teenagers with a height of 5’3” and shoe size between 7 and 8 should ideally opt for a 7.3 inches plank width whereas adults taller than 5’3” should settle for 7.5 inches wide skateboard decks or more. The length is not very essential, especially to a beginner. Nevertheless, it may be of greater consequence to professional skateboarders.
Usually, the length is measured from the nose of the board to its tail and generally ranges between 28 and 42 inches. Another essential factor is your body weight. The skateboard deck you select should be strong enough to support your weight while riding, so be sure to check the sturdiness of the construction material vis-à-vis your body weight.
For slim people, this shouldn’t be much of an issue; it’s the heavier and big-bodied skaters that should worry more about the weight capacity of the board.
Skateboards vs Longboards - What is the Difference in Size and Length?
For the uninitiated, differentiating between a skateboard and a longboard is a confusing affair, but there are a few features that can be used to tell them apart. This is something you’ll be able to pick out when you place the two boards side by side.
The first thing you’ll notice is that the nose and tail on the longboard are generally flat while on a skateboard they tend to curve, making it easy for you to pull off tricks like flips. Just like their names suggest, longboards are longer than skateboards, and may reach a length of up to 56”.
On the other hand, a typical skateboard measures around 36”. However, some longboards can be as small as 28” long, and this is where it can get confusing. If you’re finding it hard to differentiate the two by length, then you can always check the nose and tail of the board to see if they are flat or curved.
After it’s all said and done, our best skateboard deck is the SKOCHO Blank Skateboard Deck. It comes with a practical design meant to allow you to get the most out of your riding sessions. Some of its top attributes include:
Our Verdict:
SKOCHO Blank Skateboard Deck
- Deck size -38.5” x 9.35”
- 2-ply fiberglass and 4-ply bamboo construction
- 3.79 pounds
- 120kg weight capacity
- Deep concave
- Pre-drilled truck holes
- Kicktail
Conclusion
Aside from being extremely fun, longboarding offers a list of other benefits. It is a convenient way to move around in the city and can work wonders for your mental health. It is also an inclusive sport that pretty much anyone can join; whether you’re a child or grown-up.
So, if you’ve ever entertained the thought of becoming a longboarder, this article provides some of the best cheap longboards to get you started!
