Your curiosity about what skateboard decks professional skaters use is totally justified. Pros pick their skate decks carefully. This choice can hugely impact their performance. Deck material, size, and brand matter. They set trends for new skateboarders like you.
We’re going to look at what decks the pros actually use. Is there a favorite deck for street skating? Or for big air tricks or just chilling and cruising? We’ll find out as we check out the decks of pro skaters.
Key Takeaways
- The average price of skateboard decks is approximately $62.50.
- Most pro decks are made from 7-ply US and Canadian maple for the best pop.
- Rowan Davis, Skater of the Year 2020, turned pro with Girl Skateboards in 2023.
- The Mctwist, a trick by Mike McGill, remains iconic in the vertical skateboarding world.
- Jake Wooten turned pro for Santa Cruz in August 2021.
- Pro skate decks come in a range of prices from $34.95 to $129.95, making high-quality options available for various budgets.
- Oskar Rozenberg offers pro decks in classic popsicle shapes and various sizes.
Introduction to Pro Skateboard Decks
Skateboarding is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life. It needs the right gear for top performance. Pro-level skate decks are made carefully. They use materials that offer balance, toughness, and quick responses. Knowing about skateboard decks is crucial. The size and makeup of the deck greatly impact how well you skate and enjoy it.
Skateboard decks usually measure 28” to 33” long and 7.5” to 8.5” wide. A pro skater picks a deck size that matches their height and foot size. For example, short skaters under 140 cm may prefer smaller decks. On the other hand, taller ones over 190 cm might pick decks over 32.5” long. Wheelbase lengths range from 12” to 15” to better fit different skaters.
The way a deck is built affects its performance. Most are made from 7 or 8 layers of maple wood. Decks with 8 layers are more stable. Some advanced decks use carbon fiber to lessen impact. Others, like the Featherlight, have thin wood layers for a better spring. The Santa Cruz VX deck, for example, has five maple layers for extra durability and pop.
The shape of the deck’s concave also matters. It can be low, medium, or high. Low concave decks are good for beginners. But experienced skaters usually pick high concave decks for full control. Famous skaters, like Tony Hawk and Nyjah Huston, have favorite deck types. This shows how important it is to know about deck features for anyone wanting to skate well.
Finding the right pro deck is key. There are many designs for every skater’s need on top websites. For deeper insight, visit Woodsen’s complete guide to choosing skateboard decks. Learning about skate gear is the first step to skatepark success.
Popular Brands Among Professional Skateboarders
Several top skateboard brands are favorites among pro skaters. Brands like Woodsen, Santa Cruz, and Element stand out for their quality and durability.
Woodsen is known for its creative designs and strong decks made of Canadian maple. Meanwhile, Santa Cruz combines great designs with durability. Their decks are visually appealing and very reliable.
Tactics also gets a lot of attention for its great value. They offer 10 models of skateboard decks at an average price of just $43.95. Skateboards generally range from $34.95 to $129.95 in price, with Tactics leading at $44.95 for their top model.
| Deck Width | Number of Decks |
|---|---|
| 8.25 inches | 7 |
| 8.5 inches | 7 |
| 8.0 inches | 5 |
| 10.0 inches | 3 |
Element sets a high standard with its high-performance and eco-friendly decks. It’s often praised in reviews for its commitment to quality and sustainability.
When looking for the best skateboard deck, consider Woodsen, Santa Cruz, and Element. These brands are well-liked by pros for their excellent quality and longevity.
Features to Look for in a Pro Skate Deck
Choosing the right skateboard deck is crucial. You should consider several key features. This ensures you get the best deck for your skateboarding style.
The width of the deck greatly affects how you ride. Skate decks vary in width from 7.5″ to 8.25″. For street skating and tricks, go for widths between 7.5″ and 8.0″. For pools, ramps, and parks, a wider deck, 8.0″ to 8.25″, is better. Those into vert skating and cruising should choose decks 8.25″ or wider.
Deck material and how it’s made are key. Most are maple wood, known for its strong and flexible nature. These decks are made by layering wood veneers, often seven layers thick, but can range from 1 to 9 layers. Adding cross-beaming makes the deck stronger and more durable.
The concave shape of a skateboard is also crucial. Boards with concave shapes grip your feet better. This improves your control while sliding, drifting, and turning. Most decks have a neutral concave, but some cruisers feature a camber for more control.
Don’t forget about the effective foot platform (EFP). It’s the part of the deck where your feet go, found between the skateboard’s trucks. The wheelbase of a board typically spans 13″ to 15″. This size helps make your ride stable and smooth.
Top skate decks come with kicktails. These are needed for tricks and sharp turns. Deck designs are also a way to show off your personal style. Many feature cool graphics, either screen-printed or hand-painted.
Last, consider the price. The average deck costs $62.66, but prices range from $34.95 to $129.95. Nearly 38% of decks are below $50, perfect for beginners or those on a tight budget. The most common price is $39.95. With brands from 30 companies, you’re sure to find one that fits your budget and style.
Signature Pro Decks You Should Consider
Choosing pro model skateboards means looking at signature decks from famous skaters. These special decks come with unique designs and features. This can make your skateboarding better.
| Skater | Brand | Model | Price | Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erick Winkowski | Santa Cruz | Dope Planet | $64.95 | 10.34″ |
| Chris Joslin | Plan B | Joslin Splatter | $63.15 | 8.25″ |
| Nyjah Huston | Disorder Skateboards | Disorder Flame | $74.99 | 8.5″ |
The Winkowski Dope Planet deck has a unique build and graphics. It suits Winkowski’s bold skate style. Chris Joslin’s Plan B decks, like the Joslin Splatter, are made strong for his powerful skating. Nyjah Huston’s decks, such as the Disorder Flame, mix cool looks with top-notch performance.
When picking pro model skateboards, look into signature decks’ special features. These decks give you both a unique look and better skating.
Where to Buy Your Pro Skateboard Deck
Looking for a pro skateboard deck? It’s easy to find places that sell them. You can visit skateboard shops or browse online. Whether you want an Anti Hero, Santa Cruz, or Baker deck, you’ll find plenty of options.
Online stores give you many choices without leaving home. At Tactics, prices range from $34.95 for a Mini Logo Chevron Detonator to $129.95 for a Heroin Eggzilla 3. You’ll find that 31.25% of decks cost under $50. Also, 43.75% are priced between $50 and $75. The average deck price is about $64.52, good for many budgets.
Local shops are great for seeing boards up close. They offer hands-on help to find what you need. For example, Polar Skate Co. decks sell for around $76.95. Here, you can check out different sizes and shapes to get the best board for you.
In conclusion, many places sell pro skateboard decks, both online and in stores. Think about price, available styles, deck material, and size when choosing. Shop from trusted sellers for the best experience. This way, you’ll get a deck that meets all your skating needs.
I’m John Peterson, a passionate skater, blogger, and lifelong enthusiast. I’ve been skating for over 9 years and have gone on to write a blog dedicated to the sport of skating and its culture. Through my blog, I strive to share my knowledge and experience of the sport with all who are interested. From beginner tips, tricks, and equipment reviews to interviews and event coverage, I cover it all. So read my blog as I explore the wonderful world of skating!