There are four main things to look for
in a skateboard deck to find the most suitable one. By all means the
size and price are important when getting a new deck, but this
article will illustrate a few factors beyond that. Each one might be
more or less important to the rider depending on the type of skating
they're doing.
The first thing to take note of is
simply the weight. Skateboarders doing a lot of flat ground technical
tricks may be highly interested in the weight aspect of a board.
Additionally just as essential is the pop. The pop of a board is key
for most street skating. The next thing to take a look at is how
strong a board is. Skaters doing a lot of high impact skateboarding
like gapping huge stair sets need a board that is extra strong if
they don't intend to be buying a new skateboard deck weekly. The
final thing to look out for is the life span of a board and how long
it holds its shape. With that being said, here are the top 5
skateboard decks that rate high in each category.
Keystone Carbonlight made by Cliche
Skateboards
This particular skateboard deck
technology does not utilize the entire top sheet, but instead they
apply a uniquely shaped top ply to strengthen the board in the key
regions that are prone to breakage. This method does not sacrifice
any weight or performance, but creates a lightweight board with much
more pop that lasts longer. Includes a 45 day warranty against
breakage.
Low Pro made by Real Skateboards
Real promises that this construction is
longer lasting, guaranteed. The Low Pro deck's lightness and
durability result from a somewhat tighter radius side to side concave
that strengthens the deck. It allows for two custom milled slimmer
x-bands that minimize the weight without decreasing the strength.
They utilize a special black seal water resistant glue that you can
see between the plies, which increases the deck's stability and
stiffness. The final result is a longer lasting deck with a lower
center of gravity for more board control and quicker pop. The lower
center of gravity comes from being center pressed with a slight nose
to tail rocker. The center rocker also presents an additional axis
point creating the deck to react faster and creates a quicker pop off
of the nose and tail.
P2 made by Flip, Plan B, Zero, Toy
Machine, Mystery, Habitat, Santa Cruz, Skate Mental, and Creature
P2 boards showcase a flex-resistant
tail and nose with fast and high rebound. This technology includes an
oval-shaped (Kevlar) fiber reinforced maple veneer, which enhances
the natural performance and pop of its supporting 6, thin veneers of
maple. The oval shape is created to spread stresses and loads
throughout the entire deck, as opposed to around merely the places
closest to the trucks. The P2 construction provides superior added
resilience to the deck, creating a "Spring Loaded Pop"
effect. They are slimmer and lighter than traditional 7-ply maple
decks.
Double Impact made by Almost
Skateboards
Double Impact uses special composite
carbon fiber reinforced discs that are not only incredibly strong but
ultra light and embodied within the bottom layer for impact dampening
and resistance. In addition to that, it utilizes a complete carbon
fiber top sheet for unbelievable strength and added life span. This
particular process works with epoxy resin anchor adhesion points to
thoroughly integrate the disc into the deck without the possibility
of separation creating a solid cohesive bond. Comes with a 45 day
guarantee against breakage.
Pop Secret made by Crailtap (Girl
Skateboards, Chocolate Skateboards).
Pop Secret decks are comprised of 6
layers of maple with an additional layer of Fiberlam (Fiberglass
Lamination). The Fiberlam layer makes it super stiff with outstanding
pop. It is also lighter weight than the average 7-ply maple deck.
Fiberlam also creates added strength while causing it to hold its
shape throughout its lifetime.
For more information about the best skate deck technologies and constructions with specifics, visit http://bestskatedeck.com There is a deck finder chart that lets you sort by what you're looking for in a deck. It also gives an overall score for each one.
