Skateboarding Decks Reviews
FORESTONE 8.0 inches-Medium Concave
Design
In case you need to replace the deck, try this great quality model designed by Forestone. It’s coated with a transparent lacquer to give it a nice shine and you can have art painted on it if you want to make it stand out. It’s 8” wide and 31.5” long so it’s suitable for multiple users that are more or less experienced.
Easy To Manoeuvre
The concave is medium so it will feel smooth and easy to manoeuvre even if you are not very skilled. The wheels can be easily attached because it comes with pre-drilled holes so all you have to do is screw in the screws and it will be ready to use. The grip tape is not included so you will have to purchase it separately and apply it yourself, which might take some work considering the concave shape. All in all, it’s a very good skateboard that feels solid and handles smoothly.
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CONS
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- The maple wood is highly durable
- It’s suitable for multiple skill levels
- The wheels can be easily attached
- Can be painted for a unique look
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| Verdict
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The reason why this product is one of the best sellers is because it’s made of a very durable Canadian maple that is resistant to impact and will last for many years without cracking. Seven layers of wood have been pressed together to make this board string and resistant to heavyweights.
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Guluman Blank Decks Warning
Although it does not come with grip tape, it does not present an actual inconvenience as the reasonable pricing, durability, and overall quality are undeniable and hard to top. Made with strong 100% Canadian maple, more precisely 7 layers of this material, it is sure to handle your weight without breaking. What is even more appealing about it is the fact that it measures 8 inches by 31.5 inches, so you have enough room for your feet to sit comfortably. The deep concave shape makes it especially convenient for those who have not gotten the hang of this sport yet. The wheel holes are already drilled, so this annoying part of assembling a new board is completely out of your way. In addition, the natural wood texture allows you to customize its design as you like if you are talented as you can draw on it.
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CONS
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- 7-layer construction ensures it can withstand your weight without issues arising
- You can draw on it whatever you like in order to customize its design
- Comes at an affordable price
- Wheels are easy to install as the holes are already drilled
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- Does not come with grip tape
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| Verdict
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Despite the cheap asking price which might get you thinking that it won’t be able to support you when you take up neat and complicated tricks, the truth of the matter is that this Guluman entry is one of the finest options in terms of durability.
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Powell-Peralta Flight Shape 244
Needless to say, seeing how it ranks so high, the Shape 244 is one of the most desirable products on the market right now. It features wide ends that makes it cater to the taste and needs of pros and beginners alike. The 8.5-inch width by 32-inch length size provides you with enough space for your feet while riding it. The 7-layer maple wood construction ensures that no matter what types of tricks you take up, it won’t crack or break. It features a medium concave and a stunning black and blue graphics that make it visually pleasing. As time passes, its rebound and pop won’t fade, which is rarely seen in these products and a testament to its quality. Additionally, it is incredibly lightweight, which is surprising condiering the amount of weight it can support.
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CONS
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- Lighter than similar models
- Features a medium concave
- Rebound and pop don’t fade as time passes
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- A few customers had issues with nose delamination after difficult tricks
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| Verdict
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If you prefer wider ends, this is your go-to option for skating. It measures 8.5 inches in width and the cool black and blue design makes it stand out, your tricks being all the more visually pleasing due to it.
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Skateboard Collective OEM-SK8
A model that you can customize to your liking so that it may suit your style, the OEM-SK8 is one of our favorite selections on the market right now. One of its foremost pluses is the fact that it comes at a reasonable price, all without sacrificing durability. It provides a stable surface to ride on so that you will maintain your balance and be spared of any incidents. The 7-ply maple construction is what gives it this remarkable durability. The holes you need to install the wheels are already drilled, so you won’t waste a lot of time on the assembly process. Furthermore, it comes in 4 different size options – 7.75”, 8”, 8.125”, 8.5”.
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CONS
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- There are four size options that you can pick between
- Sturdy base
- Reasonably priced
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| Verdict
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With a total of 4 size options that you can pick between, and boasting a sturdy base that will keep you on your feet when you ride the board, this conveniently priced entry is one of our favorite selections at the moment.
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Another great model could be this one made of driftwood which is advertised as a great quality wood at a reasonable price. In this case, it’s maple that has been pressed into 7 layers for the highest durability. The manufacturer ensures that the quality hasn’t been cut down in order to reduce the costs so you can be certain that the board will resist intense use. It’s said to handle weights of 245 lbs so it’s a quite sturdy deck. It measures 8.5” wide and 32.1” long, with a 7.37” nose and a 6.6” tail. We are not sure about the type of concave but according to users, it very easy to manoeuvre and we can tell it’s not a very deep concave. It boasts a patented Seal pattern in a black colour so it’s more appropriate for male users. The grip tape is applied to the top so it will provide great adherence even for users who are not accustomed to maintaining balance. It’s one of the most popular models used for building skateboards mainly because it’s very durable and easy to assemble.
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CONS
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- Durable wood at a good price
- Great for entry level skaters
- Comes with grip tape
- Easy to attach to wheels
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| Verdict
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This is one of the best sellers because of its price. For a small amount of money you will get a board made from great quality materials which you will have for many years to come.
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The next plank we have for you is this one made of Canadian maple wood as well, which is the most common type of wood used for building skateboards. It consists of 7 layers of wood pressed into each other to make sure the result will be a very resistant plank that can hold no less than 440 pounds. It measures 8” in width and 31” in length and boasts a medium concave shape with a double kick tail. It’s great for creative people who want to paint their board and turn it into a unique piece of art. The holes are pre-drilled at a 4cm distance so attaching the wheels will not be a hassle job. A grip tape is not included but it can be purchased separately and applied with ease.
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CONS
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- High-quality maple construction
- Easy to attach to wheels
- Extended weight limit
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| Verdict
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The reason why this product sells so well is because it’s promoted as a great product for any type of skater no matter how experienced they are. The finish is natural, with a coating of transparent lacquer only for shine. This means that you will be able to design it the way you want to. Thus, making it more personal.
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Bamboo Skateboards Geometricity Graphic
A good model must be durable and easy to manoeuvre so that everyone can learn how to ride a skateboard without much effort. The Bamboo model is the plank that fits the description thanks to the lightweight yet durable design. The seventh layer is maple wood that is commonly used for boards because of its resistance and ease in moulding. The deep concave shape provides increased control while riding and makes tricky movements and hard turns a lot easier to perform. It’s available in three different sizes namely 7.75″ x 31.5″, 8″ x 31.75″, and 8.25″ x 32″ so you can choose the size you feel most comfortable with. The top is covered in grip tape in a very interesting and colourful geometric design to make skateboarding more fun and attractive.
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CONS
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- Bamboo and maple blend construction
- Sustainable and environmentally friendly
- Easy to maneuver
- Attractive design
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| Verdict
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This models is one of the bestsellers because it’s built of bamboo which is very solid yet lighter than other types of wood. Six layers of bamboo have been used to design this board that is suitable for children and adults alike. Therefore, you can try out far more things with this model because it’s resistant to impact.
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Check out this great plank that you can ride all day long or use as a wall piece for decorating your room. Measuring 8” wide and 31.7” long, it’s a large size model that can be used for practice. With it, you can turn your old plain board into a more attractive one if you choose to paint it yourself or ask a talented artist to make it a riding work of art. The shiny surface allows you to add it a touch of personality and make it more vivid. You can put any set of wheels on it as it comes with pre-drilled holes so you can easily turn it into a complete board. It comes with a Pro grip tape to help you gain more balance and get the hang of skateboarding.
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CONS
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- Bamboo and maple blend construction
- Sustainable and environmentally friendly
- Easy to maneuver
- Attractive design
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| Verdict
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The reason why we have chosen this model is because it’s made of a 7-ply maple wood that is very durable and rigid so it can last to intense use and kicks or falls. It boasts a deep concave shape for more maneuvrability and control over tight turns.
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Why Change the Deck instead of Buying a New Skateboard?
In time, the board wears out and the first signs of use are visible on the wood decks because the paint scratches off and the layers become to split apart, making it useless. In this case, it’s time to get a new plank that will make your old board become as good as new.
They come at reasonable prices and although the more qualitative and branded ones can reach around $80, they are still cheaper than buying a brand new board.
The
decks come with pre-drilled holes for you to easily attach the trucks so you won’t have troubles setting it up and having it ready to go. While some planks come in attractive and colourful designs,
others boast a natural wood aspect so that each skater can paint their own planks as they like. Many skateboarders have several planks that they swap so that they will have a different board on different occasions. All in all, replacing it instead of buying a new board is more affordable and convenient.
Based on their shape, they are split into three categories, each one being more suitable for a certain type of rider. Before choosing a type, it’s best to analyze your skills and determine which one would be the best for you. Here are the three types you can choose from:
Shortboard
– this one measure between 28” and 33” and it’s great for use on the streets, in parks, on mini ramps, or in pools. It’s very easy to handle and it turns smoothly thanks to the front and back kicktail that makes it easy to switch. You can find shortboards designed by brands like Element, Flip, or Almost.
Cruiser
– this type is a little larger, with only one kicktail and a few inches in width. It’s the easiest to maneuver and extremely versatile so you can use it anywhere you like. Brands like Sector 9 or Powell Peralta provide the best quality cruiser boards.
Longboards
– you can tell a longboard by the symmetrical shape and the large wheels that can be accommodated thanks to the cut out in the plank. This type is great for long distances and speed boarding because it has a low center of gravity. Elixir and Flying Wheels are reputable brands that manufacture longboards.
We came across many models while doing our research but we had to make a selection based on some factors that determined how lasting and easy to use they will turn out to be.
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The lifespan of is based on the material it’s made of and the construction process. The ones we chose are made of maple and bamboo, two types of wood that offer durability and flexibility so that every rider will find them very easy to use. We carefully inspected the ply to make sure no cracks existed so that we could be sure of the resistance of the plank.
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Based on the size of the curvature on each edge, we determined which plank had a medium concave and which had a deep one. This way, we could tell which one would be perfect for any riding skill level so that riders will only be needing one model for many occasions.
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How easily a board can be handled is linked to a series of design aspects, including the size. We picked wide models that are easy to turn and flip so they can be used on any type of terrain. Hence, our selected products are suitable for anyone from skilled skaters to the novice.
Construction Details You Must Know
To get a better understanding of how to pick a good plank, you must first learn more about how it’s constructed. Starting from the materials and all the way to the production line, most of them are built the same way, with only small differences in every manufacturer. Let’s see some of the main constructing details you need to know when buying a new deck.
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The most popular type of wood used is maple because it’s flexible, lightweight, and extremely durable so it can be easily moulded without the risk of cracking. The resulted deck will be lighter and will have the perfect shape without having to cut on strength and durability. Another material used is bamboo, the natural fibre that is also very solid and strong while also being easy to manoeuvre. Most models are made of wood but some of them can also include special materials like fibreglass, carbon, or aluminium that reduce the weight and makes them easier to control. The materials are used in key areas of the board like where the trucks are attached to minimize the wear and make them more lasting.
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The wood is cut into a certain number of plies that can vary but most models are made of 7 thin sheets of wood that are glued together. The higher the number of plies, the stringer, the deck but also the bigger the weight, which is why some manufacturers might cut on the number of sheets to reduce the weight of the board.
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After cutting the wood sheets, also called veneers, they need to be glued together. A hack is placing the veneers according to the direction of the wood grain. By alternating layers that run lengthwise with layers that run widthwise, it gains more durability. After applying glue to each layer, they are placed into a hydraulic press that pushes them together to form a single strong strip of wood. Most models measure 2 inches in thickness. The press also gives it the concave shape by pressing harder on the nose and tail until they are bent. It’s important to allow it to dry completely and the longer the drying time, the stronger it will be and the fewer the chances of splitting shortly after.
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Once all the veneers are glued together, a computerized saw will cut the plank in the right shape, then the edges will be sanded and rounded for a smooth finish. Holes will be drilled where the trucks will be mounted and a coat of varnish and seal is applied to protect the wood and close its pores. Some planks are left unpainted so the buyer can add its own form of art on it. Others are painted in the factory before heading to the stores.
You can find dozens of models to choose from so it’s not easy knowing which one is the best. You first need to
determine which type you need then you have to analyze various specs to be sure you have found the most suitable one. Our short buying guide will help you decide between different decks by helping you understand each aspect.
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According to your height, weight shoe size, and skill level, you need to choose a modelthat is large enough to support you. The width is the most important because it determines how comfortable will stand on it and how much power you will need to have it moving. Children who are no taller than 3’5” with shoe size 3 or smaller should opt for a deck between 6.5” and 6.75” wide. Bigger children measuring 4’5” and shoe size 4 to 6 will be best suited for a plank that is 7” wide. Mid-size children who measure 5’3” and wear size 7-8 should opt for a 7.3” width while full-grown adults taller than 5’3” should pick widths of 7.5” and larger.
As for length, it’s not essential and few skaters keep it in mind when choosing their board because it’s something only the most advanced master. The length is measured from the tip to the nose and in shortboards, for example, it ranges from 28” to 32”.
Another important factor is your weight and the plank should be chosen based on how much you weigh. This means that any rider can use a board if they want to move, no matter how much they weigh but it’s important to pick a thickness that will sustain their body weight. Slim people shouldn’t worry about this but heavier ones must choose models made of at least 8-ply if they want to make sure the board will not crack.
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When it comes to how a plank looks, it’s more than the shape and the material of it. The design includes several particularities that influence its maneuverability.
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Wheelbase
It refers to the distance between the holes where the trucks will be mounted and it determines how far apart the front and back wheels will be. The average distance is 13”-15” but some manufacturers drill multiple holes so you can choose where to attach the trucks. By adjusting the distance, you will affect the control you will have over the board so it’s best to pick the wheelbase according to your riding skills.
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Mounting holes
As said before, it will have some holes that are pre-drilled by the manufacturer to allow you to mount the wheels, hence the name. Each board will have two sets of four holes, one set near the tail and another one near the nose.
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Nose and tail
These are the front and the back of the skateboard and are often mistaken because an inexperienced eye can hardly tell the difference between the two. Usually, the kick or the incline on the nose is bigger while the kick on the tail is mellower to make it easier for riders to detect the nose and tail. Also, some models have graphics on them that make it easier to tell them apart.
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Kick
The kick is an upturned end on the tail that makes it easier to flip and turn. Experienced skaters like to kick the tail of their board and flip it over to make all sorts of tricks. The kicktail also lets you skate forward and change direction without having to turn the board.
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Ply
This represents the number of wood sheets that are pressed together to build the it. Instead of using a single piece of wood of the right thickness, it’s best to use multiple thinner layers that allow the manufacturer to alternate the grain of the wood in order to get more stability and durability. The number of plies varies from 6 to 9.
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EFP
This is the short term for Effective Foot Platform and it’s the area on the top of the board where you keep your legs and that you use to control the board. It’s basically the part of the deck between the tail and the nose. Don’t confuse it with the wheelbase that is only the distance between the holes.
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Rails
These are the edges of a board or the contour that gives the shape. Most boards are rounded and great for tricks while some an be sharp for more safety during slides. There are also the gas pedal rails or Gps that feature cuts and are less concave but these are the rarest type.
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Concave
Also known as the curve between the nose and the tail, the concave influences how easily it can be maneuvered. There are basically three kinds of concave although you might find articles that split them into more categories. The low concave has a small curvature that allows for more stability but it’s harder to flip so it’s not good for tricks. Medium concave is slightly more curved and it’s the most maneuverable type that can be handled by any skater. Deep concave has a very pronounced curvature that makes it easy to flip and turn but they are harder to control if you are a novice.
From low to deep, the concave can be of different types and it makes it more or less suitable for speed, downhill, street, or pool use.
Frequently Asked Questions
?Can I use my own grip tape?
Yes you can use your own grip tape if it’s the same size for the plank that you have just purchased. However, the majority of them come with it included.
?How do I know what size is suitable?
It all depends on what size you want it and you find most suitable for your feet and maximum comfort.
?Is Canadian Maple better than Bamboo?
The majority of the products are made out of Canadian Maple however, this doesn’t mean that they outweigh by far Bamboo. In fact, Bamboo is one of the most rezistant materials known.
