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How To Choose The Best Mini Skateboards

Before you plan on getting yourself the best mini skateboards have a glance on our buying guide to ensure getting the best one mini skateboard for your maximum riding experience. It will aware you to check few things in your desired small skateboard.

Small Skateboards’ Wheels

There is no actual way to make sure of the urethane quality in the wheels before buying them. You must ask about the materials and quality the sellers who you are looking to buy your mini skateboard from, though there remains a good chance they may not even know. It would be best if you can get them cored.

Skateboard Trucks

Skateboard truck is a thing of great importance that you need to consider before you think about having the best small skateboard. It’s a quite hard thing to judge since there are so many low-end cheap shortboard skateboard trucks on the market which can be difficult to distinguish.

Mini Skateboard Bearings

Wheel Diameter

The mini skateboard bearings are the maximum commonplace component to keep in mind and they're to be had anywhere. Just ensure that they're ABEC rated, approximately five or 3 or so relying on your preferred skateboarding style. If you undergo the quality reviews on mini skateboards it’s feasible that you may get a cheaper yet true quality bearing set like those 5 pinnacle brands for best a little extra money, but that isn’t always authentic everywhere.

Skateboard wheels differ in color, size, and stability. Skateboard wheels are most usually made of polyurethane. The durometer and diameter of the wheel affect the way the skating. The durometer and diameter are a substance of personal preference and skateboarding style.

Diameter defines the size of the wheel when unhurried from top to nethermost. All Skateboard wheels are measured in mm. The lesser the number, the smaller the wheel your board has. Smaller wheels are much slower; where bigger wheels are faster.

Truck Size

Skateboard trucks are the T-shaped metal pieces that mount onto the base of the skateboard deck. When selecting mini skateboard trucks, the width of its truck axle should closely match the width of your small skateboard deck. The truck size can be measured by its width of the hook or the width of the axle. Every shortboard skateboard requires two trucks.

There are numerous parts that make up the cruiser board trucks. The axle is the pin that turns through the trucks to which wheels will attach. The hanger, generally made of metal, is the major part of the skateboard truck that is rather triangular in shape. The axle goes through the hanger. The kingpin is the large bolt that holds these parts together and fits inside the skateboard bushings.

When buying, you will receive the two trucks essential to assemble your mini skateboard. Skateboard trucks come in many sizes and colors, and Granary Skateboards carries a huge assortment of brands to fit your personal partiality.

Truck Profile

Truck profile is basically the distance between the bottommost of the skate deck and the hanger. Actually, a mid-sized truck does well for most skaters, but sometimes the high or low trucks may be favored for different styles of skating.

HIGH Great for cruising and carving, designed for large wheels (56mm+ wheel size recommended)

MID Good all-around profile for street or park (53-56mm wheel size recommended)

LOW Provides extra stability for flip tricks, designed for small wheels (50-53mm wheel size recommended)

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Choosing the Right Skateboard Deck

There are quite a few exceptional elements on a skateboard, but one of the most manifestly critical is the skateboard deck. The skate deck is the flat board which you stand on when skateboarding. A shortboard, instead of a longboard or cruiser, is right for street skateboarding and vert skateboarding. It additionally remains the very nice alternative for doing tricks, whether or not you are a novice or a pro.There are some matters to recollect once you make a decision to construct a whole skateboard, and choosing the right size of deck is the primary of many picks you'll make. Choosing a board shape is also extremely good important. The period, width, materials, and concave of your skateboard deck decide what you will be capable of do on your skateboard.Depending on how difficult you skate, you'll need to replace your skateboard deck everywhere from after some weeks to a yr. Once the perimeters, nostril, or tail of your skateboard deck show signs and symptoms of splitting, it is time initially a sparkling board. Riding in moist or bloodless regions also can warp the shape of your board and make your skateboard wheels choppy, so be sure to replace your board if you sense or see any symptoms.Warehouse Skateboards offers a large selection of skateboard decks in a ramification of shapes, sizes, weights, shades, and styles. Check out our stock to discover the skateboard deck that suits your style.

What size skateboard do I need?

Contrary to what you might think, width is the most important part of choosing a skateboard deck, not length or wheelbase. Skateboard decks vary in width from 7.5" to 8.25". The width you need depends on your height, shoe size, skating style, and personal preferences.If you choose

a board with a too-large width

for you, you will need to exert excessive power, which can make skateboarding and trick riding difficult. If you choose a board with a too-small width for you, you'll have trouble balancing and won't feel stable. Most teen and adult riders will want at least a 7.5" width, but a wider board may feel more stable depending on your build and shoe size. Below are some general guidelines.

7.5" to 8" - Standard board for adult riders skating streets or doing more technical tricks8.0" to 8.25" - Skating pool, ramp, rail, and parks8.25" and larger - Vert, pools, cruising, and just going old school

Choosing a style of the skateboard deck

If you're just getting into skateboarding, it will be helpful to familiarize yourself with the different styles of boards that skateboarders use. Skateboards come in four basic shapes. Each style of deck is designed for certain kinds of skateboarding, so the board shape you choose should match the style you want to skate. From there, you can build a custom complete using components that match your skateboard deck and skating style.ShortboardShortboards are the shortest style board and are designed and shaped for getting air and performing tricks. If you're leaning towards street or park skating, a shortboard style deck will be a perfect match for you. Check out our shortboard skateboards selection.CruiserCruiser boards often have kicktails but are more designed for simply cruising around. The decks are typically mid-length. Cruisers are versatile and maneuverable, making them good for cruising the streets. Check out our cruiser skateboards selection.Old SchoolOld school boards typically have a flat nose and kicktails. They are usually asymmetrical, with a wider nose. Old school boards are an awesome choice for skating pools, ramps, or

carving

the streets. Check out our old school skateboards selection.LongboardIf you are now not interested by doing tricks and want a skateboard to push around on for transportation, longboard skateboards, or cruisers, are a fantastic choice. Some longboards are especially designed for downhill racing. Downhill longboards generally tend to have a symmetrical form, sit down lower to the floor, and have wheel cutouts, which permit larger wheels for use. To find out greater about cruiser longboards, check out How To Buy A Longboard and read our longboard decks.Popular picks for skateboard decks are Element skateboard decks and Zero skateboard decks. These skate decks are properly made, elegant, and to be had in a ramification of patterns.

Features of skateboard decks

Skateboard decks vary in size but most are between 7"-10" wide, and are made of seven-ply wood, bamboo, resin, carbon fiber, or plastic. Deciding which skateboard deck is best for you depends on what you will be skating and, of course, your personal brand preference. Below are some factors to consider when buying your skateboard deck.WidthChoose your skateboard deck according to the width, not length. The average width of a skateboard deck is 7.5"- 8.25". The right width depends on your size and skateboarding style. If you buy a deck that is too wide for your height and shoe size, you will need to exert more power, which can make skateboarding and trick riding difficult. If you choose a board that is too narrow for your height and shoe size, you'll have trouble balancing and won't feel stable. Generally, teen and adult riders will want at least a 7.5" width. Larger skateboarders and those skating ramps and vert ramps should go with a wider deck, and street skaters usually need a smaller deck.LengthSkateboard length is the distance from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. Shortboard length falls between 28"- 32" but only advanced skaters refer to length. Width and wheelbase should be top considerations when building your skateboard, rather than length.WheelbaseThe wheelbase is the gap between your board's inner mounting holes. The distance among those mounting holes determines how a long way apart your front and back wheels can be. Manufacturers determine wheelbase via wherein they drill the truck mounting holes on the deck. The common wheelbase is 13"-15". Although many decks only feature one set of holes, some skateboards have multiple mounting holes for vans (or "wheelbase options"). Adjusting wheelbase can dramatically affect how the board performs. Your experience degree will imply the right wheelbase for you.Nose and TailThe nose is the "front" of your skateboard and the tail is the "back." Which end is which can be hard to differentiate, but most decks provide you with graphics to tell the two apart. Many skateboard decks have a bigger kick on the nose and mellower kick on the tail.Mounting HolesMounting holes are pre-drilled holes where the skateboard trucks are attached. Arranged as two sets of four holes; one set is near the nose, the other near the tail.PlyPly is the thin levels of wood that are tightly pressed together to make the skateboard deck. Rather than making a deck from one solid piece of wood, most manufacturers layer the wood in a cross-grain pattern to create a supremely strong board. The typical skateboard is seven-ply, and most boards aren't over nine-ply.ConcaveConcave is the curve of the wood between the deck's nose and tail. Concave allows a more controlled ride and a stronger skateboard. Read our concave guide below for more information about different concave shapes.EFPEFP is short for Effective Foot Platform. Unlike wheelbase, which measures only distance, EFP describes the area on the topside of the deck that riders stand on to control the board. EFP indicates the part of the deck between the front and rear trucks. You can think of EFP the space of a skateboard deck that isn't the nose or tail.RailsRails are the edges along the length of your board, and their shape can make a difference in how your board rides. Rounded rails are common for skateboards, and their shape makes them good for flip tricks. Sharp rails have a blunt edge, which keeps your shoes securely in place during slides. Gas pedal rails (or GPs) are a specialized rail shape where areas of the rails have been cut to a beveled edge. GPs subtract the rail's sharpness and decrease the concave. Gas pedals give you better control and comfort when doing slides. What your rails can do also depends on the concave of the board.

Skateboard concave shapes

Concave is a major factor in board performance. Skateboard manufacturers are always experimenting with new concave shapes to accommodate new types of skateboarding. Most concave shapes allow riders more foothold than a flat skateboard, which can take sliding, drifting, and turning to the next level. Here are a few of the main types of deck concave.

Radial ConcaveThis concave shape may look familiar to you. The subtle U-shaped curve is the most common deck shape, though some boards have a deeper curve than others. This type of concave allows your feet better grip, which can be useful in nearly all styles of skateboarding.

ProgressiveThis shape is a similar but more dramatic version of the radial concave. The steep wall on the rail combined with the wider base allows more secure footing and a more locked-in feel.

W-ConcaveThe W-shape does not extend the entire length of the deck, just the area towards the tail. The extra curve in the centerline allows you to shift more energy from your heel to your toe. The result is a highly precise, responsve board that can turn quickly.

TubTub concave (also called flat-cave) is similar to a radial board, but instead of a gentle curve, the rails extend at a sharp angle from the deck. Tub boards keep your feet flatter, which makes for a mellower ride, but the sharp rails can still provide sudden shifts in energy.

AsymmetricalAsymmetrical concave is when the skateboard's rails rise at different angles. This allows riders more power in their heels for turns.

ConvexConvex boards feature an upwards-arching deck. They are uncommon, though some slalom and downhill skateboarders love the more natural foot placement convex boards provide.

FlatSkateboard decks with no concave are rare, with the exception of reissue old school decks. Some cutout and dropdown longboards also feature flat decks. They allow lots of space for your feet, and allow room for board walking and other showy tricks.

Choosing a style of the skateboard deck

If you're just getting into skateboarding, it will be helpful to familiarize yourself with the different styles of boards that skateboarders use. Skateboards come in four basic shapes. Each style of deck is designed for certain kinds of skateboarding, so the board shape you choose should match the style you want to skate. From there, you can build a custom complete using components that match your skateboard deck and skating style.ShortboardShortboards are the shortest style board and are designed and shaped for getting air and performing tricks. If you're leaning towards street or park skating, a shortboard style deck will be a perfect match for you. Check out our shortboard skateboards selection.CruiserCruiser boards often have kicktails but are more designed for simply cruising around. The decks are typically mid-length. Cruisers are versatile and maneuverable, making them good for cruising the streets. Check out our cruiser skateboards selection.Old SchoolOld school boards typically have a flat nose and kicktails. They are usually asymmetrical, with a wider nose. Old school boards are an awesome choice for skating pools, ramps, or

carving

the streets. Check out our old school skateboards selection.LongboardIf you are now not interested by doing tricks and want a skateboard to push around on for transportation, longboard skateboards, or cruisers, are a fantastic choice. Some longboards are especially designed for downhill racing. Downhill longboards generally tend to have a symmetrical form, sit down lower to the floor, and have wheel cutouts, which permit larger wheels for use. To find out greater about cruiser longboards, check out How To Buy A Longboard and read our longboard decks.Popular picks for skateboard decks are Element skateboard decks and Zero skateboard decks. These skate decks are properly made, elegant, and to be had in a ramification of patterns.

Features of skateboard decks

Skateboard decks vary in size but most are between 7"-10" wide, and are made of seven-ply wood, bamboo, resin, carbon fiber, or plastic. Deciding which skateboard deck is best for you depends on what you will be skating and, of course, your personal brand preference. Below are some factors to consider when buying your skateboard deck.WidthChoose your skateboard deck according to the width, not length. The average width of a skateboard deck is 7.5"- 8.25". The right width depends on your size and skateboarding style. If you buy a deck that is too wide for your height and shoe size, you will need to exert more power, which can make skateboarding and trick riding difficult. If you choose a board that is too narrow for your height and shoe size, you'll have trouble balancing and won't feel stable. Generally, teen and adult riders will want at least a 7.5" width. Larger skateboarders and those skating ramps and vert ramps should go with a wider deck, and street skaters usually need a smaller deck.LengthSkateboard length is the distance from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. Shortboard length falls between 28"- 32" but only advanced skaters refer to length. Width and wheelbase should be top considerations when building your skateboard, rather than length.WheelbaseThe wheelbase is the gap between your board's inner mounting holes. The distance among those mounting holes determines how a long way apart your front and back wheels can be. Manufacturers determine wheelbase via wherein they drill the truck mounting holes on the deck. The common wheelbase is 13"-15". Although many decks only feature one set of holes, some skateboards have multiple mounting holes for vans (or "wheelbase options"). Adjusting wheelbase can dramatically affect how the board performs. Your experience degree will imply the right wheelbase for you.Nose and TailThe nose is the "front" of your skateboard and the tail is the "back." Which end is which can be hard to differentiate, but most decks provide you with graphics to tell the two apart. Many skateboard decks have a bigger kick on the nose and mellower kick on the tail.Mounting HolesMounting holes are pre-drilled holes where the

skateboard trucks

are attached. Arranged as two sets of four holes; one set is near the nose, the other near the tail.PlyPly is the thin levels of wood that are tightly pressed together to make the skateboard deck. Rather than making a deck from one solid piece of wood, most manufacturers layer the wood in a cross-grain pattern to create a supremely strong board. The typical skateboard is seven-ply, and most boards aren't over nine-ply.ConcaveConcave is the curve of the wood between the deck's nose and tail. Concave allows a more controlled ride and a stronger skateboard. Read our concave guide below for more information about different concave shapes.EFPEFP is short for Effective Foot Platform. Unlike wheelbase, which measures only distance, EFP describes the area on the topside of the deck that riders stand on to control the board. EFP indicates the part of the deck between the front and rear trucks. You can think of EFP the space of a skateboard deck that isn't the nose or tail.RailsRails are the edges along the length of your board, and their shape can make a difference in how your board rides. Rounded rails are common for skateboards, and their shape makes them good for flip tricks. Sharp rails have a blunt edge, which keeps your shoes securely in place during slides. Gas pedal rails (or GPs) are a specialized rail shape where areas of the rails have been cut to a beveled edge. GPs subtract the rail's sharpness and decrease the concave. Gas pedals give you better control and comfort when doing slides. What your rails can do also depends on the concave of the board.

Skateboard concave shapes

Concave is a major factor in board performance. Skateboard manufacturers are always experimenting with new concave shapes to accommodate new types of skateboarding. Most concave shapes allow riders more foothold than a flat skateboard, which can take sliding, drifting, and turning to the next level. Here are a few of the main types of deck concave.

Radial ConcaveThis concave shape may look familiar to you. The subtle U-shaped curve is the most common deck shape, though some boards have a deeper curve than others. This type of concave allows your feet better grip, which can be useful in nearly all styles of skateboarding.

ProgressiveThis shape is a similar but more dramatic version of the radial concave. The steep wall on the rail combined with the wider base allows more secure footing and a more locked-in feel.

W-ConcaveThe W-shape does not extend the entire length of the deck, just the area towards the tail. The extra curve in the centerline allows you to shift more energy from your heel to your toe. The result is a highly precise, responsve board that can turn quickly.

TubTub concave (also called flat-cave) is similar to a radial board, but instead of a gentle curve, the rails extend at a sharp angle from the deck. Tub boards keep your feet flatter, which makes for a mellower ride, but the sharp rails can still provide sudden shifts in energy.

AsymmetricalAsymmetrical concave is when the skateboard's rails rise at different angles. This allows riders more power in their heels for turns.

ConvexConvex boards feature an upwards-arching deck. They are uncommon, though some slalom and downhill skateboarders love the more natural foot placement convex boards provide.

FlatSkateboard decks with no concave are rare, with the exception of reissue old school decks. Some cutout and dropdown longboards also feature flat decks. They allow lots of space for your feet, and allow room for board walking and other showy tricks.

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A deeper look into various parts of a deckDeck

At a skateboard deck factory

*** THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO SKATEBOARDING ***

In this chapter, you will learn about different skateboard components, what experience each of them adds when you ride a skateboard and how to choose them.

Introduction to skateboard anatomy

A skateboard consists of a few parts. Some skateboards are sold already preassembled with those parts, which is called a complete skateboard. These skateboards are usually good if you are just starting out because they are cheaper and manufacturer already made sure that the components used in this skateboard work well together. Once you have a better understanding of different parts and what role they play in the skateboarding dynamics, you can go for a custom built skateboard. In this case you will be assembling a skateboard yourself with your chosen components.

Deck – the most crucial part of your skateboard

Also referred to as the board, a deck is a timber platform that you will be standing on while driving a skateboard. It’s probable the maximum critical a part of the skateboard so one can come up with the overall feel whilst using down the road or within the park. Trucks and grip tape are connected to a deck. It’s very important to pick out a deck, that's proper length for you. Deck sizes can range based totally on your preferred using style and in your peak. Decks include one of a kind graphics, thickness, duration and width. There is a slight difference between the tail and the nostril of the deck. A precise deck additionally has concaves, that help you hold your feet in your board.

Seemingly simple, a board consists of a few key elements that help it turn, pop and spin. The most important component and the biggest progress to skateboarding was done with introduction of a kicktail.

A kicktail is an upwards bent end of a skateboard. Each skateboard has two of them. They are known as nose and tail of a skateboard. Kicktails help to manoeuvre the board, perform higher jumps and are a key to some of the tricks, which require flipping the board or lifting one of the trucks off the ground. The nose of a deck is usually a little bit broader and larger, while the tail is a little smaller.

A skateboard’s side view. Shows both kicktails (tail and nose) and a zoomed version of plies. All plies in this skateboard are different colours. Middle ply is pink and there are 7 plies in total.

Each deck consists of usually 7-9 layers of wood. These layers are called plies. Sometimes, one of the plies (usually in the middle) is made from fiberglass. This helps strengthen the deck or add additional qualities to it, like a possibility to jump higher, or not break in the middle.

Plies are held together by laminates. Essentially, a laminate is a glue that you put between plies. Some skateboard manufacturers use water based glues, others use epoxy. Epoxy based laminates have additional qualities that help strengthen your board. When laminates are dry, they are harmless to the environment, however, they are toxic during manufacturing.

Each board has 8 mounting holes, 4 near each kicktail. Mounting holes are used to attach trucks to the board. It is very important, to drill the holes very precisely. If done incorrectly, a skateboard might break faster, turn worse and even ride slower, damaging your wheels and trucks.

A skateboard’s top view. Shows a mounting hole and the distance between mounting holes, called wheel base.

The distance between mounting holes is called wheelbase. When the deck gets taller, the wheel base gets longer, too. If you are tall, you’ll want a taller deck, which in return will result in longer wheel base.

Decks vary greatly in sizes, both length and width. Deck sizes are measured in inches, and even those countries that have adopted metric system still use inches when talking about deck size.

The riding style you’re after and your height will determine the deck’s size you should get. Professional skateboarders that ride vert ramps usually ride decks that are wide – around 8.5″ or wider. Street skaters choose boards that are between 7.5″ and 8″. Skaters riding transitions, like mini ramps, pools, and quarter pipes usually go for boards that are 8.25″. If you want to cruise or go old school you can go for 8.25″+. Skaters in skateparks usually go for something between 8″-8.25″ because it covers both street and transition courses.

Here’s a handy chart that you can use to determine the skateboard size you need.

Height in/cm

Shoe size US/UK/EU

Deck type

Width

Length

3’5″ / 104

3 / 2 / 33.5

Micro

6.5″-6.75″

27.2″-27.6″

3’5″-4’4″ / 104-132

4-6 / 3-5 / 36-38

Mini

7.0″

28″

4’5″-5’2″ / 132-157

7-8 / 6.5-7.5 / 40-41

Mid

7.3″

29″

5’3″+ / 157+

9+ / 8.5+ / 42+

Regular

7.5″+

29″+

Table 1. Recommended skateboard deck’s size based on skateboarder’s height and shoe size.

Now that you know about different deck components, it’s time to get a better understanding of how skateboard decks are manufactured. It all begins with finding the right kind of trees. The best suited trees are Canadian Maple. They grow in just the right conditions to make the boards resistant to extreme shocks on impact as well as make them durable and give them a property to pop well.

Maple is cut and transported to the factory, where it is turned into thin veneer. Later, veneers undergo various processes, like sanding, drying, dying, pressurising and others, until they become rectangular shaped sheets. These sheets are called “plies”. It is usual for a skateboard to consists of 7 plies stacked on top of each other. They are glued, pressed into a concaved shape and dried.

After the plies have dried, decks are rounded. Rounding is done by cutting and sanding the decks both by hands and machines, to give them the round shape on the nose and tail you are used to seeing. The mounting holes are then cut and the decks are varnished. After the graphics has been applied, decks undergo the final inspection, are packed and shipped to distributors.

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How to Choose the Right Skateboard Deck

There are quite a few exceptional elements on a skateboard, but one of the most manifestly critical is the skateboard deck. The skate deck is the flat board which you stand on when skateboarding. A shortboard, instead of a longboard or cruiser, is right for street skateboarding and vert skateboarding. It additionally remains the very nice alternative for doing tricks, whether or not you are a novice or a pro.

There are some matters to recollect once you make a decision to construct a whole skateboard, and choosing the right size of deck is the primary of many picks you'll make. Choosing a board shape is also extremely good important. The period, width, materials, and concave of your skateboard deck decide what you will be capable of do on your skateboard.

Depending on how difficult you skate, you'll need to replace your skateboard deck everywhere from after some weeks to a yr. Once the perimeters, nostril, or tail of your skateboard deck show signs and symptoms of splitting, it is time initially a sparkling board. Riding in moist or bloodless regions also can warp the shape of your board and make your skateboard wheels choppy, so be sure to replace your board if you sense or see any symptoms.

Warehouse Skateboards offers a large selection of skateboard decks in a ramification of shapes, sizes, weights, shades, and styles. Check out our stock to discover the skateboard deck that suits your style.

What size skateboard do I need?

Contrary to what you might think, width is the most important part of choosing a skateboard deck, not length or wheelbase. Skateboard decks vary in width from 7.5" to 8.25". The width you need depends on your height, shoe size, skating style, and personal preferences.

If you choose a board with a too-large width for you, you will need to exert excessive power, which can make skateboarding and trick riding difficult. If you choose a board with a too-small width for you, you'll have trouble balancing and won't feel stable. Most teen and adult riders will want at least a 7.5" width, but a wider board may feel more stable depending on your build and shoe size. Below are some general guidelines.

7.5" to 8" - Standard board for adult riders skating streets or doing more technical tricks

8.0" to 8.25" - Skating pool, ramp, rail, and parks

8.25" and larger - Vert, pools, cruising, and just going old school

Choosing a style of the skateboard deck

If you're just getting into skateboarding, it will be helpful to familiarize yourself with the different styles of boards that skateboarders use. Skateboards come in four basic shapes. Each style of deck is designed for certain kinds of skateboarding, so the board shape you choose should match the style you want to skate. From there, you can build a custom complete using components that match your skateboard deck and skating style.

Shortboard

Shortboards are the shortest style board and are designed and shaped for getting air and performing tricks. If you're leaning towards street or park skating, a shortboard style deck will be a perfect match for you. Check out our shortboard skateboards selection.

Cruiser

Cruiser boards often have kicktails but are more designed for simply cruising around. The decks are typically mid-length. Cruisers are versatile and maneuverable, making them good for cruising the streets. Check out our cruiser skateboards selection.

Old School

Old school boards typically have a flat nose and kicktails. They are usually asymmetrical, with a wider nose. Old school boards are an awesome choice for skating pools, ramps, or carving the streets. Check out our old school skateboards selection.

Longboard

If you are now not interested by doing tricks and want a skateboard to push around on for transportation, longboard skateboards, or cruisers, are a fantastic choice. Some longboards are especially designed for downhill racing. Downhill longboards generally tend to have a symmetrical form, sit down lower to the floor, and have wheel cutouts, which permit larger wheels for use. To find out greater about cruiser longboards, check out How To Buy A Longboard and read our longboard decks.

Popular picks for skateboard decks are Element skateboard decks and Zero skateboard decks. These skate decks are properly made, elegant, and to be had in a ramification of patterns.

Features of skateboard decks

Skateboard decks vary in size but most are between 7"-10" wide, and are made of seven-ply wood, bamboo, resin, carbon fiber, or plastic. Deciding which skateboard deck is best for you depends on what you will be skating and, of course, your personal brand preference. Below are some factors to consider when buying your skateboard deck.

Width

Choose your skateboard deck according to the width, not length. The average width of a skateboard deck is 7.5"- 8.25". The right width depends on your size and skateboarding style. If you buy a deck that is too wide for your height and shoe size, you will need to exert more power, which can make skateboarding and trick riding difficult. If you choose a board that is too narrow for your height and shoe size, you'll have trouble balancing and won't feel stable. Generally, teen and adult riders will want at least a 7.5" width. Larger skateboarders and those skating ramps and vert ramps should go with a wider deck, and street skaters usually need a smaller deck.

Length

Skateboard length is the distance from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. Shortboard length falls between 28"- 32" but only advanced skaters refer to length. Width and wheelbase should be top considerations when building your skateboard, rather than length.

Wheelbase

The wheelbase is the gap between your board's inner mounting holes. The distance among those mounting holes determines how a long way apart your front and back wheels can be. Manufacturers determine wheelbase via wherein they drill the truck mounting holes on the deck. The common wheelbase is 13"-15". Although many decks only feature one set of holes, some skateboards have multiple mounting holes for vans (or "wheelbase options"). Adjusting wheelbase can dramatically affect how the board performs. Your experience degree will imply the right wheelbase for you.

Nose and Tail

The nose is the "front" of your skateboard and the tail is the "back." Which end is which can be hard to differentiate, but most decks provide you with graphics to tell the two apart. Many skateboard decks have a bigger kick on the nose and mellower kick on the tail.

Mounting Holes

Mounting holes are pre-drilled holes where the skateboard trucks are attached. Arranged as two sets of four holes; one set is near the nose, the other near the tail.

Ply

Ply is the thin levels of wood that are tightly pressed together to make the skateboard deck. Rather than making a deck from one solid piece of wood, most manufacturers layer the wood in a cross-grain pattern to create a supremely strong board. The typical skateboard is seven-ply, and most boards aren't over nine-ply.

Concave

Concave is the curve of the wood between the deck's nose and tail. Concave allows a more controlled ride and a stronger skateboard. Read our concave guide below for more information about different concave shapes.

EFP

EFP is short for Effective Foot Platform. Unlike wheelbase, which measures only distance, EFP describes the area on the topside of the deck that riders stand on to control the board. EFP indicates the part of the deck between the front and rear trucks. You can think of EFP the space of a skateboard deck that isn't the nose or tail.

Rails

Rails are the edges along the length of your board, and their shape can make a difference in how your board rides. Rounded rails are common for skateboards, and their shape makes them good for flip tricks. Sharp rails have a blunt edge, which keeps your shoes securely in place during slides. Gas pedal rails (or GPs) are a specialized rail shape where areas of the rails have been cut to a beveled edge. GPs subtract the rail's sharpness and decrease the concave. Gas pedals give you better control and comfort when doing slides. What your rails can do also depends on the concave of the board.

Skateboard concave shapes

Concave is a major factor in board performance. Skateboard manufacturers are always experimenting with new concave shapes to accommodate new types of skateboarding. Most concave shapes allow riders more foothold than a flat skateboard, which can take sliding, drifting, and turning to the next level. Here are a few of the main types of deck concave.

Radial Concave

This concave shape may look familiar to you. The subtle U-shaped curve is the most common deck shape, though some boards have a deeper curve than others. This type of concave allows your feet better grip, which can be useful in nearly all styles of skateboarding.

Progressive

This shape is a similar but more dramatic version of the radial concave. The steep wall on the rail combined with the wider base allows more secure footing and a more locked-in feel.

W-Concave

The W-shape does not extend the entire length of the deck, just the area towards the tail. The extra curve in the centerline allows you to shift more energy from your heel to your toe. The result is a highly precise, responsve board that can turn quickly.

Tub

Tub concave (also called flat-cave) is similar to a radial board, but instead of a gentle curve, the rails extend at a sharp angle from the deck. Tub boards keep your feet flatter, which makes for a mellower ride, but the sharp rails can still provide sudden shifts in energy.

Asymmetrical

Asymmetrical concave is when the skateboard's rails rise at different angles. This allows riders more power in their heels for turns.

Convex

Convex boards feature an upwards-arching deck. They are uncommon, though some slalom and downhill skateboarders love the more natural foot placement convex boards provide.

Flat

Skateboard decks with no concave are rare, with the exception of reissue old school decks. Some cutout and dropdown longboards also feature flat decks. They allow lots of space for your feet, and allow room for board walking and other showy tricks.