Good Skateboard Decks can add more comfort and stability to your ride and help you perform stunts and tricks with ease.
As you know the world of skateboarding has a wide variety, and a lot of blogs provide false information. Because of that, people end up getting the wrong skateboard for themselves.
But here I have listed down the top 12 best skateboard decks tested and approved by the professionals, so you won’t have to worry about making a wrong decision.
Most of the time, people quit skateboarding because they got the wrong skateboard, that is why I have done all the research and removed the confusion part for you.
Whether you are a kid, adult, beginner, or professional, this guide will give you all the information and you would be able to buy the perfect skateboard for yourself.
Best Skateboard Decks 2023 – Comparison Table
![[CCS] Skateboard](https://skateboardsinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CCS-Skateboard-.jpg "[CCS] Skateboard")
Now let’s quickly hop on to the reviews!
1. Magneto Kids Skateboard
The Magneto Kids skateboard is designed for kids and teens ranging from ages 5 to 15 years. It has a size of 27.7” length x 7.75” width, which is smaller than the traditional size and also a lot lighter.
This board is the perfect choice for beginner kids and teens who want to learn skateboarding, as it has lightweight and has some added comfort. Any new rider can hop on to the board and start riding.
Don’t worry about the durability as this board uses 7 layers of hard Maple wood adding to the board’s strength and durability. In addition, it has a double kicktail on the front and back of the board which is great for performing tricks in the local skate parks.
The Magneto Kids board also has a perfect design of a “Video Game” logo. It also has four other designs so you can pick your favorite on the list. Plus it has a load capacity of 200 lbs. And it can also be used by adults who prefer small boards.
The five inches aluminum trucks are durable and combined with the steel axle, it provides extra strength to the board’s durability. Plus, it has 52mm soft polyurethane wheels, which provide a smooth and stable ride and are best for all types of roads.
- Best for beginner kids and teens.
- Durable deck.
- Stable ride.
- Great for heavy kids.
- Only comes in a small size.
- Deck may become warped over time.
2. Landyachtz Dinghy Skateboard
Landyachtz has been in the skateboard business for over 20 years. They provide quality skateboards with great prices and amazing designs.
The Landyachtz Dinghy is one of the most popular boards of Landyachtz. It has a very portable design and has a size of 28” length x 8” width.
I might not say that it is a good choice for beginners as beginners may find it a little hard to ride, but it would definitely be a great choice for professionals.
The Dinghy has a very durable design, its deck comprises 7 layers of ply maple wood with a medium concave, which can make it last for almost a decade.
It provides stable rides and can is best for short distances. It works well on off roads and with the responsive design and high-quality build, this board is just the best for all types of skateboarders. Plus it comes in 17 different designs to choose from.
This skateboard has a very responsive design and riders can easily reach a high speed on this board without providing any effort. Although this board is not specifically made for free riders, you can still pull off some tricks on this board and have fun.
- Very portable.
- Durable Construction.
- Responsive design.
- 17 different patterns.
- Not recommended for tricks and downhill riding.
- Wheels and bearings aren’t that durable.
3. NPET Pro Skateboard
NPET produces some of the best-designed skateboard decks, provided with high-quality and a number of features. These boards are best for both beginners and professionals. The best part is, all this is provided at a very reasonable price.
For the design, NPET uses thermal transfer film instead of stickers which makes the pattern more realistic and clear, and it is really hard to peel off. Other than that, the retro and modern design can easily catch anyone’s eye.
The NPET Pro skateboard has an ideal deck size of 31″ length x 8″ width. For the material, it has 7 layers of high-quality maple wood covered with grip tape to provide a smooth and non-slippery balanced ride.
Performing stunts has never been easier as this board has a dual concave and double kick design that gives great control to the rider.
This board has a lot to offer, lightweight, high load capacity of 220 lbs, good quality, high-speed bearings, some cool retro designs, and a smooth ride all this, is provided at a fraction of a cost as compared to some other skateboards.
The high-quality shock absorbent PU wheels provide a nice roll and grip on and off-road. Plus it has Ultra speed bearings and the trucks are strong enough for some high impact resistance.
- Portable and lightweight.
- High build quality.
- Budget-Friendly.
- Variety of cool designs.
- Not long-lasting.
- Wheels may need to be tightened after some time.
4. Magneto Mini Cruiser Skateboard
The Magneto Mini Cruiser Skateboard is one of the most popular Mini cruisers available online. If you have already done some research you might have seen this board around somewhere.
Well, there is a reason for its popularity, as it has a decent design with a deck size of 27.5″ length x 7.5″ width, it has really lightweight and is really easy to carry around.
The deck is made using 6 full plies of Canadian maple. The deck is really strong and durable. Plus it has a really unique and cool-looking design.
This skateboard deck is equipped with asymmetric front and back kick-tails, this is where the most fun comes from, as the double kick-tails feature helps the rider to perform all types of stunts and tricks with ease.
Riding this board gives a very unique experience, it has a smooth ride, the board is lightweight, and is easy to control, and has got a decent grip. Moreover, a skate tool is also provided with this board.
Talking about the riding experience, Magneto Mini Cruiser provides a really smooth ride, even on rough terrains it does not lose its control. In addition, the board provides a decent grip which makes it easier to make nimble and quick turns.
- Highly portable.
- Double Kicktail.
- Quality deck material.
- Free skate tool.
- Low-quality trucks.
- Not made for downhill riding.
5. Santa Cruz Skateboard
Santa Cruz is the oldest skateboard company out there. It has been making skateboard decks for more than 40 years and has been providing quality boards for skateboarders.
The “Screaming Hand” is not the Santa Cruz logo but it has become a representative of the company. A lot of people recognize the Santa Cruz brand by the Screaming Hand design.
Now if we talk about the skateboard it has a size of 31.25″ length x 8″ width. The deck uses 7 layers of hard and strong ply maple wood and comes with a medium concave. The shape of this board helps the rider for making quick turns easily.
You won’t have to worry about the durability and strength of this board as it has high-quality trucks and wheels, these features make this board the best choice for street skating.
Even though it has a little higher price, it is still a great offer as the board is long-lasting and has a durable construction, and has a long-lasting pop. Moreover, this board is great for street skating and performing tricks.
Because of its high flexibility and durability, this board is perfect for riders who are new to skateboarding and want to learn new tricks and stunts without worrying about the board snapping.
- Long-lasting pop.
- Great for street skating.
- Perfect for performing tricks and stunts.
- Durable Construction.
- Slightly heavy-weight.
6. Hiboy Alpha Skateboard
Hiboy Alpha is a skateboard made for every skill level rider. Whether you are a teen or an adult, this board suits everyone.
This board is made using 7 layers of Canadian Maple which makes the board sturdy and durable, helping the board reach a max load capacity of 220 lbs. Also, it has a size of 30″ length x 8″ width which is ideal for beginners.
It has a double Kick-tail designed deck, providing the rider full control over the skateboard even if they are a beginner.
The metal alloy trucks of this board give the board a sturdy structure and help the board in turning and sliding easily. Moreover, the wheels also add to the stability and make the ride smooth and fun for both road and offroad.
The Hiboy Alpha has a cool and attractive design. It has a great build quality. The deck is durable and the trucks are sturdy. Plus it has a double Kick-tail for extra control and is best for all types of skateboarders.
The grip tape provides a strong grip and control to the rider. Other than that the grip tape has a unique and attractive design that can easily catch anyone’s eye with good fashion sense.
- Cool and Attractive design.
- High build quality.
- Double Kick-tail feature.
- The wheels won’t rotate freely sometimes.
7. [CCS] Skateboard
![[CCS] Skateboard Deck](https://skateboardsinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/25-1024x512.jpg)
The [CCS] Skateboard is one of the best skateboards for freeriding and street skating. It has a decent design and a fair price. Plus the [CCS] is a reputable brand so don’t worry about the quality.
The [CCS] skateboard has a finely made deck like any other expensive skateboard. It also has a nice grip tape which provides a good grip to the rider. The deck looks decent and feels like a deck made for professionals.
It has some good quality trucks. Not the best but can get the job done. However, this board cannot be used for performing multiple tricks as the trucks won’t be able to resist the impact.
The wheels provide a stable ride on a smooth road but are not recommended for offroad as they are pretty hard. Other than that the board provides smooth performance and is best for traveling short distances.
This board is best for beginners who just want to ride short commutes and don’t care about performing a lot of tricks. Moreover, it has a great quality deck and it is easy to carry.
Another good thing about this board is it comes in a variety of sizes and has a variety of cool and attractive designs, also it has a great load capacity.
- Best for short commutes.
- Great deck quality.
- Highly portable.
- Variety of size and designs.
- Not recommended for experienced riders.
8. Powell Skateboard
Don’t you already like this skateboard by just looking at the design? That cool dragon design is easy to attract anyone’s attention.
Not only the board looks good it also has some quality features which would be perfect for any professional skateboarder out there. Like the professional skateboarder Steve Caballero, he recommends using the Powell Golden Skateboard.
Let’s talk about the board’s features. The deck of this board is one of the best decks out there to perform tricks and stunts. It has a size of 31.6″ length x 7.6″ width, also it is durable and has a long-lasting pop.
The board has intense graphics printed on it and then it is AirLam Pressed which is the best procedure and gives the board even more strength and increases its lifespan.
The Powell Skateboard uses every top-quality part while making its boards. Whether it is the concave-shaped deck, the hard and strong alloy trucks, or the hand-casted polyurethane wheels this board has got everything.
This board also uses top-quality steel axles and trucks to improve the strength even more. Moreover, it uses high rebound polyurethane wheels for better grip and smooth riding. All this is provided at a reasonable price.
- Durable Construction.
- High rebound polyurethane wheels.
- Intense Graphics.
- Long lifespan.
- Low-quality bearings.
9. Punisher Girls Skateboard
The Punisher is a quickly growing skateboard company and has made its way to the top-selling skateboards companies. They provide good quality skateboards for both beginners and advanced riders.
Punisher Girls Skateboard is the best choice for girls who want to have fun but also want to maintain their girly charm. This board is great for beginners and even advanced riders feel comfortable on this board.
The deck of this board has a measure of 31″ length x 7.5″ width and it is made using the best quality of 7 ply Canadian Maple.
Moreover, it can handle up to 200 lbs and has a double kicktail design which makes it easier for riders to control the board and also to perform stunts with ease.
The grip tape provided with this board also has top-quality, it provides good grip and is even great for experienced riders. It also has stable wheels, which have Punisher Skateboard illustrations.
With the combination of the stiff deck, grip tape, and wheels, the board gets highly stable and is great for riding on all types of roads and even riding offroad.
With this stylish look and awesome combination of features provided in this board, I think it is a great choice for girls, plus it all comes at a really decent price.
- Attractive Graphics.
- Double kick design.
- Good quality Deck.
- Not an impressive speed.
10. POSITIV Team Skateboard
POSITV is a popular skateboard company. And this is one of the best skateboards the company has built. With a minimalist design, this board also has attractive looks which make it stand out.
The top has a standard grip tape, but with an addition of a cross logo on its side. The grip tape has a nice grip and has an average lifespan.
Like the Powell skateboard deck, this board also uses an AirLam press which compresses the 7 layers of maple wood, making the board extremely durable.
The size of the board measures 29.5″ length x 7.5″ width, with a max load capacity of 200 lbs and I am pretty sure that it can do way more.
The board uses grippy wheels, these wheels allow the rider to move freely on any surface. Even on a slippery surface you can ride easily and perform every trick you like without losing any control.
One thing I would suggest about this board is that if you are a beginner you should first tighten the wheels because of the high speed as the board picks up speed quickly.
The POSITIV Team Skateboard is actually one of the easiest skateboards to ride and control. Even a beginner or child can use this board easily.
- Minimalistic Design.
- Durable Construction.
- Decent road and offroad grip.
- Recommended for beginners.
- Graphics tend to scrape easily.
11. Blind Skateboard
Blind is a very old skateboard company. It set foot in this industry back in 1989. Although they are not as popular as some other older popular skateboard companies they still have a well-respected name in this industry and are still producing quality skateboard decks.
The Blind skateboard on this list is for those riders who enjoy cruising or like to pull off some tricks in the skate park. This skateboard is also a great choice for kids or young skaters as it is easy to control.
Blind Skateboards have a consistent and same concave shape as they use the DSM manufacturing process. This board consists of 7 plies of Maple wood which is compressed and stuck together using the strongest water-base glue.
Blind decks are heavier and thicker as compared to other skateboard decks, this helps the deck to have more strength and gives them better impact resistance. Other than that these Blind Skateboards have a variety of designs and sizes.
The grip tape provided with this board is better than most of the cheaper skateboards. It is good enough to perform tricks without losing control. Moreover, it has Carbon Steel Speed Bearings which are considered the best bearings for riding.
Blind skateboard is best for maneuvering through corners or cruising. Besides, it is easy to control and has stunning artwork.
- Durable deck.
- Variety of designs and sizes.
- Best for cruising.
- Stunning artwork.
- Not recommended for performing stunts.
12. Element Skateboard
Element is one of the top-rated skateboard companies out there. It was founded by Johnny Schillereff in 1992. The companies faced some difficulties and had to shut down. But it was repositioned and has been a well-known brand since then.
The Element skateboard reviewed in this article has a very decent and simple design. It only consists of three colors, black, red, and white, and features the Element logo and the elements fire, earth, wind, and water.
This skateboard deck features Element Featherlight Construction, therefore the board has very lightweight but still has a durable and strong construction. This is also one of the key features of this skateboard.
Moreover, the deck has a modern concave design which gives the rider more smoothness and control. It has a size of 31.5″ length x 7.75″ width. The trucks of this board are also lightweight but still have a high impact resistance.
The wheels of this board are quite soft and are perfect for street and skate parks. The Element skateboard also has top-quality bearings which give this board high speed and with the combination of the Featherlight Construction, this board gives the best experience for free-riding on both road and offroad.
This board arrives unassembled. Which gives a window for customization and also gives a feeling of accomplishment.
- Featherlight Construction.
- Decent and simple design.
- Smooth riding.
- Best for freeriding.
- Not the best choice for advanced tricks.
What is a Skateboard Deck?
The Skateboard deck is a board where you stand while riding. It is the foundation of the whole skateboard. Each and every component is connected to the deck(trucks, wheels, axle, etc).
The Deck shape determines your riding style. It even determines what types of roads or paths you can ride your skateboard on. So choosing the right deck is the most important part for a rider.
Best Skateboard Decks – Buyer’s Guide
Buying a skateboard deck is not as easy as it looks. It’s not just about the graphics, it’s a lot more than that. Before reading the whole guide you should know your height and weight because these factors also determine which deck is best for you.
Now let’s hop on to the detailed guide!
Length
Basically, the length of a skateboard is noted from its nose to the tail and an average skateboard has a length from 27 to 32 inches.
There are some other boards that have even longer heights. Although longboards are more stable than shortboards, it may get difficult to perform tricks with a long skateboard and only professional riders will be able to do so.
If you have a long height you should prefer a longer board so you can spread your legs accordingly and don’t feel discomfort in maintaining balance.
Also if you are not into doing tricks and stunts and just want to cruise around the town a cruiser or longboard will better suit you.
Width
The width is measured from one side of your skateboard to the other. Usually, skateboards decks have a width from 7 to 9 inches.
The width of the board totally depends on your comfort, your riding style, and your foot size.
For better stunts, a wider deck is preferred, and for carving on the streets wideness of the deck doesn’t really matter just the comfort matters.
Deck Shape
There is a variety of skateboard decks shape available.
Among them, the most famous shapes are Shortboard, Cruiser, Longboard, and Pennyboard. Choosing the right skateboard shape totally depends on your riding style.
Let’s discuss the shapes for a more clear view.
Shortboard
Shortboards are the best choice for performing stunts and tricks. They are also perfect for street skating or skate parks.
Cruiser
Cruisers are not made for performing tricks. They are basically made to cruise around town. They have a mid-length and are maneuver and versatile.
Longboard
Longboards are the best option for downhill racing. They can also be used for cruising. Longboards have a symmetrical shape and have a low height.
Pennyboard
Penny boards are plastic skateboards. They have the trucks and wheels of a cruiser combined with a plastic deck. They are famous for their lightweight and portability.
Deck Material
A standard skateboard deck is made up of 7 piles of American or Canadian maple, glued and compressed together to form a strong deck. Some expensive boards can have even up to 9 piles of maple.
If you want an, even more, stronger deck, some companies use carbon fiber to make their decks which are more stiff and strong, so you can get your board from those companies.
If you want to go on an environmentally friendly option, you can choose a skateboard whose deck is made with bamboo layers.
Deck Concave
Concave is the curvature of the deck, it gives more grip and control to the rider and even adds more strength to the deck.
Skateboard companies do a lot of experiments on concave shapes to provide better grip and control. But the three main types of concave shapes are:
Mellow Concave
Mellow concave has the least curvature. It gives more stability and comfort to the rider while cruising. But it gets difficult to perform stunts with a mellow concave.
Medium Concave
Medium concave is the standard concave in skateboards. It has slightly more curvature than Mellow concave.
It is the best choice for beginners or for those who are not sure which concave to choose.
Steep Concave
Steep concave has the most curvature. It is best for experienced riders and is perfect for performing tricks and stunts.
Kicktail
Kicktail is the curve on the tail of a skateboard deck. This little feature makes it possible to perform tricks on a skateboard cause without a kicktail it would almost be impossible to perform tricks.
Some skateboards even have double Kicktails, one on the tail and one on the nose of the deck. Double Kicktail allows for performing even more tricks with the skateboard.
Kicktail also helps the rider to do a sharp turn, kick turn, or maneuvering in street skating.
Build Quality
Build quality not only includes the deck’s quality it also includes how hard or soft the wheels are. How much impact the trucks can resist and also the spin time of the bearings.
This is one of the major steps before buying a skateboard. Because if you are saving some money and compromising on quality then you are making a big mistake.
Other Features
Wheels and Bearings
Mostly when people buy a skateboard they only check the quality of the deck and forget to check the wheels and the bearings.
As wheels and bearings drive your skateboard, they are one of the most important components. So you should always make sure that they have a good rotation and all four of the wheels are freely moving. For beginners, a bigger wheels size is recommended.
This would make sure that you have a smooth riding experience and you could have all the fun.
Wheels Size and Durometer
Here is a chart for understanding which wheel size suits you.
The durometer (hardness) determines how much grip a skateboard wheel has and how much impact it can absorb. For easier understanding here is an illustration.
Truck Height
It may not seem like it, but truck height plays an important role in the riding experience. Basically, there are three heights for trucks.
- Low Height – 46-50mm
- Medium Height – 50-56mm
- High Height – 56-60mm
For street skating, low and medium-height trucks are preferred. And if you are a beginner and not sure which Truck height is best for you, just go for the Medium Height Trucks.
Grip Tape
Grip tape is a black (sometimes another color) material that is applied to the top of the deck for better grip during riding.
It has a texture like sandpaper which allows the shoes to stick to it, and with the help of a grip tape, it gets, even more, easier to perform tricks.
Most of the skateboards arrive pre-equipped with a grip tape, but if it doesn’t, I recommend you to apply a grip tape as soon as possible for a better riding experience.
Click here to see a video illustration of how to apply a grip tape.
Skateboard Decks if you are a Beginner?
I recommend getting a complete board and not building a board by yourself this will save you all the confusion plus you’ll get the experience of riding a skateboard without losing your money and would be able to build a board by yourself next time.
You can choose from the skateboards I provided on the list and recommended for beginners, trust me you won’t regret your decision.
Skateboard Decks for your child?
While buying a skateboard for your child, don’t go for a cheap low-quality board as they may be dangerous. Instead, go to a shop and let them make a board for your child or you can choose the boards online which are specifically made for children.
The deck must be wide and the weight of the board should be very light.
Note: Children with the age of 5 or above are preferred.
Skateboard Decks if you have a Heavy Weight?
If you are a heavyweight I’d suggest going with a wider board. One that has 8 or 9 plies of maple. Go with a trusted brand as they would have more quality decks than cheaper and non trusted brands.
For even more strength use a Carbon Fiber deck, they have the best durability and can resist a great amount of weight.
Best Skateboard Decks FAQs
What is skateboard pop?
When you strike the tail of the board on the ground, it is rebounded by the ground due to its elasticity. That is called pop.
A good board will have good pop because pop helps the board to jump while performing tricks. However, a soggy or humid skateboard will not have a pop.
How do I maintain my skateboard?
There are a number of things you should do to maintain your skateboard.
- Don’t skate in wet or rain.
- Keep your skateboard in a dry place.
- Oil the bearings.
- Clip grip tape that is peeling off.
- Replace parts when needed.
When do I know I need new bearings?
A bad bearing will make a chirping or squealing sound. The sound may get worse with every turn, it may even disappear for a certain time.
This does not necessarily mean that you need to replace the bearing. Sometimes oiling the bearing can also resolve the issue.
What kind of wheels do you recommend for a bumpy road?
I would suggest wheels that have a durometer from 78a to 84a are best for bumpy roads as they are soft and have a better impact resistance than harder wheels.
Is skateboarding good for your health?
Skateboarding is a great exercise as it uses all the muscles of your body. You can burn up to 600 calories while riding a skateboard for only an hour. It is also a good exercise for your heart and for toning muscles.
Final Verdict – Wrapping it up
In the end, I’d say that the buying guide doesn’t really matter, what matters is whether you like riding the board or not. And once you get your hands on your first board you will get all the knowledge and experience and wouldn’t even need a buying guide next time you are buying a skateboard deck.
One more thing I want to add is before buying a skateboard make sure you take all the safety precautions. Don’t go directly riding on a busy road, first, try skateboarding in a park or your backyard, and always wear protective gear as it can literally save your life.
So that’s all for this article hope I covered all the information needed to buy the best skateboard decks, if you think that I have missed out anything, feel free to contact us or reach us out on our social media platforms.
Happy Skateboarding to you all!
