September 14th, 2023
Skateboarding is not just a mode of transportation but also a popular recreational activity enjoyed by many across the world. One of the most important aspects of skateboarding is the equipment, especially the skateboard deck.
Skateboard decks come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, each with its unique features and benefits. As we look ahead to 2023, the experts have identified some of the best skateboard decks that will elevate your skateboarding game to another level.
In this blog post, we will dive deeper into the top nine skateboard decks and explore their unique qualities in detail. We have vast experience in trying and reviewing skateboards for the past five years. So, trust us when we say there are the best cruiser boards available in the market.
Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or experienced skateboarder, you will find a deck that suits your style and preference. So fasten your seat belt and let’s take a ride through the complete skateboard decks of 2023 as identified by experts.
The 9 Best Skateboard Deck Brands, Reviewed by Experts
These are the best standard decks currently available in the market.
top 1
Santa Cruz VX
- Lightweight and strong construction
- Excellent pop and long-lasting durability
top 2
Plan B BLK Ice
- Sturdy and resistant to snapping
- Unique and eye-catching graphic design
top 3
Almost Impact
- Unique and fresh graphic designs
- Great pop and is easy to control
The 9 Best Skateboard Deck Brands, Reviewed by Experts
1. Santa Cruz VX
The Santa Cruz VX has been hailed as the future of skateboard deck construction by experts. Made from a unique combination of fiber and epoxy, the VX is lightweight, durable, and retains its pop for longer than most decks.
The design of the deck features a reimagined classic Santa Cruz graphic on the bottom that looks great during skateboarding and when displayed on a shelf, especially for experienced skaters.
Product Specs
- Made with strong and durable 7-ply maple wood
- No chip technology for longer-lasting graphics and artwork
- Comes in various sizes between 8.0 and 8.5 inches
- Nyjah Huston’s signature design
Pros
- Lightweight and strong construction
- Excellent pop and long-lasting durability
- A unique combination of fiber and epoxy materials
Cons
- A limited selection of graphics designs.
2.Plan B BLK Ice
The Plan B BLK Ice is a deck that is both stylish and high performing. It features a unique graphic that is sure to turn heads, and its 7-ply maple construction makes it durable and resistant to snap.
The deck also has a great pop, and its shape makes it perfect for performing flip tricks. While the wide variety and affordable prices ensure that this board stands out in skate parks.
Product Specs
- Made with high-quality, North American maple wood
- Features a vibrant and retro Kodak graphic
- Available in sizes ranging from 7.75 to 8.5 inches
- Designed for smooth and responsive performance
Pros
- Sturdy and resistant to snapping
- Unique and eye-catching graphic design
- Great pop and is suitable for different types of skating styles
Cons
- The graphic design may not be to everyone's liking.
- Heavier than some other skateboard decks on this list
3. Almost Impact
The Almost Impact skateboard deck is made from a combination of carbon fiber and maple, making it one of the most durable decks available.
The carbon fiber layers provide additional strength and stiffness, while its double kick shape allows for more versatility in tricks. The graphic on the bottom is also eye-catching and sure to impress.
Product Specs
- Made with premium 7-ply maple wood
- Features a colorful and unique Lizzie Armanto graphic
- Comes in various sizes between 8.0 and 8.5 inches
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
Pros
- Unique and fresh graphic designs
- Constructed from a unique combination of carbon fiber and maple, making it one of the most durable decks available
- Great pop and is easy to control
Cons
- May feel too stiff for some skaters
- Not the most versatile deck for different types of tricks.
- More expensive than many other skateboard decks
4. Flip
The Flip skateboard deck is a classic in the skateboarding community and has a loyal following among skaters.
The deck is constructed from seven plies of Canadian maple, making it sturdy and allowing for greater control during skating. Its shape makes it perfect for performing flip tricks, and the graphics on the bottom are always unique and eye-catching.
Product Specs
- Constructed with durable 7-ply maple wood
- Unique and bold Til Death graphic
- Available in various sizes between 8.0 and 8.5 inches
- Designed for speed and stability
Pros
- Unique and fun graphic designs
- Suitable for a range of skateboarding styles, including flip tricks
- The classic construction of seven plies of Canadian maple makes it strong and durable
Cons
- May not be the best deck for more technical tricks
- Some users have reported it being easy to chip on the edges
5. Girl
The Girl skateboard deck is another staple in the skateboarding community and is well known for its quality construction.
Made from seven plies of North American maple, it’s sturdy and provides great pop. Its shape is ideal for street skating and performing flip tricks, while the graphics on the bottom are iconic in the skateboarding world.
Product Specs
- Made with strong 7-ply North American maple wood
- Chain Gang graphic designed by artist Lacey Baker
- Available in sizes ranging from 8.0 to 8.5 inches
- A perfect balance of stiffness and flex
Pros
- Suitable for street skating and flip tricks
- The high-quality construction of seven plies of North American maple, makes it sturdy and durable
- Unique and iconic graphics
Cons
- A limited selection of graphic designs
- May feel heavy for skaters who prioritize mobility
6. Chocolate
Chocolate is a sister company to Girl skateboards and boasts a similar level of quality and durability in its decks.
The Chocolate skateboard deck is constructed from seven plies of North American maple, providing great control and pop. Its design is clever and contemporary, and its shape is ideal for street skating and flip tricks.
Product Specs
- Made with high-quality, 7-ply maple wood
- Features a stylish and colorful Samarria Brevard graphic
- Comes in various sizes between 8.0 and 8.5 inches
- Designed for versatility and durability
Pros
- Versatile and great for street skating
- Constructed from high-quality North American maple
- Fun and creative graphic designs
Cons
- May not be suitable for more technical skateboarding styles.
- May not provide as much pop as some other decks on this list
7. Alien Workshop
The Alien Workshop skateboard deck is a brand that skaters have trusted for many years.
The deck is made from seven plies of Canadian maple, making it sturdy and durable during grinding and slides. Its graphic on the bottom is usually unique and eye-catching, and its shape is perfect for skating in the street.
Product Specs
- Made with 7-ply North American maple wood
- Features a bold and unique Pope graphic
- Comes in sizes ranging from 8.0 to 8.5 inches
- Durability and strength for high-impact skateboarding
Pros
- Suitable for a range of skating styles
- Creative and memorable graphic design
- Seven plies of Canadian maple make it sturdy and resistant to snapping
Cons
- May feel too stiff for some skaters
- May be less responsive than some other decks
8. Real
The Real skateboard deck is made from seven plies of Canadian maple and is known for its durability and control.
Its graphic on the bottom is always impressive and memorable, and its shape allows for versatile use during skating, whether you’re doing tricks in the street or the park.
Product Specs
- Constructed with 7-ply maple wood
- Eye-catching and stylish Tiago Lemos graphic
- Available in sizes ranging from 8.0 to 8.5 inches
- Provides a smooth and effortless ride
Pros
- Eye-catching graphics
- Great control and durability
- Constructed from high-quality Canadian maple
Cons
- May not provide as much pop as some other decks on this list
- May feel too heavy for some skaters
- A limited selection of graphic designs
9. Element
The Element skateboard deck is another great option for skaters who want performance and style.
Constructed from seven plies of maple, it provides great strength for grinding and sliding. Its graphic on the bottom is always creative and eye-catching, and its shape makes it ideal for street skating.
Product Specs
- Made with high-quality, 7-ply maple wood
- Unique and playful Bulldog graphic
- Available in various sizes between 8.0 and 8.5 inches
- Designed for smooth and consistent pops
Pros
- The quality construction of seven plies of maple
- Creative and fun graphic designs
- Versatile and suitable for different types of skating styles
Cons
- May feel less durable than some other decks
- A limited selection of graphic designs
FAQs
What is a skateboard deck?
A skateboard deck is a flat board that forms the main part of a skateboard. It is typically made out of 7-9 sheets of maple wood and comes in a variety of different sizes and shapes.
What makes a good skateboard deck?
A good skateboard deck should be made with high-quality, durable materials, and should be well-suited to your individual riding style. It’s important to choose a deck that is the right size and shape for your body type, as well as for the type of skating you plan to do.
How do I choose the right size skateboard deck?
A: The standard size for a skateboard deck is between 7.75-8.25 inches wide. However, the best size for you will depend on your body type and personal preferences.
If you have smaller feet or are under 5’3” tall, you may want to choose a narrower deck. If you’re taller or have larger feet, a wider deck may be more comfortable for you.
Are there different shapes of skateboard decks?
Yes, there are many different shapes of skateboard decks available. Some of the most common shapes include popsicles, cruisers, pools, and old-school shapes. Each shape is designed with different riding styles in mind, so it’s important to choose a shape that matches your individual needs.
What are the best skateboard deck brands?
Some of the most popular skateboard deck brands include Baker, Enjoi, Girl, Zero, Real, and Santa Cruz. However, the best brand for you will depend on your personal preferences and riding style.
How often should I replace my skateboard deck?
It’s a good idea to replace your skateboard deck every 6-12 months, depending on how often you skate and how hard you skate. Signs that it’s time to replace your deck include cracks, chips, or warping in the wood.
What is the average cost of a skateboard deck?
The cost of a skateboard deck can vary widely, depending on the brand, materials, and size. However, you can typically expect to pay between $50-100 for a high-quality skateboard deck.
Do I need to grip my skateboard deck?
Yes, you will need to grip your skateboard deck in order to prevent your shoes from slipping off while you ride. You can purchase grip tape separately and apply it to your deck yourself, or you can purchase a pre-gripped deck.
What is the difference between a regular skateboard deck and a longboard deck?
The main difference between a regular skateboard deck and a longboard deck is their size and shape. Longboard decks are typically longer and wider than regular skateboard decks, providing a more stable and comfortable ride for cruising and downhill riding. Regular skateboard decks are designed for tricks and street skating, offering more maneuverability.
Can I mix and match different brands for my skateboard components?
Yes, you can mix and match different brands for your skateboard components, including the deck, trucks, wheels, and bearings. It’s a matter of personal preference and finding the right combination that suits your skating style.
How do I know if a skateboard deck is suitable for my skill level?
Skateboard decks are suitable for all skill levels, but specific features such as size, concave, and shape can affect the overall performance. If you’re a beginner, it’s generally recommended to start with a mid-size deck with medium concave for better stability and control.
What is the significance of the concave shape on a skateboard deck?
The concave shape refers to the curvature of the deck from side to side. It helps provide better grip and control over the skateboard. A mellow concave is more forgiving and suitable for beginners, while a steeper concave offers a locked-in feeling preferred by advanced riders.
Should I choose a lighter or heavier skateboard deck?
The weight of a skateboard deck is a matter of personal preference. Lighter decks are often favored for technical tricks as they’re easier to flick, while heavier decks may offer more stability for ramp skating and taller riders.
Ultimately, it’s important to choose a deck that feels comfortable and suits your style of skating.
Are there any eco-friendly skateboard deck options available?
Yes, several skateboard companies now offer eco-friendly options. These decks are often made with sustainably sourced materials, such as bamboo or recycled wood, with environmentally friendly glues and finishes.
Look for brands that prioritize sustainability if you’re interested in an eco-friendly deck.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the selection of the best skateboard decks for 2023 is a subjective matter based on individual preferences and needs. However, there are several standout brands and models that are highly recommended by experts and skaters alike.
Some of the top skateboard deck brands for 2023 include Baker, Enjoi, Girl, Zero, Real, and Santa Cruz. These brands are known for their quality craftsmanship, durability, and wide range of sizes and shapes to accommodate different riding styles.
When choosing a skateboard deck, it’s important to consider factors such as size, shape, concave, and weight. The standard size for a skateboard deck is typically between 7.75-8.25 inches wide, but this can vary based on your body type and personal preferences.
The shape of the deck should complement your style of riding, whether it’s a popsicle, cruiser, pool, or old school.
Concave is another important consideration, as it affects the grip and control of the board. Beginners may prefer a mellow concave for added stability, while advanced riders might opt for a steeper concave for a locked-in feel.
The weight of the deck is also a matter of personal preference, with lighter decks offering easier maneuverability for tricks and heavier decks providing more stability.
For those interested in eco-friendly options, there are skateboard decks made with sustainable materials such as bamboo or recycled wood. These eco-friendly decks can be a great choice for riders who want to minimize their impact on the environment.
When it comes to cost, high-quality skateboard decks typically range from $50-100, but it’s worth investing in a deck that suits your needs and riding style. It’s also important to replace your deck every 6-12 months, depending on usage and wear.
In summary, the best skateboard decks in 2023 are those that offer a combination of quality construction, suitable size and shape, and customization options to meet individual.
Shane Hill is a skateboard performer and trains skateboarding in various academies in Australia. He is passionate to teach skateboarding to beginners and has dedicated his career to this sport.