Decks

Skateboard Decks

In our skate shop, you’ll find a wide range of skateboard decks in various styles and sizes, ensuring you can find the perfect one to suit your needs. We offer decks from top-quality brands like Santa Cruz, Creature, Toy Machine, Element, Powell Peralta, Real, and many more. All decks are made with high-quality materials to ensure durability and strength. We’re confident you’ll find the perfect skateboard deck for you.

Skateboard Deck Buying Guide

Choosing the right skateboard deck is crucial for an exceptional riding experience and to showcase your unique style in the skateboarding world. To make an informed decision, it’s important to get familiar with key terms like concave, nose, tail, and wheelbase, understand the importance of size, and gain a deeper knowledge of the materials and techniques used in deck construction. In this guide, we’ll explore every aspect of buying skateboard decks, from the basics to advanced features. Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn or an experienced skater, you’ll find valuable information to make the best choice.

Skateboard Deck Sizes

When it comes to choosing your new skateboard deck, one of the most critical factors to consider is its size. Size refers to the width and length of the deck. Skateboard decks are measured in inches (1 inch ≈ 2.54 cm).

Generally, we recommend selecting your deck size based on your shoe size; however, some prefer to base their choice on height. We'll explore both approaches to help you make an informed decision.

Deck Width and Shoe Size

The width of skateboard decks is measured across the top, from edge to edge. Choosing the right width is essential because it will influence your ability to control your skateboard effectively. Your deck should be comfortable and wide enough to give your feet sufficient space without restrictions.

A general rule of thumb is that as your shoe size increases, you should opt for a wider deck. However, these are just guidelines, and it doesn't mean you can't use a narrow deck if you have larger feet.

Scelta della Tavola da Skateboard in base alla taglia delle scarpe

Keep in mind that a deck that's too narrow can make you feel unstable while skating, while a deck that's too wide may feel less responsive and harder to maneuver. Your skateboard deck should feel like an extension of your feet, providing the best possible riding experience.

To help you make the right choice, refer to the following table. It provides deck width recommendations based on your shoe size. Remember, these are suggestions, and ultimately the choice comes down to your comfort and control preferences.

Size Chart: Recommended Deck Width Based on Shoe Size
Shoe Size EU Recommended Deck Width
EU 31.5 < 7″ - 7.25″
EU 32 7″ - 7.375″
EU 32.5 7.25″ - 7.5″
EU 34 7.375″ - 7.625″
EU 35 7.375″ - 7.75″
EU 36 7.5″ - 7.875″
EU 36.5 7.5″ - 7.875″
EU 37.5 7.625″ - 8″
EU 38 7.625″ - 8″
EU 38.5 7.75″ - 8″
EU 39 7.75″ - 8.125″
EU 40 7.875″ - 8.125″
EU 40.5 7.875″ - 8.25″
EU 41 8.00″ - 8.25″
EU 42 8.00″ - 8.25″
EU 42.5 8.00″ - 8.375″
EU 43 8.00″ - 8.375″
EU 44 8.125″ - 8.5″
EU 44.5 8.125″ - 8.5″
EU 45 8.25″ - 8.5″
EU 45.5 8.25″ - 8.625″
EU 46 8.375″ - 8.625″
EU 47.5 8.5″ - 8.625″
EU 48.5 > 8.5″

Deck Length and Rider Height

The length of a skateboard deck also plays a significant role, although it’s less critical than the width. The deck length is measured from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail, along the top edge. Deck length typically correlates with deck width, meaning wider decks tend to be slightly longer.

In general, it’s advisable to choose a deck that isn’t significantly longer than your legs. This will ensure better control, especially if you’re new to skateboarding.

Refer to the table below for recommended skateboard deck lengths based on your height:

Size Chart: Recommended Deck Length Based on Rider Height
Rider Height Recommended Deck Length
< 140 cm 28″ - 30.5″
< 150 cm 30.5″ - 31.5″
150 - 175 cm 31.5″ - 31.875″
160 - 185 cm 31.75″ - 32.00″
170 - 195 cm 31.875″ - 32.25″
180 - 210 cm 32″ - 32.5″
> 190 cm > 32.5″

Considerations Regarding Skateboard Deck Sizes

There are several important factors to consider when it comes to skateboard deck sizes.

Narrow and Short Skateboard Decks:

Narrow decks are generally also shorter, making them lighter. These decks are undoubtedly more maneuverable, which makes them a great choice for beginners. With narrower decks, less effort is required to perform tricks. However, it’s worth noting that their smaller size can make them harder to control at high speeds. Additionally, their reduced surface area provides less room for your feet during trick landings, which may demand greater precision.

Wide and Long Skateboard Decks:

On the other hand, wider decks are typically longer, offering greater control when skating at high speeds. However, keep in mind that these decks are larger and heavier, which can make executing certain tricks, such as flips, more challenging. Their larger surface area, however, provides a key advantage: more space for your feet. This extra space translates into increased comfort and stability, especially when landing tricks.

The choice between a narrow deck and a wide deck ultimately depends on your skateboarding style and personal preferences. At Xtreme, our online skate shop offers a wide selection of skateboard decks in various sizes, ensuring you’ll find the perfect deck for your style and skill level.

Skateboard Decks: Nose, Tail, and Wheelbase

When examining the structure of a skateboard deck, it can be visually divided into three key sections: the nose, the tail, and the wheelbase.

Nose

The nose is the front part of the skateboard deck. Its length is measured from the outer edge of the truck holes to the front tip of the deck. Typically, the nose is slightly longer than the tail, making it easy to distinguish the front from the back of your skateboard.

Tail

The tail is the back part of the skateboard deck. Its length is measured from the outer edge of the truck holes to the rear tip of the deck. This section is usually slightly shorter than the nose.

Sezioni della Tavola da Skateboard

A good way to distinguish the nose and tail of your deck is by looking at the graphic. Often, the deck's graphic is designed with the nose at the top or on the right side, providing a visual clue for its position. Additionally, a handy trick is to use different-colored bolts for the front truck holes, allowing you to quickly identify the front, even when the top of the deck is covered with grip tape.

Wheelbase

The wheelbase refers to the distance between the inner truck holes and is closely related to the overall length of the deck. Your choice of wheelbase can significantly affect your skateboarding experience. If you're shorter, a shorter wheelbase can help you perform tricks with greater ease. On the other hand, if you're taller, you may prefer a wider wheelbase.

Classic popsicle-style skateboard decks usually have a wheelbase ranging from 13" to over 15". However, most manufacturers prefer wheelbases that fall between 14" and 14.5". Some old-school decks feature double truck holes, allowing you to adjust the wheelbase according to your preferences.

Understanding the Concave of Skateboard Decks

The concave of a skateboard deck refers to the curvature of the deck between its edges and the central surface. In other words, it indicates how much the long edges of a deck are bent upwards. This aspect can significantly influence your skateboarding experience. Concave is typically measured in terms of depth, and it is generally classified into three main types: low concave, medium concave, and high concave.

Concave delle Tavole da Skateboard

Low Concave

Decks with a low concave offer a flatter surface that allows for a wider foot placement. This type of deck is often associated with "shaped" decks or "old-school" shapes. Low concave decks tend to provide greater stability and control, making them ideal for street skating.

Medium Concave

A medium concave is versatile and suitable for all terrains and skateboarding styles. It is the most common type of concave found across all brands and is the preferred choice for the majority of skaters.

High Concave

A high concave makes the deck and your ride more responsive, facilitating the execution of flip tricks. This type of concave is often chosen by skaters who ride in pools, bowls, or vert ramps.

No Concave

There are also decks with no concave, which are more commonly found on cruisers and longboards.

It’s important to note that concave is not directly related to the steepness of the nose and tail of the skateboard deck.

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to concave. Choosing the right concave is a matter of personal preference and skateboarding style. If you're a beginner or intermediate skater, you might want to start with a skateboard deck featuring a medium concave. However, if you find that a low or high concave offers a more engaging experience than a classic deck with medium concave, why not give it a try? By experimenting with different types of decks, you’ll discover which concave best suits your style and skateboarding needs.

Choosing the Shape of Your Skateboard Deck: Popsicle vs. Shaped

In addition to size, skateboard decks are distinguished by their shape, with two predominant categories: popsicle and shaped.

Popsicle Skateboard Decks

Tavola da skateboard Popsicle

The Popsicle Shape is the most common form of skateboard decks. The term "popsicle" indicates that the nose and tail have a nearly identical shape. These decks typically feature a double kicktail, slight curves at both ends of the board, designed to enhance pop (the ability to bounce) and control during trick execution. On popsicle decks, the nose is slightly longer than the tail. This type of deck is particularly optimal for flip tricks and performing a wide variety of tricks in general.

Shaped Skateboard Decks

Tavola da skateboard Shaped

The term shaped is used to define any skateboard decks that don’t follow the popsicle shape. These decks are characterized by unique nose or tail designs, which may be angular, pointed, or have one-of-a-kind contours. Shaped decks offer a variety of design possibilities and are often chosen by skaters looking for a board with a distinctive appearance. The varied shape of the nose and tail can influence the skateboarding experience in unique ways and are frequently used by skaters seeking a different challenge.

The choice between a popsicle deck and a shaped deck is closely related to your personal skateboarding style and aesthetic preferences. In our online skate shop, you'll find a wide selection of skateboard decks with various shapes, ready to meet your specific needs and allow you to express your individuality. Choose the shape that reflects your skater spirit and discover how it will impact your performance on the board.

Construction and Materials of Skateboard Decks

Skateboard decks are made with at least seven layers of wood, carefully assembled and pressed into a specific shape to give the deck its characteristic concave. The glue used in this process is typically vinyl-based or epoxy resin, and sometimes a combination of both. This intricate assembly of layers allows the skateboard deck to be both durable and highly flexible.

The most common skateboard decks are constructed with seven layers of wood, usually using Canadian maple. Each layer of wood is referred to as a "ply", and the term "7-Ply" signifies that a traditional skateboard deck is made of seven layers of wood. However, decks with 8 or 9 plies are also available, offering increased strength but making the deck heavier and less flexible.

Wood is the predominant material in skateboard deck manufacturing, and over the years, various types of wood have been explored. While Canadian maple is the most common, you can also find decks made from birch or bamboo on the market.

It’s important to note that wood, while durable, is not indestructible, and skateboard decks experience significant wear and tear during skateboarding. As a result, advanced construction techniques are used to make decks more robust and long-lasting. These techniques may include adding extra layers of wood, using special adhesives, or incorporating materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber.

To learn more about this topic and discover the specific construction techniques and materials used in skateboard decks, we invite you to read the article "Skateboard Deck Construction Techniques" on our blog. At Xtreme, our online skate shop, you’ll find a wide range of skateboard decks made with high-quality materials and designed to withstand the challenges of skateboarding. Choose your deck with confidence and get ready to conquer the streets or the park.

Complete Skateboard Deck Setup

Now that you’ve found the right size for your new skateboard deck, it’s essential to ensure that all other components of your skateboard fit perfectly with the deck.

Skateboard Deck and Truck Selection

The choice of trucks for your new skateboard deck follows a fundamental rule: the truck axle width should match the deck width so that the wheels neither stick out nor sit too far inward.

Our recommendation is to select a truck with an axle width that matches your deck width as closely as possible. A variation of +/- 0.125" is considered acceptable. For example, if your deck width is 8 inches, you should look for trucks with an axle width between 7.875" and 8.125".

In our skate shop, within the Skateboard Trucks section, you’ll find the perfect set of trucks for your new skateboard deck.

Browse Skateboard Trucks
Tavole da Skateboard e larghezza truck
  1. Truck axle width
  2. Skateboard deck width

Skateboard Deck Griptape

Tavola da skateboard e larghezza del griptape

Griptape for skateboard decks is an adhesive sheet of abrasive material, similar to sandpaper, applied to the top surface of the deck. This component is crucial as it provides the necessary grip for your feet on the deck, enabling you to perform tricks and maneuvers with greater confidence and control.

For popsicle decks, a standard 9"x33" griptape sheet is usually sufficient. However, for wider or longer skateboard decks, we recommend choosing an extra-wide griptape to ensure complete coverage of the deck.

In our Skateboard Deck Griptape section, you’ll find not only classic black griptape but also a wide selection of colorful designs and eye-catching graphics.

Browse Skateboard Griptape

Be sure to pay attention to the details when configuring your skateboard, as every component plays a crucial role in optimizing your skateboarding experience. At Xtreme, our online skate shop, we offer a wide range of high-quality trucks and griptape to meet your specific needs and help you achieve peak performance on your skateboard. Configure your skateboard with care and get ready to conquer the skateboarding world with style.

Printing Techniques for Skateboard Decks

Skateboard decks are not only exceptional performance tools but often true works of art on wheels. Two of the main printing techniques used to give skateboard decks their personality and style are heat transfer and screen printing.

Heat Transfer

Heat transfer is a widely used printing technique that allows images, designs, and graphics to be applied to the surface of the deck. This process involves using a transfer film with an image or design printed on it. The film is then placed on the skateboard deck and subjected to heat and pressure using a heat transfer machine. During this process, the ink from the film is permanently transferred to the deck, creating a vivid and detailed image.

Heat transfer offers several advantages, including high-resolution image quality, the ability to produce vibrant color prints, and the capacity for intricate graphics.

Screen Printing

Screen printing is another printing technique, less commonly used and employed by only a few brands to decorate skateboard decks. This process involves using a series of screens, each representing a different color layer. The color layers are applied one at a time onto the deck by passing ink through the screens. With each pass, a layer of color is added on top of the previous one, gradually creating the complete design on the skateboard deck.

Screen printing is a highly durable technique, and screen-printed designs can last for many years, even with frequent use of the skateboard.

Both of these printing techniques contribute to creating unique skateboard decks, capturing the individuality of skaters and offering a wide variety of design options. Whether you prefer one method over the other, the result is a skateboard deck that reflects your style and personality as you ride with confidence and flair on your favorite board.

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