Top 5 Skateboard Decks in 2022
In this article, we’re presenting a buyer’s guide for one of the most exciting modes of transportation out there – skateboarding. Whether you are a new skater or looking to upgrade your current board, this article will have something for you. We’re focusing on one of the most important components of any skater’s set up – skateboard decks.
We’ll give beginners a quick rundown of what to look for in a skateboard deck. Then, we’ll jump into our 5 favourite decks in 2020. There’s something on this list for anyone from beginners to advanced riders. Let’s get started.
What Is a Skateboard Deck?
First thing’s first, what exactly is a skateboard “deck”? If you’re new to the sport, you’ll probably want to know what to look for in a skate set-up, and a deck is a solid starting point.
A skateboard deck is the wooden platform on which you stand. The trucks and wheels are attached to the base of the deck, but the deck itself influences so much about your riding style, the type of obstacles you can handle, and the comfort-level of the ride.
Skateboarding technology is actually quite advanced these days. Most quality decks are made of between 7 to 9 “plies” of thin maple wood, bound together and cut into the ideal deck shape.
Deck Shape
The first thing any beginner skateboarder will probably notice is the variety of deck shapes on the market. The most popular shape is certainly the “popsicle” shape (mostly symmetrical with a round nose and tail). This symmetrical shape allows you to ride a skateboard in both regular and switch stance (meaning with either dominant foot).
The nose and tail of a popsicle shaped board also curves upward, which allows you to pop the board off the ground and perform different tricks. Additionally, the board is concaved, sloping toward the middle on both sides.
This concave allows you to know where your feet are located on the board simply by feel. Additionally, the concave makes it easier to steer the board, and easier to perform various flip tricks. Of course, there are other shapes of skateboard available, but almost any beginner will opt for this style of skateboard, it being by far the most popular.
Deck Width and Length
The two other features you will want to watch out for are width and length. The width of a deck primarily determines the style of riding it is suitable for. A wider deck allows for a smoother ride with more stability, and is more adept for high speed transition riding.
You might also want a wide deck if you are looking for a smooth, stable ride while using your skateboard as a means of transportation or commuting. A narrower deck is more maneuverable, and better suited for street skating.
Deck length tends not to vary too much. Most decks are between 31 and 33 inches long. Similar to width, the longer the deck, the more stable the ride. The shorter the deck, the more maneuverable it is, and the better suited it is to street skating.
Top 5 Decks
Now that we’ve given you a beginner’s guide to buying a deck, it’s time for our top picks. Here are 5 awesome decks for you to consider. Be sure to consider your own skill level, as well as your preferred riding style, and we are sure you can find something here you will like.
And to look the part as well – check out our streetwear guide for 2020!
Best Buy
1. Baker Brand Logo
First up we have the Baker Brand Logo. Baker is a very trusted brand in skating, founded by pro skater Andrew Reynolds. Their “Logo” deck is basically their standard skateboard deck.
This is a great all-around deck. It has a classic shape, and a mellow concave. This one even has width options ranging from 8” to 8.475”. This puts the deck on the medium-wide end of the spectrum, but you get a decent choice as to how wide you actually want it.
The wide board combined with the mellow concave makes this a great board for cruising around, but still suitable for street skating if you are into that (especially if you opt for the 8”). This means it is great for beginners and experienced skaters alike.
2. Birdhouse Clive Dixon 8.5
Founded by Tony Hawk, Birdhouse is another brand that is well respected in the skate community. We chose the Clive Dixon 8.5 because it is a great option for a wide skateboard. 8.5” is about as wide as a skate deck gets (although some decks do go wider). This means it’s an awesome choice for general riding and transportation.
If you’re more experienced, the width makes it a great transition board as well. Aside from that, Birdhouse boards are so popular for a reason. They’re well made with quality materials, very ride-able, and great for both street, vert, and anything in between.
3. Pizza Sport Chef Deck
Pizza is a relatively new skateboard company on the market, but they’ve gained popularity quite quickly. This is one of their most popular decks, the “Sport Chef”. This deck is more focused on the street skating end of things. It’s a medium width board with nice concave and great pop.
Plus, we really like the graphic. This is a great deck for those who are interested in learning some street tricks or flatland moves. But if all you want to do is cruise, it’s fine for that too!
4. Deathwish Brand Logo Deck
Deathwish is another respected skate company. Owned by Baker skateboards, Deathwish carries the same respect for their quality craftsmanship. This is their signature logo deck. It’s built to be a great all-around board, and comes in a wide variety of sizes.
You can pick anywhere from narrow to wide, depending on your preferences. Another solid choice of deck, and ideal for any street skater or general commuter.
5. Best Classic Deck – Santa Cruz
Capping off our list we have this classic skate deck from Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz is one of the original skate companies, so there’s no better place to buy a classic deck. Whether you want to rep the old school look, or just buy a great board for cruising, this is a great choice. This one won’t be very practical for street or transition skating, but it’s a solid choice for that classic appeal.