High-Performance Technical Skateboard Decks
We cater to skaters who seek performance-oriented products, specifically skateboard decks engineered for various types of skateboarding, such as street, vert, or curb! This guide delves into the technical aspects of these skate decks, exploring the materials, concave shapes, and durability, to help you make an informed choice for your skating style.
Street Skating: Agility and Precision
For the street skater, agility and precision are paramount. Our street skate decks are crafted with these requirements in mind. Typically made from high-quality maple wood, these decks are both lightweight and durable, offering the perfect balance for street tricks and flips. The concave shapes are meticulously designed to provide better foot control—a critical aspect for executing technical tricks. Moreover, the decks' sizes are slightly smaller, usually around 7.5 to 8.5 inches in width, ensuring easier manoeuvrability.
Vert Skating: Strength and Stability
Vert skating, known for its high-flying tricks and aerials, demands a different kind of deck. Vert skateboard decks are built to withstand the high impacts of ramps and pools. They are generally wider (8.25 inches and above), providing a larger surface area for stability in mid-air. The decks are constructed from multi-layered maple wood, ensuring strength and longevity. The concave is deeper compared to street decks, offering more foot grip, crucial for maintaining control during vert tricks.
Curb skating, an integral part of street skateboarding:
Curb skating demands decks that are both versatile and robust. Our range of skate decks for curb skating is specifically designed to conquer the urban landscape. These decks, typically made from resilient maple wood, ensure durability against the constant grinding and impacts associated with curb tricks. The width of these decks usually ranges between 7.75 to 8.5 inches, offering a comfortable platform for both foot placement and trick execution. The concave design is tailored to enhance control and precision, crucial for mastering tricks on curbs
Materials Matter: Maple, Bamboo, and Beyond
The choice of material plays a significant role in the performance of a skate deck. Maple wood is the most popular choice due to its durability and rigidity. However, for those looking for a more sustainable and lightweight option, bamboo is a fantastic alternative. Its natural flex allows for a responsive ride, particularly favoured in longboarding. Some high-performance decks even integrate materials like carbon fibre or fibreglass, adding to their strength and longevity without compromising on weight.
The Importance of Concave Shapes
Concave shapes in skate decks are not just a design choice; they significantly impact the control and feel of the board. A deeper concave allows for more secure foot placement, which is essential for tricks that require a lot of foot movement. On the other hand, a shallower concave might be preferable for cruisers or longboards, where comfort and ease of riding are priorities.
Durability: Built to Last
Durability is a non-negotiable factor when it comes to skateboard decks. Our decks are designed to withstand the wear and tear of regular skateboarding. The layers of wood are bonded with high-quality adhesives and pressed to ensure they hold up against impacts and environmental factors. The addition of reinforced materials like carbon fibre in some of our decks further enhances their lifespan.
Skateboard Decks: Weapon of Choice
Choosing the Right Deck
Selecting the right skate deck is crucial. It's not just about the aesthetics; it's about finding a deck that complements your skateboarding style. Whether you're into street skating, vert, or longboarding, understanding the technicalities of your deck can significantly improve your performance.
A Brief History of Skateboard Decks
The history of skateboard decks is a fascinating journey through innovation, culture, and the evolution of a global phenomenon. Skateboarding, which began in the late 1940s and early 1950s, was initially seen as a pastime for surfers to practice when the waves were flat, colloquially known as "sidewalk surfing." The earliest skateboard decks were rudimentary, often homemade from wooden boxes or planks attached to roller skate wheels. However, the simple concept laid the foundation for what would become a dynamic sport and a significant cultural movement.
By the 1960s, skateboarding started to gain popularity, prompting the first commercial manufacturing of skateboards. Companies like Makaha and Hobie produced decks that were slightly more sophisticated, often made from layers of wood pressed together for more durability. These early decks were narrow and somewhat reminiscent of surfboards, with clay or steel wheels that offered a bumpy and uncontrollable ride, reflecting the sport's surfing origins.
The 1970s marked a pivotal era for skateboard deck evolution with the introduction of urethane wheels, which significantly improved grip and performance. This period also saw the emergence of the iconic kicktail, a raised back end of the deck, which allowed skaters to pop the board off the ground and perform tricks. Skateboard decks became wider and more functional, with companies experimenting with different shapes, sizes, and materials, including fiberglass and aluminum, to enhance performance and durability.
The 1980s and 1990s ushered in a golden era of skateboarding, with the emergence of street skating and vert ramp skating. Decks evolved to suit these new styles, becoming wider, with concave shapes to allow better foot control, and the introduction of grip tape for added traction. This period also saw the rise of graphic art on skateboard decks, transforming them from mere sporting equipment to canvases for artistic expression and individual identity.
Innovation continued into the 2000s, with technological advancements leading to even more durable and lightweight materials, such as bamboo and carbon fiber. The shapes and sizes of decks diversified to cater to a broad range of skating styles, from street and park to downhill and freestyle.
Today, skateboard decks are not only a testament to the sport's technological advancement but also its cultural significance. They are highly customizable, reflecting the personality and preferences of the skater, with a vast array of designs, artworks, and signatures from famous skaters and artists. The evolution of skateboard decks mirrors the growth of skateboarding from a niche hobby to a mainstream sport and an integral part of youth culture worldwide. This history is not just about the progression of design and technology but also about the community and creativity that skateboarding fosters.
Why Shop With Us?
At our online skate shop, we're committed to providing skaters with high-quality, performance-oriented skateboard decks. Our range caters to all styles of skateboarding, and our expert team is always on hand to offer advice and insights, ensuring you find the perfect deck for your needs. Plus, with fast shipping across the UK and a seamless online shopping experience, getting your ideal skate deck has never been easier.
Conclusion
The right skateboard decks can transform your skateboarding experience. By understanding the technical aspects such as materials, concave shapes, and durability, you can choose a deck that not only looks great but also enhances your performance. Visit our online skate shop today to explore our extensive range of skate decks designed for every type of skater.