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Skaters who ride predominantly in their normal stance, and are less interested in the mastery of flip tricks, may find no difference in performance between popsicle and other shape decks, as long as they have both a curved nose and tail. The symmetry, or near symmetry, of the popsicle shape is also the best type for learning a variety of flip tricks. The popsicle shape is nearly symmetrical with upturned nose and tail, which allows you to ride and perform tricks in both the "normal" stance (skating with one's dominant foot forward) and "switch" stance (skating with one's non-dominant foot forward, generally a more challenging way to ride). The popsicle shape deck is usually going to be the most functional for street skating and technical types of riding. There are squared noses and tails, tapered noses that come to a point, fishtails that taper in and bow out, and seemingly every shape in between. While the standard "popsicle" image of popsicle shape deck shape skate deck (nearly symmetrical with rounded nose and tail) remains the most popular, there are many shapes to choose from. The ability to remain stable while charging up a vertical wall can be the difference between a good day and hard slam into the ground. The stability increase that comes with a longer wheelbase is, again, beneficial when skating transition. A large turning radius doesn't turn as sharply, while a short turning radius turns more sharply. The turning radius is how sharply your board turns. A shorter wheelbase will be less stable, but has smaller, sharper turning radius, and responds more quickly to your movements. A longer wheelbase will increase your stability, and increase your turning radius. WKND makes decks with interesting wheelbases and would be a good place to start shopping.ĭecks longer than 33" will often have a proportionally longer wheelbase (the distance between your front and rear wheels) than decks shorter than 33". Decks with a length of 33" and longer will also generally have a width of 8.5" or wider. Most skate decks are right around 31" - 33" long. The length of your skateboard deck is another measurement to consider. The following sections will describe in detail the different options in deck shape and size, and how each option will affect your experience on your skateboard. There are infinite shapes and sizes that can be cut from this piece that will determine the final characteristics of the deck. After the glue has dried, and the layers have bonded into a single object, the clamps are removed and we are left with a shaped wooden rectangle.įrom this curvy rectangle, the final skateboard deck is cut. Clamps are then placed strategically on the glued stack of wood to form the concave of the skate deck. Raw maple is first cut into thin rectangular sheets, which are stacked on top of each other with glue in between each sheet. If you look at a skateboard deck from the side, you can actually see the separate plies. Virtually all modern skateboards are made using 7 to 9-ply maple construction (7 to 9 thin sheets of maple wood). The bonding of multiple sheets of wood allows the deck to flex under pressure making it resistant to breaks, responsive to your movements, and lightweight. Today, skate decks are made using 7 to 9 separate thin sheets of wood, known as "plies," which are bonded together. Skateboarding technology has come a long way from the first skate decks of the 1960's, which were narrow, dense, and difficult to operate. The available options in skateboard decks today are vast. Your riding style, the range of obstacles you are able to skate, and the other necessary components (trucks, wheels, etc.) are all related to the skateboard deck you choose. Your skateboard deck is the foundation for the overall feel of your skateboard.
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If you have an answer for those four pieces, you’re ready to start shopping for a new deck. Know the difference between a popsicle shape, shaped board, and a cruiser: This will help you choose your deck shape.An idea of what graphic you want: This is just fun.What type of skating you want to do: This will help you choose your Deck Length & Wheelbase and choose your Deck Concave.Your shoe size: This will help you choose the deck width you want to skate.What you need to pick out your first skate deck: It’s the foundation for the overall feel of your skateboard. The first and arguably most important decision you have to make when building your first skateboard is choosing a skateboard deck.