Skateboard Deck Technology encompasses the innovative materials, designs, and construction methods used to enhance the performance, durability, and feel of a skateboard deck, pioneer-technology.com stays on top of these new advances. Understanding this technology empowers skaters to choose the right deck for their style and needs, with new designs constantly being tested to ensure you have the best riding experience. This exploration dives into the heart of advanced skateboard manufacturing, highlighting how different construction techniques and materials impact your ride, offering valuable insights for both amateur and professional skaters.
1. What Are The Best Carbon Fiber Skateboard Decks On The Market?
The best carbon fiber skateboard decks currently available combine innovative materials with advanced construction techniques to offer superior performance and durability. These decks often incorporate carbon fiber layers alongside traditional maple plies, resulting in a lighter, stronger, and more responsive ride, and below is a deeper dive into some of the standout models.
Santa Cruz VX Deck
The Santa Cruz VX Deck is celebrated for its exceptional strength and consistent performance, making it a top choice for skaters looking for a reliable and long-lasting board. It offers unparalleled durability and consistent pop, making it a top pick for skaters who demand high performance and longevity from their equipment.
Pros:
- Unmatched Strength: Features two special carbon fiber layers combined with five maple plies, resulting in the strongest deck available.
- Superior Shape: The concave design is meticulously crafted for optimal control and responsiveness.
- Consistent Feel: Maintains its original stiffness and pop over time, avoiding the soggy feeling common in traditional decks.
Cons:
- Razor Tail: Like any wood deck, it is susceptible to razor tail.
- Price: It is approximately $15 – $20 more expensive than standard seven-ply maple decks.
Sizes:
- Available in widths of 7.75″, 8″, 8.25″, 8.38″, 8.5″, and 8.8″
Powell Flight Deck
The Powell Flight Deck stands out for its remarkable strength, consistent shape, and exceptional pop, thanks to its unique carbon fiber construction. Made in America, this deck combines cutting-edge technology with high-quality materials to deliver a superior skateboarding experience, making it a top contender in the high-performance deck market.
Pros:
- Exceptional Strength: Constructed to be one of the most durable skateboard decks on the market.
- Consistent Shape: Retains its original shape and pop from the first day to the last.
- Superior Pop: Carbon fiber layers enhance the board’s responsiveness and provide a dream-level pop.
- Made in America: Proudly manufactured in the USA, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship.
Cons:
- Chipping: The maple on the sides is prone to chipping.
- Shape: The shape may take some getting used to, as it runs slightly wider over the trucks than advertised.
Sizes:
- Available in 8.0″ x 31.45″, 8.25″ x 31.95″, 8.5″ x 32.08″, 8.75″ x 32.95″, and 9.0″ x 32.95″
- Offered in traditional and symmetrical concave shapes.
Impact XPU Deck
The Impact XPU Deck distinguishes itself with its exceptional durability and unique construction, combining ash wood, poplar wood, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and a polyurethane layer. This innovative design results in a deck that not only feels like a traditional maple deck but also lasts significantly longer and slides more smoothly, making it a standout choice for skaters seeking enhanced performance and longevity.
Pros:
- Extended Lifespan: Lasts significantly longer than standard decks due to its resistance to razor tail.
- Traditional Feel: Provides a familiar maple deck feel underfoot.
- Enhanced Durability: Constructed with ash wood, poplar wood, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and polyurethane for superior strength.
- Improved Sliding: Features a slick layer for better slide performance.
Cons:
- Price: It is $60 – $70 more expensive than a normal standard deck and $30 – $40 more than a VX deck.
Sizes:
- Available in 8.0″, 8.25″, 8.5″, 8.75″, and 9.0″ widths.
Girl Pop Secret Skate Deck
The Girl Pop Secret Skate Deck is celebrated for its outstanding blend of strength, pop, and slide, making it a favorite among skaters who want a high-performing and durable board. Its advanced construction and thoughtful design offer a superior skateboarding experience, balancing resilience with the classic feel of maple.
Pros:
- Exceptional Strength: One of the strongest maple and carbon fiber skateboard decks available.
- Slower Razor Tail: The additional maple plies slow down the development of razor tail.
- Consistent Feel: Retains its crisp, new board feel longer than traditional decks.
- Enhanced Sliding: A special coating over the graphic improves sliding and preserves the design.
- Affordable Price: Cheaper than VX or Flight decks, providing excellent value.
Cons:
- Chipping: Still prone to chipping like other decks.
- Limited Availability: Sells out quickly due to high demand.
- Pressure Cracks: Can develop pressure cracks after about 30 days of use.
- Heavier Feel: Feels heavier compared to other similar decks.
Sizes:
- Available in 8″, 8.25″, 8.375″, 8.5″, and 8.6″ widths.
Enjoi Impact Light Skateboard Deck
The Enjoi Impact Light Skateboard Deck distinguishes itself with a design nearly identical to the Almost Impact Light deck, but with slightly more concave, delivering enhanced pop and a traditional feel. This deck is an excellent choice for skaters seeking a reliable and responsive board at an affordable price, and its carbon fiber insert enhances strength without sacrificing the classic maple ride experience.
Pros:
- Enhanced Strength: Constructed with 7 maple plies and a carbon fiber top layer.
- Warranty: Includes a 30-day warranty against breakage.
- Shape: Features a medium concave shape.
- Pop: Delivers a ton of pop with steeper nose and tail.
- Affordable: Priced only $5-10 more than a normal deck and about $15 cheaper than a VX or Flight deck.
Cons:
- Chipping: The wood chips easily.
- Razor Tail: Gets razor tail just like any maple deck.
Sizes:
- Available in 8.0, 8.125, 8.25, and 8.375 R7 decks.
Blind R7 Skateboard Deck
The Blind R7 Skateboard Deck stands out as a strong and affordable option, closely resembling the Santa Cruz VX deck in performance but at a lower price point. Backed by a 30-day guarantee against breakage, this deck combines epoxy-based glue with traditional maple plies for enhanced stiffness and durability, offering excellent value for skaters seeking high performance without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- Strength: Constructed with 7 maple plies reinforced with epoxy resin.
- Warranty: Comes with a 30-day warranty against breakage.
- Shape: Features a medium concave.
- Pop: Delivers a ton of pop with steeper nose and tail.
- Affordable: Priced the same as a standard skate deck and about $20 cheaper than a carbon fiber deck.
Cons:
- Razor Tail: Gets razor tail just like any maple deck.
Sizes:
- Available in 8.0, 8.125, 8.25, and 8.375 R7 decks.
2. How Do These Skateboards Actually Perform?
Evaluating the real-world performance of these decks requires a detailed look at their construction, durability, and overall feel when skating. Here’s an in-depth review of each deck’s performance characteristics.
Santa Cruz VX Skateboard Deck In Detail
The Santa Cruz VX Skateboard Deck is constructed with 5-ply Canadian maple and two proprietary layers, likely carbon fiber based. The deck is designed to provide long-lasting pop and stiffness, making it a favorite among skateboarders of all ages, and its ability to resist pressure cracks and maintain its shape sets it apart from traditional maple decks, offering enhanced performance and longevity.
Size I Skated:
- 8.0″ x 31.67″
Price Paid:
- $83 shipped with griptape
Review:
The VX deck is particularly appealing to skaters who want a board that retains its rigid pop longer than standard 7-ply maple decks. Unlike some reviewers who found the VX deck “unforgiving,” I appreciated its consistent feel, which remained the same from day one to week two. This deck is ideal for those who want a board that feels solid and reliable.
The halfway mark – After three weeks, the deck still had no pressure cracks. The toe side of the nose began to splinter due to frequent bails, indicating that razor tail would be the reason for replacement before the deck broke.
How long did it last?
- 45 days
Reason stopped skating:
- Razor tail became too sharp, making the tail challenging to use.
Would I buy another one?
- Yes, and I did. The VX deck rekindled my love for skateboarding.
My synopsis:
- The VX deck’s consistent poppiness helped me progress, making it worth the extra cost.
Days Skated:
- 45 days, approximately 108 hours, lasting 45%-50% longer than a normal 7-ply deck.
The Cons:
- $20 – $30 more expensive than a standard deck.
- Susceptible to razor tail.
- Splintering on the sides of the nose and tail.
The Pros:
- Much stronger than a normal maple deck.
- No pressure cracks.
- Keeps its pop longer than a standard deck.
- Noticeably stronger, encouraging more confident trick attempts.
- Lasted twice as long as a normal deck.
After 45 days, there were no pressure cracks.
Splintering was evident at 45 days, typical for a skater getting back into the sport.
Overall Rating:
| Considerations | Rating Out 5 |
|---|---|
| Strength of Skate Deck | 4.6 |
| Wood Quality (Chips / Splinters / Breaks) | 4.3 |
| Pop | 4.6 |
| Shape & Feel of the Deck | 4.7 |
| Overall Quality | 4.6 |
Editor’s Rating: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Impact XPU Skateboard Deck In Detail
The Impact XPU Skateboard Deck combines a unique construction of ash wood, poplar wood, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and a polyurethane perimeter to deliver exceptional durability and a traditional maple feel. The XPU deck’s wooden layers are made of a combination of ash and poplar, laid vertically similar to a snowboard core, enhancing its strength and resilience, and wrapped in fiberglass.
Size I Skated:
- 8.0″ x 32.25″
Price Paid:
- Deck was submitted for testing and feedback.
- Available for purchase at $147.95 shipped with grip.
Review:
The Impact Skateboards XPU 1.5 is made of carbon and wood layers, similar to the Santa Cruz VX and Powell Flight decks. The wooden layers are a combination of Ash and Poplar, laid vertically, similar to a snowboard’s wooden core, and wrapped in fiberglass. The bottom layer features a slick layer perfect for ledge skating.
The Impact XPU stands out because it doesn’t get razor tail as quickly as other decks, making it last longer, and the perimeter is lined with a polyurethane layer, which acts as a durable barrier, preventing chipping and slowing down razor tail.
How long did it last?
- Estimated to last 80 – 100 days.
Reason stopped skating:
- Currently still skating.
Would I buy another one?
- Yes, so far.
My synopsis:
- The deck delivers on its promise of being durable and slick while feeling like a traditional deck.
Days Skated:
- 10 days so far, estimating 80 – 100 days total, which is 60 to 70% longer than a standard deck.
The Cons:
- Shipped price to the US is $60 – $70 more than a standard deck and $30 – $40 more than a VX or Flight deck.
The Pros:
- Much stronger than a normal maple deck due to its unique construction.
- Slides better due to its slick layer.
- Doesn’t get razor tail as quickly as a VX or Flight Deck.
- Lasts 2 to 3 times as long as a normal skate deck.
Minimal razor tail wear after 10 days.
Overall Rating:
| Considerations | Rating Out 5 |
|---|---|
| Strength of Skate Deck | 4.7 |
| Wood Quality (Chips / Splinters / Breaks) | 4.6 |
| Pop | 4.5 |
| Shape & Feel of the Deck | 4.5 |
| Overall Quality | 4.7 |
Editor’s Rating: 4.60 out of 5 stars
Almost Impact Light Skateboard Deck In Detail
The Almost Impact Light Skateboard Deck features a 7-ply American maple construction with a carbon fiber insert added to the top layer, designed to enhance strength while maintaining a light feel. Its combination of traditional materials and modern reinforcement makes it a popular choice for skaters seeking a balance between performance and durability, making it a solid option for skaters who prioritize a lightweight and responsive setup.
Size I Skated:
- 8.0″ x 31.67″
Price Paid:
- $59 shipped with griptape
Review:
The Almost skateboards Impact Light includes a carbon fiber insert in the top layer. The deck is designed to be stronger than a normal 7-ply skate deck while remaining light. The nose and tail are steep, and the concave felt oddly flat.
The deck started to feel like a normal skate deck and began to get pressure cracks by the trucks within an hour of skating it.
Reason stopped skating:
- Razor tail and gradual loss of shape.
The skateboard deck didn’t break.
Would I buy another one?
- Probably just buy a standard almost deck without the carbon fiber to save a few bucks.
My synopsis:
- This deck is not as strong as some of the other decks I rode for this project. It is less expensive, and its main appeal is its lightness.
Days Skated:
- 35 days, about 5 days more than a normal deck, totaling around 85 hours of skating.
The Cons:
- $5 – $10 more than a standard deck.
- Razor tail
- Pressure cracks within the first hour
The Pros:
- Cheaper than a Santa Cruz VX or Powell Flight deck
- Lighter than a normal deck
- Lasted 5% longer than a normal 7-ply deck
Long pressure crack on day 35.
Chipped nose at 35 days.
Overall Rating:
| Considerations | Rating Out 5 |
|---|---|
| Strength of Skate Deck | 4 |
| Wood Quality (Chips / Splinters / Breaks) | 3.9 |
| Pop | 4.5 |
| Shape & Feel of the Deck | 4.4 |
| Overall Quality | 4.5 |
Editor’s Rating: 4.26 out of 5 stars
Powell Flight Skateboard Deck In Detail
The Powell Flight Skateboard Deck is distinguished by its unique shape and carbon fiber construction, designed to provide exceptional strength and consistent performance. Its carbon layers contribute to its durability and pop, while the shape may require some adjustment for skaters accustomed to more traditional designs, and Powell Peralta’s customer service is commendable, ensuring support for any issues encountered with the deck.
Size I Skated:
- 8.0″ x 31.45″, 242 shape
Price Paid:
- $83.95 shipped with grip tape
Review:
The shape of the board is different than anything I’ve ever skated before and is more oval-shaped. The part of the deck where you will flick your tricks is wider, measuring 8.1 inches instead of the marked 8.0 inches.
The wood in between those layers seemed weaker than usual, and within the first few hours of skating, I got a small chip in my nose that ultimately became this 1.5-inch vertical crack that split through all 5 maple layers of the deck.
The wood was weak enough where my razor tail began to get chips in it.
Reason stopped skating:
- Its razor tail and the giant vertical crack between all of the wood layers. The carbon fiber layers were great, but the wood used in this deck was brittle.
Would I buy another one?
- Originally, my answer to this was “no.” However, Powell’s customer service was excellent to me and the decks really do skate well, so I am updating it with a “when I can afford it, yes.”
My synopsis:
- I expected more from the Powell Flight Deck but it did last me about 15% longer than a regular maple skateboard deck would have.
Days Skated:
- 35 days altogether it was 68.5 hours. I was able to skate the VX deck 37% longer than the flight deck.
The Cons:
- The deck is .1 inches wider than how it was marked right over the trucks.
- Its tail wears like every other wooden deck and is eventually going to get razor tail.
- It is about $25-$30 more expensive than a traditional 7-ply maple deck.
- The wood in the center between the carbon layers was weak enough to crack vertically.
The Pros:
- It is much stronger than a normal maple deck.
- No pressure cracks.
- It is a strong skateboard deck that will hold its shape for you as long as it doesnt chip or cracks vertically first.
Overall Rating:
| Considerations | Rating Out 5 |
|---|---|
| Strength of Skate Deck | 4.4 |
| Wood Quality (Chips / Splinters / Breaks) | 3.8 |
| Pop | 4.5 |
| Shape & Feel of the Deck | 4.6 |
| Overall Quality | 4.5 |
Editor’s Rating: 4.36 out of 5 stars
Girl Pop Secret Skateboard Deck In Detail
The Girl Pop Secret Deck combines one carbon fiber layer with seven thinner plies of North American maple, offering a unique balance of strength and feel. The Girl Pop Secret’s shape and construction provide a superior skateboarding experience, making it a favorite among skaters seeking enhanced pop and a comfortable ride.
Size I Skated:
- 8″ x 31.875″, Girl G008 shape
Price Paid:
- $71 shipped without grip tape
Review:
The Girl Pop Secret Deck has one carbon fiber layer with seven thinner plies of North American maple. The overall feel between the two decks was very similar, though, as it feels firm while still being forgiving when you stand on it.
With only having one carbon fiber layer, I thought this would have been comparable to the Almost Impact Light Deck, and it wound up lasting me far beyond that deck before I swapped it out.
How long did it last?
- Forty-two days
Reason stopped skating:
- Due to a chip on my tail
The excellent part is that it didn’t razor as fast as the others. The extra wood layers made the razor tail process slower than the other boards on the list.
Would I buy another one?
- Absolutely as this wound up being my second favorite deck on the list.
My synopsis:
- The Girl Pop Secret is a composite/carbon fiber skateboard deck that adds more pop and resilience to a traditional 7-ply.
Days Skated:
- 42 days.
The Cons:
- The wood base layer chipped easily.
- It is about $10 – $15 more than a seven-ply normal skate deck.
- It does get pressure cracks and get the soggy feeling.
- It does razor tail just like the others.
- The extra plys make this heavier than the others.
The Pros:
- Stronger than a traditional 7 ply maple deck
- The razor tail process was slower than other decks reviewed due to there being more wood layers in this deck
- It stayed firm longer than a traditional board
- The coating they put over the graphic preserves it longer than most other decks.
- The shape felt awesome
Overall Rating:
| Considerations | Rating Out 5 |
|---|---|
| Strength of Skate Deck | 4 |
| Wood Quality (Chips / Splinters / Breaks) | 3.9 |
| Pop | 4.8 |
| Shape & Feel of the Deck | 4.7 |
| Overall Quality | 4.5 |
Editor’s Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Lithe Nex & Slate Skateboard Decks In Detail
The Lithe Nex Skateboard deck features a 5-ply Canadian maple construction reinforced with triaxial carbon, designed to reduce razor tail, but its unique feel may not suit all skaters. I didn’t like how it felt under my feet and the deck chipped rather easily, but the technology to reduce razor tail works.
Size I Skated:
- 8.0″ x 32.09″
Price Paid:
- $109 shipped without grip tape.
Review:
Lithe purposely made the perimeter of the deck wood so you don’t get carbon splinters, but this takes away from the deck because it makes it more prone to chipping.
With the Lithe deck, I am about 30 days in, and my tail has so much life still left in it.
The Nex deck chipped rather easily.
Reason stopped skating:
- I just couldn’t get used to it. I skated it for one month (about 30 hours), and I felt like I didn’t have the control I needed to skate safely.
Would I buy another one?
- No, the shape of these decks just isn’t for me.
My synopsis:
- I would only recommend Lithe skate decks if you are confident you can skate the board dimensions they offer and are open to a deck that does not feel stiff underfoot.
Days Skated:
- Thirty days, and it still has a lot of days still left in it. I stopped skating it because I don’t like the way it feels.
The Cons:
- It is double the price of a normal seven-ply maple skate deck.
- The decks do not offer a wide variety of dimensions.
- It is noticeably bouncy and does not have the stiffness feel any of the other carbon fiber skateboard decks have.
- It will take a lot more time to get used to.
The Pros:
- The technology used in the tail is to slow down the razor tail.
- These decks have really good pop.
Overall Rating:
| Considerations | Rating Out 5 |
|---|---|
| Strength of Skate Deck | 3.2 |
| Wood Quality (Chips / Splinters / Breaks) | 4 |
| Pop | 5 |
| Shape & Feel of the Deck | 3 |
| Overall Quality | 4.1 |
Editor’s Rating: 3.86 out of 5 stars
3. What Are The Key Considerations When Choosing A Skateboard Deck?
Choosing the right skateboard deck involves considering several factors to match your skating style, skill level, and preferences. Understanding these elements can significantly enhance your performance and enjoyment, and here are some key considerations:
- Width: Deck width is crucial for control and stability.
- Narrow Decks (7.5″ – 8.0″): Ideal for technical street skating and younger skaters.
- Mid-Range Decks (8.0″ – 8.25″): Versatile for both street and park skating.
- Wide Decks (8.25″ and up): Provide more stability for vert, pools, and cruising.
- Length: Deck length affects maneuverability and stability.
- Shorter Decks (29″ – 31″): Easier to maneuver for quick tricks and smaller skaters.
- Longer Decks (31″ – 33″): Offer more stability for high speeds and larger skaters.
- Wheelbase: The distance between the inner truck mounting holes influences turning ability and stability.
- Shorter Wheelbase (13″ – 14″): More responsive for quick turns and tricks.
- Longer Wheelbase (14″ – 15″): Provides increased stability at higher speeds.
- Concave: The curvature of the deck’s surface affects foot lock-in and control.
- Mellow Concave: Provides a flatter surface, suitable for beginners and those who prefer a more relaxed feel.
- Medium Concave: Offers a balance between control and comfort, ideal for all-around skating.
- Deep Concave: Provides maximum foot lock-in for aggressive skating and technical tricks.
- Materials: The materials used in the deck’s construction impact its durability, pop, and weight.
- Maple: The most common material, known for its strength and flexibility.
- Carbon Fiber: Adds stiffness and reduces weight, enhancing pop and longevity.
- Other Composites: Such as fiberglass or epoxy resins, can improve durability and performance.
- Shape: The deck’s shape influences its feel and performance characteristics.
- Popsicle Shape: The standard symmetrical shape, versatile for all types of skating.
- Shaped Decks: Offer unique contours and functional features, such as pointed noses or squared tails, tailored for specific styles.
- Brand and Reputation: Consider established brands known for quality and innovation.
- Santa Cruz: Renowned for durable construction and iconic designs.
- Powell Peralta: Known for pioneering new technologies and shapes.
- Girl: Celebrated for stylish graphics and reliable performance.
By carefully considering these factors, skaters can select a deck that perfectly matches their individual needs and enhances their overall skateboarding experience, and pioneer-technology.com can keep you up to date with these brands.
4. What Is The Difference Between The Santa Cruz VX And Powell Flight Deck?
The Santa Cruz VX and Powell Flight decks are both high-performance skateboards that utilize advanced materials to enhance durability and pop, but they differ in construction, shape, and overall feel. Choosing between the Santa Cruz VX and Powell Flight decks depends on your personal preferences, skating style, and the specific features you value most in a skateboard deck.
| Powell Flight Deck | Santa Cruz VX Deck | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost | $80-$90 With Grip | $80-90 With Grip |
| Composite / Has Carbon Layers | 2 Composite / Carbon Layers + 5 Maple Layers | 2 Composite / Carbon Layers + 5 Maple Layers |
| Stays Firm / Always Feels New | X | X |
| Chips and Splinters | X | X |
| Slides Well | X | X |
| Gets Razor Tail | X | X |
| Has Nice Pop | X | X |
| Gets Pressure Cracks | ||
| Is Durable / Won’t Break | X (Mine Cracked Vertically, Though) | X |
| Has the Better Shape | X | |
| Which Lasted Longest | X | |
| Which Would You Buy Again | X | |
| Has the Better Quality Wood | X | |
| Made in the USA | X |
