Whether you are buying your first deck or you are a seasoned pro, these tips will help you find the perfect size and shape for your needs.
What size should I get?
Board widths for street skating can vary based on personal preference but a simple guideline is smaller is lighter and easier to flip and bigger is more stable. Boards on the smaller size fall in the 7.5″-8″ width. Boards in the 8.0″-9.0″ range offer solid support under foot but can take a little more effort to maneuver.
Board concave
The right variation of concave comes down to personal preference. Mellow concave -vs- deep concave can each have their benefits. The best way to find what works for you is to physically stand on / try out different options. Deeper concave can help on flip tricks since it’s easier to catch the nose or tail while more mellow concave can be much more comfortable for pushing.
Is this a commuter board?
If this board is going to be used for simple “point A to point B” type of travel, a wider board may offer more comfort and stability. Check out sizes 8.5″ and wider for a super stable feeling ride. Check the concave and keep in mind that for a lot of flat ground pushing, heavy concave might not be ideal. Again, personal preference will be the judge of that.
Square tail / fish tail and old school shapes
Skate decks from the 80’s had wide bodies and big, shaped tails. Many of these style decks are still being circulated and actually work great for anyone looking for a more stable / sturdy deck shape. This style is not great for technical street skating but awesome for commuting, bombing hills or vert skating. These classic shapes are generally 9″ or wider and can pair nicely with larger wheels for a fun cruiser board.