Strongest Skateboard Deck Options

About
Latest Posts

Gavin only feels inner peace when he's riding his board. It's a place for him to escape when he's having a bad day. He wishes other people could discover how much potential there is for self-discovery in skateboarding, which is why he's here to help you.

Quick Overview: The Strongest Skateboard Deck Options

Powell Peralta Pro Scott Decenzo Bear Flight Deck

Deck Composites: 5-Ply Premium Maple, Epoxy Infused Fibers
Deck Dimensions: 31.95” (L) x 8.25” (W)

Almost Skateboard Deck Uber Fade Mullen

Deck Composites: 7-Ply Canadian Maple and 2-Ply Carbon Fiber
Deck Dimensions: 32.2” (L) x 8.375” (W)

Lithe Slate 3

Deck Composites: 5-Ply Maple and 2-Ply Carbon Fiber
Deck Dimensions: 32.2” (L) x 8.25” (W)

Santa Cruz VX Transcend Maurio McCoy

Deck Composites: 5-Ply North American Maple and 2 x Layers Quad X Technology
Deck Dimensions: 31.83” (L) x 8.25” (W)

Darkstar Decenzo Celtic Foil Super Sap R7

Deck Composites: 7-Ply 100% North American Maple and Epoxy Resin Glue
Deck Dimensions: 32.1” (L) x 8.4” (W)

Creature Free For All SM Powerply

Deck Composites: 7-Ply Canadian Maple Wood with 2 x Layers of reinforcement (Powerply Technology)
Deck Dimensions: 31.8” (L) x 8.0” (W)

Blind Reaper Micky Papa Boom Box R7

Deck Composites: 7-Ply Canadian Maple Construction with Epoxy Resin
Deck Dimensions: 31.1” (L) x 7.75” (W)

Common Skateboard Deck Composites (Materials)

Canadian/North American Maple: Canadian and North American Maple has been used to make skateboard decks since the 1970s. Canadian and North American maple trees experience a cold climate, which causes them to have a shorter growing season. Short growing seasons result in super-strong wood with more rings and a high density. The extra rings make the wood durable, and it is responsible for delivering the rebound and high levels of pop.

Chinese Maple: Chinese Maple is a decent wood to make skateboard decks. Because it is sourced from China does not necessarily mean that it is terrible. Chinese Maple is decent quality wood and much cheaper than North American and Canadian Maple, but it does not offer the same levels of strength and density.

Bamboo: Bamboo Decks became popular with the rise of the longboard and carving skateboards. Bamboo is surprisingly robust and extremely light. It allows for maximum flex, which makes carving and longboarding so fun. Bamboo is significantly more sustainable than maple wood and looks good too.

Mahogany: Mahogany is not as popular as Maple or bamboo but can be used to make some beautiful skateboards. Mahogany is strong but heavy, offering minimal flex. This type of skateboard deck is not ideal for doing technical tricks and is not particularly suited for ramp and vert.

They are perfect for chilled longboarders, cruisers, and carving. Due to their strength and rigidity, they make decent downhill skateboards. Mahogany Decks look timeless and vintage and remind me of the red teak boards that the Hawaiians used when they first started surfing.

Carbon Fiber: Carbon Fiber is everywhere and can be found on Formula One racing cars, spaceships, and MotoGp motorbikes, so I am not surprised that it has crept into the skateboarding world. The material is lightweight, extremely durable, and seriously strong.

I prefer the feel you get from traditional and vintage wooden decks, but if you consider some of the insane tricks the pros and extreme athletes are currently pulling off, I guess there is a place for carbon fiber in the industry. The downsides to carbon fiber are the price and the notable absence of natural rebound and pop.

Powell Peralta Pro Scott Decenzo Bear Flight Deck

Powell Peralta is one of the sports OGs and has been producing quality skateboard decks, accessories, and apparel since 1978. Founded by iconic skaters George Powell and Stacy Peralta, the company rose to prominence in the 1980s. The company is responsible for the Bones Brigade, Bones Bearings, and Rollerbones. Their love and passion for the sport are still evident in the world-class products they are pushing out today.

The Powell Peralta Pro Scott Decenzo Flight Deck is one of the best skateboard decks on earth. The company invested five years into research and development to ensure the success of this series. It is made from premium materials and uses the latest technology. 5-Ply premium wood is combined with premium epoxy-infused fibers. This combination results in a more durable and lighter deck with loads of flex and pop.

Pros

World-Class Deck from Powell Peralta
31.95” x 8.25” 248 Shaped Popsicle Deck
5-Ply Maple combined with epoxy infused fibers
200% Stronger than 7-Ply Decks
10% Lighter than 7-Ply Decks
Thinner than 7-Ply Decks with loads of flex
6.88” Deck Nose
6.63” Deck Tail
K20 Deck Concave
Everlasting pop that does not fade
Quality Artwork by Vernon Courtlandt Johnson

Cons

This Deck is Expensive

Almost Uber Fade Mullen

Almost Skateboards was founded by Professional skateboarders Rodney Mullen and Daewon Song in 2003. They are based in El Segundo, California, and are best known for their innovative carbon fiber deck constructions.

The company is visible on the pro skating scene sponsoring skaters like John Dilo, Tyson Bowerbank, Younis Amrani, Yuri Facchini, Max Geronzi, and the late Lewis Marnell.

The Uber Fade Mullen is an exceptional skateboard deck that features an innovative deck within a deck design. The internal skateboard deck is constructed from super firm and lightweight carbon fiber foam. This internal carbon fiber foam deck improves lateral rigidity and delivers sublime pop and control.

Pros

Innovative Skateboard Deck from Almost Skateboards
32.2” (L) x 8.375” (W) 7-Ply Maple and 2-Ply Carbon fiber deck
Internal Carbon Fiber Foam Deck for Additional Strength
Lightweight and Durable
Full Nose and Tail with a Full Concave
14.25” Wheel Base
Supernatural and long-lasting Pop
Eye-catching Graphics
100% Sourced and Made in the USA

Cons

This Deck is Expensive

Lithe Slate 3

Lithe is an All-American Skateboard Company founded by Mark Rosolowski and Greg Rosolowski in 2010. Lithe Skateboards are located in Huntington Beach, California, and in a short period has earned a reputation for producing top quality and durable high-performance skateboard decks. The technology used in these decks is second to none, with a large amount of focus on consistency and reliability. Carbon Fiber is an outstanding material but can result in the skateboard deck being too stiff with minimal flex.

I love that these guys put in extra time to ensure their carbon fiber decks deliver the same natural flex that one would get from maple decks. The Lithe Slate 3 is the company’s most advanced and highest performing skateboard and is a thing of beauty.

Pros

Excellent High-Performance Deck from Lithe Skateboards
5-Ply Maple and 2-Ply Carbon Fiber Deck Construction
The Strongest and most Durable Construction
Full Wrapped Rim of Premium Polymers eliminates Chips and Delamination
Up to 20 x more Razor Tail Resistant
2 x Energy Return of Maple Decks
It lasts around 10 x longer than Conventional Decks
Supernatural Rebound and Pop
Ultimate performance and reliability
Great Looking Deck with a lovely gray, black, and green color combination
100% Sourced and Made in the USA

Cons

This Deck is Expensive

Santa Cruz VX Transcend Maurio McCoy

Santa Cruz is the oldest running skateboarding company in the world and was founded by Richard Novak, Doug Haut, and Jay Shuirman way back in 1973. Located in Santa Cruz, California, they are also responsible for well-known subsidiaries such as Krux Trucks, Independent Truck Company, and Ricta Wheels.

Santa Cruz is not only the oldest skateboarding company around but also one of the most popular. This is due to a lifetime of passion and commitment to ensuring that only the finest decks, completes, accessories, and apparel leave their

factory. My favorite Santa Cruz Deck is hands down the Maurio McCoy VX Transcend. It is well-balanced and offers levels of high performance, stability, and control. Additionally, it is super strong and built to be abused. The modern deck construction of 5-Ply Maple and 2 x layers Quad X technology will stand up to the most aggressive skaters.

Pros

Quality Pro Deck from Santa Cruz Skateboards
31.83” x 8.25” Deck with 5-Ply North American Maple and 2 x layers Quad X Technology
VX Decks are Thinner, Stronger, and deliver more Pop than 7-Ply Decks
Exceptional Rebound and Flex
Medium Deck Concave
6.71” Deck Nose
6.71” Deck Tail
14.22” Wheel Base
Outstanding Performance and Durability
Reasonably Priced considering the Pedigree

Cons

I cannot find a suitable con at this time

Darkstar Decenzo Celtic Foil Super Sap R7

Darkstar Skate was founded in 1997 by the super talented Pro Skateboarder Chet Thomas, and the company has an interesting history. Chet started the company out of his garage and initially focused on producing premium skateboard wheels that would not cause flat spots. Thereafter, he began making skateboards to produce affordable yet quality, strong, and reliable products.

Big players took notice and before Chet could blink, the company was sold to World Industries, which later became Dwindle Distribution. In 2002 World Industries was acquired by the Australian Company Globe International Limited. Chet Thomas continues to work with Globe ensuring all products are of the highest quality. The Darkstar Decenzo Celtic Foil Super Sap R7 is an excellent example of what Chet Thomas has achieved.

Pros

Quality Deck from Darkstar Skateboarding
32.1” x 8.4” Deck made from 7-Ply 100% North American Maple and Epoxy Resin Glue
Each Deck is Individually Pressed for Maximum Precision and Strength
6.875” Deck Nose
6.875” Deck Tail
14.25” Wheel Base
Long Deck Life and Powerful Pop
Strong, Durable, Comfortable, and Reliable
Well-Priced

Cons

I cannot find a suitable con at this time

Creature VX Free For All SM Powerply

Creature Skateboards was founded by Russ Pope in 1994. Russ Pope is the ex- Santa Monica Airlines Team Manager, ex-professional skater, and an extremely talented artist. His skateboards are infamous for displaying dark graphics which can only be described as eye-shattering. Russ is also responsible for creating the Transportation Unit Skateboarding Brand and in 2021 became the General manager of the iconic skateboarding brand CCS.

Today Creature Skateboards are owned and distributed by NHS Inc. (Novak, Haut, and Shuirman) alongside brands like Santa Cruz, Bronson Speed Co, Mob Grip, Slimeballs, and Rider. The quality and eye-catching graphics are still very much alive in the Creature Brand, and it is evident in the VX Free for All SM Powerply Deck.

Pros

Quality Pro Series Deck from Creature Skateboards
31.8” x 8.0” 7-ply Canadian Maple Deck with 2 x Layers of Reinforcing and Epoxy Resin
Powerply Technology results in a super Strong and Durable Deck
Individually Pressed for Additional Precision and Strength
Medium-Concave
Firm Pop with a Snappy Feel
6.684” Deck Nose
6.5” Deck Tail
14.37” Wheel Base
Well-Priced

Cons

This Deck is Slightly Heavier than its Rivals

Blind Reaper Micky Papa Boom Box R7

Blind has become one of the most recognizable skateboarding brands on the planet. Their products can be sourced all over the world. The company was founded by Mark Gonzales in 1988 and was a subsidiary of Steve Rocco’s World Industries brand. Blind has a reputation for producing quality skateboard decks, but they also produce skateboard wheels, soft goods, and excellent skating accessories.

Today the company continues to operate under the ownership of Dwindle Distribution, which is undoubtedly one of the biggest players in the industry. The Blind Reaper Micky Papa Boom Box R7 is a decent deck at an affordable price and is the cheapest deck on the list.

Pros

Quality Micky Papa Pro Model Deck from Blind Skateboards
31.1” x 7.75” 7-Ply Canadian Maple construction with Epoxy Resin Glue
Individually Pressed for Additional Precision and Strength
Mellow Concave
Steep Kick
7” Deck Nose
6.5” Deck Tail
13.88” Wheel Base
Beautiful Blind Reaper Box Graphics
Printed Reaper Grip Tape Insert Included
Well-Priced

Cons

This Deck is Slightly Heavier than its Rivals

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: What is an individually pressed skateboard deck?

Answer: Skateboard Decks are made by joining numerous plies of wood and fibers together using an industrial press. This process is necessary to ensure the glue or epoxy bonds effectively with the wood and fibers, resulting in a strong, durable skateboard deck.
Mass production skateboard decks are often pressed up to twenty decks at a time, whereas premium and pro series decks are all individually pressed. Individually pressed decks are superior, stronger, and more durable. They are also more consistent and more reliable.

Question:What is Razor Tail?

Answer: Razor Tail is a skateboarding term that refers to damage incurred on the nose (front) and the tail (back). When skating and practicing your tricks, your skateboard will receive numerous bumps, knicks, and dings. Bumps, knicks, and dings cause damage to the nose and tail, resulting in sharp splinters from the wood or fiberglass. It is these splinters that cause the much-dreaded razor tail.

Question: Is Canadian Maple better than Chinese Maple for skateboard decks?

Answer: Canadian Maple is a superior wood when compared to its Chinese cousin. It is stronger, and more durable, with extra rings and high levels of density. Chinese Maple is still a decent wood for skateboard decks, but it does not deliver the same rebound, pop, and snap you get from Canadian and North American Maple.

Question: What is Shark Bite?

Answer: Sharp Bite is an extremely painful skateboarding injury and a direct result of razor tail. Performing and practicing tricks when your board has Razor Tail often results in your board hitting you on the ankles or Achilles causing gnarly damage. The splinters tear through your flesh just like sharks’ teeth would, hence the term Shark Bite.

Question: Is Canadian maple wood sustainable?

Answer: Canadian and North American maple trees are currently suffering from deforestation. Not because of any illegal activity but simply due to high demand. Canadian Maple Trees take decades to reach maturity, requiring loads of care and attention before harvesting. Bamboo Trees grow in a fraction of the time (months) and grow in large quantities, and in terms of sustainability, they are a much better option.

Conclusion: Strongest Skateboard Deck Options

The design or construction of skateboard decks remained unchanged for decades, but the sport has evolved to such an extent that change was needed. Deck manufacturers have stepped up and are creating high-performance decks that are stronger and more durable than ever before.

The decks featured in this guide are all of the highest quality, and I can confidently recommend them to any skater wanting the best from their skateboard deck. I have included options to cater to all budgets without compromising performance, strength, or quality.

My top pick for the Strongest Skateboard Deck Options is the impressive Lithe Slate 3, it is a phenomenal deck, offering space-age technology with oodles of class and style.

This All-American high-performance skateboard deck has it all, literally. It is extremely robust and delivers high amounts of flex, rebound, and supernatural pop. A fully wrapped rim of premium polymers eliminates any chance of chips and delamination. Additionally, it is up to 20 x more razor tail resistant, lasts up to 10 x longer than traditional decks, and delivers 2 x the energy return. The Slate 3 is not only functional but also a great-looking deck, with subtle graphics and an excellent color combination.

Looking for more interesting readings? Check out: