Top 5 Skateboard Decks of 2013

There are four main things you should try to find in a skateboard to find the most ideal one. Certainly size and price are essential when purchasing a new deck, but this article will illustrate a few elements beyond that. Each one can be more or less important to the cyclist depending on the type of skating he is doing.

The first thing to pay attention to is simply the weight. Skateboarders who do a lot of technical tricks on flat terrain may be more interested in the weight aspect of a board. Also just as essential is pop. The pop of a board is vital for most street skaters. The next factor to consider is how strong a board is. Skaters who do a lot of high impact skateboarding like huge open stairs need a deck that is extra strong if they don’t intend to buy a new skateboard deck every week. The final component to look for is a board’s lifespan and how long it holds its shape. Having said that, here are the top 5 skateboard decks that rank top in each category.

Keystone Carbonlight made by Cliche Skateboards

This particular skateboard deck construction does not use the entire top sheet, but instead a uniquely shaped top layer is applied to reinforce the deck in key regions that are prone to tearing. This method doesn’t sacrifice weight or performance, but produces a lighter board with a lot more pop that lasts a lot longer. Includes a 45 day warranty against breakage.

Low Pro made by Real Skateboards

Real promises that this construction is more durable, guaranteed. The lightness and durability of the Low Pro deck come from a side-to-side concave with a slightly tighter radius that reinforces the deck. Allows for two thinner X-risers milled as you go to decrease weight without decreasing strength. They make use of a special black seal waterproof glue that can be seen between the layers, which improves the strength and rigidity of the deck. The end result is a more durable board with a lower center of gravity for greater board control and faster pop. The lower center of gravity comes from being pressed in the center with a slight nose-to-tail rocker. The center rocker also provides an additional pivot point that makes the deck react faster and produce quicker pop at the nose and tail.

P2 made by Flip, Plan B, Zero, Toy Machine, Mystery, Habitat, Santa Cruz, Skate Mental and Creature

The P2 boards feature a flex-resistant tail and nose with high and quick rebound. This construction includes an oval shaped fiber reinforced maple veneer (Kevlar), which enhances the natural performance and pop of its six thin supporting maple veneers. The oval shape is intended to distribute stresses and loads across the entire deck, rather than just those closest to the trucks. The P2 construction offers exceptional added resilience to the deck, creating a “Spring Loaded Pop” effect. They are thinner and lighter than traditional 7-ply maple decks.

Double Impact made by Almost Skateboards

Double Impact works with unique composite carbon fiber reinforced discs that are not only super strong but also very light and are incorporated within the bottom layer to cushion impacts and resist. On top of that, it uses a carbon fiber top sheet for incredible strength and longer life. This particular method uses epoxy resin anchor bonding points to fully embed the disc into the deck without the possibility of separation creating a solid cohesive bond. Includes a 45 day warranty against breakage.

Pop Secret made by Crailtap (Girl Skateboards, Chocolate Skateboards).

Pop Secret boards are made of 6 layers of maple with another layer of Fiberlam (Fiberglass Lamination). The Fiberlam layer makes it super stiff with incredible pop. It’s also lighter than the basic 7-ply maple deck. Fiberlam also produces increased strength while maintaining its shape throughout its useful life.