“The most important part of a board is the shape and the dimensions. If the shape looks good, and the wheelbase and tail are right, the board will be sweet no matter what the concave is like,” says pro skater Brian Lotti. When choosing skateboard decks, you’ll need to look at a few technical considerations — like length and width to make sure your board is right for your stature and your desired use. You’ll also need to test it out by feel to see if the wood of the skateboard’s deck feels sturdy and the concave is the proper responsiveness. Lastly, you’ll want to make sure it’s a deck you like aesthetically; one that speaks something about your character and personal taste.

Length is one of the most basic considerations in choosing skateboard decks. This will depend entirely on your height, your use and your comfort level. Generally, there are two length classifications: traditional/street boards, which are under 33 inches and longboard skateboards, which are over 35 inches. Usually people ride versatile traditional decks that measure 28 - 32 inches for general transit, ramp riding and basic tricks. Longboards are popular in California with riders who prefer a surfy/snowboard type feel. Generally speaking, if you are a short rider, you’ll naturally want a shorter board for better control and tall riders may want a little more length to match their stance.

Professional skateboarding legends will tell you that they care most about their deck’s shape and concave. Most decks, besides longboards, have a slightly raised nose, tail and sides, which dramatically affects the response of the skateboard. Generally, the deeper the concave, the more aggressive tricks a skater can pull off. The shallower the concave, the easier it is for new skaters to learn. “The nose and tail got to have good pop,” adds Skateboarder Magazine star Adam Dyet, “and it’s gotta be a light board.” For pro skater Eric Koston, “The board has to have mellow concave. I hate steep noses and tails. They make me feel like I have to work harder to do tricks.” Pro Jeremy Wray is riding his new “Featherlight” Element skateboard that was designed with a thinner board with a steeper concave and a mellow tail. “I don’t really like flat boards,” Steve Berra tells Transworld Skateboarding Magazine. “I like a good nose and a good tail — not too steep, but not flat.” Brian Anderson agrees that a mellow concave is the way to go. “I can’t ride a super steep concave,” he says. “A lot of the stuff that’s out right now — you can’t flip your board right.” On the other hand, old-school rider Ed Templeton still prefers a relatively flat board. “I don’t know what this whole concave fad is all about,” he explains. “The board is much better just mellow and not concave.”

Appearance tends to be what attracts many people to certain skateboard decks over others. As the years progress, skateboard designs seem to be getting more and more elaborate. The Zero skateboarding team loves these boards for their gritty images of skulls and bones. Skaters like Jamie Thomas, Elissa Steamer and Chris Cole love these rides. On the flip side, Habitat and Element boards have more earthy, eco-friendly designs. The latest Habitat boards ridden by Kerry Getz and Danny Garcia feature some iconic pop-art style designs, while the newer Elements ridden by Bucky Lasek and Bam Marguera have more colorful cartoons. Plan B decks feature wild patterns with a lot of geometric shapes and entice an all-star lineup of Danny Way, Colin McKay, Ryan Sheckler and Jereme Rogers. Other popular brands to consider include: Powell, Birdhouse, Blind, Baker, Girl, Toy Machine, Alien Workshop and Mentality skateboards.

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