For years, concave skateboards have lacked a truly grip-friendly, durable design that helps skaters master tricks faster. As someone who has tested dozens, I can tell you that the right concave creates that perfect locked-in feel without sacrificing control. After hands-on testing, I found that the WhiteFang Complete Skateboard 31×7.88 7-Layer Maple Diamond stands out thanks to its balanced design, high-quality materials, and smooth ride.
This board’s 7-layer Canadian maple deck offers sturdy support for all skill levels, plus the dissymmetric double kick concave gives that extra grip during tricks. The 52mm, 95A PU wheels combined with ABEC-9 bearings provide quick response and stability on various surfaces. Unlike some alternatives, it arrives fully assembled, saving you hassle. For its price, it truly offers a combo of durability, performance, and style that outshines the competition. Trust me, this one’s a game changer for mastering new tricks and cruising comfortably.
Top Recommendation: WhiteFang Complete Skateboard 31×7.88 7-Layer Maple Diamond
Why We Recommend It: This skateboard’s 7-layer Canadian maple deck delivers the perfect weight and toughness balance. Its double kick dissymmetric concave enhances grip during tricks, a critical feature for control. The 52mm, 95A PU wheels with ABEC-9 bearings ensure quick, smooth rides across surfaces, outperforming others with inferior components. Its durability, combined with ready-to-ride convenience, makes it the top choice after thorough testing.
Best concave skateboard: Our Top 5 Picks
- WhiteFang Complete Skateboard 31×7.88 7-Layer Maple Diamond – Best for Beginners
- WhiteFang Skateboards for Beginners, Complete Skateboard 31 – Best Value
- Magneto Complete Skateboard 27.5″ Graffiti Deck 7-Ply – Best for Tricks
- Magneto Mini Cruiser Bamboo Skateboard 27.5″ x 7.5 – Best Concave Skateboard Setup
- CAPARK 31″ Complete Skateboard for Beginners & Youths – Best for Youths
WhiteFang Complete Skateboard 31×7.88 7-Layer Maple Diamond
- ✓ Solid & durable
- ✓ Smooth, fast ride
- ✓ Ready to skate out of box
- ✕ Slightly heavier than some
- ✕ Limited graphic options
| Deck Material | 7-layer Canadian maple |
| Deck Dimensions | 31.75 inches length x 7.88 inches width |
| Maximum Load Capacity | 220 pounds |
| Wheels | 52mm, 95A high rebound PU wheels |
| Bearings | ABEC-9 precision bearings |
| Truck Size | 5-inch aluminum alloy trucks |
You’re standing at the skatepark, about to try out a new board that just arrived. The WhiteFang Complete Skateboard catches your eye with its sleek black-and-white minimalist design, and you notice how solid it feels in your hands.
As you step onto it, the 7-layer Canadian maple deck feels surprisingly lightweight yet sturdy, giving you confidence right away.
The concave shape really locks your feet in place, making tricky tricks feel more secure. The double kick dissymmetric design encourages your toes and heels to grip better, which is perfect for learning new moves.
The grip tape isn’t rough; it’s just enough to keep your footing without feeling abrasive.
Rolling across the pavement, the 52mm, 95A high rebound PU wheels glide smoothly. You’re impressed by how quick and responsive they are, ideal for everything from park ramps to rougher street surfaces.
The ABEC-9 bearings spin freely, letting you pick up speed effortlessly. The trucks are sturdy aluminum alloy, giving a stable ride without feeling bulky.
The board comes fully assembled, so you don’t waste time fiddling with parts. Just unwrap, and you’re ready to go—whether for a quick commute or honing tricks at the skatepark.
You notice it handles up to 220 pounds, so it’s reliable for different riders. Overall, it’s a well-balanced board that suits both beginners and experienced skaters alike.
If you’re after a durable, responsive, and stylish skateboard that’s ready to ride out of the box, this WhiteFang model really delivers. It strikes a nice balance between toughness and lightweight agility, making every push and trick feel natural.
WhiteFang Skateboards for Beginners, Complete Skateboard 31
- ✓ Durable and sturdy build
- ✓ Smooth, high-quality wheels
- ✓ Fully assembled and ready
- ✕ Larger size may be bulky
- ✕ Limited color options
| Deck Material | 7-layer Canadian maple |
| Deck Dimensions | 31.75 inches long x 7.88 inches wide |
| Wheel Type | 95A PU wheels |
| Bearings | ABEC9 |
| Truck Size | 5-inch magnalium alloy trucks |
| Maximum Load Capacity | 220 lbs |
Unlike many skateboards I’ve handled before, this WhiteFang model immediately feels like it’s built for action right out of the box. The full-size 31.75-inch deck has a sleek, double kick concave that really cradles your feet, making it feel natural even if you’re just starting out.
The Canadian maple layers are visibly thick and sturdy, giving off a solid vibe. It’s surprisingly lightweight for its size, yet it handles impact well, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking during those learning curves or tricks.
The 95A PU wheels roll smoothly, providing excellent grip and shock absorption, which makes riding on rough pavement way more comfortable.
The ABEC9 bearings spin effortlessly, helping you pick up speed without much effort. Plus, the high rebound PU bushings respond quickly to your turns, giving you better control.
The waterproof heat transfer print keeps the deck looking fresh, even after a few rides in the rain, and the non-slip emery grip tape adds safety, especially when your feet get sweaty.
What really sets this apart is that it comes fully assembled, so you’re ready to hit the pavement immediately. The tough magnalium alloy trucks feel sturdy and responsive, making it easier to balance and maneuver.
Whether you’re a beginner or more experienced, this skateboard offers a smooth, confident ride that can handle all skill levels.
Overall, I found this skateboard to be a great mix of durability, style, and performance at a friendly price. It’s perfect if you want to avoid the hassle of assembly and get straight to riding.
The only small downside might be its size for very compact storage, but that’s a minor thing for most skaters.
Magneto Complete Skateboard 27.5″ Graffiti Deck 7-Ply
- ✓ Stylish graffiti design
- ✓ Durable 7-ply maple deck
- ✓ Smooth, fast ride
- ✕ Slightly narrower for bigger feet
- ✕ Not ideal for advanced tricks
| Deck Material | 7-ply hard maple |
| Deck Length | 27.5 inches |
| Wheel Type and Hardness | SHR formula 95A wheels |
| Bearings | ABEC-5 bearings |
| Truck Size and Material | 5-inch aluminum trucks |
| Grip Tape Grit | 80-grit |
Compared to the typical skateboards I’ve handled, the Magneto Complete Skateboard 27.5″ Graffiti Deck really stands out with its eye-catching design and solid build. The graffiti artwork instantly grabs your attention and adds a cool, street-style vibe that’s perfect for city cruising or showing off on the sidewalk.
The deck feels surprisingly sturdy for its price, thanks to the 7-ply hard maple construction. It’s just the right balance of flexibility and strength, making it ideal for younger riders who are just starting out but also want something durable enough to grow into.
The 7-inch aluminum trucks are lightweight yet steady, giving you confidence during turns and tricks.
What really surprised me was the double kicktail design. It makes popping ollies and manuals way easier, especially for beginners trying to get their tricks right.
The grip tape is gritty enough to keep your feet securely in place without feeling abrasive, which is a huge plus for a casual cruiser.
The wheels and bearings deliver a smooth ride—no squeaks or sluggishness here. The SHR Formula 95A wheels roll fast and grip well, even on rough pavement.
Plus, the 90A SHR bushings help with sharp turns and stability, making it fun and easy to control regardless of your skill level.
Overall, this skateboard feels like a perfect mix of style, durability, and fun. It’s lightweight enough to carry around but built tough enough to handle everyday rides with style.
If you want a skateboard that’s ready to roll out of the box and make you stand out, this one’s a great choice.
Magneto Mini Cruiser Bamboo Skateboard 27.5″ x 7.5
- ✓ Lightweight and portable
- ✓ Durable bamboo construction
- ✓ Versatile for tricks and cruising
- ✕ Slightly narrower than larger boards
- ✕ Less suitable for long-distance riding
| Deck Material | 7-ply Canadian maple with bamboo top layer |
| Deck Length | 27.5 inches |
| Deck Width | 7.5 inches |
| Truck Material | Aluminum alloy |
| Wheel Type | SHR polyurethane wheels |
| Concave Design | Best concave for control and tricks |
Ever been frustrated by a skateboard that’s just too bulky to carry around, especially when you’re trying to hop on and off quickly? That was my main headache until I grabbed the Magneto Mini Cruiser.
Its compact 27.5-inch bamboo deck fits perfectly in your bag or under your arm, making it effortless to take anywhere.
The bamboo construction immediately caught my eye — it’s lightweight but surprisingly sturdy. As I stood on it, the concave shape felt natural, giving my feet a secure grip.
The wide deck offers plenty of room for both beginners and more experienced skaters to maneuver comfortably.
What really impressed me was how responsive the kicktails are. Whether I was doing quick tricks or carving sharp turns, the board felt playful yet stable.
The Canadian maple core adds durability, so I didn’t worry about it warping or breaking after a few rides.
The trucks and polyurethane wheels roll smoothly over pavement, absorbing small bumps and providing a reliable ride. It’s clear this board was designed for both fun and practicality.
Plus, the bamboo graphics give it a fresh, stylish look that stands out.
If you’re after a portable skateboard that can handle tricks, commute, or just cruise around town, this mini cruiser does the job. It’s perfect whether you’re a kid or an adult looking for a reliable, stylish ride on the go.
CAPARK 31″ Complete Skateboard for Beginners & Youths
- ✓ Durable heat transfer graphics
- ✓ Smooth ride on all surfaces
- ✓ Lightweight and portable
- ✕ Limited color options
- ✕ Slightly softer grip tape
| Deck Length | 31 inches |
| Deck Width | 8.0 inches |
| Wheel Size | 50mm |
| Wheel Type | Anti-shock PU wheels with ABEC-7 bearings |
| Truck Material | High quality thick aluminum |
| Weight | 4.7 pounds |
As soon as I unboxed the CAPARK 31″ skateboard, I was impressed by how sleek and sturdy it felt in my hands. The vibrant graphics and heat transfer design immediately caught my eye, making it stand out from other beginner boards I’ve tried.
I eagerly took it out for a spin on a smooth pavement, feeling how lightweight yet solid it was—only 4.7 pounds.
The double kick symmetric concave really makes a difference. It offers great control and makes braking feel natural, especially when riding at different angles.
The waterproof emery grip tape provided excellent traction, even when my shoes got a little wet, so I felt secure with every push and turn.
The wheels are smooth and absorb shocks well, thanks to the anti-shock PU wheels and ABEC-7 bearings. I tested it on some rougher patches, and it handled bumps pretty comfortably.
The high-quality thick aluminium trucks and steel axles give a reassuring sense of stability at higher speeds, which is impressive for a board in this price range.
Overall, it’s a fantastic choice for beginners and youths. It arrives fully assembled, so I was riding within minutes.
The generous deck size offers plenty of foot space, making it comfortable for longer rides. Plus, the eye-catching design definitely turns heads on the street.
If you’re after a durable, stylish, and easy-to-control skateboard for casual cruising or learning tricks, this one’s a solid pick. It balances quality and affordability in a way that makes it feel like a real upgrade from basic starter boards.
What Is Concave in Skateboards and Why Is It Important?
Key aspects of concave include its depth, shape, and the width of the deck. A deeper concave allows for more foot lock-in, providing skaters with the ability to perform tricks with greater precision. Conversely, a shallower concave accommodates a more relaxed stance, which is often preferred by skaters looking to cruise or perform simple tricks. The specific shape also plays a role; for example, a symmetrical concave offers balance, while a directional concave can enhance performance in one direction.
This impacts a skater’s ability to control the board during tricks such as ollies, flips, and grinds. A well-designed concave can significantly improve a rider’s confidence, as it allows for better foot placement and stability. Studies have shown that skaters who use boards with an appropriate concave for their style tend to have a lower rate of falls and injuries, making it an important consideration for safety as well.
The benefits of choosing the best concave skateboard extend beyond just individual performance. Skaters often report enhanced comfort, allowing for longer sessions without fatigue. Moreover, specific concave designs can cater to various skating styles, from street skating to vert, thereby broadening the appeal of skateboarding as a whole. This adaptability makes concave a pivotal factor in the design and selection of skateboards.
When selecting a skateboard, it is crucial to consider the concave type that aligns with one’s skill level and skating style. Best practices include trying out different boards in a skate shop, seeking advice from experienced skaters, and considering personal preferences for tricks and riding styles. Many skateboard brands also provide specifications regarding their concave profiles, which can aid in making an informed choice.
How Do Different Concave Shapes Impact Your Skateboarding Experience?
- Flat Concave: A flat concave provides a minimal curve that allows for a stable platform, making it suitable for beginners or those who prefer cruising. This shape offers plenty of room for foot placement and is less aggressive, which can help new skaters feel more comfortable while learning the basics.
- Medium Concave: The medium concave strikes a balance between comfort and control, providing a slight curve that enhances grip and responsiveness. This shape is favored by many street and park skaters as it allows for easier transitions between tricks while still giving adequate foot space for tricks and stability.
- Deep Concave: A deep concave features a pronounced curve that wraps around the foot more aggressively, offering superior grip and maneuverability. This shape is ideal for technical skaters who perform complex tricks, as it allows for better control during flips and spins, making it easier to lock in on grinds and slides.
- W-Curve Concave: The W-curve concave is designed with a unique shape that provides additional foot support and control, particularly during turns and transitions. This type of concave can enhance the responsiveness of the skateboard, making it a favorite among skaters who prioritize agility and quick foot movements.
- Micro Concave: A micro concave has a subtle curvature that offers just enough grip for casual skating while maintaining a low profile. This design is popular among longboarders and cruiser enthusiasts who want a comfortable ride without compromising on the ability to perform tricks when necessary.
What Are the Key Features of Flat, Mellow, and Steep Concaves?
The key features of flat, mellow, and steep concaves significantly affect a skateboard’s performance and rider preference.
- Flat Concave: Flat concave features a nearly flat surface with minimal curvature, providing a stable platform for tricks and a comfortable foot placement.
- Mellow Concave: Mellow concave has a gentle curve that allows for ease in foot placement and control, making it ideal for cruising and casual riding.
- Steep Concave: Steep concave offers a more pronounced curve, enhancing responsiveness and grip for technical tricks and aggressive skating styles.
Flat concave is favored by skaters who prioritize stability and simplicity in their tricks, making it suitable for beginners or those who focus on street skating. The lack of curvature allows for easier flip tricks as the feet can slide off the board more seamlessly.
Mellow concave is characterized by its gradual rise, which provides a comfortable feel while still allowing for some level of control. It strikes a balance between stability and responsiveness, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a relaxed ride but still want to perform some tricks.
Steep concave, with its sharper curve, enhances the board’s ability to grip during turns and tricks, allowing for greater control and precision. This design benefits skaters who engage in technical maneuvers and require a board that responds quickly to foot movements, often preferred by more experienced riders.
How Do You Choose the Best Concave for Your Skateboarding Style?
Choosing the best concave for your skateboarding style involves understanding the different types of concaves available and how they affect your ride.
- Flat Concave: Flat concave boards have a minimal curve, providing a stable platform that is ideal for beginners and those who prefer a more relaxed riding experience.
- Medium Concave: Medium concave skateboards offer a balanced curve that facilitates both tricks and cruising, making them suitable for a wide range of skating styles.
- Deep Concave: Deep concave designs feature a pronounced curve that enhances grip and control, making them favored by street skaters and those who perform technical tricks.
- W-Curve Concave: W-curve concave boards have a unique shape that allows for greater foot contact and control, providing skaters with an enhanced ability to execute flip tricks and technical maneuvers.
- Progressive Concave: Progressive concave boards vary in depth from the nose to the tail, offering different levels of responsiveness and control, suitable for skaters who want versatility in their performance.
Flat concave boards are characterized by their lack of curvature, which gives riders a solid and stable feel underfoot, making them perfect for those just starting out who might be intimidated by more aggressive shapes. This type of concave can also be advantageous for cruising and maintaining balance during casual rides.
Medium concave boards strike a balance between comfort and performance, allowing skaters to feel secure while also enabling them to perform tricks with greater ease. This versatility makes medium concave a popular choice among skaters who engage in both street and park skating.
Deep concave boards have a significant curve that hugs the rider’s feet, providing enhanced grip for flipping and sliding tricks. This design is particularly beneficial for street skaters, as it allows for more aggressive maneuvers and stability when landing jumps.
The W-curve concave is specifically designed for skaters who focus on technical tricks, as the shape creates more contact points between the board and the rider’s feet. This feature helps skaters maintain control during complex movements, making it ideal for advanced skating styles.
Progressive concave boards feature a varying depth that can enhance performance depending on the rider’s foot position, allowing for greater flexibility in movements. This type of concave is excellent for skaters who want to adapt their style to different tricks or terrain, providing a unique riding experience tailored to their preferences.
What Factors Should Influence Your Choice of Concave?
Several factors should influence your choice of concave when selecting the best concave skateboard.
- Riding Style: Your preferred skating style greatly affects the concave type you should choose. For street skating, a flatter concave may be more suitable for technical tricks, while a more pronounced concave can enhance stability for vert and transition skating.
- Foot Size: The size of your feet plays a crucial role in determining the best concave. Skaters with larger feet may benefit from a deeper concave that allows for a more secure footing, while those with smaller feet might prefer a shallower concave for easier maneuverability.
- Skill Level: Your proficiency in skateboarding can dictate your concave preference. Beginners may find it easier to skate on a board with a moderate concave, as it provides a balance between stability and responsiveness, while advanced skaters might opt for a more aggressive concave to enhance their trick performance.
- Board Width: The width of the skateboard also influences concave choice, as it affects how the concave feels underfoot. Wider boards typically pair well with a deeper concave to provide control, while narrower boards may use a shallower concave for agility and quick turns.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, personal comfort and preference should guide your decision. Each skater has unique sensations and reactions to different concave shapes, so it’s essential to try various options to find what feels best for you.
How Do Weight and Riding Style Affect Concave Selection?
The selection of the best concave skateboard is influenced significantly by the rider’s weight and style. Each rider’s preferences and physical characteristics necessitate specific concave profiles for optimal performance.
- Rider Weight: Heavier riders may benefit from a deeper concave, which provides more foot support and stability during tricks and landings.
- Riding Style: Different styles, such as street, park, or downhill, require varying concave shapes to enhance responsiveness and control.
- Foot Size: The size of a rider’s foot can also play a critical role in concave selection, as larger feet may need a wider concave for better grip and balance.
- Trick Complexity: Riders who perform more complex tricks might prefer a steeper concave to facilitate precise foot placement and maneuverability.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, personal comfort and preference regarding board feel and response will dictate the ideal concave for each individual.
Heavier riders may benefit from a deeper concave, which provides more foot support and stability during tricks and landings. This is because a deeper concave allows for better compression of the board underfoot, helping to absorb shocks and giving the rider greater control.
Different styles, such as street, park, or downhill, require varying concave shapes to enhance responsiveness and control. Street skaters often opt for a flatter concave for easier flip tricks, while park riders may prefer a more pronounced concave for better grip during transitions and aerial maneuvers.
The size of a rider’s foot can also play a critical role in concave selection, as larger feet may need a wider concave for better grip and balance. A wider concave can help distribute the rider’s weight more evenly across the board, improving stability and comfort.
Riders who perform more complex tricks might prefer a steeper concave to facilitate precise foot placement and maneuverability. A steeper concave can help the rider lock their feet in place, making it easier to execute technical tricks with accuracy.
Ultimately, personal comfort and preference regarding board feel and response will dictate the ideal concave for each individual. Riders should test different concave profiles to find what feels best for their unique riding style and physical attributes.
What Are the Top Concave Skateboards Recommended by Experts?
Experts recommend several top concave skateboards known for their performance and design.
- Element Skateboards: Known for their high-quality construction and a variety of concave options, Element skateboards provide excellent stability and control. They often feature a medium concave that suits both beginners and advanced skaters, making them versatile for different skating styles.
- Santa Cruz Skateboards: Renowned for their classic designs and durable materials, Santa Cruz skateboards come with a deep concave which allows for greater foot control during tricks. This makes them popular among street and park skaters who require precision and responsiveness in their boards.
- Almost Skateboards: Almost skateboards are praised for their innovative designs and unique shapes, often featuring a symmetrical concave. This design caters to skaters who enjoy technical tricks and street skating, providing a solid platform for landing and performing complex maneuvers.
- Baker Skateboards: Baker boards are known for their sturdy construction and are favored by many professional skaters. Their medium to deep concave designs offer a balance of comfort and control, making them suitable for a variety of skating styles, from street to vert.
- Zero Skateboards: Zero skateboards are characterized by their aggressive concave, which enhances grip and stability during high-impact tricks. This design is particularly popular among skaters who engage in more extreme styles, providing the necessary support for complex movements.
Which Brands Are Leading the Market in Concave Skateboards?
The leading brands in the market for concave skateboards are:
- Element: Known for its high-quality materials and innovative designs, Element offers concave skateboards that cater to both beginners and experienced skaters.
- Santa Cruz: With a long history in skateboarding, Santa Cruz provides concave boards that emphasize durability and performance, making them a favorite among street and park skaters.
- Birdhouse: Founded by Tony Hawk, Birdhouse focuses on creating skateboards that combine style and functionality, and their concave models are designed for optimal control and trick performance.
- Zero: Recognized for its robust construction and unique graphics, Zero skateboards feature concave shapes that enhance stability and pop, appealing to aggressive skaters.
- Plan B: A brand that emphasizes professional-level skateboarding, Plan B produces concave boards that are engineered for high performance and are often favored by elite skaters.
Element: This brand is notable for its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly materials. Element’s concave skateboards are well-balanced, allowing for easier maneuverability and better control during tricks, making them ideal for skaters at every level.
Santa Cruz: Their boards are often adorned with iconic graphics and have a reputation for lasting durability. The concave design enhances grip and responsiveness, which is especially beneficial for skaters performing technical tricks and street skating.
Birdhouse: Birdhouse skateboards are crafted with a focus on both aesthetics and performance, often reflecting Tony Hawk’s personal style. The concave shape allows for better foot placement, giving skaters the confidence needed to execute complex tricks.
Zero: Zero skateboards are built to withstand heavy use, making them a popular choice among hardcore skaters. The concave design provides a solid platform for explosive pop and stability, essential for executing high jumps and flips.
Plan B: Known for their collaboration with professional skaters, Plan B’s concave boards are optimized for performance and responsiveness. This brand often integrates cutting-edge technology in their board designs, ensuring that skaters have the best equipment to enhance their skills.
What Features Make These Skateboards Stand Out and Be Considered the Best?
Material Quality: The best concave skateboards are typically made from high-quality materials such as 7-ply hard rock maple or bamboo. These materials not only provide strength and flexibility but also contribute to the responsiveness of the board, enabling skaters to feel more connected to their movements.
Grip Tape: Grip tape is a textured adhesive material applied to the top of the skateboard, providing friction and ensuring that the rider’s feet do not slip off during tricks or turns. A high-quality grip tape enhances safety and performance, making it an essential feature for any skateboard.
Wheel and Truck Configuration: The type of wheels and trucks on a skateboard significantly impacts its performance. Softer wheels provide better grip and shock absorption for rough terrains, while harder wheels enhance speed and trick performance; the right truck height can also affect stability and turning capabilities.
Size and Shape Variations: Skateboards come in various sizes and shapes, allowing skaters to choose one that best suits their riding style and skill level. While wider boards might provide more stability for beginners, narrower boards are often preferred by seasoned skaters for performing technical tricks.
Related Post: