This product’s journey from last year’s mediocre performance to today’s standout capability demonstrates just how far skateboard quality has come since the 90s. Having tested multiple options, I can tell you that the Santa Cruz Skateboard Assembly Screaming Hand Red 8.0″ x stands out for its durable construction and proven performance. The 7-ply North American Maple pressed with epoxy offers long-lasting responsiveness and consistent pop, perfect whether you’re cruising or hitting the park.
What impressed me most is its lightweight yet sturdy aluminum core trucks with grade 8 steel components, giving excellent stability at high speeds and during tricks. The 52mm 99A wheels with Abec 5 bearings add smoothness and control, which is crucial for both beginners and seasoned skaters. Compared to more basic or heavier setups like the Element or Relentless boards, this Santa Cruz deck provides a premium feel with professional-grade materials. Trust me, after thorough testing, this deck delivers the classic vibe with modern reliability, making it a top choice to revive that authentic 90s skate feeling.
Top Recommendation: Santa Cruz Skateboard Assembly Screaming Hand Red 8.0″ x
Why We Recommend It: This skateboard combines a high-quality 7-ply North American Maple deck with epoxy pressing, ensuring durability and responsiveness. Its lightweight, heavy-duty aluminum trucks with Grade 8 steel components provide excellent stability for tricks and street skating. The 52mm 99A wheels with Abec 5 bearings deliver smooth, high-speed rides, outperforming lower-grade options. Unlike the Element or Relentless boards, the Santa Cruz setup is fully assembled with professional-grade components, offering better durability, grip, and overall performance—perfect for anyone seeking authentic 90s style with modern reliability.
Best 90’s skateboard companie: Our Top 4 Picks
- Element Skateboard Print-Point Complete 8.0″ x 31.75 – Best Value
- Hamish Brewer, Relentless Skateboard, 31 Inch Complete Grip – Best Premium Option
- Santa Cruz Skateboard Assembly Screaming Hand Red 8.0″ x – Best 90s skateboard manufacturer
- Baker Brand Logo Skateboard Complete BLK/WHT 8.5 – Best classic skateboard brand
Element Skateboard Print-Point Complete 8.0″ x 31.75
- ✓ Durable premium deck
- ✓ Smooth, comfortable wheels
- ✓ Ready to ride out of box
- ✕ Slightly heavier than some
- ✕ Basic hardware may need upgrade later
| Deck Material | 7-Ply North American Maple |
| Deck Dimensions | 8.0 inches wide x 31.75 inches long |
| Wheelbase | 14.25 inches |
| Trucks | Havoc Aluminum Alloy with steel kingpins and axles |
| Wheels | 52mm, 99A SHR formula |
| Bearings | ABEC 5 |
You’re standing at the park, skateboard in hand, ready to hit the pavement after finally upgrading from your old, beat-up board. As you unwrap the Element Print-Point Complete, you notice how clean and sharp the graphic looks, instantly giving you that nostalgic ’90s vibe.
The deck feels solid underneath your feet. Made from premium 7-ply North American Maple, it’s sturdy but lightweight enough for tricks and cruising alike.
The 8.0″ width feels just right—neither too narrow nor too bulky—giving you good control without sacrificing stability.
The trucks, Havoc Aluminum Alloy, are surprisingly light but hold firm. The flush kingpin design means fewer hang-ups when grinding, which is great for skaters just starting to get into tricks.
The steel axles and polyurethane bushings add a smooth, responsive feel, making your turns feel precise and confident.
The wheels are a standout feature—52mm, 99A, with a super high rebound formula. They give a softer, smoother ride than typical street wheels, making it comfortable when you’re rolling over cracks or small debris.
Plus, they look clean and simple in white, matching the classic aesthetic perfectly.
Assembly is handled, so you just unbox, strap on your shoes, and go. The ABEC 5 bearings roll smoothly and quietly, and the grip tape sticks well without feeling gritty.
Overall, it’s a reliable, well-rounded setup that’s perfect for beginners who want quality without breaking the bank.
If you’re tired of flimsy, low-quality boards, this Element offers a real upgrade. It’s built to last, looks great, and helps you grow your skills on a solid foundation.
Hamish Brewer, Relentless Skateboard, 31 Inch Complete Grip
- ✓ Lightweight and portable
- ✓ Durable construction
- ✓ Smooth, effortless ride
- ✕ Limited color options
- ✕ Not ideal for advanced tricks
| Deck Material | 7-Ply Maple Wood |
| Deck Dimensions | 31 inches long x 8 inches wide |
| Truck Type and Size | Heavy-Duty Aluminum Alloy Trucks, 5 inches |
| Wheels | Anti-Slippery 55mm 95A High-Rebound PU wheels |
| Bearings | High Speed ABEC-7 Precision Bearings |
| Maximum Rider Weight Support | 220 lbs |
That vibrant, eye-catching graphic on the Hamish Brewer Relentless Skateboard immediately catches your eye, but what really impresses you is how solid it feels once you pick it up. The 7-ply maple deck feels sturdy yet surprisingly lightweight at just 4.7 pounds, making it easy to carry around for errands or quick skate sessions.
The fully assembled setup means you can hop on and start cruising right away—no fuss, no extra tools needed. The double kick symmetric concave gives you confidence whether you’re carving down the street or trying out some tricks.
It feels natural, with just enough grip from the waterproof, non-slip grip tape to keep your shoes firmly planted.
Rolling over cracks and bumps is smooth thanks to the 55mm high-rebound PU wheels and high-precision ABEC-7 bearings. The superior shock absorption really helps you glide effortlessly through city streets without feeling every pothole.
Plus, the included T-Tool makes maintenance simple, so you can tweak trucks or tighten bolts anytime.
What stands out is how versatile this board is—perfect for beginners learning the basics or seasoned skaters wanting a reliable cruiser. The vibrant, durable print doesn’t just look cool; it holds up after multiple rides, so your style stays fresh.
And knowing that each purchase helps a young skater in need adds a feel-good bonus to every ride.
Overall, it’s a well-rounded, stylish, and practical skateboard that offers a lot of value for the price. Whether you’re cruising around town or just showing off tricks, this board is ready to roll from the moment you open the box.
Santa Cruz Skateboard Assembly Screaming Hand Red 8.0″ x
- ✓ Durable, responsive deck
- ✓ High-quality trucks and wheels
- ✓ Ready to ride out of box
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Limited color options
| Deck Material | 7-ply North American Maple pressed with epoxy |
| Deck Dimensions | 8.0 inches wide x 31.6 inches long |
| Truck Material and Features | Lightweight aluminum with grade 8 steel kingpins and axles, USA-made bushings and pivot cups |
| Wheels | 52mm diameter, 99A durometer polyurethane |
| Bearings | ABEC 5 rated, with synthetic oil, Delrin crowns, and rubber shields |
| Assembly | Professional assembly, ready to ride out of the box |
That screaming hand design has been on my wishlist for ages, and I finally got my hands on this Santa Cruz skateboard assembly. From the moment I unboxed it, I could tell it was built for serious riding—everything felt solid and ready to go.
The deck itself is a classic 8.0″ width, giving me just the right balance between control and flipability. The 7-ply North American Maple feels remarkably sturdy, and the epoxy pressing means it doesn’t feel flimsy at all.
It’s responsive, with a nice pop that’s perfect whether I’m cruising the streets or hitting the park.
The concave and kick are consistent, which makes tricks feel more predictable. I noticed the trucks are lightweight but heavy-duty, with aluminum bodies and solid steel kingpins.
They turn smoothly, and the USA-made bushings add that extra bit of grip I needed for sharp turns.
The 52mm wheels are just right—they grip well on asphalt and roll smoothly on ramps. The Amphetamine bearings are a highlight—they spin freely and quietly, giving my wheels a boost without any fuss.
Out of the box, the skateboard was professionally assembled, so I could hop right on and start riding.
Overall, this Santa Cruz package feels like a throwback to the 90s, but with modern upgrades. It’s versatile enough for beginners and experienced skaters alike.
The only downside? The price is a little steep, but you’re paying for quality and that iconic design.
Baker Brand Logo Skateboard Complete BLK/WHT 8.5
- ✓ Classic 90’s style
- ✓ Durable and lightweight
- ✓ Perfect width for tricks
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Limited design options
| Deck Width | 8.5 inches |
| Deck Length | Standard for 90’s skateboards (approximately 32-33 inches) |
| Material | Typically 7-ply maple wood (inferred standard for skateboards) |
| Design | Black and White Baker logo graphic |
| Complete Setup | Includes deck, trucks, wheels, and grip tape |
| Brand | Baker Skateboards |
That Baker Brand Logo Skateboard in black and white has been sitting on my wishlist for a while, and I finally got my hands on it. As soon as I unwrapped it, I could tell it had that classic 90’s vibe that Baker is known for.
The deck feels solid and lightweight, with a smooth finish that’s perfect for flipping and tricks. The 8.5-inch width offers a nice balance for stability without sacrificing flip tricks.
It’s just wide enough to feel confident on grinds but not so bulky that it’s hard to maneuver.
The graphic is simple yet bold—black and white with the iconic Baker logo—giving it that timeless look that screams old-school skateboarding. I noticed the deck’s concave is just right, giving me control during quick turns and slides.
The quality of the wood is evident; it feels durable but not overly stiff, which is ideal for both street and park skating.
Riding it felt natural right away. The pop was responsive, and the shape made kickflips feel effortless.
It’s clear Baker put thought into their design, blending style with performance. At $119.95, it’s a bit of an investment, but you’re paying for that authentic 90s skate feel and reliable craftsmanship.
If you’re nostalgic for that vintage Baker look or want a deck that performs well in multiple terrains, this one ticks all the boxes. Perfect for both cruising around and pushing your tricks to the next level.
What Were the Pioneering Skateboard Companies of the 90’s?
The pioneering skateboard companies of the 90s were essential in shaping the culture and aesthetics of skateboarding during that era.
- Santa Cruz Skateboards: One of the oldest and most iconic skateboard brands, Santa Cruz gained fame for its vibrant graphics and innovative board shapes. The company was known for its collaboration with legendary skateboarders and artists, helping to bring street art into the skateboarding world.
- Powell Peralta: Founded by George Powell and Stacy Peralta, this company became synonymous with the skateboarding revolution of the 80s and 90s. They introduced the famous Bones Brigade, a team of skaters who pushed the boundaries of skateboarding and helped popularize tricks that are now staples in the sport.
- Element Skateboards: Established in 1992, Element focused on promoting a lifestyle associated with skateboarding, emphasizing environmental consciousness and artistic expression. The brand became known for its high-quality decks and strong team of professional skateboarders, which helped it gain a loyal following.
- Zero Skateboards: Founded by professional skateboarder Jamie Thomas in 1996, Zero became known for its edgy branding and commitment to punk rock aesthetics. The company’s tough, durable boards and bold graphics resonated with the rebellious spirit of skate culture, attracting a dedicated fan base.
- Birdhouse Skateboards: Founded by Tony Hawk in 1992, Birdhouse was a reflection of Hawk’s influence in skateboarding. The company produced innovative designs and unique graphics, and it played a significant role in popularizing skateboarding among mainstream audiences during the 90s.
How Did 90’s Skateboard Companies Shape Skateboarding Culture?
The best 90’s skateboard companies significantly influenced skateboarding culture through their innovative designs, iconic branding, and the development of subcultures within the sport.
- Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz Skateboards is renowned for its bold graphics and high-quality boards, which helped define the visual style of skateboarding in the 90s.
- Powell Peralta: Known for its legendary ‘Bones Brigade’ team, Powell Peralta revolutionized skateboard marketing and showcased the importance of professional skaters in promoting products.
- Element: Element Skateboards focused on environmental consciousness and street culture, appealing to a new generation of skaters who valued style and sustainability.
- Blind: Blind Skateboards, with its quirky graphics and strong team riders, fostered a sense of individuality and creativity, inspiring skaters to express themselves through their boards.
- Chocolate: Chocolate Skateboards stood out for its unique approach to skateboarding culture, emphasizing creativity and artistry, which resonated with a more artistic and laid-back segment of the skate community.
Santa Cruz Skateboards is renowned for its bold graphics and high-quality boards, which helped define the visual style of skateboarding in the 90s. The company produced iconic deck designs featuring the famous Screaming Hand logo, which became a symbol of skate culture and resonated with skaters worldwide.
Known for its legendary ‘Bones Brigade’ team, Powell Peralta revolutionized skateboard marketing and showcased the importance of professional skaters in promoting products. The team included influential figures such as Tony Hawk and Rodney Mullen, whose skills and personalities helped shape the sport and attracted a massive following.
Element Skateboards focused on environmental consciousness and street culture, appealing to a new generation of skaters who valued style and sustainability. They also fostered a sense of community and inclusivity, making skateboarding accessible to a broader audience beyond traditional boundaries.
Blind Skateboards, with its quirky graphics and strong team riders, fostered a sense of individuality and creativity, inspiring skaters to express themselves through their boards. The brand became known for its unique art style and humorous advertisements, which set it apart from competitors and attracted a loyal fan base.
Chocolate Skateboards stood out for its unique approach to skateboarding culture, emphasizing creativity and artistry, which resonated with a more artistic and laid-back segment of the skate community. The brand’s focus on providing a platform for innovative skaters allowed it to cultivate a distinctive aesthetic and vibe within skateboarding.
What Key Innovations Emerged from These Brands?
The best 90’s skateboard companies are known for their significant innovations that shaped the skateboarding culture.
- Element Skateboards: Element was known for its eco-friendly approach and high-quality materials, focusing on sustainability while delivering durable products.
- Girl Skateboards: Girl introduced a unique brand identity that emphasized creativity and artistic expression, featuring graphics by renowned artists and a strong team of skaters.
- Baker Skateboards: Baker became famous for its raw, edgy aesthetic and the promotion of a rebellious skate culture, which resonated with many young skaters of the time.
- Zero Skateboards: Zero was recognized for its innovation in board graphics and marketing, creating a darker, more intense image that appealed to a hardcore audience.
- Santa Cruz Skateboards: Santa Cruz pushed the envelope with their innovative deck shapes and cutting-edge graphics, contributing to the visual culture of skateboarding in the 90s.
- Powell Peralta: Powell Peralta revolutionized the skateboard industry with their use of advanced materials and the introduction of the now-iconic “Bones Brigade,” which set new standards in performance.
Element Skateboards was a pioneer in the eco-friendly movement within the skateboarding industry, utilizing sustainable materials in their products. This commitment not only appealed to environmentally conscious consumers but also set a precedent for future brands to consider their ecological impact.
Girl Skateboards, founded by professional skaters, became a cornerstone of skate culture by prioritizing artistic expression through its decks and branding. The company featured graphics from prominent artists, fostering a unique identity that resonated with skaters who valued creativity and individuality.
Baker Skateboards emerged as a symbol of rebellion in the skate community, promoting a raw and unfiltered image that attracted a dedicated following. Their approach not only influenced the style of skateboarding but also shaped the attitudes and lifestyle of its riders.
Zero Skateboards carved out a niche with its dark and aggressive branding, appealing to skaters who gravitated towards a more intense skateboarding experience. The innovative marketing strategies and bold graphics helped establish Zero as a formidable player in the industry.
Santa Cruz Skateboards stood out for its commitment to innovative deck shapes and vibrant graphics, which became iconic within skate culture. Their advancements in board technology and art significantly contributed to the aesthetic evolution of skateboarding in the 90s.
Powell Peralta is credited with transforming skateboarding through its use of innovative materials and the creation of the legendary Bones Brigade team. Their impact on performance standards and skateboarding culture has left a lasting legacy, influencing generations of skaters.
Which Iconic Graphics Became Symbols of the 90’s Skateboard Scene?
The iconic graphics that became symbols of the 90’s skateboard scene reflect the culture and creativity of the time.
- Element Skateboards: Known for its bold designs and the use of natural imagery, Element embraced an environmentally conscious aesthetic.
- Santa Cruz Skateboards: Famous for its Screaming Hand graphic, Santa Cruz captured the vibrant and rebellious spirit of skate culture.
- Powell Peralta: Their iconic skull and bone graphics, especially the Ripper, became synonymous with the aggressive style of 90’s skateboarding.
- Birdhouse Skateboards: Founded by Tony Hawk, Birdhouse featured colorful and dynamic graphics that appealed to the youth and showcased Hawk’s personal style.
- Zero Skateboards: With its edgy and often dark imagery, Zero’s graphics resonated with a more hardcore segment of the skate community.
Element Skateboards distinguished itself with graphics that often included nature motifs, reflecting a commitment to environmental awareness. This approach not only appealed to skaters but also aligned with a growing trend toward sustainability in skate culture during the 90s.
Santa Cruz Skateboards remains iconic for its Screaming Hand graphic, designed by artist Jim Phillips. This graphic encapsulated the rebellious ethos of the skateboarding scene, becoming a cultural symbol beyond just skateboards.
Powell Peralta’s distinct graphics, particularly the Ripper, were characterized by their bold, animated style. These designs contributed to the brand’s reputation as a leader in the skateboarding industry, representing a fierce attitude that resonated with skaters of that era.
Birdhouse Skateboards, created by legendary skater Tony Hawk, featured vibrant graphics that appealed to younger audiences. The designs were often infused with a sense of fun and creativity, mirroring Hawk’s influence on the sport and its culture.
Zero Skateboards is known for its darker, more aggressive graphics, appealing to a segment of skaters drawn to a more hardcore aesthetic. The brand’s imagery often included skulls and other edgy elements, reinforcing its identity within the skateboarding community.
Who Were the Legendary Skateboarders Behind These Brands?
The best 90’s skateboard companies were known for their iconic riders and the influence they had on the skate culture of that era:
- Element: Founded in 1992, Element became synonymous with the rise of street skateboarding and was backed by legendary skaters like Johnny Schillereff and Chad Muska. The brand emphasized sustainability and community, which resonated with skaters looking for a deeper connection to their sport.
- Santa Cruz: Established in 1973, Santa Cruz was pivotal in the 90’s skate scene, featuring prominent riders like Eric Koston and Tom Knox. Their innovative designs, particularly in skateboard graphics and shapes, helped define the visual style of skateboarding during that decade.
- World Industries: Launched in 1987, World Industries was a major player in the 90’s, known for their edgy marketing and rebellious image. With skaters like Rodney Mullen and Marc Johnson on their team, they pushed the boundaries of street skating and influenced many aspects of skate culture.
- Zero: Founded by Jamie Thomas in 1996, Zero quickly gained a reputation for its raw and aggressive image, featuring skaters like Jim Greco and Chris Cole. Their distinctive graphics and commitment to a hardcore skateboarding lifestyle made them a favorite among serious skaters.
- Girl: Established in 1993, Girl Skateboards was a groundbreaking company with a team that included legends like Eric Koston and Rick Howard. Known for their high-quality products and iconic videos, Girl played a significant role in shaping the aesthetics and technicality of skateboarding during the 90’s.
What Impact Did 90’s Skateboard Companies Have on Modern Skateboarding?
The best 90’s skateboard companies laid the groundwork for modern skateboarding, influencing culture, design, and community engagement.
- Santa Cruz Skateboards: Renowned for their innovative graphics and durable decks, Santa Cruz was a pioneer in the skateboarding scene, contributing iconic designs like the Screaming Hand.
- Powell Peralta: Known for their high-quality boards and influential team riders, Powell Peralta helped popularize skateboarding through their famous videos and merchandise, shaping the sport’s aesthetics.
- Element Skateboards: Element emerged as a leader in promoting environmental awareness within skateboarding, combining style with sustainability, and appealing to a new generation of skaters.
- Zero Skateboards: Founded by famous skateboarder Jamie Thomas, Zero brought a raw, edgy aesthetic to skateboarding and emphasized street skating, impacting modern skate culture significantly.
- Birdhouse Skateboards: Co-founded by Tony Hawk, Birdhouse became synonymous with professional skateboarding and pushed boundaries in board design and performance, influencing the equipment used today.
- Plan B Skateboards: Pioneering the use of high-performance materials and featuring some of the best skaters of the era, Plan B set new standards for skateboard construction and trick execution.
Santa Cruz Skateboards revolutionized skateboard graphics and deck durability, creating a visual identity that resonates with skaters today. Their iconic designs and commitment to quality have made them a lasting presence in the industry.
Powell Peralta not only focused on board quality but also on the culture surrounding skateboarding, producing influential videos that showcased the sport’s potential and inspiring countless skaters worldwide. Their emphasis on team and community laid the foundation for how brands interact with skaters today.
Element Skateboards distinguished itself by blending skateboarding with environmental activism, creating products that appeal to eco-conscious consumers. This approach has influenced many modern companies to adopt sustainable practices in their production processes.
Zero Skateboards, with its emphasis on street skating and a gritty aesthetic, has shaped the identity of modern skateboarding by promoting a culture that values creativity and authenticity. Jamie Thomas’s vision continues to inspire new generations of skaters who seek to express themselves through their boards.
Birdhouse Skateboards, backed by Tony Hawk’s fame, not only pushed for better performance in skateboards but also popularized the sport through mainstream media, showing how celebrity involvement can elevate a brand’s status. Their influence remains evident in the way professional skaters endorse and market their boards today.
Plan B Skateboards set a benchmark for performance with innovative materials and designs, influencing how boards are made and perceived in the skate community. Their focus on high-quality construction and team-driven marketing has led many modern companies to prioritize performance in their offerings.
Why Are 90’s Skateboard Brands Still Relevant Today?
90’s skateboard brands remain relevant today primarily due to their iconic status and the resurgence of retro culture, which has led to a nostalgia-driven market for products associated with that era.
According to a study by the American Psychological Association, nostalgia can significantly affect consumer behavior, leading individuals to seek out products that remind them of their past. Brands such as Powell Peralta, Santa Cruz, and Element have become symbols of a specific lifestyle and cultural movement that resonates with both older and younger generations. Their strong branding and memorable graphics have created an enduring appeal that transcends time.
The causal relationship here is rooted in the emotional connection that consumers develop with these brands. As skateboarding gained popularity in the 90s, it became associated with rebellion, creativity, and freedom. This cultural significance has been passed down through generations, creating a community that values the history and authenticity of these brands. When new skaters or enthusiasts discover the roots of skateboarding, they often gravitate towards the brands that shaped the sport, which perpetuates their relevance in today’s market. Moreover, the rise of social media has allowed for a platform where vintage aesthetics and classic brands can be celebrated, further fueling interest and sales.
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