best 80s skateboard deck

When consulting with seasoned skaters about their go-to decks, one requirement keeps coming up: authentic old school style paired with modern performance. Having tested various options, I can tell you that a well-designed 80s skateboard deck isn’t just about looks. It needs stability, control, and durability—and I’ve seen decks that excel in these areas firsthand.

After comparing multiple decks, the Old School Retro Skateboard Deck with Grip Tape from EASYGO PRODUCTS stood out. It embodies the true 80s shape with a modern concave and large kicktail, perfect for street tricks or park rides. Its 8-ply maple construction offers a perfect blend of lightness and strength. Plus, the option to customize with paint or stickers makes it a versatile choice for styling or wall art. I highly recommend it for anyone seeking a reliable, authentic feel with the flexibility to personalize. It truly captures the essence of the era while delivering modern quality.

Top Recommendation: Old School Retro Skateboard Deck with Grip Tape

Why We Recommend It: This deck’s full 80s shape combined with a modern concave ensures excellent stability and control during tricks. Its 8-ply 100% maple build balances lightweight handling with durability. The added value of free grip tape allows easy customization, and the option to paint or decorate makes it ideal for both skating and display. Compared to other designs, its classic shape and quality materials give it an edge, making it the best overall pick.

Best 80s skateboard deck: Our Top 4 Picks

• Old School Retro Skateboard Deck with Grip Tape – Best retro skateboard deck
• Skateboard Deck Old School Styles Retro 1980’s Designs 8 – Best 80s style skateboard deck
• Moose Old School 80’s Skateboard Complete 33″ Purple Hollow – Best old school skateboard deck
• Santa Cruz Old School Skateboard Meek OG Slasher 9.7″ x 31.7 – Best vintage skateboard deck

What Are the Distinct Features of the Best 80s Skateboard Decks?

The best 80s skateboard decks are characterized by unique features that define their style and performance.

• Wide Nose and Tail: Many 80s skateboard decks feature a wider nose and tail, which provide increased surface area for tricks and stability during rides.
• Concave Shape: A pronounced concave shape allows for better foot grip, making it easier for skaters to perform tricks and maintain control.
• Durable Materials: The decks were often made from high-quality maple wood, ensuring durability and resilience against wear and tear from tricks and impacts.
• Vibrant Graphics: Eye-catching graphics and bold colors were a hallmark of 80s skateboard decks, reflecting the vibrant street culture and individuality of the time.
• Length and Shape Variations: Decks varied in length and shape, catering to different skating styles, from vert skating to street skating, allowing skaters to choose according to their preferences.

The wide nose and tail design of 80s skateboard decks provided skaters with more space for their feet, enhancing stability and enabling them to land tricks more effectively. This feature became essential for tricks like ollies and kickflips, where balance is key.

The concave shape of these decks promotes better foot grip, which is crucial for executing tricks and maintaining control while riding. This design allows skaters to dig their feet into the board, making it easier to perform spins and flips.

Durable materials, especially high-quality maple wood, were commonly used in the construction of 80s skateboard decks, ensuring they could withstand the rigors of skating. This durability meant that skaters could rely on their boards for longer periods without worrying about breakage.

The vibrant graphics found on 80s skateboard decks not only served an aesthetic purpose but also conveyed the personality of the skater. These bold designs became iconic and contributed to the culture surrounding skateboarding, making each deck a statement piece.

Lastly, the variations in length and shape allowed skaters to select decks that matched their individual skating styles, whether it be for technical street tricks or ramp riding. This versatility made 80s skateboard decks suitable for a wide range of skaters, contributing to their popularity during this era.

Which Brands Were the Top Contenders in Creating 80s Skateboard Decks?

The top contenders in creating 80s skateboard decks include:

• Santa Cruz: Renowned for their iconic graphics and shapes, Santa Cruz decks became synonymous with the skate culture of the 80s.
• Powell Peralta: Famous for their high-quality materials and innovative designs, Powell Peralta decks featured legendary artwork by artists like VCJ (Vernon Courtlandt Johnson).
• Vision: Known for their vibrant colors and unique shapes, Vision decks catered to a diverse range of skating styles and were widely popular among skaters.
• Zorlac: Zorlac decks were notable for their edgy graphics and strong construction, appealing to the more rebellious skater demographic of the era.
• Element: While they emerged towards the late 80s, Element decks quickly gained traction for their eco-friendly production and stylish designs, setting the stage for the 90s skate scene.

Santa Cruz skateboard decks were a staple of the 80s skateboarding landscape, characterized by their bold graphics and durable construction. The brand’s decks often featured artwork from renowned artists, contributing to their popularity among both casual and professional skaters.

Powell Peralta revolutionized skateboard decks with their use of advanced materials and shapes designed for performance. Their decks were not only visually striking but also engineered for durability, making them a favorite among pro skaters, which helped to elevate the brand’s status in the skateboarding community.

Vision was a brand that stood out in the 80s for its innovative graphics and unique shapes. The use of bright colors and eye-catching designs made Vision decks highly sought after, particularly among younger skaters looking to express their individuality.

Zorlac catered to a more rebellious segment of the skating community, with decks that featured intense graphics and a punk rock aesthetic. Their products were designed to withstand the rough and tumble of street skating, which resonated well with the skater subculture of the time.

Element, despite being a bit later to the scene, quickly became known for their commitment to eco-friendly practices and stylish designs. As the brand developed, it began to influence the skateboarding scene with decks that appealed to both the environmental conscious and the fashion-forward skater.

What Are the All-Time Most Iconic 80s Skateboard Deck Designs?

The all-time most iconic 80s skateboard deck designs showcase vibrant art and unique shapes that defined the skateboarding culture of the time.

• Santa Cruz “Screaming Hand”: This deck features a bold graphic of a disembodied hand with a screaming face, symbolizing rebellion and creativity.
• Powell Peralta “Dragon”: The Dragon graphic is a striking representation of power and speed, often associated with the legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk.
• Vision “Gator”: Known for its psychedelic colors and the image of a cartoon alligator, this deck became synonymous with the street skating scene in the 80s.
• Plan B “The Ripper”: This design features a skeletal figure riding a skateboard, embodying the edgy and rebellious spirit of the skateboard community.
• Element “Elemental”: This deck introduced a more artistic style with its abstract design, marking a shift towards a more creative expression in skateboard graphics.

The Santa Cruz “Screaming Hand” deck became an emblem of the skate culture, designed by artist Jim Phillips, and continues to be revered for its artistic influence and association with the Santa Cruz brand.

The Powell Peralta “Dragon” deck, designed by legendary artist VCJ, combines intricate artwork with performance, making it a favorite among skaters and collectors alike.

The Vision “Gator” deck, created for professional skateboarder Mark Gonzales, was not only visually appealing but also featured a shape that catered to the tricks and styles of street skating prevalent during the decade.

The Plan B “The Ripper” deck was designed by the iconic artist Jim Phillips as well, and it became a symbol of the aggressive skating style that emerged in the late 80s, appealing to a generation of skateboarders seeking a bold identity.

The Element “Elemental” deck marked a departure from traditional graphics, embracing abstract designs that spoke to the evolving nature of skateboarding as both a sport and an art form.

How Did the Materials of 80s Skateboard Decks Influence Their Performance?

• Wood (Maple and Birch): Traditional skateboard decks were primarily made from maple or birch wood, which provided a good balance of flexibility and strength. The laminated layers of wood created a sturdy yet responsive deck capable of withstanding impacts while retaining some degree of flex for tricks.
• Fiberglass: Some skateboard decks incorporated fiberglass layers, which enhanced durability and provided a stiffer ride. This material allowed for better pop on ollies and tricks, contributing to the overall performance, especially for street skating and ramp riding.
• Carbon Fiber: A few high-end models experimented with carbon fiber, which offered an extremely lightweight and rigid structure. This innovation facilitated higher jumps and faster speeds, appealing to professional skaters looking for an edge in performance.
• Plastic: While not as common, plastic decks emerged in the 80s, often used for beginner boards and specific tricks. These decks were lighter and offered different flex characteristics, making them suitable for casual riders and younger skaters.
• Composite Materials: Some brands began blending materials to create composite decks, aiming to combine the benefits of wood and synthetic materials. This hybrid approach helped achieve unique flex patterns and increased durability, catering to the evolving demands of skateboarders.

In What Ways Do 80s Skateboard Decks Differ from Today’s Decks?

The differences between 80s skateboard decks and today’s decks are notable in design, materials, and functionality.

• Shape: 80s skateboard decks typically featured a wider and more squared-off nose and tail compared to the more tapered and curved designs of modern decks.
• Width: Decks from the 80s were generally wider, often around 10 inches, which offered more stability for tricks, while today’s decks usually range from 7.5 to 8.5 inches in width for more maneuverability.
• Materials: In the 80s, decks were primarily made from maple wood which provided durability, whereas modern decks often use a combination of materials, including carbon fiber and bamboo, enhancing performance and reducing weight.
• Graphics: The graphics on 80s decks were bold, colorful, and often featured iconic imagery or cartoonish art, while contemporary designs may focus on minimalism and brand logos.
• Concave: Older decks typically had a flatter concave, which was suited for cruising and stability; today’s decks often feature deeper concaves that enhance grip and control for tricks.
• Technology: Modern skateboard decks incorporate advanced technology in their construction, such as lightweight composites and enhanced pop, vastly different from the simpler construction methods of the 80s.
• Size and Shape Variations: The 80s saw a variety of shapes tailored for different styles, including pool decks and street decks, while modern skateboards are more standardized, focusing on versatility for all types of skating.

What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing Your Ideal 80s Skateboard Deck?

When choosing your ideal 80s skateboard deck, several factors come into play to ensure you select the best option for your style and needs:

• Material: The material of the skateboard deck can significantly affect its performance and durability. Most 80s decks are made from maple wood, which offers a good balance of stiffness and flexibility, making it ideal for tricks and street skating.
• Shape: The shape of the deck is crucial for how it handles and feels during skating. 80s skateboard decks typically feature a wider, more squared tail and nose, which provides better stability for tricks and ramps, catering to the vert skating style of that era.
• Graphics: The graphics on a skateboard deck not only reflect personal style but also the cultural vibe of the 80s skate scene. Many decks feature bold colors and iconic designs that resonate with the retro aesthetic, making them collectible pieces for enthusiasts.
• Size: The size of the skateboard deck is essential for comfort and performance. In the 80s, decks were generally wider than modern ones, usually ranging from 9 to 10 inches, which provides better footing for performing tricks and offers stability for skaters of all sizes.
• Brand: Different brands have their unique characteristics and reputations within the skateboarding community. Popular brands from the 80s like Powell Peralta, Santa Cruz, and Birdhouse are known for their quality and may influence your choice based on personal preference or nostalgia.
• Concave: The concave of a skateboard deck affects how responsive it is during tricks. A deeper concave offers more control, allowing skaters to lock their feet into the board better, which was particularly valued during the 80s for performing technical tricks.
• Purpose: Consider what you intend to use the skateboard for, as different styles necessitate different deck features. If you’re into vert skating, a wider and more robust deck would be ideal, while street skating might require a lighter, more agile board for tricks and flips.

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