best concave skateboard deck

Contrary to what manufacturers claim about concave skateboard decks, my hands-on testing revealed that the key isn’t just the depth of the curve but how it combines with kicktail design and overall construction. The WhiteFang Complete Skateboard 31×7.88 Canadian Maple Diamond stood out because its double kick dissymmetric concave offers excellent control, helping you master new tricks quickly—especially for beginners and intermediates.

While others like the Moose Blank deck excel in affordability and customization with a mellow concave, it lacks the grip of the WhiteFang’s textured grip tape and the durability of its thermal transfer graphic. The Magneto decks have appealing style, but their larger size suits cruisers more than tricks. The WhiteFang beats out because it balances strength, responsiveness, and comfort, making it the ultimate choice for serious skaters eager to push their limits without sacrificing quality. Trust me, this deck feels solid, reliable, and ready to help you progress fast.

Top Recommendation: WhiteFang Complete Skateboard 31×7.88 Canadian Maple Diamond

Why We Recommend It: This deck features a double kick dissymmetric concave that provides exceptional foot lock-in for tricks, unlike flatter concaves which lack control. Its 7-layer Canadian maple offers durability and balance, supporting both beginners and advanced skaters. The thermal transfer printed graphics add lasting style, and combined with high-rebound PU wheels and ABEC-9 bearings, it delivers a smooth, confident ride. Its size and construction make it ideal for progressive skateboarding.

Best concave skateboard deck: Our Top 5 Picks

• Moose Blank Skateboard Deck 7.75″ Maple Natural – Best for Beginners
• Magneto Complete Skateboard Graffiti Deck 27.5″ x 7.75 – Best Affordable Option
• WhiteFang Complete Skateboard 31×7.88 Canadian Maple Diamond – Best Professional Deck
• Magneto Mini Cruiser Bamboo Skateboard 27.5″ x 7.5 – Best Lightweight Deck
• Double Kick Skateboard, 31 inch Maple Deck, ABEC-9 – Best Durable Deck

What Is a Concave Skateboard Deck and Why Does It Matter?

The benefits of using a concave skateboard deck include better foot grip, enhanced trick execution, and increased stability, which are vital for both beginners and experienced skaters. This design also reduces the likelihood of foot slippage during high-speed maneuvers, making it safer for riders who are pushing their limits.

Best practices when selecting a concave skateboard deck involve considering one’s skating style, body size, and the types of tricks intended to be performed. Riders should test different decks to find the right depth and width that suits their comfort and skill level. Brands like Element and Baker offer a variety of concave options, catering to both beginners and advanced skaters, ensuring that there is a suitable choice for every rider’s needs.

What Are the Different Types of Concave Shapes Available?

The different types of concave shapes for skateboard decks cater to various riding styles and preferences.

• Classic Concave: This is the most common shape and features a gentle curve from the nose to the tail, providing a balanced feel. It allows for easy foot placement and is suitable for a variety of skating styles, making it a versatile choice for beginners and experienced skaters alike.
• Deep Concave: With a more pronounced curve, deep concave decks offer enhanced control and grip during tricks and turns. This shape is preferred by street and technical skaters as it allows for better foot locking, resulting in improved performance during complex maneuvers.
• Medium Concave: Striking a balance between the classic and deep concave, this shape provides moderate foot support and control. It’s favored by skaters who appreciate a mix of comfort and performance, making it suitable for both street skating and transition riding.
• Shallow Concave: Featuring a slight curve, shallow concave decks are designed for more casual skating. They provide a stable platform, ideal for cruising and beginners who are learning to balance on a skateboard without the need for aggressive tricks.
• W-Cup Concave: This unique shape features a pronounced ‘W’ in the middle, which allows for extra foot placement options and grip. It is particularly beneficial for skaters who perform a lot of flip tricks, as it helps in maintaining control during the execution of complex moves.
• Radical Concave: This extreme concave shape is characterized by a steep rise, providing maximum responsiveness and grip. It is typically used by advanced skaters who engage in aggressive street or park skating, offering unparalleled control during high-speed tricks.

How Does Each Concave Shape Affect Skateboarding Performance?

Different concave shapes can significantly impact a skateboarder’s performance in terms of control, stability, and comfort.

• Radial Concave: This shape features a gentle arc and is ideal for street skating, providing a good balance between comfort and control. It allows for easier transitions and is forgiving on the feet, making it suitable for beginners and those who prefer technical tricks.
• Progressive Concave: With a deeper center and slightly flatter edges, this concave offers enhanced responsiveness and control, particularly for street and park skating. It allows for greater foot locking during tricks, giving advanced skaters the confidence to perform more aggressive maneuvers.
• W-Curve Concave: This design features a pronounced “W” shape that provides additional support for the feet and enhances board feel. It is particularly beneficial for skaters who perform a lot of flip tricks, as it allows for better foot placement and flicking motion during tricks.
• Flat Concave: A flat concave offers minimal curvature, providing a stable platform that is ideal for cruising and learning basic tricks. While it may lack the responsiveness of deeper concave shapes, it allows for a comfortable ride and is often preferred by beginners.
• Deep Concave: Featuring a steep curve, this shape is favored by aggressive skaters who need maximum control during high-speed maneuvers. The deep concave allows for better foot gripping and stability, making it easier to land tricks securely.

What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing the Best Concave Deck?

When choosing the best concave skateboard deck, several factors should be considered to ensure optimal performance and comfort.

• Deck Shape: The shape of the deck plays a significant role in how it performs. A deeper concave allows for better foot placement and control, making it ideal for tricks and street skating, while a flatter concave is better suited for cruising and stability.
• Material: The material of the skateboard deck affects its durability and weight. Common materials include maple wood, which offers a good balance of strength and flexibility, and bamboo, which is lighter and more environmentally friendly but may not be as durable as maple.
• Width: The width of the deck should match the skater’s foot size and riding style. Wider decks provide more stability and are better for tricks, while narrower decks allow for easier maneuverability, making them suitable for technical skating.
• Length: The length of the deck impacts how it handles during tricks and transitions. Longer decks can provide better stability for cruising and downhill riding, whereas shorter decks are preferred for street and park skating due to their responsiveness.
• Concave Depth: The depth of the concave affects how locked-in your feet feel during tricks. A medium concave offers a balance between comfort and control, while a steep concave can provide a more secure foot placement for advanced trick execution.
• Skating Style: Consider your skating style when selecting a deck. Street skaters might prefer a more aggressive concave for technical tricks, while transition or vert skaters may opt for a flatter concave for stability during ramps and bowls.
• Brand Reputation: The reputation of the brand can indicate the quality of the deck. Established brands often have a history of producing reliable and well-designed decks, which can provide peace of mind regarding performance and durability.

How Do Material and Width Influence Your Choice?

The material and width of a skateboard deck significantly influence performance and rider preference.

• Material: The most common materials for skateboard decks are maple wood, bamboo, and fiberglass. Maple wood offers a traditional feel with good durability and pop, while bamboo decks are lighter and provide a unique flex, making them ideal for cruisers. Fiberglass, on the other hand, is often used in combination with other materials to enhance strength without adding excessive weight.
• Width: Skateboard decks typically range from 7.5 to 8.5 inches wide, and the choice of width affects control and stability. A narrower deck (around 7.5-8 inches) allows for easier flip tricks and technical maneuvers, while a wider deck (8 inches and above) provides more stability, which is beneficial for street and park skating. Personal preference also plays a significant role, as some skaters feel more comfortable on a specific width based on their skating style.
• Concave Shape: The concave of a skateboard deck affects how well a rider can control their board during tricks and transitions. A deeper concave offers better foot placement and security, allowing for more aggressive skating, while a flatter concave provides a more comfortable ride for cruising and casual skating. Riders often choose concave based on their skill level and the types of tricks they intend to perform.
• Weight: The overall weight of the deck also plays a crucial role in performance, as lighter decks allow for quicker flips and pops. However, lighter materials can sometimes sacrifice durability, so it’s essential to find a balance between weight and strength. Skaters who prioritize tricks and aerial maneuvers may opt for lighter options, while those focused on stability and durability might choose heavier decks.

What Benefits Can You Expect from the Best Concave Skateboard Deck?

The best concave skateboard decks offer several benefits that enhance performance and comfort for skaters.

• Improved Control: A concave shape allows the skater’s feet to lock into the board better, providing enhanced control during tricks and turns.
• Increased Pop: The curvature of the deck helps in generating more pop, allowing skaters to perform higher and more explosive ollies and tricks.
• Comfortable Foot Placement: The concave design creates a natural foot placement, reducing fatigue and discomfort during longer skate sessions.
• Enhanced Stability: A well-designed concave deck offers greater stability at high speeds, making it easier to maintain balance while performing tricks.
• Better Grip: The curvature of the deck can improve grip with the skateboard’s grip tape, providing more confidence when executing tricks.

Improved control is a significant benefit of the best concave skateboard decks, as they allow skaters to better manipulate their movements. The shape helps the feet to engage with the deck, which leads to a more responsive ride when turning or performing tricks.

Increased pop is another advantage, as the deck’s curvature assists in generating upward force when the skater jumps, resulting in higher ollies and more dynamic tricks. This added pop is crucial for advanced maneuvers and can make a noticeable difference in performance.

Comfortable foot placement is essential for skaters who spend long hours practicing. The concave design accommodates the natural shape of the feet, promoting a more ergonomic stance that reduces fatigue and allows for longer sessions without discomfort.

Enhanced stability is particularly beneficial for skaters who enjoy high-speed rides or technical tricks. The shape of the deck provides a secure base, allowing skaters to maintain their balance and control even when moving quickly.

Finally, better grip is a key feature of concave decks, which can increase the effectiveness of the grip tape. This added grip gives skaters more confidence when attempting tricks, as their feet are less likely to slip off the deck during critical moments.

Which Brands Are Leading the Market for Concave Skateboard Decks?

The leading brands for concave skateboard decks include:

• Element: Known for their high-quality construction and innovative designs, Element offers concave decks that balance flexibility and durability. Their decks are often made from 7-ply maple, providing a solid pop while maintaining a comfortable concave shape suitable for various skating styles.
• Santa Cruz: This brand has a long-standing reputation in the skateboarding community, and their concave decks are designed for both performance and style. Santa Cruz decks feature unique graphics and a consistent concave profile that appeals to both street and park skaters, ensuring a reliable ride.
• Zero: Zero is recognized for its robust decks that cater to aggressive skating. Their concave decks are designed for maximum control and stability, often favored by skaters who perform tricks and need a reliable platform for their maneuvers.
• Almost: Almost skateboard decks are known for their innovative shapes and designs, including advanced concave profiles. The brand’s use of unique materials and construction techniques enhances pop and durability, making their decks popular among skaters looking for performance-driven options.
• Plan B: Plan B is celebrated for its collaboration with professional skaters and innovative deck technology. Their concave designs are crafted to optimize responsiveness and trick performance, catering to serious skaters who demand high-quality gear.

Related Post:

• Best complete beginner skateboard
• Best boards for skateboarding
• Best boardless skateboard
• Best brazilian skateboarder
• Best blank skateboard