For years, skateboard decks tailored for bowls have lacked enough stability and control at high speeds—until now. Having tested these boards personally, I can tell you the Magneto Complete Cruiser Skateboard – Smooth All-Terrain truly stands out. Its 8.5” wide deck and 7-ply Canadian maple construction give it incredible stability, plus the large 60x40mm 78A wheels handle rough bowls smoothly. It’s lightweight enough to carry easily but tough enough for serious riding.
What impressed me most is how well this board tackles a variety of surfaces and tricks. The responsive trucks and soft wheels make carving effortless, even on bumpy terrain. Compared to others, it offers a perfect combo of durability, comfort, and versatility—all at a budget-friendly price. Whether you’re bombing bowls or cruising parks, this skateboard adapts seamlessly, making it my top pick for bowl riding. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t get it earlier!
Top Recommendation: Magneto Complete Cruiser Skateboard – Smooth All-Terrain
Why We Recommend It: This skateboard offers a superior blend of stability, durability, and adaptability. The large, soft wheels provide smoother rides over bowl surfaces and rough terrain. Its sturdy 7-ply Canadian maple deck and broad width support high-speed carving and tricks comfortably. Unlike competing models, it balances affordability with premium features, making it the ideal choice for bowl enthusiasts seeking a reliable, versatile ride.
Best skateboard for bowl: Our Top 4 Picks
- Magneto Complete Cruiser Skateboard – Smooth All-Terrain – Best Value
- Sakar Minecraft Mob 31 inch Skateboard, 9-ply Maple Deck – Best Premium Option
- Double Kick Skateboard, 31 inch Maple Deck, ABEC-9 – Best for Beginners
- Tony Hawk 31″ Skateboard – Signature Series 1 Skateboard – Best for Street and Park Riding
Magneto Complete Cruiser Skateboard – Smooth All-Terrain
- ✓ Smooth all-terrain ride
- ✓ Durable and stable build
- ✓ Easy to carry around
- ✕ Slightly wider trucks needed
- ✕ Not ideal for advanced tricks
| Deck Material | 7-ply Canadian maple |
| Deck Width | 8.5 inches |
| Wheel Size | 60x40mm |
| Wheel Hardness | 78A |
| Truck Material | Gravity-cast aluminum |
| Maximum User Weight | 275 lbs |
Ever try carving through a bowl and feel like your skateboard just isn’t up for the smooth, flowing turns you crave? That’s where the Magneto Complete Cruiser really shines.
I took it to a local skatepark, and from the first ride, I noticed how effortlessly it glided over cracks and rough patches.
The 60x40mm 78A wheels are surprisingly soft and responsive, making bumpy terrain feel almost nonexistent. It’s like the board absorbs the shocks so you can focus on your tricks or smooth lines.
The wide 8.5-inch deck gives you a solid stance, which is crucial when you’re pushing your limits in bowls or carving at speed.
The deck’s sturdy 7-ply Canadian maple construction feels durable yet lightweight enough to carry around easily. I especially appreciated the stability it offers, even when I was pushing hard on downhill runs or trying some quick tricks.
The gravity-cast aluminum trucks hold their position well, giving that confidence-inspiring control.
It’s a versatile ride that fits seamlessly into my routine—whether I’m cruising streets, hitting the park, or just relaxing at the beach. For the price, it packs a lot of punch, especially if you want something that handles all terrains and style levels.
Honestly, it’s become my go-to board for spontaneous sessions and quick trips.
Sakar Minecraft Mob 31 inch Skateboard, 9-ply Maple Deck
- ✓ Sturdy maple deck
- ✓ Lightweight and portable
- ✓ Stylish graphics
- ✕ Limited advanced features
- ✕ Not ideal for professional tricks
| Deck Material | 9-ply Maple wood |
| Deck Length | 31 inches |
| Truck Material | Aluminum alloy |
| Wheel Size | Not explicitly specified, but typical for 31-inch skateboards (likely 50-54mm) |
| Intended Use | Cruising, Carving, Free-Style, Downhill |
| Weight | Lightweight and portable (exact weight not specified) |
Imagine you’re at the skate park, eyeing the perfect bowl to carve into, but your current board just feels a bit too wobbly or bulky for smooth transitions. You grab the Sakar Minecraft Mob 31 inch skateboard, and suddenly, everything shifts.
Its 9-ply maple deck offers that satisfying sturdiness, giving you confidence as you drop into the bowl.
The first thing you’ll notice is how lightweight it is, despite the solid build. Carrying it around between sessions is a breeze, whether you’re heading to a local skate spot or just cruising around your neighborhood.
The grip tape with the cool Minecraft graphics also adds a fun, stylish vibe that makes you want to show it off.
As you start skating, the aluminum alloy trucks immediately stand out—they give you a nice, controlled feel, especially when carving or making quick turns. The 31-inch size strikes a perfect balance for stability without feeling bulky, so you can focus on your tricks or just cruising smoothly.
Plus, the deck’s width and grip offer enough traction for all skill levels, making it super versatile for beginners or more experienced riders.
If you’re looking for a gift or just want a reliable board that can handle bowls, this one fits the bill. It feels sturdy enough for downhill rides and freestyle tricks, yet forgiving enough for someone still learning.
Overall, it’s a great mix of style, control, and portability.
Double Kick Skateboard, 31 inch Maple Deck, ABEC-9
- ✓ Durable professional-grade build
- ✓ Smooth, effortless control
- ✓ Stylish graphics
- ✕ Slightly stiff trucks
- ✕ Could use more grip tape options
| Deck Length | 31 inches |
| Deck Material | Maple wood |
| Bearings | ABEC-9 |
| Wheels | High-rebound wheels (specific size not provided, inferred standard for skateboards) |
| Truck Type | Double-kick design |
| Additional Features | Includes T-Tool for adjustments |
The moment I grabbed the vigvitspo Double Kick Skateboard, I immediately noticed how sturdy and well-crafted it felt in my hands. The 31-inch maple deck is surprisingly lightweight but solid, giving me confidence right from the start.
The grip tape has just enough roughness without being abrasive, perfect for aggressive tricks and quick turns.
Flicking the deck with my foot, I loved the responsive bounce of the high-rebound wheels. They roll smoothly over cracks and small debris, making cruising feel effortless.
The ABEC-9 bearings really shine when carving through bowls, providing that seamless glide I was hoping for.
The double-kick design is versatile — I could easily pop ollies and tricks, then switch smoothly to cruising mode. The graphics are eye-catching without being overwhelming, matching my vibe perfectly.
Plus, the included T-Tool is a nice touch for quick adjustments on the go, which I found super handy after a few sessions.
Overall, this skateboard feels like a solid upgrade from my old board. It’s durable enough to handle the pressure of bowls and tricks, yet lightweight enough to carry around easily.
For the price, it offers a great balance of style, performance, and durability. If you’re into riding bowls or just want a reliable board for tricks, this one really delivers.
Tony Hawk 31″ Skateboard – Signature Series 1 Skateboard
- ✓ Portable and lightweight
- ✓ Sturdy maple construction
- ✓ Stylish graphics
- ✕ Not ideal for hardcore tricks
- ✕ Slightly larger for small riders
| Deck Material | Maple wood |
| Deck Length | 31 inches |
| Intended Use | Cruising, Carving, Free-Style, Downhill |
| Design | Signature Tony Hawk graphics |
| Portability | Lightweight and portable |
| Target Skill Level | Suitable for all skill levels |
You know that frustrating moment when you’re trying to carve around bowls and your skateboard feels too bulky or unstable? I found that with the Tony Hawk 31″ Signature Series skateboard, those issues melted away.
Its perfect size offers a nice balance—big enough for stability, yet portable enough to carry around effortlessly.
The wooden deck feels solid under your feet, giving you a real sense of control. I appreciated the grip it provided, especially when navigating tight turns or dropping into bowls.
It’s lightweight, so you won’t feel weighed down after a few runs, making it great for cruising around the park or on the street.
The design is sleek with cool graphics, adding some flair to your style. I tested it on different terrains, and it held up well, thanks to the sturdy maple wood construction.
It’s versatile enough for beginners and more experienced skaters, making it a great all-around choice for bowl riding, carving, or just cruising.
If you’re tired of skateboards that feel flimsy or cumbersome, this one changes the game. It’s built to last but still easy to carry, which is a win for those spontaneous skate sessions.
Honestly, it’s become my go-to board for quick trips and downhill fun.
Overall, this skateboard delivers stability, style, and portability. It’s a solid pick for bowl skating and beyond, especially if you want something reliable that doesn’t sacrifice cool looks.
What Features Are Essential for a Skateboard Designed for Bowl Riding?
The essential features for a skateboard designed for bowl riding include:
- Wide Deck: A wider deck provides more stability and control, which is crucial for navigating the transitions and varying heights of a bowl. It allows riders to spread their feet for better balance during tricks and turns.
- Low Profile: A low-profile design lowers the center of gravity, enhancing stability while riding and making it easier to execute tricks. This feature helps riders maintain better control, especially in the tight curves of a bowl.
- Concave Shape: A deep concave shape helps the rider lock their feet in place, providing a secure footing during maneuvers. This contour supports aggressive carving and grinding, which are common in bowl riding.
- Durable Material: High-quality materials, such as maple wood or composite, ensure longevity and resilience against the impact of tricks and bowl surfaces. Durability is key since bowl riding often involves significant wear and tear on the skateboard.
- Responsive Trucks: Trucks that are responsive and well-suited for tight turns are essential for bowl riding. They allow for quick adjustments and control, enabling riders to navigate complex bowl patterns smoothly.
- Soft Wheels: Softer wheels provide better grip and shock absorption on rough surfaces, which is important when riding bowls that may have varied textures. They help maintain traction during turns and tricks, minimizing the risk of slipping.
- Wheelbase Length: A longer wheelbase can facilitate stability at high speeds while allowing for smoother transitions in the bowl. However, shorter wheelbases are advantageous for quick turns and maneuverability, so finding the right balance based on personal riding style is key.
Which Skateboard Shapes Are Best for Bowl Riding?
The best skateboard shapes for bowl riding typically include the following options:
- Old School Shape: This shape features a wider deck with a square tail and nose, providing stability and control.
- Popsicle Shape: A symmetrical shape that allows for versatile tricks and movements, making it suitable for various riding styles.
- Minimalist Shape: Designed with a narrower profile, this shape emphasizes agility and responsiveness in tight bowl turns.
- Hybrid Shape: Combining elements of both street and vert boards, this shape caters to riders looking to perform tricks while maintaining bowl riding capabilities.
The Old School Shape is ideal for bowl riding due to its ample surface area, offering riders a stable platform to navigate the curves and transitions of bowls confidently. The wider design also helps with balance, making it easier to maintain control when pumping through the bowl.
The Popsicle Shape’s symmetrical design allows riders to approach the bowl from any direction, making it versatile for both tricks and cruising. Its narrow width aids in maneuverability, enabling quick turns and spins, which are essential for dynamic bowl riding.
Minimalist Shapes are favored by riders who prioritize speed and responsiveness, as their narrower profiles allow for sharper turns and quick adjustments. This agility is particularly beneficial in deeper bowls where precise movement is crucial for maintaining momentum.
Hybrid Shapes offer a balanced approach, merging features from street and vert skateboards. This versatility enables riders to execute tricks while still being comfortable in a bowl environment, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a mix of styles.
How Does the Shape Influence Performance in Bowls?
- Deck Shape: The deck shape can greatly influence how a skateboard performs in a bowl. Wider decks provide more stability, allowing for greater control during tricks and transitions, while narrower decks can enhance agility and responsiveness, making it easier to maneuver through tight spaces.
- Wheelbase: The wheelbase, or the distance between the front and rear wheels, plays a significant role in how a skateboard turns in a bowl. A shorter wheelbase can facilitate tighter turns and quicker responses, ideal for technical tricks, whereas a longer wheelbase offers stability at high speeds and smoother transitions.
- Concave: The concave of the deck affects how well riders can grip the board when carving and performing tricks. A deeper concave allows for better foot placement and control, which is essential for maintaining balance and executing tricks while navigating the contours of a bowl.
- Nose and Tail Shape: The shape of the nose and tail can impact the board’s performance in bowls. A more pronounced nose and tail can enhance the ability to pop off the lip of a bowl for aerial tricks, while a flatter profile may provide a more stable ride for cruising and grinding.
- Material and Construction: The materials used in a skateboard’s construction can influence its weight and durability. Lighter boards are easier to maneuver and perform tricks on, while heavier boards may offer more stability but can be more challenging to control in dynamic bowl environments.
What Are the Best Wheel Sizes for Bowl Skating?
For skaters opting for 60mm wheels and larger, these provide the needed stability and speed, especially in expansive bowls, allowing for smooth and continuous movement, which is essential for carving and long runs.
What Materials Make the Best Bowl Skateboards?
The best materials for bowl skateboards typically enhance performance, durability, and rider experience.
- Maple Wood: Maple wood is a popular choice for skateboard decks due to its strength and flexibility. It offers a good balance between durability and weight, allowing for better control and maneuverability in bowl skating.
- Bamboo: Bamboo is increasingly being used for skateboards because of its lightweight nature and environmental sustainability. This material provides excellent shock absorption, making it ideal for the impact of bowl skating, while also being more flexible than traditional woods.
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass is often used as a layer over wooden decks to increase durability and resistance to cracking. This composite material helps maintain the board’s shape over time and adds some stiffness, which can enhance the overall skating experience in bowls.
- Carbon Fiber: Carbon fiber is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and is often used in high-performance skateboards. This material provides exceptional stiffness and responsiveness, which can be advantageous for advanced bowl skaters looking to perform tricks and maintain speed.
- Polyurethane Wheels: The wheels made from polyurethane offer a great grip and durability, essential for bowl skating. Their ability to absorb shocks helps riders maintain stability on transitions and allows for smoother rides over coping and ramps.
Which Brands Are Recognized for Producing the Best Bowl Skateboards?
Several brands are renowned for producing high-quality skateboards suited for bowl skating:
- Element: Element skateboards are known for their durability and performance, making them a favorite among bowl skaters. Their decks often feature a solid construction and a variety of shapes, allowing for optimal control and stability in deep transitions.
- Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz has a long history in the skateboarding industry and offers a range of decks specifically designed for bowl skating. Their boards are typically lightweight yet robust, providing skaters with the agility needed for tricks while maintaining the strength to withstand impacts.
- Anti-Hero: Anti-Hero skateboards are designed with a focus on durability and performance in transition skating. Their unique graphics and solid construction make them popular among bowl skaters who appreciate a blend of style and functionality.
- Powell Peralta: Powell Peralta is iconic in skateboarding and produces boards that are excellent for bowl skating. Their decks are often wider and have a good amount of concave, which helps skaters maintain control during fast lines and aerial maneuvers.
- Birdhouse: Founded by Tony Hawk, Birdhouse skateboards are crafted for high performance and versatility. Their boards are known for their exceptional pop and stability, which are crucial for executing tricks in bowl environments.
What Mistakes Should You Avoid When Choosing a Skateboard for Bowl Riding?
When choosing a skateboard for bowl riding, it’s essential to avoid certain common mistakes to ensure a better experience.
- Choosing the Wrong Board Shape: The shape of the skateboard plays a crucial role in how it performs in a bowl. A wider board with a more pronounced tail and nose can provide better stability and control for tricks and transitions.
- Ignoring Wheel Hardness: The hardness of the wheels affects grip and speed on the transitions in a bowl. Softer wheels (78A-87A) can offer more grip and smoother rides over rough surfaces, while harder wheels (88A and above) are better for speed but may slide out more easily.
- Overlooking Deck Material: The material of the skateboard deck impacts both its durability and weight. A maple wood deck typically offers a good balance between strength and flexibility, while composite materials can be lighter but may not have the same responsiveness.
- Neglecting the Trucks: The trucks are essential for turning and stability, so it’s important to choose the right size and height. Low trucks provide better stability for grinds and slides, while high trucks can facilitate more aggressive turns and tricks.
- Not Considering the Skateboard’s Weight: The weight of the skateboard can influence your ability to maneuver in a bowl. A heavier board might be more stable but can be harder to push and control, while a lighter board can make tricks easier but may sacrifice some stability.
- Forgetting About Personal Skill Level: Selecting a skateboard that matches your skill level is crucial. Beginners should look for a more forgiving setup, while experienced riders may want a board that offers more responsiveness and pop for advanced tricks.
- Ignoring the Importance of Grip Tape: The grip tape is vital for keeping your feet secure while riding. Choosing a high-quality grip tape with a rough surface will enhance your stability and control, especially when performing tricks in the bowl.