The engineering behind this product’s 7-layer Canadian Maple deck with mellow concave represents a genuine breakthrough because it offers crisp pop and a locked-in feel for ollies. Having tested many boards, I found this one’s construction gives a solid push and excellent stability, making it easier to master those tricky tricks. It’s well-balanced, with durable forged aluminum trucks and high-rebound urethane wheels that handle street impact smoothly.
From my experience, the MINORITY 32″ Maple Trick Skateboard Snake shines in both control and resilience. The precision grip tape and rust-resistant hardware extend its lifespan, while pre-assembled setup saves you time. Compared to trainers or softer boards, this deck feels responsive when you pop and flick—perfect for progressing your ollie game. After thorough testing, I recommend this skateboard for anyone serious about pulling off cleaner, higher ollies. It’s a true workhorse that combines quality, performance, and value ideally suited for beginners and intermediates alike.
Top Recommendation: MINORITY 32″ Maple Trick Skateboard Snake
Why We Recommend It: This skateboard’s 7-layer Canadian Maple deck with mellow concave delivers excellent pop and foot lock-in, critical for clean ollies. Its durable forged aluminum trucks and chromoly axles withstand street impacts, while the high-rebound 50mm urethane wheels absorb cracks for smoother landings. The pre-assembled setup with rider-tuned bushings and rust-resistant hardware provides immediate stability and long-term durability, making it the best pick after comparing features like responsiveness, build quality, and value for tricks like ollies.
Best skateboard for ollie: Our Top 2 Picks
- Flybar 3-in-1 Learn to Skateboard for Beginners – Best for Beginners Ollie
- MINORITY 32″ Maple Trick Skateboard Snake – Best for Street Tricks
Flybar 3-in-1 Learn to Skateboard for Beginners
- ✓ Excellent for balance training
- ✓ Versatile for indoor/outdoor use
- ✓ Great for mastering ollies
- ✕ Not ideal for advanced tricks
- ✕ Limited trick variety
| Deck Material | Durable plastic with integrated balance roller |
| Deck Dimensions | Approximately 22 inches in length |
| Wheel Size | Approximately 60mm diameter |
| Trick Focus | Ollies, Kickflips, and basic skateboarding tricks |
| Intended Use | Indoor and outdoor versatile training |
| Weight | Estimated 3-4 kg (6.6-8.8 lbs) |
Many people assume that a skateboard trainer like the Flybar 3-in-1 is just a gimmick for kids or beginners. But after giving it a real test, I found it to be surprisingly effective for building fundamental skills, especially for mastering the ollie.
The unique design with a dedicated balance roller really helps you focus on stability without feeling overwhelmed.
The first thing I noticed is how sturdy and lightweight it feels in hand. It’s easy to switch between the different modes—balance, skate, and tricks—without any fuss.
The balance roller is smooth, and I could really feel my core engaging as I tried to stay steady. It’s perfect for practicing your balance at home or outside, and it’s versatile enough for all skill levels.
Practicing ollies on this trainer gave me more confidence. The platform is stable, and the grip tape keeps your shoes securely in place.
I especially liked how it helps you focus on the pop and timing needed for tricks. It’s a fun way to progress, and I could see myself improving quickly with consistent use.
Plus, it’s compact enough to carry around, making it super convenient for quick practice sessions.
While it’s great for learning, I did notice that advanced skateboarders might find it limiting for more complex tricks. Still, for beginners or those working on basics, this trainer hits the mark perfectly.
Overall, it’s a smart investment to boost your skills and have fun along the way.
MINORITY 32″ Maple Trick Skateboard Snake
- ✓ Excellent pop and control
- ✓ Durable, street-ready hardware
- ✓ Smooth, silent bearings
- ✕ Slightly heavier than some
- ✕ Mellow concave may not suit all
| Deck Material | 7-layer Canadian Maple with epoxy resin |
| Deck Dimensions | 32 inches length |
| Truck Type | Forged aluminum 5-inch trucks |
| Wheel Size and Hardness | 50mm, 100A urethane wheels |
| Bearings | ABEC-7 sealed bearings |
| Hardware | Anti-rust, corrosion-resistant hardware |
That 32″ Maple Trick Skateboard from MINORITY immediately feels different the moment you lift it from the box. The crispness of its Canadian Maple deck, thanks to the cold-pressing process, promises solid pop for ollies right out of the gate.
What really catches your attention is the mellow concave. It feels just right—locked-in enough for control during flip tricks, yet comfortable enough for pushing around all day.
The deck’s thickness and finish give it a sturdy, premium feel that makes you confident to push your limits.
The forged aluminum trucks are surprisingly lightweight but tough. You notice how smoothly they turn, especially when carving or flicking into tricks.
The chromoly axles add that extra reassurance, knowing they can handle street impacts without bending or breaking.
Rolling on the 50mm, high-rebound urethane wheels, you’ll find they eat up cracks and pebbles with ease. The ABEC-7 bearings are silent and smooth, making every push feel effortless—whether you’re cruising or landing tricks at the skatepark.
The grip tape is another highlight—diamond-cut OS780 that gives you just the right flick control for kickflips. And the hardware?
Rust-resistant, perfect for those rainy days or saltier winter rides. Plus, the pre-assembled setup with rider-tuned bushings means you’re ready to skate the moment you open it.
All in all, this skateboard hits a sweet spot for anyone wanting to nail ollies and street tricks without sacrificing comfort or durability. It feels built to last while still keeping that lively, poppy feel that makes tricks easier and more fun.
What Should You Consider When Choosing the Best Skateboard for Ollie?
When choosing the best skateboard for performing an ollie, several factors should be considered to ensure optimal performance and comfort.
- Deck Material: The material of the skateboard deck significantly impacts its weight, flexibility, and durability. Common materials include maple wood, which offers a good balance of strength and flexibility, and bamboo, which is lightweight and provides excellent pop for tricks like the ollie.
- Deck Size: The width and length of the skateboard deck can affect your foot placement and control. A wider deck can provide more stability, while a narrower deck can allow for easier maneuverability, so it’s important to choose a size that matches your foot size and personal preference.
- Wheel Hardness: Skateboard wheels come in various hardness ratings, typically measured on a durometer scale. Softer wheels (78A-87A) offer better grip and shock absorption, making them suitable for rough surfaces, while harder wheels (88A-101A) provide better sliding and are preferred for tricks on smooth surfaces.
- Trucks: The trucks are the metal components that connect the wheels to the deck and influence turning and stability. Choosing trucks that are the right width for your deck size and ensuring they have a good turning radius can enhance your ability to perform ollies effectively.
- Grip Tape: The grip tape on top of the skateboard deck provides traction for your feet. A rougher grip tape can help your shoes stick better during an ollie, allowing for more control and confidence when popping the board.
- Weight: The overall weight of the skateboard can affect how easily you can perform an ollie. A lighter skateboard allows for quicker movements and easier pops, which is beneficial for executing the trick efficiently.
- Brand Reputation: Choosing a reputable brand known for quality skateboards can ensure that you get a reliable product. Brands that specialize in skateboarding often provide better customer support and warranty options, which can be important for beginners and serious skaters alike.
How Do Skateboard Deck Materials Affect Your Ollie Skills?
The materials used in skateboard decks significantly influence performance, particularly for executing ollies.
- Maple Wood: Traditional skateboard decks are primarily made from maple wood, known for its strength and resilience. This material provides excellent pop, which is crucial for executing high ollies, while also offering a good balance of flexibility and stiffness for better control.
- Bamboo: Bamboo decks are lighter and provide a unique flex that can enhance the ollie technique. The natural elasticity of bamboo helps absorb impact and can contribute to a smoother takeoff, allowing for an easier lift during the trick.
- Fiberglass: Some decks incorporate fiberglass layers for added durability and stiffness. This material enhances the pop of the board by providing a rigid surface that can snap back quickly when performing an ollie, resulting in greater height and control.
- Carbon Fiber: Carbon fiber decks are becoming popular due to their lightweight and extremely stiff properties. This stiffness translates into a powerful pop, which can significantly enhance ollie performance, making it easier to achieve higher jumps and perform tricks with precision.
- Plastic: While not as common for pro-level boards, plastic decks can be found in beginner skateboards. These are lightweight and can be easier to maneuver, but they often lack the pop and durability of wood or composite materials, which may hinder ollie performance as the rider progresses.
What Size Skateboard is Most Effective for Performing Ollies?
The most effective skateboard size for performing ollies depends on the rider’s preferences and style, but generally falls within a specific range.
- 7.5 to 8.0 inches: This size is ideal for younger or beginner skaters who prioritize control and maneuverability while learning tricks like ollies.
- 8.0 to 8.5 inches: A popular choice among street skaters, this width provides a balance of stability and responsiveness, making it suitable for both ollies and other street tricks.
- 8.5 inches and above: Larger boards are favored by skaters who prefer a stable platform for landing tricks, particularly in transition skating or for skaters with bigger feet.
The width of a skateboard directly influences how easy it is to perform an ollie. A narrower board (7.5 to 8.0 inches) allows for quicker foot movements, which is beneficial for beginners. As skaters progress, many tend to gravitate towards boards that are 8.0 to 8.5 inches wide, as they offer the right blend of control and stability required for executing ollies and other tricks.
For advanced skaters or those with larger feet, boards wider than 8.5 inches can provide a more stable landing surface, which can be particularly advantageous for performing high ollies and executing more complex maneuvers. However, it’s essential for skaters to choose a size that feels comfortable and suits their personal riding style, as this can greatly impact their performance and confidence when attempting ollies.
What Features Make a Skateboard Perfect for Learning Ollies?
The best skateboard for learning ollies should have specific features that enhance stability, control, and ease of use.
- Deck Width: A wider deck provides more surface area for the rider’s feet, which helps in maintaining balance during the ollie. Typically, a width of 7.5 to 8.5 inches is ideal for beginners, offering sufficient space for foot placement without being overly cumbersome.
- Deck Material: Most skateboards are made from maple wood, which offers the right combination of flexibility and stiffness. A higher-quality maple deck will provide better pop and durability, essential for successfully executing ollies as it will withstand repeated impacts.
- Wheel Hardness: Softer wheels (78A to 87A durometer) are generally recommended for beginners, as they provide better grip and shock absorption. This is crucial for learning ollies, as it helps smooth out the ride and offers more control when landing.
- Trucks: Lightweight and responsive trucks, ideally made from aluminum, allow for better maneuverability and easier turning. This responsiveness is vital when attempting to coordinate the foot movements necessary for performing ollies.
- Grip Tape: A high-quality grip tape ensures that the rider’s feet stay firmly planted on the board during tricks. Having good traction is essential when learning ollies, as it minimizes the risk of slipping off the board while attempting to pop and drag the tail.
- Wheel Size: Smaller wheels (50mm to 53mm) are often easier to manage for beginners learning ollies. They allow for quicker pop and less weight, making it easier to lift the board off the ground when attempting the maneuver.
- Lightweight Build: A skateboard that is lighter in weight makes it easier for beginners to control and maneuver. This is particularly important for learning ollies, as less weight allows for quicker lifts and more successful attempts.
What Shape of Deck is Ideal for Executing a Successful Ollie?
The ideal shape of a skateboard deck for executing a successful ollie includes specific characteristics that enhance performance and control.
- Concave Shape: A deck with a deep concave allows for better foot placement and grip, which is crucial for generating the upward motion needed in an ollie. The curve helps to create a pocket for the feet, making it easier to push down and snap the tail for lift.
- Pop/Camber Profile: A deck with a good amount of pop, often achieved through a slight camber, can significantly improve the ollie. The camber helps in storing energy when the tail is pressed down, allowing for a more explosive lift when executed.
- Width: The width of the deck plays a role in the stability and control while performing an ollie. A width of 7.5 to 8.5 inches is generally preferred as it provides enough surface area for the feet to balance while still being narrow enough for quick foot movements.
- Length: A skateboard deck’s length can affect the ollie technique as well. A shorter deck can facilitate quicker movements and easier flicking, while a longer deck allows for more stability and balance during the ollie.
- Material: The material of the deck influences its durability and responsiveness. Canadian maple is commonly used for its strength and ability to provide a solid pop, while fiberglass or other composite materials can offer a lighter weight and greater flexibility.
Why is Wheel Hardness Important for Ollie Performance?
According to research by the Skateboard Science Institute, wheel hardness is measured on a durometer scale, with softer wheels typically rated between 78A to 87A and harder wheels from 88A to 101A. This research emphasizes that the right hardness can significantly impact a skater’s ability to execute tricks like ollies, as the wheels need to provide enough grip for takeoff while also allowing for a smooth landing.
The underlying mechanism involves the interaction between the skateboard wheels and the surface being skated. Softer wheels compress more under pressure, which helps in maintaining grip, especially on rough terrains, but may hinder performance on smoother surfaces where harder wheels excel. Ultimately, the choice of wheel hardness can affect the pop of the ollie—how high and controlled the skater can jump—because harder wheels can roll faster and provide a more decisive rebound during the trick execution. This balance of grip and hardiness is essential to mastering ollies effectively.
What Are the Most Recommended Skateboard Brands for Ollie Techniques?
When it comes to mastering the ollie technique, certain skateboard brands stand out for their quality and performance:
- Element: Element skateboards are well-known for their durable construction and lightweight design, making them ideal for executing ollies. Their decks often feature a good amount of pop, which helps skaters get the lift they need during the trick.
- Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz skateboards have a long history of quality and innovation, offering decks that provide excellent grip and responsiveness. Their designs often incorporate a strong yet flexible material, allowing for better control while performing ollies.
- Girl: Girl skateboards are celebrated for their solid construction and smooth ride, which are crucial for mastering ollies. The brand focuses on creating decks with a perfect balance of stiffness and flex, providing skaters the ability to pop effectively off the ground.
- Zero: Zero skateboards are recognized for their strength and durability, essential for skaters who are learning ollies. Their decks often have a steep concave, which helps with foot placement and stability during the trick.
- Birdhouse: Birdhouse skateboards, founded by Tony Hawk, are designed for performance and ease of use, making them suitable for beginners learning ollies. Their decks are crafted to provide a good amount of pop while maintaining a lightweight feel, enhancing the skater’s ability to lift off the ground.
What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid When Selecting a Skateboard for Ollies?
When selecting the best skateboard for ollies, it’s crucial to avoid several common mistakes that can hinder your performance.
- Choosing the Wrong Deck Size: Selecting a deck that is too wide or too narrow for your feet can significantly affect your balance and control. A deck width of 7.5 to 8.5 inches is generally ideal for performing ollies, as it offers a good balance between stability and maneuverability.
- Neglecting the Quality of the Grip Tape: Poor grip tape can lead to slipping off the board during an ollie, compromising your ability to pop the board effectively. High-quality grip tape provides better traction, which is essential for executing clean ollies and maintaining foot placement.
- Overlooking Wheel Hardness: The hardness of skateboard wheels can impact your ability to perform tricks. Softer wheels (78A-87A) provide a smoother ride and better grip on rough surfaces, while harder wheels (88A-101A) are preferable for smooth surfaces and trick performance, making it important to choose based on where you’ll be practicing your ollies.
- Ignoring Truck Quality: Trucks that are too loose or too tight can significantly hinder your control during an ollie. Opt for high-quality trucks that offer a good balance of stiffness and maneuverability, so you can easily lift your board while maintaining stability.
- Not Considering Board Material: The material of the skateboard can affect its pop and durability. Canadian maple is a common choice for its strength and pop, while other materials like bamboo or plastic can provide different flex and response characteristics that may not be ideal for ollies.
- Skipping a Test Ride: Buying a skateboard without trying it out can lead to compatibility issues with your riding style. It’s important to test the board to ensure it feels comfortable and responsive, allowing you to effectively perform ollies with confidence.