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Skateboard Deck Designs: Darkstar, Blind And Lib Tech
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Published: November 14, 2006
Like a football to a quarterback, a tennis racket to a doubles player, or a mitt to a catcher, a skateboard truly is an extension of its owner, a reflection of his or her personality. The chips, dents and scratches all tell a vivid story of that board's life. In technical terms, a board is actually called a deck, and not surprisingly, skateboards come in a variety of shapes and deck designs.
Before further exploring the world of skateboard deck designs, what specifically is a deck? Simply, a deck comprises the body of a skateboard, the part where a person stands. They tend to be between 7 ½ and 8 ½ inches wide and between 28 and 32 ½ inches long. While the first decks were usually made from solid oak or ash, today one can choose from models that incorporate fiberglass and other materials. Most deck designs have a concave area in which a user can cup his or her foot for added control. Also, boards have a layer of grip tape, silicon carbide grit on a self adhesive backing, to help keep one from slipping—skaters know all too well that there are enough opportunities to take a fall without having to worry about traction on the board!
As Steve Cave describes in his article, “Before You Buy Skateboard Decks,” skating aficionados literally have dozens of models and designs to choose from, depending on personal taste and preference. To start, the most common skateboard deck design is a seven-ply model, made of maple wood. In fact, the majority of companies manufacture these seven ply boards.
However, companies like Blind or Darkstar manufacture nine-ply versions. As with all products, users should be aware of the pros and cons of each individual deck design. For example, while nine-ply boards tend to be stronger, they weigh more.
For those seeking a lighter board, Fiberlite makes a model that has one long fiberglass strip inside down the length of the board. The addition of this strip helps make the board lighter. They also tend to be less crisp and give in to the weight of the rider over time.
Speaking of designs that incorporate fiberglass, a company named Lib Tech makes a model with fiberglass layers that sandwich a layer of maple. They too offer a lighter option for skateboarders.
Yet fiberglass isn't the only material manufacturers use in addition to wood. For example, Santa Cruz makes a deck design that incorporates a layer of Kevlar, which fortifies the board without weighing it down considerably.
Choosing the perfect deck design is a matter of personal preference. As every skateboarder can attest, each board is as diverse and unique as the rider him/herself.
Cave, Steve. Before You Buy Skateboard Decks. About, Inc. 2006. The New York Times Company. 5 Nov 2006 <http://skateboard.about.com/cs/boardmaintenanc e/bb/beforebuydecks.htm>.
Skateboard. Wikipedia. 2006. Wikipedia Foundation, Inc. 5 Nov 2006 <http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cahce:19yWgUCSE1 sJ:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skateboard+about+skateboa
Before further exploring the world of skateboard deck designs, what specifically is a deck? Simply, a deck comprises the body of a skateboard, the part where a person stands. They tend to be between 7 ½ and 8 ½ inches wide and between 28 and 32 ½ inches long. While the first decks were usually made from solid oak or ash, today one can choose from models that incorporate fiberglass and other materials. Most deck designs have a concave area in which a user can cup his or her foot for added control. Also, boards have a layer of grip tape, silicon carbide grit on a self adhesive backing, to help keep one from slipping—skaters know all too well that there are enough opportunities to take a fall without having to worry about traction on the board!
As Steve Cave describes in his article, “Before You Buy Skateboard Decks,” skating aficionados literally have dozens of models and designs to choose from, depending on personal taste and preference. To start, the most common skateboard deck design is a seven-ply model, made of maple wood. In fact, the majority of companies manufacture these seven ply boards.
However, companies like Blind or Darkstar manufacture nine-ply versions. As with all products, users should be aware of the pros and cons of each individual deck design. For example, while nine-ply boards tend to be stronger, they weigh more.
For those seeking a lighter board, Fiberlite makes a model that has one long fiberglass strip inside down the length of the board. The addition of this strip helps make the board lighter. They also tend to be less crisp and give in to the weight of the rider over time.
Speaking of designs that incorporate fiberglass, a company named Lib Tech makes a model with fiberglass layers that sandwich a layer of maple. They too offer a lighter option for skateboarders.
Yet fiberglass isn't the only material manufacturers use in addition to wood. For example, Santa Cruz makes a deck design that incorporates a layer of Kevlar, which fortifies the board without weighing it down considerably.
Choosing the perfect deck design is a matter of personal preference. As every skateboarder can attest, each board is as diverse and unique as the rider him/herself.
Cave, Steve. Before You Buy Skateboard Decks. About, Inc. 2006. The New York Times Company. 5 Nov 2006 <http://skateboard.about.com/cs/boardmaintenanc e/bb/beforebuydecks.htm>.
Skateboard. Wikipedia. 2006. Wikipedia Foundation, Inc. 5 Nov 2006 <http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cahce:19yWgUCSE1 sJ:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skateboard+about+skateboa
