How to choose a deck

Prime Shintaro.

I have been able to assemble many customers' ``first machines.'' It's the best moment when someone happily accepts the product we proposed and created together. What is important when choosing a skateboard? I think it's a deck with a design that I like, not the size or the HI or LO of the truck. It was the same when I started skateboarding.

While consulting with the store staff, you can choose from the decks and build your own one. I had no idea what it was, but I remember being so happy that I took lots of pictures. I believe that your first skateboard is a great "motivation" for your future skateboarding life.

“I got it from my senior,” “I took it with my boyfriend,” “I took it with my kids,” “My older brother had it,” etc.

I'm sure there are people who start buying one for a variety of reasons, but when it comes to buying your first car, don't compromise and be particular about it . If you choose a skateboard with a design that you like the best, you'll want to ride it every day.

...However, I'm sure you'd be worried if you don't know the structure of the deck, so I've provided a thorough explanation below. It's going to be long, but I'd be happy if you could join me.

First choose a deck

This is the first board you need to choose when you start skateboarding. It is commonly called "DECK". Anyway, there are so many that it's hard to choose one.

The deck is the "face" of skateboarding and is an expression of self. And it's the most fashionable thing for skaters.

Everyone is looking at the brand and design of the deck that other people are riding. There are also plain colored decks, but I would like you to choose carefully.

What changes with deck width?

First of all, when you go to a skateboard shop or look on the web, you will be confused not only by the different designs but also by the large number of sizes.

“What is the width of the deck?”

I think this is the first question you ask when making a purchase. It's a small detail, but I would like to look at it subjectively by size.

・7.5～7.625 inch

Until 10 years ago, this was the most popular size, but now it is mainly used by women and children. Because it is narrow and short, it is easy to maneuver even for people with limited strength.

・7.75～7.875 inch

Although it is thin, it is a popular size among street skaters who like quick movements . The last size that even women can ride and maneuver with little effort.

・8.0～8.125 inch

The most popular size among street skaters. Slightly wide and extremely stable. It's easy to adjust your stance and increase your speed.

・8.25～8.375 inch

The most popular size among street skaters. Ideal for all-rounders who attack from R to street. This is the most popular size overseas.

・8.5～8.5 inch or more

R, handsome size that attacks transitions. This is a size that can be used on the street, but it may feel a little heavy. However, the sense of stability at high speed is superb. It is truly manly to be able to operate such a large deck.

In my opinion , if a man is starting, it should be 7.875 to 8.375 inches . For women, 7.75 to 8.125 inches . For children, I think it would be a good idea to aim for around 7.5 to 7.75 inches .

What is kick and concave?

If you look closely at the deck, you can see that there is a warp on the front, back, left and right sides of the deck. First of all, the front and rear of the deck.

The front is called the nose and the rear is the tail.The curvature is called the ``kick'' and the curvature from the left and right is called the ``concave.''

In the first place, why do kicks and concaves follow the same pattern? To put it very simply, the kick is for ollie and the concave is for catching when turning the flip.

Please remember that it is essential for "doing tricks". The strength of warping actually varies depending on the deck. Skaters call decks with strong curvature "strong kick" or "strong concave."

There is no difference between strong and weak kicks and concave kicks. The important thing is that it 's compatible with you , so the settings used by people who are good at it may not necessarily be suitable for you. As you continue to skateboard, we recommend trying out different types of decks.

You'll definitely find something you like! By the way, I like decks that are weak in both kick and concave. I have given a long explanation, but I hope this gave you some idea of ​​how to choose a deck.

Please consult us about anything you don't understand or want to know.

shintaroll