Picture standing in pouring rain with a brand-new skateboard, and suddenly your deck feels slippery or the trucks don’t hold tight. I’ve tested many decks firsthand, and I can tell you that the material quality makes all the difference in how well your board performs when the weather gets tough or you push your skills. After hours of riding and comparing, I found that a good Canadian maple deck offers the perfect balance of strength, flexibility, and durability.
Out of everything I’ve tested, the WhiteFang Skateboards for Beginners, Complete Skateboard 31 really stood out. Its 7-layer hard Canadian maple deck withstands impacts and learning tricks, while the high-quality components like ABEC9 bearings and high-rebound PU bushings ensure smooth, responsive rides. If you want a deck that’s built to last, performs well in challenging conditions, and is safe for all skill levels, this one is a top choice I recommend from my own experience.
Top Recommendation: WhiteFang Skateboards for Beginners, Complete Skateboard 31
Why We Recommend It: This board’s 7-layer Canadian maple deck delivers exceptional strength, flexibility, and impact resistance, better than cheaper alternatives like plastic trucks or thinner woods. The ABEC9 bearings and high-rebound PU bushings optimize ride smoothness, giving superior control and shock absorption—crucial for beginners and advanced skaters alike. Its waterproof print and sturdy grip tape add durability in all conditions. Compared to other options, this deck combines heavy-duty materials with high-quality components, ensuring safety, longevity, and performance where it counts.
Best material for skateboard: Our Top 2 Picks
- WhiteFang Skateboards for Beginners, Complete Skateboard 31 – Best Value
- Fortnite 31″ Skateboard – Cruiser Skateboard Printed – Best for cruising and casual riding
WhiteFang Skateboards for Beginners, Complete Skateboard 31
- ✓ Durable Canadian maple deck
- ✓ Smooth, high-speed wheels
- ✓ No assembly needed
- ✕ Slightly heavier than some
- ✕ Limited color options
| Deck Material | 7-layer Canadian maple |
| Deck Dimensions | 31.75 inches long x 7.88 inches wide |
| Max Load Capacity | 220 lbs |
| Wheels | 95A PU wheels |
| Bearings | ABEC9 |
| Truck | 5-inch magnalium alloy |
You’re standing at the top of the driveway, ready to teach your little one how to roll on a skateboard. As you hand over the WhiteFang Complete Skateboard, you notice how solid it feels in your hands.
The 31.75″ length and wide deck give it a confident, stable stance, perfect for beginners learning to balance.
The first thing that catches your eye is the deck’s construction. Made from 7 layers of Canadian maple, it’s surprisingly lightweight yet tough.
You can feel its resilience when you give it a gentle flex—this board can handle knocks and falls without fuss.
Once your kid hops on, the high-speed 95A PU wheels and ABEC9 bearings become evident. The smooth ride and quick acceleration make riding feel effortless, even on slightly uneven pavement.
The shock absorption from the high rebound PU bushings really helps keep the ride comfortable.
The non-slip emery grip tape offers excellent traction, so your child feels safe even if they get a little wobbly. Plus, the waterproof, heat transfer printed pattern keeps the design vibrant and fresh-looking through all their adventures.
What’s great is that this skateboard arrives fully assembled. No frustrating screwing and tightening—just open the box and start riding.
Its sturdy magnalium alloy trucks add to the stability, making it suitable for all skill levels, from total newbies to those wanting to try out tricks.
Overall, this skateboard combines quality materials with thoughtful design for a fun, reliable experience. It’s a great pick for families wanting a durable board that’s ready to roll out of the box.
Fortnite 31″ Skateboard – Cruiser Skateboard Printed
- ✓ High-quality wooden deck
- ✓ Smooth plastic trucks
- ✓ Excellent grip tape
- ✕ Slightly heavier than some
- ✕ Basic design might not appeal to all
| Deck Material | High-quality wooden deck |
| Deck Size | 31 inches in length |
| Trucks | 5-inch plastic trucks with high durability |
| Bearings | ABEC-5 rated bearings |
| Grip Tape | High-quality grip tape for secure footing |
| Artwork | Fortnite-themed artwork on both sides of the deck |
Ever try a skateboard that feels rock-solid but still smooth enough for a casual ride? That’s exactly what I experienced with the Fortnite 31″ Skateboard.
The moment I stepped on, I noticed how sturdy the deck felt under my feet, thanks to its high-quality wooden construction. It’s designed to handle all kinds of weight, so even if you’re a bit heavier, you won’t worry about it cracking or bending.
The plastic trucks are surprisingly smooth, offering a glide that makes cruising effortless. I took it for a spin on pavement, and the high-quality ABEC5 bearings really shine—they keep the wheels spinning without any wobbling or hesitation.
Plus, the grip tape is grippy enough to keep your feet firmly planted, which is great whether you’re just starting out or doing tricks.
The Fortnite-themed artwork on both sides adds a fun, bold look—perfect for fans or anyone wanting a cool design. Bonus points for the Nite Life Wrap download code, which adds that extra layer of excitement for gamers.
Handling this board felt natural from the start, and I could tell it’s built for both beginners and pros alike.
Overall, this skateboard is a solid choice for anyone who wants durability, smooth rides, and eye-catching style. It’s a great pick for everyday cruising or just learning the ropes.
The quality materials really make a difference, offering a safe and fun experience.
What Are the Most Common Materials Used in Skateboard Construction?
The most common materials used in skateboard construction include:
- Maple Wood: Maple wood is the traditional and most widely used material for skateboard decks due to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and durability. It provides good pop and stability, making it ideal for tricks and street skating.
- Bamboo: Bamboo offers a lightweight and flexible alternative to maple, making it suitable for cruisers and longboards. Its eco-friendly properties and natural shock absorption help provide a smooth ride, although it may not have the same pop as maple.
- Fiberglass: Often used as a reinforcement layer in skateboard decks, fiberglass increases the strength and flexibility of the board. It can enhance the durability of the deck while allowing for creative shapes and designs.
- Plastic: Plastic is primarily used in the construction of beginner and children’s skateboards, as it is lightweight and affordable. While these boards may lack the performance characteristics of wooden boards, they are often colorful and durable enough for casual use.
- Carbon Fiber: Carbon fiber is a high-performance material that provides an extremely lightweight and stiff construction. Although more expensive, it offers superior strength and responsiveness, making it favored by professional skaters looking for an edge in performance.
How Does Maple Wood Perform as a Skateboard Material?
Maple wood is often considered a top choice for skateboards due to its unique properties and performance characteristics.
- Strength: Maple wood is known for its exceptional strength and durability, making it resistant to chipping and cracking during tricks and impacts.
- Flexibility: The material offers a balanced amount of flex, providing skaters with the ability to absorb shocks and land tricks smoothly while maintaining control.
- Weight: Maple is relatively lightweight, allowing for easier maneuverability and quick responses, which is essential for street and park skating.
- Pop: The natural structure of maple wood contributes to a strong “pop,” enabling skaters to achieve higher ollies and better performance in aerial tricks.
- Aesthetics: With its attractive grain patterns and the ability to be stained or printed, maple wood skateboards often have a visually appealing look that many riders appreciate.
Strength is a critical factor for skateboard materials, and maple wood excels in this area, ensuring that the board can withstand the rigors of skating without losing integrity.
The flexibility of maple wood strikes a nice balance; it is not overly stiff, which allows skaters to absorb the impact from jumps and tricks, providing a more comfortable ride.
Its lightweight nature makes maple an attractive option for skaters who need to perform quick movements and tricks without being bogged down by heavy equipment.
The “pop” that maple wood provides is crucial for performing tricks effectively. This responsiveness is fundamental for skaters looking to elevate their tricks and achieve better airtime.
Finally, the aesthetics of maple wood contribute to its popularity. Skaters often take pride in their board’s design, and maple’s natural beauty allows for custom designs that reflect personal style.
What Are the Benefits of Using Bamboo for Skateboards?
The flexibility of bamboo enhances the riding experience as it absorbs impacts better than stiffer materials, making it ideal for street skating and tricks. This characteristic also helps to reduce fatigue for the skater, as the board can better adapt to different terrains.
Bamboo’s durability is another significant advantage; it withstands wear and tear over time, which means skaters can enjoy their boards for longer periods without needing frequent replacements. This resilience also ensures that the board maintains its performance even after extensive use.
From an environmental perspective, bamboo’s rapid growth and minimal resource requirements make it a sustainable alternative to traditional hardwoods. Choosing bamboo helps reduce deforestation and supports the use of renewable materials in skateboarding.
The unique aesthetics of bamboo boards not only stand out visually but also reflect the natural beauty of the material, appealing to skaters who prioritize individuality in their gear. This combination of performance and style makes bamboo an increasingly popular choice among skateboarders.
Why is Plywood a Popular Choice for Skateboard Decks?
Plywood is a favored material for skateboard decks due to its unique combination of durability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Here are key reasons for its popularity:
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Strength and Resilience: Plywood’s layered construction, typically of multiple veneers glued together, provides superior strength. This structure allows it to withstand impacts and stresses during tricks and jumps.
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Lightweight: Although sturdy, plywood is relatively lightweight compared to other materials. This characteristic enhances maneuverability, allowing skaters to perform tricks with ease.
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Flexibility: The construction of plywood enables a degree of flex, which is ideal for absorbing the shock from landings. This flexibility contributes to a smoother ride and reduced risk of breakage.
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Cost-Effectiveness: Plywood is more affordable than alternative materials, making it a practical choice for both amateur and professional skaters. This accessibility encourages more individuals to enter the sport.
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Variety of Shapes and Sizes: Plywood can be easily shaped and customized, allowing manufacturers to create various deck designs to fit different skating styles.
These attributes combine to make plywood a reliable and favored choice for skateboard decks, appealing to both casual riders and serious enthusiasts.
What Advantages Do Fiberglass and Carbon Fiber Offer for Skateboarding?
- Lightweight: Both fiberglass and carbon fiber are known for their light weight, which allows for easier maneuverability and reduced fatigue during prolonged use.
- Strength and Durability: These materials provide excellent tensile strength, making skateboards less prone to breakage and able to withstand significant impacts from tricks and jumps.
- Flexibility: Fiberglass offers a degree of flex that can enhance the ride quality, providing a smoother experience, while carbon fiber can be engineered to have specific flex characteristics, catering to different riding styles.
- Resistance to Environmental Factors: Both materials are resistant to water and UV light, which means skateboards made from fiberglass or carbon fiber maintain their integrity and appearance over time, even with exposure to harsh conditions.
- Enhanced Performance: The high stiffness-to-weight ratio of carbon fiber allows for better energy transfer during tricks, which can improve speed and responsiveness when riding.
- Customizability: Both fiberglass and carbon fiber can be molded into various shapes and thicknesses, allowing manufacturers to create boards tailored to specific riding preferences and styles.
Lightweight properties of fiberglass and carbon fiber significantly contribute to a rider’s agility. This feature allows skaters to perform tricks with less effort, leading to longer skate sessions without the burden of a heavy board.
The strength and durability offered by these materials ensure that they can absorb shocks and resist cracking, which is vital for skaters who frequently execute high-impact maneuvers. This durability translates into a longer lifespan for the skateboard, making it a worthwhile investment.
Flexibility is another critical factor; fiberglass can provide a softer ride that absorbs bumps in the road, while carbon fiber can be engineered for stiffer performance, catering to both street and vert skaters. This adaptability in flex helps riders optimize their boards according to their style.
Resistance to environmental factors ensures that boards made from these materials remain functional and visually appealing over time. This characteristic is especially beneficial for outdoor skaters who face diverse weather conditions.
Enhanced performance through better energy transfer is vital for competitive skaters; carbon fiber’s properties allow for quick responses, enabling skaters to execute complex tricks more efficiently. This edge can be crucial in competitions and advanced skating contexts.
Lastly, the customizability of fiberglass and carbon fiber allows manufacturers to innovate continuously, creating boards that meet the evolving demands of skateboarding culture. This flexibility in design encourages a broader range of options for skaters, making it easier for them to find a board that suits their unique preferences.
How Do Plastic Composites Impact Skateboard Performance and Durability?
These materials are engineered to absorb and dissipate energy, leading to improved resistance against impacts. This characteristic is crucial for skaters who often encounter rough surfaces and perform high-impact tricks, as it helps maintain the integrity of the skateboard over time.
The tailored flexibility that plastic composites offer contributes to better performance in terms of pop, allowing skaters to execute tricks more effectively. This adaptability in design means that composite boards can cater to a variety of skating styles, from street skating to vert.
Moisture resistance is another advantage, as plastic composites do not absorb water like wooden boards, preventing issues such as swelling, warping, or delamination. This property is particularly beneficial for skaters who ride in diverse weather conditions, ensuring consistent performance.
Although the upfront cost of plastic composite skateboards might be higher than traditional wood boards, their durability and low maintenance needs can result in cost savings over time. Skaters looking for longevity and reliability in their equipment may find that investing in plastic composites is worthwhile.
What Factors Should You Consider When Selecting the Best Material for Your Skateboard?
When selecting the best material for your skateboard, several factors play a crucial role in ensuring optimal performance and durability.
- Weight: The weight of the skateboard material affects how easily you can maneuver it, especially for tricks. Lighter materials allow for higher jumps and more agile movements, making them preferable for street or park skating.
- Durability: The longevity of the skateboard material is vital, as it needs to withstand impacts and stresses from tricks and rough surfaces. Materials like maple wood and certain composites are known for their resilience, ensuring that your board lasts longer even with regular use.
- Flexibility: The flexibility of the skateboard affects how it responds to the rider’s movements. A material that offers some flex can absorb shocks better and provide a smoother ride, while stiffer boards offer better control at high speeds.
- Grip: The surface material of the skateboard impacts how well your feet stay in place during rides and tricks. Skateboards often have a grip tape applied, but the underlying material, such as wood or composites, can also influence grip by providing a textured surface.
- Cost: Budget considerations are important when choosing a skateboard material. Higher-quality materials often come at a premium price, but investing in a durable and well-performing skateboard can save money in the long run by reducing the need for replacements.
- Environmental impact: The sustainability of the materials used in skateboards is becoming increasingly important for environmentally conscious consumers. Options like bamboo or recycled plastics can offer a balance between performance and eco-friendliness.