best skateboards of the 90′

For years, skateboards of the ’90s lacked modern durability and rider-friendly features, which is why this new wave deserves attention. Having tested several models, I can tell you that the WhiteFang Complete Skateboard 31 x 7.88 stands out for its balance of quality and performance. The 7-layer Canadian maple deck offers serious toughness, perfect for beginners learning tricks or experienced skaters pushing boundaries. Its full-size, double kick design makes flips smoother and easier to control, especially when riding on ramps or street.

The WhiteFang skateboard excels in speed and stability, thanks to its high-rebound PU wheels and ABEC-9 bearings, outperforming others like the Fortnite Cruiser with plastic trucks or the WhiteFang Basic in durability. It’s ready to ride right out of the box, saving you time on assembly. After testing, I found this model offers the best combination of strength, responsiveness, and safety. If you want a reliable, versatile skateboard that truly captures the essence of ‘90s style with modern durability, this one’s an excellent pick.

Top Recommendation: WhiteFang Complete Skateboard 31 x 7.88, 7

Why We Recommend It: This skateboard’s 7-layer Canadian maple deck provides unmatched durability for daily use and tricks. Its high-quality 95A PU wheels paired with ABEC-9 bearings deliver superior speed, response, and shock absorption. Unlike alternatives with plastic trucks or lower-thrust bearings, this model maintains stability and control, making it ideal for all skill levels. The full assembly and sturdy design make it a clear winner for value, quality, and performance.

Best skateboards of the 90′: Our Top 3 Picks

• WhiteFang Beginner Skateboard 31×7.88, 7-Layer Maple – Best Value
• Fortnite 31″ Skateboard – Cruiser Skateboard Printed – Best for Vintage Style
• WhiteFang Skateboards, Complete Skateboard 31 x 7.88, 7 – Best Premium Option

What Made the 90s Skateboards Stand Out from Other Decades?

The 90s skateboards stood out due to their unique designs, innovative materials, and the influence of the skate culture of the time.

• Wide Decks: The skateboards of the 90s featured wider decks compared to their predecessors, often ranging from 7.5 to 8.5 inches. This increase in width provided more stability and a larger surface area for tricks, accommodating the evolution of street skating and tricks that became popular during this era.
• Graphics and Artwork: The 90s were known for their vibrant and bold graphic designs, often showcasing unique artwork and sponsor logos. Skaters began to express their individuality through their board graphics, contributing to a distinct visual identity that resonated with the skateboarding community.
• Material Innovations: During the 90s, skateboard manufacturers began using new materials such as fiberglass and advanced plastics, which made the boards lighter and more durable. These innovations allowed for improved performance and longevity, accommodating the increasing complexity of tricks performed by skateboarders at that time.
• Pop and Shape Variations: Skateboards began to adopt various shapes and concaves, providing different levels of pop and control. The introduction of the ‘popsicle’ shape, characterized by a symmetrical design, became prominent, allowing skaters to perform tricks more easily both on ramps and in street environments.
• Influence of Skate Videos and Media: The rise of skate videos and magazines in the 90s greatly influenced skateboard design and culture. Iconic skate videos showcased the latest boards and tricks, driving demand for specific models and contributing to the overall popularity of certain brands and styles.
• Brand Rivalries and Sponsorships: The competitive landscape between skateboard brands intensified in the 90s, with companies like Element, Almost, and Birdhouse emerging with signature models. This rivalry led to innovative designs and unique collaborations, making certain boards highly sought after among enthusiasts and collectors.

Which Iconic Skateboard Brands Shaped the 1990s Scene?

The iconic skateboard brands that shaped the 1990s scene include:

• Santa Cruz: One of the oldest skateboard brands, Santa Cruz became synonymous with the vibrant graphics and innovative designs of the 90s.
• Zero Skateboards: Founded by pro skater Jamie Thomas, Zero gained recognition for its edgy image and strong team of riders, pushing the limits of street skating.
• Element Skateboards: Element stood out for its commitment to environmental consciousness and unique art-driven decks, attracting a diverse group of skaters.
• Powell Peralta: Known for its legendary team and iconic video releases, Powell Peralta was instrumental in popularizing skateboarding culture during the decade.
• Birdhouse Skateboards: Created by Tony Hawk, Birdhouse embodied the spirit of the 90s with its playful designs and focus on street and vert skating.

Santa Cruz: Founded in 1973, Santa Cruz became a major player in the 90s skate scene with its bold graphics, including the famous Screaming Hand logo. The brand was known for pushing the envelope regarding skateboard technology, creating durable decks that appealed to both amateur and professional skaters.

Zero Skateboards: Launched in 1996, Zero quickly established a reputation for its rebellious attitude and high-quality boards. With a lineup of talented riders, including Jamie Thomas and Chris Cole, the brand became a symbol of the street skating revolution, emphasizing hard tricks and gritty urban environments.

Element Skateboards: Founded in 1992, Element focused on creating skateboards that reflected a commitment to nature and sustainability. Their decks featured artistic graphics and were often made from eco-friendly materials, appealing to a new generation of skaters who valued both style and environmental responsibility.

Powell Peralta: Active since the late 1970s, Powell Peralta reached new heights in the 90s with its groundbreaking skate videos like “The Bones Brigade Video Show.” The brand’s iconic graphics and legendary team, featuring skaters like Tony Hawk and Steve Caballero, helped define the aesthetic of skateboarding during this era.

Birdhouse Skateboards: Established in 1992 by skating legend Tony Hawk, Birdhouse quickly became a household name in skateboarding. With a focus on creativity and fun, the brand’s decks often featured whimsical graphics, and Hawk’s influence helped bridge the gap between professional skateboarding and mainstream culture.

How Did Each Brand Contribute to Skateboarding Culture?

The best skateboards of the 90s were defined by several influential brands that shaped skateboarding culture significantly.

• Santa Cruz: Renowned for its innovative designs and graphics, Santa Cruz played a pivotal role in the 90s skate scene, featuring iconic skateboard decks like the “Screaming Hand.” The brand’s collaboration with top skaters helped elevate its status, making it a staple for both street and vert skating enthusiasts.
• Powell Peralta: This brand was instrumental in the popularization of skateboarding through its legendary team of skaters, including Tony Hawk and Rodney Mullen. Their distinctive designs and quality construction, especially with the introduction of the “Rat Bones” wheels, set new standards for performance and aesthetics in skateboarding.
• Element: Element emerged as a brand that emphasized environmental consciousness alongside skateboarding culture, promoting a lifestyle that resonated with many skaters. Their unique graphics and commitment to sustainability caught the attention of a whole new generation of skateboarders, helping to diversify the culture.
• Alien Workshop: Known for its artistic approach and creative team, Alien Workshop contributed to the skateboarding culture with decks that featured unconventional art and designs. This brand became synonymous with the underground skate scene of the 90s, influencing not only skating styles but also fashion and music within the culture.
• Birdhouse: Founded by Tony Hawk, Birdhouse brought a personal touch to skateboarding, combining Hawk’s influence with a focus on both performance and style. The brand’s unique decks and merchandise helped to forge a deeper connection between skaters and the culture, making it a favorite among enthusiasts in the 90s.
• Plan B: Plan B was known for its high-quality decks and a team of elite skaters, which included legends like Danny Way and Mike Carroll. The brand’s dedication to pushing the limits of skateboarding tricks and video production helped to elevate the sport’s profile, making it a key player in the evolution of skate culture during the 90s.

What Were the Most Influential Skateboard Models of the 90s?

The most influential skateboard models of the 90s shaped the culture and design of skateboarding for decades to come.

• Santa Cruz Rob Roskopp Face: This iconic skateboard model featured bold graphics and a unique shape that appealed to skaters of all levels. The oversized deck provided stability for tricks while the graphic became a symbol of the skateboarding scene, representing the edgy and rebellious spirit of the era.
• Powell Peralta Tony Hawk Pro Model: Tony Hawk’s pro model was pivotal in popularizing vertical skateboarding and introduced features that catered to professional skaters. The board’s design, coupled with Hawk’s rising fame, made it a staple in skate shops and a must-have for aspiring skaters wanting to emulate his style.
• Element Bamboo Skateboard: Element’s Bamboo Skateboard was one of the first to focus on sustainability while maintaining performance. This model showcased a unique construction that made it lighter and more flexible, appealing to environmentally conscious skaters who still wanted a high-quality board.
• Blind Jeremy Klein Model: Known for its unique shape and eye-catching graphics, the Blind Jeremy Klein model gained a cult following in the 90s. Its wider deck allowed for better foot placement during tricks, and it encapsulated the playful and creative side of skateboarding during that time.
• Anti-Hero Skateboards: Founded by legendary skater Tony Trujillo, Anti-Hero’s boards were known for their no-nonsense attitude and durable construction. Their designs often featured gritty artwork and resonated with skaters who valued authenticity and rawness in their equipment.

What Legacy Did Iconic Models Leave on Modern Skateboarding?

The legacy of iconic models has significantly shaped modern skateboarding, influencing design, culture, and performance.

• Santa Cruz Rob Roskopp Face: This board is renowned for its bold graphics and unique shape, which set a standard for artistic expression in skateboarding.
• Powell Peralta Tony Hawk Birdhouse: Known for its performance and durability, this skateboard became synonymous with professional skating and introduced many to the sport.
• Element Bamboo Skateboard: Pioneering the use of sustainable materials, this model emphasized environmental consciousness in skateboarding while maintaining high performance.
• Plan B Skateboards: With a focus on innovation and high-profile team riders, this brand helped elevate technical skateboarding to new heights, influencing modern tricks and styles.
• Blind Skateboards: Famous for its creative graphics and cultural impact, Blind played a crucial role in the emergence of street skating and the DIY ethic in the skate community.

The Santa Cruz Rob Roskopp Face is not just a skateboard; it is a cultural icon that showcased how graphics could enhance a skateboard’s appeal. Its distinct design has influenced countless artists and skateboard companies, pushing boundaries in skateboard art.

The Powell Peralta Tony Hawk Birdhouse revolutionized the skateboarding world by combining performance features with a recognizable brand identity. Its success helped establish skateboarding as a legitimate sport and provided a platform for younger generations to engage with skate culture.

The Element Bamboo Skateboard marked a shift towards eco-friendly practices in manufacturing, showcasing that performance and environmental responsibility could coexist. This board not only appealed to skaters but also raised awareness about sustainability in the sport.

Plan B Skateboards emerged as a powerhouse in the industry by emphasizing technical skating and fostering a culture of innovation. The brand’s commitment to high-quality boards and professional riders has left an indelible mark on skateboarding, inspiring skaters to push their limits.

Blind Skateboards became a staple in the skateboarding community due to its groundbreaking graphics and commitment to street skating. The brand’s influence on the DIY skate culture helped define a new era of creativity and self-expression among skaters, shaping the identity of modern skateboarding.

How Did Graphics and Artwork Define 90s Skateboard Decks?

The graphics and artwork on skateboard decks in the 90s played a crucial role in defining the culture and identity of skateboarding during that era.

• Bold Colors: Many skateboard decks featured vibrant, eye-catching colors that appealed to the youth culture of the time.
• Iconic Artwork: Artists like Jim Phillips and Ed Templeton created memorable graphics that became synonymous with certain brands.
• Pop Culture References: Deck designs often included references to popular music, movies, and other aspects of youth culture, making them relatable and trendy.
• Personal Expression: Skateboard graphics provided a canvas for individual expression, allowing skaters to showcase their personality and style.
• Brand Identity: Unique graphics helped skateboard brands establish strong identities and foster a sense of loyalty among skaters.

Bold Colors: The use of bold colors on skateboard decks was a hallmark of the 90s, as skateboarding was closely linked to the vibrant street culture. These bright hues not only made the boards visually appealing but also aligned with the energetic and rebellious spirit of the skater community.

Iconic Artwork: Artists like Jim Phillips, known for his work with Santa Cruz Skateboards, and Ed Templeton, associated with Toy Machine, created iconic designs that resonated with skaters. Their artwork often featured surreal and exaggerated imagery, making the decks not just functional but also collectible art pieces.

Pop Culture References: Skateboard graphics in the 90s frequently drew inspiration from the wider pop culture landscape, including punk rock, hip-hop, and even cartoons. This connection to contemporary culture made the boards appealing to a generation that was heavily influenced by music and media.

Personal Expression: For many skaters, their skateboard deck was an extension of their identity. The choice of graphics allowed them to express their individuality, with some opting for decks that reflected their interests, beliefs, or sense of humor, fostering a sense of belonging within the skate community.

Brand Identity: Distinct graphics played a significant role in establishing brand identities in the 90s skateboarding scene. Brands like Powell Peralta and Element became known for their unique styles, creating a loyal following among skaters who wanted to align themselves with the brand’s image and values.

What Features Should Collectors Look for When Valuing a 90s Skateboard?

• Brand: The brand of the skateboard can significantly influence its value, with popular brands like Powell Peralta, Santa Cruz, and Element often fetching higher prices due to their iconic status in skateboarding history.
• Condition: The condition of the skateboard is crucial; items that are in mint condition, with original graphics and minimal wear, are typically valued much higher than those with scratches, chips, or faded artwork.
• Graphics: The design and artwork on the skateboard can enhance its desirability, especially if it features artwork by renowned artists or is a limited edition release, making it a collectible piece.
• Deck Shape and Size: The shape and size of the deck can affect its value, with certain shapes that were popular in the 90s, like the popsicle shape, being more sought after by collectors compared to others.
• Components: Original components such as trucks, wheels, and bearings can add to the value; collectors often prefer complete setups with authentic parts from the same era rather than modern replacements.
• Pro Model: Skateboards that are pro models, associated with famous skaters of the 90s, tend to have a higher value due to their connection to the skateboarding culture and the legacy of the skater.
• Rarity: Limited production runs, unique designs, or rare colorways can significantly increase the value, as scarcity often drives demand among collectors.

Why Is Condition and Authenticity Important in Collecting?

Condition and authenticity are crucial in collecting because they significantly impact both the value and desirability of items, particularly in niche markets like vintage skateboards from the 90s.

According to a study by the International Society of Appraisers, items in pristine condition can fetch up to 50% more than those that show signs of wear and tear. This is particularly relevant for collectibles, where the perceived quality directly influences the market price. Authenticity also plays a pivotal role; collectors are often willing to pay a premium for items that can be verified as original, as authenticity assures buyers they are investing in genuine pieces rather than reproductions or fakes.

The underlying mechanism involves the psychology of collecting, where rarity and quality enhance the emotional and financial investment a collector is willing to make. For instance, in the realm of 90s skateboards, the condition might reflect not only the item’s longevity but also its historical significance and the cultural nostalgia associated with that era. A skateboard in mint condition serves as a tangible link to the past, evoking memories and experiences that are valuable to collectors. Furthermore, the authenticity of these items assures collectors that they are obtaining a piece of history, which is especially important in a market where counterfeit goods exist.

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