How Much Does A Skateboard Deck Weigh? Does It Matter?
How much does a skateboard deck weigh? Does its weight have an impact on your performance? These questions perhaps pop into your head the first time you purchase a skateboard setup.
Choosing a deck is arguably the most important decision. It radically affects the overall feel of the weight of a skateboard, riding styles, and the foundation for other components such as skateboard trucks, bearings, and wheels.
Knowing the deck weight is important so you won’t end up with a heavy board that’s too difficult to handle.
Choosing Deck Is Crucial Decision To Make
How Much Does A Skateboard Deck Weigh?
The deck is the plank of wood where the skateboarder put his/her feet on and to which other components, including skateboard bearings, trucks, and wheels, are attached.
Most skateboard decks are constituted by at least seven layers of laminated maple, measure 7.25 - 8.5 inches wide, and weigh anywhere from 2 to 5 pounds (1 to 2.2 kg). Bamboo is also a common material, which is noticeably lighter than maple.
Bamboo Skateboard
The more wood plies the board consists of, the heavier it becomes. There are some efforts to lower the weight by constructing the board with six plies. However, the additional glue required to make the deck reliable for riding often weighs the same as the deducted ply.
Also, the skateboard deck weight might vary depending on several factors. Skateboard manufacturers always get ahead of the competition by infusing new technology to make stronger, lighter skateboards for optimal performance.
Element Helium Endeavor is known for being the lightest skateboard deck available. With the Element’s featherlight technology, the manufacturer could build the board with five hollow air chambers to cut down on the weight.
Indeed, a lighter board is preferable as it allows the skateboarder to execute different skills with more ease. Yet, the attempt to reduce the deck weight is usually accompanied by the reduced durability of the deck, meaning a lighter deck breaks more easily under pressure.
While a normal skateboard deck can last a long time, a lighter board can break after continuous jumps from downstairs. While lighter decks always win the hearts of many people, we recommend choosing the one without compromising the quality, durability, and safety.
Comparison Chart Of Skateboard Deck Weights
Header | Width | Average Weight Capacity | Skater’s Age | Shoe Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Micro | 6.5 - 6.75 inches | 45 pounds | 5 years old and under | Size 3 or under |
Mini | 7 inches | 59 pounds or under | 6 - 8 years old | Size 4 - 6 |
Mid-Size | 7.3 inches | 63 - 89 pounds | 9 - 12 years old | Size 7 - 8 |
Full Size | 7.5 inches and beyond | 195 pounds | Over 13 years old | Size 9 and up |
Factors Influencing The Deck Weight
Materials
Maple, which is a light and dense wood, is the most widely-used material. The fiber-rich characteristic of maple wood makes it one of the heaviest materials for skateboard decks.
Maple Board
However, the heavyweight also comes with a nice perk that maple boards are incredibly strong and stable. Thanks to the material’s superior strength, a maple board often consists of 7 to 9 wood layers with a polyurethane coating, and if well-constructed, it can withstand up to 220 pounds.
Carbon fiber makes stronger, quality boards, with Revdeck produced by Revolution Enterprises being a prime example. This material is considerably lighter than maple wood.
Another popular option among green skaters is bamboo. Bamboo boards are virtually hollow and airy and lack wooden fibers, making them lighter than maple ones. If you're an eco-conscious skateboarder, a bamboo board is a nice choice.
Bamboo is thin and less woody; therefore, bamboo boards are more flexible yet less durable than maple ones. These attributes make them more suitable for handling rough terrains and making sharp turns with less hassle.
Vinyl plastic is common for molding Penny boards. These plastic boards are also lightweight. However, vinyl plastic skateboards are less strong and hold less weight than bamboo ones. They are more suitable for commuting than performing stunts.
Penny Board
Shape
In general, there are three skateboard shapes developed to suit different riding requirements.
Classic Popsicle: This shape, which goes by Twin-Tip, is standard for street and park skating. It features the nose and tail of a similar shape for easy switching stance.
Old School: This shape, aimed for transition skateboarding, is almost always wider. An old-school shape typically comes with a width beyond 8.25 inches, making them relatively on the heavier side (compared to standard stress boards).
Modern Shape: The modern shaped board is a combination of classic popsicle and old school, geared towards riders who love transition skating and occasionally on a whim for street riding. The pronounced concave with curved tail and nose also allows for performing tricks.
Modern Shape
With the same material and number of plies or layers, a modern or popsicle board will be slightly lighter since its lean shape helps cut down the material used a little.
Size
Understandably, a longer and wider board will be heavier than a shorter and narrower one. The bigger the size, the more material is needed for its construction, adding up to the skateboard deck weight.
See also: How Much Does a Good Skateboard Cost
Does The Deck Weight Matter?
A Lighter Deck Allows You To Do Tricks Better
You’ll find a lightweight full-size board with a width anywhere between 7.5 and 7.75 inches flips faster than their heavier, wider counterparts. Skateboards constructed out of lightweight materials allow you to do tricks easily.
A Lightweight Board Is Easier To Flip
However, it’s more important to go with a deck size that you’re comfortable riding on. It will be awkward for big feet to maneuver on a too-small board.
Bringing A Skateboard On A Plane
The weight of the deck does matter when it comes to bringing a skateboard to a plane. Nevertheless, there are some restraints about the size and the total weight of the entire skateboard.
That said, you can bring your skateboard in your carry-on luggage and then place it in the overhead space with most airlines.
It is advisable to carefully check the size and weight restrictions before purchasing a ticket. As long as you know the regulations and stick to them, there should be no unpleasant surprises while passing security.
If you bring your board as a carry-on, the length of the board should not be more than 62 inches, and the total weight of all parts of a skateboard (skateboard wheels, bearings, trucks) does not exceed the 50-pound threshold.
Conclusion
Lightweight decks prove to help you pull off the tricks easier. Additionally, they contribute less to the weight of the skateboard, making transporting it on a plane less hassle.
How much does a skate deck weigh? The answer depends on the materials used, shapes, and sizes, with the average range of 2 - 5 pounds. Make sure you choose the board that fits your physique since the wrong combination of board size and feet might impair your performance.
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