Over the last few decades, skateboarding has become increasingly popular, moving from recreational pastime to organized sport. And more and more people from different age ranges and backgrounds are taking to skateboarding. To accommodate these new participants and the various levels of intensity, skate deck design has evolved to produce more deck types than ever before.
Blank Decks
Blanks are the most basic type of skateboard deck, offering solid levels of performance at traditionally lower prices than other forms of deck. Blanks tend to feature a standard multi-ply design, offering high levels of strength and a concave deck ending in two raised kick-tails. Widths typically vary from 7 1/2 to 8 1/4 inches, depending on the needs and size of the rider. Blanks get their name from their "blank" appearance, usually free from any artwork.
Graphic Decks
Graphic decks are almost identical in specification and construction to blank decks. However, their main difference comes in their relationship to professional skaters. Graphic decks feature graphics designed by, or the signature of, individual professional skaters and brands. When purchased, a graphic deck will have a portion of its sale price passed on to the pro. This makes graphic decks a great way to show your support for your favourite rider, although the downside is a greater price tag than that of the blank deck.
Old-School Decks
Old-school or retro skateboard decks have a strong appeal for those returning to skateboarding who first picked up the sport in the 1970s and 80s, or newcomers who appreciate the sports nostalgic origins. Old-school decks base themselves on retro designs, often having only one kick tail at the back of the board. They are shaped with old style templates in mind, incorporating amazing amounts of width as well as large, rounded outlines. Old-school decks have been brought into the modern day with the addition of concave transitions and up-to-date manufacturing, giving them comparable strength and somewhat similar performance to today's blank decks.
Longboard Decks
Longboard decks are the most different to modern blank decks. Manufactured using the same layering and pressing techniques, the key difference with longboard decks is in their size and shaping. Longboards tend to be far longer than traditional decks, ranging from approximately 3 feet in length, up to 5 feet or more. They are designed for downhill and cruising styles of riding, often at higher speeds, and they incorporate different trucks and wheels than traditional decks. Longboard decks also tend to offer greater widths of up to 14 and 15 inches to help provide stability at high speed.
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