Best Skateboard Decks for Street Skating vs. Vert Skating
Skateboarding has evolved dramatically over the years, with different types of skating emerging and taking their own unique forms. Two of the most popular disciplines in the skateboarding world are street skating and vert skating. While both styles share a love for the sport, they require different equipment tailored to their specific needs. In this article, we will dive into the best skateboard decks for both street and vert skating, exploring the key features, differences, and how to choose the right deck for your skating style.
Whether you’re a seasoned skateboarder or just starting out, understanding the distinction between street and vert decks will help you make informed decisions about the equipment you need to enhance your performance.
What Is Street Skating?
Street skating refers to the style of skateboarding that takes place in urban environments. Skaters use obstacles found on sidewalks, parking lots, stairways, ledges, rails, and curbs to perform tricks and maneuvers. It’s all about creative use of the surrounding environment, where skaters incorporate different features to perform ollies, grinds, slides, and flip tricks.
Characteristics of Street Skating
- Focus on Technicality: Street skating requires a skateboard deck that offers control and responsiveness for precise tricks. Skaters often need to pop the board higher for trick execution, while also maintaining stability on a variety of surfaces.
- Trick-Oriented: From kickflips to manuals, street skaters focus on tricks that require good pop and quick maneuverability. The setup needs to be light, responsive, and durable to handle the high impact of landing tricks on hard surfaces.
What Is Vert Skating?
Vert skating, on the other hand, refers to skateboarding on a halfpipe or other vert ramps. This discipline is all about speed, height, and aerial tricks. Skaters perform big air tricks, flips, and grinds while gaining momentum on the ramp. Because of the nature of the ramp’s curves and the need for higher speeds, the equipment required is different from street skating.
Characteristics of Vert Skating
- Focus on Air: Vert skating is more focused on achieving height, speed, and distance during tricks. The deck needs to be stable at high speeds and capable of withstanding the impact from significant air tricks.
- Speed and Control: Since vert skating involves a lot of airtime and bigger landings, skaters need a board that can provide ample control when coming back down from heights.
Differences Between Street and Vert Decks
To choose the best skateboard deck for street skating or vert skating, it’s important to understand the differences in how the boards are constructed and the types of tricks each discipline requires.
1. Deck Shape
- Street Skateboard Decks: Street decks tend to be flatter and have a more symmetrical shape with a kicktail (the upward curve at the back of the board) and nose. The shape is designed for technical tricks such as ollies, flips, and grinds. A street deck is usually lighter, which helps skaters to flip the board more easily.
- Vert Skateboard Decks: Vert decks are typically wider and longer to provide more stability at high speeds and when airborne. They also have a more pronounced concave (the inward curve of the deck) to give skaters more control when carving and landing on ramps. The wider deck also provides a better surface area for aerial tricks.
2. Deck Material
- Street Skateboard Decks: Street decks are typically made from maple wood, which provides the necessary balance of strength and flexibility. The ply count can vary, but most street decks range from 7 to 9 plies. Some high-end boards may incorporate other materials like bamboo or fiberglass to increase strength and reduce weight.
- Vert Skateboard Decks: Vert decks are also usually made of maple, but they often use a thicker ply construction or additional materials for strength and durability. Since vert skating often involves higher-impact landings, these decks need to absorb more shock. Some vert decks also feature carbon fiber or fiberglass reinforcement.
3. Width and Length
- Street Skateboard Decks: Street decks typically range from 7.5 to 8.25 inches in width, allowing for a quick and responsive ride. The length is usually around 31 inches, which is ideal for performing technical tricks and fits well with street skaters who need quick footwork.
- Vert Skateboard Decks: Vert decks are usually wider, typically between 8.25 and 8.75 inches, to accommodate the larger surface area needed for stability during aerial maneuvers. The longer length (around 32 inches or more) provides better control on the ramp and is better suited for high-speed riding.
4. Concave and Nose/Tail
- Street Skateboard Decks: Street decks usually have a medium to steep concave to provide a good grip and control while performing flip tricks. The nose and tail are also designed to be responsive for quick movements.
- Vert Skateboard Decks: Vert decks tend to have a deeper concave to enhance stability at high speeds and during air tricks. A more pronounced tail is often used to aid in launching off the ramp, and the nose is usually slightly flatter than that of a street deck.
Best Skateboard Decks for Street Skating
When choosing a skateboard deck for street skating, it’s crucial to prioritize control, lightness, and responsiveness. Here are some of the best skateboard decks for street skaters:
1. Santa Cruz VX Deck
Santa Cruz has been a trusted brand in skateboarding for decades. The Santa Cruz VX Deck is known for its durability and ability to withstand the wear and tear of street skating. The VX deck is lighter than traditional 7-ply decks but still offers the right amount of pop and control for technical tricks.
2. Almost Impact Plus Deck
The Almost Impact Plus Deck features a unique 7-ply maple construction combined with a fiberglass reinforcement. This gives it excellent durability and pop, making it a great choice for street skaters who need a board that can handle the high impact of landing tricks.
3. Element Section Deck
Element decks are popular among street skaters due to their reliability and sleek designs. The Element Section Deck is lightweight, offers great pop, and is perfect for riders who focus on technical tricks.
Best Skateboard Decks for Vert Skating
Vert skating demands a more stable, wider, and durable deck. The following are some of the top choices for vert skating:
1. Powell Peralta Flight Deck
The Powell Peralta Flight Deck is one of the best vert decks available. It is made with a strong 8-ply construction and features additional fiberglass layers, making it one of the lightest yet most durable boards for vert skaters. The added strength ensures that the deck can withstand the impacts from high-flying tricks.
2. Baker Brand New Shape Deck
Baker’s Brand New Shape Deck is ideal for vert skaters due to its wider dimensions and extra concave. The shape and construction provide excellent stability for both air tricks and grinds, making it a great choice for vert skaters who need a reliable and responsive board.
3. Creature Nocturnal Deck
The Creature Nocturnal Deck offers a wider profile, ideal for vert skating. Known for its rugged construction and strength, this deck provides the necessary control and stability during big airs and heavy landings.
Read More: Top 10 Skateboard Deck Brands You Need to Know in 2025
Choosing the Right Deck for Your Style
When deciding between a street or vert skateboard deck, consider your preferred style and where you’ll be skating the most. If you’re into technical tricks on sidewalks, ledges, or rails, a street deck will be the right choice. If you love high-speed ramp sessions and aerial tricks, a vert deck will give you the stability and control needed for big-air stunts.
Key Factors to Consider
- Size: A larger deck gives you more stability, ideal for vert skating, while a narrower deck is better for technical street tricks.
- Concave: A deeper concave offers more control for vert skaters, whereas a medium concave is better for street skaters.
- Durability: Vert skating involves high-impact landings, so a deck with added reinforcement (fiberglass, carbon fiber) can last longer.
Key Differences Between Street and Vert Skateboard Decks
| Feature | Street Skating Decks | Vert Skating Decks |
|---|---|---|
| Deck Shape | Symmetrical with medium to narrow width | Wider with a tapered or squared tail |
| Concave | Medium to deep concave for better control | Shallow to medium concave for stability |
| Material | 7-ply maple with optional carbon fiber | 7-ply or 9-ply maple with extra reinforcement |
| Weight | Lighter, making it easier to perform flip tricks | Heavier for better stability during landings |
| Pop and Responsiveness | High pop for technical tricks | Responsive for aerial control and stability |
| Durability | Resistant to wear and tear | Reinforced for high-impact landings |
Frequent Asked Questions
1. Can you use a street deck for vert skating?
Technically, yes, you can use a street deck for vert skating, but it may not provide the best performance. A vert deck is typically wider and more stable, which helps with aerial tricks and high-speed riding.
2. What is the best skateboard deck for beginners?
For beginners, it’s often recommended to start with a street deck, as it is more versatile and can be used in a variety of environments. A standard 8.0-inch deck is a good starting point.
3. Are vert decks more expensive than street decks?
Vert decks can be more expensive due to their larger size and the materials used for reinforcement. However, both types of decks can be found at various price points, depending on the brand and materials.
4. What is the difference in concave between street and vert decks?
Street decks typically have a medium to steep concave to assist with flips and technical tricks. Vert decks usually have a deeper concave to provide more control at high speeds and during air tricks.
5. Do I need a special deck for street skating?
Yes, street skaters typically need a lighter, thinner deck with a good amount of pop and responsiveness for tricks like flips, grinds, and ollies.
6. How long do skateboard decks last?
The lifespan of a skateboard deck depends on the material, construction, and how often it is used. On average, a skateboard deck can last anywhere from 1-3 months with regular use.
7. Can you use a vert deck for street skating?
While a vert deck can be used for street skating, it may not be as maneuverable or responsive as a street-specific deck. If you mainly do street tricks, a street deck will offer better control and pop.
Conclusion
Choosing the right skateboard deck is essential for improving your performance, whether you’re hitting the streets or the vert ramp. Street skating requires a lighter, more responsive deck, while vert skating demands a wider and more durable board to handle the speed and impacts from big air tricks. By understanding the differences between these two types of decks, you can make an informed decision that suits your skating style. Happy skating!
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