How to Choose the Right Concave for Your Skateboard Deck

When it comes to skateboarding, every rider has their own preferences and style. Whether you’re into technical street skating, vert, or cruising, the right skateboard deck setup plays a significant role in how well you perform. One of the most important aspects of your deck setup is the concave. The concave refers to the curve of the deck from side to side and plays a crucial role in how the skateboard feels under your feet.

Choosing the right concave for your skateboard deck can improve your control, comfort, and performance while skating. But with so many options available, it can be confusing to figure out which concave shape suits your needs. We’ll dive into everything you need to know about skateboard deck concave how it affects your performance, the different types of concave, and how to choose the right one for your riding style. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.

What is Concave?

In skateboarding, concave refers to the curve of a skateboard deck, which can vary in depth and shape. The concave helps to give the deck structural strength, as well as a place for your feet to lock in for better control. A deck with a deeper concave creates more of a curve, while a shallow concave has a more subtle curve.

The shape of the concave is essential for performing tricks, as it provides the foot grip and comfort needed for balance and control. When you perform tricks like kickflips, ollies, or grinds, the concave of your deck affects how well you can manipulate the board and how stable you feel while riding.

Why is Concave Important for Skateboard Decks?

Choosing the right concave can drastically impact your skateboarding experience. The right amount of concave provides a better grip on the board and makes it easier to control your movements. The wrong concave, on the other hand, can lead to discomfort and even difficulty executing tricks properly.

Some of the primary benefits of concave are:

Foot Lock-In: A good concave helps your feet “lock in” to the deck, allowing for greater control when performing flip tricks, ollies, or grinds.
Comfort: The right concave can make your deck more comfortable to ride, allowing your feet to rest naturally on the board.
Pop: A deeper concave can help generate more pop, allowing your deck to leave the ground more easily during tricks.
Stability: Concave helps distribute pressure evenly across the deck, improving balance and stability during tricks and landings.

Types of Skateboard Concave

Skateboard decks come in various concave shapes, each designed for specific riding styles. Below are the most common types of concave:

1. Shallow Concave

Shallow concave decks have a gentle, mild curve from side to side. These decks are usually flatter and provide a more relaxed feel underfoot.

Ideal for: Cruising, beginners, and street skating.
Benefits: Shallow concave decks offer more comfort for riders who want a smooth ride. They provide enough control for basic tricks like ollies or kickflips but are not ideal for technical skating or high-impact tricks.
Drawbacks: With less foot lock-in, shallow concave decks are not ideal for performing complex tricks that require precise foot control.

2. Medium Concave

Medium concave decks are the most versatile and common type. They have a balanced curve that provides a good combination of control, comfort, and pop.

Ideal for: A wide range of skateboarding styles, from street skating to park skating.
Benefits: Medium concave decks provide a decent amount of foot lock-in and pop. They offer a good balance between comfort and performance, making them perfect for skaters who perform a variety of tricks.
Drawbacks: While they offer good overall performance, medium concave decks may not be aggressive enough for skaters who need maximum precision in their foot control.

3. Deep Concave

Deep concave decks have a more pronounced curve from side to side. This creates a more aggressive feel and greater foot lock-in, which is ideal for technical skaters who perform intricate tricks.

Ideal for: Technical street skating, flip tricks, and bowl riding.
Benefits: Deep concave decks provide excellent foot control, especially for tricks that require you to flick or spin the board. The added curve allows for more grip, making it easier to perform flip tricks and spins with precision.
Drawbacks: Some skaters may find deep concave decks less comfortable for cruising or long-distance riding due to the aggressive curve. They can also be harder to control for beginners.

4. W-Curve Concave

The W-curve is a unique concave shape that is popular with some street skaters. It has a slight “W” shape at the center of the deck, which provides a bit more foot lock-in and control around the middle of the board.

Ideal for: Street skating and technical tricks.
Benefits: The W-curve offers extra control and stability during flip tricks, while still providing a relatively comfortable ride. The curve in the center of the board allows skaters to lock their feet into the concave more effectively.
Drawbacks: The W-curve may not be as versatile as other concave types, and it can feel odd or uncomfortable to riders who aren’t used to it.

5. Flat Concave

Flat concave decks have little to no curve from side to side. These decks are very subtle in terms of concave, providing a very flat ride.

Ideal for: Beginner skaters or those looking for a laid-back cruising experience.
Benefits: Flat concave decks are comfortable for beginner riders or those who prefer a less aggressive feel. They are great for learning basic tricks without the added complexity of a deeper concave.
Drawbacks: Flat concave decks lack foot lock-in and can make technical tricks more difficult to execute, as they provide minimal grip for your feet.

How to Choose the Right Concave for Your Riding Style

When selecting the right concave for your skateboard, it’s essential to consider your riding style and the types of tricks you plan to perform. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the best concave for your needs:

1. Street Skating

Street skaters often need a deck with precise foot control and the ability to perform flip tricks, slides, and grinds. For street skating, medium to deep concave decks work best.

Best Choice: Medium or deep concave decks are ideal for street skating because they offer a good combination of control and pop. If you do a lot of flip tricks, a deeper concave might help you lock your feet in better.

2. Technical Skating (Tricks)

If you’re into technical tricks like kickflips, heelflips, and treflips, you’ll want a deck with a concave that helps you get the most out of your foot movement. Deep concave is generally preferred for trick skaters.

Best Choice: A deep concave will give you the foot lock-in you need for precision tricks. It helps with flicking and controlling the board mid-air, so you can land those technical moves with accuracy.

3. Vert Skating or Bowl Riding

Vert and bowl skaters often need a deck that provides stability, control, and grip when transitioning from vertical to horizontal surfaces. A medium concave deck will typically be the most comfortable and versatile for vert riders.

Best Choice: A medium concave provides enough control for bowl or vert riding, allowing you to make smooth transitions while still offering a solid base for performing airs or slides.

4. Cruising and Downhill Riding

If you enjoy cruising or downhill riding, comfort and smoothness will be a top priority. For these types of skating, you may prefer a shallow concave or even a flat concave to provide a relaxed ride.

Best Choice: Shallow or flat concave decks provide a more stable and comfortable ride for cruising, as they don’t have a sharp curve that would affect your foot position during casual rides.

Key Factors to Consider

In addition to concave, there are a few other factors you should consider when choosing your skateboard deck:

Deck Width: The width of your deck also affects how it feels under your feet. Narrower decks (7.5” to 7.75”) are great for technical tricks, while wider decks (8.0” and above) are better for stability and larger tricks.
Deck Length: A longer deck offers more stability, while a shorter deck is easier to maneuver.
Your Skill Level: Beginners may want to go with a more relaxed concave (shallow or flat), while experienced skaters might prefer the responsiveness and control offered by medium or deep concave decks.
Material and Construction: Make sure your deck is made from high-quality materials (like 7-ply maple or carbon fiber) to ensure durability, especially if you plan on doing high-impact tricks.

7 Frequently Asked Questions

Does the concave shape affect my ability to land tricks?
Yes, the concave shape plays a significant role in your ability to land tricks. Deeper concave decks provide more foot lock-in, which can help with precision and control when landing tricks.
Which concave is best for beginners?
Beginners may prefer a shallow concave or flat concave for comfort and ease of use. These types of concave provide a more relaxed feel underfoot, making it easier to learn the basics without the added complexity of deep concave.
How do I know if my concave is too deep?
If the concave feels uncomfortable or if your feet feel locked in too tightly, it may be too deep. A deck with a concave that’s too aggressive might make technical tricks difficult and uncomfortable, especially for beginners.
Can I use a deep concave for cruising?
While a deep concave can provide great control for technical tricks, it’s not ideal for cruising. Cruisers often prefer shallow concave or flat concave decks for a more comfortable ride over long distances.
What if I don’t like the concave on my board?
If you don’t like the concave on your current deck, you can always switch to a different one. Skateboard decks come in a variety of concave shapes, so you can choose one that better suits your preferences.
Do different concaves affect the durability of the deck?
The concave itself doesn’t directly impact the durability of the deck, but decks with more aggressive concaves (like deep concave) may experience more stress during tricks, which could affect their lifespan if not properly maintained.
Can I change the concave on my skateboard?
The concave is molded into the deck during the manufacturing process, so you cannot change it after purchase. However, you can always switch to a new deck with a different concave shape if your current one isn’t working for you.

Conclusion

Choosing the right concave for your skateboard deck is essential to improving your performance and enjoying your ride. Whether you’re a street skater, bowl rider, or cruiser, understanding how concave affects your board control and comfort will help you find the best deck for your style.

Experiment with different concave shapes to find the one that fits your riding style and preferences. The right concave can make a huge difference in how comfortable and controlled your ride feels, so take the time to choose wisely. Happy skating!

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