What Is the Best Skateboard Deck Shape for Tricks?

Skateboarding is all about creativity, expression, and mastering tricks that are both challenging and fun to perform. Whether you’re performing an ollie, kickflip, or grinding on a rail, the shape of your skateboard deck plays a crucial role in how successful and comfortable you are at landing those tricks. Choosing the best skateboard deck shape for tricks is an essential part of your setup, and it can make a big difference in your overall performance.

We’ll dive into everything you need to know about skateboard deck shapes, how they affect your ability to perform tricks, and which shapes are best suited for specific types of skateboarding. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions to ensure you have all the information you need to pick the perfect deck for tricks.

The Basics of Skateboard Deck Shapes

Before we get into the specifics of which shapes are best for tricks, let’s go over the key components that define the shape of a skateboard deck.

Nose and Tail: The nose is the front of the skateboard, and the tail is the back. Decks typically have a raised nose and tail, which are essential for performing tricks. The tail is used for popping the board into the air, while the nose helps in controlling the board during certain tricks.
Concave: The concave refers to the curve of the deck from side to side. A deep concave provides a more locked-in feeling, allowing for greater control when doing technical tricks. A flatter concave is often found on boards designed for cruising or downhill riding.
Width: The width of the skateboard deck affects the stability and the ease with which you can perform certain tricks. Narrower decks (7.5” and below) are better suited for technical street skating, while wider decks (8.0” and above) offer more surface area and stability for larger tricks and vert skating.
Shape: The overall shape of the deck affects the board’s responsiveness and your ability to perform specific types of tricks. Skateboard decks come in a variety of shapes, including popsicle, cruiser, and more custom shapes. The shape of the deck is a critical factor when determining how easy it is to execute tricks like flip tricks, grinds, and slides.

Common Skateboard Deck Shapes

Skateboards come in several common shapes, each offering different advantages for performing tricks. The most common deck shapes are:

1. Popsicle Shape

The popsicle shape is by far the most common skateboard deck shape, especially for skaters who are into street skating and technical tricks. The deck has a symmetrical shape with a pointed nose and tail, both of which are raised. The popsicle shape is versatile, allowing for a variety of flip tricks, spins, and slides.

Ideal for: Street skating, flip tricks, technical tricks, street and park skating.
Benefits: The popsicle shape is designed for maximum versatility. The symmetrical design allows skaters to easily flip the board in any direction, making it ideal for kickflips, heel flips, and other flip tricks.
Concave: The deck usually has a medium to deep concave for better foot control and grip during tricks.

2. Square Tail and Nose Shape

A deck with a square tail and nose is a bit more traditional and offers a different feel than the popsicle shape. The tail and nose are flat with sharp edges, which can provide more control for certain types of tricks, especially when performing tricks like slides and grinds.

Ideal for: Technical street skating, street park skating, and grinding.
Benefits: The sharp edges of a square-shaped deck offer more precision when grinding on rails or ledges. It provides a stable platform for technical tricks that require landing with precision.
Concave: Square tail decks typically feature a medium concave to allow better foot control and feel during grinds.

3. Radical or Rounded Nose and Tail Shape

Boards with a rounded nose and tail provide a more forgiving feel when performing tricks. These shapes are a little less precise than the popsicle and square-tail decks, but they can be a good option for skaters who are learning tricks or want a smoother ride.

Ideal for: All-around skating, beginner skaters, and casual street skating.
Benefits: Rounded nose and tail decks offer a smoother ride and are less likely to cause the board to catch when performing flip tricks. It’s a good choice for skaters who want versatility without being locked into a specific type of trick.
Concave: These boards usually have a flatter concave, making them more comfortable for cruising but still capable of handling technical tricks.

4. Shaped Decks (Old-School Shape)

Shaped decks are typically seen in old-school skateboarding, but some modern skaters prefer them for their unique style and feel. These boards come in a variety of shapes, such as the classic “fisheye” shape, with a more significant curve and a unique nose or tail design.

Ideal for: Vert skating, old-school skating, carving, and cruising.
Benefits: Shaped decks offer a distinct look and feel that appeals to skaters who want something different. These boards are especially good for carving and transitioning between different types of ramps or terrain.
Concave: Shaped decks tend to have a moderate concave, offering good control without being too aggressive.

Which Deck Shape Is Best for Tricks?

When it comes to performing tricks, the popsicle shape is generally considered the best option. The popsicle shape offers a lot of advantages that make performing tricks easier and more efficient. Here’s why:

1. Symmetry for Flip Tricks

The popsicle shape is symmetrical, which makes it easier to control the board when performing flip tricks like kickflips, heel flips, and tre flips. The equal length of the nose and tail means you have a consistent feel, whether you’re flipping the board forward or backward.

2. Pop and Control

The raised nose and tail of the popsicle deck give you better pop, which is crucial for performing tricks that require the board to leave the ground. The medium to deep concave on popsicle decks also helps lock your feet in, providing better control and stability when doing technical tricks.

3. Versatility

The popsicle shape is versatile enough to handle a wide variety of tricks, from flips and spins to slides and grinds. Its design accommodates both beginners and seasoned skaters, allowing for smooth execution of tricks in different environments like the streets, parks, and ramps.

4. Better for Technical Skating

Since most skaters prefer the popsicle shape for tricks, it has become the go-to deck shape for technical street skating. It allows you to flip the board easily, and its concave design provides extra grip when flicking the board for tricks like heelflips or varials.

Key Factors to Consider for Trick-Performing Decks

While the shape of the deck is incredibly important for tricks, there are other factors to consider that will affect how well you perform them:

1. Deck Width

A narrower deck (7.5” to 8.0”) is often preferred for street skating and performing technical tricks. Narrower decks are lighter and more responsive, which is key for tricks that require quick movements. However, some skaters may prefer a wider deck for added stability.

2. Concave

The concave of your deck influences how locked in your feet are, which affects your ability to control the board during tricks. A deeper concave offers more control, especially for technical tricks, while a flatter concave is generally more forgiving and easier to cruise on.

3. Material and Construction

A deck made from high-quality 7-ply maple is the most common for trick-performing decks due to its strength and durability. Some trick decks may also include additional layers of fiberglass or carbon fiber for added pop and strength.

7 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What skateboard deck shape is best for doing tricks?

The popsicle shape is generally considered the best for doing tricks. It has a symmetrical shape with a flat nose and tail, making it ideal for flip tricks, grinds, and pops. This shape is versatile and balanced, offering stability and control for technical skating.

2. Can I do tricks on a cruiser deck?

Yes, you can do tricks on a cruiser deck, but it may not be as optimal as a popsicle shape. Cruiser decks are designed more for comfortable cruising and downhill riding, and their wider shape and softer wheelbase can make certain tricks, like flips, more challenging. However, you can still perform basic tricks like ollies or shuvits on a cruiser deck, but a popsicle deck is generally better for technical tricks.

3. What is the difference between a popsicle deck and a square tail deck?

A popsicle deck has a symmetrical shape with both the nose and tail being similar in size and curve, making it excellent for tricks. A square tail deck, on the other hand, has a more angular tail, which may offer more control for manuals or transition skating but is not as versatile as the popsicle shape for flip tricks or grind tricks.

4. Are wide skateboard decks good for tricks?

While wider decks offer more stability, they are not typically the best for doing tricks, especially for flip tricks and technical maneuvers. Thinner and narrower decks, like those around 7.5″ to 8.0″, provide better responsiveness, control, and maneuverability, making them the preferred choice for trick-oriented skating.

5. What deck shape is best for flip tricks?

For flip tricks, a popsicle shape is the best choice. The symmetry of the deck and its concave shape allow for better flick and pop, making it easier to perform tricks like kickflips, heelflips, and tre flips. A deeper concave also helps with foot positioning and control during these tricks.

6. Is a tail with a lot of pop better for tricks?

Yes, a tail with good pop is crucial for performing high-quality tricks. The tail’s ability to snap back quickly after being compressed during an ollie or pop is what gives the skateboard the “pop” needed for tricks. Many skaters prefer a stiff tail with a medium to steep concave for better response and more pop during tricks.

7. Can I do technical tricks with a longboard deck?

Longboards are generally designed for cruising and downhill riding, not technical tricks. However, you can still perform basic tricks like shuvits or manuals, but flip tricks and grinds are more challenging on a longboard deck due to its length and flexibility. A shorter, more rigid deck, like a popsicle shape, is much better suited for technical tricks.

Conclusion

If you’re serious about performing tricks, the popsicle-shaped deck is by far the best choice for you. It offers the right balance of versatility, pop, and control to help you master flip tricks, grinds, and other technical maneuvers. With the right concave, width, and construction, your deck can be the perfect tool to help you take your skateboarding to the next level.

So, whether you’re learning new tricks or perfecting your skills, choosing the right deck shape will make a huge difference in your performance. Test out different shapes, widths, and concaves until you find the one that works best for your style, and get ready to ride with confidence!

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