For skaters all over the world, about to drop into a bowl or hit up their favorite street spot, skateboard brands matter.
From the shape and materials of a board down to the graphics on it, we often pick skate decks based upon the strength of our connection to certain companies.
After all, there’s something special about owning a quality product from your favorite brand. But how much does having that important relationship with those trusted names truly come into play?
Should you go beyond looks and put more thought into who is creating them?
In this guide we will answer these deep questions as well as explore which brands are ruling each sector of skating.
Do skateboard brands matter?
Do skateboard brands matter? This is a question that has been asked by many skaters over the years.
When it comes to skateboarding, inexperienced skaters may feel that investing in expensive skateboard brands is an important step, but this could not be farther from the truth.
No matter what board you have, as long as it is safe and reliable, it will get the job done. The more experienced a skater gets, they become less concerned with brand names and more focused on craftsmanship, so do not worry too much about expensive boards when first starting out.
Skaters who have found their passion are more likely to invest in higher quality boards regardless of the brand name associated with them.
However, skateboard brands can still make a difference in the skating experience.
The materials used in construction, the artwork on the deck, and even the stories behind certain brands are all factors that skaters take into consideration when choosing their board.
For example, iconic skateboard companies such as Element or Plan B have established themselves as reliable and stylish options for experienced skaters.
On the other hand, some brands have become a symbol of the skateboarding way of life and have an emotional impact on skaters who use them. It’s no surprise that Powell-Peralta and Santa Cruz are two of the most popular skateboard brands around.
Skateboard industry and different popular brands
The skateboard industry has seen tremendous growth in recent years, with the global market size estimated to be valued at USD 2.83 Billion in 2022 and expected to reach USD 3.83 Billion by 2029.
The rising demand for sporting activities among the younger generation has been a major factor driving this growth.
Skateboarding is now an increasingly popular extreme sport, with many different brands offering skateboards and related products.
There are many popular skateboard brands in the industry, each with its own unique style and target audience. Here are a few examples:
Brand | Country | Founded | Price Range | Deck Materials | Special Features |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Baker | USA | 2000 | $50-$80 | 7-ply maple | Bold graphics, team riders |
Element | USA | 1992 | $60-$100 | 7-ply maple, bamboo, carbon fiber | Eco-friendly, team riders |
Palace | UK | 2009 | $60-$100 | 7-ply maple | Minimalist graphics, collaborations |
Flip | USA | 1991 | $50-$90 | 7-ply maple | Iconic graphics, team riders |
Cliche | France | 1997 | $50-$80 | 7-ply maple | European focus, team riders |
Almost | USA | 2003 | $60-$100 | 7-ply maple, carbon fiber | Impact support technology, team riders |
Globe | Australia | 1994 | $60-$100 | 7-ply maple, bamboo, resin-7 | Cruiser and longboard options, collaborations |
Pros and cons of choosing a well-known brand for quality assurance
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Reliability | Higher cost |
Established reputation | Limited choices |
Consistent quality | Potential for complacency |
Trustworthy | Potential for inflated expectations |
Recognizable | Potential for brand bias |
Improved customer service | Potential for monopolistic practices |
Safety features on various brands of skateboards
Safety features on skateboards can vary by brand, but most brands include the following safety features:
- Non-slip grip tape on the deck to prevent slipping and improve control
- Quality trucks and bearings for stability and smooth riding
- Wheel design for shock absorption and grip
Some specific brands with safety features are:
- Powell-Peralta: Known for their high-quality decks, which are made from hard maple wood, and their durable trucks and wheels for stability.
- Santa Cruz: Offers a variety of shapes and sizes of decks to fit different riding styles, and their boards come with quality trucks and wheels for control and stability.
- Element: Builds durable decks from quality wood, and their boards come with quality trucks and wheels for stability and smooth riding.
The most important safety feature on a skateboard is the rider’s own safety equipment, such as helmets, knee pads, and wrist guards, and their skill level and practice.
Final Verdict
After everything that was discussed, it’s safe to say that skateboard brands are more of a personal preference than anything else.
While they can still mean something to individual riders, they don’t necessarily make or break performance, and experts agree that what’s most important is overall quality and construction when you’re selecting a board.
Ultimately, it’s up to you how much emphasis you want to put on the name of the brand. None of the major brand names are really any better than the others from a performance standpoint; the nuances of each rider come down to personal preferences and tastes.
Just because your best friend rides one type doesn’t mean you need to get that one too – shop around, see what styles feel good for you, and figure out which ones will work for your style of riding.
As long as you go about your purchase with thorough consideration, any brand should fit the bill.