Sport Products
So, you're looking for a new skateboard deck? You want something thats durable enough to handle your tricks but also looks good doing it. You might be considering the "7 Layer Skateboard Deck" and you should! This review will cover everything you need to know about this particular deck, from its design and durability to its performance and user reviews. The 7 Layer Skateboard Deck is a complete skateboard made of seven layers of maple wood, designed for outdoor use by teenagers, adults, beginners, or anyone looking for a reliable ride. Well dig into the details, explore what makes it stand out from other decks on the market, and help you decide if this deck is right for you.
The 7 Layer Skateboard Deck boasts a classic popsicle shape, which is popular among skateboarders of all skill levels. This design offers plenty of surface area for your feet to grip comfortably while also providing the necessary pop and flex for performing tricks. The deck comes in various sizes (typically ranging from 7.5" to 8.25") to cater to different rider preferences and foot sizes. Deck Size: Choosing the right size is crucial for comfort and performance. Larger decks offer more stability, while smaller decks are lighter and easier to maneuver. Consider your experience level and riding style when selecting a size:
Durability is paramount when choosing a skateboard deck. The last thing you want is for your board to snap mid-trick! Thankfully, the 7 Layer Skateboard Deck excels in this area. The seven layers of maple wood provide exceptional strength and resilience. Maple wood is known for its hardness and flexibility it can absorb impact without breaking easily, making it an excellent choice for skateboards. Layer Construction: Each layer is meticulously cut and glued to ensure a uniform thickness throughout the deck. This meticulous attention to detail contributes significantly to the board's overall strength. The alternating grain direction further enhances durability by distributing stress evenly across all layers. Concave: The concave of the deck refers to its curvature along the length and width. A proper concave provides better foot control, allowing you to perform tricks more accurately and confidently. The 7 Layer Skateboard Deck features a medium concave that strikes a balance between responsiveness and stability. This is an excellent choice for beginners who are still developing their skills while also satisfying experienced riders looking for precise board feel. Construction Quality: The quality of the construction is evident in every aspect of this deck. From the clean edges to the smooth surface, its clear that these decks are manufactured with precision and care. This attention to detail ensures a long-lasting and enjoyable skateboarding experience.
When it comes to performance, the 7 Layer Skateboard Deck delivers exceptional value. Its balanced design provides a responsive yet stable ride suitable for riders of all skill levels. Whether youre cruising around town or landing your first kickflip, this deck will help you perform at your best. Pop: The "pop" refers to the board's ability to spring back after being pressed down crucial for performing ollies and other air tricks. The 7 Layer Skateboard Deck offers excellent pop thanks to its carefully selected maple wood layers and high-quality adhesive. This allows you to launch yourself into the air with ease, adding height and distance to your jumps. Flex: The decks flex is another important factor affecting performance. It refers to how much the board bends when pressure is applied too stiff and it will feel unresponsive; too flexible and it won't provide enough stability for advanced tricks. The 7 Layer Skateboard Deck offers a medium-stiff flex, which provides just the right amount of give while maintaining good control. Wheelbase: The wheelbase is the distance between the inner mounting holes on either end of the deck. A shorter wheelbase makes the board more maneuverable and responsive for street skating, while a longer wheelbase increases stability at higher speeds. The 7 Layer Skateboard Deck typically offers wheelbases ranging from 13" to 14", providing a good balance between responsiveness and stability.
Stability is essential for feeling confident and in control when skateboarding. The wider surface area of the deck, combined with its medium concave, provides excellent foot placement and grip, ensuring you stay firmly planted on your board even during challenging maneuvers. Weight Distribution: The evenly distributed weight throughout the layers contributes to overall stability. This prevents the deck from wobbling or twisting under pressure, giving you a smooth and reliable ride. Truck Mounting: The deck's pre-drilled truck mounting holes are precisely spaced to ensure proper alignment with your trucks (the metal brackets that connect the wheels to the board). This eliminates any unnecessary stress on the deck when turning or performing tricks.
Customer reviews consistently praise the 7 Layer Skateboard Deck for its quality, durability, and performance. Many users mention how impressed they are with the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into making this board. Here's a quick summary of what people are saying:
The 7 Layer Skateboard Deck is priced competitively within its category, making it an excellent value for money option. The price typically ranges from $30 to $50 depending on size and graphic customization options. This makes it accessible to skateboarders of all budgets. Considering the quality of materials used and the craftsmanship involved in producing this deck, its clear that you're getting a lot more than what you pay for. Compared to Competitors: When compared to other decks in its price range, the 7 Layer Skateboard Deck stands out due to its superior construction and customizable graphics. Many lower-priced decks are made with cheaper materials or offer limited graphic options, which can compromise their durability and overall performance. The 7 Layer Skateboard Deck offers a significant upgrade without breaking the bank.
Overall, the 7 Layer Skateboard Deck is an excellent choice for skateboarders of all skill levels. Its classic popsicle shape, durable construction, customizable graphics, and affordable price point make it a standout option in its category. Whether youre just starting out or looking to upgrade your current setup, this deck won't disappoint.
A 7-layer skateboard deck is constructed with seven layers of maple wood, providing exceptional strength and durability for performing tricks and cruising around town. These boards offer a responsive flex that allows for precise control and stability while riding. They're a popular choice among both beginners and experienced skaters.
Absolutely! The robust construction of a 7-layer deck makes them very durable, which is especially beneficial for beginners who are still learning to balance and may fall more frequently. Their stability also helps new riders get comfortable with the feel of riding. Remember to always wear skateboard helmets and pads for safety.
The ideal deck size depends on your height, weight, and skating style. Generally:
Maple wood is considered the gold standard for skateboard deck construction due to its strength, flexibility, and responsiveness. A 7-layer maple deck offers a superior feel compared to cheaper alternatives like bamboo or plastic. You'll notice the difference in performance!
Look for signs of quality craftsmanship: consistent wood grain patterns, smooth edges, and solid construction with no gaps between layers. A reputable manufacturer will also have their logo clearly stamped on the bottom of the board. If unsure, check online reviews or ask a knowledgeable skate shop employee.
Concave refers to the curvature along the width of the deck, while convex describes the curve along its length. Concave provides more foot support and control during tricks, particularly flips. Convex helps with speed and stability when cruising. Most 7-layer decks feature a moderate amount of both.
Absolutely! Many skate shops offer customization services where you can choose your grip tape design, graphics, and even have the board drilled for different truck setups. You can truly make it your own unique ride.
Keep your deck clean by wiping it down after each session to remove dirt and grime. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or moisture, as this can warp the wood over time. Store it in a cool, dry place when not in use.
Several reputable brands produce excellent 7-layer decks: Baker Skateboards, Santa Cruz Skateboards, Element Skateboards, and Powell Peralta are just a few examples. Each brand has its own unique style and performance characteristics. Do your research to find the best fit for you!
A warped deck can affect your riding experience significantly. To check, place the board on a flat surface and look down the length of it from both ends. If there's any noticeable bend or twist, even slight, it's likely warped. Warping often occurs due to moisture exposure.
Simply turn the kingpin nut clockwise using a skate tool or wrench until the truck feels snug but not overly tight. You should be able to wiggle your board slightly without excessive play in the wheels. Proper truck tightness is crucial for optimal control and maneuverability.
Riser pads are small spacers placed between the deck and trucks, helping prevent wheel bite (when the wheel rubs against the deck while turning). They're generally recommended if you have larger wheels or ride aggressively. They can also provide a smoother ride by absorbing vibrations from rough surfaces.
Grip tape typically needs replacing every 6-12 months, depending on how frequently you skate and the quality of the tape. Signs it's time for new grip include worn patterns, loose edges, or a loss of stickiness. A fresh sheet of grip tape can significantly improve your board feel!
Most skate shops carry a wide range of skateboard parts and accessories. You can also find them online at reputable retailers such as Tactics, CCS, Skate Warehouse, or Amazon. Don't forget to check out skateboarding gear like helmets and pads!
Common beginner mistakes include not looking ahead while skating, leaning too far back on the board (which can cause you to lose balance), and trying tricks before mastering basic skills. Practice consistently and be patient with yourself everyone starts somewhere!
Consistent practice is key! Focus on building your foundation by perfecting basic maneuvers like pushing, stopping, turning, and ollies. Watch videos online for tutorials and tips from experienced skaters. And don't be afraid to ask questions at your local skate park or shop the skateboarding community is generally very supportive!
While 7-layer decks are durable, they aren't specifically designed for high-speed downhill riding. Downhill boards typically feature longer lengths and steeper concave to provide more stability at higher speeds. For serious downhill skaters, it's best to invest in a dedicated downhill board.
Most 7-layer decks can comfortably handle riders up to around 200 pounds (91 kg). However, heavier riders may want to consider a wider or longer deck for added stability and support. Always check the manufacturer's specifications for specific recommendations.
Start with easier variations of advanced tricks before attempting the full trick itself. For example, practice nollie flips (flip forward) before trying kickflips (flip backward). Also, film yourself skating and review your footage to identify areas for improvement.
Always wear a helmet! Additionally, consider wearing elbow pads, knee pads, wrist guards, and gloves for added protection against falls. Skate in safe areas away from traffic and obstacles, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. And remember: Skateboarding is inherently risky have fun but be careful!