Your cart
There are no more items in your cart
Skateboards, perennial symbols of creativity and freedom, have primarily been crafted from wood since their inception. However, over the years, enthusiasm for skateboarding has driven innovators to explore new materials and construction technologies. This evolution has been fueled by the understanding that skateboards endure substantial wear and tear in the exhilarating world of this sport.
To address these challenges, manufacturers have embraced advanced construction techniques to make skateboards more resilient and durable. These techniques include incorporating additional layers of wood for enhanced strength, applying special adhesives to improve material cohesion, and introducing materials like fiberglass and carbon fiber.
In this article, we will delve into the primary construction techniques adopted by the most renowned and influential brands in the skateboarding world. You will discover how these techniques have revolutionized how skaters tackle their daily challenges, enabling them to push their limits with boards that are increasingly sturdy, lightweight, and long-lasting. This will be an informative and engaging journey that will assist you not only in exploring various construction technologies but also in selecting the skateboard best suited to your needs and style. Prepare to make the perfect choice for an unparalleled skateboarding experience.
7-ply construction
The term 7-ply construction signifies that the skateboard deck is built with seven layers of wood. Depending on the manufacturing company, the wood used can be maple, birch, or a blend of both materials. The use of seven wood layers enhances the board's strength and makes it stiffer, thus improving the board's responsiveness during use.
8-ply construction
In 8-ply construction, the deck is composed of eight layers of maple wood. Similar to the 7-ply construction, the thin layers of maple wood are dried and glued together with a special adhesive. The additional layer makes the board more stable, durable, and rigid. This technology offers a robust and long-lasting skateboarding experience, perfect for tackling the most demanding challenges on a skateboard. The 8-ply construction is the ideal choice for skaters seeking a board that can withstand wear and deliver reliable performance in every skate session.
Powerply
The Powerply technology was introduced many years ago by Santa Cruz and recently relaunched. Powerply boards are crafted from a refined selection of traditional maple and reinforced plastic inserts at the nose and tail, making the boards ultra-durable. These additional layers also make the deck less prone to various types of chipping. Therefore, with Powerply boards, you won't lose any pop but instead, you'll extend the life of your deck's kick and tail – every skater's dream!
Everslicks
The Everslicks technology from NHS brands (Santa Cruz, Creature) involves treating the underside of the board with a special non-stick coating that significantly enhances glide and provides greater durability and resistance against wear.
This technology makes executing tricks easier and ensures the board's longevity.
Thanks to the exclusive graphic application process, producing brighter colors with strong contrast, the graphics will also last longer, allowing you to enjoy them for an extended period.
VX Technology
VX boards are thinner, more durable, and have more pop compared to standard 7-ply boards.
They are crafted from 5 layers of North American maple and 2 layers of "Quad X Technology." The Quad X technology involves the cross-weaving of two layers of fiberglass and carbon fiber. These special compositions form the first and second-to-last layers of VX boards. VX boards are designed for long-lasting performance, reduced weight, and ensuring a more responsive pop for your skateboard.
In this video, Creature's pro skater, Chris Russell, aka "The Muscle," puts the indestructible VX Deck to the test with his air-to-disaster moves that would make any board on the market quiver in fear!
VX Everslick
VX Everslick boards combine the strength and pop of VX boards with the smoothness of Everslick.
VX Everslick boards consist of 5 layers of North American Maple and 2 layers of Quad X technology, with an additional layer of Everslick material on the bottom of the board. Thinner, stronger, and with more pop than any standard 7-ply board, these boards slide on almost any surface and feature a unique graphic application that produces vibrant colors and high-contrast graphics that will last longer over time.
Resin Price Point Construction
Skateboards with Resin Price Point Construction technology are crafted from 7 layers of birch wood, individually pressed with epoxy glue.
These boards offer greater durability compared to standard 7-ply industrial boards.
Resin Hybrid Construction
Skateboards featuring Resin Hybrid Construction technology are made from 7 layers of birch and North American maple wood, individually pressed with epoxy glue.
These boards offer enhanced durability compared to standard 7-ply industrial boards.
Resin-7 North American Maple
Skateboards using Resin-7 North American Maple technology are constructed from 7 layers of 100% North American maple wood, individually pressed with epoxy glue.
These boards provide superior durability compared to standard 7-ply industrial boards.
Impact Pro Light
Skateboard decks featuring Impact Pro Light technology are crafted from 7 layers of 100% North American maple wood, individually pressed with epoxy glue. Additionally, a contoured, eco-friendly carbon fiber sheet is inserted on the top side of the board.
The carbon fiber insert is made with a bio-based resin that utilizes 25% renewable raw materials (by weight) replacing petroleum-based blends. The sheet incorporates a higher concentration of carbon and glass fibers in critical areas, adding strength and maximizing pop. The additional carbon fiber creates a stronger, more resilient board, reducing flex and channeling more energy into the board's pop.
The main advantages of Impact Pro Light boards are:
- Enhanced Durability: Impact Pro Light technology provides superior strength and longevity, making the skateboard more resistant to impacts and shocks.
- Lightweight: Skateboards with Impact Pro Light technology are among the lightest on the market.
- Improved Performance: Impact Pro Light technology offers better performance, delivering increased speed and control.
Impact Support
Skateboard decks featuring Impact Support technology are constructed from 8 layers of 100% North American maple wood, individually pressed with epoxy glue.
Located within the lower veneer, near the truck holes, which are the most critical stress points on the board, are 2 laminated carbon fiber disks that provide the board with increased pop, strength, and long-lasting performance.
The Impact Support technology:
- Enhances stability and resilience of skateboards, making them more resistant to damage from jumps and falls.
- Absorbs impact, resulting in a more comfortable ride and enabling the execution of larger and faster tricks.
- Provides a heightened sense of security while riding.
Flight™
Powell Peralta's Flight™ technology skateboard decks are thinner, lighter, and simultaneously more durable than traditional 7-ply decks. The structure reinforced with epoxy fibers is highly impact-resistant. Designed for enduring and consistent pop over time.