Skateboard Deck Replacement: How to Know When It’s Time to Upgrade

Skateboarding requires skill, balance, and a quality board. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skater, you know that having the right gear is crucial for performing your best and staying safe. One important component of any skateboard is the deck, which is the flat board that you stand on while riding. Over time, this part wears down, loses its pop, and it can even break, which can impact your performance and safety.

To avoid any of these inconveniences, make sure to buy skate decks online from top skate brands. They offer models with different artwork and designs, so you can choose one that really reflects your personal style. Whether you’re into bold graphics, minimalist designs, or something in between, there is a wide range of options to choose from.

How Long Does the Average Skateboard Deck Last?

The lifespan of your deck depends on a few factors. First, how often do you skate and how rough are you on your board? If you’re skating every day and doing lots of tricks that involve jumping and grinding, it may wear out faster than someone who skates less often and takes it easier on their board.

Another factor is the quality of the materials on your ride. Cheaper boards are more prone to breaking and losing their pop over time, while higher-end models that consist of quality materials can last longer. On average, most skateboarders find that their board lasts anywhere from a few months to a year before it needs replacing. Some prefer to replace theirs more frequently to maintain the performance and feel that they’re used to it, while others stick with the same ride for longer periods if they’re happy with its performance.

Why Does It Lose Its Pop?

If you’re an avid skateboarder, you know how important it is to have a skate deck with good pop. This refers to the amount of energy and rebounds your board has when you jump or ollie. Over time, you may notice that it doesn’t have the same pop that it used to. So, why does this happen?

skate decks
Source: us.movember.com

One reason for this is simply due to wear and tear. As you skate, the constant impact and pressure cause the wood to break down and lose its elasticity. This results in a board that feels less springy and responsive when you try to jump or do tricks. Another factor that can impact its pop is humidity. When you expose wood to moisture, it can expand and contract, which causes the fibres in the wood to break down over time. This can weaken the board and cause it to lose its pop more quickly.

Additionally, the way you store and handle your skateboard also impacts its lifespan and pop. If you leave it out in the sun or in a hot car, the heat can cause the glue that holds the layers of wood together to break down, which affects the board’s performance. And if you’re constantly throwing it down on hard surfaces or exposing it to other forms of abuse, this can also cause it to lose its pop more quickly.

How to Take Care of Your Board

If you buy skate decks online that are high-quality, you’ll ensure that your board lasts you a long time. While a cheaper deck may seem like a good deal at first, it won’t hold up as well over time and you may need to replace it more frequently. Another way to keep your board performing at its best is by taking good care of it. Here are a few tips on how to take care of your deck.

  • Store it properly: When you’re not using your board, it’s important to store it in a cool, dry place where it won’t be exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures;
  • Keep it clean: Regularly cleaning your board can help prevent dirt and grime from building up, which causes your grip tape to lose its stickiness and your skate deck to lose its pop. Use a soft cloth or brush to gently wipe down your board after each use and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the wood;
  • Be gentle when handling your board: Avoid throwing your board down on hard surfaces or exposing it to other forms of abuse. Be gentle when picking it up and carrying it and try to avoid banging it into walls or other objects.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Skateboard

It’s important to know when it’s time to replace your skateboard deck in Australia to avoid any safety risks and ensure that you’re performing at your best. Here are a few signs that it might be time to replace your deck:

  • Razor tail: This can make it difficult to control your deck and can even cause injury if you accidentally step on it;
  • Chipped ends: If you notice that the ends of your deck are chipped or splintered, this can also be a sign that it’s time to replace it. This kind of damage makes it difficult to perform certain tricks and can also be a safety hazard;
  • No pop: If you’re having trouble getting any pop from your deck when you ollie, this can be a sign that you need to replace it. A board with no pop is difficult to perform tricks on and can be frustrating to ride;
  • Soggy deck: If your board has become waterlogged and soggy, this is a clear sign that it’s time to replace it. Riding on a soggy skateboard can be dangerous, as it can easily break or snap during use.