Having a strong, lightweight, and well-balanced deck is essential for a great scooter ride. Whether you're a beginner or a pro rider, the deck you choose can make or break your experience. If you're checking the market for a new scooter, need to replace a broken deck, or want to upgrade your current ride, finding a pro scooter deck should be done carefully.
Here are the things you need to consider.
Deck Weight
On the other hand, a heavier deck is suitable for larger riders who want a steady and smooth ride. They're generally stronger and more durable than lighter decks. Your riding style and strength should also be considered when choosing the weight of your scooter deck. Adult riders may find a heavier deck just as easy to manipulate as the lightest ones, while younger riders may struggle. If you're looking for the lightest deck on the market for your trick-riding needs, our Sacrifice Flyte deck is the perfect choice for both pros and beginners.
Deck Length
The length of a pro scooter deck depends on your height and how you like to ride. For instance, many professional trick scooter riders prefer a shorter deck. A shorter deck allows for quicker trick spins, like heel and tail whips. It also gives you more agility to move your body and the scooter for 180s and 360s, which is crucial for trick riders.
On the other hand, a longer deck lets you jump higher and tends to be more comfortable to stand on. It also helps with better balance during manuals. Decks can range from 48 to 60cm long, but the most popular length is 55cm. For street riding, longer decks are usually better, while shorter decks are great for park riding. Your height also plays a role in determining the deck length you need – the taller you are, the longer the deck should be.
The weight of your scooter deck is a crucial factor to consider. Most riders prefer a lightweight deck to perform insane tricks. Lighter decks allow for better manipulation of the scooter, making technical tricks easier. They are also ideal for younger and smaller riders. However, it's important to find a balance between a light deck and one that is solid enough for pro or trick riding.
Deck Width
The width of your deck is crucial and depends on your riding style. If you prefer street riding, a wider deck will provide more stability and comfort. On the other hand, if you're into tricks, a thinner deck is usually preferred. A wider deck makes grinding ledges and rails easier and helps with balancing on board slides. It also makes it easier to spot your landing, making heel or tail whips smoother. Thinner decks are often lighter, although this can vary depending on the construction. They are great for riding on inside rails compared to wider decks. Remember, the width of your deck is relative to your size. Taller riders will have different width preferences compared to shorter riders.
Scooter Footspace
The amount of foot space on a scooter is not always directly related to the length of the deck. Having a longer deck or more foot space can make the scooter more comfortable to stand on, giving you extra room to get ready for tricks. Moreover, it provides you with additional landing space. The aim is to have as much foot space as you need without the deck becoming too long for your riding style.
Wheelbase
The length between the rear axle hole and the fork's axle hole is what we call the wheelbase. It's a really important measurement when deciding on the size of your scooter deck. Interestingly, the headtube angle, blunt space, and length can all have an impact on the wheelbase, sometimes adding an entire inch without actually making the scooter longer.
Headtube Angle
The headtube angle of a scooter deck can vary between 82 and 84 degrees. Although it may not appear significant, the angle can greatly affect your riding experience. A lower angle makes it simpler to execute spinning tail and heel whips, while a higher angle provides more space between the bars and your body, making bar spins easier. Additionally, a higher angle gives you more leverage to jump higher and perform nose manuals with ease.
Blunt Space
The blunt space refers to the space between the front of the deck and the scooter fork when it is turned sideways. Having a larger blunt space makes it easier to perform blunt stalls, whereas a smaller blunt space makes blunt slides easier. Additionally, smaller blunt spaces are advantageous for navigating obstacles during blunt slides. This is an important factor to consider, especially for pro scooter decks.
Accessories
Scooter deck accessories can really amp up your riding experience, depending on your personal style. Take, for instance, scooter deck ends that can square up the back of your deck. By doing so, you'll have more room for your feet and a larger surface area to grind on. The best part is that these deck ends are easily removable, allowing you to customize your deck effortlessly to match your riding preferences.