There are so many decks available now that it can be a bit overwhelming to decide which one is the right deck for you. They come in many different shapes and sizes and have different features which makes it hard to choose. Here’s a guide to help you decide:
Length
The length of a deck is measured from the start to the end of the extrusion. The extrusion is the name of the part of the scooter that you stand on. The main sizes of decks are 19.5”, 20”, 20.5”, 21”, 21.5”, 22”, 22.5”, 23”. The smaller sizes (19.5” to 21”) are more suitable for younger riders or riders who like to do a lot of air tricks while the larger sizes are more suitable for older riders or riders who like to do a lot of balance tricks like manuals, grinds and fakies. A shorter deck will generally have less foot space and be lighter whereas a larger deck will generally have more foot space and be heavier.
Width
There are 4 main sizes when it comes to deck width: 4.5”, 5”, 5.5” and 6”. Just like the length, the smaller widths are more suitable for younger riders or riders who like to do a lot of air tricks while the larger widths are more suitable for older riders or riders who like to do a lot of balance tricks like manuals, grinds and fakies. A deck with a smaller width will generally have less foot space and be lighter whereas a deck with a larger width will generally have more foot space and be heavier.
Foot space
The foot space is measured from the end of the downtube to the start of the brake. A longer deck doesn’t always mean more foot space because not all downtubes take up the same amount of space on the deck. In addition, decks with a larger wheel size and thicker brake will have a smaller foot space.
Headtube Angle
The headtube angle is the angle that the headtube sits on compared to the deck. Most decks have a headtube angle that is between 82.5 and 84 degrees. A headtube angle closer to 82.5 degrees will make tailwhips easier but will mean the bars sit closer to your body so it will make barspins harder and feel like you have less room on the scooter. A headtube angle closer to 84 degrees will make tailwhips harder but will mean the bars sit further away from your body hence easier to make barspins and feel like you have more room on the scooter.
Downtube/Headtube Design
The downtube and headtube design is what makes the largest difference aesthetically between decks. Some headtube are stronger than others but this is mostly insignificant so pick a design that you like.
Weight
As a general rule, the stronger the deck, the heavier it will be. The other factor that affects weight is the size which we have already covered. A lighter deck may allow you to do more tricks or learn new tricks more easily but may not have the same lifespan of a stronger, heavier deck. A heavier deck may limit your tricks slightly but may have a longer lifespan. There are some decks that are both light and strong but they usually come with a higher price point.
Deck Ends
Scooter decks can come with many different deck ends. They can have no inserts and just be cut in towards the wheel which allows you to run pegs. They can have inserts that square the back of the deck and remove the need for pegs. Or they can have inserts that cut in towards the wheel. Running Pegs or Inserts or nothing is a personal preference. Some decks like the Envy range come with interchangeable deck end inserts so you can change it up to your preference.
Wheel Compatibility
Make sure to check the deck you choose is compatible with the size of wheel you have or are going to get . If you haven’t decided on what wheel size you would like, then check out our blog about it HERE
Hopefully we have answered any questions that you may have when choosing a new scooter deck, but if you need more help or would like some advice, email (sales@myscooterlab.com.au) or call us at 07 5599 3946. Or better yet, come see us at the store (My Scooter Lab, Shop 44a The Strand Shopping Centre, Coolangatta QLD)!