1. Types of Skateboards
  2. Shortboards
  3. Vert decks

Types of Skateboards: Shortboards and Vert Decks

Learn all about vert decks, part of the types of skateboards. This article covers the history, construction, materials, styles, and more.

Types of Skateboards: Shortboards and Vert Decks

Skateboarding is an exhilarating and exciting sport that has been gaining in popularity for decades. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, there are many different types of skateboards to choose from. Two of the most popular types are shortboards and vert decks. Shortboards are ideal for street skating, while vert decks are perfect for more extreme tricks. Shortboards are typically smaller than other types of skateboards and they have a concave shape that helps with tricks.

They usually have wider trucks and less wheelbase, allowing for greater maneuverability and agility. The shorter wheelbase also makes them great for street skating, as they can fit into tight spaces and navigate curbs, gaps, and rails with ease. Vert decks are designed for more extreme tricks. They are usually bigger than shortboards and feature a stiffer construction for added stability. The larger wheelbase allows for more air when performing aerial tricks, while the stiffer construction provides more control and stability.

Vert decks are great for ramp skating and vert skate parks.

History of vert decks

– Vert decks were first developed in the early 1980s and have since become a popular form of skateboard. Vert decks are characterized by their high-durability construction and large size, making them ideal for performing tricks and stunts. The design is based on the traditional longboard shape, but with a few modifications that make it better suited for performing tricks. Vert decks feature a concave shape, wider trucks, and a shorter wheelbase than regular longboards.

Construction and materials used for vert decks – The construction of a vert deck is usually made up of several layers of wood such as maple, birch, and bamboo. These materials are chosen for their durability and flexibility. In addition to wood, the decks can also be made with fiberglass and carbon fiber. The decks are then coated with a protective layer of paint or vinyl to prevent scratches and wear.

The trucks, bearings, and wheels are all made from metal, usually aluminum or steel.

Types of vert decks

– There are several different types of vert decks available on the market today. The most popular type is the traditional vert deck, which features a concave shape and wider trucks. Other types of vert decks include the mini-vert deck, which is similar to the traditional vert deck but smaller in size; the street-style vert deck, which features a flat shape with narrow trucks; and the pool-style vert deck, which has a symmetrical shape and slightly wider trucks.

Styles and shapes of vert decks – Vert decks come in a variety of shapes and styles. Some are designed for performing tricks while others are designed for cruising. The most common shapes are the pointed nose, round nose, square nose, and drop-through. Each style is designed to provide different levels of stability and maneuverability depending on the type of skating you’re doing.

Practical applications for vert decks – Vert decks are most commonly used for performing tricks such as ollies, airs, and grinds. However, they can also be used for cruising around town or even commuting to work or school. Many people choose to customize their vert decks with different graphics or colors to make them their own.

Pros and cons of vert decks

– There are several pros and cons to using a vert deck.

The biggest advantage is that they provide excellent stability when performing tricks due to their large size and concave shape. Additionally, they are quite durable due to their construction materials. On the other hand, they can be more expensive than other types of skateboards and are not always ideal for cruising due to their large size.

Styles and Shapes

Vert decks come in a variety of styles and shapes. The most common type is the double-kicktail, which has two kicktails at the nose and tail.

This type of skateboard is great for performing tricks, as the kicktails offer extra maneuverability. Popsicles are another popular style of vert deck. These boards are shaped like a popsicle stick and are used for street skating and cruising. Cruisers are usually wider and more stable than other types of skateboards, making them great for beginners.

Old-school boards feature a large deck with a narrow tail and wide nose, making them ideal for cruising and carving.

Construction and Materials

Vert decks, also known as vert skateboards, are built using a variety of materials. The most common materials used in constructing vert decks are wood, plastic, and other composite materials. Wood is the traditional material used in skateboard construction, and vert decks are no exception.

Maple and birch are the most popular woods used in vert decks, and they provide great strength and stability. Plastic is often used for the base of the deck, as it is lightweight and can be easily molded into any shape. Plastic is also very durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Other composite materials such as fiberglass and carbon fiber are also used in vert deck construction.

These materials are lightweight and provide a great deal of strength and flexibility. The type of material used in constructing a vert deck will depend on the desired performance characteristics of the board. Different materials will provide different levels of stiffness, pop, flex, and durability.

Types of Vert Decks

Vert decks come in a variety of styles, each designed to meet different types of skateboarding needs. The three main types of vert decks are freestyle, street, and park decks.

Freestyle vert decks are designed for tricks and stunts. They are usually shorter and wider than street and park decks and have a more flexible construction. This allows for better maneuverability when performing tricks. Street vert decks are designed for street skating and are usually longer and narrower than freestyle decks.

Street decks are typically less flexible than freestyle decks, which allows for more stability while skating on the street. Park vert decks are designed for use in skate parks, ramps, and pools. They are usually wider than freestyle decks and have a more rigid construction, providing more stability when performing tricks at higher speeds. No matter what type of vert deck you choose, it's important to find one that fits your size, style, and skill level.

Skating is all about having fun, so make sure to pick the deck that best suits your needs.

Pros and Cons

Vert decks provide a variety of advantages for skateboarders, including increased stability and maneuverability, as well as a smoother ride. They can also be used for a wide range of tricks, from grinding to ollies. However, vert decks have some drawbacks. They are often heavier than other types of skateboards, which can make them difficult to maneuver.

They also require more maintenance and may not be suitable for beginners due to the need to learn more complex tricks. In addition, vert decks are more expensive than other types of skateboards and may require additional protective gear due to their increased risk of injury.

Overall, vert decks offer a unique riding experience and can be a great choice for experienced skateboarders.

Practical Applications

Vert decks are most commonly used for skateboarding tricks and stunts, such as kickflips, ollies, and 360s.

Vert decks also provide excellent stability and control for more experienced skaters, allowing them to perform more complex tricks. The wide variety of shapes and sizes available also makes vert decks a great choice for those looking to learn basic skateboarding tricks. Vert decks are also popular among park skaters, as they provide the perfect balance of speed and agility needed to perform bigger stunts. The wide variety of shapes and sizes available also makes them ideal for performing grinds on rails, ledges, and other obstacles. Additionally, vert decks are lightweight and durable enough to stand up to the wear and tear of daily skateboarding use. In addition to skateboarding tricks, vert decks can also be used for other stunt-based activities such as freestyle BMX or dirt biking.

The lightweight construction and wide variety of shapes make them suitable for performing tricks like wheelies, spins, and jumps. Vert decks are also great for performing street-style tricks such as slides, manuals, and no-footers.

History of Vert Decks

Vert decks are one of the most iconic skateboard designs, popularized in the early 1980s. The design was created as a response to the growing popularity of street skating and vert skating. Vert decks are designed to provide skateboarders with a more stable platform when performing tricks and stunts.

The decks are wider, longer, and have a higher center of gravity than traditional shortboards. The design of vert decks has evolved over time. Early models used wood and plywood materials, but today they are made out of composite materials like fiberglass, carbon fiber, and Kevlar. This allows them to be lightweight yet incredibly durable. Some modern vert decks also feature different concave shapes to provide more grip and control.

In addition to the materials used for construction, vert decks also come in different shapes and sizes. The most popular shapes are pintails, fishtails, and drop-throughs. These shapes help give the board more stability and control when performing tricks and stunts. Vert decks have seen increased popularity in recent years due to their versatility.

They are a great option for those looking for an all-around skateboard that can be used for both street skating and vert skating. They provide the perfect combination of stability and maneuverability, making them a great choice for any skill level. In conclusion, vert decks are a type of skateboard that has been around since the early 1980s. They are constructed from lightweight materials, come in different shapes and sizes, and can be used for a variety of purposes. From street skating to ramp riding, vert decks provide skateboarders with an exciting way to enjoy the sport. No matter what type of skateboarder you are, vert decks offer a great way to get out and have some fun.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, vert decks provide a great way to take your skateboarding to the next level.