The Best Pop Skateboards and Decks

Skateboarding is a hugely popular action sport that has been shaped by influential riders throughout the years. Some do it for fun and entertainment; while others do it for a living.

Any skateboarding aficionado would agree that aside from it being the most visible part of your skateboard, the deck defines your movements– from low-key rides to sharp twists, pops, and ollies.

There’s more to choosing a skateboard deck than the graphics. You have to carefully consider several factors such as your style, weight, shoe size, and budget.

In this review, I’ll cover 14 best pop skateboards and decks. Read on to find the best skateboard deck brands.

Best Pop Skateboard and Deck Reviews

1. Moose Blank Skateboard Deck

Since this is a blank deck with a natural finish, I originally purchased it to paint on and make a statement piece. I felt that my blank wall needed it. But after successfully making my very own custom board, I had that urge to take it out for a spin at the skatepark. I was surprised by how smooth the ride was!

The Moose Blank Skateboard Deck has a 7-ply maple wood construction, which is considered the industry standard for maple decks. Built with 100% Canadian Maple, this board is both strong and lightweight, ready to take hard impacts when you pop and ollie. You’d feel that it’s got that ideal amount of flex and stability. Its modern concave makes it comfortable to ride on.

I’ve had it for over six months, and it’s still in top shape. It has landed on its tail multiple times whenever I attempted to do tricks (and failed), hit walls on both ends, and so far, it’s unbelievably holding up well — still has no chips or dents, going strong. Definitely a steal for its price!

2. Bamboo Skateboards Blank Skateboard Deck

Wondering how to get more impressive pops? Bamboo skateboard is the answer. I couldn’t believe I am saying this as I had been a maple fan all my skateboard life.

I was quite iffy to ride on a bamboo board because prior to getting one, I had been riding full maple decks for at least 25 years. Because everyone’s going green and bamboo is more eco-friendly and sustainable, I decided to give it a go. I must admit that I was astonished that it had more pop than my good old, run-of-the-mill maples. I now understand better its increasing popularity in the skateboarding community.

This Bamboo Skateboards Blank Skateboard Deck is a nice canvas to pour in your creative juices. Sand it down, paint it with acrylic, and you’re ready to roll. But beyond that, the pop on this board is remarkable with a good crisp snap as I fly around on a halfpipe or swag a 360 flip. Bamboo’s shock absorption seems to be way better than maple, making it last longer. You definitely need to try it for yourself.

3. Blank Decks Skateboard Deck

This deck is the perfect canvas for your statement piece. The paint glides smoothly as its surface and edges do not have gouges. I purchased it for my little room project, but I eventually decided to ride on it. And man, it did not disappoint!

This humble board does its job pretty well. It’s got a nice, deep concave. Made of 7-ply maple, it’s undoubtedly strong and sturdy. The pre-drilled holes were precisely aligned, making it quick and hassle-free to assemble. The grip tape went on easy too.

As soon as I got and installed my wheels and trucks, I cruised the streets down to the park. I whipped some tricks on the ramp and ledges, and this surprisingly gave me insane pops! It may be quite heavier than what I am used to, but the additional weight is a welcome treat as it allows me to pop and flick harder. This is something beneficial in the long run as most pros would say.

4. Bamboo Skateboards Graphic Skateboard Deck

Here’s an interesting trivia: it takes 60 long years for a maple tree to be good enough for harvest; while just about five years for bamboo as it grows almost 1.5 inches every hour, making it the fastest-growing plant in the world according to the Guinness World Records.

If you’re on the look-out for an eco-friendly and more sustainable alternative, a bamboo skateboard is definitely for you. Bamboo Skateboards is a well-known brand for this. As their brand name suggests, they’re an environment-friendly company in Southern California that manufactures decks made of bamboo.

For a skateboard with the most pop, bamboo undeniably makes a great deck material. This is a 6-ply bamboo-maple hybrid deck that offers great flexibility. It is surprisingly lightweight too. It pops real nice, actually much better than I expected. It gives solid rides and ollies as well.

Being on the heavy side, I’m pleased with how strong and sturdy it is. I have used it regularly for more than three months now, and it has proven to be durable. So far, there are no cracks, chips whatsoever. I’m pretty impressed with its shock absorption too. Its veneers seem more elastic, which makes it far better than the other decks I’ve tried, particularly those made of maple.

5. enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard

I surely enjoy skateboarding with my enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard. Is there a better way to describe it? Seriously though, this deck is nothing short of fun — just look at its graphics! But more than that, you’ll be stoked to find that enjoi skateboards are individually pressed. This means that you get the same concave and curvature with every board.

No wonder this board allows better and noticeably smoother pops and ollies! Compared to the other decks I’ve tried, this also has a longer deck life. I’ve used it heavily for a number of tricks.

The core trucks seem heavy-duty and lightweight. The steel king pins and axles, pivot cups, and bushings are all first-class. They come with the highly-rated Abec 5 bearings, which are ideal for beginners and intermediates, but if you are an experienced skater, it’s best to go with your preference. The 52mm 99A wheels are great for streets and skateparks, but I find them a bit small for me.

6. Bamboo Skateboards Graphic Skateboard Deck

Throughout my years of skating, the skateboarding community on reddit has become my go-to whenever I want to learn and do some new tricks. I’ve been trying to figure out how to achieve more pop, so I’ve been on the lookout for the skateboard with the most pop. Luckily, a few pro skaters recommended that I try to skate bamboo. Glad I listened!

I got myself the Bamboo Skateboards Graphic Skateboard Deck. I was not really expecting anything extraordinary at first, but after a few rides, I was hooked! Assembly was a breeze, so right after I set it up with my wheels and trucks, I brought it to the park to break it in. It gave me those coveted pops, and I was able to ollie effortlessly and much higher too.

This bamboo deck is considerably lighter and more flexible than maple boards. Even though I am on the heavy side, it feels comfortable under my feet. It also holds up very well after a good amount of grind and hard flips, maintaining its shape without losing its sturdiness. Talk about durability!

7. Baker Black/White Logo Skateboard Deck

Who doesn’t know (and love!) Baker? Baker skateboards are highly rated and popular among pro and newbie skaters for a good reason. They have been around for over 20 years and are well-known for their workmanship. There’s actually prestige that comes along with owning a Baker board, so I was ecstatic when it finally arrived in the mail.

I consider myself a minimalist, so the Baker Black/White Logo Skateboard Deck fits me well. But more than its look, I am blown away by its amazing, crisp pop that lasts long! And I mean really long. That is what Baker is truly known for. If I were to count, I could probably do close to 50 tricks on this board and it would still look spanking new.

This Baker deck has that perfect, mellow concave and nice classic shape that makes me feel one with the board. I am able to do cleaner ollies with it. I’d say it’s the best skateboard for ollies! It’s light and easy to flip, and I learned most of my flip tricks on this board. And because it’s exceptionally lightweight, it is easy to lug around– I take it anywhere with me.

8. Aware Hybrid Skateboard Deck

Most of the skateboards I’ve previously tried are made of solid maple. It’s my go-to choice as I always use it for street riding. It feels just right for popping ollies and doing tricks too. But when I was searching for the best skateboard decks for pop, bamboo skateboards topped the list. I wasn’t too sure then if I was ready to jump in on full bamboo skateboards right away, so I thought hybrids would be my best bet.

I got the Aware Hybrid Skateboard Deck, which is a 7-ply deck with five layers of Canadian Maple and two layers of bamboo. Aware created such a one-of-a-kind hybrid deck by morphing maple and bamboo, making the deck stronger and more durable while offering incredible pops. The hybrid feels more like a traditional skateboard compared to a full bamboo one.

Bamboos have a deeper concave which usually feels off for a lot of skaters. This hybrid skateboard provides a perfect medium concave, which makes popping ollies easier as you feel like one with the board. That also makes it one of the most ideal skateboard decks for the street. My street rides are comfortable and steady so far.

9. Toy Machine Monster Skateboard Deck

Toy Machine Skateboards are known for their unique graphics, remarkable shape, solid pop, and guaranteed durability. Made of 7-ply maple wood, this deck tends to last longer than the others. It is also more stable yet responsive. Whether you are a beginner figuring out your style or a pro who ollies hard, this skateboard deck is ready for tough rides.

This Toy Machine Monster Skateboard Deck is one of my favorites. Ed Templeton, who owns the company, is a professional skateboarder and artist himself. His quirky designs always catch my eye!

This particular iconic design reminds me to never be scared of (my own) monsters and just go skate through rocky roads, pop more tricks, and ollie higher. This identifiable character has paved the way for the creation of more odd, cartoon-like characters which have been a hit in the skateboarding community.

The board construction is far more superior to others. This skateboard has a reinforcement panel on the top ply layer for extra endurance. It also has pre-drilled holes for quick and easy truck assembly. I was able to put mine together in a jiffy! Definitely a convenient thing for someone excited to ride.

10. Enjoi Skateboards Panda Vice Blue

As straightforward as its brand name implies, enjoi skateboards allows me to enjoy skateboarding to the fullest (pun intended). I got this iconic enjoi skateboard as my third deck and so far, it has given me nice pops.

I particularly find the concave very comfortable– thanks to the single deck press technique that ensures consistency in shape from one board to another. I can easily rest my foot, and it keeps that pop fresh for every ride.

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, hybrids are always a good choice. This one’s got a resin hybrid maple construction and epoxy, making it stronger yet lighter than the usual maple plank. The kingpins and axles are built with grade 8 steel. Its overall construction makes whipping around tricks easy-peasy!

The size is just right for me. Plus, when paired with my 52mm wheels, this deck is perfect for riding both at skateparks and on the streets. As long as you lubricate your bearings, shock absorption is also great. Hard turns are quite effortless with this one. I’d even say that among the skateboards that I’ve had, this one’s the skateboard deck with most pop!

If you like making your skateboard a statement piece as I do, this board does not come fully assembled. You can customize it as you please! The color (blue) and graphics are cool.

11. CCS Skateboard Complete Set

CCS has been a premiere go-to for anything and everything skate for over three decades – a true testament to their quality and durability. They have a cult following for the most exclusive products and hard-to-find items.

My very first skateboard as a kid was a CCS; so now that I’ve decided to get back at it, I naturally went for my first love. Its decent price, given the set-up and quality, definitely won me over.

Everything came in the mail completely. Because it was already fully assembled, I excitedly rode it straight out of the box. And that first ride rekindled my love for skateboarding! I felt like that same kid who was absolutely giddy to ride my very first board.

As it comes fully assembled, this skateboard set is suitable for both beginners and seasoned skaters. It has all you need and more to start rolling — it even comes with skate tools and cool decals.

Even the grip tape is nicely placed, with no air bubbles. The trucks are of great quality but came a bit loose; thanks to the tools included, I was able to tighten them without a hitch. The bearings and wheels glide really smoothly.

12. Anti-Hero Classic Eagle Skateboard Deck

Stoked on all things eagle? The Anti-Hero Classic Eagle Skateboard Deck will surely catch your eye. Among all the decks I saw, this one got me right away. It’s one dope deck! Iconic, in every sense of the word.

Beyond its aesthetics, this deck is suitable for every skill level. I like its classic shape and size. Its moderately-pitched kick tails allow me to do excellent ollies, and the medium concave is carved perfectly for flip tricks. It’s totally a versatile skateboard deck with tons of pop.

It’s a lightweight yet rock-solid board that I take to the street, park, pool, ledge, and to random staircases I pass by. It remains consistent with the brand’s iconic look. It makes me feel as if I’m soaring high like an eagle whenever I ollie. And when practicing static tricks, stability is just as superb.

13. Powell Peralta Skateboard Deck

When I got my hands on this Powell Peralta Skateboard Deck, I was quite uncertain about how long it would last me, particularly because I was over 200lbs. This flight deck is significantly thinner and lighter than a 7-ply. Although I was apprehensive about this purchase, owning a Powell is every rider’s dream!

I hurriedly assembled it like a kid who just received his first board! I always prefer unassembled boards as they give me that feeling of accomplishment. It’s great that I had no issues assembling it with my wheels and trucks. The pre-drilled holes are perfectly aligned with my trucks as well.

After assembly, I took it to the skatepark for a break-in, and just within an hour, I felt the exemplary difference. Lighter than anything I skated before, it allowed me to do more tricks effortlessly — higher ollies, faster flips, impressive pops. It pushed me to go beyond my limits!

14. Chocolate Skateboards Original Chunk Deck

Chocolate Skateboards is another brand at the forefront of skateboard manufacturing. Since 1994, it has been at the peak of its game, zooming in on quality, style, and uniqueness. The most influential names in modern skateboarding have been under Chocolate’s roof. Known for its classic popsicle silhouette, this deck is a sure-fire way to have yummy pops.

I particularly like the size of this board. It’s wide enough for me. Its considerably flat and unimposing concave makes it easy to perform rigorous tricks and switches for advanced skaters like me. It is undeniably suitable for all skill levels and offers the stability every skater needs for a safe and comfortable riding experience.

I am also pleased with how strong and sturdy this deck is. I’m not surprised that many skaters swear by the endurance of this board. It withstands harsh grinds and landings well. No stress cracks so far, I am impressed! I also appreciate that the pre-drilled holes align precisely with my trucks so I had no issues with the assembly.

What to Look for When Buying Pop Skateboards and Decks

Pop is the snap a deck has for ollieing and some other skateboarding tricks. The amount of height you can achieve when doing an ollie will be based on how much pop your skateboard deck can give. Skating with decks that give little to no pop is not very rad. Tricks seem to be a lot harder than they are. It’s difficult to ollie higher, too.

Since skateboarding has become a widely popular sport, there is already a wide variety of skateboard decks. Choosing the best pop skateboards and decks highly depends on your riding style, weight, and other preferences. Bear in mind that you also have to pick the suitable truck and wheel size for your skateboard to achieve the most pop.

Several kinds of wood are used for decks. Canadian Maple is the most common and widely used today. Maple skateboards usually have a 7-ply construction. This type is suitable for beginners, intermediate, and pro skaters. It is relatively ideal for all types of terrain, and particularly great for street, park, and pool rides. It is sturdy and durable.

Bamboo is also becoming a popular choice as people, specifically eco-conscious skaters, begin to switch to more eco-friendly and more sustainable alternatives. Bamboo also claims to give more pops. Many skaters rave about how light it is compared to other boards, yet still proves to be highly durable. Those who love to lug their skateboards around prefer bamboo. It also provides a lot of flex as its veneers have more elasticity.

Hybrids, which are commonly a combination of maple wood and bamboo, are also a famous choice. If you are used to riding maple boards and wanting to try bamboo, a hybrid is a good transition board. It also gives a great amount of pop. Hybrid boards are long-lasting, too.

Another factor to consider when looking for a skateboard with the most pop is the concave. The concave is the curvature of the deck width. For beginners, it is recommended to start with a medium concave deck. Most boards are also medium concave.

Medium to deep concave boards are usually more ideal for mastering flips and ollies. This is because you can actually put more pressure on the edges of your board, which then enhances steering and allows you to flip and pop your board more easily. The flatter the concave, the more challenging it is to perform tricks.

Needless to say, you need to look for a reputable skateboarding brand as this has a lot to do with the deck’s quality and durability. Decks from well-recognized brands usually give long-lasting pops.

How Can I Improve My Skateboard Pop

You need to consider several factors when improving your pop. Basically, you need to learn to position yourself better, pop harder, and jump higher. Of course, your skateboard deck of choice, trucks, bearings, bushings, and wheels will spell the difference in your pops too. Make sure to pick one that precisely matches your style and build, the almost uber ex17 black skateboard deck might just be what you need.

Can a Skateboard Lose Its Pop

Unfortunately, yes. If you are a beginner, you might not notice this easily as your deck loses its pop gradually. But you will start to feel this when you can’t ollie as high as you used to. Performing tricks can become more challenging too.

Conclusion

Every skater would go after the best pop skateboards and decks. That is where the adrenaline rush comes from anyway. The quality of your ollies and tricks will largely depend on how crisp your board’s pop is.

Skateboard decks from reputable brands are made of top-quality materials; thus, they are generally more durable and give longer pops. They may be priced higher than most generic boards but are well worth it.

I hope these reviews help you find the best skateboard for ollies and shred the gnar.

Charles Harris

Hi, I am Charles Harris. I opened this site to write as much as I can about my biggest passion – skateboarding!

I started as a clumsy yet passionate rookie 10 years ago to now a still passionate yet much better skateboarder! But I have to tell you, the whole journey has always been fun and rewarding, indeed not without hardship.