Skateboard Deck Concave

Intro

Skateboard deck concave describes the curve of the deck—both across the width and through the nose and tail. Concave influences control, comfort, and how responsive a deck feels during turns and tricks. Blank skateboard decks can come in a wide range of concave profiles depending on the mold used during pressing.

This guide explains the main concave types, what they feel like, and how to choose the right concave for your skating style.

Why Concave Matters

Concave affects:

<ul> <li>Foot grip and control (how locked-in your feet feel)</li> <li>Flip and pop response (how the deck snaps and rotates)</li> <li>Comfort (especially on longer sessions)</li> <li>Stability at speed or in transition</li> </ul>

There is no universally “best” concave. The right choice is the one that matches your skating and feels natural underfoot.

Low Concave

Low concave decks have a flatter profile with less curvature from edge to edge.

Typical feel and use

<ul> <li>More stable and relaxed underfoot</li> <li>Comfortable for longer sessions</li> <li>Often preferred for cruising, transition, and a more forgiving ride</li> </ul>

Low concave can feel less “locked-in” for technical flip tricks, but many skaters prefer it for its comfort and predictability.

Medium Concave

Medium concave is the most common concave profile and is often considered the most versatile.

Typical feel and use

<ul> <li>Balanced control and comfort</li> <li>Works well for street, park, and mixed skating</li> <li>Common on standard popsicle-style decks</li> </ul>

If you are unsure where to start, medium concave is usually the safest baseline.

High Concave

High concave decks have a deeper curvature from edge to edge, creating a more responsive feel.

Typical feel and use

<ul> <li>More locked-in foot control</li> <li>Often preferred for technical street skating and flip tricks</li> <li>Can feel more aggressive and less forgiving</li> </ul>

High concave can provide excellent control, but some skaters find it uncomfortable if they prefer a flatter platform.

Other Factors That Change “Concave Feel”

Two decks can both be labeled “medium concave” and still feel different. Concave feel is influenced by more than the stated height.

<ul> <li>Deck width: wider decks can feel different even with the same concave mold</li> <li>Nose and tail shape: steeper kicks change how the deck responds</li> <li>Wheelbase: affects stability and turning feel</li> <li>Mold design: factories use different molds even for “similar” concave labels</li> </ul>

Because concave is largely mold-dependent, “low/medium/high” should be treated as a general category rather than an exact measurement.

How to Choose the Right Concave

Use these guidelines as a starting point:

<ul> <li>If you want comfort and stability: start with low to medium concave</li> <li>If you skate everything: medium concave is usually ideal</li> <li>If you focus on technical flip tricks: medium to high concave often feels more responsive</li> <li>If you skate transition/bowls most: medium concave is common, but many prefer low for comfort</li> </ul>

The fastest way to dial in concave is to try a few different decks over time and note what feels best for your stance and style.

Frequently Asked Questions About Concave

Does concave affect pop?

Concave can affect how pop feels because it changes how your feet apply leverage, but construction quality and pressing consistency matter more than concave alone.

Is high concave better for flip tricks?

Many skaters prefer higher concave for flip tricks because it can feel more locked-in, but it is not required—technique and preference matter more.

Can blank decks have different concaves?

Yes. Blank decks can come in many concave profiles depending on the mold used by the manufacturer.

What concave should beginners choose?

Most beginners do well with medium concave because it balances control and comfort.

Learn More

For the full overview of blank skateboard decks, return to the main guide:

→ Blank Skateboard Decks – The Complete Guide