13 Best Skateboard Brands in 2021 [& What Brands To Avoid]

‘’What are the best skateboard brands?”- is a question that boggles the conscience of every skateboard fanatic. If you deal with this same mysterious concept, pull up your socks as we take a tour of some of the best skateboard companies.

At the same time, we will also put light on why, in my opinion, these brands are the best and what makes them better than the rest. So, without any further ado, let’s get started.

Related: Review of Leading Beginner-Skateboards

Top Skateboard Brands

1. Element Skateboard
2. Minority
3. Zero Skateboard
4. Quest Longboard Skateboard
5. Krown
6. Power Peralta Board
7. Rimable
8. Penny Australia Board
9. Enkeeo
10. Cal 7 Deck Board
11. Retrospec
12. M Merkapa Board
13. Skatro
14. Flybar Skateboard

Although, our Quick Answer to the best skateboard brands in 2021 is Quest Longboard Skateboard and Powel Peralta, Let’s check out the feature of other best skate companies as below why they are also to be considered:

Element Skateboard

Out of different types of skateboard brands, Element is the one-stop-shop for any skate lover. Founded by Johnny Schillereff in the year 1992, after which there was no looking back. Manufacturing apparel, shoes, decks, etc skateboard related products, Element has stood out to be a full-fledged skateboarding brand.

Element, as a dedicated skateboarding company, offers you to pick from a wide variety of decks, bearings, wheels, clothes, or even complete boards; whichever you may prefer without any tension about the standard of the product. 

The brand promotes skill riding and advanced level skateboarding. Thus, the boards and other materials are built to last extreme riding conditions and prevent snapping or chipping at any point.

Various technology and materials are used in separate deck models. But the inclusion of seven layers of maple ply (just like in every other deck) is pretty much the same here. Yet, the quality of the skateboards is way higher than other inferior ones.

Youngsters like Tom Schaar and many other inspirational ‘skates-ters’ also showcase the face of Element, making it a well-renowned brand. 

To sum up, mid-budget prices and unmatchable attributes keep Element far ahead from its competitors in the race of being the best skateboard brand.

Overall Specifications

• A well-known brand for skating 
• Durable skate decks and accessories
• Customizing decks is easier than ever
• Affordable prices
• The best option for trick freaks and advanced learners

Minority

A fair enough option for encouraging young skills, this is the go-to brand for you if you are in your early days of trying tricks and turns. Just like Krown, Minority has almost similar aspects to note. 

Jaw-dropping performances with modest retail pricing and almost similar built quality. But Minority has a lot more graphical advancements than Krown (keeping in mind that the prices will differ as well). 

I like the artworks on Minority boards and how well the lower deck material is designed to slide across rods or staircase drills. It feels way better than any other low range boards.

In honest terms, Minority performs as per its cost and survive years of abuses and washouts. For amateurs, it is a really good deal until you realize that you have gained some skills and it’s time for you to upgrade your road ranger.

Overall Specifications

• Better graphics on deck
• Amateurs are the top audience
• Yet another one for cheapskates

Zero Skateboard

The brand Zero was founded by Jamie Thomas in California. In early 2003, Thomas started manufacturing skateboard decks under the Black Box Brands. Why  we included Zero in our top skateboard list is that the brand is being designed by some famous skateboarders like Tommy Sandova, Windsor James and Dane Burman and some others.

As for the quality, The brand is unique for its style and versatility. They are complete and have been built with a perfect size which is appropriate for the beginners and pros. The riders can get the required stability and control using these skateboards. 

All the Zero boards are asserted to be made with good quality materials, ensuring the smoothness and durability of the products. Not only that, but also the skateboards are very lightweight which is a preference for many skateboarders. The decks are made with quality Canadian maple wood which further helps in shock resistance.

Besides, the quality truck and wheels used in this skateboard make it super flexible. 

Overall Specifications

• A complete skateboard
• Designed by the expert team members
• Unique Style
• Built with quality materials
• A safe option for all level of skateboarders

Quest Longboard Skateboard

Though mostly known for their exquisite range of longboards, Quest has become the prince in the skateboard industry in no time. Since it arrived in 2014, it has rapidly gained popularity by producing some outstanding pre-installed mid-budget cruisers and drop-down boards.

Operating from the heart of California, USA, Quest is the first choice brand for skaters who just want to tread the streets for relaxation or commute. If you just want to chill around the city and want to take a casual ride, this is the best option for you.

This top-selling longboard brand has given cruising and random riding a new identity. With relatively softer wheels, great trucks, superb bearings, and a stylish deck, your recreational ride could not have gone better. Most of their decks are made of multi-ply hardwood maple and Artisan bamboo, ensuring strength along with the latest fashion.

Although their longboards are admirable and well-performing, they are not the most suitable for performing tricks. If you are enthusiastic to upgrade your skills and advance to the next level, it’s better not to choose a Quest. 

It’s not like you can’t go action on these, but other boards are designed to empower your skillsets and work out better for you. 

Overall Specifications

• One of the best in longboards and cruisers at a mid-budget price point.
• Pre-installed skateboards; no hassle for newbies.
• Comfortable riding experience.
• Great components used to complement the skateboard.
• Quite an affordable pricing.
• Good for tricks but best for free rides.
• best selling skateboard.

Krown Skateboard

If I were, to sum up, Krown with just one word, would be versatile. Tirelessly creating new skates for every skateboard enthusiast, Krown has won the hearts of many riders.

With the rookie and pro models, Krown has marked its place into the hearts of many amateur and semi-pro ‘deckers’. They usually provide a more concave shape on the deck for making it a trick buster.

Nevertheless, cruisers by Krown are also favorites to many leisure riders. Considerably fit aluminum trucks and durable urethane wheels make Krown boards the first choice for any novice skater.

Undeniably, there are better boards available out there for pros. But with such a low price tag, your mind will never get over these.

Overall Specifications

• Good enough for pros
• Quality maintained products
• Low cost
• Best brand skateboard
• Most popular skate brands

Powell Peralta Board

This is one of the oldest bottles of wine in the skateboarding industry. Founded in 1978 by George Powell and Stacy Peralta, Powell Peralta gave birth to a new era of making premium skateboards. The decks produced are a vivid combination of classic and funky artwork and high stakes performer. 

All thanks to the maestro Vernon Courtlandt Johnson a.k.a VCJ who deals with all the graphic outlooks of the decks.

But the best part is the dead shot durability of their decks. In this aspect, the Flight Deck is a lightweight monster that is claimed to be unbreakable, even in the roughest and toughest skating scenarios. 

Their decks are usually made of maple and a touch of reinforced carbon fiber which gives them the strength to withstand fierce blows.

From the ’90s to this day, the company has been producing excellent decks and including top legends of the game in their team. Starting from all-time legends like Steve Caballero, Andy Macdonald, Lance Mountain to present-day stars like Andy Anderson; their team is evergreen.

Powell Peralta also specializes in making great wheels and bearings with the heading Bones Bearing, which makes outstanding skate bearings and wheels which allows to skate with precision and speed on any surface.

Customizing and choosing your parts for your board is usual for many but a hassle for some. If so, you can try out the preassembled skateboards from the wide variety of options they provide without any compromise in performance as they are set up keeping the rider’s expectations in mind.

Overall Specifications

• Classic graphic outlook.
• Supreme durability.
• Great wheels and bearings.
• Appreciable preassembled boards.
• Trustworthy as many pro skaters use the same brand for years.
• Best skateboard company indeed.

Rimable

A glossy touch outlook makes Rimable a dream for every newborn skateboarder. Whether riding to school, roaming around your campus, or even practicing basic skills, the boards aid you as a supporting hand everywhere.

Small 22 inch cruisers are the best-built boards from Rimable. In this case, I think their galaxy design is to date superior to its any other design.

The brand is very young in the industry and has still not spread much of its existence among various categories of skateboarding. But for such a masculine arrival, it can be easily assumed that it will compete against big names of the industry soon.

Overall Specifications 

• Easy to carry boards
• Exceptional design variations
• Buy a skateboard without ripping your pockets.

Penny Australia Board

Penny Australia or simply referred to as Penny is a skateboard brand that was formed by Ben Mackay, in the year 2010. Penny Australia is a brand that is dedicated to making the best quality plastic skateboards as a nostalgia for the first generations of skateboarding.

Fiberglass and other carbon inserts are used as an alternative for timber as the raw ingredient of the decks. A light-weight malleable deck and sturdy trucks make a Penny board your perfect ride companion.

They offer boards in five different sizes based on the length of the boards. These are –

1. Penny (22”)
2. Nickel (27”)
3. Surfskate (29”)
4. Cruiser (32”)
5. Longboard (36”)

But I love the penny (size) as it is light-weight, cool, and pretty easy to carry anywhere.

Even though Penny usually focuses on recreational riders, keeping in mind what the majority of the skateboarders are, many professionals also recommend them. 

Still, the level of toughness they maintain for their decks is praiseworthy as you can roam around on that very same Penny which ages almost like you! 

Nevertheless, their whole line of products is classy and customization is just a few clicks away. Though they can scratch your wallet a bit, they will pay you back through their longevity. So, no doubt Penny Australia is one of the best skateboard manufacturers in the race.

Overall Specifications

• Light-weight and flexible, yet robust.
• Comes in different sizes.
• Customization is easy.
• Wheels and trucks are wonderful and well balanced.
• Cool graphic designs.
• A bit costly but worth it.

Cal 7 Deck Board

The 1970s classic retro illustration that they try to carry out through their decks, is somewhat visible through the ‘deck works’.The company usually determines to keep the old school vibes as their foundation and mix it with the latest technologies and creativity to generate an ultimate fusion and fortunately, they have succeeded to date.

Using plastic decks to the maple norms, Cal 7 does it all. Wheels, bearings, hardware, rising pads, and what not? You name it, they have it! That too at an average of $50 for a complete deck. Well, that’s insane!

Each type of deck material again has a whole series under which they are arranged, based on artworks. For instance, there are seven series of maple decks made, namely, 

1. Vanity
2. Evolution 
3. Fossil 
4. Time Vortex 
5. Wild Masquerade 
6. Legacy
7. Cal Cities.

Again, plastic decks are the cruiser series of Cal 7 which are –

1. Color Blast
2. Motley 
3. Phantom

But whichever you may choose, quality, comfort, and endurance are assured.

Overall Specifications

• All skateboard accessories are made
• Wide range of options available
• Both customized and pre-completed decks built
• Very affordable prices

Retrospec

Yet another fitness brand, Retrospec specializes in making skateboards, along with multiple other sports accessories including bicycles, paddleboards, helmets, and skiing gears. 

Though it is a popular bicycle manufacturing company, its range of skateboards also attracts most customers. Providing multiple types of skateboards, any young gun is prone to look twice at their collections, without nagging much about your budget.

Its noteworthy lines of production are-

1. Longboards (including drop-through and drop-down models)
2. Mini cruisers, and,
3. Alameda skateboards ( for tricksters)

For beginners, it is a very good skateboard company to look out for but for professionals, there are far better options on this list.

Overall Specifications

• Good for beginners
• Budget-friendly
• Pre-built skateboards

M Merkapa Skateboard

For the tiny tods and almost teens, M Merkapa is a reliable brand. Helmets, knee pads, etc other kids sports stuff. The brand is relatively new to the industry however, does justice to the hard-earned money of the customers.

Most of their skateboards are compact and small which makes them handy for kids. Both plastic and hardwood maple boards are manufactured by the company. Mini cruisers hold the majority percentage of the meal they make. 

The most glamorous piece of skateboard they make is a colorful 22-inch cruiser with LED wheels. Interestingly, the wheels don’t have a battery or don’t even need to be charged. They light up as soon as you hit the roads. 

And most importantly, they are cheap. What can be more fascinating to you and your child?

Overall Specifications

• Mainly for kids
• Affordable skateboards
• LED wheels installed in specific models

Skatro

Skatro, founded in 2015, is on its journey to amaze the skateboard world with outstanding new technologies. For example, Skatro Flexy technology is found in the plastic cruisers that almost performs like a Penny. 

Again, the Skatro Adhesive technology is said to provide a better structural reinforcement to the 8ply maple longboards, ensuring deck sustainability at best. Also, Skatro uses the ultimate ABEC 7 bearings in all its boards which results in more speed and unbeatable strength.

Even after all high specs, Skatro boards cost almost half the price than of any of its other competitors. Many often regard it as the best alternative for Penny boards and it is somewhat true, as their rates are miles apart. 

Apart from all these, a T-tool is included with every skateboard purchase which is a small, but very useful thing when it comes down to fixing your skateboard; a sign of a good skateboard company.

Overall Specifications

• Enthralling technologies
• Compact and complete packages
• Captivating prices

Flybar Skateboard

Unique graphic artworks and deck designs separate all other companies from Flybar. Diverse contrast and vivid colors make them recognizable in a herd of boards. Having said that, no compromises are made with the quality of the decks.

Flybar was inaugurated in 1918 by George Hansburg. Although known for being the largest pogo stick manufacturer in the world, they have slowly flourished into the business of making one of a kind of skateboard.

Build quality of the skateboards is standard and components used are up to the mark. But what stands out for them is the overall deck illustrations, simply made for the latest generations of boarders.

Their small plastic cruisers and longboards can make your day a lot more cheerful. They don’t turn down any of the customers and have something to offer at every price point.

Overall Specifications

• One of a kind deck graphics
• Fits in everyone’s budget
• Top-notch quality control

Apart from the above, the following video will guide you to some more good skateboard brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the other best brands of skateboard?

Apart from the above-described skateboard brands, there are few other brands that most of the pro skateboarders like. You can call these professional skateboard brands. These are:

• Santa Cruz.
• Polar Skate Co.
• Krooked.
• Real.
• Welcome.
• Quasi.
• Baker.
• Girl.

What are the worst skateboard brands?

While choosing a skateboard from a shop where all brands of skateboards are available, be careful, and stay away from the worst brands. 

These skateboards’ trucks might be made with plastic and will bend and break down quickly. The graphics don’t look stunning. And, some of them are so heavy that you can’t find any comfort. Let’s look at some of those brands:

• Walmart
• World Industries
• Kryptonics
• Element
• Mongoose
• Zoo York
• Converse
• Blind

However, there are some good qualities still available in these brands too. If you are interested to learn more, you need to read the full article here of the Thetoptens.

Good Skateboard Companies Video

Conclusion

This could have been an even longer list but I shortened it as much as I could. Now and then companies come up with new ideas that elongate the registry of best skateboard brands.

However, some famous skate brands may always stay at the pinnacle, like Powell Peralta, Penny Australia, or Element, and stay the first choice for pros. While others may take turns to rule the business at times, i.e Skatro, Cal 7, or M Merkapa.

I wouldn’t say my article is the best guide out there, Bamargara describes even better than me. Check this out here.

In a nutshell, No matter which brand you go for, make sure the price, quality, material, and design are impressive to you and choose the best skateboard board that suits your preferred skateboarding type the most.

Peace!