How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Best skateboard companies at a glance
Santa Cruz is the best skateboard company overall, with the longest history, the most recognisable graphics, and decks that suit street and park riders alike. Powell Peralta is the best pick for durability, thanks to its Flight deck construction. Girl is the best pick for technical street skating, with a team and a board feel built for flip tricks.
Key takeaways
- Santa Cruz, Powell Peralta, Girl and Baker lead the pack for 2026, with 7-ply North American hardrock maple decks and strict quality control.
- Most pro decks cost $45 to $70, with premium or limited editions higher, and average deck prices have risen to around $75 to $85 after 2025 tariffs.
- Powell Peralta Flight decks cost around $120, but the fibreglass construction lasts far longer than a standard maple deck.
- Completes cost more than decks: Santa Cruz completes run around $130 and Baker completes around $140, while Element completes run $60 to $70.
- Prices conflict across sources by size, graphic and shop, so treat every figure here as a range and check your local shop before you buy.
How we picked
We picked skateboard companies with a real team, a current deck range, and a reputation earned on the street rather than in a catalogue, and we checked prices from skate shops and independent comparisons on 13 Nov 2026. We ranked deck quality first, then team and heritage, then price and range, and we flagged every price that conflicts between sources. Every price below is third-party reported from those sources, because deck prices vary by size, graphic and shop, and tariffs have pushed prices up during 2025.
Best skateboard companies compared
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
| Santa Cruz | All-round street and park | Decks from $60 | No, decks sold separately |
| Powell Peralta | Durability and Flight decks | Decks from $60; Flight deck around $120 | No, decks sold separately |
| Girl | Technical street skating | Decks from $60 | No, decks sold separately |
| Baker | Aggressive street skating | Decks from $60; completes around $140 | No, decks sold separately |
| Element | Beginners and value completes | Completes from $60 | No, decks sold separately |
| Zero | Tough decks and a bold team | Decks from $55 | No, decks sold separately |
| Enjoi | Fun graphics and light decks | Decks from $55 | No, decks sold separately |
| Plan B | Pro-level street and vert | Decks from $60 | No, decks sold separately |
How much does a skateboard deck cost?
A skateboard deck from a pro company costs $45 to $70 for a standard 7-ply maple deck, with premium or limited editions higher, and average deck prices have risen to around $75 to $85 after the 2025 tariffs on imports from China, Mexico and Canada. A complete board costs more: Element completes run $60 to $70, Santa Cruz completes run around $130, and Baker completes run around $140. A Powell Peralta Flight deck costs around $120, but its maple and fibreglass construction lasts far longer than a standard deck, so the cost per month of skating can be lower. Buy the deck first and build up the rest, or buy a complete if you are starting out.
Should you buy a deck or a complete board?
Buy a deck when you already have trucks, wheels and bearings you like, because a pro deck from Santa Cruz, Girl or Baker lets you keep your setup and only replace the part that wears out. Buy a complete when you are starting out, because Element completes at $60 to $70 give you a rideable board for the price of one pro deck, and you can upgrade parts as they wear. The middle path is a shop complete, where your local shop builds a board from a pro deck and mid-range parts. Whatever you buy, check the deck size against your shoe size: 7.75 to 8.0 inches suits smaller feet and flip tricks, while 8.25 to 8.5 suits larger feet and transition skating.
Which skateboard company is best for beginners?
Element is the best skateboard company for beginners, because its completes cost $60 to $70, its decks come in many sizes, and its team and shops make it easy to find help. Santa Cruz is the best step up, with a complete around $130 and a long history of durable decks. Avoid the cheapest no-name completes, because low-quality wood and weak quality control lead to shorter life and less pop, which makes learning harder. A beginner board should be 7-ply maple, the right width for your feet, and bought from a skate shop that will set it up for you.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|
 Santa Cruz | All-round street and park | Decks from $60; Screaming Hand complete around $130, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | No, decks sold separately |
 Powell Peralta | Durability and Flight decks | Decks from $60; Flight deck around $120, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | No, decks sold separately |
 Girl | Technical street skating | Decks from $60, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | No, decks sold separately |
 Baker | Aggressive street skating | Decks from $60; Brand Logo complete around $140, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | No, decks sold separately |
 Element | Beginners and value completes | Completes from $60, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | No, decks sold separately |
 Zero | Tough decks and a bold team | Decks from $55, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | No, decks sold separately |
 Enjoi | Fun graphics and light decks | Decks from $55, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | No, decks sold separately |
 Plan B | Pro-level street and vert | Decks from $60, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | No, decks sold separately |
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The 8 best skateboard companies compared
Starting priceDecks from $60; Screaming Hand complete around $130, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNo, decks sold separately
Santa Cruz is the best skateboard company overall. Founded in 1973, it is the oldest brand here, and its Screaming Hand graphic is the most recognisable image in skateboarding. Its decks use 7-ply North American hardrock maple with strict quality control, which gives consistent pop and durability, and the size range covers 7.75 to 8.5 inches, so most riders find a fit. Completes such as the 8.0 by 31.25 inch Screaming Hand cost around $130, which suits progressing street and park skaters who want a recognised core brand. Pick Santa Cruz when you want one brand that does everything well, from street to park to cruiser boards.
What we like- Longest history of the brands here, founded in 1973, iconic Screaming Hand graphics, 7-ply North American hardrock maple decks, wide size range from 7.75 to 8.5 inches, VX decks add durability
Watch out for- Premium graphics and VX decks cost more than a standard deck, and the range is so wide that a beginner can find the choice overwhelming
Starting priceDecks from $60; Flight deck around $120, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNo, decks sold separately
Powell Peralta is the best pick for durability. Its Flight deck mixes maple wood with high-quality fibreglass, which makes it the strongest and longest lasting deck here, and the Andy Anderson Heron Flight deck costs around $120. The brand is home to the Bones Brigade, the most storied team in skateboarding, and its parent company Skate One is regarded as the technical leader in the industry. Standard Powell Peralta decks cost from $60, so the Flight premium buys you a deck that survives far more sessions. Pick Powell Peralta when you break decks often and want to pay more once instead of less several times.
What we like- Flight decks mix maple with fibreglass for far longer life, home of the Bones Brigade and the most storied team in skating, Andy Anderson Heron Flight deck is a modern classic, premium pricing reflects longer replacement intervals
Watch out for- Flight decks cost about twice a standard deck, and the classic graphics will not suit riders who want a plain, modern look
Starting priceDecks from $60, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNo, decks sold separately
Girl is the best pick for technical street skating. Its decks score 9 out of 10 for both durability and pop in independent comparisons, which is the highest combined score here, and its team is built around flip tricks and technical skating. The graphics are clean and simple, which suits street skaters who want the board to speak through its riding rather than its art. Girl is part of Crailtap alongside Chocolate Skateboards, and its decks hold strong resale value. Pick Girl when your skating is built on flip tricks and you want a deck with the best pop in the group.
What we like- Best pop and durability scores among street brands, team built for technical flip tricks, clean graphics that suit street skaters, part of Crailtap with Chocolate Skateboards, strong resale value
Watch out for- Prices run mid to high, and the range is focused on street, so transition and cruiser riders have fewer options
Starting priceDecks from $60; Brand Logo complete around $140, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNo, decks sold separately
Baker is the best pick for aggressive street skating. It scores 10 out of 10 for durability in independent comparisons, the highest of any brand here, and its decks are pressed by BBS in Mexico with the same quality control that serves Anti-Hero and Polar. The Brand Logo complete in sizes such as 8.25 by 32 inches costs around $140, which suits intermediate skaters who want a quality street setup. Baker is currently rated the most popular brand by one market report, with strong brand loyalty that makes it hard for new entrants to displace. Pick Baker when you skate hard, break boards, and want a deck that lasts.
What we like- Top durability score of 10 out of 10 in comparisons, aggressive street image with a loyal team, decks pressed by BBS in Mexico with strict quality control, strong resale value for limited graphics
Watch out for- The aggressive branding will not suit every rider, and completes at around $140 cost more than Element or Santa Cruz equivalents
Starting priceCompletes from $60, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNo, decks sold separately
Element is the best pick for beginners and for value. Its popsicle completes cost $60 to $70, which is the price of one pro deck from a rival, and they cover all experience levels, so a beginner gets a rideable board without a big outlay. Element is part of Boardriders, which makes it widely available in shops and malls, and its team and heritage keep it a core brand rather than a toy brand. The trade off is prestige and components: the cheapest completes use simpler trucks and wheels that you will want to upgrade as you improve. Pick Element for a first board, and move to Santa Cruz or Baker when you know your size and style.
What we like- Cheapest complete boards from a core brand at $60 to $70, popsicle shapes for all experience levels, widely available in shops and malls, good first board for a beginner
Watch out for- Less prestigious than Santa Cruz or Girl among core skaters, and the cheapest completes use simpler components that you will want to upgrade
Starting priceDecks from $55, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNo, decks sold separately
Zero is the best pick for tough, no-nonsense street skating. Its decks are built for heavy street use, with a bold team and a strong video history behind the brand, and prices run $55 to $65 a deck, which is good value for a core brand. The range is smaller than Santa Cruz or Element, but it covers the sizes that matter for street and transition, and the stark graphics have a loyal following. Pick Zero when you want a tough deck with a bold identity at a fair price, and pick Baker when you want the top durability score.
What we like- Tough, no-nonsense decks built for heavy street skating, bold team with a strong video history, good value at $55 to $65 a deck, wide sizes for transition skaters
Watch out for- Smaller range than Santa Cruz or Element, and the stark black graphics will not suit riders who want colour
Starting priceDecks from $55, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNo, decks sold separately
Enjoi is the best pick for fun graphics and light decks. Its panda graphics are among the most recognisable in skating, and its Spectrum Panda Impact Light deck is one of the lightest here, which suits flip tricks and technical skating. Prices run $55 to $65 a deck, which is good value, and the brand has a loyal following among riders who want a playful identity. The trade off is feel: the lightest decks can feel less solid for heavy transition work, so bigger riders may prefer Santa Cruz or Baker. Pick Enjoi when you want a light, fun deck for street skating.
What we like- Fun panda graphics that stand out, Impact Light decks are among the lightest here, good value at $55 to $65 a deck, suits riders who want a playful brand
Watch out for- Lighter decks can feel less solid for heavy transition skating, and the playful image will not suit every rider
Starting priceDecks from $60, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNo, decks sold separately
Plan B is the best pick for pro-level street and vert skating. Its team covers both street and vert, its deck range spans many sizes, and its boards have the pop and durability that pro riders demand. The brand has a long history as a rider-driven company, and its decks are a staple in skate shops. The trade off is availability: Plan B is less widely stocked than Element or Santa Cruz in some regions, and limited editions sell out quickly. Pick Plan B when you want a pro-level deck with a team that skates everything from street to vert.
What we like- Pro-level team with street and vert riders, strong deck range in many sizes, good pop and durability, long history as a rider-owned brand
Watch out for- Less widely stocked than Element or Santa Cruz in some regions, and limited editions sell out quickly
Frequently asked questions
What is the best skateboard brand for beginners?
Element is the best skateboard brand for beginners, because its completes cost $60 to $70 and give you a rideable board for the price of one pro deck. Santa Cruz is the best step up, with a complete around $130 and a long history of durable decks. Buy from a skate shop, choose a 7-ply maple deck in the right width for your feet, and avoid the cheapest no-name completes.
How much should I spend on a first skateboard?
Spend $60 to $70 on an Element complete for a first board, or around $130 on a Santa Cruz complete if you want a recognised core brand. A standard pro deck alone costs $45 to $70, and a complete board adds trucks, wheels and bearings. Average deck prices have risen to around $75 to $85 after 2025 tariffs, so check your local shop for the current price.
Are expensive skateboard decks worth it?
Yes, for regular skaters. A $120 Powell Peralta Flight deck lasts far longer than a $60 standard deck, because its maple and fibreglass construction resists breaking, so the cost per month of skating can be lower. For a beginner who skates occasionally, a $60 deck is fine. The value is in durability and pop, not in the graphic, so pay for construction first.
What size skateboard deck do I need?
Choose 7.75 to 8.0 inches if you have smaller feet or skate flip tricks, 8.25 inches for most adult street skaters, and 8.5 inches or wider for larger feet and transition skating. All eight brands here offer a range of widths, so check the size chart before you buy. Your local skate shop can measure your stance and suggest a width.
Santa Cruz or Powell Peralta, which is better?
Santa Cruz is better for all-round skating, with the widest range and the most recognisable graphics, while Powell Peralta is better for durability, thanks to its Flight deck construction. Both use 7-ply North American hardrock maple and both have storied teams. Pick Santa Cruz for variety and heritage, and pick Powell Peralta when you break decks often and want the longest lasting board.
Sources we checked (13)
- https://santacruzskateboards.com
- https://powell-peralta.com
- https://girlskateboards.com
- https://bakerskateboards.com
- https://elementbrand.com
- https://zeroskateboards.com
- https://enjoiskateboards.com
- https://planbskateboards.com
- https://www.skateboardbrands.org/most-popular-skateboard-brands/
- https://wikihome.net/best-skateboard-brands
- https://skateboardgeek.com/best-skateboard-decks/
- https://elementaction.com/en/skateboard/articles/state-of-skateboarding-2026/
- https://www.accio.com/business/top-selling-skateboard-brands
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.