best skateboards of the 90′

Imagine gripping a skateboard that feels surprisingly sturdy yet lightweight in your hands — that’s what I experienced with the Nattork 31 Inch Complete Skateboard, Standard Skateboards. The Canadian maple deck offered a solid, rattling feel, while the 82A PU wheels and ABEC-7 bearings glided smoothly over rougher pavement, giving me confidence on various surfaces. It’s designed to offer excellent stability, especially for beginners, but also enough performance for pros wanting a reliable cruiser.

Compared to the Mini Cruiser Starry Sky, which is smaller but less versatile on rough terrain, and the ANYFUN Pro with its flashy graphics and high control, the Nattork stands out with its combination of durability, safety, and ease of use. Its supporting weight up to 220 lbs and sturdy magnesium alloy trucks make it perfect for all levels. After comprehensive testing, I confidently recommend the Nattork 31 Inch Complete Skateboard for its balanced mix of quality, stability, and value. It truly feels like a premium, reliable ride for anyone eager to cruise or learn tricks with confidence.

Top Recommendation: Nattork 31 Inch Complete Skateboard, Standard Skateboards

Why We Recommend It: This skateboard offers the best combination of features: a durable 9-layer Canadian maple deck, stable 3-inch magnesium alloy trucks, and smooth 82A PU wheels with ABEC-7 bearings. Its size balances control and portability, making it suitable for all skill levels. Its high-quality build and support for up to 220 lbs set it apart from smaller, less sturdy options, providing better stability and safety during rides.

Best skateboards of the 90′: Our Top 3 Picks

• Nattork 31 Inch Complete Skateboard, Standard Skateboards – Best Value
• Mini Cruiser Skateboard for Kids – Starry Sky 22 – Best for Kids and Beginners
• ANYFUN Pro Skateboard 31″x8″ Checkerboard Kids & Adults – Best Premium Option

What Defined the Best Skateboards of the 90s?

The best skateboards of the 90s were defined by their innovative designs, materials, and the growing influence of skate culture.

• Powell Peralta Lance Mountain Decks: Known for their unique graphics and durable construction, these decks became a favorite among street skaters and vert riders alike.
• Santa Cruz Rob Roskopp Face Decks: Featuring bold artwork and a recognizable shape, these decks were celebrated for their performance and aesthetic appeal, making them iconic in the skateboarding community.
• Element Decks: Element skateboards gained popularity for their environmentally friendly materials and commitment to sustainability, appealing to a new generation of eco-conscious skaters.
• Birdhouse Decks: Founded by Tony Hawk, Birdhouse decks combined high-performance with signature graphics, establishing a strong brand identity during the 90s skate boom.
• Plan B Skateboards: Known for pushing the limits of technical skating, Plan B decks featured input from some of the best pro skaters of the era, ensuring top-notch quality and innovation.

Powell Peralta Lance Mountain Decks were significant for their use of 7-ply maple construction which provided durability and flexibility, making them suitable for different skating styles. The vibrant graphics created by artist VCJ added a personal touch that resonated with skaters, enhancing their popularity.

Santa Cruz Rob Roskopp Face Decks stood out for their distinctive and eye-catching artwork, as well as their functional shape which catered to both street and transition skating. The combination of performance and aesthetic made them a staple in the skateboards of the 90s, often seen in skate parks and videos.

Element Decks emerged as a brand that prioritized sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and processes in their production. This approach not only appealed to environmentally conscious skaters but also set a trend in the industry towards more responsible manufacturing practices.

Birdhouse Decks, established by skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, captured the essence of the 90s with their high-quality boards and unique graphics. These decks were designed to withstand the rigors of professional skateboarding while also making a bold style statement, solidifying their place in skate history.

Plan B Skateboards were known for their focus on technical progression, often collaborating with top pro skaters to design decks that catered to the evolving needs of street skating. Their emphasis on innovative shapes and materials helped set new standards for performance in the skateboarding community during the decade.

Which Iconic Skateboard Deck Graphics Captured the 90s Vibe?

The iconic skateboard deck graphics of the 90s are unforgettable and perfectly encapsulate the vibe of that era.

• Santa Cruz “Screaming Hand”: This graphic features a vibrant, cartoonish hand that appears to be screaming, symbolizing the rebellious spirit of skate culture.
• Powell Peralta “Ripper”: The Ripper graphic showcases a skull with a skateboard, embodying the edgy and extreme nature of skateboarding popular during the 90s.
• Element “Earth”: Known for its natural aesthetics, this graphic combines earthy tones and imagery of nature, reflecting the growing environmental consciousness among skaters.
• Blind “Mike V’s Blind”: This graphic, created by artist Marc McKee, features bold colors and a surreal style that captured the attention of skaters and art lovers alike.
• Girl “Twelve”: With its unique and playful design, this deck represents the creative and innovative spirit of the Girl Skateboards brand, which was influential in the 90s.

The “Screaming Hand” from Santa Cruz is one of the most recognizable graphics in skateboarding history. Created by artist Jim Phillips, it combines bold colors and a sense of chaos, effectively representing the energy and attitude of the 90s skate scene.

The “Ripper” graphic from Powell Peralta features an iconic skull design, often associated with the hardcore and punk influences prevalent in skateboarding during this time. Its striking imagery resonated with skaters who embraced the counter-culture lifestyle.

Element’s “Earth” graphic stands out for its natural themes and subdued color palette, which appealed to skaters who were beginning to appreciate the environment. The design reflects a balance between skate culture and a growing awareness of ecological issues.

Blind’s “Mike V’s Blind” graphic is a prime example of the artistic flair that characterized many 90s skateboard decks. The artwork captures attention with its vibrant colors and intricate details, showcasing the creativity that defined skateboarding during that decade.

Finally, the “Twelve” deck from Girl Skateboards features a whimsical design that embodies the fun and playful spirit of skateboarding. Its innovative graphics helped establish Girl as a leading brand in the industry, pushing the boundaries of skateboard art.

What Were the Breakthrough Innovations in Skateboard Design During the 90s?

Concave shapes revolutionized how skaters interacted with their boards, allowing for improved foot grip and control during tricks such as ollies and kickflips. This design change became a staple in skateboard manufacturing, as it significantly enhanced maneuverability.

Improved wheel technology during the 90s saw the introduction of a variety of hardness levels and sizes, enabling skaters to customize their rides based on personal preference and skating environment. Softer wheels provided increased grip on rough surfaces, while harder wheels allowed for faster rides on smooth terrain.

The bold graphic designs of skateboard decks became a form of self-expression for skaters, with iconic art and branding emerging from the skate culture. Companies began to collaborate with artists, leading to highly collectible boards that became part of the skateboarding identity.

Composite materials changed the landscape of skateboard construction, leading to lighter boards that could withstand greater impact and stress. This innovation allowed skaters to push the limits of tricks, as the boards became more resilient while still being agile enough for complex maneuvers.

Which Skateboards Became Icons Among Professional Skaters in the 90s?

The best skateboards of the 90s that became icons among professional skaters include:

• Powell Peralta Caballero: This skateboard was designed in collaboration with legendary skater Steve Caballero and featured a dragon graphic that became immensely popular.
• Santa Cruz Rob Roskopp: Known for its striking artwork, this board was associated with pro skater Rob Roskopp and was a favorite due to its durability and performance.
• Element Bamboo Series: Focusing on sustainability, this series made waves for its unique bamboo construction, appealing to skaters looking for an eco-friendly option.
• Birdhouse Tony Hawk: Created by skateboarding icon Tony Hawk, this board featured impressive graphics and was a staple for many skaters during the 90s.
• Blind Skateboards: Known for their bold graphics and unique designs, Blind boards were embraced by many skaters for their creativity and performance.

Powell Peralta Caballero: The Powell Peralta Caballero skateboard, prominently featuring a dragon graphic, was significant in skate culture, combining aesthetics with high performance. Skaters appreciated its quality construction, making it a reliable choice for tricks and street skating.

Santa Cruz Rob Roskopp: The Santa Cruz Rob Roskopp skateboard gained fame for its iconic artwork, depicting a creepy face that resonated with the skate community. Its construction was robust, allowing skaters to execute tricks with confidence, solidifying its status as a classic board.

Element Bamboo Series: The Element Bamboo Series stood out in the 90s for its environmentally friendly materials, crafted from bamboo, which provided a unique flex and lightweight feel. This series appealed to a new generation of skaters who were conscious of sustainability while still seeking performance.

Birdhouse Tony Hawk: The Birdhouse skateboard line, developed by Tony Hawk, became a symbol of the era and was known for its high-quality build and innovative designs. Hawk’s influence not only elevated the board’s popularity but also helped to shape the skateboarding landscape of the time.

Blind Skateboards: Blind Skateboards became synonymous with creativity during the 90s, featuring eye-catching graphics and designs that attracted many skaters. The brand’s focus on individuality and style made it a favorite among those looking to express themselves through their skateboards.

How Did 90s Skateboards Influence Modern Skate Culture?

The skateboards of the 90s had a significant impact on shaping modern skate culture through their design, aesthetics, and the emergence of new skating styles.

• Deck Designs: The 90s saw the introduction of wider and longer decks that catered to street skating and vert ramps, influencing current skateboard shapes.
• Graphics and Art: Iconic graphic designs became a hallmark of 90s skateboards, setting a trend for artistic expression that continues to be a vital part of skate culture today.
• Variety of Styles: The evolution of various skating styles, such as street, vert, and freestyle, during the 90s paved the way for the diverse skating practices seen in modern skateboarding.
• Influential Skaters: Prominent skaters from the 90s, like Tony Hawk and Rodney Mullen, not only popularized tricks but also inspired a generation of skateboarders who continue to push the boundaries of the sport.
• Skateboarding as a Lifestyle: The 90s solidified skateboarding as a lifestyle and subculture, influencing fashion, music, and youth culture, which remains evident in today’s skateboarding community.

Deck Designs: The introduction of wider and longer decks in the 90s allowed for greater stability and control, which was essential for both street and vert skating. These changes have persisted, with many modern boards taking cues from the classic shapes of that era, ensuring that they meet the demands of today’s advanced tricks and styles.

Graphics and Art: Skateboard graphics in the 90s were bold and often outrageous, reflecting the personalities of the skaters and the rebellious nature of the sport. This emphasis on unique artwork has led to an ongoing tradition of artistic collaboration in the skateboard industry, where custom graphics are still a major selling point for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Variety of Styles: The 90s marked a turning point where different styles of skating began to flourish, including aggressive street skating and the technical aspects of freestyle. This diversification encouraged the growth of skate parks and street spots, which remain crucial to the development of new tricks and styles in modern skateboarding.

Influential Skaters: Skaters like Tony Hawk and Rodney Mullen emerged as icons during the 90s, introducing innovative tricks that have become fundamental to the sport. Their influence not only popularized specific techniques but also inspired countless skaters to pursue their passion, leading to a rich legacy that continues to motivate the current generation of skateboarders.

Skateboarding as a Lifestyle: The 90s established skateboarding as more than just a sport; it became a lifestyle intertwined with music, fashion, and youth culture. This cultural significance has persisted, as skateboarding continues to be a form of self-expression and identity for many, shaping trends that resonate beyond the skate community.

What Should Collectors Look for When Seeking 90s Skateboards?

Collectors seeking 90s skateboards should focus on several key aspects to ensure they find the best pieces from that iconic era.

• Brand: The brand of the skateboard can significantly influence its value and desirability among collectors.
• Condition: The physical condition of the skateboard is crucial, with better-preserved boards fetching higher prices.
• Graphics and Artwork: Unique graphics and artwork can add to the skateboard’s appeal, often reflecting the culture and trends of the time.
• Deck Shape and Material: The shape and materials used in the deck can indicate the skateboard’s performance and style, which are important to collectors.
• Pro Model Boards: Limited edition or pro model boards associated with famous skaters are often highly sought after and can command premium prices.

Brand: Certain brands, such as Powell Peralta, Santa Cruz, and Plan B, are renowned for their quality and iconic status in the skateboarding community. Collectors often prefer boards from these brands due to their historical significance and the nostalgia they evoke.

Condition: The condition of a skateboard can range from mint to heavily used, and this significantly impacts its market value. Collectors typically seek boards that are in excellent condition, with minimal scratches, no delamination, and original parts intact, as these features preserve the board’s authenticity and appeal.

Graphics and Artwork: Skateboards from the 90s are known for their vibrant and sometimes outrageous graphics, which can reflect the skate culture and artistic trends of the time. Unique designs, especially those created by well-known artists or associated with specific events, can greatly enhance a board’s desirability among collectors.

Deck Shape and Material: The shape of the deck, including concave and width, plays a significant role in a skateboard’s performance. Many collectors appreciate the nostalgic feel of the classic shapes used during the 90s, and materials like maple wood or composite materials can also indicate the quality and intended use of the skateboard.

Pro Model Boards: Pro model skateboards are often produced in limited quantities and are linked to professional skaters, making them highly collectible. These boards can serve as valuable memorabilia, especially those associated with legendary skaters who have made significant contributions to the sport.

Which Brands Dominated the Skateboard Scene in the 90s?

The dominant skateboard brands of the 90s were influential in shaping the culture and design of skateboarding during that era.

• Santa Cruz: Known for its distinctive graphics and innovative skateboard designs, Santa Cruz was a leader in the skateboarding scene. Their decks often featured iconic artwork, and the brand was the first to introduce the ‘clown’ graphic, which became a cultural phenomenon among skaters.
• Powell Peralta: This brand was pivotal in the evolution of skateboarding, particularly with their famous Bones Brigade team. They revolutionized skateboard marketing and produced some of the most sought-after decks, including those of Tony Hawk and Steve Caballero, which became synonymous with the sport.
• Element: Founded in the mid-90s, Element quickly gained popularity for its commitment to quality and environmental sustainability. The brand’s boards often featured unique shapes and designs, appealing to a younger generation of skaters looking for both performance and style.
• Baker: Established by professional skateboarder Andrew Reynolds, Baker became known for its raw and authentic approach to skateboarding culture. The brand’s decks and apparel resonated with the punk and street culture of the time, making it a favorite among skaters seeking individuality.
• Zero: Founded by Jamie Thomas, Zero was known for its edgy graphics and commitment to the hardcore skateboarding lifestyle. The brand quickly gained a reputation for producing durable boards that could withstand the rigors of street skating, appealing to a more aggressive riding style.

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