Concave Skateboard Deck Explained: Low vs Medium vs High (Which Is Best?)
If you’ve ever stepped on two different skateboard decks and thought they felt completely different—even though they were the same size—the reason is usually concave. Skateboard deck concave plays a major role in how a board feels under your feet, how easily it flips, and how much control you have while riding.
In this guide, we’ll clearly explain what skateboard deck concave is, break down low, medium, and high concave, and help you decide which concave skateboard is best for your skating style. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater, this article will help you choose the right deck with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Skateboard deck concave affects control, comfort, and trick performance
- Low concave is comfortable and beginner-friendly
- Medium concave is versatile and suits most skaters
- High concave offers maximum control for technical skating
What Is Concave on a Skateboard?
Concave on a skateboard refers to the side-to-side curve of the deck, running from one edge to the other. Instead of being completely flat, most skateboard decks are slightly curved upward at the edges.
This curve allows your feet to “lock in” to the board, improving balance, control, and responsiveness. Concave also makes it easier to pop the board, guide flips, and maintain stability during tricks and landings.
In simple terms, concave is what gives a skateboard its feel.
Why Skateboard Deck Concave Matters
Skateboard concave directly affects how your board performs. It influences how secure your feet feel, how quickly the board responds to movement, and how comfortable long sessions are.
Concave matters because it:
- Improves board control and stability
- Helps with ollies, flip tricks, and technical skating
- Affects comfort and foot fatigue
- Changes how responsive the board feels
Choosing the right concave can make skating easier, safer, and more enjoyable.
Types of Skateboard Deck Concave
Quick pick: Medium concave is the safest all-around option. Choose Low for comfort/cruising and High for technical control.
Low vs Medium vs High Concave: Quick Comparison
Low concave offers the most comfort but the least responsiveness. Medium concave balances comfort and control, making it the most versatile. High concave delivers the best control and trick performance but sacrifices comfort.
There is no “best” concave for everyone — only the best concave for your skating style.
Which Skateboard Concave Is Best for You?
For beginners, low to medium concave is usually best because it feels stable and forgiving. Street skaters often prefer medium to high concave for better board control. Park and transition skaters usually choose medium concave for smooth carving and stability. Technical skaters who focus on flip tricks often ride high or steep concave decks.
Your skill level, comfort preference, and skating goals should guide your choice.
Pro Tips
- Beginners should avoid steep concave until they build confidence
- Match concave with your deck shape and truck setup
- If possible, stand on a deck before buying to feel the concave
Skateboard Deck Concave and Deck Shape
Concave works together with deck shape to determine how a skateboard feels.
Popsicle-shaped decks with medium concave are the most versatile. Shaped or old-school decks often have lower concave for stability and cruising. Steep concave paired with popsicle shapes is ideal for technical street skating.
Always consider concave and shape together, not separately.
Does Steep Concave Make Tricks Easier?
Steep concave can make flip tricks feel quicker and more controlled because your feet grip the board better. However, it doesn’t automatically make you better at tricks.
High concave helps experienced skaters but may feel uncomfortable or unstable for beginners. Control comes from technique first—concave only enhances it.
How to Tell a Deck’s Concave Before Buying
You can usually tell a deck’s concave by:
- Reading the brand’s concave description
- Looking at side-profile photos
- Checking skater reviews and feedback
- Comparing deck models within the same brand
Different brands describe concave differently, so reviews are often the most reliable source.
Conclusion
Skateboard deck concave plays a huge role in how a skateboard feels and performs. Low, medium, and high concave each serve different skating styles and preferences. There’s no universal “best” concave skateboard—only the one that matches how you skate.
By understanding concave and choosing the right setup, you’ll enjoy better control, more comfort, and faster progression every time you step on your board.