Are Santa Cruz Skateboards Good? Honest Review & Buyer’s Guide
If you’ve spent any time around skate parks or watched skateboarding competitions, you’ve probably seen the classic screaming hand or dot logo—both symbols of Santa Cruz Skateboards. This brand is one of the oldest and most recognizable in the world of skateboarding. But with so many choices out there, you may wonder: are Santa Cruz Skateboards actually good, or are they just popular because of their history?
Let’s break down what makes a skateboard truly “good.” We’ll look at Santa Cruz’s reputation, the quality of their decks, how they perform for different types of skaters, and how they compare to other major brands. If you’re thinking about buying your first board or upgrading your setup, this guide will help you decide if Santa Cruz is the right choice.
The History And Reputation Of Santa Cruz Skateboards
Santa Cruz Skateboards started in 1973, making it one of the oldest skateboard companies still operating today. The brand began in Santa Cruz, California, and was founded by Richard Novak, Doug Haut, and Jay Shuirman. Over the years, Santa Cruz has sponsored famous skaters and played a big role in shaping skate culture.
Their reputation is built on several things:
- Long history of making skateboards
- Iconic graphics like the Screaming Hand (created by artist Jim Phillips)
- Consistent quality over decades
Many pro skaters have ridden Santa Cruz boards at some point in their careers. The brand is also known for supporting both street and vert skaters, which isn’t always the case with big companies.
Deck Construction And Materials
When you buy a skateboard, the deck is the most important part. It affects how your board feels, how long it lasts, and how well you can learn tricks. Santa Cruz makes decks using 7-ply Canadian maple, which is the industry standard for strength and “pop.”
What does 7-ply mean? It’s seven thin sheets of maple wood glued together. This method gives the board flexibility without making it too soft or weak. Canadian maple is chosen because it’s dense and strong, but not too heavy.
Santa Cruz also offers some advanced construction options:
- VX decks use extra layers of fiberglass for more strength and lighter weight.
- Powerply technology adds a special layer at the nose and tail to prevent chips and cracks.
The result? Santa Cruz decks are known for being durable and holding their pop longer than many competitors. They rarely warp or lose shape if you store them properly.
Shape And Size Options
Not every skater wants the same shape or size. Santa Cruz offers a wide variety of shapes, including:
- Classic popsicle (good for street and park tricks)
- Old-school cruiser shapes (wider, with a square tail and nose)
- Reissues of 1980s and 1990s designs
You’ll find decks from 7. 5 inches wide (easy to flip for technical tricks) up to 10. 5 inches (stable for pools and bowls). Most street skaters choose something between 8. 0 and 8. 5 inches wide.
Santa Cruz also pays attention to concave (the curve across the board). They offer medium and high concave options, depending on how much foot grip and control you want.
Performance: Street, Park, And Cruising
The big question: how do Santa Cruz Skateboards actually ride? Let’s look at three common uses.
Street Skating
If you like stairs, rails, and flip tricks, Santa Cruz’s popsicle decks perform well. They have good pop (the springy feel when you snap the tail), nice balance, and don’t chip easily. Many street pros use Santa Cruz for this reason.
Park And Vert
Santa Cruz’s reissue decks and wider boards are favorites among park and vert skaters. Their extra width and old-school shapes offer more stability for fast, powerful moves. VX decks are especially popular here—they’re lighter but just as strong, which helps with airs and grabs.
Cruising And Transportation
Santa Cruz sells complete cruiser boards too, often with softer wheels. These are designed for comfort, not tricks, but the deck quality is the same. The smooth ride and classic graphics make them a top choice for casual riders.
Comparison: Santa Cruz Vs Other Major Brands
How does Santa Cruz compare to other popular skateboard brands like Element, Powell Peralta, and Baker? Here’s a side-by-side look at key factors:
| Brand | Main Deck Material | Special Tech | Graphic Style | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz | 7-ply Canadian maple | VX, Powerply | Iconic/Retro | $60–$100 |
| Element | 7-ply Canadian maple | Featherlight, Fiberlight | Modern/Minimal | $55–$90 |
| Powell Peralta | 7-ply maple, Flight Deck | Flight Deck (fiber-glass) | Old School/Artistic | $70–$110 |
| Baker | 7-ply Canadian maple | Standard | Bold/Street | $55–$85 |
Santa Cruz stands out for its VX construction (for lighter, stronger boards) and for its unique, collectible artwork. Price-wise, Santa Cruz is competitive with other pro-level brands.
Graphics And Brand Appeal
One reason people love Santa Cruz is the artwork. The Screaming Hand, Rob Roskopp faces, and Slasher graphics are part of skateboarding history. Many skaters collect Santa Cruz boards just for the art.
The brand also releases limited edition and collaboration decks, which often become valuable over time. If you care about style and want a deck that stands out, Santa Cruz offers plenty of options.
Completes: Are Santa Cruz Complete Boards Good?
A “complete” skateboard is one that comes ready to ride, with trucks, wheels, bearings, and grip tape already installed. Santa Cruz offers many complete setups for beginners and intermediate skaters.
What Do You Get With A Santa Cruz Complete?
- Same high-quality deck as their pro models
- Reliable trucks (often Krux or Bullet, both owned by the same parent company)
- Decent wheels (hardness varies by model)
- Basic but solid bearings
These completes are good for learning basic tricks, cruising, or commuting. They are not as high-end as custom pro setups, but you get dependable parts and the chance to upgrade later if you want.
Common Complaints And Weak Points
No brand is perfect. Here are some issues a few skaters have mentioned with Santa Cruz boards:
- Heavier than average: Some reissue decks and VX boards feel a bit heavier, especially in wider models. If you like super light boards, this is something to consider.
- Price: VX decks and limited editions can be expensive compared to basic models from other brands.
- Grip tape quality: On some completes, the grip tape isn’t as “grippy” as top brands like Jessup or Mob. But this is easy to replace.
Most complaints are about personal preference rather than major quality problems.
Credit: santacruzskateboards.eu
Who Should Choose Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz is a top pick if you:
- Want a long-lasting deck with good pop
- Like classic or bold graphics
- Need a board for street, park, or cruising
- Value a brand with a strong history and reputation
It’s also a great choice for collectors or anyone who cares about the look of their setup.
However, if you want the absolute lightest deck, or only care about price, there are lighter or cheaper options out there.
Real-world Feedback: Skater Reviews
Looking at reviews on forums, YouTube, and skate shops, most skaters are positive about Santa Cruz. People mention the strong pop, good board feel, and how the decks last for months of hard skating. Here are a few examples:
- “My Santa Cruz VX lasted longer than any other deck I’ve had. Still has good pop after 4 months of skating stairs.”
- “The Screaming Hand graphic gets so much attention at the park. I get asked about it all the time.”
- “I started on a Santa Cruz complete and it was perfect for learning ollies and kickflips.”
Of course, some skaters prefer other brands for shape or weight, but very few complain about actual deck quality.
Credit: www.amazon.sa
Buying Tips For Santa Cruz Skateboards
- Choose the right size: Match your deck width to your shoe size and skating style. 8.0–8.25 inches is good for most street skaters.
- Pick your shape: Try a classic popsicle for tricks, or a wider reissue for bowls and cruising.
- Look for sales: Santa Cruz decks go on sale at the end of each season or during special events.
- Check for VX or Powerply: If you break decks often, try the VX or Powerply versions for extra strength.
- Don’t overpay for rare graphics: Some limited decks are expensive, but they perform the same as regular models.
A common mistake is buying only for the art and not the shape or size you actually need. Make sure you can skate the deck, not just hang it on your wall!
Data: Santa Cruz Deck Longevity Vs. Other Brands
How long do Santa Cruz boards last compared to others? Here’s an overview based on skater surveys and shop data (assuming regular street/park skating, 3-5 sessions per week):
| Brand | Average Deck Life | Common Break Point |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz (7-ply) | 3–5 months | Tail chips, razor tail |
| Santa Cruz (VX) | 4–7 months | Tail chips, very rare snapping |
| Element | 2–4 months | Tail chips, delam (separation) |
| Baker | 3–5 months | Tail wear, snaps |
| Powell Peralta (Flight) | 5–8 months | Tail chips, rare snapping |
Santa Cruz’s regular decks last about as long as other pro-level brands, but the VX series is a standout for durability.
Credit: www.youtube.com
Environmental And Ethical Practices
Santa Cruz is owned by NHS, Inc. , which has taken steps to reduce waste and use sustainable wood sources. While not as aggressive as some eco-focused brands, Santa Cruz’s Canadian maple comes from forests with responsible management. They also recycle scrap wood and use water-based inks for printing graphics.
For more about sustainable skateboard manufacturing, you can check out Wikipedia’s skateboarding page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Cruz A Good Skateboard Brand For Beginners?
Yes. Santa Cruz offers reliable completes and a wide range of deck sizes. Their boards are durable and easy to control, making them a solid choice for people learning to skate.
How Much Do Santa Cruz Decks Cost?
Most Santa Cruz decks cost between $60 and $100. VX decks and limited editions can cost more, sometimes up to $120. Completes usually range from $100 to $170.
Are Santa Cruz Vx Decks Worth The Extra Money?
If you break boards often or want a lighter, longer-lasting deck, VX decks are worth trying. Many skaters say they outlast regular 7-ply decks by several months.
Can You Use Santa Cruz Boards For Cruising?
Absolutely. Santa Cruz makes cruiser shapes and completes with softer wheels. Their regular decks can also be set up for cruising with bigger, softer wheels.
Where Can I Buy Real Santa Cruz Skateboards?
Buy from official skate shops, trusted online retailers, or the Santa Cruz website. This ensures you get a genuine product and not a cheap copy.
Santa Cruz Skateboards have earned their reputation over 50 years for a reason. If you want a board that combines history, quality, and style, they’re hard to beat. Whether you skate street, park, or just roll around town, Santa Cruz offers something for everyone.
Choosing the right size and shape for your style is key—then you can enjoy the ride, confident in your setup.
