Are Element Skateboards Good? Honest Review and Buyer’s Guide
Are Element Skateboards Good?
If you walk into a skate shop or scroll through online stores, you’ll often see Element Skateboards standing out among the choices. The brand’s iconic tree logo is everywhere—from skate decks to T-shirts, and even in skate videos. But with so many skateboard brands out there, new and experienced skaters often wonder: Are Element Skateboards actually good?
This is more than a simple yes or no question. The answer depends on what you expect from your board, your skill level, and how you plan to use it. Let’s break down the quality, performance, price, and reputation of Element Skateboards, so you can decide if they’re right for you.
The History And Reputation Of Element
Founded in 1992 by Johnny Schillereff, Element started with a focus on making quality skateboards and promoting a positive skate culture. Over the years, the brand has become one of the most recognized names in skateboarding. Its team has included well-known pro skaters like Bam Margera, Nyjah Huston, and Mark Appleyard.
Element isn’t just about selling boards—they support skate events, sponsor riders, and even run skate camps. Their message is often about nature and balance, which you see in their logo and product names. This strong identity helps them stand out, but does it mean their skateboards are good in practice?
What Makes A Good Skateboard?
Before judging Element, it’s important to know what makes a good skateboard. For most skaters, key factors include:
- Deck quality: The wood, shape, and construction.
- Trucks and wheels: How smooth and reliable they are.
- Price: Does it match the quality?
- Durability: How long does it last under real use?
- Performance: How does it feel and respond when skating?
Element focuses mainly on decks, but also sells complete boards and accessories. Let’s look at the main areas that matter.
Credit: www.boardoftheworld.com
Element Deck Construction And Technology
Element decks are famous for their 7-ply maple wood construction. Most decks are made from North American maple, which is known for its strength and pop (the springy feeling when you ollie). But Element also uses some special technologies to improve performance.
Featherlight Construction
Element’s Featherlight decks use thin, strong layers of maple glued with a special formula. This makes the deck lighter but still tough. Lighter decks are popular for street skating because they help with flip tricks.
Thriftwood Construction
The Thriftwood line uses traditional maple but at a lower price. These decks are a bit heavier but still solid and reliable. They’re a good choice for beginners or anyone who wants to save money.
Helium And Fiberlight Decks
Element has experimented with Helium decks, which have air pockets inside to reduce weight, and Fiberlight decks that use fiberglass for extra strength. These are less common but show that Element invests in new technology.
Comparison: Popular Element Deck Types
Here’s a quick look at how Element’s main deck types compare:
| Deck Type | Weight | Durability | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Featherlight | Light | High | $$ |
| Thriftwood | Medium | Medium | $ |
| Helium | Very Light | Medium-High | $$$ |
| Fiberlight | Light | High | $$$ |
Not every skate brand offers this range of technology, giving Element a real edge for skaters who want to try something different.
Element Completes: Are They Worth It?
Element sells complete skateboards—boards that come with trucks, wheels, bearings, and grip tape, ready to ride out of the box. These are popular with beginners and casual skaters.
What’s Included?
A typical Element complete includes:
- Element deck (usually Thriftwood or Featherlight)
- Basic aluminum trucks
- Element-branded 52–54mm wheels (medium hardness)
- Standard bearings
- Black grip tape
These parts are good for learning, but not as high-end as what pros use. Some skaters upgrade the trucks or wheels later for better performance.
Beginner-friendly Features
Element completes are set up for stability and easy turning, which helps new skaters learn faster. The decks usually have medium concave (the curve of the board), making them comfortable for tricks and cruising.
Comparison: Element Complete Vs. Custom Setup
Let’s compare an Element complete to a typical custom setup:
| Feature | Element Complete | Custom Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Component Quality | Good for beginners | Variable (can be high-end) |
| Customization | Limited | Full control |
| Ready to ride? | Yes | No (assembly needed) |
For many people, the convenience and lower price of Element completes make them a smart choice to start with.
Performance And Pop: How Do Element Decks Skate?
A lot of skaters care about pop—the snap and rebound you get when you ollie or do tricks. Element decks are known for:
- Consistent pop: The maple and glue formula gives a good snap, especially with new boards.
- Medium concave: Most Element decks are not too steep or too flat, which works for most foot shapes and styles.
- Durability: With regular use, most Element decks last several months before losing pop or getting pressure cracks.
Some advanced skaters say Element boards feel a bit stiffer than brands like Baker or Real. This can be a plus for bigger riders or those who break boards easily. However, if you like a super flexible, “snappy” board, you might want to try different Element models to find the one you like best.
Element’s Eco-friendly Approach
One thing that sets Element apart is its focus on sustainability. The company uses wood from sustainable forests and tries to reduce waste in its factories. They also run programs to plant trees and support environmental causes.
For skaters who care about the planet, this is a real advantage. While not all Element products are 100% eco-friendly, they do more than most brands to give back to nature.
Credit: www.reddit.com
Price: Are Element Skateboards Expensive?
Element’s decks and completes are usually mid-range in price—not the cheapest, but not the most expensive either. A typical deck costs around $55–$65 in the US, while completes start at about $80–$110.
Are They Worth The Price?
- For beginners: Element completes offer good value, as you get a reliable setup for less than buying parts separately.
- For experienced skaters: The price matches the quality, especially with the advanced deck technology.
Some pro-level decks from other brands can cost more, but you’re often paying for special graphics or limited releases. With Element, you get solid performance and technology for the price.
Who Are Element Skateboards Best For?
Element boards are popular with:
- Beginners: Easy to find, reliable, and good value completes.
- Street skaters: Lightweight decks are great for technical tricks.
- All-around skaters: Medium concave fits many foot sizes and styles.
- Eco-conscious skaters: Better sustainability than most brands.
If you skate a lot of transition (ramps, bowls), Element boards hold up well, but some ramp skaters prefer brands with thicker, heavier decks. Still, Element’s wide range means there’s usually something for everyone.
Credit: www.reddit.com
Common Complaints And Criticisms
No brand is perfect, and Element does get some criticism:
- Graphics fade fast: The paint and graphics can wear off quickly with heavy use.
- Less “character”: Some advanced skaters feel Element decks are a bit “generic” compared to smaller, more niche brands.
- Completes need upgrades: The trucks and wheels on Element completes are good for learning but not top-of-the-line.
However, these issues are common with many big skate brands. Most complaints are about personal preference, not major quality problems.
Non-obvious Insights Skaters Often Miss
- Element decks hold up better in wet weather than some other brands. Their glue formula seems to resist water damage, which can help if you skate outside in different conditions.
- Element’s team models often use higher-quality wood than their standard shop decks. If you want the very best pop and durability, look for pro model Element decks—even though they cost a bit more.
Element Vs. Other Skateboard Brands
To get a better idea of how Element stacks up, let’s compare them to a few other popular brands:
| Brand | Main Strength | Price | Deck Technology | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Consistent pop, eco-friendly | Mid-range | Featherlight, Helium, Fiberlight | Yes |
| Baker | Strong boards, cool graphics | Mid-high | Standard maple | Yes |
| Almost | Lightweight, impact support | Mid-high | Impact Support, Double Impact | Somewhat |
| Enjoi | Fun graphics, unique shapes | Mid-range | Resin-7, R7 | Yes |
Element holds its own against these respected brands, especially for new skaters and those who want eco-friendly options.
Should You Buy An Element Skateboard?
If you want a reliable, mid-priced skateboard with solid construction and a respected name, Element is a strong choice. They offer something for everyone, from kids getting their first board to advanced street skaters looking for new tech.
Still, no skateboard is perfect for everyone. Try to visit a skate shop and stand on a few Element decks, or ask friends if you can test theirs. If you’re a heavy skater, skate big ramps, or want a super custom setup, you might want to explore other brands.
But for most skaters, Element offers great value and lasting performance.
If you want to see more about the company’s history and team, check out the Element Skateboards Wikipedia page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Element Skateboards Good For Beginners?
Yes, Element completes are especially good for beginners. They come ready to ride and have stable decks and trucks. The price is also reasonable, making them a smart choice for learning.
Do Element Decks Break Easily?
Element decks are made from strong maple and special glue formulas. Most last several months with regular skating. Like all skateboards, they can break if you land hard tricks or get them wet, but they are as durable as other quality brands.
Is Element Better Than Other Skateboard Brands?
Element is competitive with other top brands, especially for reliability and eco-friendly practices. Some skaters prefer different brands for style or board feel, but Element is a safe, solid choice for most skaters.
What Size Element Skateboard Should I Get?
Choose your deck size based on your shoe size and skating style. Most Element decks come in sizes from 7. 75” to 8. 5”. For street skating, 8. 0” is common. For ramps and bowls, consider 8. 25” or wider.
Where Are Element Skateboards Made?
Element decks are pressed and finished in China, Mexico, and the USA, depending on the model. The company uses North American maple wood for most decks, ensuring high quality.
A good skateboard can make a big difference in your progress and enjoyment. Element’s balance of quality, innovation, and price makes them a smart choice for many skaters. If you’re still unsure, visit your local skate shop and try one for yourself—you may find Element is just the right fit for your skating journey.
