Bamboo vs maple skateboard

If you're a skateboarder in the market for a new board, you may be wondering whether you should choose a maple or bamboo skateboard. While both materials are commonly used in skateboard construction, there are some differences between them that can affect your riding experience. By understanding the characteristics of each material, you can make an informed decision about which type of skateboard is right for you. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the differences between maple and bamboo skateboards, including factors like durability, flexibility, weight, and cost, to help you make an informed decision when purchasing your next skateboard.

What is The Difference Between a Maple Skateboard and a Bamboo Skateboard?

Maple skateboards are made of layers of maple wood from maple trees that are laminated together, forming a strong and sturdy deck. Maple is a popular choice because it is hard, durable, and has good shock absorption. Maple decks provide a solid feel underfoot and are often preferred by skateboarders who prefer a more traditional skateboarding experience.

Bamboo skateboards, on the other hand, are made of layers of bamboo veneer, which are also laminated together to create a deck. Bamboo is a lightweight and flexible material, which makes it great for creating longboards and cruiser boards. Bamboo skateboards are often praised for their flexibility, which allows for a smoother ride and better carving.

Overall, the choice between a maple and bamboo skateboard depends on the rider's personal preference and the type of riding they plan to do. If they prefer a solid and sturdy board for street and park skating, a maple deck might be a better choice. However, if they are looking for a lightweight and flexible board for cruising and carving, a bamboo deck might be the way to go.

Is Bamboo Better for Street Skating?

While bamboo skateboards can be a great choice for cruising and carving, maple skateboards are generally considered to be better for street skating.

Maple is a denser and more rigid material than bamboo, which makes it better suited to the high-impact tricks and maneuvers of street skating. Maple decks provide a solid and sturdy feel underfoot, which is important for maintaining control while grinding, sliding, or performing flip tricks.

Bamboo, on the other hand, is more flexible and lightweight, which can make it more difficult to control for certain street skating tricks. While bamboo decks can still be used for street skating, they may not provide the same level of stability and responsiveness as maple decks.

Ultimately, the choice between a bamboo and maple skateboard for street skating will depend on the rider's personal preference and style of skating. Some riders may prefer the added flex and smooth ride of a bamboo deck, while others may prefer the solid feel and durability of a maple deck.

Is Bamboo Better for Cruisers and Longboards?

Bamboo is generally considered to be better for longboard and cruiser boards due to its unique properties. Bamboo is a lightweight and flexible material, which makes it great for creating bamboo longboards and cruiser boards that are easy to maneuver and carve.

The flexibility of bamboo allows the board to absorb shocks and vibrations, which makes for a smoother ride. This is particularly beneficial for cruising and carving, where riders want a comfortable and easy ride. Bamboo also has a high strength-to-weight ratio, which means that it can be made into a durable deck that is still lightweight.

That being said, there are also maple longboards and cruiser boards that are popular among riders. Maple is a denser and more rigid material than bamboo, which can make it better for downhill and freestyle riding. Ultimately, the choice between bamboo and maple for a longboard or cruiser board will depend on the rider's preferences and the type of riding they plan to do.

Pros and Cons for Bamboo skateboard decks

Overall, bamboo skateboards can be a great choice for riders who prioritize a lightweight and flexible board that provides a smooth ride. However, they may not be the best choice for riders who require a more rigid and stable deck for certain types of skating.

Pros:

• Lightweight: Bamboo wood is a lightweight material, which makes it easy to carry and maneuver.

• Flexibility: Bamboo has a natural flex, which can provide a smoother ride and better shock absorption.

• Eco-friendly: Bamboo is a sustainable and renewable resource, which makes it a more environmentally friendly choice than traditional maple decks.

• Unique look: Bamboo decks have a distinctive look and grain pattern that sets them apart from other skateboards.

• Durable: Bamboo is a strong and resilient material that can withstand a lot of use and abuse.

Cons:

• Less rigid: The flexibility of bamboo can be a disadvantage for certain types of skating, such as street skating, where a more rigid deck is preferred for stability and control.

• Limited design options: The natural color and grain pattern of bamboo can limit the design options for customizing the deck.

• Susceptible to water damage: While bamboo is generally moisture-resistant, prolonged exposure to water or moisture can weaken the material and cause it to warp or crack.

• Potentially expensive: Bamboo skateboards can be more expensive than traditional maple decks due to the cost of the material and the manufacturing process.

Pros and Cons for Maple Skateboard decks

Overall, maple skateboards are a classic choice for riders who prioritize stability and control over flexibility and weight. While they may not offer the same level of eco-friendliness or customization options as other types of skateboards, they are a reliable and affordable choice for riders of all skill levels.

Pros:

• Sturdy and rigid: Maple is a dense and rigid wood that provides a solid and stable feel underfoot, making it a great choice for street and park skating where stability and control are important.

• Wide variety of design options: Maple decks can be easily customized with different graphics, colors, and designs to create a unique and personalized skateboard.

• Affordable: Maple decks are generally more affordable than other types of skateboards, making them a great choice for beginners or budget-conscious riders.

• Classic feel: Maple decks have been used for skateboarding for decades and have a classic, traditional feel that many riders prefer.

Cons:

• Heavy: Maple is a dense wood, which can make the deck heavier and harder to carry and maneuver.

• Less flexible: The rigidity of maple can make it less forgiving and less able to absorb shock, which can lead to a less smooth ride.

• Limited eco-friendliness: Unlike bamboo, maple is not a renewable resource, and the manufacturing process can have a negative impact on the environment.

• Can be prone to chipping: The dense and rigid nature of maple can make it more prone to chipping and cracking than other types of skateboards.

Conclusion

Bamboo boards and maple boards are both popular choices among skateboarders, but they have some distinct differences that can affect your riding experience. Maple skateboards are made of hard rock maple wood, a stiff material that provides stability and precision when performing tricks. Bamboo skateboards, on the other hand, are made of bamboo layers that provide natural flexibility, absorb shock and provide a smoother ride.

You need to find out what riding style you have before deciding between a bamboo longboard or maple longboard. The biggest difference is the flexibility, bamboo longboard decks are more flexible and smoother to ride, but maple longboard decks work better if you want to ride fast and do tight turns.

Durability is an important factor to consider when choosing a skateboard. While maple skateboards are known for their durability and strength, bamboo skateboards can also be strong and long-lasting when made with high-quality materials. However, they may be more prone to cracking or splintering if subjected to excessive stress or impact.

The weight of a skateboard is another important factor to consider. Bamboo skateboards tend to be lighter than maple skateboards, which can make a noticeable difference in the overall feel and maneuverability of the board.

Finally, cost is another consideration when choosing between a ma

ple and bamboo skateboard. Bamboo skateboards are often more expensive than maple skateboards due to the higher cost of the bamboo material and the production process.

Ultimately, the choice between a bamboo and maple skateboard depends on your personal preferences, riding style, and budget. Whether you prioritize stability and precision for trick riding or prefer a more flexible and forgiving ride with a focus on sustainability, there's a skateboard out there that's right for you. The most common wood for skateboards is the Canadian maple tree