Traditionally, skateboard decks are usually made of wood and the most popular kind of wood used in the skateboarding industry is Canadian maple. However, there have been a few innovations recently and now skaters have to consider several materials of skateboard decks. 

Fiberglass, plastics, carbon fiber, and bamboo are some newly arrived materials for skateboards. These alternative substances have shown many advantages over traditional ones such as the inexpensive price, durability, etc. So the question is whether these materials are better than conventional maple wood or not. 

Let’s find out the answer in today’s thread. The following content will specify the main differences as well as the pros and cons of bamboo and maple longboards. If you want to find a post about bamboo skateboards of all types, you should check out SkateAdvisors to see the full thread about this topic. 

CANADIAN MAPLE

We need to spend some minutes analyzing the traditional option which has been used for years. 

The undeniable properties of maple skateboards are that they are stiffer and sturdier; therefore, they are more suitable for riders who are looking for products with minimal flex to use in downhills. 

In fact, not all maples are the same so skateboarders can still own a flexible maple board. Depending on where the maple trees are grown, the quality and property of wood will be different. For instance, maple grown in Canada has higher density and denser fibers than the one grown in Siberia. In other words, this means that trees grown in Canada will produce better wood for making stronger, more durable, and stiffer skateboard decks. 

In terms of flexibility and strength, hats off to the bamboo products. Although bamboo is not preferred as American or Canadian maple, it is still much better than cheap maple. However, the deforestation in North America due to overexploitation of wood for the skateboarding industry has become worse and worse. Hence, people are now starting to choose alternative materials for their skateboards. 

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE BAMBOO

Flexibility, lightweight, and greater strength are some perks of the bamboo deck over other materials. Not only is bamboo environmentally friendly but it is also better at preventing cracks in any skating style. 

While it takes 30 to 40 years for a maple tree to fully grow, bamboo only needs approximately 5 years. Moreover, new bamboo trees can regrow well when the previous ones are cut at that position; therefore, there is no need for replanting after the harvest. 

Thanks to the lightweight and flexibility of bamboo, manufacturers are able to produce eco-friendly, compact, lightweight, and flexible skateboards. While a typical maple deck consists of 7 to 9 layers, we only need 5 plies to make a bamboo deck that can stand the weight of up to 200lbs. 

The only drawback of bamboo is that it costs more to manufacture although bamboo takes fewer resources to grow. Therefore, if you want to own a highly flexible longboard made of bamboo, you may want to consider your financial ability. In case you are just a novice, I think it is better if you can search for the term “top the best skateboard for beginners'' instead of wandering around and getting confused by so many types of skateboards on the market. 

DURABILITY OF TWO TYPES

Since maple is denser and stiffer, maple skateboards are way more durable than bamboo ones so skaters won’t need to replace their skateboards in a few years as bamboo. On the other hand, bamboo offers greater flexibility and the ability to resist water when traveling in wet conditions or under the rain. However, bamboo skateboards will become less flexy and even start sagging as you use them for a couple of years. 

If you can purchase high-quality maple or bamboo skateboards, they are not going to break easily. For cruising purposes, bamboo products can eliminate a lot of road vibration and consequently, give riders a more comfortable ride. 

If you prefer getting more feedback from the ground to your feet, a stiff skateboard made of maple is the ideal choice. The story is the same for a maple cruiser with which skateboarders are able to feel and control the board more responsively. 

CONCLUSION

It is difficult to conclude which type of material is better for you; therefore, you should consider your needs carefully before purchasing a skateboard. In short, you can look for a bamboo skateboard if you want to have something flexible, compact, and lightweight. On the contrary, maple skateboards are the winners in terms of durability, performance, and price. 

Hence, choosing the material is totally personal preference; therefore, you are free to choose whatever kinds of skateboards that suits you the most. In case you are unsure about bamboo skateboards, you should look for further information about this material in the skateboarding world.