Owning a skateboard shop is so much fun, it oughtta be against the law. My best friend tells me stories all of the time about the best boards and what's hot and not. I pass this info along to my friends, family and customers (and now you!)

Obviously, the customers are cool (and loyal), and all that gear you get to sell is so exciting. And if that’s not enough, you often get to see the new stuff before the public does!

But with great power comes great responsibility. As responsible shop owners, we have to know how to separate the wheat from the chaff, and pass that information on to our loyal customers, who appreciate the honesty.

So let’s break down some skateboard decks on the market, and see what’s hot and what’s not.

When it comes to skate decks, Flip has something for skaters at all levels. Users report that Flip decks have an excellent “pop” and “flick” – and some swear their tricks started getting nearly a foot higher once they started using Flips!

Also: The concave is great, and the durability of Flip’s products is amazing.

The Girl Eric Boston deck and Penny boards are another couple that have perfect concave, perfect shape and durability to spare. And the “pop” on that thing is really sick! (Hey, I’m just reporting what customers tell me!)

On the “not-hot” side, this may sound like self-serving sour grapes, but really – you’ll be doing novice skaters a huge service if you warn them against buying Wal-Mart skateboards of any kind.

The quality is horrible. Wal-Mart decks have plastic trucks, and slow bearings. Plus, they’re no fun. They have no concave or pop. It’s no surprise, considering they’re made (in China) from soft maple plywoods. Ugh. Doesn’t it make you mad just thinking about it?

If you’re talking to a beginning skater, try to direct them toward a beginner model (even if they REALLY want to just break down and buy a pro board). If you don’t happen to carry that brand (and why not?), try to recommend a local independent dealer who does.