Which Fingerboard Deck Shape Is Right For Me?

Choosing the right fingerboard deck shape can dramatically impact how your setup feels and performs. While there are many creative shapes available, understanding the basics will help you pick the perfect deck for your riding style and preferences.

The Popsicle Shape: The Industry Standard

The "popsicle" shape is the most common deck shape in both fingerboarding and real skateboarding, and for good reason. This classic shape features a symmetrical design with rounded nose and tail, making it the most versatile option available.

Why popsicle shapes dominate the market:

• Perfect for learning and doing tricks in all stances
  
• Industry standard means more options for graphics, sizes, and widths available 
• Feels familiar and natural for most riders
• Excellent for all styles of fingerboarding

If you're just starting out or building your main setup, a popsicle shape is almost always the best choice. The most common widths for the popsicle shape are: 32mm and 34mm. These are a great place to start.

Cruiser Shapes: Carlsbad Cruiser and Pool Party

If you want something with a surf-inspired feel, cruiser shapes offer a unique riding experience. These shapes are perfect for riders who want to focus on transition and vert tricks.

Recommended cruiser shapes:

• Carlsbad Cruiser: Offers a classic cruiser-inspired shape that's perfect for cruising
• Pool Party: Features a retro pool riding aesthetic and shape

Cruiser shapes are ideal for:

• Riders who prefer riding transition, bowls, or vert
• Building a secondary setup with a different feel
• Exploring different riding styles 

Unique Shapes for Secondary Setups: Boxy and Ohhh

Experimenting with unique deck shapes can add variety and fun to your fingerboard collection. Shapes like "Boxy" and "Ohhh" offer slightly different riding experiences that can keep your sessions fresh.

These unique shapes are perfect for:

• Boxy: Features a boxy nose and tail that provides a different feel from traditional rounded shapes
• Ohhh: Features slimmer and more tapered shape, nose

Benefits of unique shapes:

• Challenge yourself or have fun with different shapes 
• Add variety to your fingerboard collection
  
• Stand out from the crowd with distinctive aesthetics
  
  

What's the Call?

Start with a popsicle shape for your main setup to learn the fundamentals, then branch out based on your interests. If you love cruising and riding halfpipes, grab a Carlsbad Cruiser or Pool Party. If you want to experiment and challenge yourself, try unique shapes like Boxy or Ohhh for secondary setups. Many fingerboarders end up collecting multiple shapes to switch between different riding moods and styles.