Skateboarding has come a long way from being just an underground sport to becoming a popular worldwide phenomenon. As the skating industry grows, so do the number of brands that cater to the needs of skateboarders. One of these brands is Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz has been in the skating industry for over 40 years and has become a household name among skateboarders. But the question remains, is Santa Cruz a good skateboard brand? In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve deeper into the brand’s history, the quality of their products, and what skateboarders have to say about them.
The History of Santa Cruz Skateboards: A Legacy of Quality and Innovation
Santa Cruz Skateboards is one of the oldest and most respected names in the skateboarding industry. Founded in 1973 by Richard Novak, Doug Haut, and Jay Shuirman, Santa Cruz has been at the forefront of skateboard design and innovation for nearly 50 years. What began as a small operation in a garage, quickly grew into a global brand that has left an indelible mark on skateboarding culture.
The iconic “Screaming Hand” logo, designed by artist Jim Phillips in 1985, has become synonymous with Santa Cruz and is instantly recognizable to skateboarders around the world. Over the years, Santa Cruz has collaborated with numerous artists, musicians, and designers to produce some of the most iconic skateboard graphics of all time. With a history steeped in quality and innovation, it’s no wonder that Santa Cruz has remained a top brand in the skateboarding industry for so many years.
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The Skateboard Deck: The Heart of Santa Cruz’s Success
The skateboard deck is undoubtedly the heart of Santa Cruz’s success. From the moment the brand entered the skateboard industry, it has been known for producing some of the best quality and most innovative skateboard decks to hit the market. Santa Cruz is primarily focused on the production of skateboard decks, which has allowed them to be experts in their field, perfecting their craft and building a loyal following.
One of the most impressive things about Santa Cruz’s skateboard decks is their diversity. They cater to every type of skateboarder with a vast array of sizes, shapes, and graphic designs to choose from. Their decks are made from high-quality materials such as North American Maple wood, which is known for its durability and flexibility. Every skateboard deck produced by Santa Cruz undergoes stringent quality control processes to ensure that each deck is perfect for all skateboarders, from beginners to professional skaters. So if you are looking for the best skateboard deck, Santa Cruz is a great place to start.
From Street to Vert: Santa Cruz’s Versatile Range of Skateboards
Santa Cruz is known for its variety of skateboard shapes that cater to different types of skateboarding disciplines. From cruising down the street to shredding the vert, Santa Cruz has a versatile range of skateboards that are functional and stylish. Their street skateboard shapes include wider decks with steep concaves to give the rider more control while performing tricks. On the other hand, their vert skateboards feature narrower decks with flatter concaves to allow for more speed while riding transitions.
The brand also offers mini cruisers and longboards for those who prefer a more relaxed ride. These boards are perfect for commuting and cruising down the beach boardwalk. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, Santa Cruz has something for everyone. Their skateboards are made with high-quality materials and are built to last, ensuring that you get the most out of your skateboard. In short, Santa Cruz’s versatile range of skateboards makes it a great brand for anyone looking for a functional and stylish skateboard that can handle various terrains and disciplines.
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The Perfect Ride: Santa Cruz’s Advanced Deck Technology
Santa Cruz is known for its advanced deck technology that offers the perfect ride for skateboarders. One of their most innovative technologies is the Speed Wheel, which features a unique shape and size that allows for greater speed and control. This technology ensures that skateboarders can enjoy maximum maneuverability and speed during their rides.
In addition to Speed Wheel, Santa Cruz also uses high-quality construction materials in their decks, such as maple wood and carbon fiber. These materials provide enhanced durability and strength, allowing for maximum performance and longevity. Such advanced technology has made Santa Cruz a go-to brand for skateboarders who prioritize speed, stability, and durability in their rides. Overall, Santa Cruz’s advanced deck technology is a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the skateboarding industry.
The Art of Skateboarding: Santa Cruz’s Iconic Designs and Collaborations
For many skateboarders, Santa Cruz is not only known for its high-quality skateboard decks, but also for its iconic designs and collaborations. Santa Cruz has been creating unique and creative designs since the 1970s, which have become staples in the skateboarding community today. The company’s signature screaming hand logo is recognized worldwide, and has become synonymous with skateboarding culture.
Santa Cruz is also known for collaborating with various artists and designers to create limited edition decks, apparel, and accessories. From iconic collaborations with artists like Jim Phillips and Rob Roskopp, to partnerships with brands like Star Wars and Marvel, Santa Cruz has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in skateboard design. These collaborations have not only brought unique and exciting products to the skateboarding community, but have also celebrated and elevated the art of skateboarding as a whole.
Supporting the Skateboarding Community: Santa Cruz’s Philanthropic Efforts
Santa Cruz Skateboards has a long-standing reputation for supporting the skateboarding community and giving back to the people who make it all possible. Santa Cruz has always been committed to making sure that skaters have access to professional-quality skateboards and that they are supported in their pursuit of the sport. To that end, Santa Cruz has sponsored numerous events around the world, providing top-quality equipment to skaters and helping to promote the sport as a whole.
One of the most notable examples of Santa Cruz’s philanthropic efforts is their work with the Tony Hawk Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to building public skateparks in communities where they are needed, providing safe spaces for skaters to practice their skills. Santa Cruz has played an active role in supporting this cause, donating time, money, and equipment to help build these parks and promote skateboarding as a healthy and fun activity for people of all ages. With a long history of support for the skateboarding community, it’s clear that Santa Cruz is more than just a brand – it’s a vital part of the skateboarding culture itself.
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Customer Reviews and Testimonials: What Skaters are Saying About Santa Cruz.
When it comes to buying a new skateboard deck, it’s always important to hear what other skaters have to say before making a purchase. Santa Cruz has built a solid reputation over the years and has garnered many positive reviews from its customers. Skaters praise the brand for its durability and quality craftsmanship, with many commenting that Santa Cruz decks can withstand heavy use and tough impacts.
In addition to its durability, many skaters also appreciate the brand’s unique and eye-catching graphics. Santa Cruz has become synonymous with creative and bold designs, and many customers are drawn to the brand for its distinctive style. Overall, skaters who have tried Santa Cruz decks are overwhelmingly positive about their experiences and recommend the brand to others looking for high-quality skateboards.
Wrapping Up
To sum up, after thoroughly researching and reviewing Santa Cruz skateboards, it is safe to say that the brand is indeed a good choice for both beginner and expert skateboarders. The brand has a rich history of producing quality skateboard decks and accessories, and its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility is highly commendable.
The Santa Cruz brand has a loyal fan base, and their products are highly sought after due to their durability and unique designs. Their skateboards have been tested and approved by professional skateboarders, and they use only the highest quality materials in their manufacturing process. Therefore, if you are in the market for a reliable and stylish skateboard, you cannot go wrong with a Santa Cruz board.