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Powell Classic K-10 Skateboard Decks Review

About.com Rating 5

By Steve Cave, About.com

The Bottom Line

Powell has done a great job in bringing old school designs and boards back to enjoy. These older shapes were made for more carving, bowl riding, and skating around parks. Newer trick boards are perfect for the popular skateboarding of today, but you just can't get the same ride. Plus, if you are a larger guy who just wants to skate, some of the current skateboards out there made for kids just won't cut it. Whatever the case, these Classic Powell K-10's should make anyone happy.
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Pros

  • Graphics - new graphics can be great, but some of these old school images never die
  • Shape - K-10 concave and the wider old school designs
  • Carving Boards - not the best for trick skating, but perfect for parks and soulful carving
  • Guaranteed - All Powell decks are guaranteed against delaminating

Cons

  • Not the best for contemporary tricks, these boards are better for park or bowl riding
  • Finding wide grip tape can be hard, but Jessup has you covered

Description

  • K-10 describes a fairly moderate concave - K-10 provides flex and strength
  • Classic graphics, like the famous "Ripper" skeleton busting out, "Skull & Sword," and flames
  • Larger, thicker boards provide more support and strength, with classic shapes and cuts
  • As a re-make, stays true to original with current Powell skate deck design technology
  • Powell Guarantee provides protection from factory defects
  • Made of seven plies of 100% American Rock Hard Maple
  • Powell has been making skateboards for ages, all are quality, and made in Santa Barbara, CA, USA

Guide Review - Powell Classic K-10 Skateboard Decks Review

Skateboards have grown small. Technical tricks are popular. However, in modern skateboarding there has been a return to skateboarding's roots. Longboarding is popular, and old school shapes are seen hitting more skateparks. Older guys who used to skate back in the day, and younger skateboarders who have tasted classic skateboarding and found it sweet - skateboarding is what you want it to be. Not pure "sport", not just a hobby, but something at once personal and communal.

This return to roots has caused companies like Powell to come out with some classic re-issues and re-designs. These boards rock. It's so nice to be able to get a larger, wider board with sick graphics that you remember from years ago. Even if you are a younger skater, you should recognize some of these. Powell has been on the front lines forever.

But these Powell Classics aren't just remakes. They feature current Powell technology, and a perfect K-10 moderate concave. I tested out the Blue Flames deck, and was more than happy with the board's thickness, flex and strength. And the width of a little over 9 inches felt comfortable and natural. The perfect park skateboard.

Finding grip tape wide enough for some of these decks might be tricky - Jessup makes 11" wide griptape, available at online shops like 360 Skate. The grip tape comes in a roll, so they can cut it to any length you need, even longboards. Call them if you don't see it online, try a Powell Classic K-10, and see what you think!

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