Eco-Conscious Element Skateboards

Posted on May 23, 2011 by ΠAN

Element skateboards have always been among the most eco-friendly skate companies out there. Now a few of Element’s newest skateboard decks set a tone we’re not entirely used to seeing from action sports companies.

The Global Warming and Oil Spill skate deck collections really force the issues affecting our environment today. The graphics are fantastic, and they manage to send a subtle message about the state of our planet.

Personally, I love that Element is promoting a cleaner, greener planet with these new decks. Hopefully, we’ll see a lot more skateboard companies follow their lead in the future.

Check these new decks out now:

Element Global Warming Skateboard Decks:


Element Stanton Global Warming 8.25 Featherlight	Element Tim Tim Global Warming 8.0 Featherlight	Element Appleyard Global Warming 7.87 Featherlight	Element Brown Global Warming 7.75 Featherlight

Element Oil Spill Skateboard Decks:


Element Oil#11 7.75 Thriftwood	Element Oil#16 8.0 Thriftwood

SKATEBOARD BUYING GUIDE: Best Construction Types

Posted on May 17, 2011 by ΠAN

As a follow-up to our previous post – Which Skate Deck Is Right For Me? - we thought we’d dive deeper into the topic of skateboard construction types.

Skateboard construction can really make all the difference when you’re out on the pavement. Beginners shouldn’t really worry too much about particular skateboard constructions since you’re just starting out, but the experienced and/or technical skater should definitely consider his or her options before buying a new skate deck.

By spending the few extra greenbacks on a high-end skateboard deck you can make some real improvements to your skating style and technique, many of which you’ll notice during your first session. You can shave a few ounces off your skateboard’s total weight allowing you to get those ollies a few more inches off the ground, or you can add strength to your deck giving you the confidence to pull off those insane, high risk tricks that would otherwise result in you splintering your board.

Get started by checking out our list of the top skateboard constructions. These are some of lightest and strongest skateboards available today:

Lightest Skateboard Construction Types:	Strongest Skateboard Construction Types:
Element Helium	Almost Double Impact
Element Featherlight	Blind Eternal Life
Element Push	Foundation Fiberprime
Plan B P2	Darkstar Armor Ply
Zero P2	Baker Heli-pop

This list should help as you start shopping high-end decks. Our own pros know and love these decks, and they would recommend them to any skater. Through trial and error you might find another deck that better suits your style, but this is a great starting point.

You can check out our complete stock of premium skateboard constructions here.

*Stay tuned for future posts on buying tips for skateboard trucks.

SKATEBOARD BUYING GUIDE: Which Deck Is Right For Me?

Posted on April 26, 2011 by ΠAN

From beginner to pro, every skateboarder has a different preference as to what decks they like to ride. So where should you start?

Keep four main points in mind as you’re choosing a deck: size, construction, brand, and cost.

• • •

WHAT SIZE SKATEBOARD DECK SHOULD I BUY?
The first thing to consider is the size of the deck. Skateboard decks are measured by their width and length. For most skateboarders width is typically more important then length for two reasons.

Generally wider decks are ridden by taller skaters because they offer more stability than a narrow deck would.
A wider board also offers more stability to experienced riders who skate transitions and ramps.

Most decks measure between 7 to 10 inches wide and 28 to 33 inches long. Beginners may want to go for a smaller sized width of 7 or 7.5 inches. But in the end, it’s really a matter of preference and what’s most comfortable for you.

WHAT TYPE OF DECK CONSTRUCTION IS RIGHT FOR ME?
You should think about what kind of skater you are before selecting a skateboard construction.

Beginner’s may want to start out with a regular skateboard deck, which is typically constructed of 6 to 7-plies of cross-laminated Canadian maple. A regular 6 or 7-ply deck is perfect for learning your first ollies, manuals, and kickflips. Plus, you should probably get some practice before droppin’ into the halfpipe.

More advanced riders may want to consider looking into high-end decks. High-end decks are built using Canadian maple plies just like regular decks, but they also incorporate other materials to increase strength and reduce weight. Fiberglass, bamboo, resin, Kevlar, carbon fiber, aluminum, and plastic are commonly used in a variety of high-end decks.

WHAT BRAND SKATEBOARD DECK SHOULD I BUY?
The skateboard brand that you purchase is 100% up to you and is mostly a matter of personal preference. Any brand of skateboard deck that you buy, if treated properly, will be around for plenty of tricks and flips.

However, it’s important to note that some brands may offer more or less concave and pop than other brands. You should try a few out and find what’s right for you (we’ll touch on concave and pop in a future blog post).

We would definitely recommend investing in a quality brand though, and you can bet that any and every board on BlackholeBoards.com is a quality skateboard deck. We wouldn’t sell you junk!

HOW MUCH SHOULD I SPEND ON A SKATEBOARD DECK?
Think about a few things when deciding how much to spend on a skateboard deck. Consider your skill level and how often you skateboard, and remember that the cost of skateboard decks varies depending on construction and brand.

Advanced skateboarders who put their decks through rigorous (and competent) use might want to invest in high-end decks which tend to run a little higher in price. But the added strength a high-end deck gives can really prolong the life of the deck, plus the lighter weight can help to improve your jumps, flips, and kicks.

If you’re a novice, just about any deck will do! Just get one, get out, and ride. You can find plenty of great skateboard decks for under $30.

• • •

Just remember that every skateboarder is different. In the end it’s about you and what you prefer in a skateboard deck.

We hope this buying guide helps you when you’re ready to make your next deck purchase.

*Stay tuned for future posts on buying tips for trucks and top deck constructions.

Plan B Prolite Factory Series

Posted on March 28, 2011 by ΠAN

Check out the latest from Plan B now – the Prolite Factory series. Prolites are considered the lightest, thinnest and strongest all-wood construction skateboards on the market today. Plan B’s Prolite skateboard decks use 3 ultra-thin core plys which are held together by a super stiff military spec glue.

Don’t be confused. Plan B’s Prolites still have seven plys in all, but the center three plys are thinner and reinforced by some hella strong crazy glue. Using the ultra-thin plys obviously creates a much lighter board, but this type of construction also gives you more control over the board (thinner = more flexible) and results in a longer lasting pop.

The Prolites also have a more mellow concave and kicks than most other decks out there. So while it’s super-light, you won’t have to be nearly as careful about your board rocketing on you.

Check ‘em out now and see for yourself:


Sheckler Prolite Factory Deck	Way Prolite Factory Deck	Duffy Prolite Factory Deck	Ladd Prolite Factory Deck


McKay Prolite Factory Deck	Pudwill Prolite Factory Deck	Rodriguez Prolite Factory Deck

We’ve Got A [Fluorescent] Tip For You

Posted on March 14, 2011 by ΠAN

Like top quality skateboard decks? Like ultra-bright colors? If you said ‘yes’ to both, then you’ll be stoked on the hottest new decks from Almost in-stock right now at BlackholeBoards.com. Check out the Fluorescent Tip series here.

The Fluorescent Tips are part of Almost’s Impact line. Impact decks incorporate two discs of carbon fiber material into the bottom ply of the deck. These discs help to absorb landing impact as they disperse energy away from the traditional breaking areas of the deck. Almost Impact decks typically last about two times longer than their standard counterparts. Bottom line: you know that you’ll be getting a great deck here.

Plus, you’ll be sure to get your sickest moves noticed right quick in the skateparks and on the streets with these fluorescent colors. The Fluorescent Tip series comes in hot green, orange, and pink colors that are sure to suit your taste. Check ‘em out right now and see what the hype’s all about.

Almost Fluorescent Tip Skateboard Decks – Impact:


Almost Daewon Fluorescent Tip Skateboard Deck – 7.75 Impact	Almost Mullen Fluorescent Tip Skateboard Deck – 8.0 Impact	Almost Haslam Fluorescent Tip Skateboard Deck – 8.5 Impact

Out Of This World Decks

Posted on February 22, 2011 by ΠAN

Element skateboard decks are some of the most popular among skateboarders and for good reason. The people at Element are constantly making efforts to improve decks, and their line of helium decks are certainly no exception. Equipped with five patented air frame chambers, they are easily Element’s lightest full size deck. And, they are still stiff and responsive giving the rider more control.

The Astronomy series is one of the latest in Element’s helium lineup. You get the same quality Element helium deck and an out of this world, gnarly design. The Astronomy series comes in three widths – 7.75, 8.12, and 8.25 – and features the names of team riders Chad Tim Tim, Darrel Stanton, and Levi Brown.

Don’t be space cadet! Check ‘em out now.


Astronomy Logo – 7.75 Helium	Tim Tim – 7.75 Helium	Brown – 8.12 Helium	Stanton – 8.25 Helium

This Round’s On Girl

Posted on January 28, 2011 by ΠAN

Girl’s latest round of skateboard decks are sure to make you feel good after a long, hard day of work. The On Tap series is inspired by some of the top domestic and imported adult beverage brands. These decks spoof the iconic Girl brand logo by giving her a tap handle for a head (almost makes me wish that my girl came equipped with the same feature).

Click the images or links below to get specs for each of the featured Girl decks. Grab one today and cool off with a tall, frosty glass of some serious thrashing.

Got Any Last Words?

Posted on January 18, 2011 by ΠAN

Check out the new Last Words series of skateboard decks from Real. They feature off-the-wall ‘last words’ by the pros from the Real skate team – Peter Ramondetta, Justin Brock, Dennis Busenitz, and Nick Dompierre. Combine that with a totally sick graphic and the monster pop and quality of a Real deck, and you got yourself one hell of a ride.

Check out Real Last Words skateboard decks now:


Brock 7.75	Dompierre 8.0	Busenitz 8.125	Ramondetta 8.5

Signature Decks from Pro Skaters

Posted on December 2, 2010 by ΠAN

Looking for a signature deck from your favorite vert or street skater? Look no further. Here’s a solid collection of the hottest signature skateboard decks from the best skaters in the world. You know these decks are good cuz they have their names on ‘em!

Click the skater’s name to see complete collections from each rider.

Mark Appleyard Decks	Bam Margera Decks
Zered Bassett Decks	Ali Boulala Decks
Diego Bucchieri Decks	Bob Burnquist Decks
Daewon Song Decks	Stevie Williams Decks
Erik Ellington Decks	Kerry Getz Decks
Rune Glifberg Decks	Josh Kalis Decks
Forrest Kirby Decks	Eric Koston Decks
PJ Ladd Decks	Rick McCrank Decks
Colin McKay Decks	Rodney Mullen Decks
Chad Muska Decks	Cale Nuske Decks
Tom Penny Decks	Andrew Reynolds Decks
Paul Rodriguez Decks	Geoff Rowley Decks
Arto Saari Decks	Ryan Sheckler Decks
Elissa Steamer Decks	Kristian Svitak Decks
Ed Templeton Decks	Jamie Thomas Decks
Mike Vallely Decks	Danny Way Decks

New Look, Same Great Service

Posted on November 24, 2010 by ΠAN

You heard right. BlackholeBoards.com just got a facelift. You can now find what you’re looking for from the best brands in skateboarding faster than ever! The largest online skateboard and snowboard shop has been redesigned to make your shopping experience as easy and painlessas possible.

BlackholeBoards.com has been streamlined, simplifying your shopping experience. We’ve created new top level category pages so you no longer need to sort through tons of products to find what you really want. Plus, quick links to your favorite skateboard, snowboard, and longboard brands have been added by including logo icons at the top of nearly every page.

If it’s a custom complete you’re looking for, our top-of-the-line Board Builder can now be found on its very own page. So you can still build killer custom boards hand-picked from our selection of over 5,000 skateboard components, and now getting there is a snap!

Since we know how you love your clothes and shoes, we’ve made a few changes here, too. The biggest of which is that we’ve separated clothing and shoes moving our selection of over 1,000 skateboard shoes to its own page! So now you can shop the hottest skate shoes for men, women, and kids without having to sort through anything else.

The best part is that you’ll still get the same professional service and top quality merchandise that you’ve grown to know and love. And, you’ll still get FREE SHIPPING on orders $90 or more.

Like the title says…New Look, Same Great Service. Sound too good to be true? Check out the new site and see for yourself!

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