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Deathwish Decks Review

Deathwish Skate Deck bottom graphic showing deck artwork and design
Deathwish Skate Deck main view professional skateboard deck

⭐ ~4.5/5 – Deathwish Skateboards is a punk‑rock, no‑compromise skate brand founded in 2008 by Jim Greco and Erik Ellington under Bakerboys Distribution. Their decks are made from solid 7-ply North American maple, delivering a good mix of pop and durability. Their graphic style is bold, gritty, rebellious while heavily influenced by cult films and underground art. Performance-wise, many praise their snap and resilience, though some note tails can wear (“razor tail”) with heavy use. On the downside, a few say the concave or shape feels steep or different than other brands. Overall, it’s a respected brand with style and substance, especially for skaters who value attitude as much as performance.

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Construction & materials:

Ply / Wood: 7-ply North American hard rock maple, known for solid pop and durability.

Glue / Press: Standard industrial glue with high-quality press, decks have consistent concave and snap.

Manufacture: Produced under Bakerboys Distribution, primarily in Mexico/USA facilities.

Takeaway: Deathwish decks are bold, gritty, and performance-oriented. They excel in pop and resilience, with edgy graphics and punk attitude. Some tails wear faster with heavy use, and concave may feel steep compared to other brands, but overall they’re reliable for street and park skating.
Ride characteristics (pop, concave, durability):

Pop: Deathwish decks generally have very snappy pop from experience tricks pop off sharply and feel responsive. Still, pop does wear over time, especially with heavy use.

Concave / shape: It depends on the model. Some classic Deathwish boards (like the Always Go TK 8.0) have a somewhat aggressive / steep concave. Others (or different shapes) are more mellow or medium‑concave. According to users, the tails are often shorter / pointier than Baker’s, and the wheelbase can feel tight / compact.

Choose by model: e.g.
“Classic” — medium width and concave, versatile for street and park skating.
“Cut Off” — higher concave, responsive for technical tricks and sharper flicks.
Shaped / Old-School — wider boards with unique shapes, ideal for pools, ramps, or riders who prefer a broader stance.

Durability: Generally solid, but not perfect. Expect board chips or “razor tail” fast with heavy use. Good longevity and flexibility, decks feel a bit bendy or more flexible than some stiffer brands.

Takeaway: Deathwish is great if you want performance plus attitude. Their boards are punchy and fun, with bold concave and solid pop, but they’re not hyper‑durable “bulletproof” decks. Expect some wear, especially on the tail. Perfect for skaters who don’t mind replacing a board every few months, especially if they’re throwing a lot of sessions.
Sizing & fit:

Deathwish decks follow standard widths, but some shapes have slightly shorter tails and tighter wheel bases. Concave ranges from mellow to steep, giving options for control or flick. Many skaters note a slightly flexible feel compared to other brands.

Graphics, finish & availability:

Known for bold, gritty, underground style graphics with protective clear-coat finishes. Standard 7-ply maple construction ensures durability. Widely available in shops and online, though limited edition graphics can sell out fast.
Deathwish Skate Deck close-up of bottom graphic design
Price & value:

Deathwish decks typically range from €70–€95, offering solid 7-ply maple construction and pro-level pop. Graphics are bold and collectible, adding extra appeal. Many skaters feel the boards deliver strong performance for the price, making them good bang-for-buck. Some limited editions cost more, but quality generally justifies it. Overall, Deathwish balances style, durability, and affordability better than most mid-tier brands.
How Deathwish compares to other brands:

Deathwish is known for its gritty, rebellious style and bold, underground-inspired graphics, giving it a distinct identity compared to more mainstream or playful brands. Their 7-ply maple decks provide reliable pop, good flick, and durability, making them solid for both street and park skating. While similar in construction to Baker, Deathwish stands out with slightly different concave shapes, tail lengths, and a more aggressive feel underfoot. They’re not the lightest or most high-tech boards, but they offer consistent performance and value for their price. Skaters appreciate them for their balance of reliability, attitude, and style, especially those who want a board that’s as visually striking as it is functional. Overall, Deathwish is ideal for anyone looking for a deck that delivers solid skating performance without sacrificing personality.
Pros ✅Cons ❌
Excellent pop and flick
Boards feel snappy and responsive.		Some decks lose pop more quickly if:
They’re used heavily or for big drops.
Tough build and good durability
Less frequent tail wear and chipping compared to some cheaper decks.		Concave may feel steeper or odd to some riders, making flicks or pressure flips harder initially.
Strong brand identity and graphics
Bold art, unique visuals, and strong community appeal.		Availability of limited graphics can be inconsistent
Making favorite models harder to buy.
Good value for the price
Pro‑level spec for a mid‑tier cost, not premium boutique pricing.		The wider or heavier sizes may feel less agile for flips compared to ultra‑light specialist decks.
Versatile size and shape options !
Models available for street, park and wider stance setups.		The weight can feel a bit too heavy for those who prefer ultra-light or carbon-core decks.
Final Verdict

Deathwish decks strike a solid balance between performance and personality. Built with 7-ply maple, they offer reliable pop, good flick, and a slightly flexible feel that works well for street and park skating. The graphics are bold, gritty, and unmistakably Deathwish, giving the boards a strong visual identity. While not the lightest or most high-tech decks, they’re durable and reasonably priced.

Though aggressive skaters may notice tail wear over time. Overall, Deathwish is ideal for skaters who want a deck that performs hard, looks edgy, and delivers consistent value.