⭐ ~4.3/5 – Founded in 1993 by Rick Howard, Mike Carroll, and Spike Jonze, Girl Skateboards is a legendary skater-run brand known for its iconic “women’s bathroom” logo and creative graphics. Decks are mostly 7-ply maple, with the Pop Secret line adding a carbon fiber layer for extra pop and durability. Performance is solid, with a favorite concave and strong snap, though chipping and slightly heavier weight can occur. The brand shines in style, legacy, and team influence, producing timeless decks and influential skate videos. Some inconsistency and limited availability keep it from perfect, but overall it’s a top-tier, classic skate brand.
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Construction & materials:
Ply / Wood:7-ply North American maple (Pop Secret decks add a carbon fiber top layer for extra pop).
Glue / Press: Standard epoxy glue, high-pressure hydraulic press for consistent concave and snap.
Manufacture: Made in North America.
Part of Crailtap/Girl Distribution, which oversees quality and production standards.
Takeaway: Durable, poppy decks with classic concave.
Pop Secret upgrades add longevity and strength, though some chipping and weight trade-offs exist.
Ride characteristics (pop, concave, durability):
Pop: Girl decks are known for consistent, lively pop, giving tricks good lift and control. The Pop Secret line, with its added carbon fiber layer, holds snap longer than standard 7-ply decks, making it ideal for skaters who hit their boards hard.
Concave / shape: The concave is a classic medium-to-steep profile.
Supportive for technical street tricks while still comfortable for cruising. It’s widely praised for being intuitive underfoot, letting skaters lock into flip tricks and ollies without feeling “too aggressive.”
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The standard 7-ply decks are versatile, performing well for general street and park skating. For heavier skaters or those who want longer-lasting pop, Pop Secret decks are the premium choice, offering reinforcement without drastically changing the feel.
Durability: In general, Girl decks are strong, but like most wooden boards, the tails can chip or develop “razor tail” over time. Pop Secret decks improve on this, resisting breakage and maintaining pop even after extended use.
Takeaway: Girl Skateboards strike a solid balance between performance, style, and longevity. Whether you go with a standard deck or a Pop Secret, you get dependable pop, comfortable concave, and a classic ride that’s trusted by pros and street skaters alike.
Sizing & fit:
Girl Skateboards decks generally range from 8.0″ to 8.5″ in width, depending on the model and your skating style. Each deck follows a specific shape code, like G045 or G096, which determines the nose, tail, and wheelbase. Twin-tip and rounded profiles make them versatile for street and technical tricks. It’s important to check the shape code when buying, as different graphics don’t always match the same deck shape.
Graphics, finish & availability:
Girl’s graphics span from the classic OG logo to pro-team signatures and limited artist series. The decks feature clean printed artwork with a smooth, stained veneer finish. Popular shapes and designs can sell out quickly, particularly during limited releases. If you want a specific graphic or shape, it’s best to grab it as soon as it drops.
Price & value:
Girl Skateboards sit at the premium end of the market, with Pop Secret decks typically priced around $150 in the US and €75–€85 in Europe. Their value lies in reinforced construction, reliable pop, and long-term durability, backed by the brand’s respected reputation in the skateboarding community. While the price may be high for beginners, experienced skaters benefit from boards that maintain performance over time. Pop Secret models, in particular, provide enhanced strength without sacrificing the classic ride feel. Overall, Girl decks offer a compelling balance of quality, longevity, and professional-grade performance.
How Girl compares to other brands:
Girl Skateboards stands out as a heritage, skater-founded brand under Crailtap, giving it strong credibility and cultural influence in skateboarding. Compared to Baker, which emphasizes raw power, rugged durability, and a rebellious street image, Girl leans toward balanced performance and a clean, artistic aesthetic. Against Chocolate, its sister brand, Girl decks typically feature a wider, more mellow concave, whereas Chocolate tends to be narrower and steeper. Element Skateboards, a more mainstream brand, competes on eco-friendly innovation and broad market reach, but their decks are often seen as less tuned for technical trick work than Girl’s.
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Durable & Strong: Pop Secret decks resist breakage and retain pop. | Chipping Risk: Rails and edges can chip over time. |
| Excellent Pop: Firm, responsive feel for tricks. | Razor Tail: Tails may wear with heavy use. |
| Versatile Shape: Medium-to-steep concave suits street and technical skating. | Heavier Weight: Pop Secret decks are slightly heavier than some composites. |
| Iconic Aesthetic & Heritage: Clean graphics with deep skate culture roots. | Price & Scarcity: Premium decks cost more and sell out quickly. |
| Good Value for Reinforced Decks: Performance holds up well versus price. | Occasional Quality Inconsistency: Older or budget decks may vary in wood quality. |