With the inflated price tag of £119.99, this ‘Flight’ deck from Powell-Peralta is certainly geared towards the punter who is looking for something outside of the traditional 7-ply Canadian Maple norm. But what exactly makes it qualify for such a high asking price? Well, five years of research have gone into the production of this board, during in which R&D department at Powell-Peralta’s facility in Santa Barbara, California, have been exploring ways in which they can improve the strength and performance of skateboard decks.

The result is this all-new ‘Flight’ deck, which is thinner, lighter and stronger than your industry standard board. The epoxy infused, fibre reinforced structure of the ‘Flight’ deck means that they are extremely resistant towards your standard breakages, and this unique structure also means that the boards have ‘everlasting pop’ that doesn’t fade as the deck gradually wears down.

“They’re no thicker than your average smartphone, and furthermore, the life of a Powell-Peralta ‘Flight’ deck is claimed to be several times that of your normal board”

They’re no thicker than your average smartphone, and furthermore, the life of a Powell-Peralta ‘Flight’ deck is claimed to be several times that of your normal board, so even though the upfront costs of upgrading your plank may be significantly higher, in the long run investing in the ‘Flight’ deck may make the most economical sense.

Regardless of all of the technical info that makes the ‘Flight’ deck so intriguing, shape-wise you’re looking at a fairly traditional 8.25” wide affair. The offered signature 243 shape is comprised of a mid-range concave offering plenty of snap when popping tricks, the nose clocks in at 6.88” that is slightly longer than the 6.63” tail, making it technically suitable for all types of skateboarding. I will say this though – Ben Hatchell rode this exact same model on the Concrete Dinosaurs trip earlier this year, and, as you’ve no doubt seen, he tore Romford, Harrow and Livingston apart.

• POWELL PERALTA – FLIGHT DECK
• RRP: £119.99
• Width : 8.25″
• Length: 31.75″
• Wheelbase: 14.25″
• POWELL-PERALTA.COM