Deviate Boards: Urban Longboards Built for Dancing and City Cruising

This article explores what makes Deviate Board's longboards stand out in the competitive skateboard market, examining their unique features and design philosophy.

Main Points

Deviate Board's longboards differ from other brands through their urban-inspired naming convention, specialized dancing and cruising designs, premium component selection, and focus on street culture aesthetics. Their boards feature longer wheelbases for stability, quality maple construction, and graphics that reflect city life rather than traditional skateboard imagery.

Table of Contents

1. The Urban Identity Behind Deviate Boards
2. Dancing Longboard Specialization
3. Component Quality and Construction
4. Size Variations for Different Riders
5. Graphics and Aesthetic Philosophy
6. Performance Features That Matter
7. Target Market and Riding Style
8. Value Proposition in the Market

The Urban Identity Behind Deviate Boards

What really sets Deviate apart is their whole naming thing - they're not going with the typical beach vibes most longboard companies push. Instead, you get boards called "The L-Train," "No-Name," and "The Bean." These aren't random names either, they're pulling straight from urban culture and city life.

I've been riding boards for over 15 years, and most brands stick to ocean themes or mountain imagery. Deviate flips that script entirely. Their "L-Train" dancing board isn't named after some tropical paradise - it's referencing subway culture and metropolitan transportation. This urban identity runs through everything they do, from the board names to the graphic designs.

The company seems to understand that not every skater lives near the beach or wants that surf-inspired aesthetic. Many of us are grinding through city streets, dealing with sidewalk cracks and urban obstacles. Deviate's branding acknowledges this reality and celebrates it instead of pretending we're all cruising boardwalks in California.

This urban focus also shows up in their board shapes. The designs feel more suited to navigating city environments - wider platforms for stability on rough pavement, longer wheelbases for smoother rides over street imperfections. It's like they actually thought about where people really skate instead of where Instagram photos look best.

Their approach reminds me of early street skateboarding culture, when brands started acknowledging that skaters weren't just surfers looking for something to do on flat days. Deviate is doing something similar for the longboard scene - recognizing that urban riders deserve boards designed specifically for their environment and culture.

Dancing Longboard Specialization

Dancing longboards require specific design elements that Deviate seems to understand better than most companies. The L-Train and No-Name models both hit that sweet spot of 47 inches - long enough for proper cross-stepping but not so massive that you can't manage the board during tricks.

What's interesting about their dancing longboards is the deck construction. After testing dozens of dancing boards over the years, I can tell you that flex is everything. Too stiff and you lose that flowing feeling, too flexy and you can't control your steps. Deviate's boards seem to nail this balance.

The wheelbase on these dancing models is particularly well thought out. At around 32-35 inches, it gives you enough platform space for complex footwork while maintaining the responsiveness you need for turns and carves. I've ridden boards with longer wheelbases that felt like trying to dance on a surfboard, and shorter ones that didn't give you room to actually move.

Their dancing boards also feature kicktails that aren't too aggressive. Some companies go overboard with steep kicks that interfere with your foot placement during steps. Deviate keeps them functional but subtle - you can still use them for manuals and pivots without them getting in your way during flow sessions.

The grip tape application on their dancing models is another detail that shows they understand the discipline. Instead of full coverage that would interfere with board slides and rail stands, they use strategic placement that gives you traction where you need it while leaving smooth spots for advanced moves.

Component Quality and Construction

The construction quality on Deviate boards shows they're not cutting corners to hit a price point. These aren't your typical entry-level completes that use whatever components are cheapest. The maple construction feels solid under foot, with that distinctive pop you get from quality wood lamination.

Their truck selection is particularly smart. Instead of generic no-name trucks that many smaller brands use, Deviate specs components that actually complement their board designs. The geometry works with the deck shapes rather than against them. I've seen too many good deck designs ruined by poorly matched truck setups.

The bearing quality is another area where Deviate shows attention to detail. Smooth, consistent roll is crucial for dancing and cruising applications. Cheap bearings create drag and inconsistent performance that kills the flow these boards are designed to provide. The bearings on Deviate completes feel like they'll actually last through regular use.

Wheel selection shows they understand different riding styles need different setups. The cruiser models get softer wheels for smooth city riding, while the dancing boards get slightly harder compounds that won't bog down during technical moves. This kind of thoughtful component matching is rare in the complete longboard market.

Even the hardware feels premium. Quality bolts and nuts that won't strip out after a few adjustments, proper length for the deck thickness, and finishes that resist corrosion. These details matter when you're actually riding the board regularly instead of just looking at it.

Size Variations for Different Riders

Deviate's size range shows they're thinking about different rider needs instead of just making one board and calling it good. The 29-inch models like The Pretender and Short-Trip hit that mini-cruiser sweet spot - small enough for easy transport but big enough to actually ride comfortably.

These smaller boards aren't just scaled-down versions of their longer models either. The proportions are adjusted to work at the smaller size. The wheelbase stays functional, the kicktails remain usable, and the standing platform gives you enough room without feeling cramped. That's harder to achieve than most people realize.

The 32-inch models like The Bean and The Rebel bridge the gap between mini-cruisers and full-size longboards. This size works really well for riders who want more stability than a mini provides but don't need the full length of a dancing board. It's also perfect for riders with smaller frames who find 47-inch boards unwieldy.

What's smart about their sizing approach is that each size category has distinct characteristics rather than just being bigger or smaller versions of the same concept. The 29-inch boards are proper street cruisers, the 32-inch models are versatile all-arounders, and the 47-inch boards are specialized dancing machines.

The size progression also makes sense from a progression standpoint. A rider could start with a 29-inch cruiser, move up to a 32-inch board as their skills develop, and eventually graduate to a 47-inch dancing board. Not many brands offer this kind of logical size progression with consistent quality across the range.

For riders trying to choose between sizes, your height and riding style matter more than you might think. Shorter riders often struggle with boards over 40 inches, while taller riders might feel cramped on anything under 35 inches. Deviate's range covers these different needs without forcing compromises.

Graphics and Aesthetic Philosophy

The visual design of Deviate boards reflects their urban identity in ways that go beyond just slapping city imagery on a deck. Their graphics feel authentic to street culture rather than trying to appeal to everyone. This focused aesthetic approach sets them apart in a market full of generic designs.

Looking at their current lineup, the graphics aren't overly busy or trying too hard to be edgy. They're clean, readable, and actually complement the board shapes rather than fighting with them. Too many longboard graphics look like they were designed separately from the board and just applied afterward.

The color palettes they choose work well for urban environments. Instead of bright tropical colors that show every scuff, they use tones that age gracefully with street use. This practical approach to graphics shows they understand these boards will actually get ridden, not just hung on walls.

Their typography choices also reflect the urban aesthetic. Clean, modern fonts that wouldn't look out of place on subway signage or street art. It's subtle but effective branding that reinforces their city-focused identity without being heavy-handed about it.

What I appreciate about their graphic approach is the restraint. In a market where many brands think more is better, Deviate keeps their designs focused and purposeful. Each graphic element serves the overall aesthetic rather than just adding visual noise.

The durability of their graphics is another practical consideration they seem to handle well. Screen printing or heat transfer methods that can withstand regular use without peeling or fading. Graphics that look good for a few photos but fall apart with actual riding are worse than no graphics at all.

Performance Features That Matter

The performance characteristics of Deviate boards show they prioritize function over flashy features. Their concave profiles are subtle but effective - enough shaping to give you foot placement reference and control without being so aggressive that they become uncomfortable during longer sessions.

Wheelbase measurements across their lineup show careful consideration for each board's intended use. The dancing models use longer wheelbases for stability during cross-steps and flow moves, while the cruiser models keep them shorter for tighter turning and more responsive carving. This isn't accidental - it's thoughtful design.

The flex characteristics vary appropriately across their range. Dancing boards need some give for that flowing feel and shock absorption during landings, while cruisers benefit from stiffer construction for efficient pushing and stable cruising. Getting this balance right requires understanding how different riders use different board types.

Truck mounting styles also show attention to performance details. Top-mount construction on their cruisers provides better leverage for turning and more responsive feel, while their dancing boards might use different mounting to optimize the ride height and stability characteristics needed for technical footwork.

The wheel wells and clearance measurements prevent wheel bite issues that plague many longboard designs. Nothing kills a session faster than having your wheels contact the deck during turns. Deviate's boards seem to have adequate clearance without resorting to excessive riser pads that raise the ride height unnecessarily.

Weight distribution across their decks feels balanced and intentional. The standing platform positions work well for different riding styles, and the overall weight of the completes stays reasonable for the size and intended use of each model.

Target Market and Riding Style

Deviate seems to understand exactly who they're building boards for - urban riders who want quality equipment that reflects their environment and culture. This focused approach is smarter than trying to appeal to every possible longboard market segment.

Their dancing boards target the growing longboard dancing community, which has specific needs that many mainstream brands ignore. These riders need longer platforms, appropriate flex characteristics, and component setups that support technical footwork rather than just basic cruising or downhill riding.

The cruiser models appeal to commuters and urban transportation riders who need boards that can handle real-world city conditions. Rough pavement, curb cuts, debris, and inconsistent surfaces require different design priorities than smooth bike paths or skate parks.

College students represent another key demographic for their smaller boards. The 29 and 32-inch models are much more practical for campus life than full-size longboards. They fit in dorm rooms, carry easier between classes, and work better in crowded pedestrian areas.

Street skaters who want to explore longboarding without abandoning their urban aesthetic find Deviate boards appealing. The city-inspired graphics and naming don't clash with street skating culture the way beach-themed longboard brands often do.

Their pricing and quality level targets riders who want something better than department store boards but aren't ready for premium boutique pricing. This middle market is often underserved by longboard companies that either go super cheap or super expensive.

Value Proposition in the Market

The value equation with Deviate boards comes down to getting thoughtfully designed equipment at reasonable prices. They're not the cheapest option available, but they offer significantly better quality and design than budget alternatives while staying accessible to most riders.

Component quality represents good value when you consider what you'd pay to upgrade a cheaper complete. Starting with decent trucks, bearings, and wheels saves money and frustration compared to buying a budget board and immediately needing to replace parts to make it rideable.

Their focused product line means development resources go into making fewer boards better rather than spreading thin across dozens of mediocre options. This concentrated effort shows in the attention to detail and thoughtful design choices across their range.

The urban aesthetic and quality construction should hold resale value better than generic boards. Distinctive designs from smaller brands often become more sought after over time, especially if the quality supports long-term durability.

For riders progressing through different longboard disciplines, Deviate's range offers logical upgrade paths without forcing brand changes. Starting with a cruiser and moving to a dancing board from the same company means familiar quality and aesthetic continuity.

The complete board pricing eliminates guesswork about component compatibility and setup. Everything is designed to work together from the start, which saves time and potential mistakes for riders who aren't ready to build custom setups.

Compared to premium boutique brands, Deviate offers most of the thoughtful design and quality construction at more accessible pricing. For riders who want something special but can't justify $300+ for a complete longboard, they hit a sweet spot in the market.

Conclusion

Deviate Board's longboards stand out through their urban-focused identity, thoughtful size progression, and attention to performance details that matter for real-world riding. Their dancing boards excel at technical footwork while their cruisers handle city streets with style and functionality.

The key differentiators are their authentic street culture aesthetic, component quality that matches the board designs, and sizing options that serve different rider needs without compromises. For riders seeking longboards that reflect urban skating culture rather than beach vibes, Deviate offers compelling options.

If you're considering a Deviate board, think about your primary riding style and environment. Their dancing models work best for technical footwork and flow sessions, while the cruiser sizes excel at transportation and urban exploration. Check out their full range alongside other longboard shapes to find your perfect match.

FAQ

What makes Deviate dancing longboards different from other brands?

Deviate's dancing boards feature optimized 47-inch lengths with carefully tuned flex characteristics and strategic grip tape placement that supports technical footwork better than generic dancing longboards.

Are Deviate boards good for beginners?

Yes, their cruiser models in 29 and 32-inch sizes work well for beginners, offering stable platforms with quality components that don't require immediate upgrades like budget alternatives.

How do Deviate board sizes compare to other longboard brands?

Deviate offers focused size options - 29" for portability, 32" for versatility, and 47" for dancing - with each size properly proportioned rather than just scaled versions of the same design.

What's the quality difference between Deviate and budget longboard brands?

Deviate uses better component matching, quality maple construction, and thoughtful design details that budget brands typically skip to hit lower price points.

Do Deviate longboards work for commuting and transportation?

Their cruiser models are specifically designed for urban transportation, with component selections and construction that handle real-world city riding conditions effectively.

Where can I buy Deviate longboards?

Deviate boards are available through select longboard retailers and online shops that specialize in quality complete longboards rather than mass market outlets.

How much do Deviate longboards typically cost?

Deviate completes fall in the mid-range pricing tier, offering better quality than budget options while remaining more accessible than premium boutique brands.