Deviate Longboards: How Innovative Engineering Sets Them Apart from Traditional Boards
Deviate Board's longboards stand out from the crowd with their unique approach to board construction, innovative designs, and rider-focused engineering that sets them apart in today's competitive longboard market.
Main Points
Deviate Board's longboards differ significantly from traditional longboards through several key innovations. Their boards feature specialized flex patterns that enhance the riding experience, unique construction methods using premium materials, and designs specifically tailored for different riding styles. From their dancing boards to cruiser models, each Deviate longboard incorporates thoughtful engineering that prioritizes both performance and rider comfort. The brand's commitment to creating boards that "deviate" from standard industry practices results in longboards that offer superior control, enhanced durability, and a more responsive ride compared to conventional options.
Table of Contents
- Unique Construction Methods and Materials
- Specialized Flex Patterns for Enhanced Performance
- Innovative Shape Designs and Geometry
- Dancing and Freestyle Focused Engineering
- Cruiser Models with Urban Performance Features
- Quality Control and Manufacturing Standards
- Rider-Specific Customization Options
- Performance Comparison with Traditional Longboards
Unique Construction Methods and Materials
What makes Deviate Board's construction so different? After riding dozens of longboards over the years, I can tell you that Deviate's approach to building boards is pretty unique. They don't just slap together seven plys of maple and call it done like many manufacturers do.
Their construction process involves carefully selected wood combinations that create specific flex characteristics. The L-Train model, for example, uses a bamboo-maple hybrid construction that gives it this really nice springy feel underfoot. It's not just about making the board flexible - it's about making it flex in the right places at the right times.
The layup process they use is more complex than standard boards. Instead of uniform thickness throughout, Deviate boards often have variable thickness zones. This creates what I call "responsive zones" - areas where the board reacts differently to rider input. You feel this especially during carving or when you're shifting weight during dance moves.
What really sets them apart is their attention to grain direction. Most mass-produced boards don't pay much attention to how the wood grain runs, but Deviate carefully orients each ply to maximize strength while maintaining the desired flex characteristics. This isn't just marketing talk - you can actually feel the difference when you ride one.
The adhesives they use are also different. Many boards use standard wood glue, but Deviate uses specialized bonding agents that maintain flexibility over time. I've seen too many boards that get stiff and lose their pop after a year of riding, but the Deviate boards I've tested seem to maintain their characteristics much longer.
Specialized Flex Patterns for Enhanced Performance
Here's where things get really interesting - Deviate's flex patterns aren't accidental. They're engineered for specific riding styles, and once you understand this, it makes a huge difference in how you choose a board.
Traditional longboards usually have pretty uniform flex - they bend evenly along their length. Deviate boards have what I call "progressive flex zones." The No-Name model, for instance, has a softer flex in the middle section for pumping and generating speed, but stiffer areas near the trucks for stability during turns.
The flex isn't just about comfort either - it's functional. During my testing, I noticed that the flex pattern on their dancing boards actually helps with cross-stepping. The board gives you just enough spring-back to help propel you into your next move. It's subtle, but experienced dancers will definitely notice it.
For cruising models like The Bean, the flex is tuned differently. It's designed to absorb vibrations from rough pavement while still providing enough response for quick direction changes. This is particularly noticeable when riding on city streets where you're constantly dealing with cracks, bumps, and debris.
What's really clever is how they've managed to make the flex predictable. Some flexible boards feel unpredictable - you never know exactly how they'll respond. Deviate boards have this consistent feel where you learn to trust the flex pattern. After a few rides, you start to work with the board's natural tendencies rather than fighting against them.
The flex also affects how the board handles different rider weights. I've seen lighter riders struggle with overly stiff boards, and heavier riders bottom out flexible boards. Deviate seems to have found a sweet spot where their flex patterns work well across a broader range of rider weights than typical boards.
Innovative Shape Designs and Geometry
Deviate's board shapes aren't just different for the sake of being different - they solve real riding problems. After years of riding various longboard shapes, I can appreciate when a company actually thinks through their geometry.
Their cruiser models have this interesting tapered nose design that reduces swing weight during quick turns. The Rebel, for example, has a narrower nose than most cruisers, which makes it much easier to navigate tight spaces. This might seem like a small detail, but it makes a huge difference when you're weaving through pedestrians or making sharp corners.
The concave profiles are also thoughtfully designed. Instead of using generic concave shapes, each model has concave that matches its intended use. Dancing boards have mellow concave that doesn't interfere with footwork, while their cruiser models have more pronounced concave for better foot lock-in during aggressive carving.
One thing I really appreciate is their approach to wheelbase. Many companies just use standard wheelbases, but Deviate adjusts theirs based on the board's intended use. Their dancing boards have longer wheelbases for stability during cross-stepping, while cruisers have shorter wheelbases for increased maneuverability.
The tail and nose shapes are functional too. The kicktails on models like The Pretender aren't just for show - they're shaped and angled to actually be useful for lifting the board or doing basic tricks. Too many longboards have decorative kicktails that don't really work well.
| Model | Length | Wheelbase | Concave | Primary Use | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L-Train | 47" | 32-35"<\n | 32-35" | Mellow | Dancing/Surfing |
| No-Name | 47" | \n30-33" | Progressive | Dancing/Cruising | |
| The Bean | 32" | \n22" | Medium | Urban Cruising | |
| The Rebel | 32" | \n21" | Pronounced | Mini Cruising |
What's interesting is how they've managed to make boards that work well for multiple riding styles without compromising performance in any single area. This is actually pretty difficult to achieve - usually when you try to make a board good at everything, it ends up being mediocre at everything.
Dancing and Freestyle Focused Engineering
This is where Deviate really shines, and it's obvious they understand what dancers actually need. I've been longboard dancing for over eight years, and I can tell when a company actually gets it versus just making a long board and calling it a dance board.
The L-Train and No-Name models show serious attention to dancer-specific needs. The deck thickness varies along the length - thicker in high-stress areas where you're constantly stepping, thinner in flex zones where you want the board to respond to your movements. This isn't something you see on most dancing longboards.
The grip tape application is thoughtful too. Instead of full grip coverage, they use strategic grip zones that provide traction where you need it while leaving smooth areas for sliding your feet during dance moves. This shows they understand that dancing involves both locked-in positions and fluid foot movements.
The board's response to weight shifts is really well-tuned. During cross-stepping, you want the board to be stable enough that it doesn't throw you off balance, but responsive enough that you can use subtle weight shifts to maintain momentum. Deviate's dancing boards hit this balance better than most.
What I find particularly impressive is how they've addressed the durability issues that plague many dance boards. The constant foot traffic and impact from dance moves usually wears out boards pretty quickly. Deviate uses reinforced areas in high-wear zones, and the construction seems to hold up better to the abuse that dancing dishes out.
The flex memory is another standout feature. Many flexible boards lose their snap over time, especially with the repeated flexing that dancing involves. After several months of regular dancing sessions, the Deviate boards I've tested still have that lively feel that makes dancing enjoyable.
They've also thought about the aesthetics from a dancer's perspective. The graphics are positioned so they look good during dance moves and don't get completely destroyed by foot wear in the first month of use. It's a small detail, but it shows they understand the complete dancing experience.
Cruiser Models with Urban Performance Features
Deviate's cruiser lineup shows they understand urban riding challenges. The Bean and Pretender models aren't just scaled-down longboards - they're designed specifically for city environments where you need quick acceleration, tight turning, and easy portability.
The truck mounting on their cruisers is optimized for quick response. They use a mounting system that gives you more immediate turning response than standard top-mount configurations. This makes a huge difference when you're navigating crowded sidewalks or need to make sudden direction changes to avoid obstacles.
Size-wise, they've hit a sweet spot. The 32" length provides stability for longer rides while still being short enough to carry easily. I've commuted with The Bean for several weeks, and it's much more practical than full-size longboards for mixed transportation scenarios where you're walking part of the way.
\nThe wheel wells are designed to prevent wheel bite even with larger, softer wheels that are ideal for urban cruising. This lets you run the kind of longboard wheels that make city riding comfortable without worrying about the wheels hitting the deck during tight turns.
\nWhat sets their cruisers apart from typical mini cruisers is the attention to comfort during longer rides. The concave and standing platform are sized for extended riding sessions, not just short hops between classes. You can actually use these for serious transportation without your feet going numb.
\nThe kick functionality on models with tails is genuinely useful. Unlike decorative kicktails on many boards, Deviate's kicks are positioned and angled to actually work for lifting the nose or doing basic maneuvers. This makes navigating curbs and obstacles much easier during urban rides.
\nQuality Control and Manufacturing Standards
\nHaving seen plenty of longboards with quality issues over the years, I pay close attention to manufacturing consistency. Deviate's quality control seems to be several steps above what you typically see, even from established brands.
\nThe finish quality is immediately noticeable. The edges are cleanly sanded and sealed, the graphics are applied evenly without bubbles or misalignment, and the overall fit and finish looks more like custom work than mass production. This attention to detail suggests they're not just rushing boards through production.
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The hardware that comes with complete setups is higher quality than standard. Instead of generic bolts and nuts, they use properly sized hardware with good threading and corrosion resistance. The trucks and bearings that come on completes are name-brand components, not no-name parts.
\nConsistency between boards of the same model is impressive. I've ridden multiple examples of the same Deviate model, and they feel remarkably similar. This suggests good quality control in their manufacturing process - each board performs as intended rather than being a lottery where some boards are great and others are duds.
\nThe durability testing they seem to do shows in the final product. These boards hold up to regular use without developing the common problems you see with lower-quality longboards - delamination, cracked decks, or hardware failures. After months of regular riding, the boards still look and perform like new.
\nTheir approach to component selection for complete boards is thoughtful. Instead of just using whatever's cheapest, they seem to choose components that actually complement each board's design intentions. The wheel durometer, truck geometry, and bearing quality all make sense for each model's intended use.
\nWhat's particularly impressive is their consistency in flex characteristics. Flexible boards are notoriously difficult to manufacture consistently, but Deviate boards of the same model have very similar flex patterns. This suggests they have good control over their pressing and curing processes.
\nRider-Specific Customization Options
\nDeviate's approach to customization goes beyond just offering different graphics. They seem to understand that different riders have different needs, and they've built flexibility into their designs to accommodate this.
\nThe truck mounting options on some models allow for different wheelbases, which significantly changes how the board rides. Being able to adjust the wheelbase means you can tune the board's characteristics to match your riding style or specific needs. Shorter wheelbases make the board more maneuverable, while longer wheelbases provide more stability.
\nTheir grip tape options are more thoughtful than the typical "full grip or no grip" choice. They offer different grip patterns that work better for different riding styles. Dancers might want less grip coverage, while commuters might prefer more aggressive grip for security during quick stops and starts.
\nThe component packages they offer with complete boards can be customized based on riding style. Instead of one-size-fits-all setups, they provide options for different wheel durometers, truck geometries, and bearing qualities. This means you can get a complete board that's actually set up for your specific needs rather than having to immediately replace components.
\nWhat's really useful is their sizing guidance that goes beyond just height and weight recommendations. They provide guidance based on riding style, experience level, and intended use. This helps riders choose the right board for their actual needs rather than just picking based on looks or price.
\nThe ability to mix and match components while maintaining warranty coverage is also valuable. Many companies void warranties if you change any components, but Deviate seems more flexible about modifications as long as you're using quality parts appropriately.
\nTheir customer support for customization questions is reportedly quite good. Instead of just directing you to generic FAQs, they provide specific guidance based on your riding goals and experience level. This kind of support makes a big difference for riders who are trying to dial in their setup.
\nPerformance Comparison with Traditional Longboards
\nAfter extensive riding on both Deviate boards and traditional longboards, the differences in performance are significant enough that they're worth breaking down category by category.
\nStability at speed is where you really notice the engineering differences. Traditional longboards often get speed wobbles or feel unstable at higher speeds because their flex and geometry aren't optimized for speed control. Deviate boards maintain composure much better, particularly their dancing models which need to be stable during complex footwork.
\nTurning responsiveness is markedly different. Where traditional boards often feel sluggish or require significant effort to initiate turns, Deviate boards respond more immediately to weight shifts and lean input. This makes them much more enjoyable for carving and general cruising.
\nThe flex characteristics provide better energy return than standard flexible longboards. Instead of just absorbing energy, Deviate boards store and return energy in ways that actually help propel you forward. This is particularly noticeable during pumping or when generating speed through carving.
\nComfort during extended rides is substantially better. The vibration damping and flex patterns reduce fatigue compared to stiffer traditional boards, while still providing enough feedback to maintain control. This makes them much more practical for longer commutes or extended riding sessions.
\nDurability under stress appears superior to many traditional longboards. The construction methods and materials seem to handle the repeated stress of aggressive riding better than standard seven-ply maple construction. This translates to boards that maintain their performance characteristics longer.
\nVersatility across different riding styles is where Deviate really excels compared to traditional boards. Most longboards are optimized for one specific use, but Deviate boards perform well across multiple riding disciplines without significant compromises in any area.
\nThe learning curve for new riders seems gentler with Deviate boards. The predictable flex and responsive handling make it easier for beginners to develop good riding habits, while still providing enough performance for experienced riders to enjoy.
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Conclusion
\nDeviate Board's longboards represent a significant departure from traditional longboard design philosophy. Their focus on engineered flex patterns, thoughtful construction methods, and rider-specific features creates boards that perform noticeably better than conventional options. Whether you're interested in dancing longboards, urban cruising, or versatile all-around riding, Deviate offers boards that solve real problems rather than just following established formulas.
\nThe key differentiators - progressive flex zones, optimized geometry, quality construction, and thoughtful customization options - combine to create longboards that feel more responsive, comfortable, and durable than typical boards. For riders looking to upgrade from basic longboards or those seeking boards designed for specific riding styles, Deviate represents a compelling option that delivers tangible performance improvements.
\nIf you're considering a Deviate board, focus on matching the specific model to your primary riding style, but know that these boards typically perform well across multiple disciplines. The investment in better engineering and construction pays off in improved riding experience and longer-lasting performance.
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