About Santa Cruz Skateboards
Founded in 1973, Santa Cruz Skateboards is part of NHS Inc and has grown into a legend in the skate world. Their signature “Screaming Hand” art by Jim Phillips has become ubiquitous. The brand is known for pushing both artistic and technical limits in deck shape, graphics, and materials. Official Santa Cruz site gives full catalog and history.
Santa Cruz Decks: Prices & What You Get
Typical Price Range
In 2025, most Santa Cruz decks (blank or with graphics) fall in the ballpark of **USD $60 to $110** depending on model, shape, and tech (e.g. VX, reissues). For example, Tactics lists many decks in the $65–$105 range. Some premium or limited reissues may exceed $120.
Popular Models & Technologies
- Classic Dot / Screaming Hand / “Dot Series” – timeless staples, solid mid-price range.
- VX Decks – lighter, more responsive; often priced higher.
- Reissues / Old School Shapes – skate-culture collector appeal; may carry premium pricing.
Material, Construction & Value Factors
Most Santa Cruz decks are made from North American maple and use multi-ply construction. VX decks introduce proprietary layers for reduced weight and increased pop. When assessing value, consider:
- Number of plies / laminate technique (VX, Everslick, etc.)
- Graphic complexity or licensing (limited runs cost more)
- Shape / size (wide, long, or shaped decks often cost more)
- Whether it’s a reissue or collector’s edition
Sample Deck Prices
| Model | Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Dot 8.25” | ~ $65 – $80 | Standard graphic — often baseline pricing |
| Wooten Part One VX | ~ $95 – $105 | VX tech commands premium |
| Reissue / Limited edition | $100 – $130+ | Collector value or specialty shapes |
Santa Cruz Complete Skateboards: Pricing & Options
Typical Price Range
Santa Cruz completes (board built with trucks, wheels, bearings, etc.) are commonly priced between **USD $120 to $200+** depending on components and size. At Skate Warehouse, many completes are priced around $122.95. Higher-end or shaped models push into the $180–$200+ range.
What You Get in a Complete
A good complete includes:
- Santa Cruz deck
- Trucks (brands like Ace, Independent, etc.)
- Wheels (OJ, Globe, or Santa Cruz wheels)
- Bearings (standard ABEC or premium)
- Grip tape, hardware, risers (if needed)
Choosing the Right Complete
Consider:
- Your skill level — beginner completes will have more forgiving components
- Component brands — better trucks and wheels add value
- Wheel size / durometer for your riding style (street vs cruiser vs park)
- Your desired deck shape or width
Sample Complete Prices
| Complete | Typical Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Dot Mid Complete | ~ $122.95 | Standard parts, mid-width size |
| Screaming Hand Fade Complete | ~ $122.95 | Same baseline price, more graphic appeal |
| Pigalodon Complete (shaped / specialty) | ~ $181.95 | Shaped model commands higher price |
Santa Cruz Wheels: Price & Performance
Typical Price Range
Standalone Santa Cruz wheels (or Santa Cruz-branded wheels via OJ or Slime Balls branding) generally cost between **USD $30 and $60** per set. Listings for “Santa Cruz wheels” appear widely across e-commerce platforms.
Wheel Types & Use Cases
- Street / park wheels — smaller diameter, harder durometer, for tricks and technical skating
- Cruiser / old-school / shaped wheels — larger, softer, designed for smooth cruising
- Reissue / specialty wheels — limited editions, collectibility premium
Size, Durometer & Fit
When choosing wheels, keep in mind:
- Diameter (e.g. 54mm, 60mm, 65mm) — larger wheels roll over cracks easier
- Durometer (e.g. 97A, 99A) — harder wheels are faster but less forgiving
- Fit with trucks and deck clearance — too big may wheelbite
Example Wheels
Some classic or reissue wheels tied to Santa Cruz branding include:
- Santa Cruz / OJ Teamrider reissue 61mm wheels (used in cruiser completes)
- Slime Balls / Santa Cruz wheel sets advertised via eBay listings
Decks vs Completes vs Wheels: Which to Buy?
Here’s when each makes sense:
- Buy a deck — you already have trucks / wheels or want full customization
- Buy a complete — you want a ready-to-ride setup without guesswork
- Buy just wheels — to upgrade or replace worn wheels
Here’s a quick price comparison of typical mid-tier options:
| Option | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Deck only | $65 – $105 |
| Complete setup | $120 – $180+ |
| Wheel set only | $30 – $60 |
If your budget allows, a complete often gives better cost per component, but a deck + separate high-end trucks & wheels may outperform stock completes in performance.
Where to Buy Santa Cruz Gear Safely
To ensure authenticity and avoid fakes:
- Buy from the official Santa Cruz site or authorized dealers.
- Trusted skate shops / retailers (Zumiez carries Santa Cruz range)
- Major online skate retailers (Tactics, Skate Warehouse) with reputation checks.
- Check graphic alignment, finish quality, and seller credentials when buying online used or via marketplaces
Care & Maintenance Tips
To get the most out of your Santa Cruz gear:
- Store decks flat, away from moisture or heat
- Clean grip tape by using grip gum or brush (don’t soak deck)
- Rotate wheels periodically to equalize wear
- Replace bearings or wheels when performance drops
Popular FAQs
Are Santa Cruz decks worth the price?
Yes. They typically offer good durability, strong graphics, and the branding and heritage often add resale or collector value. Your actual value depends on which model and how it’s used.
What’s the difference between VX decks and standard decks?
VX decks are lighter and designed for more pop and responsiveness. The tradeoff can be a bit less blunt-edge durability in some cases. Many riders prefer VX for trick-heavy skating.
Do Santa Cruz completes come with quality parts?
Mostly yes. Mid-tier completes use solid trucks, bearings, and wheels. But they won’t match the performance of high-end separate components. Use them to start, then upgrade parts as needed.
How do Santa Cruz wheels compare to Spitfire or Bones?
It depends on the model. Spitfire and Bones often dominate in aggressive street/park performance due to proprietary urethane formulas. Santa Cruz offers solid cruiser and reissue wheels, but for pure street performance many still prefer Spitfire/Bones.
When should I replace my deck, wheels, or bearings?
Replace the deck if cracks form near the truck holes or nose/tail delaminate. Wheels should be replaced when they become too square or uneven. Bearings get sluggish or noisy — replace them yearly if you skate often.
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Conclusion
Santa Cruz continues to deliver products that combine skate heritage with modern performance. In 2025, expect to spend $60–$110 for a deck, $120–$200+ for a complete, and $30–$60 for wheels. Always consider materials, components, and your ride style. Buy from trusted sources, maintain your gear well, and you’ll get maximum life and performance out of every Santa Cruz product.
Roman Cyrus