Professional Fingerboards Explained: Materials, Precision & Performance

Fingerboarding is no longer just a nostalgic pastime—it has evolved into a fast-growing community and creative outlet with a serious dedication to detail. Sure, many of us started with plastic Tech Decks and ramps made from textbooks, but today’s pro fingerboards are a different beast entirely.

They’re fine-tuned, made from premium materials, and built for those who demand more from their setup. But what actually makes a fingerboard professional? Is it just marketing jargon, or do these setups truly offer next-level performance?

Let’s break it all down—from materials to craftsmanship—and explore what sets a professional fingerboard apart.

What Is a Professional Fingerboard?

A professional fingerboard is essentially a precision-crafted miniature skateboard. Unlike mass-produced plastic models found in toy stores, these boards are typically handcrafted by boutique brands or individual makers with serious expertise.

Key Features of a Pro Fingerboard:

Wooden decks with multi-ply construction for durability and pop

CNC-machined trucks for precision turning and grinds

Real bushings and washers for better responsiveness

Urethane wheels for grip and realism

High-quality grip tape for enhanced control

In short, a fingerboard pro setup is designed to replicate the look and feel of a real skateboard—just scaled down.

Deck Materials: Why Wood Wins

One of the first things you’ll notice with a professional fingerboard is the deck material. Rather than cheap plastic, these boards are usually crafted from 5-ply or 7-ply Canadian maple wood—just like the real thing.

Why It Matters:

Durability: Multi-layered wood offers superior strength and longevity

Pop: The layered structure gives better "snap" for tricks like kickflips

Responsiveness: Wood decks feel more natural and controlled under your fingers

Some makers also experiment with carbon fiber, fiberglass, or bamboo, offering additional performance tweaks like lightness or rigidity.

Precision Trucks: The True Game Changer

The trucks—those small metal axles under the board—are another major difference.

Entry-Level vs. Pro Trucks:

Basic setups use plastic or pot metal trucks that wobble, grind poorly, and break down easily

Pro setups use CNC-machined aluminum trucks, crafted with high precision, making turns smoother and grinds much more satisfying

Wheels & Bearings: Rolling Like a Real Skateboard

Forget slippery, noisy plastic wheels. Professional fingerboard wheels are made from urethane, the same material used in real skateboard wheels.

Benefits of Urethane Wheels:

More grip across different surfaces

Smoother ride

Longer roll time, especially when paired with ABEC-rated bearings

Whether you're rolling on wood, marble, or concrete surfaces, quality wheels enhance your overall flow and precision.

Grip Tape That Actually Grips

Cheap fingerboards come with paper-thin grip tape that feels like a sticker. In contrast, pro fingerboards use foam grip tape—soft to the touch but grippy enough to enhance control during tricks.

Some brands even offer custom cuts, colors, and textures, allowing you to personalize your board and elevate both performance and style.

Why Size & Shape Matter

Professional fingerboards aren't one-size-fits-all. Shapes, sizes, and concave profiles vary to match different riding styles.

Key Differences:

Width: While 32mm was once standard, 34mm boards are now preferred for added stability

Concave and Kick Angles: These affect how tricks flick, flip, and feel under your fingers

Tail & Nose Design: Each model is crafted for specific styles—whether it's technical street tricks or smooth cruising

The right shape and size can make or break your consistency and trick execution—just like in full-size skateboarding.

Performance: What It Feels Like to Ride Pro

Once you switch to a professional setup, the difference is immediate.

Snappier pop for tricks

Responsive feel for finger placement

Smoother grinds

Better balance for manuals

Overall precision in your riding

It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about performance. Everything from the build material to manufacturing tolerances is optimized for real use.

Are Professional Fingerboards Worth It?

If you’re just starting out, you might hesitate at the price of a professional fingerboard. But here’s the truth:

Yes, They’re Worth It—If You’re Serious

They last longer than cheap setups

They accelerate your learning curve

They make tricks easier to land

They simply feel better and more fun to use

Plus, by buying from pro fingerboard brands, you're usually supporting independent makers and small businesses—real fingerboarders making gear for the community.

Final Thoughts

Fingerboarding has evolved far beyond its toy roots. Today’s professional fingerboards deliver a skate-like experience in the palm of your hand.

With handcrafted wooden decks, precision-engineered trucks, smooth urethane wheels, and customizable grip tape, these boards help you perform tricks cleaner, faster, and with more style.

Whether you’re learning your first ollie or practicing laser flips on a mini stair set, going pro isn’t just about the gear—it’s about unlocking your potential.