Santa Cruz VX & Powerply Decks: What's the Difference and Are They Worth It?

Santa Cruz Skateboards has been one of the most recognizable names in skateboarding since 1973. Known for legendary graphics, iconic riders, and decades of innovation, Santa Cruz continues to evolve by combining classic skateboard heritage with modern deck technology.

Two of their most popular constructions today are Powerply and VX Decks. While both offer premium quality and performance, they serve slightly different types of skaters.

If you're trying to decide between the two, here's everything you need to know.

What Are Santa Cruz Powerply Decks?

Powerply is Santa Cruz's premium traditional maple deck construction.

Manufactured using carefully selected North American maple veneers and advanced pressing techniques, Powerply decks are designed to deliver:

• Consistent shape and concave

• Reliable pop

• Improved durability

• The classic feel skaters expect from traditional maple decks

Powerply decks maintain the familiar response and flex characteristics that generations of skaters have grown to love while benefiting from modern manufacturing consistency.

Powerply Features

• 7-ply North American maple construction

• Individually pressed for consistent performance

• Traditional skateboard feel

• Premium quality veneers

• Available in classic Santa Cruz graphics and pro models

For skaters who appreciate the proven feel of a traditional skateboard deck, Powerply offers a refined version of the standard construction.

What Are Santa Cruz VX Decks?

VX Decks represent Santa Cruz's most advanced skateboard deck technology.

VX construction combines 5 plies of North American maple with 2 layers of Santa Cruz's proprietary Quad X Technology, creating a deck that is thinner, stronger, and designed to maintain its pop longer than traditional 7-ply maple decks.

The goal of VX technology is simple:

Deliver the familiar feel of a traditional skateboard while increasing strength and longevity.

Santa Cruz VX Features

• 5 layers of North American maple

• 2 layers of proprietary Quad X Technology

• Stronger than standard 7-ply decks

• Designed to maintain pop longer

• Increased resistance to breakage

• Thinner and lighter construction

• Available in iconic Santa Cruz graphics and pro models

VX vs Powerply: What's the Difference?

Are Santa Cruz VX Decks Stronger?

Yes.

The additional Quad X Technology reinforcement layers help improve the deck's structural integrity, making VX decks more resistant to breaking during high-impact skating.

Many skaters choose VX decks because they:

• Hold their pop longer

• Resist pressure cracks better

• Last through more sessions

• Offer increased confidence when skating larger obstacles

However, like any skateboard deck, they are not indestructible.

Do VX Decks Feel Different?

One of the biggest advantages of VX technology is that Santa Cruz designed these decks to retain a familiar skateboard feel.

Compared to some fully composite constructions, VX decks generally provide:

• Traditional flip response

• Natural flex characteristics

• Familiar board control

• Minimal adjustment period

Most skaters transition to VX decks without noticing a dramatic difference in performance—other than improved durability.

Who Should Ride Powerply Decks?

Powerply decks are ideal if you:

• Prefer traditional skateboard construction

• Enjoy trying different graphics frequently

• Rarely break decks

• Want premium quality at a lower price point

• Love the classic Santa Cruz feel

For many skaters, Powerply offers everything they need.

Who Should Ride VX Decks?

VX decks are an excellent choice if you:

• Skate frequently throughout the week

• Regularly break boards

• Skate larger gaps, stairs, or transition

• Want longer-lasting pop

• Prefer investing in a deck designed for durability

The higher upfront cost can often be justified by the increased lifespan.

Are Santa Cruz VX Decks Worth It?

For skaters who go through decks quickly, many would say yes.

The combination of:

• Enhanced durability

• Longer-lasting pop

• Reduced breakage potential

• Familiar skateboard feel

makes VX decks one of the most compelling premium deck constructions available today.

However, if you rarely break boards and enjoy changing setups often, Powerply may provide better overall value.

Final Thoughts

Santa Cruz continues to balance innovation with skateboarding tradition through both Powerply and VX constructions.

Powerply offers the premium feel of a refined traditional maple skateboard deck, while VX takes durability and performance a step further through advanced composite reinforcement technology.

Whether you're drawn to Santa Cruz for the legendary graphics, iconic history, or modern performance enhancements, both constructions deliver the quality that has kept Santa Cruz at the forefront of skateboarding for decades.

Ultimately, the right choice comes down to your skating style, how often you skate, and how much abuse your boards typically endure.