Twin Tail vs Directional Skateboard Decks: What's the Difference

Flip most skateboards end to end and you will find the nose and tail are not quite the same. On a twin tail, they are. Here is the difference between twin tail and directional decks, how each one rides, and which to pick.

What a directional deck is

A directional deck has a front and a back. The nose is usually a little longer and a little steeper than the tail, so the board has a set orientation: nose forward, tail at the back. Many popsicle-shape street decks are built this way, and you get used to which end is which without thinking about it.

What a twin tail deck is

A twin tail deck - also called a symmetrical deck or a twin tip - has an identical nose and tail: same length, same kick, same shape. There is no front or back. Whichever end is forward is the nose.

Twin tail, twin tip, symmetrical: three names for the same idea. You will see all three used.

How they ride differently

• Switch and fakie. On a twin, your switch stance feels exactly like your regular stance, because both ends match. On a directional deck, riding switch means popping off the nose.
• Spins and 180s. Land a 180 on a directional deck and the nose and tail swap places under your feet. On a twin, it does not matter - the board feels the same either way.
• Nose tricks. On a directional deck, the slightly bigger nose gives nollies and nose manuals a different feel from tail tricks. On a twin, nose and tail tricks feel the same.
• Consistency. A directional deck always puts the same end in front, which some skaters like for muscle memory.

Which one should you ride

Go twin tail if you skate a lot of switch or fakie, ride park both directions, or hate landing a spin and ending up on the smaller kick.

Go directional if you like a set nose and tail, skate mostly regular, and want your nose tricks to feel distinct from your tail tricks.

Neither one is better. It comes down to how you skate. If you are not sure, a twin is the more forgiving choice, because you can never pick it up the wrong way round.

Quick answers

What is a twin tail skateboard?

A deck whose nose and tail are identical in length, shape and kick, so either end can be the front. It is also called a symmetrical deck or a twin tip.

Is a twin tail deck good for switch?

Yes - that is what it is built for. Because both ends match, switch and regular feel the same.

Is a twin tail deck harder to skate?

No. It rides like any other deck - both ends just happen to match.

How do you tell the nose from the tail on a twin?

On a true twin, you do not need to. Most skaters just use the graphic to decide which way is up.

Twin tail decks at Opera

Opera's symmetrical decks come in street sizes - the Transition Symmetrical deck runs in 8.25" and 8.5". Every twin in stock is on the symmetrical skateboard decks page. For the rest of the line, see all Opera skateboard decks, or the deck size guide if you are choosing a width. Order direct, or ask your local skate shop to get one in.