The Santa Cruz Screaming Hand 7.8" Complete Skateboard is a slightly smaller version of the popular 8.0" model, offering a more compact feel while still maintaining the iconic style and performance that Santa Cruz is known for. Perfect for skaters who prefer a narrower deck for technical street tricks or those with smaller feet, this complete skateboard is ready to shred out of the box. Here's a breakdown of its key features:
Deck
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Width: 7.8" — A narrower deck, perfect for riders who prefer a more responsive board for flip tricks and technical skating. It allows for quicker, more precise movements.
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Length: Typically around 31.25" — A similar length to the 8.0" but slightly more compact for easier control during technical tricks.
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Shape: Classic popsicle shape — Symmetrical and versatile, great for street, park, and technical riding.
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Material: 7-ply Canadian maple — Known for its strength and pop, this material provides a solid, durable deck that can withstand the rigors of street skating.
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Graphics: Features the iconic Screaming Hand graphic by Jim Phillips, a symbol of Santa Cruz’s legacy and a favorite among skateboarders since the 1980s.
Trucks
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Brand: Santa Cruz-branded or sometimes Independent (depending on the model) — Reliable, durable, and perfect for street and park skating.
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Width: Generally around 5.0" — These trucks are a great fit for the 7.8" deck, offering responsive turning and stability.
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Material: High-quality alloy for strength and longevity.
Wheels
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Diameter: 50mm — Smaller than the 52mm wheels on the 8.0" version, providing a quicker, more responsive feel on the streets. These wheels are ideal for technical street skating, flip tricks, and street obstacles.
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Hardness: 99A — These harder wheels provide excellent grip on smooth concrete, perfect for riders who want to maximize pop and slide control during technical tricks.
Bearings
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ABEC 5 Bearings (or sometimes ABEC 7 depending on the complete) — Smooth, reliable bearings that allow for decent speed and longevity, giving you consistent rolling for your tricks.
Grip Tape
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Black Grip Tape — Standard but durable, giving skaters solid traction and control during their rides and trick executions.
Performance & Riding Style
The Santa Cruz Screaming Hand 7.8" Complete is tailored for street skaters who want a lighter, quicker board. The narrower deck gives you more freedom to land flips and perform technical footwork. It’s also great for skaters with smaller feet who might feel more comfortable on a 7.8" board, as it offers improved control during complex foot movements. The setup is versatile enough for park use too, offering solid pop and stability for skating bowls and transitions.
Why It’s Popular
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Iconic Graphics: The Screaming Hand graphic is a piece of skate history and continues to be one of the most sought-after visuals in skate culture.
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Compact Design: The 7.8" width is great for technical street skating, making it easier to flip and perform quick, precise tricks.
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Durability: The 7-ply maple construction provides the strength needed for daily abuse while offering good pop for tricks.
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Complete Setup: This board comes fully assembled, so you can ride it right out of the box without the hassle of building your skateboard from parts.
Perfect For
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Street Skating: The 7.8" width is especially popular for technical street skating. It's light and responsive, great for flip tricks, grinds, and slides.
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Skaters with Smaller Feet: The narrower deck can be more comfortable for skaters with smaller shoe sizes, offering better control and responsiveness.
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Park Riders: While it's a street-focused board, the Screaming Hand 7.8" can handle park terrain as well, providing stability and pop on ramps and bowls.
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Collectors: The Screaming Hand design has remained iconic for decades, making it a favorite among collectors and those who appreciate the history of skate culture.
