Keen Vs. OC Ramps: Pro Skater’s Guide To Picking Ideal Ramp

Published by

Matthew William

Hey there fellow skaters! If you’re looking to up your mini ramp game, you’re probably trying to decide between some of the top brands out there for ramps. Two of the biggest names are Keen Ramps and OC Ramps. I’ve skated both, so let me break down the key differences to help you figure out which ramp is best for you.

First up, Keen Ramps are known for their smooth, fast transitions and steep vert sections that are ideal for aerial tricks. OC Ramps tend to have a bit mellower transitions and smaller vert sections that are more street-style friendly.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Keen Ramps	OC Ramps
*Cost*	$$$ (Premium pricing)	$ (More affordable)
*Transitions*	Steep, vertical	Mellower, street-style
*Vert Size*	Larger vert sections	Smaller vert sections
*Construction*	High-quality materials	Good but step below Keen
*Performance*	Fast, smooth, great for airs	Better for street tricks
*Customization*	Fully customizable	Limited options
*Turnaround Time*	6-8 weeks	3-4 weeks

Overview

Keen Ramps

Steeper transitions and bigger vert sections
Fast and smooth – great “pumpability”
Ideal for airs and vert tricks
More expensive

Keen Ramps

OC Ramps

Mellower transitions, smaller verts
Better for street-style tricks
More affordable

Also Read: Comparison Between Maxi Climber And Maxi Climber XL.

Pros And Cons

Keen Ramps

Pros:

The steeper transitions and bigger vert sections make it easier to pump and generate speed for big airs. You can really blast airs on these ramps!
Super smooth and fast transitions. The curves are dialed in for speed and flow.
High quality materials and construction. Keen uses aircraft-grade plywood that stands up to abuse. Solid construction.
Cool features like coping and spines come standard.
Pool-style tile coping is grippy and durable.
Offer full customization options – build your dream ramp!

Also watch the video!

Cons:

More expensive – Keen ramps start around $3,000+ for a basic mini ramp. Full vert ramps are $$$.
Require more room due to the bigger footprint.
Not ideal for street skaters focused on ledges and rails.
Long lead times – often 6-8 weeks (but worth the wait).

So in summary, Keen Ramps are the premium choice designed for airing vert ramps and pools. The price reflects the pro-level quality and materials. If big airs are your thing, Keen can’t be beat.

OC Ramps

Pros:

OC Ramps

Cheaper price point starting around $1,500. More affordable for the average skater.
Transitions are mellower which helps newer ramp skaters build confidence. Easier to learn on.
Smaller vert sections are less intimidating for street skaters.
Take up less space than Keen Ramps. Can fit in more backyards.
Cool pool coping is standard. Provides grip while limiting hang-ups.
Faster order turnaround time – usually 3-4 weeks.

Cons:

won’t provide the same speed and air as Keen’s steeper transitions. Tricks may feel more limited.
Shorter vert sections limit the size of aerial tricks.
Not fully customizable – fewer options to tailor the ramp specs.
Materials and construction are good but a notch below Keen’s premium quality.

The bottom line for OC Ramps is that they provide a more affordable option for skaters looking for a mellower ramp focused on street tricks. The more laid back transitions and smaller vert sections cater to this style. If huge aerials aren’t your main goal, OC Ramps offer serious value and great quality for the price.

So Which Ramp is Right For You?

Here are some quick tips for choosing between Keen and OC:

Go with Keen Ramps if:

You want the highest quality materials and construction
Big airs and vert skating are your main goals
You have the space and budget for their premium ramps

Go with OC Ramps if:

Price is your main concern – OC is more budget friendly
You prefer a mellower ramp for learning or street tricks
You have limited space for a smaller footprint ramp

Both companies make awesome ramps – you really can’t go wrong! It just comes down your budget and the type of skating you want to do.

For more guidance, check out some of the ramp specs and browse the ramp galleries on each website. And don’t be afraid to call and talk with their ramp experts to dial in exactly what you’re looking for. Customization is key to getting the perfect ramp built for your needs.

OK, let’s get to the most frequently asked questions I get about ramps and building your own.

Also Read: Differences Between Vapor And Supreme.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I get better at mini ramp skating?

Here are 5 tips for improving your ramp skills:

Start on smaller ramps and work your way up. A 2-3 foot mini is ideal for learning fundamentals.
Master pumping to generate speed. Bend your knees and drive through transitions.
Learn axle stalls, rock pivots, kickturns, and basic grinds first. Master the basics.
Once comfortable, start trying smaller aerials like ollies, nollies, and straight airs. Build up gradually.
Watch videos and practice good technique. Stay low and balanced over the board.

And most importantly – wear pads and safety gear while pushing your limits! A quality helmet and pads can save from serious slams.

How to make a half pipe?

Building a basic halfpipe involves:

Designing the dimensions – 10-14 feet wide, 4-5 feet tall. Decide on transition radius.
Constructing the framing with 2×4 or 2×6 lumber. Build two opposing ramp structures with a flat section in between.
Sheathing the surface with smooth plywood. Screw sheets to the framing.
Adding coping cut from 1/8″ steel or high density polyethylene plastic.
Checking for flaws, sanding, and painting the surface. Make sure the transitions are smooth.
Consider adding a platform extension and stairs for accessibility.

For a proper halfpipe that stands the test of time, it’s best to hire an experienced ramp builder. Safety should be the top concern.

Is it hard to build a halfpipe?

Building a halfpipe is challenging and requires proper woodworking tools, construction skills, and knowledge of engineering principles. The difficulty lies in:

Designing smooth, rideable transitions that match your ability level. Complex math and planning involved.
Correct framing with lumber that can withstand the stresses involved. Precise angle cuts required.
Sheathing the surface so it is seamless and smooth. Any flaws will affect the ride.
Integrating coping that grinds smoothly while being sturdy enough to endure falls.
Meets building codes and safety standards. Improper construction can lead to serious injury.

Because of the complexity, having an experienced skate ramp builder handle the project is highly recommended over a DIY build for most people. Leave it to the pros and you’ll end up with a safer, higher quality ramp that will provide years of fun.

What materials do you need to build a half pipe?

Essential halfpipe materials include:

Framing lumber – 2x4s or 2x6s. Pressure treated recommended for outdoor ramps.
High quality plywood for sheathing the surface – 5/8″ or 3/4″ thickness. BC or void-free ply.
Coping – bent steel or HDPE plastic.
Masonry for any concrete footings or anchors.
Hardware – wood screws, t-nuts, bolts, nails, adhesive, etc. Stainless steel hardware for outdoor use.
Paint/sealer to protect the wood surface. Use high traction skate paint.
Tools – saws, drills, carpenter’s square, ladder, etc.
Safety gear – hard hat, harness, ropes, etc.

Having the right materials dialed in is crucial because the materials largely determine the quality, longevity, and safety of the ramp. Never cut corners here.

Also Read: Differences Between Joola And Selkirk Pickleball Paddles.

Wrapping Up…

Hopefully this breakdown gives you a solid idea of the key differences between Keen and OC ramps so you can decide which best matches your budget, skating style, and ramp needs.

And now you’ve got the basics to start planning out your own halfpipe build! Just take it slow, do your homework, and get ready to shred!