Choosing the Right Skateboard for You
Choosing the right skateboard setup is important for both beginners and experienced skaters. The components you choose will impact the board's performance and your overall skating experience. Here are some key factors to consider when picking parts for your custom skateboard build.
Deck
The deck is the actual board you stand on. Consider the following deck options:
- Size - Standard deck sizes range from 7.5" to 8.5". Wider decks (8.25" and up) provide more stability for beginners. Narrower decks (7.75" and below) are better for experienced skaters doing tricks.
- Shape - Popsicle decks are symmetrical and best for technical street tricks. Cruiser boards are wider with square tails and are ideal for transitions and bowls. Old school boards have steep concave and a wider nose for vert skating.
- Concave - The concave describes the deck's curvature. A deeper concave locks your feet in better for control.
- Material - Most decks are maple, but carbon fiber and plastic decks are also available. Maple is the best balance of affordability, strength and weight.
Trucks
The skateboard trucks connect the wheels to the deck. Things to consider for trucks:
- Width - Wider trucks are more stable, while narrow trucks are better for flipping tricks.
- Height - Low trucks are more responsive with less wheel bite, while higher trucks are bouncier with more wheel clearance.
- Bushings - Softer bushings turn easier, while harder bushings are more stable. Bushings typically range from 78A to 95A hardness.
Wheels
Wheels impact both the ride feel and trick capabilities. Things to look at for wheels include:
- Diameter - Larger diameter wheels (56mm+) roll over objects better while smaller wheels (50mm-) are lighter for tricks.
- Width - Wider wheels (55mm+) provide more stability and traction. Narrower wheels (50mm-) are better for flipping.
- Durometer - Softer wheels (78A-87A) have more grip and cushioning. Harder wheels (90A-101A) have more "pop" and slide better.
Bearings
Bearings affect the wheels' spin and speed. Key factors include:
- ABEC rating - Higher ABEC ratings (9+ ABEC) have precision speeds. Most skaters are fine with average ABEC 5 rated bearings.
- Built-in spacers - Built-in spacers reduce rattle and the need for extra hardware.
- Removable shields - Removable rubber shields allow cleaning debris without damaging the bearings.
Considering all these factors will help you select the ideal components for the type of skating you want to do. Piece together parts that match your skill level, riding style and preferences. With the right skateboard parts selected, you'll be rolling in comfort and style.
Deck Types and Sizes
A skateboard's deck is the foundation of your setup. Deck size, shape, concave and material all impact the board's functionality. Here's an overview of the key deck options to consider for your skateboard build.
Deck Shapes
The three main deck shapes are:
- Popsicle - Symmetrical standard shape, best for street/trick skating
- Narrow nose and tail
- Steep concave
- Cruiser - Wider decks for stability, ideal for transitions
- Wider nose and tail
- Mellow concave
- Old School - Wide nose, popular for vert, pool riding
- Very wide nose
- Steep concave
Deck Sizes
Deck sizes range from 7 inches to over 8.5 inches:
| Deck Size | Best For |
|---|---|
| 7.0" - 7.5" | Technical street tricks |
| 7.75" - 8.0" | Street and park tricks |
| 8.25" - 8.50" | Transitions, bowls, beginners |
| 8.5" and up | Downhill, longboarding |
Wider decks provide more stability and foot space for beginners or cruising. Narrower decks are lighter and better for flip tricks.
Concave
The concave is the deck's curvature between the nose and tail. Deeper concaves cradle your feet better for control. Mellow concaves are more comfortable for cruising long distances.
Deck Materials
- Maple - The standard deck wood. Provides great balance of affordability, strength and weight.
- Carbon fiber - Very strong yet lightweight. Pricey but ideal for advanced tricks.
- Plastic - Affordable but less durable option. Best for young beginners.
- Bamboo - Slightly flexier than maple. Eco-friendly choice.
Considering your skating style, skill level, and preferences will help determine the ideal deck choice. Selecting the right size, shape, concave, and material builds the foundation for skating success.
Truck Types and Sizes
Skateboard trucks connect the wheels and axles to the deck. Truck size and design impact the board's turning, stability and weight distribution. Here are key factors to consider when selecting trucks.
Truck Sizes
Wider trucks provide more stability and control while narrow trucks are lighter for tricks. Standard width trucks range from:
- 5.0” to 5.25” - Narrow trucks for street skating
- 5.25” to 5.5” - Moderate width for all-around use
- 5.5" to 5.75" - Wide trucks ideal for pools, bowls, cruising
Wider trucks position your feet further apart for better balance. Narrow trucks are preferred for quickly flipping and spinning the board.
Truck Heights
Truck height impacts wheel bite and turning. Lower trucks reduce wheel bite while higher trucks allow deeper turns and rebound. Standard height trucks range from:
- Low - 50mm to 53mm: Increased stability, less wheel bite
- Mid - 54mm to 57mm: Balance of agility and smooth turning
- High - 57+ mm: Easier turning and rebound, risk of wheel bite
Higher trucks let you turn sharper without wheel bite but feel less stable at high speeds.
Truck Designs
The main truck designs are:
- Standard kingpin - Traditional adjustable design. Most versatile for street and park.
- Reverse kingpin - Provides sharper turning and stability. Ideal for downhill and cruising.
- Old school - Non-adjustable, limited turning. Best for transition skating.
Reverse kingpin trucks lean and turn more than standard trucks. Old school trucks provide rigid, surfboard-like feel great in pools and bowls.
Bushings
Bushings fit inside the trucks and impact turning resistance. Softer bushings (78A-83A) turn easier for cruising and bowls. Harder bushings (87A-95A) provide more stability for tricks and downhill.
Fine-tuning your bushing tightness and hardness helps customize the trucks’ responsiveness. Dialing in the right bushings prevents wheel bite while providing your desired turning and rebound.
Considering your riding style and terrain will guide you in selecting the optimal truck configuration to match your deck. Trucks form the crucial connection between board and pavement.
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Wheel Types and Sizes
Skateboard wheels greatly impact your ride. Small variances in wheel size and hardness make a big difference in performance. Here are key factors to consider for wheels:
Wheel Diameters
Wheels range from very small Street wheels to large Cruiser wheels:
- 50mm - 53mm: Small, light wheels best for tricks
- 54mm - 59mm: Mid-size all-around wheels, good balance
- 60mm+: Large, soft wheels for cruising over cracks and debris
Larger diameter wheels maintain momentum better and handle rough terrain more smoothly. Smaller wheels are easier to flip and control for technical tricks.
Wheel Widths
Wheel widths typically vary between:
- 50mm - 53mm: Narrow wheels reduce weight, ideal for tricks
- 54mm - 56mm: Moderate width, versatile for street, park, some cruising
- 57mm+: Wide shape provides grip and stability for downhill, sliding
Wider wheels feel more stable at high speeds. Narrower wheels are lighter and easier to flip.
Wheel Hardness
Wheel durometer or hardness is rated from soft (grippiest) to hard (most slide):
- 78A - 87A: Softer for cruising, provides traction
- 88A - 95A: Slightly harder, balanced for tricks and speed
- 96A - 101A: Very hard for slides, less grip
Softer wheels absorb impact better while harder wheels "pop" more for tricks. Meet in the middle with a moderate 88A-92A durometer for versatile performance.
Wheel Formula
Urethane skateboard wheels come in different formulas:
- Standard Urethane - All-around performance at an affordable price
- High-rebound - Light and fast with extra "pop" for tricks
- Downhill specific - Built for sliding and grip at high speeds
Premium wheel formulas provide high performance but cost more. Standard urethane wheels work well for most skating applications.
Fine-tuning your wheel setup enhances your skating for either tricks, cruising, or an ideal balance of both.
How to Get an Amazon Prime Subscription for Profit
Amazon Prime offers skaters, skateboarders, and scooter riders a great way to save money on gear. With some strategic planning, you can even turn a profit on your Prime membership when shopping for wheels, decks, trucks and more.
Find Exclusive Prime Deals
Amazon reserves some of its best limited-time discounts and flash sales exclusively for Prime members. Keep an eye out for Lightning Deals and Prime-only offers on skate products you were already planning to buy. The savings quickly add up.
Maximize Free Two-Day Shipping
Get your new skateboard parts fast with Prime's free two-day shipping. No minimum order value is required. Plan your purchases to take advantage of this perk. Bundle multiple items to outfit your complete skate build cost-effectively.
Share Prime with Family
Using Amazon Household, two adults and up to four teens can share one Prime membership. Split the annual fee between multiple skaters to save individually. Share streaming and other Prime perks too.
Flip Exclusive Access Products
Some high demand skate products are only available to Prime members initially. Scoop up trendy limited-edition decks, wheels or trucks and resell them online for a profit. Prime early access helps you score hot items to flip.
Save on Bulk Orders
Need lots of skate bearings, bolts or grip tape? Order in bulk with Prime to get free two-day shipping, even on large orders. The savings add up quickly compared to non-Prime orders.
With smart shopping strategies, an Amazon Prime subscription can easily pay for itself when buying skates, skateboards, scooters and accessories. The convenience and perks give you an edge to ultimately skate on a budget.
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