Choosing the Right Skateboard for You
Choosing the right skateboard can be overwhelming for beginners. With all the different sizes, shapes, and components, how do you know what's best for you? Here's a guide to help you pick out the perfect skateboard to match your riding style and experience level.
Types of Skateboards
There are a few main types of skateboards to consider:
- Longboards - Longer decks (usually over 33 inches) with larger, softer wheels. Best for cruising, carving, commuting, and higher speeds. More stable.
- Shortboards - Shorter decks (28-32 inches) with smaller, harder wheels. Best for tricks, the skatepark, and street skating. More nimble.
- Cruisers - In-between longboards and shortboards. Medium sized decks with mid-sized, soft wheels. Best for casual riding and commuting. A versatile hybrid.
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Skateboard Shapes
In addition to different sizes, skateboard decks come in various shapes:
| Shape | Description |
|---|---|
| Popsicle | Classic symmetrical shortboard shape. Best for street skating and tricks. |
| Fish | Wider shortboard with a stubby nose. More surface area for feet. Good for transition skating. |
| Cruiser | Casual commuter shape. Kicktail on one end. Comfortable with good turning. |
| Longboard | Long decks with rounder ends for stability. Different shapes optimized for carving, cruising, downhill, etc. |
Choosing the Right Width
Narrower boards are lighter and better for flip tricks. Wider boards offer more stability and foot space:
- Narrow - 7.5-8.25 inches
- Medium - 8.25-8.5 inches
- Wide - 8.5-9+ inches
Wheel Size and Hardness
Bigger, softer wheels provide more traction and a smoother ride. Smaller, harder wheels are faster with better pop for tricks:
- Small - 50-54mm, 99-101A
- Medium - 54-60mm, 95-99A
- Large - 60-75mm, 78-87A
Truck Height and Width
Higher trucks are more stable while lower trucks are more nimble. Narrow trucks are lighter, wide trucks are more stable. Standard sizes include:
- Low - 5.0-5.25 inches
- Mid - 5.25-5.5 inches
- High - 5.5-5.75 inches
- Narrow - 5.0-5.25 inches
- Wide - 8.0-8.5 inches
Picking the Right Deck
Combine your preferred width, length, shape, and tail style. Maple wood offers the best pop and durability. Avoid no-name brands. Some top skateboard deck brands include:
- Element
- Enjoi
- Birdhouse
- Anti Hero
- Real
- Zero
- Plan B
- Girl
- Chocolate
Choosing the ideal skateboard involves balancing your experience level, riding style, and intended use. Talk to experienced skaters and shop employees for personalized recommendations. With the right board, you'll be shredding in no time!
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Skateboard Types: Longboards, Shortboards, and Cruisers
There are three main types of skateboards - longboards, shortboards, and cruisers. Each is designed for a different riding style and terrain.
Longboards
Longboards are the largest type of skateboard. They have wide decks usually over 33 inches long. The wheels are large and soft for better roll and traction. Longboards excel at high speeds and long distance riding.
- Deck Shape - Usually a pintail or drop-through deck for stability at speed.
- Deck Material - Often made with bamboo for flexibility.
- Wheels - Large soft wheels around 70mm. Great roll and grip.
- Trucks - Wide for stability. Reverse kingpin for responsiveness.
Longboards are great for cruising, commuting, and carving hills. Some popular styles include:
- Downhill - Stiff boards with precision trucks for speed runs.
- Cruiser - Flexy boards for easy pushing and turning.
- Freeride - Boards made for sliding and drifting.
- Dancing - Long decks for cross-stepping and pirouettes.
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Shortboards
Shortboards, also called popsicle sticks, are compact skateboards made for tricks and technical street skating. They have short decks from 28-32 inches long.
- Deck Shape - Popsicle or shaped into kicktails and concave.
- Deck Material - Maple plywood for pop and durability.
- Wheels - Small and hard around 52-56mm for acceleration.
- Trucks - Low for quick turns and flips.
Shortboards excel at flip tricks, grinds, and riding skateparks and urban features. Some common variants include:
- Street - Popcicle sticks optimized for ledges, stairs, and city skating.
- Park/Vert - Boards for transition skating in bowls and on ramps.
- Pool - Boards shaped for shredding empty pools.
Cruisers
Cruisers strike a balance between longboards and shortboards. They have medium deck lengths from 32-35 inches. The wheels are also mid-sized for casual riding.
- Deck Shape - Various hybrid shapes often with kicktails.
- Deck Material - Maple, bamboo, carbon fiber, plastic.
- Wheels - Mid-size and hardness for cruising around.
- Trucks - Moderate width and height.
Cruisers are extremely versatile for commuting, getting around town, mellow hills, and having fun. Some examples include:
- Retro - Plastic penny-board style cruisers.
- Old School - Big soft wheels and wide trucks.
- Hybrid - Mix of longboard and shortboard elements.
Choosing between a longboard, shortboard, and cruiser depends on your riding style and needs. Talk to experienced local skaters to dial in the perfect setup.
Skateboard Parts Explained
A skateboard is made up of several components that work together to enable riding. The main skateboard parts include the deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, and hardware.
Deck
The deck is the wooden plank that forms the riding surface of the skateboard. It comes in different shapes, sizes, and concave styles.
- Shape - Popsicle, cruiser, longboard, etc.
- Length - Typically 28-35 inches.
- Width - 7.5-9.5 inches wide usually.
- Concave - Curved indent for better foot grip.
- Material - Usually hard rock maple.
- Construction - Glued plywood or composite.
Trucks
Trucks connect the wheels to the deck and allow steering. They consist of:
- Hanger - Axle that holds the wheels.
- Baseplate - Mounts to the deck.
- Bushings - Rubber cushions for turning and shock absorption.
- Kingpin - Large bolt that holds it together.
Key truck measurements:
- Height - Low, Mid, or High.
- Width - Narrow or Wide.
- Pivot Angle - For turn sharpness.
Wheels
Skateboard wheels attach to the trucks and roll on the riding surface. They come in different sizes and hardness:
- Diameter - Small 52-54mm to Large 70-75mm.
- Width - Slim to Fat.
- Hardness - Measured in "durometer" from soft (78A) to hard (101A).
- Material - Polyurethane (PU) is standard.
Bearings
Bearings fit inside the wheels and enable fast, smooth rolling. Key features:
- Material - Steel, titanium, ceramic.
- Shields - Protect against debris.
- Speed Rating - ABEC rating from 1-9.
- Lubrication - Grease or oil.
Grip Tape
Griptape is applied to the top of the deck to add traction:
- Sandpaper-like grip surface.
- Various textures and designs.
- Pre-cut sheets or custom application.
Hardware
Various mounting hardware holds the skateboard together:
- Bolts - Connect trucks to deck.
- Nuts - Tighten trucks and wheels.
- Risers - Optional lift between deck and trucks.
There are also optional accessories like rail guards, shock pads, and more. Customizing your skateboard parts allows you to dial in the perfect setup for your style.
Buying Your First Skateboard
Buying your first skateboard can be daunting, but also super exciting! Follow this beginner's guide to choose the right components and setup for learning to skate.
Pick Your Skateboard Style
First decide how you want to ride. The main options are:
- Street/Park - For tricks, skateparks, ramps, and urban areas.
- Cruising - For casual riding around town or commuting.
- Downhill/Freeride - For speedy rides down hills and sliding.
- Long Distance - For commuting long stretches or pumping around.
Deck Types
The deck shapes and sizes differ based on riding style:
| Style | Deck |
|---|---|
| Street | Short popsicle or shaped deck, 7.5-8.25" wide. |
| Cruising | Wider cruiser deck 8.0-8.5" with kicktail(s). |
| Downhill | Long stiff deck 9-10" wide with wheel wells. |
| Long Distance | Long flexible deck 8.0-9.0" wide. |
Choose Your Trucks
Truck height and width also varies by riding type:
- Street - Low or Mid height, 5.0-5.25" width.
- Cruising - Mid height, 5.25-5.5" width.
- Downhill - Mid or High height, 5.5-6.0" width.
- Long Distance - Mid or High height, 5.5-6.0" width.
Pick Wheels for Your Needs
Wheel size and hardness impacts riding too:
- Street - Small (50-56mm), hard wheels (98-101A).
- Cruising - Mid-size (56-65mm), medium wheels (87-95A).
- Downhill - Mid to large (65-75mm), soft wheels (75-85A).
- Long Distance - Large (70-75mm) soft wheels (78-87A).
Complete vs. Custom Build
You can either buy:
- A pre-assembled complete skateboard.
- A custom setup by picking individual components.
Complete boards are simpler for beginners. Custom builds allow more control.
Where to Buy From
Purchase at your local skate shop or reputable online skate retailers like:
- Skatewarehouse.com
- Ccs.com
- Tactics.com
- Daddiesboardshop.com
Avoid big box sporting good stores or generic online retailers. Go with established skate brands.
Set It Up Safely
Install grip tape, assemble with correct hardware, and adjust trucks properly. Consider safety gear like a helmet and pads. Now you're ready to start skating on your new board!
Skateboard Equipment
Skateboarding equipment is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some of the best skateboard equipment options:
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Skateboard Accessories
Skateboard accessories can enhance your skateboarding experience and keep you safe while enjoying the sport. Here are some of the best skateboard accessories available on Amazon:
These accessories can help you improve your skills, keep your skateboard in good condition, and protect your body while skateboarding.
