How to Choose the Right Skateboard for You

Your Guide to buying the best Skateboards

Overview

This Skateboard buying guide is designed to provide you with the information you need to make the best purchase for your skateboarding needs. We will dive into all the details so that you can find the perfect board, from size, shape, type, and more. We will also provide tips on how to get the most out of your skateboard, as well as helpful advice on safety and maintenance. By the end of this guide, you will have all the knowledge you need to choose your ideal skateboard, so you can get out and enjoy your next ride.

Key features

  1. Skateboard Deck - The skateboard deck is the main component of the skateboard, which is made up of the deck itself (the wood plank), the trucks, and the wheels. It's important to consider the shape, size, material and construction of the deck when shopping for a skateboard.
  2. Skateboard Trucks - The trucks are the metal connectors between the wheels and the skateboard deck. They are available in different sizes and shapes, and should be selected depending on the size and shape of the board.
  3. Skateboard Wheels - The wheels are the rubber parts of the skateboard that roll on the ground. They come in different sizes and shapes, and should be chosen depending on the type of riding you plan on doing.
  4. Skateboard Bearings - The bearings are the small metal pieces that are used to attach the wheels to the skateboard. They should be chosen based on the type of riding you plan on doing and the quality of the bearing.
  5. Skateboard Grip Tape - The grip tape is the adhesive material used to help the rider keep control of the skateboard. It should be chosen based on the size of the board and the type of riding you plan on doing.

See the most popular Skateboards on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Portability - Skateboards are much easier to transport than other forms of transportation such as cars and motorcycles, as they are relatively lightweight and compact.
  • Affordability - Skateboards are relatively inexpensive compared to other forms of transportation.
  • Fun - Skateboarding is a fun and exciting way to get around and can provide hours of enjoyment.
  • Convenience - Skateboards are easy to store and can be taken out quickly when needed.
  • Flexibility - Skateboards can be used for a variety of purposes such as transportation, tricks, and competitions.
  • Health Benefits - Skateboarding is a great way to get exercise and can improve overall physical health.
  • Environmental Benefits - Skateboarding is a great way to reduce carbon emissions, as it does not use any gas or electricity.

Cons

  • Cost: Skateboards can be expensive, especially if you are looking for premium components such as decks, wheels, trucks, and bearings.
  • Skill Level: Skateboarding takes a lot of skill and practice to be able to perform tricks. New riders may find it difficult to master.
  • Weather: Weather conditions can affect the performance of a skateboard, as certain surfaces can become slippery or too rough to ride.
  • Safety: The safety of skateboarding is a major concern, as there is always the risk of injury when riding a skateboard.
  • Maintenance: Skateboards require regular maintenance to ensure the board is in good working condition. This includes cleaning and lubricating the trucks, bearings, and wheels, as well as replacing worn or broken parts.

Best alternatives

  1. Scooters - Motorized or non-motorized scooters with two or three wheels, designed for transportation.
  2. Longboards - Longer and wider skateboards designed for long-distance travel.
  3. Penny Boards - Small plastic skateboards, lightweight and portable.
  4. Surfboards - Long and narrow boards designed for riding waves in the ocean.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Helmet – Protective headgear used to reduce the risk of injury.
  • Protective Gear – Pads and other protective clothing worn to reduce the risk of injury.
  • Grip Tape – A special material that is applied to the top of a skateboard deck to provide traction while skateboarding.
  • Skateboard Bearings – Small metal balls placed within the wheel that increase the speed and smoothness of ride.
  • Skateboard Trucks – The metal part of the skateboard that connects the wheels to the board.
  • Skateboard Wheels – The round pieces that roll when the skateboard is in motion.
  • Skateboard Deck – The flat piece of wood that serves as the platform of the skateboard.

Common questions

  1. What is a Skateboard? A skateboard is a type of sports equipment used for skateboarding. It consists of a specially designed wooden plank with two small wheels attached to the bottom. The board is propelled by pushing off with one foot while the other remains on the board, or by performing various tricks.
  2. What size skateboard should I buy? The size of the skateboard you should buy depends on several factors, such as your height, weight, and skill level. Generally, an 8-10 inch board is best for beginners, while a larger board (10-12 inches) is better for more experienced skaters.
  3. What types of skateboards are available? There are several types of skateboards available, including longboards, cruiser boards, and street boards. Longboards are typically used for cruising and riding downhill, cruisers are designed for shorter distances and tricks, and street boards are usually used for skate park riding and stunts.
  4. What construction materials are used to make skateboards? Skateboards are typically made from Canadian maple wood, fiberglass, and aluminum. The decks are usually made from layers of maple wood, and the trucks and wheels are made from aluminum or composite materials.
  5. What should I look for when buying a skateboard? When buying a skateboard, you should look for a board that is the right size for your height and skill level, is made from quality materials, and is suitable for the type of riding you plan to do. You should also make sure the trucks and wheels are securely attached and the bearings are in good condition.
  6. What safety gear should I wear when skating? When skating, it is important to wear the proper safety gear, such as a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. Wearing the right safety gear will help to protect you from potential injuries.

Trivia

In 1970, skateboarder Larry Stevenson published the first ever skateboarding magazine called Skateboarder Magazine. It was the first ever publication to showcase skateboarding as an art form, helping to spread the popularity of skateboarding across the globe. The magazine featured stories about the sport, highlighted famous skateboarders, and showcased skateboarding tricks. The magazine was well-received and even spawned a few spin-off brands. In 1978, Skateboarder Magazine was purchased by Transworld Skateboarding, and is still published today. To this day, Skateboarder Magazine is widely considered the most important source for skateboard culture and news. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.