How to Buy a Skateboard
So you want to buy a skateboard? I bet you're overwhelmed by everything available to you, Don't be we’re here to help!
(Please note this guide is for a “regular” skateboard, one you can do tricks on, this information will apply differently to other types of skateboards, ie, longboards, cruisers or surf skates)
In this article, we will go through everything you can get for your four-wheeled friend and how to look after them properly, we're going to go over everything from wheelbase to pivot cups, so strap in this one is going to be lengthy.
Completes Or
Build Yourself?
You’ve got two options when buying a skateboard, either buying a complete skateboard or building one yourself.
There are many complete skateboards on the market however, if you don't know what you are looking for it is very easy to accidentally buy a skateboard that is not fit for purpose. A skateboard from a toy outlet or any shop that isn't a skate shop just isn’t worth it.
Completes are great to get started and get a taste of skateboarding, your local skate shop will have many to choose from, you should be spending around £90-£110 for a decent complete skateboard, anything under this price bracket usually is just a bit naff.
Whilst completes are great unfortunately buying a skateboard is a “what you pay is what you get” situation if you invest in the top quality parts your skateboarding journey is going to be that little bit easier. When buying a complete you are looking at spending around £100, whilst building a ‘professional’ set up you are looking at anywhere from £200-£250, which if you do get properly into skateboarding you will end up spending later down the line bringing your total spend to around £300-£350, investing in a professional set up not only saves you a little bit of moola but will make learning to skateboard that little bit easier which makes a huge difference.
If you're going to buy a complete and wondering about size please read on and look over the ‘Decks’ section where we break down what size actually means.
Decks
So you’ve decided to build your own, good choice. Let’s start with decks, there’s a few things that go into picking your deck size, shape, and design. We’re going to talk dimensions first, there’s a lot that goes into this so if you’d like to do some extra research then please do this is just an overview.
Width
Skateboards range from about 7.5” wide - 10” wide with a few exceptions, typically decks width changes in increments, 7.5”, 7.75”, 8.0”, 8.25”, 8.5”, 8.75”, 9.0” and so on, the standard these days is around 8.0”-8.5”.
A lot of people assume you should buy a certain sized skateboard for a certain sized person, While this is loosely true width is more of a personal preference decision, a wider deck will give you more control of the board by allowing you to have more space to move around while on the board, but the board will be more difficult to maneuver whilst doing flip tricks. On the other hand, a thinner board will maneuver in the air a lot faster but you lose out on more control. It’s a give-and-take meaning you have to experiment with deck width over your skateboarding journey to find what width works for you.
Typically speaking the deck should be just smaller than your feet, with a little bit of your toes and heels hanging off the side of the board a bit like this:
Wheelbase
The wheelbase of a skateboard refers to the distance between the two sets of wheels, or more specifically, the distance between the inner mounting holes of the skateboard trucks (the metal parts that hold the wheels).
Here’s why the wheelbase matters:
Stability: A longer wheelbase makes the skateboard more stable, especially at higher speeds, because it creates a wider stance.
Maneuverability: A shorter wheelbase makes the skateboard more responsive and easier to turn. Skateboards with shorter wheelbases are often used for street skating and quick turns.
The wheelbase affects how the skateboard feels and handles when riding. Longer is more stable but less nimble, while shorter is easier to maneuver but can feel less steady. Just like width this is a give-and-take situation
Length
The length of a skateboard is simply how long the deck is from tip to tip. It's measured from the very front, called the "nose," to the very back, called the "tail." Here's how skateboard length matters:
Shorter boards (28-32 inches): These are more common for street or trick skating. They're easier to flip, spin, and control in tight spaces, which makes them great for tricks and skate parks.
Longer boards (over 32 inches): These are often used for cruising, downhill riding, or longboarding. They provide more stability, especially at higher speeds, but are harder to maneuver for technical tricks.
shorter boards are more agile and better for tricks, while longer boards offer more stability and are ideal for cruising or speed.
Shape
Skateboards come in many different shapes some are more frequent than others. if you are buying your first skateboard it’s best to stick to a “Popsicle” shaped board, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it! Like this:
Concave
Skateboard concave refers to the curved shape of the deck's surface. If you look at a skateboard from the front or back, you'll notice that the edges of the deck curve slightly upward. This is the concave shape, and it's there to improve control and performance. Here's how different concave shapes affect skating:
Mild Concave: The curve is gentle. This type gives you more foot space, making it comfortable for cruising and beginners. However, it may not give as much grip for tricks.
Medium Concave: This is the most common. It strikes a balance between comfort and control, giving skaters good foot grip for tricks while still being comfortable enough for general riding.
Steep Concave: The curve is more pronounced. It gives skaters excellent control for flips and technical tricks because your feet lock into place better, but it can be less comfortable for long rides.
Concave shapes are designed to make it easier to control the board, especially during turns and tricks, by providing better grip and foot placement.
Trucks
Trucks are the heart of your skateboard its where everything happens, without a decent set of trucks skateboarding sucks.
Size
Skateboard truck size refers to the width of the trucks, which are the metal T-shaped parts that hold the wheels. The size of the trucks is important because it affects how your board handles and balances. Here's what you need to know about truck size:
Truck Width: The width of the trucks should match the width of your skateboard deck. Trucks are measured by the width of their hanger (the horizontal part that holds the wheels) or sometimes by the overall axle width (the full length from one wheel to the other). If the trucks are too wide or too narrow for your deck, it can affect stability and turning, unfortunately, truck brands don’t use a standardized measurement system so each company calls there sizes different things, the important take home is that the overall width of the trucks matches the overall width of the skateboard.
Bushings
Skateboard truck bushings are small, rubber-like rings located on the skateboard trucks. They play a crucial role in how your skateboard turns and feels when you ride. Bushings sit between the metal parts of the trucks, cushioning the turning mechanism and making the board more or less responsive, depending on their hardness and shape.
Hardness:
Soft bushings: These make it easier to turn because they compress more when you lean, giving you a looser, more responsive feel. They're great for skaters who like to carve, cruise, or make sharp turns.
Hard bushings: These provide more resistance when you turn, making the board feel stiffer and more stable. They’re ideal for skaters who prefer control at high speeds, like downhill riders, or for heavier skaters.
Shapes:
Cone bushings: These are shaped like cones and offer more flexibility, making turns easier and smoother. They’re often used by skaters who want a more maneuverable ride.
Barrel bushings: Shaped like barrels, these are thicker and provide more stability by restricting how much the trucks can turn. They're often used for higher speeds or when more control is needed.
Double Cone vs. Cone/Barrel Combo:
Double Cone: This setup gives maximum turnability, often used by street skaters or those who want a super loose feel.
Cone/Barrel Combo: A more balanced setup, with a cone on top for turning and a barrel on the bottom for stability. This setup is common in all-around skating.
In short, bushings are essential for how your skateboard feels when you turn. Softer bushings make turning easier, while harder ones offer more stability, and the shape (cone or barrel) fine-tunes that balance between flexibility and control.
Brands
Buying skateboard trucks from a reputable brand is important because:
Durability: High-quality materials ensure trucks don’t break or wear out quickly.
Performance: Well-made trucks provide smoother turning, stability, and control.
Safety: Strong, reliable trucks reduce the risk of accidents or hardware failure.
Longevity: Good trucks last longer, saving you money over time.
Better Components: Premium bushings and parts improve turning and overall performance.
Precision: Properly engineered trucks ensure balance and smoother rides.
In short, quality trucks improve your ride, safety, and long-term value.
Here are some of our favorites: Ace, Independent, Thunder, Venture, Slappy, Lurpiv
Wheels
Skateboard wheels are a crucial component of a skateboard, influencing performance, ride quality, and maneuverability. Here's an overview of their key aspects:
Durometer (Hardness or A rating)
Measured on a scale (typically 78A to 101A for skateboard wheels), durometer indicates the hardness of the wheel:
Soft Wheels (78A - 87A): Provide better grip and shock absorption, making them suitable for cruising and rough terrain.
Medium Wheels (88A - 95A): Offer a balance of grip and durability
Hard Wheels (96A - 101A): Best for smooth surfaces and tricks, providing less grip but better slide.
Diameter
Wheel size typically ranges from 50mm to 60mm:
Smaller Wheels (50mm - 54mm): Suitable for technical tricks and street skating, providing more control and less momentum.
Medium Wheels (55mm - 58mm): Versatile for street and park skating, offering a balance between speed and control.
Larger Wheels (59mm - 60mm and above): Better for cruising and downhill riding, providing more speed and stability.
Shape and Profile
Wheels come in various shapes:
Square-edged: Provide more grip and a stable feel.
Round-edged: Allow for easier slides and tricks but less grip.
The profile can also affect performance, influencing how the wheel interacts with the surface. Many brands have their own names for different shapes, please do your research on the brand you would like to use to pick the perfect shape for you.
Brand and Aesthetics
Various brands offer a wide range of styles, colors, and designs, allowing skateboarders to personalize their boards.
Choosing the right skateboard wheels involves considering the type of skating you plan to do, the terrain you'll be riding on, and your personal preferences regarding hardness, size, and style. Each component plays a role in the overall performance and feel of your skateboard.
Hardware
All hardware is pretty much the same, you have two decisions to make: Allen or Phillips and the length of your hardware, Allen or Phillips just refers to how the bolt is tightened they either have a Phillips or Allen eyelet on the top of the bolt.
What’s important is the length if you are using riser pads you will need longer bolts to fit both the truck and the riser pad, 7/8" will fit most trucks with no riser pads, 1" will fit most trucks, and thinner riser pads, 1 1/4" will fit the majority of riser pads and truck combos. You just don’t want the hardware to be too long or too short.
Bearings
Skateboard bearings are small, metal components that fit inside the wheels, allowing them to spin smoothly. They are typically made from steel or ceramic and come in standard sizes (usually 8mm inner diameter). Bearings are rated using the ABEC scale, which measures precision (higher ABEC ratings like 7 or 9 indicate smoother, faster spinning). Properly maintained bearings (cleaned and lubricated) are essential for smooth riding and speed.
Griptape
Grip tape is a rough, sandpaper-like material applied to the top of a skateboard deck for traction. It helps riders maintain control by providing grip for their shoes, allowing them to perform tricks and stay stable while riding. The grip tape is adhesive on one side, which sticks to the deck, and the rough texture on the other side ensures the rider’s feet stay in place. It can be customized with cutouts or designs but generally needs to be replaced when worn down for optimal performance.
Everything past here is optional
Riser Pads
Riser pads are small inserts placed between the skateboard deck and trucks to raise the height of the trucks. They help prevent "wheel bite," which occurs when the wheels touch the deck during sharp turns or landings, causing the board to stop abruptly. Riser pads also reduce the impact on the deck by absorbing some of the shock from landing tricks, which can prolong the life of the board. They're commonly used with larger wheels or for a smoother ride.
Shop Skateboard Accessories Here
Rails
(Not hand rails)
Board rails are plastic strips attached to the underside of a skateboard deck, running along the length of the board. They serve several purposes: protecting the deck from wear during slides or grinds, adding extra grip for grabs during tricks, and reducing friction when sliding on surfaces. Rails can also help keep the board's graphic from getting scratched up. They're popular among skaters who do a lot of board slides or ride ramps and pools.
Shop Skateboard Accessories Here
Wax
Skate wax is a soft wax used by skateboarders to reduce friction on surfaces like ledges, rails, and curbs. By applying it to these surfaces, skaters can slide and grind more smoothly, preventing the board or trucks from sticking during tricks. Wax is essential for making rough or dry spots more skateable, allowing for longer and smoother slides or grinds. It’s portable and can be used on most surfaces where skaters perform tricks.
Shop Skateboard Accessories Here
Skate Tool
A skate tool is a multi-functional tool designed for assembling and maintaining a skateboard. It typically includes sockets for tightening or loosening the nuts on the wheels, trucks, and kingpin, as well as a screwdriver or Allen key for adjusting the hardware (bolts and nuts) that attach the trucks to the deck. Skate tools are compact and portable, making them handy for quick adjustments or repairs on the go, ensuring your skateboard is always in top condition.
Shop Skateboard Accessories Here
Shoes
Skate shoes are specifically designed for skateboarding, providing the durability, grip, and protection needed for performing tricks and handling wear from the board. They typically have flat, grippy soles (often made from rubber) for better board feel and control. Reinforced areas, like the toe cap and sides, help withstand repeated contact with grip tape, while padded collars and tongues provide added comfort and protection. Some skate shoes also feature impact-absorbing insoles for cushioning during hard landings. Their design balances durability, flexibility, and comfort to enhance a skater’s performance.
Looking After Your Skateboard
You’ve picked your board—congrats! Now it’s time to hit the streets, but before you do, there are a few things to keep in mind:
The Rain
Ah, rain... a skater’s worst enemy. Not only does it ruin your skate sessions, but it can also wreck your board. Water is basically kryptonite for skateboards. It can rust your bearings, preventing your wheels from spinning smoothly, waterlog your deck, making it weaker and more prone to damage, and strip the grip off your grip tape.
A little bit of water won’t destroy your board, but it's best to avoid skating in the rain, right after it’s rained, or through puddles. And definitely steer clear of submerging your board in water!
Grip Tape Cleaner
Over time, your grip tape will get dirty. Using a grip tape cleaner (which works like a giant eraser) can remove most dirt, helping your grip tape maintain its stickiness. Clean grip tape not only lasts longer but also helps with the performance of many tricks, keeping your board feeling fresh.
Bearings
If your bearings aren’t spinning smoothly anymore, it’s usually best to replace them—this is often the easiest and cheapest fix. However, if you want to salvage old bearings, some companies offer bearing-specific lubricants that can bring new life to them, restoring that smooth roll.
If you choose to shop elsewhere please support another independent skate shop.