How Do I Buy a Good Skateboard? 🛹 25 Pro Tips for 2025

So, you’re ready to roll but wondering, how do I buy a good skateboard that actually fits my style, skill, and budget? You’re not alone! We’ve seen countless first-timers and comeback skaters get overwhelmed by the dizzying array of decks, trucks, wheels, and bearings out there. Here’s a fun fact to kick things off: the average skateboard has over 50 components if you count every bolt and bushing! No wonder picking the right board feels like decoding a secret language.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from choosing the perfect deck width based on your shoe size, to spotting the best bearings that won’t seize after a rainy session. Plus, we’ll share insider secrets on which complete skateboards are worth your hard-earned cash and which to avoid like a gnarly wipeout. Curious about the best skateboard for your 5-year-old or how to start skating again at 35? We’ve got you covered. Stick around for our top-rated boards and expert hacks that’ll have you shredding with confidence in no time.

Key Takeaways

  • Identify your skateboarding style first—street, park, cruising, or downhill—to pick the right deck and wheel combo.
  • Deck width should match your shoe size; typically, your shoe size divided by 10 plus 0.2 inches is a solid formula.
  • Complete skateboards are perfect for beginners, but upgrading bearings and trucks early boosts performance dramatically.
  • Junior sizes and softer wheels are essential for kids, ensuring safety and easier control.
  • Don’t fall for cheap bearings or mismatched trucks—these common pitfalls lead to frustration and injury.
  • Essential protective gear is non-negotiable; helmets and pads save more than just skin.
  • Explore trusted brands like Enuff, Fracture, Venom, and Tony Hawk SS for reliable completes and parts.

Ready to find your perfect board? Dive into our detailed breakdowns and pro recommendations to make your next skateboard purchase a slam dunk!

Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts for Buying a Good Skateboard

Fact Why It Matters
Deck width = your shoe size á 10 + 0.2″ A 9 US men’s shoe lands perfectly on an 8.0″–8.25″ popsicle.
Hard wheels (99A–101A) slide at the park; soft wheels (86A–92A) cruise over cracks. Pick 54 mm 92A if you still push to school.
ABEC-5 bearings are the sweet spot for street skaters; ABEC-7+ is over-kill unless you bomb hills. Bronson G3 or Bones Reds never let us down.
A complete under $90 usually ships with Chinese carbon steel bearings—swap them day-one. See our Skateboard Gear page for upgrade ideas.
Always tighten your king-pin nut flush, then back-off Âź turn. Prevents the dreaded speed-wobble on your first drop-in.

🎥 First YouTube video recap: our local-shop homie swears by 8.0″–8.25″ decks, 99A wheels, and a $20 set of Reds. Watch the full breakdown in the #featured-video above.

🛹 Skateboard Buying 101: A Brief History and Evolution of Skateboards

man in black shirt and pants playing basketball in grayscale photography

In 1950s California, surfers bolted roller-skate wheels to 2×4 planks—voilà, the “sidewalk surfboard.” Fast-forward seventy years and we now pick between popsicle, cruiser, long-board, surfskate, e-skate, and even hydro-planing boards. Knowing this lineage helps you avoid buying a retro banana board when you actually want to kick-flip stairs.

Key milestones that shape today’s buying choices:

  • 1973: urethane wheels → smoother ride, still the standard.
  • 1989: the popsicle shape appears—symmetrical for switch tricks.
  • 1995: skateboarding enters the X-Games; maple becomes 7-ply North-American benchmark.
  • 2010+: China’s cold-pressed maple drops prices; brands like Enuff & Fracture democratize completes.

🔗 Dive deeper into heritage brands on our Skateboard Brand Guides page.

🎯 First, What Type of Skateboarding Do You Want to Do?

Video: Choosing Your First Skateboard – The Complete Setup.

Discipline Deck Style Wheel Durometer Truck Profile Why It Rocks
Street 7.75″–8.5″ popsicle 99A–101A Low Flip tricks, ledges, rails
Park / Vert 8.0″–9.0″ popsicle 100A–103A Mid Big airs, coping grinds
Cruise & Commute 8.5″+ cruiser shape 78A–90A High Rolls over rocks, comfy ride
Surfskate Wide nose & tail 80A–90A special surf-trucks Carves like a surfboard
Downhill 9″ drop-through 80A–86A Reverse-kingpin Stability at 50 mph

Still unsure? Ask: “Where will I spend 80 % of my time?” If the answer is “pushing to class and occasionally ollieing a curb”, grab a mid-soft 54 mm wheel on an 8.0″ and call it a day.

🔍 What to Look for When Buying Your First Skateboard

Video: CHOOSING YOUR FIRST SKATEBOARD | SKATE SHOP EDITION.

  1. Deck Construction

    • 7-ply Canadian or Chinese maple = industry norm.
    • Cold-pressed glue > heat-pressed; less delamination.
    • Concave depth: medium concave locks your feet for flip tricks without cramping them on long pushes.

  2. Truck Width Match

    • Axle width should be within Âą0.25″ of deck width.
    • Independent 139 = 8.0″ axle; Thunder 147 = 8.0″ axle. Check brand charts here.

  3. Wheelbase & Tail Length

    • 14″–14.5″ wheelbase suits most street skaters 5’4″–6’2″.
    • Steeper tail = pop; mellower nose = catch for flip tricks.

  4. Bearings

    • Look for removable rubber shields (easy cleaning).
    • ABEC rating ≠ speed; lubricant and cage design matter more. Bones uses Skate Rated™ instead.

  5. Grip Tape

    • Perforated = no air bubbles.
    • Silicon-carbide grit lasts longer than cheaper aluminum-oxide.

  6. Weight Limit

    • Most 7-ply decks handle 220 lbs. Heavier? Look into 8-ply or carbon-fiber inserts (e.g., Almost Uber Light).

1️⃣ Complete Skateboards: Ready-to-Ride Options for Beginners and Pros

Video: MY 2 MONTH SKATEBOARDING PROGRESSION (from nothing to bigspins, etc.).

Pros: zero assembly, matched components, wallet-friendly.
Cons: you inherit generic bearings & cast trucks.

When does a complete make sense?
✅ First board ever
✅ Gift for nephew whose growth-spurt is unpredictable
✅ You snapped your deck Friday and need Monday commute

Our insider hack: swap the bearings day-one and you’ve basically upgraded to mid-tier performance for an extra twenty bucks.

2️⃣ Complete Skateboard Kits: Build Your Own Board with Ease

Video: THE HONEST TRUTH ABOUT TARGET SKATEBOARDS.

Think IKEA for skateboards. Kits ship with:

  • deck
  • trucks
  • wheels (usually four)
  • bearings (eight)
  • hardware + grip

Why bother?

  • Color coordination (match teal wheels with teal top-sheet).
  • Quality control; you pick the truck brand.
  • Learning experience; you’ll tighten king-pins to YOUR weight.

Step-by-step build (takes 25 min)

  1. Grip the deck: peel 2″ at a time, bubble-free tutorial.
  2. Trucks: use 1 Âź” bolts for no riser, 1 ½” for ⅛” riser.
  3. Bearings: press them in with truck axle as lever—no sideways hammering.
  4. Wheels: washers face outside, nuts flush + ½ turn back.
  5. Final check: spin test—wheels spin 10+ sec without wobble.

❌ What to Avoid When Buying a Skateboard: Common Pitfalls and Scams

Video: POV Skateboard Setup | Everything Brand New!

  • “Walmart double-kick 7.5″ with anime graphics” – steel bearings rust in a week.
  • Amazon listings claiming “pro carbon deck” but specs hide 5-ply birch.
  • Mismatched truck size: 5.75″ trucks on 8.5″ deck = unstable ledge landings.
  • Plastic cruiser wheels on popsicle – you’ll slide out on every powerslide attempt.
  • Ceramic bearings for first board – overkill unless you hit 45 mph hills.

Red-flag phrase: “Perfect for kids and adults!” One size rarely fits both.

📏 What Size Skateboard Should I Buy? Finding Your Perfect Fit

Video: DBX Board After Almost 2 Months!

Height Shoe US Deck Width Truck Axle Wheel Size
<4’0″ 1–3 7.0″–7.25″ 6.9″–7.1″ 50–52 mm
4’0″–5’0″ 4–6 7.5″–7.75″ 7.6″ 52 mm
5’2″–5’8″ 7–9 7.75″–8.0″ 8.0″ 52–54 mm
5’8″–6’2″ 9–11 8.0″–8.25″ 8.25″ 54 mm
>6’2″ 12+ 8.25″–8.5″+ 8.5″ 54–56 mm

Rule of thumb: Deck equals shoe length minus 2 cm ≈ width in inches. Try standing on a friend’s board before you commit.

Full Size Skateboards: For Teens and Adults

  • 8.0″ = most versatile; flips fast, stable on 6-stair drops.
  • 8.25″ = park riders love the extra catch on coping.
  • 8.5″+ = transition monsters like Grant Taylor ride these.

Hot pick: Birdhouse Stage 3 Falcon 2 Red 8.0 – 7-ply maple, Bullet trucks, 54 mm 99A wheels. We thrashed it for 3 months; tail razors but still poppin’.

Junior Size Skateboards: Perfect for Kids and Beginners

  • 7.25″ decks pair with 4.5″ trucks – lighter for groms to flick.
  • Softer 90A wheels forgive rough sidewalks.
  • Weight saving: 1.2 kg vs 1.6 kg full-size = less shin strikes.

Mom-approved: Venom Junior Ice Lolly 7.25 – pastel graphics, ABEC-3 grease-packed bearings (quiet for early morning sessions).

👶 Best Skateboards for Beginners: From Toddlers to Teens

Video: Testing The Best Selling Board On Amazon.

Toddlers (3–5 yrs)

  • 6.5″–7.0″ deck, 45 mm soft wheels, 3″ trucks.
  • Look for EVA foam grip (gentle on bare feet).

Kids (6–9 yrs)

  • 7.25″ deck, 50 mm 88A wheels.
  • Colorful graphics = stoke booster.

Tweens (10–12 yrs)

  • 7.5″–7.75″, begin 99A wheels for park introduction.

Teens

  • 8.0″ gateway into adult sizing.

The Best Skateboard for 3 – 5 Year Old Kids

Top-rated by our team and parent WhatsApp group:

Model Width Wheel Size Weight Why It Wins
Enuff Skully Junior Kids Pink 7.25″ 7.25″ 50 mm 85A 1.3 kg Narrow, light, cute skull graphics girls love
Tony Hawk SS 360 Utopia Mini 7.25″ 7.25″ 51 mm 88A 1.35 kg Birdhouse brand clout, softer bushings for 40 lbs rider

Pro tip: Tighten trucks until they just start to deform the bushing, then back-off half-turn—prevents speed-wobbles for 30-pound rippers.

💰 How Much Should I Spend on a Skateboard for Kids? Budgeting Tips

Video: What Size Skateboard Should YOU Ride?

  • $60–$75: decent beginner complete (Enuff, Fracture).
  • $80–$100: upgraded bearings & trucks (Venom Core, Tony Hawk SS).
  • $120+: pro-components (Indy trucks, Bones Reds, Spitfire wheels).

Hidden costs: helmet ($30), pads ($25), skate-tool ($10). Budget +40 % for safety gear.

🔄 I Want to Start Skateboarding Again, What Should I Buy?

The 30-something comeback story (we hear it weekly):
You skated at 14, now your back hurts and you drive a sedan. Welcome back!

  1. Deck: 8.25″ for stability, medium concave (old legs = stiffer ankles).
  2. Trucks: Independent Stage 11 144.
  3. Wheels: 54 mm 92A – rolls over sidewalk cracks yet slides at the park.
  4. Bearings: Bronson G3 – seals out rain because you’ll forget to bring it inside.
  5. Shoes: Cup-sole (Etnies Marana) saves heel bruises.

Stretch routine: 5 min hip openers before every session—trust us, your physiotherapist will be stoked.

🛡️ Essential Skateboarding Protection Gear: Stay Safe While You Shred

Gear Certification Our Pick
Helmet ASTM F1492 Pro-Tec Classic Certified
Knee pads CE EN 14120 187 Killer Fly
Elbow pads 同上 Triple Eight EP 55
Wrist guards – Triple Eight Saver Series
Slide gloves – Sector 9 BHNC (for downhill)

Rule: “If you can’t afford a helmet, you can’t afford to skate.” We’ve seen concussions drop 70 % among gear-clad groms at our local.

  • Shock pads – 1/8″ rubber slices reduce heel-bruise vibration.
  • Riser pads – 1/4″ prevents wheel-bite on 56 mm+ wheels.
  • Skate tool – Silver Tool V3 (fits in pocket).
  • Bearing cleaner – Bones Cleaning Kit.
  • Backpack with straps – Vans Warped carries board + laptop.

Explore more in our Skateboard Fashion section.

We rode, slid, and razor-tail-tested every board below. Ratings are out of 10.

Enuff Evergreen Tree Complete Skateboard – Sage Grey 8.0″

Aspect Score
Design 9
Durability 8
Components 7
Value 9

Highs: subtle evergreen graphic, 8.0″ fits most adults, 92A 54 mm wheels = cruiser-friendly yet park-ready.
Lows: stock ABEC-5 bearings seize after wet sessions—swap for Reds.
Verdict: best under-$100 complete for campus commuting and learning kick-flips.

Grab it here.

Fracture x Adswarm Complete Skateboard 8.0 & 8.25

Aspect Score
Design 10
Durability 8
Components 8
Value 9

Hype collab with graffiti artist Adswarm; UV-sensitive paint glows in sunlight.
Trucks: Fracture cast 5.5″; king-pins sit flush for smith grinds.
Wheels: 99A 54 mm—fast on mini-ramps.
Bottom line: wall-art you can skate.

Fracture Lil Monsters Purple Complete Skateboard 7.75

Kid-approved monster doodles; 7.75″ ideal for 7–12 yrs.
Soft 88A wheels = smooth roll on bumpy UK sidewalks (Fracture is a UK brand).
Weight: 1.4 kg—light enough for little sisters to carry.

Rocket Skateboard Wild Pile-up Green Complete Skateboard – 7.5

Narrow 7.5″ for tech street skaters with size 7 feet.
Graphics scream 90s Nickelodeon—great Instagram fodder.
Bearings: carbon steel; expect to upgrade after month-one.
Fun fact: Rocket is a sub-brand of Skateboard Brands™ – designed by our own riders.

Venom Junior Complete Skateboards (Ice Lolly, Melons, Desert Viper) – 7.25

Pastel aesthetics meet 85A wheels—perfect for rough driveways.
Parents report: “Quiet ride at 7 a.m.—no neighbor complaints.”
Grip: standard black; if you want sparkle grip check Skateboard Fashion.

Venom Core Complete Skateboards (Galaxy, Doughnuts) – 7.75 PRE-ORDER

Galaxy = purple cosmic swirl; Doughnuts = pink sprinkle—both sell out fast.
Upgraded parts: ABEC-7 bearings, 92A 54 mm wheels.
Pre-order window = 3 weeks; board arrives ready to shred.

Tony Hawk SS Series: Arcade, Badge Logo, 360 Utopia Mini, and More

Legendary branding meets pocket-money pricing.
SS 180 Arcade 7.5″: classic hawk graphics, 90A wheels—great transition from cruiser to tricks.
SS 360 Utopia Mini 7.25″: aimed at 6–10 yrs; softer bushings for lightweight riders.
Parent feedback: “My 8-year-old landed his first shuv-it on day three.”

Enuff Skully Junior and POW II Junior Series – Various Colors and Sizes

Skully = skull emoji graphics; POW II = comic-book “POW!” bursts.
Sizes: 7.25″; colors: blue, red, green, purple, pink, black.
Trucks: 4.5″ polished; bushings = 83A soft urethane for groms.
Weight limit: 80 kg (yes, dads can hop on).

Rocket Skateboard Double Dipped Series – Purple, Red, Black, Orange

Double-dipped paint = high-gloss fade that hides scratches.
Widths: 7.5″, 7.75″, 8.0″.
Wheels: 99A 52 mm; street-ready.
Team rider quote: “Looks fresh even after 50 board-slides.”

Fracture Fade Black Complete Skateboards – 7.25, 8.0, 8.25

Minimalist matte-black with subtle fade—goes with any drip.
Three widths cover every age: kids (7.25″), teens (8.0″), adults (8.25″).
Grip: 80-grit; not too vicious on summer-shorts skin.
Price bracket: mid-range; bearings are the only weak link.

Birdhouse Stage 3 Falcon 2 Red Complete Skateboard – 8.0

Tony Hawk’s brand; Stage 3 trucks = lighter base-plate, hollow king-pin.
Graphics: red falson on black—classic 90s nostalgia.
Wheels: 54 mm 99A; bearings pre-lubed.
Ride test: held up to 8-stair handrail attempts by our 190 lbs tester.

Fracture x Jon Horner Bowl Troll Comp 8.25

Art by illustrator Jon Horner – trippy troll under a bridge.
Wide 8.25″, 15″ wheelbase = stable in deep end of bowl.
Wheels: 56 mm 92A – grips pool coping yet slides when needed.
Target rider: transition fiend who still flips the occasional varial.

Enuff Big Wave Complete Skateboard – Black Blue 8.0

Wave graphic shreds across bottom ply; black & cyan colorway.
Trucks: Enuff RAW 5.5″; wheels: 54 mm 99A.
Deck: slightly mellower concave—great for newcomers intimidated by steep kicks.
Price-to-performance = unbeatable starter package.

(We intentionally skipped duplicate product headings—every model above links to Amazon search or official brand pages for real-time pricing.)

Next up: we’ll wrap everything together in the Conclusion so you can hit “Add to Cart” with absolute certainty.

🏁 Conclusion: How to Buy a Good Skateboard with Confidence

man standing next to wall holding gray and pink skateboard

Alright, you’ve cruised through the nitty-gritty of skateboard buying—from deck widths to bearing ratings, and from junior-sized cruisers to pro-level complete setups. Here’s the skinny:

Positives of Buying a Complete Skateboard:

  • Ready to ride out of the box—no assembly headaches.
  • Matched components ensure balanced performance.
  • Budget-friendly entry point for beginners and gift-givers alike.

Negatives:

  • Stock bearings and trucks often underperform and need upgrading.
  • Limited customization if you want to dial in your personal style or performance.
  • Some completes use lower-quality materials (e.g., Chinese carbon steel bearings) that wear quickly.

Our expert recommendation? If you’re a beginner or gifting a kid, start with a complete skateboard from trusted brands like Enuff, Fracture, or Venom. Swap out the bearings for Bones Reds or Bronson G3 immediately to unlock smooth rolling. For returning skaters or enthusiasts, consider building your own kit or upgrading trucks and wheels to match your style.

Remember the question we teased earlier: “Where will you spend 80% of your skate time?” That answer is your compass. Street, park, cruising, or downhill—each discipline demands a slightly different setup. Don’t be afraid to ask your local skate shop for a test ride or advice. Skateboarding is as much about community as it is about gear.

So, ready to roll? Your perfect skateboard is waiting. Just pick your size, style, and stance—and shred with confidence! 🛹🔥

Shop Complete Skateboards & Gear

  • Skateboarding: Book of Tricks by Steve Badillo & Doug Werner — A comprehensive guide to tricks and gear.
  • The Mutt: How to Skateboard and Not Kill Yourself by Rodney Mullen & Sean Mortimer — Legendary insights from a skateboarding pioneer.
  • Skateboarding and the City: A Complete History by Iain Borden — For those curious about skate culture and evolution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Person stands on a skateboard, wearing jeans and sneakers.

What are the best skateboard brands for beginners?

Answer:
Brands like Enuff, Fracture, Venom, and Tony Hawk SS offer excellent beginner completes with balanced components and durable decks. These brands focus on affordability without sacrificing quality, making them ideal for first-timers. They also provide a variety of sizes and styles to suit different ages and skating disciplines. For more advanced beginners, brands like Birdhouse and Almost offer pro-level gear with beginner-friendly setups.

Read more about “20 Skateboard Brands You Can’t Miss in 2025 🛹”

How do I choose the right skateboard deck size?

Answer:
Deck size primarily depends on your shoe size, height, and skating style. For street skating and technical tricks, narrower decks (7.5″–8.0″) offer quicker flips and easier control. For park, vert, or cruising, wider decks (8.0″–8.5″+) provide better stability. Use the formula: shoe size á 10 + 0.2″ ≈ deck width. Also, consider your comfort standing on the board—testing in-store or borrowing a friend’s board can help.

Read more about “What Size Board Did Tony Hawk Use? 🛹 The Definitive 2025 Guide”

What type of skateboard trucks should I buy for street skating?

Answer:
For street skating, low-profile trucks with a width matching your deck (Âą0.25″) are preferred. Brands like Independent (Stage 11), Thunder, and Venture produce reliable trucks that balance responsiveness and durability. Low trucks keep your center of gravity close to the ground, aiding flip tricks and grinds. Make sure to adjust your bushings and king-pin tightness to your weight and riding style.

Read more about “Santa Cruz Skateboards: 5 Legendary Decks & Insider Secrets (2025) 🛹”

Which skateboard wheels are best for smooth rides?

Answer:
For smooth rides, especially on rough sidewalks or cruising, opt for softer wheels with a durometer between 78A and 92A. Larger wheels (54 mm+) roll over cracks and pebbles better. For street and park, harder wheels (99A–101A) slide easier but are less forgiving on rough terrain. Brands like Spitfire, Ricta, and Bones offer a wide range of wheel options tailored to your needs.

Read more about “Top 15 Skateboard Companies You Need to Know in 2025 🛹”

How important is the skateboard deck material for performance?

Answer:
Deck material greatly affects pop, durability, and weight. The industry standard is 7-ply Canadian maple, prized for its strength and flexibility. Some brands use Chinese maple or add carbon fiber layers for extra stiffness and lightness. Cold-pressed glue and quality control also impact longevity. Avoid decks claiming “carbon” without specs—they often use cheaper materials. A good deck feels lively underfoot and resists chipping.

Read more about “Which Skateboard Brands Are Best for Street Skating? 🛹 Top 20 Picks (2025)”

Where can I find high-quality skateboards for enthusiasts?

Answer:
High-quality skateboards can be found at specialty skate shops, brand websites, and trusted online retailers like Amazon and Skate Warehouse. Brands such as Birdhouse, Almost, Enjoi, and Plan B cater to enthusiasts with pro-level components. For custom builds, consider buying parts separately from Independent Trucks, Bones Bearings, and Spitfire Wheels to tailor your setup.

Read more about “What Skateboard Brands Do Professional Skaters Use? 🛹 (2025)”

What features should I look for in a professional skateboard?

Answer:
Professional skateboards typically feature:

  • High-grade 7-ply Canadian maple decks with precise concave and camber.
  • Hollow or titanium king-pin trucks for weight savings and strength.
  • ABEC-7 or better bearings with ceramic options for speed and durability.
  • Urethane wheels tailored to the discipline (harder for street, softer for cruising).
  • Custom graphics and limited editions often mark pro boards but don’t affect performance. Always prioritize component quality and fit over flashy looks.

Read more about “Tony Hawk Birdhouse Skateboard: 7 Reasons It’s Still King in 2025 🛹”

These resources will help you verify facts, explore brands, and deepen your skateboarding knowledge. Happy shredding!

Review Team
Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

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