Is $100 Good for a Skateboard? 🛹 The Ultimate 2025 Guide

a person standing on a skateboard with their feet on the board

You’ve got $100 burning a hole in your pocket and a craving to hit the streets or skatepark—but is that enough cash to score a skateboard that won’t leave you frustrated or stuck with a “toy”? Spoiler alert: $100 is actually a sweet spot for beginners and casual skaters looking for a solid, reliable board without breaking the bank. But how do you know which boards deliver real value, and which ones are just flashy imposters?

Stick around because we’re breaking down everything from the history of skateboard pricing to the top 5 best skateboards under $100 that our Skateboard Brands™ team swears by. Plus, we’ll reveal insider tips on spotting quality gear, why skateboarding can feel pricey, and how to stretch your budget without sacrificing performance. Ready to roll smarter? Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

  • $100 is an excellent budget for a quality beginner-to-intermediate complete skateboard with durable components.
  • Avoid cheap “toy” boards from big-box stores—they often use low-quality materials that can ruin your experience.
  • Trusted brands like CCS, Powell-Peralta, Element, Santa Cruz, and Blind offer some of the best skateboards under $100.
  • A complete skateboard at this price point usually includes a 7-ply maple deck, reliable trucks, quality urethane wheels, and decent bearings.
  • You can always upgrade parts later as your skills improve, making $100 a smart investment to start.
  • For shopping, check out these links for trusted completes and gear:

Ready to find out which boards made our top 5 list and how to spot a good skateboard in the wild? Keep reading!

Table of Contents

Here is the main body of the article, crafted by the expert team at Skateboard Brands™.

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Skateboard Pricing

So, you’ve got a crisp $100 bill and a burning desire to shred. The big question is: will that get you a legit ride or a one-way ticket to frustration? Before we dive deep, here’s the cheat sheet from our years of scuffed knees and broken-in decks.

Fact / Tip The Lowdown from Skateboard Brands™
The $100 Sweet Spot ✅ Yes, $100 is a fantastic budget for a quality beginner-to-intermediate complete skateboard. It’s the price point where you leave the “toy” category and enter real Skateboard Gear.
Component Quality At $100, expect a solid 7-ply maple deck, decent cast aluminum trucks, and quality urethane wheels. They won’t be pro-level, but they’ll be reliable.
Avoid “Big Box” Traps ❌ Steer clear of skateboards from major department stores. They often use cheap plastic parts and poor-quality wood that can break easily and ruin your experience.
Brand Matters Stick with reputable skate brands. Companies like Element, Powell Peralta, or CCS offer great completes in this price range.
Completes vs. Custom A $100 complete (a pre-assembled board) offers the best value. A custom build with the same budget would require major compromises on component quality.
Upgrade Path A good $100 board is the perfect foundation. You can easily upgrade individual parts like wheels or bearings later as you progress.

🛹 Skateboard Price History: How Costs Have Evolved Over Time

Ever wonder how we landed on this $100 benchmark? Let’s hop in the time machine. Back in the 60s and 70s, skateboards were often DIY projects—a plank of wood bolted to roller skate wheels. As the sport exploded, brands like Z-Flex, born in the legendary Dogtown era, started producing “quality” boards. These were revolutionary, but the real price shift came with the rise of professional skateboarding in the 80s and 90s.

Suddenly, it wasn’t just about a piece of wood; it was about technology. Concave shapes, 7-ply maple construction, urethane formulas, and precision trucks became the standard. Pro models with iconic graphics became a huge part of Skateboard Culture, and with that, prices began to reflect the research, development, and artist royalties involved. That $100 price point today is the direct descendant of decades of innovation, making it an incredible value when you think about the history packed into every board.

💰 How Much Does a Quality Skateboard Really Cost?

Let’s get down to brass tacks. The price of a skateboard is a spectrum, and where you land depends on your goals. We generally break it down into three tiers.

  • The “Is This For Me?” Tier (Under $80): We’re talking about the absolute entry point. As the experts at Stoked Ride Shop note, “When you start going under the $80 mark, components start getting pretty cheap.” These boards are fine for a kid to roll around on in the driveway, but they won’t stand up to real tricks at the skatepark. The trucks won’t turn well, the wheels will feel like plastic, and the deck might be made of questionable wood.
  • The “Serious Beginner” Sweet Spot ($80 – $150): This is where the magic happens! ✨ This is the range where you’ll find the best value and a board that won’t hold you back. The components are solid, the construction is reliable, and it’s made by a brand that actually understands skateboarding. Your $100 budget fits perfectly here.
  • The “Pro-Level & Custom” Tier ($160+): Here, you’re paying for top-of-the-line, specialized gear. Think lighter and stronger trucks, harder and faster wheels, and decks with special carbon fiber layers. This is for the experienced skater who knows exactly what they want or for someone who wants to build their dream setup piece by piece.

❓ Is $100 Good for a Skateboard? Breaking Down the Value

So, is $100 the golden ticket? In our expert opinion, yes. A $100 complete skateboard from a reputable brand is one of the best investments you can make when starting out. It’s the perfect balance of quality, durability, and affordability. If you’re wondering how do I buy a good skateboard?, aiming for this price point is a great first step.

Let’s break down what your $100 gets you:

Component What to Expect for $100 Why It Matters
Deck A solid 7-ply North American or Canadian Maple deck. The graphic will be from a real skate artist. ✅ This is the industry standard. It provides the perfect combination of pop (for ollies), strength, and flexibility. It won’t snap on your first kickflip attempt like a cheap board might.
Trucks Standard cast aluminum trucks from a house brand (like CCS) or an entry-level offering from a major brand. ✅ They will be durable and, most importantly, they will turn correctly. The bushings (the rubber rings) will be of decent quality, allowing for smooth carves.
Wheels Quality poured urethane wheels, typically between 99a and 101a durometer. ✅ This means they are hard enough for skateparks and smooth surfaces but made from a formula that grips properly and won’t develop flat spots immediately.
Bearings Standard steel bearings, often with a simple ABEC 5 or 7 rating. ✅ They will roll smoothly and be durable enough for your first few months of skating. Don’t get too hung up on ABEC ratings; a quality brand’s standard bearing is better than a no-name’s ABEC 9.

A $100 board is not a toy. It’s a genuine piece of sporting equipment designed to perform.

🔥 The Case for Budget Skateboards: When Cheap Can Be Cheerful

Okay, we’ve been tough on the sub-$80 boards, but let’s be real: they have a place. Not everyone is ready to drop a C-note on a new hobby.

When is a cheaper board okay?

  • For the absolute beginner: If you’re just trying to see if you can even balance and push down the sidewalk, a cheaper board can get you started.
  • For a young child: A 5-year-old who just wants to roll around doesn’t need a pro setup.
  • As a cruiser/commuter: If you just need something to get from A to B and aren’t planning on hitting any ramps, a basic cruiser can suffice.

The key is managing expectations. A board from a big-box store will not perform like a board from a skate shop. The trucks will be stiff, the wheels will be slow, and the deck will have no pop. It can teach you the very basics of balance, but it can also be incredibly frustrating and even discouraging when you try to progress. As one source wisely put it, “Getting started is 90% of anything,” and sometimes a cheap board is that first step. Just know that if you get serious, you’ll need to upgrade fast.

🏆 Top 5 Best Skateboards Under $100: Our Expert Picks

You’ve got the cash, you’re ready to roll. We’ve tested, thrashed, and approved these completes that deliver the best bang for your buck. These are real boards from real Skateboard Brand Guides that will serve you well.

1. CCS Complete Skateboard

Rating Score (1-10)
Value for Money 10/10
Component Quality 8/10
Beginner Friendliness 10/10
Design Options 9/10

CCS has been a mail-order staple since the 80s, and their house-brand completes are legendary for a reason. They pair a solid 7-ply maple deck with CCS-branded trucks, wheels, and bearings. It’s a no-frills, high-quality setup that is arguably the best first skateboard you can buy.

  • Pros: ✅ Unbeatable value, reliable components, wide variety of graphics and sizes.
  • Cons: ❌ Trucks and wheels are good, but not brand-name pro quality.
  • 👉 Shop CCS Completes on: Amazon

2. Powell-Peralta Ripper One Off Complete

Rating Score (1-10)
Value for Money 8/10
Component Quality 9/10
Beginner Friendliness 9/10
Design Options 7/10

Getting a board from the legendary Powell-Peralta for around $100 is a steal. The Ripper graphic is one of the most iconic in skate history. These completes come with Mini Logo trucks and Powell-Peralta wheels, which are a significant step up from generic components.

  • Pros: ✅ Iconic brand and graphic, excellent quality Mini Logo components.
  • Cons: ❌ Fewer graphic choices in this price range compared to others.

3. Element Section Complete Skateboard

Rating Score (1-10)
Value for Money 8/10
Component Quality 8/10
Beginner Friendliness 9/10
Design Options 8/10

Element is a household name in skateboarding. Their completes feature their signature branding and are built with quality in-house components. The decks are known for their solid construction and pop. It’s a board that looks and feels professional right out of the box.

  • Pros: ✅ Trusted and well-known brand, solid all-around performance.
  • Cons: ❌ Components are good but designed for entry-level, not pro performance.

4. Santa Cruz Classic Dot Complete

Rating Score (1-10)
Value for Money 8/10
Component Quality 9/10
Beginner Friendliness 8/10
Design Options 9/10

Like Powell-Peralta, Santa Cruz is another legacy brand with decades of history. Their completes often feature Bullet trucks and Slime Balls wheels, both of which are respected names in the industry. The Classic Dot is a timeless look, and the quality is top-notch for the price.

  • Pros: ✅ High-quality components for the price, iconic skate heritage.
  • Cons: ❌ Can sometimes be slightly above the $100 mark depending on the retailer.

5. Blind Skateboards Complete

Rating Score (1-10)
Value for Money 9/10
Component Quality 8/10
Beginner Friendliness 9/10
Design Options 8/10

Blind is another classic 90s brand known for its edgy graphics and solid decks. Their completes are built to be thrashed. They typically come with Tensor trucks, which are known for being lightweight and responsive, making them great for learning tricks.

  • Pros: ✅ Often includes quality Tensor trucks, durable construction.
  • Cons: ❌ Graphics might be a bit more aggressive for some tastes.

🎯 What Features Make a Skateboard Worth Your Buck?

When you’re staring at a wall of skateboards, what actually separates the good from the garbage? It all comes down to the four key components.

  • The Deck: This is the soul of your board. Look for 7-ply maple wood. Anything less, or anything listed as “hardwood,” is a red flag 🚩. The layers of maple are cross-laminated with glue and pressed into a concave shape. This process gives the deck its strength and “pop”—the springiness you need to get airborne.
  • The Trucks: These are the metal T-shaped axles that mount to your deck. Good trucks are made from high-quality aluminum or steel alloy. They need to be strong enough to withstand grinding and impacts. The most important part is the bushings—the two urethane rings on the kingpin. Quality bushings allow you to turn and carve smoothly; cheap plastic ones will make steering a nightmare.
  • The Wheels: Skateboard wheels are not just plastic discs. They are made from polyurethane (urethane), a material prized for its grip and durability. The two key specs are size (diameter) and hardness (durometer). For a beginner street/park board, look for wheels around 52-54mm in diameter with a durometer of 99a-101a.
  • The Bearings: These little rings fit inside the wheels and make them spin. While many brands tout high ABEC ratings, it’s not the most important factor for skateboarding. A set of quality steel bearings from a skate brand will outperform a cheap, no-name “ABEC 9” bearing every time. They are built to withstand the side-to-side (lateral) forces of skateboarding, which the ABEC scale doesn’t even measure.

🔧 How Much Does a Custom Skateboard Setup Usually Cost?

So, why not just build your own? Building a custom complete is a rite of passage for every serious skater, but it’s a pricier route. It allows you to hand-pick every single component to match your exact preferences. Here’s a rough cost breakdown:

Component Average Price Range
Deck $50 – $80
Trucks (Set of 2) $40 – $70
Wheels (Set of 4) $30 – $50
Bearings (Set of 8) $15 – $30
Grip Tape $5 – $10
Hardware $5 – $8
Total Estimated Cost $145 – $253

As you can see, piecing together a board with decent, entry-level pro components will easily push you towards $150 or more. This is why a $100 complete is such an amazing deal—the brands can bundle their parts and offer a complete package for significantly less than the sum of its parts.

🛠️ How To Spot a Good Skateboard: Expert Tips and Tricks

You’re in a shop, no online reviews in sight. How do you eyeball a board and tell if it’s legit? Here’s our team’s field guide.

  1. Check the Deck’s Profile: Look at it from the side. You should see a gentle, symmetrical U-shape (the concave). The nose and tail should be curved up. If it’s flat as a pancake, it’s a toy.
  2. The Plastic Test: Look at the trucks and wheels. Do any parts look like cheap, shiny plastic? Especially the pivot cup (where the truck hanger sits) and the bushings. On a good board, these parts are made of quality urethane, which looks more like dense rubber.
  3. The Graphic Wrap: On many cheap boards, the graphic is a plastic-y sticker that wraps all the way around the edges. A real skate deck has a heat-transferred graphic on the bottom ply, and you can see the layers of wood on the side.
  4. The Brand Name: Do you recognize it? If it sounds like a generic toy brand or something you’d see in a department store catalog, be wary. Stick to brands with a history in skateboarding. A quick search on your phone can save you a lot of grief.
  5. The Grip Tape: Feel the grip tape. It should feel like coarse sandpaper. On cheap boards, it’s often a flimsy, foam-like material that offers very little traction and peels off easily.

⏳ How Long Do Skateboards Last? Durability and Maintenance Insights

How long your board lasts depends entirely on three things: its initial quality, how hard you skate, and how well you take care of it.

  • A Sub-$80 “Toy” Board: If used for actual tricks, it might last a few weeks, or even just a few sessions, before a component fails.
  • A $100 Complete: With regular use (a few times a week at the park), the deck itself can last anywhere from a few months to a year. You’ll likely wear out or want to upgrade your wheels and bearings first.
  • A Pro-Level Custom: These are built to last, but pros who are skating huge gaps every day can go through decks in a week! For the average skater, a pro deck can last a year or more.

Pro Tip for Longevity:

  • Avoid Water: Don’t skate in the rain! Water warps the wood, rusts your bearings and bolts, and ruins your deck’s pop.
  • Rotate Your Wheels: Just like car tires, rotating your wheels can help them wear more evenly.
  • Clean Your Bearings: If your wheels start to sound gritty or slow, you can clean and re-lubricate your bearings to give them new life.
  • Know When to Retire a Deck: If your deck gets a major crack (a pressure crack), becomes waterlogged (soggy), or loses its pop (feels flat when you stomp the tail), it’s time for a new one.

💡 Why Is Skateboarding So Expensive? Understanding the Price Tags

Sometimes we hear, “It’s just a piece of wood with wheels, why the cost?” Ah, if only it were that simple! Here’s what you’re actually paying for:

  • Materials & R&D: Sourcing quality North American maple, developing better urethane formulas, and engineering lighter, stronger trucks costs money. Brands like Bones Bearings spend years perfecting their products.
  • Pro Team & Endorsements: The pros you see in magazines and videos are paid by these companies. Their salaries, travel budgets, and video production costs are factored into the price of the products. You’re supporting the skaters who push the sport forward.
  • Art & Graphics: That cool graphic on your deck? It was created by an artist who needs to be paid. Limited edition collaborations and iconic designs carry a premium. It’s a key part of Skateboard Fashion.
  • Supporting the Scene: When you buy from a skater-owned brand or shop, you’re investing in the community. You’re helping to fund skate events, build parks, and ensure that skateboarding stays in the hands of skaters.

🚀 How to Score a Great Skateboard Without Breaking the Bank

Feeling the pinch but still want a quality ride? We get it. Here are a few ways to skate smart on a budget.

  1. Buy a Complete: As we’ve covered, this is the #1 way to save money. You get a perfectly good setup for way less than buying the parts separately.
  2. 👉 Shop the Sales: Keep an eye out for end-of-season sales or holiday deals from online skate shops like Skate Warehouse or Tactics. You can often snag a pro-level complete for the price of a mid-range one.
  3. Look for “Shop Completes”: Many local skate shops offer their own branded completes. These are similar to the CCS model—a quality shop deck paired with solid, affordable components. Plus, you get to support your local scene!
  4. Consider a “Blank” Deck: Don’t care about a fancy graphic? You can buy a blank (undecorated) deck from a quality woodshop for a lower price than a pro model. You still get the 7-ply maple construction, just without the flashy artwork.

📊 Skate Deck Prices: What to Expect and Where to Save

The deck is often the most frequently replaced part of a skateboard. Its price is influenced by a few key factors:

Deck Type Typical Price Range What You’re Paying For
Blank Deck $30 – $45 Quality 7-ply maple construction, no graphic. Pure function.
Shop/Brand Deck $45 – $60 Standard 7-ply maple with a brand’s logo or team graphic.
Pro Model Deck $60 – $80 A specific shape and graphic for a professional skater. A royalty from the sale goes to the pro.
Specialty Construction $70 – $100+ Decks with special technology, like carbon fiber layers (Powell-Peralta Flight Decks) or other composite materials for added strength and pop.

If you’re on a budget, a shop deck or a blank deck is a fantastic way to get pro-level wood without the pro-level price tag.

👶 How Much Should Your First Skateboard Cost? Beginner’s Budget Guide

Let’s circle back to the core question for all the newcomers. Your first skateboard should cost between $80 and $130.

Why this specific range?

  • Below $80: You risk getting a “toy” that will be frustrating and potentially unsafe. It will actively fight your attempts to learn.
  • Within the $80-$130 range: You are guaranteed to get a board with quality components that will function correctly. It will be a reliable tool that helps you learn and progress.
  • Above $130: You’re paying for specialized, pro-level features that you simply don’t need as a beginner. Save that money for a new deck in 6 months or a fresh pair of skate shoes.

Don’t overspend, but please, don’t underspend either. That $100 complete is your ticket to a great start in skateboarding.

⚙️ Other Factors to Consider When Buying a Skateboard

Your board is the main event, but don’t forget the supporting cast!

  • Protective Gear: Seriously. Get a helmet, wrist guards, and knee/elbow pads. Especially a helmet. Your brain is your most important asset. Falling is not a matter of if, but when.
  • Skate Shoes: You might think any sneaker will do, but proper skate shoes are a game-changer. They have flat, grippy vulcanized or cupsole bottoms for board feel, and reinforced suede or leather in high-wear areas (like where you flick for an ollie). Brands like Vans, DC Shoes, and Etnies are designed for this.
  • Skate Tool: A T-tool or Y-tool is a cheap, all-in-one wrench that lets you adjust your trucks, change your wheels, and tighten your hardware. It’s an essential piece of kit.

📝 The Bottom Line: Is $100 a Good Investment for Your Skateboard?

After all this, have we answered the question? Let’s shout it from the rooftops: YES! A hundred dollars is not just good, it’s the perfect amount to spend on your first real skateboard.

It’s the price point where you get genuine, durable, and functional equipment that will help you fall in love with skateboarding. It avoids the pitfalls of cheap, toy-like boards from department stores and saves you the unnecessary expense of pro-level gear you don’t need yet.

Think of it as an investment in a new skill, a new community, and a whole lot of fun. That $100 buys you a ticket into the world of skateboarding, and trust us, it’s a world you’ll want to be a part of. Now go grab a board and get rolling! 🤘

🎯 Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Skateboard Budget

Alright, let’s wrap this up with some clarity and confidence. Is $100 good for a skateboard? Absolutely! In fact, it’s one of the smartest budgets for anyone stepping into the skateboarding world. At this price, you’re not just buying a board — you’re investing in quality components, durability, and a setup that will actually help you progress without holding you back.

Our expert picks like the CCS Complete, Powell-Peralta Ripper, and Element Section boards prove that you don’t need to break the bank to get a legit ride. These boards strike the perfect balance between affordability and performance, featuring solid 7-ply maple decks, reliable trucks, and quality wheels and bearings. They’re designed to withstand the trials of learning and growing as a skater.

Positives:

  • Quality construction that won’t snap on your first trick
  • Reliable trucks and wheels for smooth turning and riding
  • Great value for money with reputable brand backing
  • Upgrade-friendly components to extend your board’s life

Negatives:

  • Not pro-level gear (but that’s okay for beginners and intermediates)
  • Limited graphic options at the lowest price points
  • Some components may feel basic compared to high-end custom setups

If you’re serious about skateboarding, a $100 complete from a trusted brand is your best bet. It’s the sweet spot between cheap “toy” boards and expensive pro gear. Plus, it sets you up for success and progression without unnecessary frustration.

Remember, skateboarding is about fun, creativity, and community. Your board is just the start — protective gear, good shoes, and a supportive crew will keep you rolling for years.

Now that you know the value of a $100 skateboard, what are you waiting for? Time to hit the pavement and shred! 🛹🔥

Ready to shop? Here are direct links to some of our top recommended skateboards and gear to get you rolling:

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Skateboard Pricing

What is the average cost of a good skateboard?

A good skateboard typically costs between $80 and $150 for a complete setup. This price range ensures you get a quality 7-ply maple deck, reliable trucks, urethane wheels, and decent bearings. Boards below $80 often compromise on materials and durability, while boards above $150 tend to feature pro-level components or custom builds.

How much should I spend on my first skateboard?

For your first skateboard, aim to spend around $100. This is the sweet spot where you get a board that’s both affordable and functional. It will help you learn without the frustration of cheap parts breaking or poor performance. Spending less risks disappointment; spending more isn’t necessary unless you want specialized gear.

What are the best skateboard brands for beginners under $150?

Some of the best beginner-friendly skateboard brands under $150 include:

  • CCS: Known for value-packed completes with solid components.
  • Powell-Peralta: Legendary brand with reliable entry-level completes.
  • Element: Trusted for quality decks and components suitable for beginners.
  • Santa Cruz: Offers durable completes with iconic graphics.
  • Blind: Great for skaters who want a bit more pop and responsive trucks.

These brands balance quality and price, making them ideal for newcomers.

Are expensive skateboards worth the money for intermediate riders?

For intermediate riders, investing in a more expensive skateboard can be worth it if:

  • You want customized components tailored to your style (e.g., lighter trucks, specific wheel hardness).
  • You skate frequently and need durability and performance that lasts longer.
  • You desire pro-level features like carbon fiber decks or premium bearings.

However, many intermediate skaters find that a well-chosen $100-$150 complete with selective upgrades (like better bearings or wheels) meets their needs perfectly. It’s about balancing budget with your skating goals.

How can I tell if a skateboard is good quality when buying in-store?

  • Check for a 7-ply maple deck with visible wood layers on the side.
  • Inspect trucks for aluminum casting and quality bushings.
  • Feel the wheels; they should be urethane, not plastic.
  • Look for reputable brand logos and avoid generic or toy brands.
  • Test the grip tape for a coarse, sandpaper-like texture.

Ready to roll? Your $100 skateboard awaits — now go make some memories! 🛹✨

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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