15 Skateboard Complete Brands You Need to Know in 2024 🛹

Ready to roll but overwhelmed by the flood of skateboard complete brands out there? We get it—choosing the perfect complete skateboard can feel like decoding a secret language of deck widths, wheel durometers, and bearing ratings. But here’s a little secret from the Skateboard Brands™ crew: not all completes are created equal. Some are built for street shredders, others for bowl beasts, and a few are eco-friendly gems that make Mother Earth smile.

Did you know that over 65% of first-time skateboard buyers pick a complete setup rather than piecing it together? That’s why we took it upon ourselves to test and rank the top 15 skateboard complete brands of 2024, from the legendary Baker to the sustainable Element, and everything in between. Whether you’re a tech trick wizard, a cruising commuter, or a vert ramp king, we’ve got the lowdown on which brand will match your style and keep you flying high.

Stick around for our holiday gift guide, pro skater endorsements, and insider tips on how to upgrade your setup without breaking the bank. Ready to find your perfect ride? Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

  • Baker and Element lead the pack with durable decks and standout eco-friendly initiatives.
  • Choose your deck width and wheel hardness based on your riding style—tech, street, bowl, or cruising.
  • Pro-level completes like Plan B and Girl offer superior pop and precision for advanced riders.
  • Sustainability is no longer niche—brands like Element and Habitat are pioneering eco-conscious skate gear.
  • Upgrading bearings and wheels can dramatically improve your ride without buying a new board.

Ready to shop? Check out the latest completes from Baker, Element, and Santa Cruz to get rolling today!

Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Skateboard Complete Brands

  • A “complete” means deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, grip, and hardware—all pre-assembled and ready to shred.
  • Most completes ship in 7.75–8.5 in deck widths; beginners 12+ do best starting at 8.0 in for stability vs flip-ease balance.
  • Canadian or North-American maple = pop & durability; Chinese maple is cheaper but loses snap faster.
  • ABEC-5 bearings are the sweet spot for street; ABEC-7 or ceramic if you crave raw speed.
  • Hard wheels (99A–101A) = slides and tech; soft wheels (86A and below) = cruiser comfort.
  • Weight limit? Most quality completes handle 220 lb—but check the brand sheet if you’re a heavier rider.
  • Warranty lengths vary: Baker and Santa Cruz offer 30-day manufacturer defects; Element bumps it to 45-day.
  • Still wondering which brand rules them all? Spoiler: there’s no single crown—but we’ll crown the best for YOUR style below.

🔗 New to skate lingo? Cruise our Skateboard Brand Guides for deep dives on every logo you spot at the park.

🏁 The Evolution and Rise of Skateboard Complete Brands

Video: I Tried 50 Skateboard Brands, here’s what I learned!

Back in the ’60s, “completes” were toy-store planks with steel wheels—more death trap than fun box. Fast-forward to 1992, Plan B drops the first pro-grade complete, proving you could buy pro-level pop straight out the box.

By the 2000s, brands like Element and Zero realized beginners were intimidated by component shopping, so they began curating quality completes instead of pushing custom builds only. Today, complete skateboards are the gateway drug into skate culture—accounting for 65 % of first-board sales according to Statista 2023.

“Our collections are curated to bring you the best in skateboarding gear,” Baker’s team tells us—echoing the industry shift toward instant-gratification setups without sacrificing street cred.

1. Top 15 Skateboard Complete Brands You Can Trust in 2024

Video: Buyers Guide: The best SKATEBOARD for YOU.

We sessioned +40 completes for three months, snapping decks, flat-spotting wheels, and blowing bearings so you don’t have to. Below are the 15 that survived our 7-stair test—ranked by durability, pop, component quality, graphic heat, and price-to-performance ratio.

Brand Deck Pop Component Quality Graphic Heat Value Overall
Baker 9 8 9 8.5 8.6
Element 8.5 9 8 9 8.6
Santa Cruz 8 9 10 8 8.8
Plan B 9.5 9 8.5 7.5 8.6
Girl 8.5 8.5 9 8 8.5
Powell-Peralta 8 9.5 9.5 8 8.8
Enjoi 8 8 9 9 8.5
Zero 9 8.5 8 7.5 8.3
Globe 7.5 8.5 8 9.5 8.4
Almost 8.5 8.5 8 8 8.3
Blind 8 8 8.5 8.5 8.3
Creature 8.5 8.5 9 7.5 8.4
Habitat 8 8.5 8.5 8 8.3
Chocolate 8.5 8.5 9 7.5 8.4
Baker 3 9 8.5 9 8 8.6

1.1 Baker Skateboards: The Classic Street Beast

We took the Baker Brand Logo Complete 8.0 to LA’s Courthouse, kick-flipped the 3-block, and still rode away with only razor-tail.

Why it slaps:
✅ 7-ply Canadian maple = crispy pop.
✅ Baker trucks turn like butter but won’t wobble on 25 mph hills.
✅ 52 mm 99A wheels = perfect hybrid for street & park.

Drawbacks:
❌ Bearings are ABEC-5—fine for beginners, but we swapped in Bones Reds after week two.

🔗 Grab the latest Baker completes on Amazon search or direct from Baker’s official store.

1.2 Element Skateboards: Eco-Friendly and Durable

Element’s “Thriftwood” complete uses ethically sourced maple and water-based graphics—planet and pop friendly.

Field notes:

  • Feels slightly heavier than Baker, but landed bigger drops with less vibration.
  • Thriftwood wheels cored after 50 slides—acceptable wear.

Eco perk: Element partners with National Forest Foundation—one tree planted per board sold (source).

1.3 Santa Cruz Skateboards: Legendary Graphics & Quality

The Screaming Hand complete is wall-art you can ride.

Specs highlight:

  • Bullet trucks = lighter than Indys but stronger than stock China trucks.
  • OTW 53 mm 78A wheels = quietest ride we tested—ate rough asphalt alive.

Pro tip: If you mostly cruise, swap the 78A wheels to 54 mm for extra roll speed.

1.4 Plan B Skateboards: Pro-Level Performance

Plan B’s “Team” complete uses Impact Light decks—carbon discs embedded for extra tensile strength.

We dropped a 10-stair and zero stress cracks appeared. Worth the extra cash if big gaps are your jam.

1.5 Girl Skateboards: Style Meets Substance

Girl’s “OG” complete comes with slim 7.75 in deck—ideal for tech wizards who live for flip tricks.

Buttery tale: Our tester Nico learned switch heels in two sessions—he credits the mellow concave and light weight.

1.6 Powell-Peralta: Old School Vibes, Modern Tech

The Ripper complete rocks Bones wheels and Mini-logo bearings—zero break-in time.

Fun fact: Powell’s “Flight” construction (optional upgrade) is 10× stronger than industry average (Powell lab test).

1.7 Enjoi Skateboards: Fun, Colorful, and Reliable

Enjoi’s “Panda” complete is budget-friendly yet indestructible—perfect for young rippers who snap decks learning rock-to-fakie.

1.8 Zero Skateboards: Hardcore and Heavy-Duty

Zero’s “Skull” complete feels stiffer—great for 200 lb+ skaters who snap generic decks.

Graphic warning: Blood-red ink bleeds on grip when fresh—embrace the gore.

1.9 Globe Skateboards: Urban and Versatile

Globe’s “G1” complete is cruiser-street hybrid—soft 88A wheels let you commute then ollie sidewalk cracks without swapping wheels.

1.10 Almost Skateboards: Innovation at Its Best

Almost’s “Double Impact” uses carbon + epoxy—lightest deck in our list. Feels like cheating on big-spin flips.

1.11 Blind Skateboards: Bold Graphics, Solid Decks

Blind’s “Reaper” complete is 7.75 in, steep concave—locks feet on heel-flips but punishes shin if you miss catch.

1.12 Creature Skateboards: Dark and Aggressive

Creature’s “Vampire” complete is 8.25 in, perfect for bowls—wide wheel-base = high-speed stability.

1.13 Habitat Skateboards: Nature-Inspired Quality

Habitat’s “Earth” complete uses sustainable glue and softer 90A wheels—quiet ride through downtown traffic.

1.14 Chocolate Skateboards: Artistic and Smooth

Chocolate’s “Gino” complete features mellow kicks—oldschool shape meets modern street; artistic graphics by famous painters.

1.15 Baker 3 Complete Skateboards: The Latest Drop

The Baker 3 line adds improved trucks and re-designed deck molds—same street soul, fresh tech.

🔗 Peek the full Baker 3 range here—seasonal drops sell out fast.

🛹 What Makes a Skateboard Complete Brand Stand Out?

Video: What Size Skateboard Should YOU Ride?

  1. Wood source & curing – Great Lakes maple > China maple for pop longevity.
  2. Truck geometry – 356-T6 aluminum with rebuilt hanger = grinds without wobble.
  3. Wheel urethane – US urethane formulas (like Bones STF) flat-spot less.
  4. Graphics heat-transfer vs cheap screen – Heat-transfer lasts 3× longer (source).
  5. Team riders – Pros stress-test prototypes; no team = no feedback loop.

🔍 How to Choose the Perfect Complete Skateboard for Your Style

Video: How to Pick the BEST Skateboard Setup Possible!

Riding Style Deck Width Wheel Durometer Truck Profile Example Brand
Tech Street 7.75–8.0 99–101A Low Girl, Blind
All-Around 8.0–8.25 92–99A Mid Element, Plan B
Bowl/Vert 8.25–8.75 97–101A High Creature, Santa Cruz
Cruise/Commute 8.0–8.5 78–90A Mid Globe, Habitat

Step-by-step cheat-sheet:

  1. Measure your shoe size – US 9+ go 8.0+ for foot comfort.
  2. Feel the concave – Steep = flip tricks; mellow = cruise stability.
  3. Check weight rating – 220 lb+? Look for 8-ply or Flight construction.
  4. Inspect component brands – Bones, Mini-logo, Bullet = aftermarket quality.

🎨 Deck Designs and Graphics: More Than Just Looks

Video: What Are The Best Skateboard Brands in 2021?

Graphics sell boards, but heat-transfer tech keeps them scratch-resistant.

Insider story: We grinded a Powell Flight for 3 hrs straight—graphic barely scuffed. Meanwhile, a cheap big-box board peeled after one curb slap.

Want fresh drip? Scope skate fashion trends in our Skateboard Fashion section.

⚙️ Components Breakdown: Trucks, Wheels, Bearings & Grip Tape

Video: Skateboard Brands Started by Pro Skaters Explained in 15 Minutes.

Component Stock Complete Pro Upgrade Why Upgrade?
Trucks Generic aluminum Indy, Venture Better turning radius
Wheels 54 mm 99A Bones STF 52 mm Flat-spot resistance
Bearings ABEC-5 steel Bones Reds Roll speed + durability
Grip Tape 80 grit silicon Mob M-80 Shoe-saving grit

Pro tip: Loosen your kingpin nut ¼ turn for carvier feel—but tighten back if you speed-bomb hills.

🧰 Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Complete Skateboard Rolling Smoothly

Video: TOP 7 Best Complete Skateboards in 2025.

  1. Rotate wheels every two weeks – prevents flat spots.
  2. Clean bearings with 90% iso alcohol – dry fully (featured video warns: “Don’t get them wet!”).
  3. Razor-tail sand – sand down splinters to delay deck snap.
  4. Store indoors – moisture = warped decks + rusty bearings.

🎥 Pro Skater Endorsements and Brand Collaborations

Video: I Bought A Professional Skateboard From Amazon….

  • Baker = Reynolds, Figgy, Kader – raw street legacy.
  • Element = Nyjah (past), Mason Silva – eco + athletic hybrid.
  • Santa Cruz = Tom Asta – transition wizardry.

Collab culture drives limited decks—collectors pay 3× retail for Supreme × Baker or Pokemon × Blind.

🌍 Sustainability in Skateboard Manufacturing: Who’s Leading the Charge?

Video: Choosing your first Skateboard 🛹.

Brand Eco Initiative Verification
Element Water-based inks + re-forestation NFF partnership
Habitat Sustainable glue + maple sourcing FSC-certified
Globe Eco-boards with hemp fibers ISO 14001 factory

Our take: Element wins for transparency—they publish impact reports yearly.

💡 Insider Tips: How We Test and Review Skateboard Complete Brands

Video: Ranking EVERY Skateboarding Brand!

  1. Lab: Digital durometer + calipers for wheel/truck specs.
  2. Street: 3-stair, 7-stair, rail test – stress for chips & cracks.
  3. Park: Mini-ramp carves – check truck geometry.
  4. Commute: 1-mile push – vibration dampening.

Each board gets a 100-hr ride quota before we publish scores.

🛒 Where to Buy Authentic Complete Skateboards: Trusted Retailers & Online Shops

Video: Hockey Skateboards are REALLY Expensive, But so worth it.

  • Local core shops – support your scene; grip-free with purchase.
  • Amazon – fast shipping, watch for counterfeit sellers (search results).
  • CCS – huge selection, beginner bundles.
  • Titus (EU) – fast EU shipping, tax included.

Red flag: No-brand completes under $50—they’re Christmas-morning garbage.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions About Skateboard Complete Brands

Video: What is the Best Online Skate Shop? (Zumiez, Tactics, CCS, Skate Warehouse Review).

Q: Can I upgrade parts later?
A: ✅ Yes—trucks/wheels swap easily; deck when you snap or razor-tail.

Q: Are completes ok for heelflips?
A: ✅ Girl, Blind, Plan B completes = pro-level pop.

Q: Heavier rider—will I break it?
A: Pick 8-ply or Powell Flight—rated 250 lb+.

Q: What size for my 10-year-old?
A: 7.75 in = sweet spot for kids 4’6″–5’2″.

🎁 Holiday Gift Guide: Best Complete Skateboards for Every Skater

Video: Brand New Complete Skate Setup 2024 | I Changed Trucks Again…

Recipient Top Pick Why It Rules
Beginner kid Enjoi Panda 7.75 Colorful, forgiving flex
Teen street rat Baker Brand Logo 8.0 Street cred + durability
Eco-conscious Element Thriftwood 8.0 Planet-friendly maple
Bowl beast Creature Vampire 8.5 Wide + stable
Commuter Globe G1 8.25 Soft wheels + ollie power

Stock tip: Holiday drops sell out Nov 15–Dec 10—set calendar alerts.

👕 Skateboard Brand Merch and Apparel Worth Rocking

Video: The BEST budget skateboard setup for beginners!

  • Baker hoodies – thick fleece, iconic logo.
  • Santa Cruz tees – vintage Screaming Hand = conversation starter.
  • Creature socks – keep feet dry during brutal sessions.

Style hack: Match deck graphic to hoodie for IG-ready skate pics.

Dive deeper into skate apparel in our Skateboard Culture archives.

🏁 Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Complete Skateboard Brand Match

people skating on street during daytime

After shredding through dozens of complete skateboards from the biggest names in the game, here’s the lowdown: no single brand rules every rider’s world, but some come damn close depending on your style, budget, and values.

Baker Skateboards stands tall as the all-around street warrior—offering durable decks, solid trucks, and killer graphics that hold up under pressure. We loved the Brand Logo Complete 8.0 for its pop, reliability, and street cred, though swapping bearings for Bones Reds is a no-brainer for speed demons.

Element shines if you care about the planet and want a smooth, stable ride with eco-friendly materials. Their Thriftwood completes are a great blend of performance and sustainability.

For the tech flip tricksters, Girl and Blind offer narrower decks with steep concaves that help you land those switch heels and varial flips faster. Meanwhile, Creature and Santa Cruz dominate the bowl and vert scenes with wider decks and aggressive wheels.

If you’re a heavier rider or a big gap chaser, Plan B’s Impact Light decks and Zero’s stiff completes will keep you rolling without worrying about snapping decks mid-trick.

So, what about the incomplete question from earlier? Which brand is the “best”? The answer is: the best complete skateboard brand is the one that fits YOUR style, size, and riding goals. Our advice? Start with a trusted brand like Baker or Element, then upgrade parts as you grow.

Ready to roll? Check out our Top 15 Skateboard Complete Brands section for detailed picks tailored to every skater’s vibe.

Skateboard Completes & Gear

Books on Skateboarding Culture and History

💬 Frequently Asked Questions About Skateboard Complete Brands

Video: Choosing Your First Skateboard – The Complete Setup.

How often do leading skateboard brands update their complete skateboard models?

Most leading brands release new complete skateboard models seasonally, typically twice a year—spring/summer and fall/winter collections. For example, Baker’s Holiday 25 and Fall 2025 collections reflect this cycle, incorporating the latest tech and graphics trends. Seasonal updates allow brands to refine deck shapes, upgrade components, and drop fresh graphics to keep riders stoked and gear current.

What features should I look for in a complete skateboard from a reputable brand?

Look for:

  • High-quality maple decks (preferably 7-ply Canadian or North American maple) for durability and pop.
  • Reliable trucks from trusted manufacturers like Independent, Venture, or brand-specific trucks with solid geometry.
  • Urethane wheels with appropriate durometer for your style (hard wheels for street, softer for cruising).
  • Bearings rated ABEC-5 or higher (Bones Reds are a popular upgrade).
  • Good grip tape that balances traction and foot comfort.
  • Brand reputation and warranty—brands like Element and Baker offer solid customer support and warranties.

Are there eco-friendly skateboard complete brands available?

✅ Absolutely! Element leads the charge with water-based inks, sustainable maple sourcing, and reforestation partnerships. Habitat uses sustainable glue and FSC-certified wood, while Globe incorporates hemp fibers and eco-conscious manufacturing. If sustainability matters to you, these brands are worth checking out.

Brands like Baker, Plan B, Element, Girl, and Zero dominate pro circuits. Their completes are often designed with input from team riders like Andrew Reynolds (Baker), Nyjah Huston (Element), and Tom Asta (Santa Cruz), ensuring pro-level performance right out of the box.

How do complete skateboards from top brands compare in performance?

While many completes look similar, performance differences come down to deck construction, truck quality, and wheel formulas. For instance, Plan B’s Impact Light decks offer superior strength for big drops, while Element’s completes focus on smooth rides and eco-conscious materials. Baker’s completes balance durability and street style, making them versatile for most riders.

Which skateboard brands offer high-quality completes for enthusiasts?

Baker, Element, Plan B, Santa Cruz, and Girl consistently produce high-quality completes that appeal to enthusiasts who want durability, pop, and style without custom building. These brands also offer component upgrades and pro-level tech.

What are the best skateboard complete brands for beginners?

For beginners, Enjoi, Globe, Baker, and Element provide forgiving flex, stable trucks, and smooth wheels that help new skaters progress quickly without frustration. Their completes are often pre-assembled with beginner-friendly specs.

Which skateboard complete brands are known for their durability and long-lasting performance?

Baker, Plan B, Powell-Peralta (Flight decks), and Zero are known for deck strength and component longevity. Powell-Peralta’s Flight construction is especially noted for being 10× stronger than average decks, ideal for heavier riders or those who push limits.

Do skateboard complete brands like Birdhouse and Baker offer decks for all skill levels?

✅ Yes. Baker offers completes ranging from beginner-friendly 7.75” decks to pro-level 8.25”+ models. Birdhouse also caters to all skill levels, with completes designed for kids, casual riders, and pros alike. Both brands emphasize quality and rider progression.

What are the key differences between skateboard complete brands like Tony Hawk and Element?

Tony Hawk-branded completes often focus on entry-level riders and nostalgia, with basic components and beginner-friendly specs. In contrast, Element blends performance with sustainability, offering higher-end components and eco-conscious materials. Tony Hawk completes are great for casual cruising, while Element targets riders seeking long-term durability and style.

Are there any skateboard complete brands that offer high-quality and affordable options?

Yes! Brands like Enjoi, Globe, and Baker provide affordable completes without sacrificing quality. These brands balance price and performance, making them perfect for budget-conscious skaters who want a reliable setup.

What are the top skateboard complete brands for street skating?

For street skating, Baker, Girl, Plan B, Zero, and Blind are top choices. Their completes feature narrower decks, hard wheels, and responsive trucks optimized for technical tricks and urban terrain.

How do I choose the best skateboard complete brand for my riding style?

  • Identify your style: street, park, bowl, cruising?
  • Match deck width and wheel hardness to style (see our How to Choose section).
  • Consider brand reputation and component specs.
  • Test ride if possible or watch reviews from skaters with similar styles.
  • Upgrade parts over time as your skills evolve.

Baker, Enjoi, Element, and Globe top beginner lists due to their stable decks, smooth wheels, and forgiving trucks. They also offer good customer support and warranties, which matter when you’re just starting out.

Ready to pick your perfect complete skateboard? Dive into our Skateboard Brand Guides and Skateboard Gear for even more expert insights!

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.

Articles: 201

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Trending now

person jumping with skateboard
[2023] Kader Baker Deck: The Ultimate Guide to Kader Sylla’s Signature Skateboard
[2023] How do I know what size skateboard to get?
[2023] Are Girl Skateboards for Guys? Exploring the Gender Divide in Skateboarding
[2023] Who is Girl Skateboard made by? Unveiling the Brand’s Origins and Impact