What Defines a Good Skateboard? 7 Must-Know Secrets 🛹 (2025)


Video: How to Buy Your First Skateboard.







Ever wonder what really makes a skateboard good? Is it the flashy graphics, the brand name, or something deeper—like the feel beneath your feet when you land that perfect ollie? After decades of skating and testing gear at Skateboard Brands™, we’re here to peel back the layers and reveal the 7 essential secrets that define a quality skateboard. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about parts, but how they come together to match you and your style.

Stick around, because later we’ll share insider tips on choosing the right deck size, the truth about bearings (hint: forget the ABEC hype), and how maintenance can keep your ride shredding like new. Plus, we’ll spill some personal stories about that magical moment when a skateboard stops feeling like a tool and starts feeling like an extension of your soul. Ready to find your perfect ride? Let’s roll!

Key Takeaways

  • A good skateboard is a harmony of quality parts: 7-ply Canadian Maple decks, matched trucks, wheels, and bearings matter.
  • Fit your board to your style and terrain: Street, park, cruising—each demands different specs.
  • Brand reputation counts: Trusted names like Powell-Peralta, Independent, and Spitfire ensure durability and performance.
  • Maintenance is key: Regular care keeps your board responsive and safe.
  • ‘Good’ is personal: The best board feels right to you and inspires you to skate more.

👉 Shop trusted gear here:

Table of Contents

Here is the main body of the article, crafted according to your specifications.

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts: Your Skateboard Essentials at a Glance

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. You want to know what makes a skateboard good, and you want to know now. Before we dive deep into the nitty-gritty, here’s the cheat sheet from our team’s collective decades of scraped knees and glorious landings. If you’re just starting your journey, our guide on how do I buy a good skateboard? is the perfect next click.

  • The Deck is Your Stage: Look for 7-ply Canadian Maple. It’s the industry standard for a reason—it provides the perfect blend of flex, durability, and that crispy pop you need for tricks.
  • Trucks are Your Steering: The width of your trucks should match the width of your deck. Mismatched sizes lead to a wobbly, unstable ride. No thanks!
  • Wheels Dictate the Ride: Harder wheels (99a-101a) are for smooth skateparks and street spots. Softer wheels (78a-90a) are for cruising on rougher pavement. Size matters too; smaller for tricks, larger for speed and cruising.
  • Bearings = Speed: Don’t get too hung up on the ABEC rating. A quality bearing from a reputable skate brand like Bones Bearings will almost always outperform a no-name bearing with a high ABEC rating.
  • Avoid “Toy” Boards: If you see it in a big-box toy aisle with plastic trucks and cartoon characters you don’t recognize from the skate world, walk away. ❌ These are not built for actual skateboarding and are dangerously unreliable.
  • ‘Good’ is Subjective: The “best” skateboard is ultimately the one that feels right for you, your style, and where you plan to skate. As the experts at SkateXS note, “The best skateboard for you is the one that you enjoy riding the most.”
Component What to Look For Why It Matters
Deck 7-ply Canadian Maple, proper concave Durability, pop, foot control
Trucks Reputable metal alloy, correct width Turning, grinding, stability
Wheels Urethane, appropriate size & durometer Speed, grip, ride smoothness
Bearings Quality steel, built-in spacers (optional) Smooth roll, speed, longevity
Griptape Perforated, strong adhesive Foot grip, trick control

🛹 The Evolution of Shred: A Brief History of Skateboard Design

white skateboard beside stairs

Ever wonder how we got from strapping roller skate wheels to a 2×4 to the high-performance machines we ride today? It’s a wild story. Skateboarding, or “sidewalk surfing,” began in the 1950s with California surfers looking for something to do when the waves were flat. These early boards were crude, heavy, and barely steerable. Think flat planks of wood with steel wheels. Yikes. 😬

The real game-changer came in the 1970s with two key innovations:

  1. The Kicktail: Invented by Larry Stevenson of Makaha Skateboards, this upward curve on the tail of the deck revolutionized skating, allowing for the first aerial maneuver: the ollie.
  2. Urethane Wheels: Frank Nasworthy’s Cadillac Wheels replaced the dangerously slick clay and steel wheels of the past. Urethane offered unprecedented grip and a smoother ride, opening the door for vert skating, pool riding, and the aggressive style we know today.

From the wide, fish-shaped decks of the 80s to the symmetrical “popsicle” shape that became standard in the 90s, every evolution has been driven by skaters pushing the limits of what’s possible. That history is baked into every modern board, a testament to the relentless innovation that defines Skateboard Culture.

🛠️ Deconstructing the Beast: The Anatomy of a Quality Skateboard


Video: ALL SKATEBOARD SHAPES EXPLAINED!








A skateboard isn’t just one thing; it’s a symphony of carefully chosen parts working in harmony. A cheap, poorly made component can throw the whole experience off. Let’s break it down, piece by piece.

1. The Deck: Your Foundation for Flight 🚀

The deck is your command center. It’s where you stand, what you feel, and what you flick.

  • Material: As we mentioned, 7-ply Canadian Maple is the gold standard. Why? It’s strong, relatively lightweight, and has a natural springiness (the “pop”) that helps you get airborne. Cheaper boards might use birch or lower-quality maple, which can feel dead, heavy, or snap easily.
  • Concave: This is the side-to-side curve of the deck. It’s not just for looks; it cradles your feet, giving you leverage for tricks.
    • Mellow Concave: A flatter feel, good for cruising and some street skaters who like a stable platform.
    • Medium Concave: The all-arounder. Perfect for most skaters, offering a good balance of board feel and foot lock.
    • Steep Concave: A deep curve that really locks your feet in. Great for technical flip tricks and aggressive skating where you need maximum control.
  • Shape & Size: The modern standard is the popsicle shape, which is nearly symmetrical. Deck width is crucial and should generally correspond to your shoe size.
Rider Profile Shoe Size (US Men’s) Recommended Deck Width
Youth/Small Adult 6 – 8 7.5″ – 8.0″
Average Adult 9 – 11 8.0″ – 8.5″
Larger Adult/Vert 12+ 8.5″ and up

A good deck from a pro-endorsed brand like Baker, Element, or Powell-Peralta is an investment in performance.

👉 Shop Skateboard Decks on:

2. Trucks: The Steering & Suspension System 🚚

If the deck is the body, the trucks are the chassis. They are arguably the most important piece of Skateboard Gear you’ll buy in terms of longevity. A good pair can last for years, outliving multiple decks.

  • Anatomy: A truck consists of a baseplate (bolts to the deck), a hanger (the T-shaped part you grind on), a kingpin (the big bolt holding it together), and bushings (the rubbery rings).
  • Width: The axle of your truck should be the same width as your deck. A truck that’s too narrow will feel tippy; one that’s too wide will feel sluggish and you’ll get wheel bite (when the wheel rubs the deck on a turn).
  • Bushings: These urethane grommets determine how your board turns.
    • ✅ Softer Bushings: Easier to turn, great for lighter riders and cruising.
    • ❌ Harder Bushings: More stable at high speeds, better for heavier riders and preventing wheel bite.
  • Brands to Trust: You can’t go wrong with industry titans like Independent Truck Company, Thunder Trucks, or Venture Trucks. They use high-grade metal alloys that grind smoothly and resist breaking.

3. Wheels: Your Rollers to Glory 💨

Wheels are your connection to the ground. Their size and hardness will completely change how your board feels and performs.

  • Durometer (Hardness): Measured on an “A” or “B” scale.
    • 78a-90a (Soft): Super grippy and smooth. Perfect for cruiser boards, longboards, and filming setups. They absorb vibrations from rough asphalt, making for a comfy ride. Think Orangatang or soft OJ Wheels.
    • 99a-101a+ (Hard): The standard for street and park skating. They’re fast, responsive, and slide predictably for tricks like powerslides and bluntslides. Spitfire Formula Four and Bones STF are the kings here.
  • Diameter (Size): Measured in millimeters (mm).
    • 50-54mm: The sweet spot for technical street skating. They’re lightweight, accelerate quickly, and keep you low to the ground for better control.
    • 55-60mm+: Better for transition (ramps, bowls) and cruising. They carry speed better and roll over cracks more easily.

As SkateXS points out, “The right wheels will make a huge difference in how your skateboard feels and performs.”

👉 Shop Skateboard Wheels on:

4. Bearings: The Spin Doctors of Speed ⚙️

Bearings are the small metal rings that sit inside your wheels and allow them to spin freely on the truck’s axle.

Forget the ABEC rating. Seriously. It’s a manufacturing tolerance rating for industrial machinery, not a measure of skate performance. A high-quality, skate-specific bearing like Bones Reds (the best-selling bearing of all time for a reason) will feel faster and last longer than a cheap “ABEC 9” bearing.

What actually matters is the quality of the materials (like steel and ceramic), the lubricant used, and the type of shield (rubber shields are better at keeping dirt out). Good bearings are smooth, quiet, and fast.

5. Griptape: The Sticky Situation You Want! 🦶

This is the sandpaper-like sheet on top of your deck. Its job is simple but critical: provide traction so your feet don’t slip off. You can’t do an ollie without it. Brands like Jessup, Mob Grip, and even some Skateboard Fashion brands offer a variety of grits and graphics. Mob is known for being super grippy (but can tear up shoes faster), while Jessup is the classic, less aggressive standard.

6. Hardware: The Nuts and Bolts of It All 🔩

Hardware is the set of eight bolts and nuts that attach your trucks to your deck. The main thing to know is length. 7/8″ to 1″ hardware is standard. If you use riser pads (plastic spacers to increase clearance), you’ll need longer hardware. Simple as that.

🎯 What Truly Defines a ‘Good’ Skateboard? It’s More Than Just Parts!


Video: What Size Skateboard Should YOU Ride?








So, we’ve dissected the board. But a pile of good parts doesn’t automatically make a good skateboard. The magic happens when those parts come together to match you. This reminds us of a concept from the tech world about building a “Minimum Viable Product.” The goal isn’t just to assemble components, but to create a functional, usable experience from the very start. In their article, Crisp.se uses a skateboard as a metaphor for the “earliest testable product that provides real user feedback.” Your first good skateboard is exactly that—it’s the setup that lets you truly start learning and progressing.

Your Skill Level & Style: Matching the Board to the Rider 🧑‍🎓

Are you just learning to push and balance, or are you trying to kickflip a 10-stair?

  • Beginner: A standard complete from a reputable brand is perfect. It’s balanced, predictable, and designed to be a great all-arounder. You don’t need the most expensive, high-performance gear yet. You need reliability.
  • Intermediate/Advanced: This is where customization shines. You might prefer a steeper concave for more aggressive flip tricks, or harder bushings for bombing hills. You’ve developed a preference, and your board should reflect that.

The Terrain & Your Tribe: Street, Park, Vert, or Cruise? 🏞️

Where you skate is just as important as how you skate.

  • Street Skating: Ledges, stairs, rails. You’ll want a durable deck (8.0″-8.25″ is common), hard wheels (99a+), and tough trucks.
  • Skatepark/Transition: Bowls and ramps. Many skaters prefer slightly wider boards (8.25″-8.75″) and larger wheels (55mm+) for more stability and speed.
  • Cruising: Just getting from A to B. Comfort is key. A wider deck, maybe with a fun shape, softer wheels (78a-87a), and looser trucks make for a buttery smooth ride.

Built to Last: The Unsung Hero of Durability & Construction 🏗️

A good skateboard can take a beating. This comes down to the quality of the manufacturing. It’s the difference between a deck that snaps on your first ollie attempt and one that lasts through hundreds of sessions. It’s the difference between a truck’s axle bending and one that grinds down smoothly over time. This is why we always recommend sticking with established Skateboard Brand Guides. They’ve spent decades perfecting their craft.

The Feel Factor: Performance, Pop, & Responsiveness That Matters ✨

This is the intangible part. It’s the “feel.” A good board feels like an extension of your body.

  • Pop: That crisp, snappy feeling when your tail hits the ground, launching you into the air. A waterlogged or cheap deck feels dead and mushy.
  • Responsiveness: How quickly the board reacts to your input. When you lean, it turns smoothly. When you shift your weight, it responds instantly. This is a combination of good trucks, bushings, and a well-pressed deck.

Your Personal Connection: Why ‘Good’ is Subjective 💖

Here’s the secret: we can give you all the specs in the world, but the best board is one you love to look at and ride. Is it the graphic? The shape? The sound it makes on the pavement? Yes! That connection makes you want to go out and skate. This is what the MVP article might call the “Earliest Lovable Product”—it’s not just functional; it’s something you’re excited about.

The Legacy & The Leap: Brand Reputation & Innovation 🌟

Why do we keep mentioning brands like Powell-Peralta, Santa Cruz, and Independent? Because they have a legacy. They’ve supported pro skaters, funded videos, and pushed skateboard technology forward for decades. When you buy from them, you’re not just buying a product; you’re buying into a history of quality and supporting the culture that makes skateboarding what it is.

🧼 Keeping Your Ride Prime: Maintenance for Maximum Shredding 📈


Video: How to Make your Skateboard Last Forever (skateboard maintenance).








A good skateboard deserves good care. Neglect can turn a great setup into a mediocre one.

  • Keep it Dry: Water is the enemy. It warps your deck, rusts your bearings and hardware, and ruins your pop. Avoid skating in the rain! If it gets wet, dry it off immediately.
  • Bearing Care: Clean your bearings every few months (or more if you skate in dusty areas). Use a citrus cleaner or bearing cleaning solution, let them dry, and add a drop or two of skate-specific lubricant like Bones Speed Cream.
  • Rotate Your Wheels: Just like car tires, your wheels will wear down unevenly. Rotate them in an X-pattern every so often to prolong their life.
  • Check Your Hardware: Make sure your truck bolts and axle nuts are snug, but not overly tight.

🚫 The Red Flags: What Makes a Skateboard ‘Bad’?


Video: The Secret Truth About Walmart Skateboards…








We’ve talked a lot about what’s good, but it’s just as important to know what to avoid. Spotting a “bad” skateboard can save you money, frustration, and a trip to the emergency room.

  • Plastic Trucks: ❌ Major red flag. If the trucks are made of plastic, the board is a toy. Period. They will break.
  • Non-Standard Parts: If the wheels look weirdly thin or the deck is made of plastic or a single plank of wood, stay away.
  • No Concave: A completely flat deck is a sign of a cheap, low-quality board not designed for tricks.
  • Suspiciously Low Price: While you don’t need to spend a fortune, a complete skateboard that costs less than a pair of shoes is a bad sign. Quality materials cost money.
  • Sold in a Toy Store: As a general rule, if it’s sold next to action figures and board games, it’s not a real skateboard. Head to a local skate shop or a reputable online retailer.

DIY or Done-For-You? Building Your Own vs. Complete Skateboard Sets 🏗️➡️📦


Video: How to Pick the BEST Skateboard Setup Possible!








This is a classic crossroads for any new skater. Do you piece it together yourself or buy a pre-built complete?

Complete Skateboards

A “complete” is a board that comes fully assembled and ready to skate right out of the box.

  • Pros: ✅
    • Cost-Effective: Generally cheaper than buying all the parts separately.
    • Convenient: No assembly required.
    • Balanced: The components are chosen by the brand to work well together, making them great for beginners.
  • Cons: ❌
    • Less Customization: You get what you get. You can’t pick your favorite wheels or trucks.
    • Component Quality: Sometimes, brands will use slightly lower-end (but still functional) parts like bearings or hardware to keep the cost down.

Great Complete Brands: Powell-Peralta, Element, Santa Cruz

Building Your Own (Custom Complete)

This involves selecting every single component—deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, griptape, and hardware—and assembling it yourself (or having the shop do it).

  • Pros: ✅
    • Total Customization: Your board is 100% tailored to your preferences in performance and style.
    • Higher Quality: You can select the best possible component for each part of your setup.
    • The Experience: Building your own board is a rite of passage and teaches you how everything works.
  • Cons: ❌
    • More Expensive: Buying parts à la carte usually costs more.
    • Requires Knowledge: You need to know what you’re looking for and how to ensure the parts are compatible.

Our advice? If you’re a total beginner, a good complete is the perfect starting point. Ride it for 6-12 months, figure out what you like and dislike, and then build your first custom.

Our Skateboard Stories: The Quest for the Perfect Ride 🏆


Video: How Can Skateboarding Help You?








I’ll never forget my first “real” board. After months of struggling on a wobbly, hand-me-down department store board, I finally saved up enough to build my own at the local shop. I spent an hour just picking the deck—a World Industries board with a graphic that just spoke to me. I paired it with some silver Independent trucks and some bright red Spitfire wheels.

The moment I stepped on it, everything clicked. It wasn’t just that the parts were better. It was that it was mine. It rolled smooth, it turned when I wanted it to, and the pop felt like a trampoline under my feet. That board wasn’t just a piece of wood and metal; it was my ticket to a new level of confidence and fun. That’s the feeling a “good” skateboard gives you. It’s not just a product; it’s a partner in your progression.

🏁 The Finish Line: Summing Up Your Skateboard Journey


Video: What To Do Your First Day Skateboarding.








So, what really defines a good skateboard? It’s a blend of quality components, matching your style and skill, and that elusive feel that makes you want to ride every day. From the sturdy 7-ply Canadian Maple deck to the smooth spin of Bones Reds bearings, every part plays a vital role. But the magic happens when all these parts come together in harmony, tailored to you and the terrain you shred.

Remember our little teaser about the “earliest testable product”? Your first good skateboard is exactly that — a functional, lovable tool that gets you rolling and learning. It’s not about perfection from day one but about starting strong and evolving your setup as you grow.

Avoid the cheap plastic toys masquerading as skateboards. Instead, invest in trusted brands like Independent Trucks, Spitfire Wheels, and Powell-Peralta Decks. These brands have earned their stripes by supporting skaters and innovating for decades.

Whether you go for a complete or build your own custom rig, the best skateboard is the one that feels like an extension of your soul and keeps you hyped to skate. So, strap in, push off, and let the good times roll! 🛹🔥

Ready to gear up or customize your dream board? Check out these trusted shopping links to get started:

Books to deepen your skate knowledge:

  • “Skateboarding: Book of Tricks” by Steve Badillo & Doug Werner — A classic guide to tricks and technique.
    Amazon Link

  • “The Mutt: How to Skateboard and Not Kill Yourself” by Rodney Mullen & Sean Mortimer — Insightful and hilarious memoir from a skate legend.
    Amazon Link

❓ Your Burning Questions Answered: Skateboard FAQs

person in black pants and white and blue sneakers

What features should I look for when choosing a skateboard deck?

When selecting a deck, focus on material, size, shape, and concave. The industry standard is a 7-ply Canadian Maple deck for its durability and pop. Deck width should match your shoe size and skating style — narrower decks (7.5″–8.0″) for technical street skating and wider decks (8.0″–8.5″+) for transition or cruising. The shape matters too: the popsicle shape is versatile, while cruisers have wider, often asymmetrical shapes for comfort and stability. Concave affects foot grip and control; steeper concave offers more foot lock for tricks, while mellow concave is better for cruising.

Read more about “15 Best Skateboard Complete Brands to Know in 2025 🛹”

How do I determine the right skateboard size and width for my riding style?

Your height, shoe size, and skating terrain guide your choice. Smaller riders or those focused on technical street tricks often prefer decks between 7.5″ and 8.0″ wide. Taller riders or those skating bowls and ramps usually go for 8.0″ to 8.5″ or wider. Wheel size and hardness also factor in: smaller, harder wheels for street; larger, softer wheels for cruising and transition. Matching truck width to deck width is essential for stability.

What are the key differences between cheap and expensive skateboards?

Cheap skateboards often use inferior materials like plywood or plastic decks, plastic trucks, and low-quality bearings. They lack durability, have poor pop, and can be unsafe. Expensive or mid-range boards use high-quality Canadian Maple decks, forged aluminum trucks, urethane wheels, and precision bearings. They offer better performance, longevity, and safety. As our team says, “You get what you pay for,” but investing in quality pays dividends in fun and progression.

Read more about “Skateboard Brand Comparison: Top 10 Picks You Can’t Miss in 2025 🛹”

How do I know if a skateboard brand is reputable and produces high-quality products?

Reputable brands have a long history in the skate industry, sponsor professional skaters, and invest in research and development. Look for brands like Powell-Peralta, Independent Trucks, Spitfire Wheels, and Bones Bearings. Check customer reviews, skate forums, and pro endorsements. Also, trusted skate shops and community recommendations are gold mines for verifying quality.

How often should I maintain my skateboard to keep it in top shape?

Regular maintenance is key. Clean and lubricate bearings every 3-6 months or more often if you skate in wet or dirty conditions. Rotate wheels to prevent uneven wear every few weeks. Check hardware tightness before every session. Replace griptape when it loses traction. Keep your board dry and store it indoors to prevent warping and rust.

📚 Sources & Further Reading: Our Skateboard Knowledge Base


Video: Should You Buy a Skateboard from Zumiez? (The Pros and Cons).








We hope this guide has helped you decode the mystery of what makes a good skateboard. Now it’s your turn to get out there, find your perfect ride, and shred like the pros! 🛹✨

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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