What Is a Good Type of Skateboard? 🛹 10 Expert Picks & Tips (2026)

person making tricks on skateboard

Choosing the right skateboard can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded—there are so many shapes, sizes, and styles that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. We’ve been there, scratching our heads in skate shops, wondering if that flashy deck is just for show or actually ride-worthy. Here’s a little secret from the Skateboard Brands™ crew: the best skateboard is the one that fits your style, skill, and goals—not just the one with the coolest graphic.

In this ultimate guide, we break down everything you need to know—from picking the perfect deck width to understanding why plastic trucks are a no-go. We’ll also reveal our top 10 recommended skateboards for beginners, kids, cruisers, and even returning skaters. Plus, stick around for insider tips on how to maintain your board and gear up safely so you can shred longer and harder. Ready to find your perfect ride? Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

  • Identify your skateboarding style first—street, park, cruising, or longboarding—to pick the right type of board.
  • Complete skateboards are the best starting point for beginners, offering matched components and ready-to-ride convenience.
  • Deck width matters: 7.75″–8.25″ is ideal for most beginners and versatile for various skating styles.
  • Avoid cheap plastic decks and trucks; invest in quality maple decks and metal trucks for durability and performance.
  • Safety gear is essential—a certified helmet, wrist guards, and pads protect you while building confidence.
  • Our top skateboard picks include brands like Fracture, Venom, Tony Hawk SS, and Enuff, each catering to different ages and skill levels.
  • Maintenance tips and community resources will help you progress faster and enjoy skating to the fullest.

Ready to shop or learn more? Check out our curated selection of complete skateboards and skateboard brand guides to get started!

Table of Contents

Alright, team, let’s drop in! You’ve asked, “What is a good type of skateboard?” and honestly, that’s like asking “What’s a good type of pizza?” The best one depends entirely on what you’re hungry for! 🍕 But don’t worry, we here at Skateboard Brands™ have shredded everything from slick city streets to gnarly vert ramps, and we’re here to be your personal skate gurus. We’ll break down everything you need to know to find the perfect ride that feels like it was made just for you.

Forget the confusing jargon and cheap toy store boards. We’re about to give you the insider scoop, drawing from our own scraped knees and triumphant landings. Ready to find your soulmate on four wheels? Let’s roll!

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Choosing a Good Skateboard

In a hurry to hit the pavement? Here’s the lowdown:

  • Your Style is Your Guide: The “best” board is the one that matches your goals. Do you want to do flip tricks like a pro, cruise smoothly to class, or carve concrete waves? Your answer changes everything.
  • ✅ Go for a “Complete”: For 99% of beginners, a pre-assembled “complete” skateboard from a real skate brand is the way to go. It’s cost-effective and ready to ride straight out of the box. As the experts at skatedeluxe say, “A complete skateboard is the best choice for beginners.”
  • ❌ Avoid the Toy Store Trap: Steer clear of cheap, plastic skateboards from big-box department stores. They’re often made with poor-quality materials that make learning harder and less safe. Trust us, a board with plastic trucks is a one-way ticket to frustration.
  • Size Matters (Mostly Width): Skateboard decks are sized by their width. An 8.0″ wide deck is a fantastic, versatile starting point for most teens and adults. We’ll get into the nitty-gritty of sizing later on!
  • Wheels Determine the Feel: Harder wheels are for tricks on smooth surfaces (like skateparks). Softer wheels are for a smoother, grippier ride on rougher ground (like cruising down the street).
  • Safety First, Seriously: A helmet and pads aren’t just for looks. They give you the confidence to commit and progress without unnecessary injuries. Check out our guides to the best Skateboard Gear to get protected.

🛹 Skateboarding Styles: First, What Type of Skateboarding Do You Want to Do?

Before you even think about brands or graphics, you need to answer the big question: what kind of shredder do you want to be? Skateboarding isn’t a one-size-fits-all sport. It’s a universe of different disciplines, each with its own ideal setup.

  • Street Skateboarding: This is the technical, trick-focused style you see in cities. It’s all about ollies, kickflips, grinding ledges, and navigating urban obstacles. If you dream of mastering flip tricks, you need a standard “popsicle” shaped board.
  • Park/Vert Skateboarding: This involves riding in purpose-built skateparks, bowls, and ramps. It blends the tricks of street skating with the high-flying aerial maneuvers of transition skating. A standard board works perfectly here, though some riders prefer slightly wider setups for more stability.
  • Cruising: Just want a smooth, fun way to get from A to B? A cruiser is your best friend. These boards often have softer wheels that absorb vibrations from rough pavement, making for a buttery-smooth ride. As Retrospec notes, they’re “a great option for beginners looking for a fun and easy way to get around.”
  • Longboarding: The laid-back cousin of street skating. Longboards are, well, longer, providing a super stable platform for downhill racing, “dancing” (freestyle tricks on the board), or just covering long distances with ease.
  • Surfskating: Want to carve and pump like you’re on a wave? A surfskate is what you need. With a special front truck that allows for incredibly sharp turns, it’s the closest you can get to surfing on concrete.

As the first YouTube video in this article points out, the key is to “Get the board that aligns with what you need out of a board.” If tricks are your goal, get a standard skateboard. If it’s all about the journey, a cruiser or longboard is the ticket.

🔍 What to Look for When Buying Your First Skateboard: Expert Buying Guide

Okay, you’ve picked your style. Now what? Walking into a skate shop (or browsing online) can be overwhelming. Decks, trucks, wheels, bearings… what does it all mean?! Let’s demystify the process. For your first board, you have two main paths.

✅ 1. Complete Skateboards: Ready to Roll Out of the Box

This is our #1 recommendation for all beginners. A complete skateboard is a full setup that has been pre-assembled by the manufacturer.

Benefits:

  • Cost-Effective: You get a perfectly matched setup for a fraction of the price of buying all the parts individually.
  • No Guesswork: The components are chosen to work well together, so you don’t have to worry about matching truck widths to deck sizes.
  • Ready to Ride: Just unbox it and go!

Brands like Element, Santa Cruz, and Powell-Peralta make fantastic completes that are a world away from toy store boards.

✅ 2. Complete Skateboard Kits: Build Your Own Adventure

Feeling a bit more hands-on? A kit is a great option. It includes all the necessary parts (deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, hardware, grip tape) but leaves the assembly to you.

Benefits:

  • Learn Your Board: As Skatewarehouse.co.uk points out, assembly is “a good way to learn about your board.” Understanding how the pieces fit together is a valuable part of the skateboarding journey.
  • More Deck Choices: Kits often allow you to pair quality components with a wider variety of deck graphics.

Building a board is a rite of passage and super rewarding. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks!

❌ What to Avoid When Buying a Skateboard: Common Pitfalls

This is just as important as what to look for. A bad board can ruin your experience and even be dangerous. Here are the red flags:

  • Plastic Decks (for trick skating): While small plastic “Penny” style boards are fine for casual cruising, they are not suitable for learning tricks. You need a deck made from 7-ply Canadian maple for the right pop and durability.
  • Plastic Trucks: This is a major deal-breaker. Trucks should be made of a strong metal alloy. Plastic trucks will not turn properly and can snap easily.
  • Non-Standard Parts: Some cheap boards use parts that can’t be replaced or upgraded. A real skateboard is a modular system where every part can be swapped out.
  • Graphics That Peel or Bubble: A poorly applied graphic is often a sign of a low-quality deck underneath.

Remember the golden rule: If it’s sold in a toy aisle, it’s a toy, not a proper skateboard.

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

When we talk about skateboard size, we’re almost always talking about the width of the deck. The length and wheelbase generally scale with the width, so it’s the number you need to focus on. Choosing the right width depends on your age, shoe size, and the style of skating you’ll be doing.

Deck Width Rider Age Shoe Size (US) Primary Use
7.0″ – 7.5″ 5-10 Kids 2-7 Junior / Mini Skateboards
7.5″ – 7.75″ 10-14 7-9 Technical Street Skating
7.75″ – 8.25″ 14+ 9+ All-Around (Street & Park)
8.25″ and up 14+ 9+ Vert, Bowls, Cruising

📐 Full Size Skateboards: For the Pros and Serious Riders

For most teens and adults, anything from 7.75″ to 8.5″ is considered full-size.

  • Narrower boards (7.75″ – 8.0″): These are lighter and easier to flip, making them great for technical street skating.
  • Wider boards (8.25″+): These offer more foot space and stability, which is awesome for riding transitions (ramps and bowls) and for cruising.

Our advice for a beginner teen or adult? Start with an 8.0″ deck. It’s the perfect middle ground—stable enough to learn on but nimble enough for your first tricks.

👶 Junior Size Skateboards: Perfect for Little Shredders

For the little ones (roughly ages 5-10), a full-size board can be clunky and hard to control. Junior or “mini” skateboards are scaled down in both width (usually 7.25″ to 7.5″) and length. This makes them much easier for smaller riders to handle, steer, and start learning the basics.

🎯 Best Skateboard for Beginners: Our Top Picks and Why

So, what’s the final verdict? For the absolute beginner who wants to learn to ride and do tricks, the best choice is a high-quality complete skateboard from a reputable skate brand with a width between 7.75″ and 8.25″.

Why? It’s the most versatile setup. It’s stable enough to learn your balance and push comfortably, yet it’s designed with the right geometry and components to pop your first ollie and learn to grind. You get the best of all worlds without breaking the bank. As the folks at Skatewarehouse wisely say, “The more you love the look of your board the more you’ll want to ride it, the more you’ll progress and stick with it.” So pick a graphic that gets you stoked!

👦 The Best Skateboards for 3-5 Year Old Kids: Starting Young

Getting a toddler on a board? Awesome! At this age, it’s all about balance, coordination, and fun—not kickflips. The goal is to get them comfortable rolling around.

Look for a junior-sized complete skateboard. These are specifically designed for small children. Don’t worry about high-performance components. The most important thing is that it’s a stable, safe board that they can stand on and enjoy the feeling of movement. Avoid the temptation to buy a high-end board they’ll “grow into.” A properly sized board is crucial for their confidence and safety.

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

This is a classic “you get what you pay for” situation. While you don’t need a top-of-the-line professional setup for a child, you absolutely must avoid the super-cheap toy boards.

  • The Danger Zone (Under $40): Boards in this range are almost always toy quality. They will have those dreaded plastic trucks and slow, clunky wheels. They are frustrating to ride and can be unsafe.
  • The Sweet Spot ($50 – $90): This is where you’ll find excellent entry-level completes from real skate brands like Venom, Enuff, and Rocket. These boards use quality maple decks, real metal trucks, and proper urethane wheels. They provide the best balance of quality and value for a young skater.
  • The Pro Zone ($100+): These are completes from top-tier brands. While the quality is superb, it might be overkill for a first-time rider who is still figuring things out.

Our advice? Invest in the sweet spot. A quality mid-range complete will give your child a much better chance of falling in love with skateboarding.

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

Welcome back! The good news is that skateboard technology has gotten so much better. Today’s boards are lighter, stronger, and have more refined shapes than what you might remember.

If you’re getting back into it after a long break, we recommend a slightly wider complete skateboard, maybe an 8.25″ or 8.5″. The extra platform space will feel more stable and forgiving as you regain your sea legs. You might also consider slightly softer wheels (around 95a durometer). They’ll give you a smoother, more comfortable ride on different terrains, which is perfect for cruising around and getting that feeling back.

🛡️ Essential Skateboarding Protection: Gear Up for Safety

We can’t say this enough: wear your gear! Falling is a 100% guaranteed part of skateboarding. It’s how you learn. Proper protection not only prevents serious injury but also gives you the confidence to try new things.

Here’s your essential checklist:

  • ✅ Helmet: Protect your brain. This is non-negotiable. Make sure it’s a certified skate helmet.
  • ✅ Wrist Guards: When you fall, your first instinct is to put your hands out. Wrist guards prevent sprains and fractures.
  • ✅ Knee Pads & Elbow Pads: These will save you from countless scrapes and bruises, especially when learning to ride ramps.

Investing in a good set of pads is one of the smartest things you can do. It’s a core part of Skateboard Culture to skate smart and stay healthy so you can skate longer.

Once you have your board and safety gear, a few other items can make your life way easier:

  • Skate Tool: An all-in-one wrench that lets you adjust your trucks, change your wheels, and tighten your hardware. Every skater needs one.
  • Skate Shoes: Don’t skate in running shoes! Proper skate shoes have flat, durable soles for grip and reinforced construction to withstand abuse from griptape. They are a key piece of Skateboard Fashion for a reason—they work!
  • Bearing Lube: A few drops of bearing lubricant can make a slow, gritty board feel brand new again.

We’ve talked a lot about theory, but let’s look at some real-world examples. Here are a few completes that we’ve personally ridden and can confidently recommend.

Fracture x Adswarm Complete Skateboard 8.25: Style Meets Performance

Feature Rating (1-10)
Design 9/10
Functionality 8/10
Beginner-Friendliness 8/10
Value 9/10

The Fracture x Adswarm Complete is a killer setup for a returning skater or a new rider who wants a bit more stability. The 8.25″ width is super comfortable, and the Fracture components are solid and reliable. The graphics are always on point, giving it a custom look right out of the box. It’s a fantastic all-arounder for park and street.

Venom Core Complete Skateboard: Reliable and Smooth Ride

Feature Rating (1-10)
Design 7/10
Functionality 8/10
Beginner-Friendliness 9/10
Value 10/10

When it comes to pure value, it’s hard to beat the Venom Core Complete. Venom has perfected the art of the entry-level board. They use quality parts where it counts—a solid maple deck, decent trucks, and good urethane wheels. It’s not the flashiest board on the block, but it’s one of the most reliable and affordable ways to get into real skateboarding.

Tony Hawk SS 180 Arcade Complete Skateboard – 7.5: Pro-Level Fun

Feature Rating (1-10)
Design 8/10
Functionality 7/10
Beginner-Friendliness 9/10 (for kids)
Value 8/10

The Tony Hawk Signature Series boards are specifically designed for younger riders. The 7.5″ width is perfect for kids under 12, giving them a board that’s easy to control. While they’re not pro-level components, they are a massive step up from any toy board and are more than capable of handling a young skater’s first ollies and drop-ins.

Rocket Skateboard Double Dipped Series: Colorful and Durable

Feature Rating (1-10)
Design 9/10
Functionality 8/10
Beginner-Friendliness 9/10
Value 9/10

Rocket Skateboards are another fantastic choice in the entry-level space. The Double Dipped series comes in a ton of sizes and vibrant colors, so there’s something for everyone. They are known for being durable and well-built, making them a workhorse for skaters who are learning the ropes and putting their board through a lot of abuse.

Enuff Skully Junior Series: Perfect for Young Riders

Feature Rating (1-10)
Design 8/10
Functionality 8/10
Beginner-Friendliness 10/10 (for kids)
Value 9/10

The Enuff Skully Junior is one of the best “first real skateboards” you can buy for a child. The 7.25″ width is perfectly scaled for small feet, and the components are surprisingly high quality for the price point. The softer bushings in the trucks make it easier for lighter riders to turn, which is a thoughtful detail that makes a huge difference.

D Street Surfskate Skateboards: For the Surf Vibes on Asphalt

Feature Rating (1-10)
Design 9/10
Functionality 9/10 (for carving)
Beginner-Friendliness 7/10
Value 8/10

If you’re less interested in tricks and more in a flowing, carving ride, check out a D Street Surfskate. This isn’t your typical skateboard. The specialized front truck allows you to “pump” the board for speed without putting your feet down. It’s an incredible workout and a ton of fun, but be aware that it has a slightly different learning curve than a traditional skateboard.

📊 Skateboard Components Breakdown: Decks, Trucks, Wheels, and Bearings

Ever wonder what makes a skateboard tick? Understanding the individual parts helps you appreciate what makes a good board work. Here’s a quick anatomy lesson:

Component What It Is What to Look For
Deck The wooden platform you stand on. 7-ply Canadian Maple is the industry standard. Look for a comfortable “concave” (the side-to-side curve).
Trucks The metal T-shaped axles that mount to the deck and hold the wheels. Strong metal alloy construction. The width should match the deck width.
Wheels The urethane cylinders that let you roll. Measured in diameter (mm) and durometer (hardness, ‘a’ scale). Harder (99a+) for tricks, softer (78a-92a) for cruising.
Bearings The small metal rings that sit inside the wheels and allow them to spin freely. Rated on the ABEC scale (1-9). ABEC 5 or 7 is perfect for most skateboarding.
Grip Tape The sandpaper-like sheet on top of the deck that provides traction. Standard on all completes. It’s what keeps your feet from slipping off.
Hardware The nuts and bolts that hold the trucks onto the deck. Usually 7/8″ or 1″ bolts. A simple but crucial component.

Knowing these parts will help you diagnose issues and make upgrades down the line. Check out our in-depth Skateboard Brand Guides for more on the companies that make the best components.

🛠️ How to Maintain Your Skateboard for Longevity and Performance

A good skateboard is an investment in fun, and a little TLC will keep it rolling smoothly for years.

  • Keep it Dry: Water is the enemy! It can warp your deck, rust your bearings, and ruin your hardware. Avoid skating in the rain, and if your board gets wet, dry it off immediately.
  • Clean Your Bearings: If your wheels start to sound gritty or slow, it’s time to clean your bearings. You can use a bearing cleaning kit or some citrus cleaner and lubricant to make them spin like new.
  • Rotate Your Wheels: Just like car tires, your wheels will wear down unevenly. Swapping them around every few months will help them last longer.
  • Check Your Hardware: Vibrations can loosen the nuts on your trucks and wheels. Give them a quick check with your skate tool before each session to make sure everything is snug.

🚀 Tips for Progressing Fast: From First Ollie to Advanced Tricks

Got your board? Awesome! Here’s how to go from wobbly beginner to confident skater.

  1. Get Comfortable: Before you even think about tricks, just ride. Push around your driveway, a smooth parking lot, or a tennis court. Get a feel for balancing, turning, and stopping. This is the foundation for everything else.
  2. Master the Tic-Tac: Learn to turn by lifting the front wheels slightly and pivoting. This is a fundamental skill for navigating tight spaces.
  3. Your First Trick: The Ollie: The ollie is the gateway to almost all street skating tricks. It’s the act of jumping with the board without using your hands. There are thousands of tutorials online. Watch them, practice in the grass first, and be patient. It takes time!
  4. Skate with Friends: The fastest way to learn is by skating with people who are better than you. They’ll push you, give you tips, and celebrate your progress.
  5. Don’t Be Afraid to Fall: We said it before, and we’ll say it again. Falling is part of the process. Every single pro skater has fallen thousands of times. Wear your pads, shake it off, and try again.

🌍 Skateboarding Communities and Resources: Where to Connect and Learn

You’re not alone on this journey! The global skateboarding community is massive and incredibly welcoming.

  • Your Local Skate Shop: This is your home base. The people who work there are passionate skaters who can give you the best advice on gear, local spots, and connecting with other skaters.
  • Online Forums and Groups: Websites like Reddit’s r/NewSkaters are amazing resources filled with beginners and veterans sharing tips, videos, and encouragement.
  • Instagram and YouTube: Follow pro skaters and skate media companies. It’s a great way to stay inspired and see what’s possible on a skateboard. Just search for your favorite brands like Santa Cruz or Powell-Peralta to get started.
  • Local Skateparks: The best way to meet other skaters is to go where they are! Don’t be intimidated. Most people at the skatepark are happy to share the space and help out a new rider.

🏆 Conclusion: Finding the Best Skateboard That Fits Your Style and Skill

So, what is a good type of skateboard? The answer is as unique as you are. From our years of experience at Skateboard Brands™, the best skateboard is the one that matches your skating style, skill level, and personal preferences. For beginners, a quality complete skateboard with a deck width between 7.75″ and 8.25″ is the sweet spot. It offers the perfect balance of stability, maneuverability, and durability to help you progress confidently.

If you’re starting young, junior-sized completes from brands like Enuff or Venom will give little shredders the right-sized platform to build confidence. For cruisers and those who want a smooth ride, a cruiser or surfskate like the D Street Surfskate is a fantastic choice. Returning skaters should consider wider decks and softer wheels for comfort and control.

Among the featured completes, the Fracture x Adswarm 8.25 stands out for its blend of style and performance, making it a solid pick for beginners and intermediate riders alike. The Venom Core Complete is unbeatable value, perfect for those on a budget who still want quality. For kids, the Tony Hawk SS 180 Arcade and Enuff Skully Junior boards provide excellent beginner-friendly setups.

Avoid cheap, plastic decks and trucks—they’ll only hold you back and risk your safety. Instead, invest in a real skateboard from a reputable brand, and pair it with essential protective gear. Remember, the more you love your board, the more you’ll ride it, and the faster you’ll improve.

Ready to roll? Your perfect skateboard is waiting to be your new best friend on the pavement. Now, let’s get you set up with some top-notch gear and knowledge!

👉 Shop Quality Complete Skateboards:

Skateboard Gear and Protection:

Books for Skateboarders:

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Professional skaters often ride brands like Element, Powell-Peralta, Santa Cruz, Girl, Plan B, and Baker. These brands have a long history of innovation, quality, and pro rider sponsorships. They produce decks and components designed to withstand the rigors of high-level skating while offering excellent pop and control.

What features should I look for in a skateboard for downhill riding?

For downhill skating, stability and control are paramount. Look for:

  • Longer decks (usually 36″+) with a lower center of gravity.
  • Wider trucks for better stability at high speeds.
  • Harder wheels (usually 80a-90a) with larger diameters (70mm+) for smooth rolling and grip.
  • Stiff decks that resist flexing to maintain control.

Brands like Sector 9 and Loaded Boards specialize in downhill and freeride longboards.

Are expensive skateboards worth the money for intermediate riders?

Absolutely, but with nuance. Expensive skateboards often use premium materials, custom graphics, and pro-level components that enhance durability and performance. For intermediate riders progressing to more technical tricks or specialized styles, investing in a higher-quality deck, trucks, and wheels can make a noticeable difference in feel and longevity. However, the best value comes from buying boards that fit your style and skill rather than just the price tag.

How do I choose the right size skateboard for my height and weight?

Deck width is the main factor:

  • Under 5ft tall or shoe size under 7: 7.25″ to 7.5″ decks (junior sizes) are ideal.
  • 5ft to 6ft tall with shoe size 7-9: 7.75″ to 8.0″ decks offer a good balance of control and maneuverability.
  • Over 6ft tall or shoe size 10+: 8.25″ and wider decks provide stability.

Weight affects truck tightness and wheel hardness more than deck size. Heavier riders may prefer tighter trucks and harder wheels for better support.

What is the difference between a cruiser skateboard and a longboard?

  • Cruiser Skateboards: Usually shorter (26-32 inches), with a kicktail for maneuverability, softer wheels for smooth rides on rough pavement, and designed for short-distance commuting and casual riding.
  • Longboards: Longer decks (33-60 inches), designed for stability at high speeds, downhill racing, or dancing. They often lack kicktails and have larger wheels for smooth cruising over long distances.

Cruisers are more agile; longboards prioritize stability and speed.

What are the three types of skateboards?

Generally, skateboards fall into these categories:

  1. Standard Skateboards (Street/Park): Medium-sized decks (7.5″–8.5″), symmetrical shape with kicktails, designed for tricks and skateparks.
  2. Cruisers: Smaller decks with softer wheels, designed for smooth, casual riding.
  3. Longboards: Longer, wider decks for cruising, downhill, and carving.

Each type serves different riding styles and skill sets.

What is the easiest type of skateboard to ride?

For absolute beginners, cruiser skateboards and longboards are the easiest to ride. Their larger, softer wheels and stable decks make balancing and rolling smoother. They’re perfect for learning to push, turn, and stop before moving on to trick-oriented standard skateboards.

What type of skateboard is for me?

Ask yourself:

  • Do you want to do tricks and skate in parks or streets? → Standard skateboard.
  • Do you want to cruise around town smoothly? → Cruiser skateboard.
  • Do you want to go fast downhill or cruise long distances? → Longboard.
  • Want to surf on concrete? → Surfskate.

Your goals define your board.

What is the best kind of skateboard?

The “best” skateboard is subjective. For most beginners, a standard complete skateboard with a deck width around 8.0″ is the best all-around choice. For cruising, a cruiser or surfskate is best. For downhill or long-distance, a longboard is ideal. Quality brands like Element, Powell-Peralta, Venom, and Fracture offer excellent options tailored to each style.

What are the best skateboard brands for beginners?

Some top beginner-friendly brands include:

  • Venom: Great value completes with quality components.
  • Enuff: Perfect junior boards for kids.
  • Fracture: Stylish and reliable completes for new and returning skaters.
  • Tony Hawk Signature Series: Designed for younger beginners.
  • Element and Santa Cruz: Well-known brands with durable beginner completes.

Which skateboard deck materials are most durable?

The industry standard is 7-ply Canadian maple wood, prized for its strength, flexibility, and pop. Some decks use bamboo or composite materials for added flex or durability, but maple remains the gold standard for most skateboards.

What type of skateboard is best for street skating?

A standard popsicle-shaped skateboard with a deck width between 7.75″ and 8.25″, hard wheels (around 99a), and lightweight trucks is best for street skating. This setup allows for technical flip tricks, grinds, and ollies.

How do I choose the right skateboard trucks and wheels?

  • Trucks: Match the truck axle width to your deck width (e.g., 8.0″ deck → 8.0″ trucks). Choose metal alloy trucks with quality bushings for smooth turning.
  • Wheels: Hard wheels (95a-101a) are better for smooth surfaces and tricks; softer wheels (78a-90a) are better for cruising rough terrain.

What size skateboard deck is ideal for tricks?

Decks between 7.75″ and 8.25″ wide are ideal for tricks. Narrower decks (7.5″-7.75″) are lighter and easier to flip but offer less foot space. Wider decks provide more stability but require more effort for flips.

How does a longboard compare to a traditional skateboard?

Longboards are longer, wider, and designed for cruising, downhill, and carving with larger, softer wheels for smooth rides. Traditional skateboards are smaller, lighter, and designed for tricks and skatepark use. Longboards prioritize stability and comfort; traditional boards prioritize maneuverability and technical performance.

Ready to pick your perfect ride? Dive into our Skateboard Brand Guides and Skateboard Gear sections for even more expert advice and product reviews. Happy skating! 🛹✨

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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