How to Choose A Skateboard

Skateboard Decks

The deck is the heart of your skateboard. Choose wisely or perish!!!! (OK, its not that serious really).

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Skateboard Wheels

Skateboard wheels are pretty simple. You want round ones. If someone tries to sell you square wheels, report them to the local authorities. Ok, now that we have that out of the way, the other two important things to look at when you are buying some skateboard wheels are diameter of the wheel, and the hardness of the wheel, also called the durometer. (Just an interesting side note….the word "dura" comes from latin meaning "hard or tough", and the sac around your brain is called the "Dura mater". "Mater" is latin for Mother . So, scientists way back named the sac around your brain "Tough Mother". Haha…. so now if anyone says you are aren’t tough, you can tell them…. "no way man….I’m a tough mutha")

Anyways, back to the point…..most skaters can use between a 52mm and 54mm diameter wheel. The durometer is a bit tricky and not actually measured for skating (which I find a bit strange). Most skaters can use a hardness of 99a. As a general rule, the softer wheels are for skaters who want to stick to the ground easily and the harder wheels are usually more advanced skaters who like sliding maneuvers. Here’s a rough guide.

Seriously though, if you or the skater you are buying the skateboard wheels for is a beginner or intermediate rider, the hardness will really not make much of a difference. Getting back to the size of the wheels, if you are riding street or ramp more than the other, this may make a bit of a difference. For cruising on a longboard, most wheels over 60mm are great. With the vert ramp and skateparks, generally a larger wheel is better for going faster. Wheels from 54mm all the way up to 60mm will do. If you are skating mostly ramp, but also skate some street, sizes in the neighborhood of 54-56mm or even 57mm will do great. If you are someone who likes to torture the neighbors with sounds of wheels slapping the pavement on the streets, then smaller, harder wheels will be a bit better. Wheels in the range of 51-54mm will suit your riding.

And of course if you are REALLY lazy, like I am, you can just go to the brand you like, and pick out their "skate park wheel" or "street skate wheel". Bones skateboard wheels are a great example. The guys (and girls) at Bones got really smart and realized that skaters don’t want to bother with finding the "perfect balance" and many would benefit from a produced skate park formula or a street tech formula for their wheels. Alright, alright, I know not everyone likes this approach, but for beginners and intermediates (and me) it’s sweet. Check out the Bones skateboard wheels line up.

Skateboard Trucks

Finding the right size skateboard trucks is pretty simple, you basically need them to match the size of your skateboard deck. When you are looking at the trucks on our site, most of them list a size either inches or millimeters like "5.0" or "139mm". This is the width of the truck. Here is a guide to finding a correctly sized set of skateboard trucks.

Truck Width = Deck width
4.75" = up to 7.5"
5.0" = up to 7.75"
5.25 = up to 8.125"
8.25" and up decks, use trucks that are 5.25" and up.

So, the problem comes in when some of the truck companies measure in millimeters instead of inches (like 129mm, 139mm). Basically you can just divide the size in millimeters by 25.4 to get the measurement in inches (25.4 millimeters = 1 inch). You can do the conversion in your head if you are a math whiz, or you just check out the chart below……we've done the work for you.

Lastly, when looking at or browsing the trucks you'll notice some are marked "low". That doesn't mean the price is low!!! Hahah…I know, those babies are expensive these days! Anyways, the "low" means the truck has less "clearance". Low trucks are better suited for fliptricks, where high trucks are better suited for ramp and skateparks since a larger wheel can be fitted to the truck.

Ok, that about sums up truck shopping….now you just have to find a pair that match your shoes.

Skateboard Bearings

Skateboard bearings are the metallic rings that fit on the inside of the wheels. They make it possible for your wheels to sit on the trucks and spin. There is a rating system for bearings (called "ABEC") but it only measures the precision of the bearing and really doesn't do much for a skateboarding application. The ideal ABEC is from 3-5. This makes sure they are smooth and durable. If they are super-smooth, bearings are weaker, just by the nature in which they are made. If they are super-strong, they become too rough. Most bearings that come in complete skateboards are fine for the beginner or intermediate rider. The more experience you gain with skateboarding the more you will notice (or not notice) the difference in the skateboard bearings rated between 3-5. There is really no need for a beginner or intermediate rider to spend a ton of money on bearings. If your really want to spend some money, buy some cool skateboard hats or t-shirts so your friends will be jealous and girls will like you!

Skateboard Bushings

The bushings are the small rubber part in the center of the truck that basically cushions the truck when you are turning. The softer the bushing, the less stable and the easier to turn the skateboard will be. The harder or stiffer the skateboard bushings, the more stable and the harder to turn the skateboard will be. For beginners and intermediate riders, medium bushings are just fine. The softer bushings will suit riders who want to cruise, carve and turn a lot. The stiffer bushings will be better for tricks and ramps where stability is key.

Grip Tape

Grip tape is basically sticky sand-paper on your board so your feet stay on the board better. In the "old days" there was only black, now there are tons of colors and even pre-made designs stenciled into the grip tape to make you look cooler than the next door neighbor. if you are feeling creative, you can even make your own grip tape designs and custom apply your grip tape. My favorite is the True-Grit gripe tape. Those guys make some SIIIICK stuff. Check 'em out.

Skateboard Risers

Risers are the blocks that go between your board and your trucks. They basically cushion the truck a bit and also provide clearance so the wheels don't hit the board either when turning, or because you have a bigger wheel. These also come in all colors and designs. I'm not exactly sure why they have designs on them, because as soon as you put your trucks, risers and deck together, you'll never see the design again. Oh well, at least you can say you have the freshest risers on the block. Nobody will know the difference….it will be sweet.

Skateboard Hardware

When we refer to skateboard hardware, we are talking about the bolts and nuts that keep the deck, risers and trucks together. These sets come with 8 of each. If you are super-cool, you can match the color bolts to your eyes and the girls will go crazy! Otherwise, you can just get a regular set and be like everyone else……boring!