Nowadays, every kid wants to be a skateboarder…and every beginner has different preferences too. How do you pick the best skateboard for your child? What are the factors that determine whether you are getting someone a perfect gift or just another toy they will eventually tire of like all the others?
If you are looking to buy a new skateboard, chances are you may be feeling a little overwhelmed at the amount of different options that is on offer.
Choosing Factors for a Skateboard
There are a few key factors you should consider before purchasing good skateboards or upgrading to a new one. The following sections will guide you through the process of choosing the perfect skateboard for you.
- Deck size
The size of the deck is one of the most important factors in choosing a skateboard. You will want to make sure the deck is wide enough to provide stable footing and balance while you are skating. The length of the deck will also affect your skating style and how easy it is to transport the board.
- Wheel size
The wheel size is another important factor to consider when choosing a skateboard. The larger the wheels, the faster you can go. However, larger wheels also make it more difficult to do tricks and maneuver around tight spaces. If you are just starting out, it is best to choose a smaller wheel size so that you can learn the basics before moving on to more advanced skating techniques.
- Trucks
Trucks are responsible for holding the wheels in place and provide stability while skating. They come in different sizes and widths, so it is important to choose trucks that are compatible with your deck size and wheel size. You will also want to make sure that the trucks are durable and able to withstand rigorous skating conditions.
- Bearings
Bearings help your wheels rotate smoothly and quietly. They come in different grades, which indicate how fast they spin and how long they
Choosing the Right Size for You
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing the right size skateboard for you. It depends on a variety of factors, including your height, weight, skating style, and shoe size.
The most important factor in choosing the right size skateboard is your height. Skateboards are available in a range of sizes, from 27 inches to 35 inches. If you are under 5 feet tall, a 27-inch skateboard will be too small for you. Likewise, if you are over 6 feet tall, a 35-inch skateboard will be too big for you. The best way to find the right size skateboard for your height is to go to a local skate shop and try out different sizes.
Your weight is also an important factor in choosing the right size skateboard. Heavier skaters will need a larger board for stability, while lighter skaters may prefer a smaller board for maneuverability.
Your skating style will also dictate the right size skateboard for you. If you like to do tricks and jump off ramps, you will need a larger board for stability and landings. If you prefer cruising around or street skating, a smaller board will be more maneuverable and easier to carry with you.
Finally, consider your shoe size when selecting a skateboard deck size. If you wear mens shoes sized 9 or larger, you will need a wider deck (8-10 inches).
Choosing Appropriate Features
When you’re looking for a new skateboard, the most important thing is to find one that has the right mix of features for your skating style. There are four main types of skateboarding: street, park, bowl, and vert. Each one requires a different set of features on a skateboard.
Street skating is the most popular type of skateboarding. It’s all about tricks and flips in urban environments like sidewalks and parking lots. For street skating, you’ll want a board that is lightweight and maneuverable with good pop (the ability to jump high).
Park skating is similar to street skating, but it takes place in skate parks with ramps and other obstacles. Park skating requires a board that is durable and can take a beating. It also needs good pop and sliding capabilities for grinding on rails.
Bowl skating is all about carving turns in empty swimming pools or half-pipes. Bowl skaters need a board that is stable at high speeds and can make tight turns.
Vert skateboarding is all about big air off of half-pipes or quarter pipes. Vert skaters need a board that is strong and can withstand the impact of big drops as well as provide good pop for jumping off the lip of the pipe.
Now that you know the different types of skateboarding, you can start to narrow down which features you need in a board.
Your Budget – How Much are You Willing to Spend?
Your budget is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a skateboard. You need to find a balance between what you can afford and what you’re willing to spend. There are plenty of cheap skateboards out there, but they won’t last as long or perform as well as a more expensive option. If you’re just starting out, it’s probably best to stick to a lower-priced board until you get the hang of things. Once you’ve been skating for awhile, you can start looking into mid-range and high-end boards.
It’s important to keep in mind that skating is an ongoing hobby, so you’ll need to factor in the cost of new decks, trucks, wheels, and other accessories as your budget allows. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to save money on skating gear if you know where to look. You can often find great deals on used equipment, or take advantage of sales and promotions at your local skate shop. With a little bit of research and careful spending, you can get the perfect skateboard for your needs without breaking the bank.
Should you Buy Wooden or Fiberglass Boards?
When it comes to choosing a skateboard, one of the most important decisions you will make is deciding between a wooden or fiberglass board. Both have their pros and cons, so it’s important to know what you’re looking for before making your purchase.
Wooden Skateboards:
-Pros: More durable than fiberglass boards, better for doing tricks, and tend to be cheaper.
-Cons: Heavier than fiberglass boards, can be more difficult to control, and can break more easily.
Fiberglass Skateboards:
-Pros: Lightweight and easier to control than wooden boards, won’t break as easily as wooden boards.
-Cons: More expensive than wooden boards, not as durable as wooden boards, and not as good for doing tricks.
Everyday Riders VS Competitors
There are two types of skateboards: everyday riders and competitors. Everyday riders are usually made of cheaper materials and don’t have the same performance capabilities as competitors. Competitors are made of higher-quality materials and are designed for speed and tricks.
If you’re just starting out, an everyday rider is a good choice. You can find these at most sporting goods stores. They’re not as expensive as competitors, so you can get a feel for skateboarding without breaking the bank. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can upgrade to a competitor if you’re interested in going faster or doing tricks.
Conclusion
With so many different types of skateboards on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. But with our tips, you should be able to find the perfect board to fit your skating style and needs. Whether you’re looking for a beginner board or something more advanced, we hope our guide has helped you make a decision. So get out there and start skating!
