How to pick the right skateboard

Skateboarding is a fun and rewarding hobby, but it’s important to choose the right skateboard for your needs. The general rule of thumb is that you should get a deck that is proportional to your shoe size. For example, if you wear men’s size 6.5 to 9, you should start out with a deck width of 7.5 to 8.0 inches. If you wear shoes 9.5 or larger, we recommend getting a deck between 8.0 and 8.5 inches. 

Skateboarding Style

First, think about the style of skateboarding you want to do. Are you interested in street skating, vert skating, or downhill racing? Each type of skating requires a different type of board, so it’s important to choose one that’s well-suited for the style of skating you’re interested in.

Skateboard Size

There is no one perfect skateboard size, so it’s important to try out a few different ones before you commit to buying one. Most skateboard decks are between 7.5 and 8.25 inches wide, so that’s a good place to start. If you wear men’s size 6.5 to 9, start with a deck width of 7.5 to 8.0 inches. If you wear shoes 9.5 or larger, we recommend getting a deck between 8.0 and 8.5 inches wide.

When trying out different sizes, be sure to take into account the shape of the board as well as your personal preference for how the board feels under your feet. Narrower boards are great for flip tricks, manuals, and ledges, while wider boards are more suited for bowls, hand rails, and big gaps.

Deck Material 

The material of the deck is also important to consider. Skateboards decks are typically made from either wood or plastic. Wood decks are more durable but require more care, while plastic decks are easier to maintain but not as long-lasting. Choose the material that best suits your needs.

Trucks

The trucks on your skateboard connect the deck to the wheels and allow you to turn and grind. There are two things to consider when choosing trucks: width and height. The width of the truck should be determined by the width of your deck you don’t want trucks that are too big or too small for your board.

As for height, taller trucks (around 3 inches) are better for cruising and doing tricks, while shorter trucks (around 2 inches) are better for grinding and carving. Most beginner skaters will be fine with medium-height trucks (around 2.5 inches).

Wheels

The wheels on your skateboard determine how fast you can go and how smoothly you can ride. Larger wheels (around 54mm) are good for cruising and going over rough surfaces, while smaller wheels (around 50mm) are good for tricks and grinding. 

Softer wheels (made of polyurethane) are good for gripping the pavement, while harder wheels (made of urethane) are good for speed but aren’t as grippy. Most beginner skaters will be fine with medium-hardness wheels (around 78a). 

Skateboard Bearings 

Finally, don’t forget about skateboard bearings! Bearings play an important role in how fast your board moves and how smoothly it rides. Higher quality bearings will last longer and provide a smoother ride, so they’re worth the investment if you’re serious about skateboarding. 

Skateboard Shapes

Shortboards

Shortboards are the shortest style boards and are mostly used for street skating. They range in size from 27 to 32 inches long and 5.6” to 6.6” inches wide. Shortboards are lightweight and highly maneuverable, making them ideal for performing tricks. However, they aren’t as stable as larger boards, so they might not be the best choice for beginners.

Cruiser Skateboards 

Cruiser skateboards, also known as cruiser longboards, feature kicktails (raised sections at the rear of the board) and are easily maneuverable. They are slightly larger than shortboards, typically measuring 22 to 30 inches long and 7 to 10 inches wide. Cruiser skateboards are a good compromise between shortboards and longboards they’re stable enough for beginners but still small enough to be easy to carry around. 

Old School Skateboards

Old school skateboards are characterized by a flat nose, kicktail, and an asymmetrical shape. They usually measure 28 to 34 inches long and 8 to 10 inches wide. Old school skateboards harken back to the early days of skateboarding and are often used for nostalgic or “retro” styles of skating. 

How to Choose the Right Skateboard

Micro Decks

Micro decks have a width of six inches or less. These decks are typically meant for very experienced skaters who need a deck that is lightweight and maneuverable. Micro decks are also good for skaters who like to do tricks that require a lot of board control, like flipping and spinning. If you are a beginner, or if you plan on skating primarily street or vert, a micro deck is not likely to be the right choice for you.

Mini Decks

Mini decks are the next size up from micro decks and have a width of seven to eight inches. These decks are good for beginner and intermediate skaters who need a bit more stability than what a micro deck can provide. 

Mini decks are also good for skaters who like to do tricks that require some board control but not as much as tricks that are done on micro decks. If you are new to skateboarding or plan on skating street or vert, a mini deck might be the right choice for you.

Mid-Size Decks

Mid-size decks have a width of seven and nine inches. These boards are good for all levels of skaters, from beginner to pro. Mid-size boards offer good stability and board control, making them versatile enough for street and vert skating. If you are new to skateboarding or plan on skating both street and vert, a mid-size deck might be the right choice for you. 

Full-Size Decks

Full-size decks are the standard skateboard deck size and have a width of nine inches or more. These boards are good for all levels of skaters, but they are especially popular with beginner and intermediate skaters who need extra stability when learning new tricks. 

Full-size boards are also popular with skaters who like to do big airs and riders who want more stability when going fast down hills. If you plan on doing any type of skating, a full-size deck is likely to be the right choice for you. 

Is a 8.0 skateboard a good size?

A 8.0 skateboard is a good size for a teen or adult rider skating street terrain or doing more technical tricks. It is also ideal for various street and transition terrain. Parks, pools, rails, stairs.

Conclusion

With a little research and some trial and error, you’re sure to find the perfect board for your needs. We hope this article has helped give you a better understanding of what to look for when choosing a skateboard, as well as some tips on how to get started skating. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start shredding.