Welcome to the SkateHut Skateboard Buying Guide. Our goal is to provide you with all the necessary information before selecting a complete skateboard. Whether you're purchasing for yourself, a friend, or a child, we will guide you through everything so that you can make informed decisions regarding your purchase. To learn how to buy a skateboards, go through all the tips below.
SKATEBOARDING - IS IT A HOBBY OR A SPORT?
Skateboarding serves as both an excellent hobby and an extreme sport. To get outdoors and refine your skills, you need a quality board for practice. Skateboarding is also about community. Spending time with friends, commuting between places, or practicing tricks at the skate park offers a wonderful opportunity to make friends while improving your skills.
PURCHASING A COMPLETE SKATEBOARD
A complete skateboard is a board that comes fully assembled. It includes all the parts: wheels, a deck, trucks, and grip tape. Ready to use! It's crucial to know what to consider when choosing a complete skateboard for yourself or someone else, allowing you to make the right choice and purchase from the get-go.
When buying a skateboard, you must be aware of the following aspects, which we will discuss in this buying guide:
- Selecting the appropriate skateboard width
- Selecting the right skateboard deck and size
- Skateboard parts
- The top brands available
- Answers to frequently asked questions
- The best places to purchase skateboards
- Thinking about using a Custom Skateboard Builder
When determining the width of your skateboard, there are generally four different size categories.
The width of the board you choose greatly affects how you perform tricks and your ability to master them. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and board feel, but when shopping online you can refer to the following size and age chart.
The deck size should correspond to the rider's height and shoe size.
The length of your skateboard is less significant than the width, but it still influences the skateboard's performance and feel, with various shapes better suited for different skating styles.
Mini skateboards are typically 31 inches or shorter in length. We suggest these boards for children up to 10 years old. Mini boards are lighter, making them easier to carry and perform tricks with. Additionally, these boards are usually narrower.
For skaters older than 10, we recommend full-sized boards. These offer more surface area, making it easier for older skaters to balance while skating and increase the likelihood of landing tricks successfully. Common full sizes are 8.25 skateboards & 8.5 skateboards.
When purchasing a complete skateboard it's crucial to consider different factors such as deck size, trucks, and bearings. However, for beginners, wheel size and durometer might not be the primary focus. Most complete skateboards are equipped with wheels ranging from 50mm to 54mm in size and have a durometer rating between 97A and 99A.
Wheel size is determined by the diameter and can influence the skateboard's performance. Larger wheels typically provide more speed and stability, while smaller ones are easier to maneuver and offer better control for tricks. Yet, for beginners, this difference may not be crucial, hence wheel size shouldn't be the main focus when choosing a complete skateboard. The durometer measures the wheel's hardness and affects how the board feels during a ride. Softer wheels (lower durometer) generally deliver a smoother ride with better grip, whereas harder wheels (higher durometer) provide less grip but are more durable and offer better control for tricks.
As a beginner, it's best to concentrate on becoming comfortable with basic riding and learning fundamental tricks. As you advance and gain experience, you might develop a preference for specific wheel sizes and durometers that suit your skating style. It's also essential to consider that terrain and riding style can influence wheel choice. For example, if you intend to skate on rough surfaces or perform numerous tricks on smooth surfaces, a softer wheel with a higher durometer might be advisable.
Again, skateboard trucks aren't a major concern when purchasing a complete skateboard. However, it's worth noting that the trucks on all complete skateboards are not extremely tight.
Trucks may or may not require tightening upon purchase, depending on the skater's weight.
If you're uncertain about this aspect of the skateboard or need advice on trucks, visit your local skate shop or contact our friendly support team for help and guidance.
The quality of skateboard bearings is assessed by their ABEC rating, which stands for Annular Bearing Engineering Committee. This rating system was created to offer a standard method for measuring the precision of bearings used in machines, including skateboards.
ABEC ratings vary from 1 to 9, with higher ratings indicating greater precision and smoother operation. While some skateboarders prioritize the ABEC rating of their bearings, it's essential to understand that the rating system wasn't initially intended for skateboard bearings, and numerous other factors can influence your bearings' performance, such as lubrication, the quality of steel used in the bearings, and the design of the skateboard bearing itself.
Nonetheless, in general, higher ABEC ratings denote a higher level of precision and smoother operation, so if you're seeking a high-quality skateboard bearings, selecting a bearing with an ABEC rating of 5 or higher is advisable.
BRAND COMPARISON
Rampage is a brand offering a wide range of skateboarding products, including decks, wheels, trucks, bearings, and hardware. The brand is renowned for producing high-quality skateboarding gear at reasonable prices. Rampage Skateboard also sponsors a team of professional and amateur skateboarders who represent the brand in competitions and events.
One of the reasons Rampage Skateboards has gained popularity among skaters is their dedication to quality. Each product is meticulously designed and tested to meet the high standards Rampage is known for. Their decks, for instance, are crafted from high-quality Canadian maple, celebrated for its durability and strength. This makes their decks capable of withstanding the wear and tear of frequent use and the stress from tricks and maneuvers.
Rampage Skateboards also offers a wide variety of deck shapes and sizes, allowing skaters to find the perfect fit for their riding style and preferences. From classic popsicle shapes to wider cruiser designs, Rampage caters to everyone.
Their wheels are constructed from high-quality materials and are available in various sizes and durometers. This provides skaters the opportunity to select the ideal wheel for their terrain and riding style, whether they opt for a smooth ride for cruising or a harder wheel for executing tricks and maneuvers.
Overall, Rampage Skateboarding is a favored option among enthusiasts who seek dependable and cost-effective skateboarding gear.
Enuff is a skateboarding brand offering a diverse selection of products, such as decks, trucks, wheels, bearings, and hardware. The brand focuses on producing high-quality items that are both affordable and reliable, making them a great option for skateboarders of all skill levels. Enuff is recognized for its unique and creative designs, which mirror the brand's enthusiasm for the sport and its commitment to equipping skateboarders with the tools they need to excel.
Enuff is a brand renowned for crafting high-quality skateboarding gear that is both reliable and affordable. Their products are created with skateboarders' needs in mind and come in diverse styles and sizes to accommodate different riding preferences. Their decks are constructed from Canadian maple, known for its durability and strength, making them an excellent choice for those who need a deck that can endure daily wear and perform well under stress.
Besides their products,Enuff they also sponsor a team of skilled and dedicated skateboarders who represent the brand at competitions and events globally. With a focus on quality, affordability, and innovation, Enuff has established itself as a trusted name within the skateboarding community, helping skateboarders push their boundaries and achieve their ambitions.
The Tony Hawk Signature Series is a skateboarding brand that offers a variety of high-quality skateboarding products, including decks, trucks, wheels, protective gear, and accessories. The brand is inspired and led by the legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk, who is considered one of the greatest skateboarders of all time. The Tony Hawk Signature Series is devoted to creating products that embody Tony's passion for skateboarding and his pursuit of excellence.
The brand's products are crafted to meet the needs of skateboarders of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals. The Tony Hawk Signature Series is recognized for its attention to detail, innovative designs, and commitment to quality, making it a favored choice among skateboarders worldwide.
Beyond their products, the brand also supports a team of talented skateboarders who represent them in competitions and events globally. Overall, the Tony Hawk Signature Series is a trusted and respected name in the skateboarding industry, showcasing the passion, skill, and dedication of one of the sport's most iconic figures.
We recommend avoiding mass-produced skateboards from toy stores or superstores, as these are often made from low-quality materials and may not be durable. The best place to buy complete skateboards is from a reliable skate shop. Here, you can receive in-person help and advice on selecting the right board for you, whether you’re a beginner or an expert.
Alternatively, you can choose a dependable online skate shop. SkateHut is an all-in-one shop for all skate-related needs, with a helpful Support Team available to provide more information and guidance.
We have several limited-time skateboarding offers available right now! Take advantage of them before they run out!
Considering getting your own custom board? Try out our Custom Skateboard Builder and choose from any of our fantastic skateboard brands!
Need Assistance? You can reach us either by calling us at +44 330 027 0202 or by emailing us at sales@skatehut.com or by using our online chat service.
