Welcome to the SkateHut Skateboard Buying Guide. Our aim is to supply you with all the info needed before buying a complete skateboard. Whether you’re buying for yourself, a friend or a child, we’ll walk you through everything so that you can make the right decisions when it comes to your purchase decisions. To learn how to buy a skateboard, read all the tips below.
SKATEBOARDING - A HOBBY OR A SPORT?
Skateboarding is both a great hobby and an extreme sport. To get outside and work on your craft, you will need to have a great board to practice on. Skateboarding is also an entire community. Hanging with friends, commuting from one place to another or practicing tricks at the skate park can be a great way to make friends and hone your skills at the same time.
BUYING A COMPLETE SKATEBOARD
A complete skateboard is simply a board that has already been assembled. It will have all the elements assembled together: wheels, a deck, trucks and grip tape. Ready to ride! It’s important to know what to look for when choosing a complete skateboard for yourself or another, that way you can make the right decision and the right purchase, first time around.
When purchasing a skateboard you need to be aware of the following, which we will cover within this buying guide:
- Choosing the correct skateboard width
- Choosing the correct skateboard deck and size
- Skateboard parts
- The best brands on the market
- A rundown of the answers to frequently asked questions
- The best place to buy skateboards
- Considering using a Custom Skateboard Builder
When it comes to choosing the width of your skateboard, there are generally four different types of size categories.
The width of the board you choose will impact a lot on the way you master your tricks and the ability you will have to master your tricks. Ultimately it does come down to preference and board feel, but when shopping online you can stick to the following size and age chart.
The size of the deck should be proportional to the rider's height and shoe size.
The length of your skateboard matters a lot less than the width, but nevertheless, still affects the skateboard's performance and feel, with different shapes suited for different styles of skating.
Mini skateboards will have a length of 31 inches and under. We recommend these boards to children up to the age of 10. Mini boards are lighter in weight making them easier to carry and perform tricks on. These boards also tend to be narrower in width too.
For skaters over the age of 10, we‘d recommend a full-sized board. With more surface area to work with, older skaters will find it easier to maintain good balance when skating and it will also provide a better chance of balancing once landing a trick. Popular full sizes are 8.25 skateboards & 8.5 skateboards.
When purchasing a complete skateboard, it's important to consider various factors such as deck size, trucks, and bearings. However, wheel size and durometer may not be a primary concern for beginners. Most complete skateboards come with wheels that fall between the range of 50mm and 54mm and a durometer rating of 97A to 99A.
Wheel size refers to the diameter of the wheel and can affect how the skateboard performs. Larger wheels generally offer more speed and stability, while smaller wheels are more maneuverable and can provide better control for tricks. However, for beginners, this difference may not be significant and therefore, wheel size should not be a primary concern when purchasing a complete skateboard. Durometer, on the other hand, refers to the hardness of the wheel and can affect how the board feels when riding. Softer wheels (lower durometer rating) generally provide a smoother ride and better grip, while harder wheels (higher durometer rating) offer less grip but are more durable and can provide better control for tricks.
As a beginner, it's best to focus on getting comfortable with the basics of riding and learning fundamental tricks. As you progress and become more experienced, you may find that you have a preference for a certain wheel size and durometer that fits your skating style. It's also important to note that terrain and riding style can play a role in wheel selection. For instance, if you plan on cruising on rough surfaces or doing a lot of tricks on smooth surfaces, you may want to consider a softer wheel with a higher durometer rating.
Again, skateboard trucks aren't something to be too concerned with when buying a complete skateboard. However it wil be worth noting that on all complete skateboards the trucks are not super tight.
Trucks may or may not need to be tightened upon purchase. This will all come down to the weight of the skater.
If you are in any doubt about this aspect of the skateboard or would like some advice on trucks. Pop down to your local skate shop or call our friendly support team for help and advice.
The quality of skateboard bearings is measured by their ABEC rating, which stands for Annular Bearing Engineering Committee. This rating system was developed to provide a standard way to measure the precision of bearings used in machines, including skateboards.
ABEC ratings range from 1 to 9, with higher ratings indicating greater precision and smoother operation. While some skateboarders place a lot of emphasis on the ABEC rating of their bearings, it's important to note that the rating system was not originally designed for skateboard bearings, and there are many other factors that can affect the performance of your bearings, such as the lubrication, the quality of the steel used in the bearings, and the design of the skateboard bearing itself.
However, generally speaking, higher ABEC ratings do indicate a greater level of precision and smoother operation, so if you are looking for a high-quality skateboard bearing, it's a good idea to choose a bearing with an ABEC rating of 5 or higher.
BRAND COMPARISON
Rampage is a brand that offers a range of skateboarding products, including decks, wheels, trucks, bearings, and hardware. The brand is known for producing high-quality skateboarding gear at affordable prices. Rampage Skateboard also sponsors a team of professional and amateur skateboarders who represent the brand in competitions and events.
One of the reasons why Rampage Skateboards has become a popular choice for skaters is their commitment to quality. Each product is carefully designed and tested to ensure that it meets the high standards that Rampage is known for. Their decks, for example, are made from high-quality Canadian maple, which is known for its durability and strength. This makes their decks able to withstand the wear and tear that comes with frequent use and the stress of tricks and maneuvers.
Rampage Skateboards also offer a variety of different shapes and sizes for their decks, allowing skaters to find the perfect fit for their riding style and preference. From classic popsicle shapes to wider cruiser shapes, Rampage has something for everyone.
Their wheels are also made from high-quality materials, and are available in a range of sizes and durometers. This allows skaters to choose the perfect wheel for their terrain and riding style, whether they prefer a smooth ride for cruising or a harder wheel for performing tricks and maneuvers.
Overall, Rampage Skateboard is a popular choice among skateboarders who are looking for reliable and affordable skateboarding products.
CORE is a skateboarding brand that specializes in creating high-quality skateboard decks, trucks, wheels, bearings, and accessories. Their products are designed and developed by a team of experienced skateboarders who are passionate about the sport. CORE is known for its innovative designs, attention to detail, and commitment to producing the highest quality products possible. The brand has a strong focus on sustainability, using eco-friendly materials in their production processes, and supporting environmentally responsible initiatives. CORE also sponsors a team of professional skateboarders who represent the brand in competitions and events worldwide.
CORE Skateboards is a brand that has been making waves in the skateboarding industry with its unique and innovative approach to skateboarding products. Their decks are made from high-quality materials, and are available in a range of shapes and sizes to suit every skater's needs. Whether you're a street skater or a ramp rider, CORE has a deck that will suit your style. CORE's trucks and wheels are also designed with performance and durability in mind. Their trucks are made from high-grade aluminum, and are available in a range of sizes and styles to suit different riding styles. Meanwhile, their wheels are made from high-quality urethane, and are available in a range of durometers and sizes to suit different terrains.
In addition to their commitment to quality and sustainability, CORE is also dedicated to supporting the skateboarding community. They sponsor a team of professional skateboarders who represent the brand in competitions and events worldwide. This helps to promote the sport of skateboarding and provide opportunities for up-and-coming skaters to showcase their talent and skills.
Enuff is a skateboarding brand that offers a wide range of skateboarding products, including decks, trucks, wheels, bearings, and hardware. The brand is dedicated to producing high-quality products that are both affordable and reliable, making them an excellent choice for skateboarders of all skill levels. Enuff is known for its unique and innovative designs, which reflect the brand's passion for the sport and commitment to providing skateboarders with the tools they need to perform at their best.
Enuff is a brand that has gained a reputation for producing high-quality skateboarding products that are both reliable and affordable. Their products are designed with the needs of skateboarders in mind and are available in a range of styles and sizes to suit different riding styles and preferences. Its decks are made from Canadian maple, which is renowned for its durability and strength. This makes them an excellent choice for skateboarders who want a deck that can withstand the rigors of daily use and perform well under pressure.
In addition to their products, Enuff also sponsors a team of talented and dedicated skateboarders who represent the brand in competitions and events around the world. With a focus on quality, affordability, and innovation, Enuff has become a trusted name in the skateboarding community, helping skateboarders push their limits and achieve their goals.
The Tony Hawk Signature Series is a skateboarding brand that offers a range 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 widely regarded as one of the greatest skateboarders of all time. The Tony Hawk Signature Series is committed to producing products that reflect Tony's passion for skateboarding and his dedication to excellence.
The brand's products are designed to meet the needs of skateboarders of all levels, from beginners to professionals. The Tony Hawk Signature Series is known for its attention to detail, innovative designs, and commitment to quality, making it a popular choice among skateboarders worldwide.
In addition to their products, the brand also sponsors a team of talented skateboarders who represent the brand in competitions and events around the world. Overall, the Tony Hawk Signature Series is a trusted and respected name in the skateboarding industry, reflecting the passion, skill, and dedication of one of the sport's most iconic figures.
We advise against buying mass produced skateboards from toy stores or superstores, as they tend to be made from cheap materials and therefore may not last long. The best place to buy complete skateboards is from a trusted skate shop. Here you can get face to face help and advice on choosing the right board for you, whether you’re a beginner or a pro.
Failing that you can go with a reliable online skate shop. SkateHut is a one-stop shop for all things skate, with a friendly Support Team on hand to give more information and advice.
We have several limited-time only skateboarding offers live right now! Make the most of them before they expire!
Thinking of getting your own custom board? Try out our Custom Skateboard Builder and choose from any one of our fantastic skateboard brands!
Need Help? You can contact us either by phoning us on 0121 501 1111 or by emailing us at sales@skatehut.co.uk or by using our online chat service.
