To assist you in selecting the ideal skateboard, we have created this useful guide. Picking the right skateboard is a crucial step for any aspiring skateboarder. The correct skateboard can make learning tricks easier, allow for smoother rides, and help you land lines. This guide will aid you in achieving all of these by showing you how to choose a skateboard tailored to your skills.
The Skateboard Size Chart
The primary factor in controlling your skateboard is selecting the right size. The chart below provides approximate sizes you should consider, based on your age and height. While this should give you a good starting point for the deck size you need, we still advise visiting your local skate store and trying out a few decks. If you intend to purchase a smaller skateboard for a child, take a look at our selection of children’s skateboards here .
As you advance in skateboarding, you might discover a preference for a certain deck width. For instance, a ramp or vert ramp rider might opt for a wider deck for stability, while a street or park skater may prefer a narrower width for better manoeuvrability.
Complete Skateboards
When purchasing a skateboard, you have the option to buy a complete skateboard where all the components are pre-assembled, or you can create a custom skateboard by selecting each individual part according to your preferences. If you are new to skateboarding, a pre-assembled complete skateboard might be an ideal choice. They are also great for those who have been using the same set-up for a long time.
Custom Skateboards
Many skateboarders enjoy assembling their own custom setups to adjust elements to fit their style. If you are an experienced skater, the task of assembling a skateboard will only take about 10-15 minutes. However, if you are less experienced, it might feel overwhelming.
Skateboard Components
When crafting your perfect skateboard from the ground up, understanding all the component parts that comprise a skateboard is vital. Here's a quick summary of what you need to know.
Deck
The deck is the board or footplate you ride on. It is typically constructed from 7 or 9 ply laminated maple sheets, though other materials are available. These often feature vibrant colours, graphics, and styles to match your taste. We offer nearly 1000 styles in our online store! Check out our complete collection of skateboard decks here .
Grip Tape
This is a sandpaper-like substance that covers the top of the deck. It's entirely anti-slip, enabling you to maintain grip on the board while riding. Typically black, but it comes in a range of colours. In our collection, we offer stylish graphics, patterns, and a variety of bright colours. Explore our full range of skateboard grip tape here. It's important to keep your grip tape clean to ensure it operates as intended. You can replace your grip tape when it starts to wear out to maintain optimal grip.
Wheels
Wheels are usually crafted from Polyurethane (PU) and each skateboard requires four. They're referred to as rubber wheels and are available in various sizes. The width of the wheel, or contact area, is generally 32mm. Although this size may vary, it is unlikely to affect compatibility with your board; it mainly depends on personal preference.
Cruiser Wheels
Cruiser wheels are broader than standard skateboard wheels and provide more grip due to their larger contact area. These are commonly found on Penny skateboards and other plastic deck boards. These wheels are ideal for cruising, commuting, or using in bowl riding setups. If you prefer a larger diameter wheel, you should use high trucks or riser pads(we’ll cover these later) as they offer better wheel clearance and prevent ‘wheel bite’, where the deck comes into contact with the wheels.
Large Wheels vs Small Wheels
Wheel diameter is measured in millimeters. Smaller wheels provide slower speeds, while larger ones offer faster speeds. For typical skateboard setups, wheels between 50mm and 55mm are suitable. Larger wheels achieve higher top speeds but take longer to reach them. Conversely, smaller wheels accelerate more quickly but have a lower top speed.
Soft Wheels vs Hard Wheels
Each wheel's hardness, or durometer, is indicated by a number between 70a and 100a. A higher number signifies a harder wheel. If you're uncertain whether you need a hard or soft wheel, we suggest opting for a mid to hard wheel in the 90s range, as these are more forgiving for tricks.
There is also a B scale, which measures 20 points lower than the A scale, so an 80b corresponds to a 100a. Wheels rated on this scale are extremely hard, allowing for a higher hardness classification.
The softest wheels are ideal for uneven surfaces where grip is essential for traversing cracks and pebbles. Wheels rated at 101+ are professional wheels with minimal grip, making them ineffective on slippery and uneven surfaces.
Some brands also produce wheels made from their own specialized polyurethane, tailored for specific surfaces. When this is the case, we always ensure it is clearly indicated in the product description and/or title. Explore our fantastic selection of wheels here .
Trucks
These are a crucial component of your skateboard and are likely to be the most durable part. A pair of trucks is essential for a skateboard. Most trucks available on our site are sold in pairs, but please review the product description thoroughly.
The truck's width should match the width of your deck, with each axle's tip aligned with the deck's edge. This ensures the wheels are within a quarter inch of the deck's edge, aiding in stability and preventing over or under turning. This size guide should assist you in finding the perfect trucks for your deck:
Trucks are composed of a mounting plate, bushings, a kingpin, axles, and a hanger. When assembled, they should appear as follows:
We will now provide a detailed explanation of each component.
Base Plate
This flat plate attaches the trucks to the deck and typically features holes that align with those on the skateboard deck. Truck bolts are inserted through these holes to secure the truck, although bolts are not included with the trucks. The base plate also helps distribute the pressures of skating evenly across the deck's underside.
Hanger
The hanger is the large 'T' shaped part of the truck that holds the axles and forms the principal body of the truck assembly. It has the most surface contact and is used in various tricks, like grinds and stalls. Hangers are often but not exclusively made from aluminum alloy, and most models are similar in weight. Lightweight and titanium axles are generally more expensive.
Kingpin
The kingpin is the central bolt that keeps the truck together. It passes through the entire hanger into the baseplate. You can adjust the kingpin to modify the trucks' responsiveness to better align with your riding style. If you're unsure how to do this, feel free to visit one of our stores and we can demonstrate it for you!
Bushings
Bushings are polyethylene cylinders that encircle the kingpin and deck plate. Also known as cushions, they support the truck as the board turns. With bushings, you can achieve smoother and more precise turns. Softer bushings enhance turning response and feel looser, making them favored by lighter riders for cruising and carving. Harder bushings suit street and technical styles, providing a firmer and more stable ride for heavier riders. Most skateboards feature medium-hardness bushings, but trying different bushings for varying setups is easy and they are widely available.
Bolts
Bolts secure your trucks to the skateboard and can be installed using skateboard multi-tools. Bolts come in various sizes, lengths, colors, and brands. Different colored bolts can help identify the skateboard's nose and tail or simply customize the board. Discover our entire selection of bolts here .
Risers and Shock Pads
Risers are plastic plates placed between the deck and base plate to raise the deck, preventing 'wheel bite,' where the wheel contacts the deck. Each skateboard should have two. We highly recommend getting a pair - they're incredibly effective! risers [56] Shock pads are installed similarly but are made from rubber to absorb impacts from landings and skating on rough surfaces.
Shock pads are fitted in the same manner but are made of rubber to absorb the impact from landings and skating over rough surfaces.
Bearings
Skateboard bearings mount the wheels to the axle, and they all have a uniform size. Most bearings have an ABEC rating, which stands for Annular Bearing Engineers Committee. It is often incorrectly assumed to measure a bearing's speed and strength. Incorrect. Watch this video to learn more about one of the most crucial parts of your skateboard.
With all this information, you're ready to find the ideal skateboard for you. Explore our complete range of Full Skateboards, or explore our Custom Skateboard Creator !
Should you have further inquiries, feel free to reach out to our customer service team at sales@skatehut.com or give us a call on +44 330 027 0202.