Unlike many other sports, in skateboarding you are only as good as your equipment. You might be the best on the board, but if your board is the wrong size or poor quality, you won’t get very far and you’ll end up frustrated. If you really want to be successful and make the most of it, you’re going to want to get the best and most complete skateboard for yourself. But there are thousands of companies selling skateboard decks, skateboard trucks, and other essentials, making it hard for you to decide which one is right for you and your skill level. Skateboards and skateboard trucks, wheels and other parts you need to make a complete skateboard can be a bit expensive. Therefore, you should do your research before making a purchase. Here’s a little guide to help you choose the right skateboard decks and trucks for you.
1) The first thing you should do is set a budget. How much are you willing to spend on your new motherboard? If you want a good board for less money, you should look at complete skateboards. These are pre-assembled and are a much cheaper option for someone just starting out and not sure they want to spend a ton of money on skateboard decks, skateboard trucks, wheels, and other parts needed to make their own deck. But if you’re interested in spending a little more money to have a customizable deck that’s more your style, with parts that work with your weight, body, and skate style, you should opt to build your own deck. It’s also more of a fun project and feels like quite an accomplishment when you hold the board you put together and take it out for its first run.
2) The next step is to decide what type of board you want. You can opt for the cruiser longboard, or for a classic street/vert. Longboarding is generally more expensive, so keep that in mind when making your purchase. Classics and fairway greens can run anywhere from $50 to $400, so keep your budget in mind when selecting one of these as well.
3) If you choose to build your own deck, you need to find a good skateboard deck. You want this license plate to last, so don’t buy one at K-Mart, Target, etc. Decide what type of skating you are going to do. If you’re looking to ride the streets, you may need a 7.5 or 8.0 board. If you plan on riding vert, you should look for skateboard decks that are 8.0 and up.
4) Skateboard trucks are another crucial part of the skateboard. When buying skateboard trucks you should look at these characteristics:
– No more than 10 inches in length – A width that fits the deck. So if your deck is 7.5 wide, you’ll need 7.5 trucks. You want it to be lightweight, especially if you plan to use it for vert. You want it to move well. There are several trucking companies that offer cool designs, but if you’re on a tight budget, skip the frills and stick with the basics.