How to Choose the Right Skateboard for Your Riding Style
Skateboarding is a fun and exciting sport that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, choosing the right skateboard is crucial to your performance and safety. Skateboards come in different shapes, sizes, and styles, and selecting the perfect one can be overwhelming, especially if you are new to the sport. However, making the right choice can make a big difference in your overall riding experience.
Why Choosing the Right Skateboard Matters
The right skateboard can help you achieve your goals, improve your skills, and prevent injuries. Skateboards are designed for different riding styles, such as street, vert, and cruising. Each style requires a specific type of board that suits the rider’s preferences, level of experience, and riding environment. Riding a skateboard that is not suitable for your style can affect your balance, control, and speed, making it difficult to perform tricks and maneuvers.
Moreover, riding a skateboard that is too small or too big for your body can cause discomfort, muscle strain, and even accidents. Choosing the right skateboard size and shape based on your height, weight, and shoe size can enhance your stability, speed, and maneuverability. Additionally, selecting quality components, such as trucks, wheels, and bearings, can improve the overall performance and durability of your skateboard.
In the following sections, we will guide you through the process of choosing the right skateboard for your riding style. We will cover the different skateboard shapes and sizes, the components of a skateboard, and how to match your riding style with the appropriate board. With this knowledge, you can make an informed decision and enjoy the sport to the fullest.
Skateboard Deck
The skateboard deck is the foundation of your skateboard. It is the flat board that you stand on while riding. Choosing the right skateboard deck is crucial to ensure a comfortable and safe ride. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a skateboard deck:
Deck Width
The width of your skateboard deck is determined by the distance between the two trucks. Skateboard deck widths range from 7.5 inches to 8.5 inches. The width of your skateboard deck should be determined by your shoe size and riding style. If you have smaller feet or prefer technical skating, a narrower deck is recommended. If you have larger feet or prefer cruising, a wider deck is recommended.
Deck Length
The length of your skateboard deck is determined by the distance between the nose and tail. Skateboard deck lengths range from 28 inches to 33 inches. The length of your skateboard deck should be determined by your riding style. If you prefer street skating, a shorter deck is recommended. If you prefer cruising or vert skating, a longer deck is recommended.
Deck Shape
The shape of your skateboard deck is determined by the concave, which is the curve from the nose to the tail. There are three main shapes of skateboard decks: flat, medium, and deep concave. Flat concave is recommended for cruising and beginners. Medium concave is recommended for street skating and technical tricks. Deep concave is recommended for vert skating and advanced tricks.
Summary
| Factor | Recommendation |
| Deck Width | Determined by shoe size and riding style |
| Deck Length | Determined by riding style |
| Deck Shape | Determined by concave |
Trucks
are the metal T-shaped components that attach the wheels to the skateboard deck. They come in different widths and heights to fit different deck sizes and riding styles. Choosing the right trucks is important because they affect how your board turns and how stable it is at high speeds.
Width
The width of your trucks should match the width of your skateboard deck. If they are too narrow or too wide, your board will not perform as well. Typically, skateboard trucks come in widths of 7.5 to 8.5 inches for street skating, 8.5 to 9.5 inches for ramp skating, and 9 to 10 inches for cruising and carving.
Height
The height of your trucks affects how your board feels and how much clearance you have between the ground and your deck. Low trucks are better for technical street skating because they provide more stability and control. High trucks are better for carving and cruising because they allow for more clearance and a smoother ride. Mid-height trucks are a good all-around option for most riding styles.
| Low Trucks | Mid-Height Trucks | High Trucks |
|---|---|---|
| Provide more stability and control | Good all-around option for most riding styles | Allow for more clearance and a smoother ride |
| Lower to the ground | Provide a balance between stability and clearance | Higher off the ground |
| Better for technical street skating | Better for carving and cruising |
In summary, choosing the right trucks for your skateboard is crucial for optimal performance and comfort. Make sure to match the width of your trucks to your deck, and consider the height based on your riding style and preferences.
Wheels
Skateboard wheels come in different sizes and durometers, which affect how the board rides and performs. It’s important to choose the right wheels based on your riding style and the type of terrain you’ll be skating on.
Size
The size of the wheels is measured in millimeters (mm). The most common sizes are between 50mm-60mm, but they can range from 40mm to over 75mm. The size of the wheels affects how fast your skateboard can go, how smooth the ride is, and how well it can handle different surfaces.
- Smaller wheels (50mm-54mm) are lighter and easier to maneuver. They’re great for technical tricks and street skating.
- Medium-sized wheels (55mm-59mm) are versatile and can be used for both street and park skating.
- Larger wheels (60mm and above) are faster and smoother, making them ideal for cruising, longboarding, and downhill skating.
Durometer
Durometer measures the hardness of the skateboard wheels. It’s measured on a scale of 0-100, with higher numbers indicating harder wheels. The durometer affects how much grip the wheels have, how fast they wear down, and how well they can handle different surfaces.
| Durometer | Use |
|---|---|
| 78a-87a | Soft wheels with more grip. Ideal for cruising, longboarding, and rough surfaces. |
| 88a-95a | Medium hardness with a balance of grip and speed. Ideal for street and park skating. |
| 96a-99a | Hard wheels with less grip but more speed. Ideal for technical tricks, smooth surfaces, and skateparks. |
| 100a+ | Extremely hard wheels with minimal grip. Ideal for advanced technical tricks and smooth surfaces only. |
Choosing the right wheels can make a big difference in your skateboarding experience. Consider your riding style, the type of terrain you’ll be skating on, and your personal preferences when selecting your wheels.
Bearings
Bearings are an essential component of a skateboard, as they allow the wheels to spin smoothly. There are various types of bearings available in the market, but the most common and popular ones are the ABEC-rated bearings. ABEC stands for Annular Bearing Engineering Committee, which is a standard used to measure the precision of bearings.
ABEC Rating
The ABEC rating system ranges from 1 to 9, with 9 being the highest and most precise rating. However, it is important to note that the ABEC rating only measures the precision of the bearing’s manufacturing process and not its overall quality or durability. Therefore, a high ABEC rating does not necessarily mean that the bearing is the best choice for your skateboard.
For skateboarders, the most commonly used ABEC ratings are 5, 7, and 9. ABEC 5 bearings are suitable for beginners or casual skateboarders who do not require high-speed performance. ABEC 7 bearings are ideal for intermediate skateboarders who want to perform tricks and ride at moderate speeds. ABEC 9 bearings are the most precise and suitable for advanced skateboarders who require high-speed performance.
Other Factors to Consider
Aside from the ABEC rating, there are other factors to consider when choosing bearings for your skateboard. One of these factors is the material used for the bearings. Ceramic bearings, for example, are more durable and have less friction than steel bearings, but they are also more expensive.
Another factor to consider is the bearing’s shield. Bearings with removable shields are easier to clean and maintain, but they can also allow dirt and debris to enter the bearing, causing damage and reducing performance.
Conclusion
Choosing the right bearings for your skateboard is crucial in ensuring a smooth ride and optimal performance. While the ABEC rating is a good indicator of precision, it is not the only factor to consider. Be sure to also consider the material and shield of the bearings to make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Choosing the right skateboard for your riding style is crucial to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience. With a wide variety of options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to choose. However, by considering your riding style, skill level, and personal preferences, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect skateboard for you.
Final Tips
- Always wear proper safety gear such as a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads.
- Invest in a high-quality skateboard to ensure durability and longevity.
- Practice regularly to improve your skills and confidence on the board.
- Experiment with different skateboard components such as trucks, wheels, and bearings to find your ideal setup.
- Join a community or group of skateboarders to learn new tricks and techniques.
Final Thoughts
Skateboarding is a fun and exciting sport that offers a great way to stay active and express yourself. By choosing the right skateboard for your riding style, you can enjoy the thrill of cruising, carving, or performing tricks with ease. With the tips and information provided in this article, you can make an informed decision and start your skateboarding journey on the right foot.
| Skateboard Component | Recommended for |
|---|---|
| Soft wheels | Cruising and commuting |
| Hard wheels | Vert and street skating |
| Low trucks | Street skating and technical tricks |
| High trucks | Bowl and ramp skating |
Remember to have fun and stay safe while skateboarding!