Skateboarding has evolved from a rebellious pastime to a mainstream sport with a dedicated following. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to carve your first turns, choosing the right skateboard can make all the difference. With countless options available, finding the best skateboard to suit your style and skill level can be daunting.
From street decks to cruisers and longboards, each type offers unique features catering to different riding experiences. This guide will help you navigate the top choices in the market, ensuring you find a skateboard that’s perfect for your needs. Get ready to discover the best skateboards that will elevate your ride and keep you rolling smoothly.
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Key Takeaways
- Diverse Skateboard Types: Explore various skateboard types such as street decks, cruisers, and longboards to match your riding style and skill level.
- Top Overall Picks: Identify skateboards offering all-round performance, ensuring durability, control, and a smooth ride for tricks, cruising, and general riding.
- Cruiser Skateboards: Discover the benefits of cruiser skateboards, ideal for smooth rides and easy manoeuvrability, with features like softer wheels and a medium flex deck.
- Kids’ Skateboards: Find budget-friendly and safe skateboard options for kids, with considerations for durable materials, smaller deck sizes, and essential protective gear.
- Hybrid Skateboards: Learn about hybrid skateboards that combine features from different types, offering versatility for various terrains and riding styles.
- Choosing Criteria: Understand key factors in selecting the best skateboard, including deck shapes, materials, trucks, and wheels for optimal performance and comfort.
Best Overall Skateboards
For comprehensive performance and versatility, it’s essential to select a skateboard that suits various styles and skill levels.
Top Picks for All-round Performance
Some boards excel in multiple areas, providing a balanced experience for tricks, cruising, and general riding. The best skateboards offer durability, control, and a smooth ride.
Best Value for Your Money
Choosing a skateboard with excellent performance at an affordable price enhances the riding experience. These boards combine quality materials and craftsmanship without breaking the bank.
Best Cruiser Skateboards
Cruiser skateboards, perfect for smooth rides and easy manoeuvrability, excel in urban environments and casual rides. Their versatility and user-friendly design make them a popular choice for riders of all levels.
Ideal Choices for Casual Rides
For casual rides, cruiser skateboards provide a balance of stability and ease of use. Their compact size and responsive handling make them ideal for short commutes, campus navigation, or simple relaxed rides.
Features and Specifications
Cruiser skateboards typically feature softer wheels, aiding in shock absorption and providing a smoother ride on rough surfaces. A medium flex deck enhances comfort and control, making these skateboards perfect for everyday use.
Skateboards for Kids
Selecting skateboards for kids involves finding the right balance of safety, budget, and performance.
Budget-Friendly Options
Affordable options exist for kids’ skateboards, combining quality and cost-effectiveness. Buyers should look for boards constructed from durable materials and consider smaller deck sizes suited to children’s proportions. These options provide a starting point for young riders without a significant investment.
Safety Considerations
Safety comes first when choosing skateboards for kids. Ensure the board has a non-slip grip tape and stable trucks to prevent wobbling. Additionally, always pair the skateboard with protective gear, including helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads, to reduce the risk of injury while riding.
Best Hybrid Skateboards
Hybrid skateboards offer a blend of features from different skateboard types, making them versatile choices for various riding styles and skill levels.
Versatile Options for Multiple Terrains
Hybrid skateboards are designed to perform well on multiple terrains. They’re built to handle both street tricks and smooth cruising, offering a balanced experience for riders. The deck’s medium flex and diverse wheel sizes make them adaptable to urban and park environments.
Combination of Features
These skateboards combine the best features of cruisers and street decks. With a medium concave deck, hybrid skateboards provide stability and control. They often feature a responsive truck setup, which allows for both sharp turns and smooth rides. This makes them ideal for those looking for a versatile, all-purpose skateboard.
How to Choose the Best Skateboard
Choosing the best skateboard involves considering several key factors that influence performance, comfort, and riding style.
Skateboard Shapes
Skateboard shapes impact the riding experience significantly. Popsicle shapes offer versatility for tricks, while old school shapes provide stability for cruising. Longboards are best for smooth rides and downhill racing. Each shape caters to different preferences and needs.
Deck Material
Deck material affects durability and performance. Maple wood decks are known for strength and longevity, making them popular for street skateboarding. Bamboo decks offer flexibility, ideal for cruising and carving. Composite materials provide a balance of both qualities, enhancing the riding experience.
Trucks and Wheels Types
Trucks and wheels types determine manoeuvrability and ride smoothness. Standard trucks offer stability for technical tricks, while reverse kingpin trucks provide sharper turns for cruising. Wheel durometer impacts the ride, with softer wheels absorbing shocks for a smoother ride, and harder wheels providing greater speed and control.
Analysis and Comparison
An in-depth look at skateboards involves examining key components that significantly impact the riding experience.
Quality of Decks
High-quality decks are crucial for performance. Materials such as maple and bamboo enhance strength and flexibility, respectively. Deck shape, like popsicle or old school, further defines stability and trick potential. The best skateboards use durable materials.
Wheel and Bearing Performance
Wheels and bearings directly influence ride smoothness and speed. Softer wheels offer better shock absorption, making them suitable for rough terrains. Precision bearings contribute to effortless rolling. The best skateboards integrate high-performance wheels and bearings.
Truck Durability
Trucks play a pivotal role in manoeuvrability and support. Sturdy trucks, typically made from materials like aluminium alloy, withstand frequent impact. Well-designed trucks ensure stability during tricks and turns, making them a key feature of the best skateboards.
Conclusion and Top Picks
Selecting the best skateboard is crucial for enhancing the riding experience, whether you’re a seasoned skater or a beginner. With various types and features available, there’s a perfect skateboard for every style and skill level. From versatile hybrids to budget-friendly options for kids, the market offers a wide range of choices. Prioritising quality materials and considering key components like deck shape, truck durability, and wheel performance can make a significant difference. Ultimately, the right skateboard will provide the balance of stability, control, and comfort needed for an enjoyable ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which skateboard brand is the best?
Some top skateboard brands include Santa Cruz, Girl, Element, Zero, Powell Peralta, Antihero, Baker, and Real Skateboards. Each brand offers quality boards known for durability and performance.
How much should a good quality skateboard cost?
A good quality skateboard usually costs between £80 and £160. Cheaper options can be found at general retail stores, but specialist shops or online skate stores offer better quality boards at reasonable prices.
Should I skate regular or goofy?
“Regular” means riding with your left foot forward, while “goofy” means riding with your right foot forward. There are no advantages to either stance; it depends on what feels more natural to you.
How to pick a skateboard?
Pick a skateboard based on your age and height. For those under 10 years old or under 5ft tall, a junior-sized skateboard is recommended. People over 10 years old or over 5ft should opt for a full-sized skateboard.
What skateboard is easiest to ride?
Longboards are generally the easiest to ride for beginners. Drop-through boards are particularly beginner-friendly as they offer increased stability and easier pushing due to their lower ride height.
