Skateboard Buying Guide & Size Chart

If you're new to skateboarding or just looking to upgrade your current setup, navigating the world of skateboard buying can be overwhelming. With so many different types of boards, trucks, wheels, and bearings on the market, it's hard to know where to start. But fear not because we've got you covered with this buying guide.

In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about choosing the right board size, from the width of the deck to the length of the trucks. Whether you're looking for a standard popsicle shape or a cruiser, we'll help you find the perfect setup to match your skating style and preferences. So grab your helmet, lace up your shoes, and let's dive in.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Parts of a Skateboard
• Types of Skateboards
• Skateboard Sizes
• Pre-built and Custom Completes

Skateboard Deck - This is where it all starts. Made from several layers of laminated wood, the deck is your standing platform and canvas for the streets.

Trucks - Skateboard trucks are the unsung heroes of your setup. They allow the board to turn, providing the axles for the wheels and a platform for grinds. 

Skateboard Wheels - Believe it or not, these round, polyurethane objects enable your board to roll. They come in different sizes, durometers (hardness), and shapes to suit different types of riding.

Bearings - These fit inside the sides of the wheels and allow them to spin freely. Without bearings, your wheels would be useless. Make sure you choose the right ones for your setup, or you'll be struggling to keep up speed.

Grip Tape - It's the sandpaper-like material applied to the top deck of the skateboard to provide grip and prevent slipping. Grip tape offers the necessary friction for your feet to stay on the board and allows you to perform tricks precisely and confidently.

Hardware - Nuts and bolts might not seem like the coolest part of your setup, but they're essential. Don't skimp on the hardware, or you will only be riding until the wheels fall off.

The three main types of skateboards are fun but uniquely functional for different types of riding. Ultimately the type skating you plan to do will determine the kind of board you need. Watch the video and read below to decide whether a standard skateboard, skateboard cruiser or a longboard is the right fit for you.

Standard Decks: Also known as trick boards, are the most common type of skateboard. They are shorter in length and have a concave shape that allows for better control and stability while performing tricks. Standard boards are best suited for street-style skateboarding, such as grinding rails and performing flips and tricks. 

Cruiser Boards: Longer and wider than standard boards, with a wider and more stable deck that is perfect for cruising around town or commuting. They have larger and softer wheels that provide a smoother ride over rough surfaces and are easier to maneuver at slower speeds. Cruisers are a good option for beginners or those who want a more relaxed riding experience.

Longboards: The longest type of skateboard and are designed for cruising, carving, and downhill riding. They have larger wheels and trucks that allow for better stability and a smoother ride at higher speeds. Longboards are great for riders who want to cover longer distances and enjoy a more laid-back riding style.

When it comes to skateboards, size matters. A skateboards size is measured by inches and on average they typically range from 7.5 to 8.5 inches in width. When choosing a board, consider your shoe size and how it correlates with the width of the deck.

If you wear men’s size 6.5 to 9, start out with a deck width of 7.5 to 8.0 inches. If you wear shoes 9.5 or larger, we recommend getting a deck between 8.0 and 8.5 inches. Keep in mind, that these are just general guidelines your own personal preference should be taken into consideration when choosing your new board.

As a generalization, usualy skaters who like flip tricks, manuals, ledges, flat bars and technical tricks usually prefer boards on the narrower side of the spectrum (7.75 – 8.25 inches). Those who skate big bowls, hand rails, or like to jump down large gaps and stairs are usually more comfortable with a larger board with more surface area (8.25 – 9.0 inches).

TIP: Don’t be afraid to try out different sizes to find out what works best for you. There’s no exact science about deck size – only personal preference.

Custom Completes

If you want to upgrade your parts and personalize your setup for your skating style, we recommend building your own skateboard. Dig into our detailed guides below to learn how to pick the parts for your perfect setup and head to our skateboard builder to create your masterpiece.

Build a Custom Complete