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, andbearings 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
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Parts
SkateboardDeck - 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.
SkateboardWheels - 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 - Thesefit 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 coolestpart 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 Types Of Skateboards
The three main types ofskateboardsare 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 Boards- 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.
Cruisers 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.
Standard Skateboards
Shop Standard Skateboards
TacticsIce Cream Incident 7.5 Complete Skateboard$89.95
Santa CruzClassic Dot 7.25 Micro Complete Skateboardblue$109.95
MeowBig Cat 7.25 Complete Skateboard$99.95
TacticsEvolution 8.25 Complete Skateboard$89.95
Toy MachineFists 7.375 Mini Complete Skateboardyellow$109.95
FlipTeam HKD 7.75 Complete Skateboardred$124.95
TacticsBrother Merle x Tactics Adventure Dad 8.25 Complete Skateboard$89.95
CreatureSwindler 7.75 Complete Skateboard$109.95
ArborInked 8.0 Complete Skateboard$119.95
TacticsHappy 8.0 Complete Skateboard$89.95
QuasiEuro Phade 7.875 Complete Skateboard$119.95
KrookedArketype 7.75 Complete Skateboard$123.95
TacticsIce Cream Incident 7.25 Complete Skateboard$89.95
SK8MAFIAOne Love 8.0 Complete Skateboardred$109.95
Zero3 Skull Blood 7.5 Complete Skateboard$88.95
ElementAdonis 7.75 Complete Skateboard$109.95
FoundationF Oval 8.0 Complete Skateboard$109.95
TacticsBrother Merle x Tactics Suburban Outlaw 8.25 Complete Skateboard$89.95
Alien WorkshopAbduction 8.25 Complete Skateboardarmy$109.95
$94.95
Cruiser Skateboards
Shop Cruiser Skateboards
ArborBlack Rose MFG Shaper 30.75" Surfskate Complete Cruiser Skateboardsilver carver trucks / black wheels$299.95
GlobeBig Blazer 32" Complete Cruiser Skateboardsun blume$145.95
LandyachtzDinghy Blunt 28.5" Complete Cruiser Skateboardwhite pinecone$159.95
Santa CruzParadise Break 8.4 Complete Cruiser Skateboard$144.95
LandyachtzATV Perfecto 32" Complete Cruiser Skateboardpug$149.95
ArborDaily Driver 34" Surfskate Complete Cruiser Skateboardsilver carver trucks / white wheels$259.95
Santa CruzSpeed Wheels Shark 8.81 Complete Cruiser Skateboard$172.95
GlobeThumpy 30" Surf Skate Complete Cruiser Skateboardstorm cats$207.95
CreatureBrue Killer Trippy Tanks 8.6 Complete Cruiser Skateboard$199.95
KrookedMermaid 8.88 Complete Cruiser Skateboard$133.95
Anti-HeroGeneric Cruiser 7.6$125.95
ArborWarren Shaper 29" Complete Cruiser Skateboardsilver carver trucks / black wheels$259.95
LandyachtzTug Boat 30" Complete Cruiser Skateboardspace tiger$199.95
CreatureNight Crawler 8.6 Complete Cruiser Skateboard$184.95
Santa CruzSpeed Wheels 9.35 LTD Complete Cruiser Skateboard$199.95
Sector 9Wavepark Cycles 30.25" Complete Cruiser Skateboardblack trucks / red swirl wheels$151.95 (23% off)
GlobeBlazer 26" Cruiser Skateboard Completedos blume$141.95
ArborPilsner Solstice B4BC 28.75" Complete Cruiser Skateboardluna / silver trucks / trans amber wheels$194.95
GlobeCosta 31" Complete Cruiser Skateboardfirst out$224.95
LandyachtzDinghy Blunt 28.5" Complete Cruiser Skateboardwild cats/white wheels$139.95
Longboards
Shop Longboards
GlobeChromantic 33" Complete Longboardpsy palm$141.95
LoadedChinchiller 34" Complete Longboardsilver trucks/orange wheels$298.95
LandyachtzDrop Hammer 36.5" Drop Through Complete Longboardsun fox$239.95
ArborAxis Bamboo 40" Complete Longboardblack trucks / trans amber wheels$209.95
GlobePintail 37" Complete Longboardhombre/shape faze$182.95
ArborZeppelin Bamboo 32" Complete Longboardblack trucks / trans amber wheels$199.95
LoadedBallona Willy 27.75" Complete Longboardsilver trucks/orange wheels$198.95
LandyachtzDrop Hammer 36.5" Drop Through Complete Longboardskate or dye$239.95
GlobePintail 44" Complete Longboardpurple/shape faze$191.95
LandyachtzClark 40" Complete Longboardcrane$219.95
ArborFish Solstice B4BC 37" Complete Longboardluna / silver trucks / trans amber wheels$211.95
Santa CruzSerape Dot 33" Pintail Complete Longboard$126.95 (33% off)
Sector 9Unagi Rips 34.5" Complete Longboardblack trucks / clear amber wheels$159.95 (23% off)
DustersMoto Cosmic 37" Complete Longboard$111.95 (41% off)
LandyachtzEvo 40" Complete Longboardbear$289.95
ArborMission Groundswell 35" Complete Longboardskull outline / black trucks / trans amber wheels$199.95
GlobeProwler Classic 38" Complete Longboardsomewhere fast$199.95
LandyachtzDrop Cat 38" Drop Through Complete Longboarddune$269.95
Santa CruzWave Dot Splice 33" Pintail Complete Longboard$109.95 (36% off)
ArborAxis Flagship 40" Complete Longboardpalisander / black trucks / trans amber wheels$209.95
Sizes
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.
Skateboard Size Chart
Pre-Built or Custom Completes?
Pre-Built Completes
If you’re looking for your first skateboard, or buying someone their first skateboard, a pre-built complete is a great way to go. They come with everything you need, are usually less expensive, and the parts are picked with beginners in mind.
Shop All Skateboard Completes
Toy MachineMonster 8.0 Complete Skateboardblack$109.95
Toy MachineVice Monster 7.75 Complete Skateboardbrown$109.95
AlmostDr. Seuss Big Face 8.0 Complete Skateboard
EnjoiRaining Panda 7.625 Soft Wheels Complete Skateboarddark blue
Santa CruzOther Dot Repeat Drop Thru 41" Complete Longboard
LandyachtzSwitch 35" Complete Longboardskull
BlindRetro Reaper 7.375 Complete Skateboardred
GlobeGeminon Coconut 35" Drop-Through Complete Longboardcoconut/reaper
ArborZeppelin Flagship 32" Complete Longboardblack trucks / trans amber wheels
Powell PeraltaMini Cab Dragon II 8.0 Complete Cruiser Skateboardyellow
Sector 9Valley Fault Line 39.5" Platinum Complete Longboardblack trucks / trans green wheels
DustersSalty Daze 36" Complete Longboardpink/green
CreatureThe Mummy 7.75 Complete Skateboard
BirdhouseJaws Old School 7.5 Complete Skateboard
ElementTye Dye Script 7.75 Complete Skateboard
GirlBiebel 93 Til 7.625 Complete Skateboardyellow
FoundationAnkle Biters 7.75 Complete Skateboard
ChocolateTershy Original Chunk 7.75 Complete Skateboardolive
DGKTropic Link 7.5 Complete Skateboard
Toy MachineFists 7.375 Mini Complete Skateboardburgundy woodgrain
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
Keep Learning
Best Board for Your Style
Best Beginner Skateboards
Guide to Safety Gear
Learn to Skate
< Back to All Skate Guides
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Still Have Questions?
If you're stillneed more information, rest assured that we have the resources to help you out. Our customer service team is highly knowledgeable and can answer any questions you may have about skateboard equipment. You can easily reach out to them by phone or message.
Additionally, if you are in Portland, Eugene, or Bend, feel free to visit one of our local shops and speak to one of our friendly and helpful retail employees. They'll be more than happy to assist you and provide any information or guidance you need. Don't hesitate to reach out to us - we're here to help!
Customer Service:
Call us toll-free at888.450.5060
Text us at: 888.450.5060
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Pacific Time
Saturday - Sunday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Pacific Time
help@tactics.com