Equipment
Note: As skaters improve in their skate disciplines, they require more and more specialized skateboard decks, trucks, wheels, and components designed to give them the best advantage in advancing to the next level. This section depicts the most common and standardized configurations for skateboards.
Decks: How to Determine the Right Size for You
Choosing a skateboard deck depends on your size, style of skating, skill level (beginner, intermediate, or advanced), and personal choice. Skateboard decks have differences in shape, width, wheelbase and overall length.
Below are some general guidelines to consider when shopping for a standard issue skateboard deck:
Micro for skaters up to 42 inches in height with a shoe size US Junior 11 or smaller.
Deck width: Typically 6.5" to 6.75"
Deck length: 26.5" to 27.5"
There are only a few skateboard companies that specialize in these "Micro" and "Mini" size boards. Find popular brands such as Termite, World Industries, Speed Demons, and Blind at: konasports.com.
Mini for skaters 42 inches to 48 inches in height.
Deck width: Typically 6.75" to 7"
Deck length: 28" to 29.75"
Mid-size for skaters 48 inches to 60 inches in height.
Deck width: 7" to 7.8"
Deck length: 29" to 30"
Full-size for skaters 60 inches or taller.
Decks 7.5" or longer
A skater's style of skating should also be considered when choosing a deck. Below are some basic guidelines for the size and style of skating:
7.5" to 8" deck: standard board for (skaters taller than 60 inches) performing more technical tricks while street skating, and for riding small transitions, ledges, and hand-rails
8" to 11" deck: recommended for (skaters taller than 60 inches) riding vert ramps, pools (or bowls), cruising, slalom, downhill racing, and skate parks
Pickup the right board (deck) for you and your child at Kona Sports where you'll find over 1,000 skateboard decks to chose from. Also, be sure to checkout the "Completes" section for great deals on pre-assembled skateboards.
Trucks: How to Choose the Right Ones for Your Skateboard
Click on this link: Kona Sports for an awesome source of skateboard trucks for all types of skating.
For the most part, choosing the right skateboard trucks depends on the width of your skateboard deck. The truck axle should match closely to the width of the deck. Truck size can be measured by the width of the axle and the width of the hanger.
A truck's height is the distance between the bottom of the skate deck and the hanger. Standard mid-sized trucks work best for most riders, but some riders prefer low or high trucks. The following are some guidelines to help you choose the right height:
Please note that most truck companies measure their truck width by the hanger (see diagram below), measured in millimeters.
Low: Provides more stability and are excellent for ollies, lip tricks and flip tricks. Recommended for smaller wheels (approx 50-55mm).
High: These are primarily used for big terrain such as deep pools and pipes, slalom, cruising and carving. With an experienced skater, high profile trucks can perform well in almost any type of skating. Suggested for larger wheels (56mm and higher).
Some basic rules of thumb for selecting trucks are:
1) The axles should be the same width as the widest part of the skateboard.
2) The ride height should accomodate the size of the wheels and type of skating.
3) Be sure to purchase a good set of bushings that fit both your body weight, level of experience, and type of skating. (Most trucks come with hard, poor quality bushings that can limit your performance and make it difficult to turn).
Click on this link: Kona Sports - Trucks to access a wide selection of skateboard trucks for all skating types and at great prices. Be sure to include some quality Bushings when ordering new trucks. Soft and responsive truck bushings make a world of difference and can be found here: Kona Sports - Bushings.
Wheels: Which Ones are Right for You?
Skateboard wheels vary in size, color, and durability. The diameter and duro of the wheel affects the way you ride your skateboard. Their size is also dependent on your preferences and style of skating. Below are some basic guidelines to consider when shopping for wheels:
Diameter: Bigger wheels are faster and smaller wheels are slower to ride.
52-55mm: slower and stable, best for smaller riders and trick riding
56-60mm: great for beginners as well as for street, ramps and parks
60mm+: long boards, old school type, and for rougher surfaces
Duro: The Duro measures the wheel’s hardness. Harder wheels are faster; softer wheels are slower but have better grip.
99A: standard wheel duro
87a: soft wheel, great for rough surfaces, long boards, and street boards that require more grip
95a: a bit harder and faster with less grip
99a: great speed and grip for beginners, street, ramp and park
100a+: hardest and fastest wheel with the least amount of grip
Click on this link: Kona Sports - Wheels to access a more than a thousand types of wheels for all skating types.
