Want to buy a skateboard but don’t know exactly what to look for? This guide will give you some basic knowledge on what to consider in order to find the right board for you. Do you have any experience with skateboards? According to skateboard Australia experts, your level of experience is an important indicator of which type to look for. Are you a beginner, intermediate or an expert in the field? Here is how to find out.
- Beginner – A person who hasn’t spend much time on a skateboard but is ready to get a board and work on the basics. Tip: start with an affordable longboard, cruiser or complete skateboard.
- Intermediate – In this level, a skateboarder knows how to perform more technical moves, such as dropping in on a ramp. Tip: try some different wheels to find out how those impact your skating.
- Expert – A person who has moved beyond the basic skills and is now looking forward to the more exciting tricks. Tip: a customised skateboard to fit your demands may be a good idea.
Choosing a Skateboard Deck
In order to choose a deck, skateboard Australia experts say that first you need to decide what type of riding you will be doing:
- Cruising – any board with soft, large wheels will work well. But to get the most out of your cruising experience, pick a board anywhere from 96cm to 152 cm.
- Commuting – boards under 96 cm are your best choice here.
- Park/Pool/Sliding/Street – for the best experience go for a board with double-kick tails.
Choosing Skateboard Trucks
The decision here comes down to the type of board used and the type of skating you plan on doing.
- Reverse-kingpin truck style -this type is recommended for cruiser/commuter types of boards as it offers a better maneuverability and increased turning capabilities.
- Traditional truck style – this type works best for street, park, pool and slide skating due to its lower height and the ability to kick turn over lean turning.
Choosing Skateboard Wheels
Consider the intended application and the board they are going with.
- 89cm to 116cm cruiser/commuter boards – larger wheels in a 70-76mm range with a durometer under a 80a are the best option for these boards.
- Mini-boads (under 76cm) – go with wheels from 60-65mm with a durometers under 80a.
- Street skating – smaller wheels in the 50-55mm range with a durometer of 101a will work best here.
- Park/pool skating – this type of skating will benefit from a medium sized wheel which is 60-65mm in diameter and a durometer in the 90a range.
- Sliding skating – keep with 60-65mm wheels with a hard durometer 97a.
Choosing Skateboard Bearings
The type of bearings you choose isn’t as much as important as the trucks, deck and wheels. Any bearing within the $15-$30 price range will do the work.
FAQs
1. Why my skateboard does not go straight?
You can blame your truck bushings for that. Made either of rubber or plastic, truck bushings are designed to absorb your turns, hence, it takes some time for the bushing to come back to their initial position.
2. How do I maintain my skateboard?
Experts recommend to avoid riding skateboards on rainy days, puddles, or in the sand. Also, it is advised to replace the bushings every six months.
3. Can I use WD40 on my bearings?
Definitely NO. Adding lubricants to the bearing casing exterior will only attract more dirt to the bearing. Hence, it will be just a quick fix and not a solution for your skateboard.
