The Essential Guide to Choosing Properly Sized Skateboard Gear
Skateboarding is all about control. Every push, ollie, and turn relies on you having the right equipment. The size of your skateboard parts matters, from the deck to the wheels to the bolts. Even small differences can affect how well you ride. Here’s a guide on how important it is to know the size of your skateboard parts.
Skateboard Deck
Skateboard Deck: The skateboard deck is the backbone of your setup, providing the canvas for all your tricks and maneuvers. It comes in a variety of lengths, widths, and shapes:
- Width: Most skateboard decks range from 7.5 inches to 9.0 inches wide. A wider deck offers more stability and control, making it ideal for cruising or transition skating. In contrast, narrower decks provide agility, allowing for quick flips and tricks. A good in-between board for beginner adults is 8.5 and for kids, 7.75.
- Length: Decks can range from around 31.5 to 32 inches. The longer the deck, the more stability and control it offers, which is essential for transitions and vert skating. Shorter decks provide quicker response, making them perfect for street skating. Personally, I ride a size 8.0. In my early days of skateboarding back in the early 2000s, I skated a smaller board. Then, when decks started to get wider in the early 2012s I switched to a wider deck.
- Concaves: The curvature of a skateboard deck plays a crucial role in its responsiveness. Higher concaves offer better foot grip and control, while mellow or low concaves provide a more laid-back ride, perfect for cruising or old-school maneuvers.
- Shapes: The variety of deck shapes on the market caters to different skating styles. Some, like the Hosoi-shaped board, harken back to old-school styles with wider dimensions, while others embody the contemporary street setup, balancing agility and versatility.
Skateboard Trucks
Trucks: Skateboard trucks are essential for connecting your deck to the ground, providing stability and allowing for turns and grinds:
- Truck Width: The width of the trucks should match the deck’s width, which helps to ensure stability and control. Most skateboard truck manufacturers offer trucks in a wide range of deck widths. Different truck companies have varying sizing systems. For instance, Independent’s 129 trucks correspond to decks around 7.75 inches, while Thunder’s 147 trucks fit 8.0-inch decks. It’s crucial to always check the manufacturer’s sizing chart to ensure a correct match.
- Truck Profile: The height of the truck hanger, or its profile, affects how the board handles. High-profile trucks offer more clearance, ideal for bigger wheels and rough terrains. Low-profile trucks bring the board closer to the ground, offering more responsiveness for technical tricks.
Skateboard Wheels
Wheels: The size and durometer of skateboard wheels define how smoothly you ride and how effectively you can pull off tricks:
- Durometer: This measurement gauges the hardness of the wheels. Softer wheels (around 78A to 85A) absorb shock better, making them ideal for cruising and rough terrains. Harder wheels (around 99A to 104A) provide less grip but more speed and slide, essential for technical tricks and street skating.
- Size: Wheel diameters generally range from 50mm to 58mm. Smaller wheels offer more control and quicker acceleration, while larger wheels provide stability and speed over diverse terrains.
Skateboard Hardware
Hardware: Even the smallest components play an integral role in skateboarding:
- Length: Skateboard bolts typically range from 7/8 to 1 inch in length. Using the correct length is essential to avoid catching on ledges or rails, which could disrupt a trick or even cause an accident.
Skateboard Shoes
Shoes: Skateboarding shoes are crucial in providing comfort, grip, and protection:
- Fit: A well-fitted shoe provides the necessary grip and control, ensuring stability during tricks and preventing the shoe from slipping off.
- Comfort: Different shoe brands have varying size standards, so always consult the manufacturer’s sizing guide. A snug fit ensures comfort, reducing the risk of injuries and enhancing performance. We suggest stopping in your local skate shop to get fitted.
In conclusion, every component of a skateboard setup, from the deck to the bolts, contributes to your overall skating experience. Size plays a crucial role, and its impact on your setup cannot be overstated. With the right sizes and fit, you can improve control, stability, and responsiveness, ensuring that your tricks land smoothly and your rides are enjoyable. For experienced skateboarders and newcomers alike, attention to detail and precision in your gear will help you unlock your full potential. Remember, this blog is just a guide. Ultimately, your personal preference will play a big role in choosing the perfect setup.