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How should I buy a skateboard, anyway?

As you probably can tell, we have a LOT of skateboards to offer on the site. That’s awesome, if you already know what you’re looking for, but what if you just don’t? Been riding the same set-up forever or buying a skateboard for your son, daughter or significant other? We’ve got you covered with some simple tips on what to buy.

There are a number of components that you NEED to have a complete skateboard setup. They are: Deck, Trucks, Wheels, Bearings, Hardware, Griptape, and Risers (optional).

Wheels

Wheels are the cylindrical poly-urethane parts attached to your trucks with bearings, and they come in a variety of hardness’s (how well the wheels will absorb shock from rough ground) and sizes (how large in diameter the wheel is). Wheels should be replaced periodically, as they often wear away from the stress and damage that is associated with every day skateboarding.

Want to know what wheel size is needed?

47-51mm: These sizes are usually best for technical street riding and/or for smaller riders. Small wheels provide an excellent feel for the ground beneath you but can more easily stop or skid, causing a crash.
52-57mm: These sizes are best for skaters that travel at faster speeds or handle rougher terrain, as a bigger wheel will avoid stopping on small pebbles or pieces of debris. Usually more popular for ramp or pool riding.
58+mm: Wheels this large are usually reserved for very high-speed skating and/or for a soft feel. Longboard skateboard wheel suggestions will vary and will generally be much larger and softer.

Always remember, a wheel’s acceleration goes up as the wheel gets SMALLER in diameter, but a wheel’s capability for speed goes up as the wheel gets LARGER in diameter.

What about the hardness of the wheel?

Wheel hardness is measured on a roughness scale of 73a-101a. What does the a mean? If you see a b after the number, it means it is actually 20 points higher. An 80b hardness is equal to 100a. Some companies use this to account for even harder wheels. More info on longboard wheels available soon.

Up to 87a: These wheels are great for a soft, smooth ride or when necessary for traveling over rough, cracked pavement or other terrain. Used in long boarding for a faster, easier ride.
88a-95a: These wheels are harder for better speed on smoother surfaces but still provide good grip for rougher terrain. Good for street skating in rough areas.
96a-99a: Great harder wheel for achieving speed on most terrain. This is a good hardness for beginner skaters as well as those that crave a need for speed on rough surfaces!
100a+: These are the hardest wheels, and they make for a fast ride! Hard to control on slick or hard surfaces but as fast as they come! Many wheels of this durometer are pro street skating wheels.

Check out a huge variety of wheels here at Skateboards.com!