When it comes to skateboarding, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Your board should match your style, your goals, and your comfort. Whether you're a beginner or upgrading to your next deck, choosing the right skateboard is crucial for both performance and enjoyment. Here’s a breakdown to help you make the right choice.
1. Understand Your Riding Style
The first step is knowing how you plan to use your skateboard:
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Street Skating: Focused on tricks, ledges, rails, and stairs. You'll want a narrower deck (7.75” to 8.25”), lightweight trucks, and small, hard wheels.
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Park/Ramp Skating: For bowls, transitions, and vert ramps. Slightly wider decks (8.0” to 8.5”) offer more stability.
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Cruising/Commuting: For riding streets, sidewalks, or long-distance commuting. Consider a cruiser or longboard with wider decks, soft larger wheels, and more comfortable trucks.
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Downhill/Freeride: For serious speed and carving. Longboards with low flex, reverse kingpin trucks, and large, grippy wheels are ideal.
2. Deck Shape and Size
Deck width is one of the most important factors. A wider board offers more stability, while a narrower deck allows for better technical tricks. The concave shape also affects performance — deeper concave provides better foot grip for flips, while mellow concave is ideal for cruising.
3. Trucks Matter
Trucks affect turning radius and stability. Match your truck width to your deck size. For street skating, low trucks are great for flips; for cruising and carving, higher trucks work better for smoother turns.
4. Wheel Selection
Wheels come in various sizes and hardness levels (durometer). Hard wheels (95A-101A) are perfect for smooth concrete and tricks, while softer wheels (78A-87A) absorb vibrations and roll better on rough surfaces.
5. Build or Buy Complete?
Beginners should start with complete setups, which include deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, and griptape assembled and ready to ride. At Crank Skate, we carefully pair components to fit your chosen style, so you don’t have to worry about mismatched gear.
6. Don’t Forget Your Budget
While it’s tempting to go for the flashiest board, quality doesn’t have to break the bank. Focus on solid materials and proven brands. Remember that investing in a good board upfront saves money in the long run with better durability and performance.
Choosing the right skateboard is personal. Take time to evaluate your needs, ask experienced skaters for advice, and don’t hesitate to test different setups if possible. Crank Skate offers a variety of complete boards designed to suit every style — all built to the highest standards so you can ride with confidence. Whether you’re popping your first ollie or mastering your next big trick, the right board makes all the difference.