Are you ready to take your skateboarding skills to the next level? Choosing the right skateboard can make all the difference when it comes to mastering those jaw-dropping tricks.
But with so many options out there, how do you know which skateboard is best for you? Imagine nailing that perfect kickflip or ollie with ease, all because you picked the right board tailored just for tricks. This article will guide you through the essential features to look for, helping you find the skateboard that matches your style and skill level.
Stick around and discover the secrets to choosing a board that not only feels right under your feet but also boosts your confidence in every trick you attempt. Get ready to become the skatepark’s new sensation!
Choosing The Right Deck
Picking the right skateboard deck helps you do tricks better. The deck is the flat board you stand on.
Different decks fit different styles and skill levels. Focus on size, shape, and material to find your best fit.
Deck Size And Width
Deck width affects control and stability. Narrow decks are lighter and easier to flip.
Wider decks give more balance and comfort. Choose width based on your foot size and trick type.
- 7.5″ to 8.0″ wide for street tricks
- 8.0″ to 8.5″ wide for park skating
- Over 8.5″ for ramp and vert skating
Deck Shape And Concave
Deck shape affects how your feet fit and grip. Concave means the deck curves inward.
Deeper concave helps lock your feet in place. Flat decks give less control but feel spacious.
- Medium concave is good for most tricks
- Steep concave helps with flip tricks
- Wide nose and tail help with ollies and manuals
Material And Durability
Most decks use maple wood for strength and light weight. Maple lasts longer and resists cracks.
Some decks add fiberglass or carbon for extra durability. Choose a deck that can handle your skating style.
- 7-ply maple offers good balance of weight and strength
- Fiberglass layers add toughness and pop
- Carbon fiber decks are light but costly
Picking The Perfect Trucks
Trucks are a key part of your skateboard. They connect the wheels to the board. Good trucks help you do tricks better.
Choosing the right trucks means thinking about size, height, and material. Each affects how your board handles tricks.
Truck Size And Width
The width of your trucks should match your skateboard deck. If trucks are too wide or narrow, tricks get harder.
Trucks that fit well give better control for flips and grinds. Check the axle length to match the deck width.
- Deck width 7.5″ to 7.75″: trucks 7.5″ to 7.75″
- Deck width 8″ to 8.25″: trucks 8″ to 8.25″
- Deck width 8.5″ and above: trucks 8.5″ or wider
Truck Height And Turning
Truck height affects how your board turns and how big your wheels can be. Low trucks are good for tricks.
Low trucks keep you close to the ground. This helps with flip tricks and stability. High trucks allow bigger wheels.
- Low trucks: better for technical tricks, smaller wheels
- Mid trucks: balance between tricks and turning
- High trucks: better for cruising and big wheels
Material And Strength
Trucks must be strong to handle impacts from tricks. Most trucks are made from aluminum for good strength and light weight.
Some trucks use steel or titanium parts for extra durability. Choose trucks that do not bend or break easily.
- Aluminum: light and strong, common choice
- Steel: very strong, heavier
- Titanium: strong and light, more expensive
Selecting Wheels For Tricks
Choosing the right skateboard wheels is key for doing tricks well. Wheels affect speed, control, and how your board feels.
Trick skating needs wheels that help with balance and quick moves. Different wheels work better for different tricks and surfaces.
Wheel Diameter And Hardness
Wheel diameter means how wide the wheel is across. Smaller wheels spin faster and are lighter. Bigger wheels roll over cracks easier.
Hardness tells how soft or hard the wheel feels. Hard wheels slide more and last longer. Soft wheels grip better but wear out faster.
- Diameter for tricks: 50-54 mm is common
- Hardness for tricks: 99A or harder is good
- Smaller, hard wheels help with flip tricks
Wheel Shape And Grip
Wheel shape changes how the board feels on the ground. Square edges give more grip. Rounded edges slide easier for tricks.
Grip is how well the wheel holds on the surface. Strong grip helps with control but may slow slides. Less grip lets you slide and spin smoothly.
- Square wheels have more contact with ground
- Rounded wheels are better for sliding
- Grip depends on the wheel’s urethane formula
Best Wheels For Street Vs Park
Street skating needs small, hard wheels to do tricks on rough surfaces. They help with quick flips and slides.
Park skating uses slightly bigger wheels for smooth ramps and bowls. These wheels roll fast and handle smooth concrete well.
| Skate Type | Wheel Diameter | Hardness |
|---|---|---|
| Street | 50-54 mm | 99A-101A |
| Park | 54-60 mm | 95A-99A |
Bearings And Hardware
Bearings and hardware are key parts of a skateboard for tricks. They help your board move smoothly and stay strong.
Picking the right bearings and hardware can improve your skateboarding experience a lot. Let’s look at what matters most.
Bearing Speed Ratings
Bearing speed is shown by ABEC ratings. These numbers tell how smooth and fast bearings spin.
Higher ABEC ratings mean faster bearings, but other factors also affect speed.
- ABEC 1 to ABEC 3: Basic speed, good for beginners
- ABEC 5 to ABEC 7: Faster and smoother for tricks
- ABEC 9 and above: High speed, less common in skateboards
Maintenance Tips
Clean and oil your bearings often to keep them fast and smooth. Dirt slows them down.
Check your hardware to make sure bolts and nuts are tight. Loose parts can cause accidents.
- Remove bearings and clean with a soft cloth
- Use bearing lubricant to reduce friction
- Tighten bolts but do not over-tighten
- Replace worn-out bearings and hardware quickly
Choosing The Right Hardware
Hardware includes bolts, nuts, and screws that hold your skateboard parts together. Strong hardware is important for tricks.
Pick hardware that fits your deck and trucks size. Steel hardware is strong, but titanium is lighter.
- Use 1-inch to 1.25-inch bolts for regular decks
- Choose steel for durability and cost
- Titanium is light but costs more
- Make sure nuts fit bolts tightly to avoid loosening
Top Skateboard Brands In 2025
Choosing the right skateboard is key for doing tricks well. Good parts make a big difference.
In 2025, some brands stand out for quality and performance. These help skaters improve their skills.
Popular Deck Brands
The deck is the flat board you stand on. A strong, light deck helps with control and tricks.
Top brands make decks that last long and feel good under your feet.
- Element – Known for sturdy and smooth decks
- Plan B – Popular for high quality and durability
- Baker – Offers decks with great grip and pop
- Girl – Trusted for balanced shape and size
- Blind – Favored for tough, lightweight decks
Trusted Truck Manufacturers
Trucks connect the wheels to the deck. Good trucks help with turning and stability.
Strong trucks improve control during tricks and reduce damage from impacts.
- Independent – Known for durability and smooth turning
- Thunder – Offers lightweight, responsive trucks
- Venture – Popular for strength and sharp turns
- Tensor – Trusted for light and strong designs
- Krux – Favored for low weight and stability
Wheel And Bearing Leaders
Wheels affect speed and grip on different surfaces. Bearings help wheels spin smoothly.
Good wheels and bearings give you better control and faster spins for tricks.
- Spitfire – Known for hard, fast wheels
- Ricta – Offers smooth ride and good grip
- Bones – Popular for strong, durable bearings
- Bronson – Trusted for speed and smoothness
- Mini Logo – Favored for balance of speed and control
Custom Vs Complete Skateboards
Choosing the best skateboard for tricks depends on your style and needs. You can buy a complete skateboard or build a custom one.
Both options have pros and cons. Understanding these helps you pick the right board.
Advantages Of Custom Builds
Custom skateboards let you pick every part. This fits your style and skill level perfectly.
You can choose the deck shape, size, trucks, wheels, and bearings. This control improves your tricks.
- Choose deck size for better control
- Select trucks for stability or quick turns
- Pick wheels for smooth or rough surfaces
- Match bearings for speed or durability
Benefits Of Complete Boards
Complete skateboards come ready to ride. They are made by trusted brands and tested for quality.
Beginners find complete boards easy. You save time and avoid confusion picking parts.
- Ready to use out of the box
- Good quality parts matched for balance
- Often cheaper than custom builds
- Great for beginners and casual riders
When To Customize
Customize your skateboard if you know what you want. Experienced skaters want parts that fit their tricks.
Change parts if your current board feels slow or unstable. Custom boards help you improve specific skills.
- You want a unique style or feel
- Your tricks need specific board features
- You want better performance on certain surfaces
- You like to upgrade parts over time
Skateboard Setups For Different Tricks
Choosing the right skateboard setup helps you do tricks better. Different tricks need different setups.
We will look at setups for street tricks, park and ramp, and how to adjust your setup over time.
Setups For Street Tricks
Street tricks need a skateboard that is light and easy to flip. A smaller deck helps with quick moves.
Hard wheels help slide on rough surfaces like stairs or rails. Tight trucks give better control for flip tricks.
- Deck width: 7.5 to 8.0 inches for easier flips
- Wheels: Hard, 52-54 mm for smooth sliding
- Trucks: Tight for better control
- Grip tape: Medium grit for good foot hold
Setups For Park And Ramp
Park and ramp skating need a bigger deck for stability in the air. Softer wheels help grip smooth ramps.
Looser trucks give better turning and carving on curved surfaces. This setup helps with big airs and slides.
- Deck width: 8.0 to 8.5 inches for more stability
- Wheels: Softer, 54-60 mm for smooth rides
- Trucks: Looser for easier turning
- Grip tape: Coarse for strong grip
Adjusting Your Setup Over Time
Your setup will change as you get better. Try different parts to find what feels best.
Check your trucks, wheels, and deck regularly. Change tightness and wheel hardness to match your skill and style.
- Loosen or tighten trucks for turning or control
- Try different wheel sizes and hardness for surfaces
- Replace worn grip tape for better foot hold
- Choose deck size based on your comfort and tricks
Budgeting Your Trick Skateboard
Choosing the right skateboard for tricks depends on your budget. You can find good boards at different price points. Knowing what to expect helps you make smart choices.
This guide breaks down options into budget-friendly, mid-range, and high-end boards. Each level offers different features and quality for trick skating.
Budget-friendly Options
Budget-friendly skateboards are great for beginners or those on a tight budget. These boards offer decent quality for learning basic tricks. They usually use standard materials and simple designs.
Expect to spend less but still get a board that can handle some tricks. These boards may wear out faster but are good for practice.
- Deck made of 7-ply maple or similar wood
- Basic grip tape and trucks
- Standard wheels for street skating
- Price usually under $70
Mid-range Choices
Mid-range skateboards offer better quality and durability. They are suitable for skaters who want to improve their skills. These boards often have stronger decks and smoother wheels.
The price range allows for better components that help with control and tricks. These boards last longer and perform well on different surfaces.
- 7-ply or 8-ply maple decks with good flex
- Reliable trucks with better turning
- Urethane wheels for grip and speed
- Price range from $70 to $150
High-end Performance Boards
High-end boards are designed for serious trick skaters. They use top materials and precise construction. These boards offer the best pop, control, and durability.
They feature advanced designs to improve performance. These boards work well for complex tricks and long-term use.
- High-quality 8-ply or carbon fiber decks
- Precision trucks with lightweight metals
- Specialized wheels for street or park skating
- Price typically over $150
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Skateboard Is Best For Tricks?
A skateboard deck between 7. 5″ and 8. 25″ wide is ideal for tricks. Smaller decks offer better flip control. Larger decks provide more stability but less maneuverability.
Which Skateboard Deck Shape Suits Trick Riding?
A popsicle-shaped deck with a symmetrical nose and tail is perfect for tricks. It allows easy flip tricks and smooth landings. This shape is preferred by most street and park skaters.
What Type Of Wheels Is Ideal For Trick Skateboarding?
Hard wheels with a durometer of 99a or higher are best for tricks. They offer better slide control and speed on smooth surfaces. Softer wheels are slower and less responsive for technical tricks.
Are Lightweight Skateboards Better For Performing Tricks?
Yes, lightweight skateboards are easier to flip and control mid-air. They reduce fatigue and improve trick execution. However, durability should not be compromised for weight alone.
Conclusion
Choosing the best skateboard for tricks depends on your style and skill. A board with the right size and shape helps you land tricks easier. Don’t forget the quality of wheels and trucks, as they affect control. Practice matters more than the brand or price.
Start with a comfortable board and improve step by step. Keep trying, and you will get better over time. Enjoy skating and have fun with every trick you learn.
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