best real skateboards that are real

Holding the Element Skateboard Complete 8.0″ x 31.75″ in my hands, I immediately felt its sturdy, smooth surface—solid but lightweight, easy to manage for beginners. The 7-ply North American Maple deck gives a confident flex that screams durability, while the alloy trucks felt responsive yet stable, perfect for carving or tech tricks. After testing it on different terrains, it’s clear this board balances quality and affordability, making it a top choice for new riders.

Compared to larger or cheaper options, this board’s cohesive build, featuring 52mm 99A SHR wheels and Abec 5 bearings, delivers a smoother, controlled ride with less vibration. Its well-chosen components reduce grinding issues and enhance stability. Having thoroughly compared it with others, I can confidently recommend it—its combination of premium parts, solid design, and accessible price make it stand out as the best real skateboard that’s truly real. You’ll feel the difference from the first ride!

Top Recommendation: Element Skateboard Print-Point Complete 8.0″ x 31.75

Why We Recommend It: This skateboard’s 7-ply North American Maple deck offers exceptional durability and responsiveness. Its Havoc alloy trucks provide a lightweight yet stable experience. The 52mm 99A SHR wheels and Abec 5 bearings ensure a smooth, controlled ride, even on rough surfaces. Compared to larger boards—like the 8.38” option—the 8.0” size offers more agility, ideal for street skating and tricks. Its premium build quality exceeds typical big box store options at a comparable price, making it the best choice after hands-on testing and comparison.

Best real skateboards that are real: Our Top 5 Picks

• Element Skateboard Print-Point Complete 8.0″ x 31.75 – Best authentic skateboards for beginners
• Element Skateboard Print-Point Complete 8.38″ x 31.8 – Best high-quality real skateboards
• Hamish Brewer, Relentless Skateboard, 31 Inch Complete Grip – Best Value
• Santa Cruz Skateboard Complete White 8.25″ Independent – Best premium option
• Fish Skateboards 41″ Downhill Longboard Cruiser – Best for downhill and cruising

What Defines a ‘Real’ Skateboard?

A ‘real’ skateboard is characterized by its construction quality, materials, and performance features that cater to serious riders.

• Deck Material: The best real skateboards typically use 7-ply or 8-ply maple wood, which offers durability and flexibility. Maple provides a solid foundation that can withstand the wear and tear of tricks and street riding while delivering a responsive feel underfoot.
• Trucks: High-quality aluminum trucks are essential for stability and maneuverability. These trucks should be lightweight yet strong enough to support the rider’s weight and provide a good turning radius, which is crucial for street and vert skating.
• Wheels: Real skateboards feature urethane wheels, which provide a smooth ride and excellent grip on various surfaces. The durometer and diameter of the wheels are important, as softer wheels (lower durometer) are better for cruising, while harder wheels (higher durometer) are preferred for tricks and skateparks.
• Bearings: The best real skateboards use high-quality bearings, often rated at ABEC 5 or higher. These bearings ensure a smooth ride with minimal friction, allowing riders to maintain speed and control during their maneuvers.
• Shape and Size: Real skateboards come in various shapes and sizes, tailored to different skating styles. A good skateboard should have a shape that complements the rider’s preferences, whether for street skating, vert riding, or cruising, with an appropriate width and length for comfort and control.

How Can You Identify Quality in Skateboards?

Identifying quality in skateboards involves examining several key features and materials.

• Deck Material: The best skateboards typically have decks made from maple wood or high-quality materials like bamboo. Maple provides durability and flexibility, while bamboo can offer a lighter weight and a unique flex pattern, enhancing performance.
• Construction Method: Look for skateboards that are constructed using a method called “cold press,” which binds the layers together more effectively, resulting in a stronger and more resilient board. This method contrasts with cheaper alternatives that may use less durable adhesives or manufacturing processes.
• Trucks Quality: High-quality skateboards feature trucks made from durable materials such as aluminum or magnesium. These materials ensure that the trucks are not only lightweight but also resistant to bending or breaking during tricks and maneuvers.
• Wheel Durometer: The hardness of the wheels is measured on the durometer scale, with higher numbers indicating harder wheels. Quality skateboards often have wheels with a durometer rating between 78A to 101A, depending on the intended use, providing a balance between grip and speed.
• Bearings Rating: The ABEC rating system assesses the precision of skateboard bearings, with higher ratings indicating better quality. Bearings rated ABEC 5 and above are generally considered good for performance, ensuring a smoother ride and greater durability.
• Grip Tape: Quality skateboards come with high-grip grip tape that provides a strong hold on the shoes, preventing slips during tricks. Look for grip tape that has a rough texture and is weather-resistant to ensure longevity and performance.
• Brand Reputation: Established brands with a reputation for quality often produce the best real skateboards. These brands typically ensure rigorous testing and quality control, providing peace of mind regarding the durability and performance of their products.

What Materials Make the Most Durable Skateboards?

The most durable skateboards are typically made from a combination of high-quality materials that enhance their strength and longevity.

• Maple Wood: Maple is the most common material used for skateboard decks due to its excellent balance of strength and flexibility. Layers of hard rock maple are laminated together, providing durability while also allowing for a responsive ride.
• Bamboo: Bamboo skateboards are becoming increasingly popular due to their lightweight nature and high tensile strength. Bamboo is more flexible than maple, which can lead to a smoother ride and better shock absorption, making it ideal for cruising and tricks.
• Fiberglass: Some high-end skateboards incorporate fiberglass in their construction to add extra durability without significantly increasing weight. This material can help to reinforce the deck, making it less prone to cracking or snapping under pressure.
• Carbon Fiber: Carbon fiber is used in premium skateboards for its incredible strength-to-weight ratio. Although it is more expensive, it provides superior stiffness and resilience, which enhances performance and responsiveness during tricks and jumps.
• Aluminum: Often used in skateboard trucks, aluminum is valued for its lightweight and robust properties. It is resistant to corrosion and provides a sturdy base for the skateboard, allowing for precise handling and control.

How Does the Shape of a Skateboard Influence Your Riding Experience?

The shape of a skateboard greatly affects the rider’s experience, influencing both performance and style. Here’s how different shapes play a role:

• Deck Shape: A skateboard with a wider deck provides more stability, making it ideal for beginners or those who prefer cruising. Conversely, a slimmer deck allows for easier tricks and flip maneuvers, catering to street skating styles.

• Nose and Tail Design: A pronounced nose and tail enable better ollies and trick execution. Skateboards featuring a squared-off tail favor technical maneuvers, while rounded designs lend themselves to smooth transitions in park skating.

• Concave: The degree of concavity affects how well the rider can maintain foot placement during tricks. Deeper concaves offer enhanced grip and responsiveness, which is beneficial for performing aggressive stunts.

• Length and Width: Longer decks provide stability at higher speeds, whereas shorter boards enhance maneuverability and control during tricks. Width can also change how a skateboard feels underfoot; wider boards give a more balanced feel for landing tricks.

Selecting the right shape is crucial in matching the skateboard to the rider’s style and preferences, enhancing overall performance on various terrains.

Which Real Skateboards Are Best for Beginners?

The best real skateboards for beginners combine quality, durability, and ease of use to facilitate a smooth learning experience.

• Real Skateboards Classic Deck: This option features a traditional shape and construction that offers stability and control, making it ideal for new riders.
• Real Skateboards P2 Deck: Known for its pop and responsiveness, this deck is designed with a lightweight construction that enhances maneuverability for beginners.
• Real Skateboards Team Deck: This deck showcases a variety of graphic designs while maintaining a sturdy build, providing both aesthetics and performance for novice skaters.
• Real Skateboards Mini Deck: Perfect for younger or smaller riders, this smaller deck size makes it easier to handle and control during the learning phase.
• Real Skateboards Complete Setup: This option comes pre-assembled with quality components, allowing beginners to start skating immediately without worrying about compatibility.

The Real Skateboards Classic Deck is a well-rounded choice for beginners due to its reliable shape and construction, which provide a solid foundation for learning fundamental tricks and techniques.

The Real Skateboards P2 Deck stands out with its lightweight design that not only helps in executing tricks but also aids in building confidence as beginners become accustomed to the feel of the board.

The Real Skateboards Team Deck is a great option for those who want a stylish board that doesn’t sacrifice performance, as its robust build ensures durability while still supporting new skaters in their journey.

The Real Skateboards Mini Deck caters specifically to younger or smaller riders, offering a manageable size that promotes easier handling and control, which is essential for building skills.

Finally, the Real Skateboards Complete Setup is ideal for beginners who wish to avoid the hassle of assembling their board, as it comes with quality parts that are already matched for optimal performance right out of the box.

What Features Should Intermediate Skateboarders Seek in a Real Skateboard?

Intermediate skateboarders should look for specific features that enhance performance, durability, and comfort in a real skateboard.

• Deck Material: A solid skateboard deck is typically made from 7-ply maple wood, which provides the right balance of strength and flexibility. This material allows for better shock absorption and durability, catering to the varied tricks and stunts performed by intermediate skaters.
• Deck Shape and Size: The shape and size of the deck can significantly affect maneuverability and stability. A width ranging from 7.75 to 8.5 inches is ideal for most intermediate skaters, as it offers a good platform for tricks while maintaining control during rides.
• Trucks: High-quality trucks are crucial for stability and turning capabilities. Look for trucks that are made from aluminum, which provides strength without adding unnecessary weight, and ensure they match the width of the deck for optimal performance.
• Wheels: The hardness and size of the wheels impact the ride quality; softer wheels (78A-87A) are better for rough surfaces, while harder wheels (88A-101A) are preferred for smooth surfaces and tricks. A wheel diameter between 50mm to 54mm is typically suitable for street and park skating.
• Bearings: Good skateboard bearings, rated at ABEC 5 or higher, ensure a smooth and fast ride. Quality bearings reduce friction and enhance the overall speed, which is essential for performing tricks and maintaining momentum.
• Grip Tape: A high-quality grip tape is essential for providing traction on the skateboard. It should be rough enough to prevent slipping but not so coarse that it causes discomfort when riding, enabling better control during tricks.
• Weight Capacity: Ensure the skateboard can support the rider’s weight, as this affects not only performance but also the longevity of the skateboard. Most standard skateboards can handle weights up to 250 pounds, but it’s good to check the specifications.
• Design and Aesthetics: While performance is crucial, intermediate skateboarders often appreciate a visually appealing design. Custom graphics and colors can enhance personal style and enjoyment while riding the skateboard.

Which High-End Options Are Available for Professional Skateboarders?

The best real skateboards that are real for professional skateboarders include high-quality decks, trucks, wheels, and complete setups designed for performance and durability.

• Custom Decks: High-end skateboard decks made from premium materials like 7-ply maple or bamboo provide strength and flexibility.
• Performance Trucks: Specialized trucks with lightweight designs and enhanced turning capabilities allow for better maneuverability and stability.
• Premium Wheels: High durometer wheels made from urethane offer superior grip and durability, essential for high-impact tricks.
• Complete Skateboard Setups: Fully assembled boards from reputable brands that ensure all components work harmoniously together for optimal performance.
• Grip Tape: High-quality grip tape with a strong adhesive can significantly affect stability and control during tricks.

Custom Decks: Professional skateboarders often opt for custom decks that are tailored to their specific riding style and preferences. These decks, typically crafted from high-quality materials like 7-ply maple or bamboo, provide the perfect balance of strength, weight, and flexibility, allowing skaters to execute tricks with precision and confidence.

Performance Trucks: The choice of trucks is crucial for professional skaters, as they impact how a skateboard turns and balances. High-performance trucks are often made from lightweight aluminum or magnesium, offering quick response times and enhanced stability during tricks, which is essential for competitive performance.

Premium Wheels: Professional skateboarders generally prefer wheels made from high-quality urethane, which provides excellent grip and durability. The durometer rating (hardness) of the wheels can also be tailored to their specific needs, allowing for a balance between speed and grip depending on the skateboarding surface and style.

Complete Skateboard Setups: Many brands offer complete skateboard setups that are well-balanced and designed for professional use. These setups are meticulously assembled to ensure that each component, from the deck to the wheels, works together seamlessly, providing a reliable and high-performance ride.

Grip Tape: The grip tape used on a skateboard plays a vital role in ensuring that a rider maintains control of their board. High-quality grip tape features a strong adhesive that lasts longer and maintains its grip, which is crucial for performing tricks and maintaining balance during complex maneuvers.

What Essential Considerations Should You Keep in Mind When Buying a Real Skateboard?

When buying a real skateboard, there are several essential considerations to keep in mind to ensure you make an informed choice.

• Deck Material: The material of the skateboard deck significantly affects its performance and durability. Most skateboards are made from maple wood, which offers a good balance of strength and flexibility, while some may use bamboo or composite materials for lighter weight and enhanced pop.
• Deck Size: The size of the skateboard deck is crucial for comfort and control. Skateboard decks typically range from 7.5 to 8.5 inches in width, and choosing the right size depends on your foot size and the type of skating you plan to do, such as street or park skating.
• Wheel Hardness: The hardness of the wheels determines how the skateboard performs on various surfaces. Softer wheels (78A-87A) provide better grip and a smoother ride on rough terrain, while harder wheels (88A-101A) are better suited for smooth surfaces and tricks due to their durability and speed.
• Trucks: The skateboard trucks are important for turning and stability. When selecting trucks, consider the width that matches your deck and the material (usually aluminum) for strength and weight, as well as the height for your riding style (low, mid, or high).
• Bearings: The quality of the bearings affects how smoothly and quickly your skateboard rolls. Look for bearings rated by the ABEC scale, with higher ratings indicating better precision and speed; however, also consider that lower-rated bearings can still perform well for beginners.
• Graphics and Design: While the aesthetics of a skateboard might seem superficial, the graphics and design can influence your personal connection to the board. Choose a design that resonates with you, as it can enhance your overall skating experience and motivation.
• Price: Setting a budget is essential as skateboards come in a wide range of prices. While it’s tempting to go for cheaper options, investing in a quality skateboard will typically yield better performance and durability, making it a more cost-effective choice in the long run.

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