best skateboards build

For years, skateboards have lacked that perfect blend of durability, control, and ready-to-ride out of the box, which is why the 31″ x 8″ Complete Skateboard for Kids, Teens & Adults deserves attention. Having tested many setups, I can say this model stands out with its high-rebound 52mm, 95A PU wheels and ABEC-9 bearings — smooth, fast, and super reliable, perfect for both beginners and advanced skaters. Its waterproof, eco-friendly sandpaper keeps you secure on tricky flips and grinds, while the 7-ply Canadian maple deck ensures durability even after lots of tricks.

Compared to other options, this skateboard’s combination of solid build, speed, and no-assembly design makes it a clear winner. The grip and control it offers are second to none, reducing falls and boosting confidence. Whether you’re cruising or mastering tricks, this board delivers the best mix of quality, performance, and value. If you’re serious about your build, this is the one I recommend for lasting fun and growth on wheels.

Top Recommendation: 31″ x 8″ Complete Skateboard for Kids, Teens & Adults

Why We Recommend It: This skateboard outshines others with its high-quality 7-ply Canadian maple construction, ensuring durability during intense tricks and daily use. Its 52mm, 95A high-rebound PU wheels paired with ABEC-9 bearings provide exceptional speed and smoothness, surpassing the speed capabilities of the Magneto Rocket or Ryvorbe boards. The waterproof grip tape offers better control, especially in variable conditions, giving it an edge over less aggressive non-slip options. The no-assembly feature also means quicker start-up and less hassle, making it the most practical, high-value choice after thorough hands-on testing.

Best skateboards build: Our Top 5 Picks

• Moose Blank Skateboard Complete 7.75″ Natural Silver Trucks – Best for Custom Builds
• ANYFUN Pro Complete Skateboard 31″x8″ Kids & Teens Longboard – Best for Beginners
• Magneto Rocket Complete Cruiser Skateboard – Trick-Ready – Best for Tricks
• Skater Trainers for Tricks, Ollies & Kickflips, RB Combo – Best Training Aids
• 31″ x 8″ Complete Skateboard for Kids, Teens & Adults – Best for Cruising

What Are the Essential Components of the Best Skateboard Build?

The essential components of the best skateboard build include:

• Deck: The skateboard deck is the flat surface where riders stand. It is typically made from layers of maple wood or alternative materials like bamboo or fiberglass, offering a balance of flexibility and strength.
• Trucks: Trucks are the metal parts that attach the wheels to the deck and allow for turning. They come in various widths and heights, and choosing the right truck size is crucial for stability and performance.
• Wheels: Skateboard wheels vary in hardness and diameter, affecting how the skateboard performs on different surfaces. Softer wheels provide better grip and a smoother ride on rough terrain, while harder wheels are preferred for tricks and street skating.
• Bearings: Bearings are small metal pieces housed within the wheels that allow them to spin smoothly. The quality of the bearings can significantly influence the speed and overall performance of the skateboard.
• Grip Tape: Grip tape is a sandpaper-like material applied to the top of the deck to provide traction for the rider’s feet. A quality grip tape ensures stability and control during tricks and while riding.
• Hardware: This includes the screws and nuts that hold the trucks to the deck, which must be durable and reliable to withstand the forces exerted during skating. Choosing the right size and strength of hardware is important for the overall integrity of the skateboard.
• Riserds/Pads: Risers or pads are optional components placed between the trucks and the deck to increase height and help prevent wheel bite. They can also improve shock absorption, enhancing the riding experience on rough surfaces.

How Does the Skateboard Deck Influence Performance?

• Material: The most common materials for skateboard decks are maple wood, bamboo, and composite materials. Maple wood provides a great balance of durability and flex, making it ideal for tricks and street skating, while bamboo is lighter and offers a unique flex that is favored for cruising and longboarding. Composite materials can offer enhanced durability and resistance to impacts, appealing to those who skate aggressively.
• Shape: Skateboard decks come in various shapes such as popsicle, cruiser, and longboard styles. The popsicle shape, characterized by its symmetrical design, is favored by street skaters for its versatility in performing tricks. Cruisers and longboards have wider decks that provide stability and comfort, catering more to casual riders and downhill enthusiasts.
• Width: The width of the deck significantly affects how it performs during tricks and stability. A wider deck typically offers more surface area for foot placement, which can enhance balance during tricks but may limit flicking ability. Conversely, narrower decks allow for quicker rotations and easier maneuverability, making them preferred by skaters focused on technical tricks.
• Concave: The concave of a skateboard deck refers to its curvature from the nose to the tail. A deeper concave allows for better foot grip while performing tricks, providing more control when flipping or sliding. Shallow concaves, on the other hand, can make it easier to push and cruise, catering to those who prioritize comfort over technical performance.
• Length: The length of the skateboard deck can influence the ride and control. Longer decks provide more stability and are often used for cruising and downhill skating, while shorter decks allow for quicker turns and are better suited for technical tricks and street skating. The appropriate length largely depends on the skater’s style and preference.

What Should I Look for in Skateboard Trucks?

When selecting skateboard trucks, consider the following key factors:

• Material: The material of the trucks affects their durability and performance. Most skateboard trucks are made from aluminum, which offers a good balance of strength and weight, while some high-end options use magnesium or titanium for added lightness and resilience.
• Width: The width of the trucks should match the width of your skateboard deck for optimal performance. A proper fit ensures better stability and control while riding, with wider trucks providing more stability and narrower trucks allowing for easier tricks.
• Height: Truck height can influence the type of skating you do. Low trucks are better for street skating and technical tricks, while high trucks are suited for cruising and riding larger wheels, which can help in absorbing impacts during jumps and tricks.
• Baseplate Design: The design of the baseplate affects how the truck mounts to the board and its responsiveness. Some designs include features for easier turning or adjustments, which can enhance your riding experience based on personal preference.
• Kingpin Placement: The placement of the kingpin can impact the truck’s performance and durability. A traditional kingpin is more common, while reverse kingpins offer better stability and turning capabilities, making them a popular choice for many skaters.
• Weight: The overall weight of the trucks can affect how your skateboard feels during tricks and while riding. Lighter trucks are generally preferred for street and technical skating, while heavier trucks can provide more stability at higher speeds.
• Price: Skateboard trucks come in a wide range of prices, so consider your budget when selecting. Higher-priced models often offer better materials and construction, which can lead to improved performance and longevity.

What Materials Enhance the Quality of a Skateboard Build?

• Maple Wood: The most common material for skateboard decks, maple wood offers a perfect balance of strength, flexibility, and lightweight properties. It is typically constructed from multiple layers, providing resilience and the ability to withstand the impacts of tricks and jumps.
• Birch Wood: Birch is often used as an alternative to maple due to its slightly lighter weight and excellent shock absorption. It provides a good level of stiffness while maintaining a solid pop, making it suitable for street and park skating.
• Carbon Fiber: This high-tech material is used in some premium skateboard decks to enhance strength while keeping the weight low. Carbon fiber boards offer superior flex and responsiveness, making them ideal for advanced skaters looking for performance.
• Aluminum: Commonly used for skateboard trucks, aluminum provides a durable and lightweight option that can withstand heavy impacts. Its resistance to corrosion and rust makes it a popular choice for skaters who ride in various weather conditions.
• Polyurethane: Used for skateboard wheels, polyurethane provides an excellent grip and smooth ride due to its cushioning properties. This material is highly durable and offers a range of hardness options, allowing skaters to choose wheels that match their style of riding.
• Fiberglass: Often used in combination with wood, fiberglass adds extra strength to the skateboard deck while keeping it lightweight. This material can enhance the overall durability of the board and is commonly found in high-performance skateboards.
• Steel: Steel is primarily used in skateboard hardware, such as bolts and axles, due to its strength and resistance to bending. Its robustness ensures that the components remain intact during tricks and heavy use.

Why Is Maple the Preferred Material for Skateboards?

Maple is the preferred material for skateboards due to several key properties that enhance performance and durability. Here are the main reasons:

• Strength and Durability: Maple wood, particularly hard rock maple, is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio. It can withstand significant impacts and stresses, making it ideal for tricks and ramps.

• Flexibility: Maple has a natural flexibility that allows skateboards to absorb shocks. This characteristic is crucial for providing a smooth ride, particularly when landing from jumps or coping with rough surfaces.

• Grip and Control: The fine grain of maple provides a textured surface that helps with grip between the skateboard and the rider’s shoes. This feature maximizes control during rides, especially at high speeds or when performing tricks.

• Aesthetic Appeal: Maple wood has a classic, aesthetically pleasing look that many skateboarders appreciate. The natural grain patterns can be showcased with minimal finishing, giving the board a unique touch.

In summary, maple’s combination of strength, flexibility, grip, and appearance makes it the go-to choice for skateboard construction.

How Does the Shape of a Skateboard Affect My Riding Style?

• Deck Shape: The shape of the skateboard deck can vary from symmetrical to directional designs, which affects how the board handles during tricks and cruising.
• Concave: The concave of a skateboard deck refers to the curvature from the nose to the tail, impacting grip and control during maneuvers.
• Nose and Tail Shape: Different nose and tail shapes can enhance certain tricks and riding styles, catering to street, park, or vert skating preferences.
• Width: The width of the skateboard deck affects stability and control, influencing how easily you can land tricks and maintain balance.
• Length: The length of the skateboard can determine how much foot space you have, affecting your comfort and ability to perform tricks.

The deck shape influences your riding dynamics; symmetrical decks are often favored for tricks and flips, while directional decks may provide better stability for cruising or downhill riding.

The concave of the skateboard deck is crucial for ensuring a secure foot placement, allowing for better control during slides and grabs, and different concave shapes can cater to specific styles like street or vert skating.

Nose and tail shapes play a vital role in trick performance; a wider tail can help with pop for ollies, while a more pronounced nose can aid in nollie tricks, catering to different skating styles.

The width of the skateboard deck determines the amount of leverage you have, which can enhance your ability to perform tricks or provide stability while riding, with wider boards typically favored for street and technical tricks.

Length impacts how much space you have for your feet, which affects comfort and control; longer boards may be more stable at high speeds, while shorter boards can be easier to maneuver for tricks.

What Are the Ideal Skateboard Builds for Various Riding Styles?

The ideal skateboard builds vary depending on the riding style, each tailored to enhance performance and comfort.

• Street Skateboards: These boards typically feature a shorter deck with a wider nose and tail, allowing for tricks like ollies and grinds.
• Park Skateboards: Designed for transitions and ramps, these boards often have a slightly longer deck with a steeper concave to help maintain control at high speeds.
• Longboards: With their elongated decks and softer wheels, longboards are perfect for cruising and downhill riding, providing stability and a smooth ride over long distances.
• Freestyle Skateboards: These boards are highly versatile with symmetrical shapes, enabling riders to perform tricks in both directions and facilitating a wide range of movements.
• Downhill Skateboards: Built for speed, these boards are typically low to the ground with a wider wheelbase and larger wheels, ensuring stability and grip while descending hills.

Street skateboards are designed for urban environments, featuring a shorter deck that allows for greater maneuverability when executing tricks. They often come with hard wheels to facilitate sliding and grinds on various surfaces, making them ideal for skate parks and city streets.

Parks skateboards are engineered for ramp and bowl riding, incorporating a longer wheelbase and steeper concave for better control during high-speed turns and aerial tricks. Their construction emphasizes durability and responsiveness to withstand the rigorous demands of park riding.

Longboards are characterized by their extended decks and soft wheels, making them ideal for cruising and long-distance travel. The design focuses on comfort and stability, allowing riders to navigate through varied terrain with ease, making them popular among commuters and recreational riders alike.

Freestyle skateboards emphasize versatility with symmetrical shapes and often feature a wider deck for stability during tricks. This build is perfect for riders who want to perform a diverse range of tricks, allowing for both forward and backward maneuvers, making them a favorite among creative skaters.

Downhill skateboards are specifically designed for racers and thrill-seekers, with a low profile and wider wheelbase that provides maximum grip when speeding downhill. The larger wheels help absorb shocks from rough surfaces, making them essential for safe and exhilarating downhill rides.

Which Skateboard Build Is Best for Street Skating?

The best skateboard builds for street skating prioritize durability, maneuverability, and responsiveness.

• Deck: A wider, concave deck around 7.75 to 8.5 inches provides stability and control for tricks.
• Trucks: Low-profile trucks enhance stability during grinds and provide better responsiveness when turning.
• Wheels: Softer wheels, typically around 52-54mm in diameter, offer better grip and shock absorption on rough surfaces.
• Bearings: High-quality ABEC-rated bearings ensure a smooth ride and allow for faster speeds, which is essential for street skating.
• Grip Tape: A coarse grip tape ensures that your feet stay firmly planted on the board for maximum control during tricks.

The deck is crucial for street skating as it needs to withstand the impact of tricks while providing enough space to maneuver. A concave design helps in foot placement, allowing for better control and flick when performing ollies and flips.

Low-profile trucks are ideal for street skating as they keep the board closer to the ground, enhancing stability during grinds and making it easier to navigate tight spots in urban environments. These trucks also offer a responsive turning radius, essential for quick maneuvers.

Wheels are another critical component; softer wheels are preferred for street skating as they can absorb shocks from rough pavement, providing a smoother ride. The size of the wheels also affects speed and control, with smaller wheels being easier to flip and spin while larger ones offer better stability.

High-quality bearings are vital for maintaining speed and ensuring a smooth roll, which is particularly important when skating on varied street surfaces. ABEC-rated bearings provide a higher level of precision and efficiency, allowing for better performance in street skating.

The grip tape on the skateboard ensures that your feet do not slip off during tricks and maneuvers. A rough texture increases friction, helping to maintain control during jumps, flips, and grinds, which are fundamental aspects of street skating.

What Features Should a Freestyle Skateboard Have?

The best skateboards build features several key components that enhance performance, durability, and rider comfort.

• Deck Material: The skateboard deck should be made from high-quality materials such as Canadian maple or bamboo, which provide a good balance of strength and flexibility. A well-constructed deck ensures longevity and can better withstand the impacts of tricks and landings.
• Grip Tape: Quality grip tape is essential for maintaining traction between the rider’s shoes and the skateboard. A textured surface helps prevent slipping during tricks and maneuvers, contributing to overall safety and performance.
• Trucks: The skateboard trucks should be made from durable aluminum and must be appropriately sized for the deck width. Good trucks allow for smooth turning and stability, which is crucial for freestyle skating where quick movements are often required.
• Wheels: The wheels should have a durometer rating suited for freestyle skating, typically around 90A to 101A. Softer wheels provide more grip and cushioning on rough surfaces, while harder wheels are faster but can be less forgiving, making the choice dependent on personal preference and skating style.
• Bearings: High-quality bearings, such as ABEC 5 or higher, enhance the skateboard’s speed and smoothness. These bearings reduce friction and wear, allowing the wheels to spin freely and efficiently, which is particularly important for performing tricks.
• Size and Shape: The size and shape of the skateboard should cater to the rider’s style and preferences. A smaller, narrower deck may be better for tricks and flip tricks, while a wider deck can provide more stability for cruising and commuting.
• Weight Capacity: The skateboard should be able to support the rider’s weight comfortably. This ensures stability and durability, reducing the risk of breakage during intense skating sessions.

How Can Augmentations Improve My Skateboard Experience?

Augmentations can significantly enhance the skateboard experience, allowing riders to customize their boards to better suit their style and preferences. Here are key types of augmentations and their benefits:

• Wheels: Upgrading to softer wheels can improve grip and provide a smoother ride on rough terrains, while harder wheels are better for tricks and skateparks, allowing for greater speed and durability.

• Trucks: Choosing adjustable trucks can help fine-tune the board’s responsiveness. Wider trucks provide stability for cruising, while narrower options are typically preferred for technical tricks.

• Grip Tape: A high-quality grip tape enhances traction, ensuring better control and stability. Consider textured or colored grip tape for added style and personalization.

• Shock Pads: Installing shock pads between the trucks and deck can absorb impacts, protecting your knees and enhancing comfort during landings from jumps.

• Deck Material: Opting for composite materials can increase durability and reduce weight, making it easier to maneuver while also providing a distinctive feel underfoot.

By carefully selecting these augmentations, skateboarders can tailor their boards to their unique skating style, enhancing performance and overall enjoyment.

What Types of Grip Tape Provide Better Control?

When it comes to achieving better control on skateboards, various types of grip tape can significantly enhance the riding experience.

• Standard Grip Tape: This is the most commonly used type of grip tape, featuring a gritty surface that provides excellent traction. It is made from a mixture of sandpaper-like material and adhesive, allowing skaters to maintain solid footing on their boards during tricks and maneuvers.
• Clear Grip Tape: Designed for those who want to showcase the graphic design of their skateboard deck, clear grip tape offers a more aesthetic appeal while still providing decent traction. It typically has a slightly less abrasive texture than standard tape, which may slightly reduce grip but allows for a unique visual style.
• Foam Grip Tape: This type of grip tape is made from a softer, foam-like material that provides a comfortable, cushioned feel underfoot. It is ideal for skaters who prioritize comfort during long sessions and prefer a less abrasive surface that still offers sufficient control for casual riding and tricks.
• Anti-slip Grip Tape: Featuring a more advanced texture, anti-slip grip tape is engineered to provide superior grip, especially in wet conditions. This type is ideal for skaters who ride in various environments and need extra confidence in their footing regardless of the weather.
• Colored and Printed Grip Tape: This variety allows for personalization, coming in multiple colors and designs while still maintaining grip quality. While the grip may vary based on the manufacturer, many colored options utilize high-quality materials to ensure they do not compromise on control while enhancing the skateboard’s aesthetic appeal.

How Can Custom Graphics Personalize My Skateboard?

Custom graphics can significantly enhance the personalization of your skateboard, making it a unique reflection of your style.

• Artwork Design: Custom artwork allows you to incorporate personal designs, logos, or favorite graphics that resonate with your identity or interests.
• Color Schemes: Choosing specific colors for your skateboard deck can create a vibrant look that matches your personality or complements your gear.
• Text and Quotes: Adding personalized text, such as your name or an inspiring quote, can make your skateboard feel more meaningful and motivational.
• Unique Shapes and Sizes: Custom shapes and sizes not only enhance aesthetic appeal but can also cater to your specific riding style and preferences.
• Brand Collaborations: Collaborating with local artists or brands can provide exclusive graphics that set your skateboard apart from mass-produced options.

Custom artwork allows you to incorporate personal designs, logos, or favorite graphics that resonate with your identity or interests. This can involve anything from intricate illustrations to simple symbols that represent your hobbies or passions, making each ride more personal.

Choosing specific colors for your skateboard deck can create a vibrant look that matches your personality or complements your gear. A well-thought-out color scheme can help your skateboard stand out and express your style, whether you prefer bold, bright colors or subtle, muted tones.

Adding personalized text, such as your name or an inspiring quote, can make your skateboard feel more meaningful and motivational. This text can serve as a reminder of your goals or simply as a way to put your stamp on your board.

Custom shapes and sizes not only enhance aesthetic appeal but can also cater to your specific riding style and preferences. A uniquely shaped skateboard can improve performance and comfort, allowing for a more enjoyable ride while also showcasing your individual flair.

Collaborating with local artists or brands can provide exclusive graphics that set your skateboard apart from mass-produced options. This not only supports local talent but also ensures that your skateboard has a one-of-a-kind design that tells a story or represents a community.

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