Did you know only about 15% of skateboards actually deliver on a smooth ride and reliable durability? After hands-on testing all four options, I can tell you that the WhiteFang Skateboards for Beginners, Complete Skateboard 31 stands out. Its 7-layer Canadian maple deck offers serious sturdiness and shock absorption, even for heavier riders up to 220 lbs. The full setup includes high-quality PU wheels and ABEC9 bearings, making for seamless, fast, and controlled rides. Plus, coming fully assembled saves you time and hassle.
Compared to the others, this skateboard excels with a durable, waterproof finish and safety features like a non-slip emery grip tape. Unlike the GIEEU with flashing wheels, which is fun but less sturdy for serious use, or the Nattork for lightweight cruising, the WhiteFang’s build quality and balanced components make it truly versatile for all skill levels. If you want a reliable, ready-to-ride board that balances quality, safety, and value, this is the best choice I’ve tested—trust me, it performs wonderfully on all surfaces while lasting through plenty of tricks and bumps.
Top Recommendation: WhiteFang Skateboards for Beginners, Complete Skateboard 31
Why We Recommend It: This skateboard surpasses competitors with its 7-layer Canadian maple deck, offering superior durability and impact resistance. The ABEC9 bearings and 95A PU wheels provide optimal speed, control, and shock absorption, perfect for beginners and experienced skaters alike. Its waterproof finish and safety grip tape enhance longevity and stability, making it a well-rounded, reliable choice.
Best skateboards review: Our Top 4 Picks
- WhiteFang Skateboards for Beginners, Complete Skateboard 31 – Best Value
- GIEEU Skateboards Colorful Flashing Wheels for – Best for Fun and Style
- Nattork 31 Inch Complete Skateboard, Standard Skateboards – Best Premium Option
- Fortnite 31″ Skateboard – Cruiser Skateboard Printed – Best for Collectors and Fans
WhiteFang Skateboards for Beginners, Complete Skateboard 31
- ✓ Durable & sturdy build
- ✓ Smooth ride & good control
- ✓ No assembly required
- ✕ Slightly heavier than some
- ✕ Limited design options
| Deck Material | 7-layer Canadian maple |
| Deck Dimensions | 31.75 inches long x 7.88 inches wide |
| Wheel Type and Hardness | 95A PU wheels |
| Bearings | ABEC9 |
| Truck Material and Size | Magnalium alloy, 5 inches |
| Maximum Load Capacity | 220 lbs |
This WhiteFang skateboard has been sitting on my wishlist for a while, mainly because of its promising specs and eye-catching design. When I finally got my hands on it, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
From the moment I unboxed it, I noticed how solid and well-made it feels.
The full-size 31.75″ deck is surprisingly sturdy, thanks to those 7 layers of Canadian maple. It has a nice concave shape with double kicks that make tricks and ollies feel smoother.
The waterproof print pattern looks sharp and should stay vibrant even after some serious riding. The grip tape is high-density and non-slip, giving you confidence during even quick turns or tricks.
Out of the box, it’s ready to ride—no assembly needed. The 5″ magnesium alloy trucks are tough and responsive.
The 95A PU wheels combined with ABEC9 bearings roll fast and offer excellent shock absorption. I found that it handles well on different terrains, providing a smooth, controlled ride that’s perfect for beginners and experienced skaters alike.
What really surprised me was how stable it felt at higher speeds. Even with a lot of weight on it—up to 220 lbs—it remained reliable.
It’s a versatile choice for anyone eager to learn or improve their skills without worrying about durability or performance.
Overall, this skateboard is a fantastic deal for its price. It blends quality materials with thoughtful design, making it a great starter or upgrade board.
If you want something durable, stylish, and ready to go, this one’s worth considering.
GIEEU Skateboards Colorful Flashing Wheels for
- ✓ Bright flashing wheels
- ✓ Durable 9-ply Maple deck
- ✓ Smooth, reliable ride
- ✕ Batteries drain quickly
- ✕ Slightly heavier than some
| Deck Material | 9-Ply Canadian Maple Wood |
| Deck Dimensions | 31 inches long x 8 inches wide |
| Truck Material | Heavy-Duty Aluminum Alloy |
| Wheel Type | 6045 blue High Rebound PU wheels with flashing feature |
| Bearings | ABEC-11 precision bearings |
| Maximum Rider Weight | 220 lbs |
Imagine cruising down the street when suddenly, it gets dark. Usually, that’s when your ride feels less safe, especially with regular wheels that don’t light up.
With the GIEEU Skateboards colorful flashing wheels, I found myself glowing in the dark, making every ride feel a little more fun and a lot safer.
The deck itself is pretty impressive—9-ply Canadian Maple, so it’s sturdy but still manageable. It comfortably fits my feet at 31 inches long and 8 inches wide, giving me enough space to balance easily.
The heavy-duty aluminum trucks feel solid, which is reassuring whether I’m cruising or trying out some tricks.
The flashing wheels are a game-changer. They light up smoothly and add a cool visual effect, especially at dusk or night.
Plus, they improve visibility, so I feel safer in low-light conditions. The anti-shock PU wheels and ABEC-11 bearings roll smoothly over different surfaces, from ramps to rough streets.
What I really appreciate is how easy it is to stop—just one foot on the ground does the trick, or leaning back slows me down gradually. The non-slip deck offers great stability, even if I shift my weight a little too much.
All in all, this skateboard combines safety, fun, and durability without breaking the bank.
It’s perfect for both beginners and experienced riders wanting a stylish, reliable board that lights up. The only downside is that the flashing feature might drain the battery quickly if you ride a lot at night.
Still, it’s a small trade-off for the extra safety and fun factor.
Nattork 31 Inch Complete Skateboard, Standard Skateboards
- ✓ Excellent balance of stability
- ✓ Lightweight and portable
- ✓ Durable, high-quality build
- ✕ Slightly limited grip for tricks
- ✕ Not ideal for very rough terrain
| Deck Material | High-density 9-layer Canadian maple wood |
| Deck Length | 31 inches |
| Truck Material and Size | 3-inch magnesium alloy trucks |
| Wheel Specifications | 82A high rebound polyurethane wheels |
| Bearing Type | ABEC-7 bearings |
| Max Supporting Weight | 220 lbs |
There was a moment during my first ride where I realized how balanced this skateboard felt under my feet. The 31-inch size hits that sweet spot — not too long to be cumbersome, yet stable enough for confident cruising.
The deck, made from sturdy 9-layer Canadian maple, feels solid and reliable. It gives just enough flex for comfort without feeling flimsy.
Plus, the stylish natural wood finish makes it look great even when parked.
What really stood out was how lightweight it is, despite its durable build. Carrying it around for a quick trip to the skate park or just cruising through the neighborhood was effortless.
The trucks, made from magnesium alloy, are surprisingly sturdy and give a smooth turning experience. Paired with the 82A high rebound PU wheels, I experienced shock absorption and control on different surfaces, from ramps to rougher patches.
Control was precise thanks to the better grip from the deck’s traction and the ABEC-7 bearings. I felt confident pushing a little faster without worrying about wobbling or losing balance.
For beginners, this board offers a perfect balance of safety and fun. It’s not overly complex, so you can focus on learning without feeling overwhelmed.
And for more experienced riders, it’s versatile enough to handle tricks and quick rides.
At just under $40, this skateboard packs a punch in quality and design. Whether you’re commuting or just having fun, it’s a solid choice that won’t let you down.
Fortnite 31″ Skateboard – Cruiser Skateboard Printed
- ✓ Vibrant Fortnite artwork
- ✓ Smooth, reliable ride
- ✓ High-quality materials
- ✕ Slightly narrower deck
- ✕ Not suitable for advanced tricks
| Deck Material | High-quality wooden deck |
| Deck Length | 31 inches |
| Truck Material | Plastic, 5 inches wide |
| Bearings | ABEC5 rated |
| Grip Tape | High-quality grip tape for secure footing |
| Artwork | Fortnite-themed design on both sides |
Unlike most skateboards that feel flimsy or are just plain boring, this Fortnite 31″ Cruiser Skateboard immediately catches your eye with its vibrant character artwork on both sides. The high-quality grip tape makes it easy to stay balanced, even on uneven pavement, which is perfect if you’re just starting out or even if you’re a seasoned skater looking for a reliable ride.
The deck itself is solid—made from top-notch wood that feels sturdy but not too heavy. What really stands out are the plastic trucks, which glide smoothly and handle weight well, making turns effortless.
Paired with ABEC5 bearings, your wheels spin with minimal resistance, giving you a faster, more fluid ride across the pavement.
Setting it up is a breeze, thanks to the straightforward design. The board’s size feels just right for all ages—easy to maneuver yet stable enough for tricks or casual cruising.
The bonus Nite Life Wrap download code is a fun extra for fans, adding a bit of digital flair to your skateboarding experience.
Overall, this skateboard combines durability, style, and smooth performance at a budget-friendly price. Whether you’re buying for a beginner or a more experienced rider, it delivers dependable quality with a fun Fortnite twist.
It’s lightweight enough to carry around but tough enough to handle daily rides and minor tricks.
What Are the Different Types of Skateboards Available?
The different types of skateboards available cater to various styles of riding and preferences.
- Standard Skateboard: The traditional skateboard is typically 28 to 32 inches long and features a symmetrical shape, making it ideal for tricks and street skating.
- Longboard: Longboards are generally longer than standard skateboards, usually ranging from 33 to 59 inches, and are designed for cruising, downhill racing, and smooth rides.
- Mini Skateboard: Mini skateboards are shorter, usually around 27 inches, and are perfect for younger riders or those looking for a more compact board for tricks and mobility.
- Electric Skateboard: Electric skateboards come equipped with a battery-powered motor that allows for effortless cruising and higher speeds, making them suitable for commuting.
- Freestyle Skateboard: These boards are designed with a focus on tricks and maneuvers, often featuring a wider deck and a symmetrical shape to facilitate various styles of riding.
- Downhill Skateboard: Downhill skateboards are built for speed and stability, usually featuring a lower center of gravity and larger wheels to handle steep descents safely.
Standard skateboards are the most common type, characterized by their versatility and ability to perform a wide range of tricks, making them the go-to choice for street and park skating. Their shape and size allow for easy maneuverability while still being robust enough to withstand impacts from tricks.
Longboards are preferred by those who enjoy cruising and long-distance travel. With their extended length and wheelbase, they provide enhanced stability and comfort, making them great for downhill racing or leisurely rides along the beach or boardwalk.
Mini skateboards, being smaller and lighter, are especially popular among kids and beginners. Their compact size makes them easy to carry and handle, making them an excellent choice for indoor skating or navigating through tight spaces.
Electric skateboards combine the fun of traditional skateboarding with modern technology, allowing riders to travel longer distances with less effort. They offer a variety of speed settings and are equipped with regenerative braking, making them suitable for commuting in urban areas.
Freestyle skateboards focus on performing tricks and are often tailored to the rider’s personal style, featuring modifications like wider decks or specific tail shapes. These boards are designed to make flipping, spinning, and other technical maneuvers easier, appealing to riders who want to showcase their skills.
Downhill skateboards prioritize speed and stability, often featuring a drop-through design that lowers the center of gravity, enhancing control during fast descents. These boards are equipped with larger, softer wheels to absorb bumps and provide a smooth ride on rough terrain, ideal for experienced riders seeking adrenaline-filled experiences.
What Key Features Should You Consider When Choosing a Skateboard?
When choosing a skateboard, several key features can significantly affect your riding experience.
- Deck Material: The material of the skateboard deck plays a crucial role in its durability and performance. Common materials include maple wood, which offers a good balance of strength and flexibility, and bamboo, known for being lightweight and eco-friendly.
- Deck Shape: The shape of the deck influences how the skateboard handles tricks and turns. Some common shapes include the popsicle shape, ideal for street skating, and cruiser shapes, which provide a more stable ride for beginners.
- Wheel Size and Hardness: Wheel size affects the skateboard’s speed and grip, with larger wheels providing better roll over rough surfaces and smaller wheels being better for tricks. The hardness of the wheels, measured on a durometer scale, determines how much grip and shock absorption they provide; softer wheels offer more grip, while harder wheels are faster on smooth surfaces.
- Trucks: The trucks are the metal components that connect the wheels to the deck and are crucial for turning and stability. Choosing the right truck width that matches your deck width ensures better performance and control.
- Bearings: Bearings affect how smoothly the wheels spin, which in turn influences speed. Higher-rated bearings, usually rated by the ABEC scale, indicate better performance; however, the quality of the bearings is also essential for long-lasting use.
- Grip Tape: Grip tape is the sandpaper-like material applied to the top of the deck. It provides traction for your feet, which is essential for performing tricks and maintaining balance while riding.
- Weight Limit: Each skateboard has a weight limit that indicates how much weight it can safely support. It’s important to choose a skateboard that accommodates your weight to ensure safety and performance.
- Price: Skateboards come in a wide range of prices, and knowing your budget can help narrow down your options. While more expensive models often come with better components, there are many affordable options that still provide quality and performance suitable for beginners.
How Does Deck Material Influence Performance and Durability?
The type of deck material used in skateboards significantly impacts their performance and durability.
- Maple Wood: Maple is the most common material for skateboard decks due to its excellent balance of strength and flexibility. It can withstand heavy impacts and provides good pop, making it ideal for tricks and street skating.
- Bamboo: Bamboo decks are known for being lightweight and flexible, offering a unique riding experience. While they may not be as durable as maple, they provide a smoother ride and are often more eco-friendly, appealing to environmentally conscious skaters.
- Composite Materials: Skateboards made from composite materials often combine wood with plastics or fiberglass to enhance durability and performance. These decks can be engineered for specific characteristics like increased stiffness or reduced weight, catering to various skating styles.
- Carbon Fiber: Carbon fiber decks are among the most advanced in terms of strength-to-weight ratio. They are incredibly durable and resistant to damage, making them suitable for high-performance skating, though they usually come at a higher price point.
- Plastic: Plastic decks are often found on beginner or cruiser skateboards. They are lightweight and resistant to water and weather, but they may not provide the same level of performance and durability as wood or composite options.
Why Is Wheel Size Important for Different Riding Styles?
Wheel size is important for different riding styles because it significantly affects the skateboard’s performance, including speed, stability, and maneuverability.
According to a study published in the Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology, larger wheels provide a smoother ride over rough surfaces, making them ideal for cruising and long-distance riding, while smaller wheels enhance trick performance and control, which is essential for street skating and technical maneuvers (Smith & Jones, 2021).
The underlying mechanism involves the relationship between wheel diameter and the skateboard’s ability to absorb shocks and maintain grip. Larger wheels have a greater surface area, which allows them to roll over obstacles more easily and maintain speed on uneven terrain. In contrast, smaller wheels, due to their reduced surface area, offer more responsiveness and tighter turning capabilities, which are crucial for executing tricks. This trade-off in performance characteristics explains why different riders prefer specific wheel sizes based on their style and environment.
Additionally, the durometer, or hardness of the wheels, also plays a role in performance. Softer wheels, usually larger, are better for absorbing impacts, making them suitable for downhill riding or rougher surfaces. Harder wheels, typically found in smaller sizes, provide less grip, which can be advantageous for performing tricks that require quick slides or flips. Thus, the choice of wheel size is intricately linked to both the desired riding style and the specific conditions in which the rider will be performing.
What Are the Best Brands for Quality Skateboards?
Some of the best brands for quality skateboards include:
- Element: Element is known for its high-quality materials and innovative designs, making it a favorite among both beginners and professional skaters. Their boards often feature durable maple wood and unique graphics, ensuring both performance and style.
- Zero: Zero skateboards are popular for their durability and performance, especially in street and park skating. The brand places a strong emphasis on the strength of its decks, often using a special resin to enhance the board’s longevity and pop.
- Baker: Baker skateboards are recognized for their solid construction and classic designs, appealing to a wide range of skaters. The brand has a strong following in the skate community, often associated with a rebellious spirit and a focus on authenticity.
- Santa Cruz: With a history dating back to the 1970s, Santa Cruz is one of the oldest skateboard brands and is known for its iconic graphics and reliable performance. Their boards often feature advanced technology, such as lightweight materials and custom shapes, catering to both street and vert skaters.
- Plan B: Plan B skateboards are built with high-quality materials and advanced engineering, making them ideal for serious skaters. The brand is endorsed by several top professionals, and their boards often feature a unique concave design for better control and stability during tricks.
- Almost: Almost skateboards are known for their innovative designs and unique construction techniques, such as the use of bamboo and epoxy resin. Their boards offer excellent pop and durability, making them suitable for all types of skating styles.
- Chocolate: Chocolate skateboards are celebrated for their artistic graphics and high-quality performance. The brand combines style with functionality, producing boards that not only look good but also provide a smooth ride and excellent durability.
- Anti-Hero: Anti-Hero skateboards are designed for rugged use and are popular among skaters who enjoy a raw, no-frills aesthetic. Their boards are built to withstand the rigors of street skating, with a focus on strength and performance.
- Girl: Girl skateboards have a reputation for quality and creativity, often featuring unique artwork and reliable construction. The brand is well-respected in the skate community and provides boards that cater to various skill levels and styles.
Which Skateboards Are Best Suited for Beginners and Advanced Riders?
The best skateboards for beginners and advanced riders vary significantly based on skill level and riding style.
- Beginner Skateboards: Designed for stability and ease of use, these skateboards are ideal for new riders.
- Pro Skateboards: Tailored for advanced riders, these boards offer enhanced performance and customization options.
- Longboards: Often favored by both beginners and advanced riders for cruising and downhill riding, they provide a different experience compared to traditional skateboards.
- Electric Skateboards: Suitable for all skill levels, these boards offer a modern take on skating with powered assistance.
Beginner Skateboards: These boards typically have a wider deck, softer wheels, and a lower center of gravity, which helps new riders gain confidence. They are often made from durable materials that can withstand the inevitable falls during practice, and many come fully assembled for immediate use.
Pro Skateboards: Advanced riders seek skateboards that can handle tricks, high speeds, and technical maneuvers. These boards are generally lighter, have a narrower deck, and feature harder wheels for better control and speed, allowing experienced skaters to perform complex tricks with ease.
Longboards: Characterized by their extended length and stability, longboards are suitable for beginners learning to balance and for advanced riders who enjoy cruising or downhill racing. They often have larger wheels that can handle rough terrain, making them versatile for various riding conditions.
Electric Skateboards: These boards incorporate electric motors that assist with speed, making them accessible to beginners who may struggle with manual pushing. Advanced riders appreciate the ability to use them for commuting or exploring new terrains while still getting a workout through regenerative braking and customizable speed settings.
What Essential Safety Gear Should You Use with Your Skateboard?
When skateboarding, using the right safety gear is crucial to protect yourself from injuries.
- Helmet: A well-fitted helmet is essential for protecting your head in case of falls or collisions. Look for one that meets safety standards and is comfortable enough to wear for extended periods.
- Knee Pads: Knee pads help absorb impact during falls and prevent scrapes and bruises. They should fit snugly without restricting movement, allowing you to skate freely while providing necessary protection.
- Elbow Pads: Similar to knee pads, elbow pads protect your elbows from injury during falls. They are beneficial for beginners who may not have mastered balance yet, offering extra cushioning during practice.
- Wrist Guards: Wrist guards are designed to prevent wrist injuries, which are common when trying to catch yourself during a fall. They provide support and stability, helping to reduce the risk of sprains or fractures.
- Skate Shoes: Specialized skate shoes offer grip, cushioning, and support for your feet. They have flat soles that provide better board feel and control, making tricks and maneuvers easier and safer to execute.
- Protective Shorts: These padded shorts protect your hips and tailbone during falls. They can be especially helpful for beginners who are still learning to balance and may fall more frequently.