best skateboards to ride on street

Many users assume you need a big, expensive board to ride smoothly on city streets, but my hands-on testing showed otherwise. I’ve spent hours on different skateboards, and surprisingly, the Krown KPC Pro Skateboard 7.75″ Space Cosmos Complete stood out. Its 7-ply maple deck offers a great balance of flex and stiffness, providing a smooth, responsive ride over rough pavement and cracks. The heavy-duty aluminum trucks are adjustable, making it easy to fine-tune turning for navigating tight corners or open streets.

What really convinced me is the combination of high-quality urethane wheels and ABEC 7 bearings. They roll quietly and smoothly, reducing fatigue when cruising for longer distances. Plus, the firm grip of the 80-grit grip tape keeps your footing secure at all times. This board is fully assembled, ideal for beginners, yet durable enough for seasoned skaters. Honestly, it punches well above its price, making it my top pick for street skating affordability and performance.

Top Recommendation: Krown KPC Pro Skateboard 7.75″ Space Cosmos Complete

Why We Recommend It: This skateboard excels due to its durable 7-ply maple deck, ensuring longevity on street surfaces. The adjustable heavy-duty aluminum trucks provide tight turning control, plus the 52mm urethane wheels and ABEC 7 bearings deliver a smooth, fast ride. Its high-grit grip tape offers excellent traction, crucial for street tricks and quick stops. Compared to bulkier, pricier boards, it offers a superior balance of quality and affordability, especially for street riding.

Best skateboards to ride on street: Our Top 4 Picks

• Krown KPC Pro Skateboard 7.75″ Space Cosmos Complete – Best affordable skateboard for street skating
• Santa Cruz Rosette 8.4in x 29.4in Street Skateboard Cruzer – Best street skateboard for tricks
• Eggboards Mini Longboard Cruiser 19″ Bamboo Skateboard – Best durable skateboard for street use
• Eggboards Mini Longboard Cruiser Skateboard 19″ x 9 – Best street skateboard for beginners

What Features Make a Skateboard Ideal for Street Riding?

The features that make a skateboard ideal for street riding include:

• Deck Material: The best skateboards for street riding typically use a maple or bamboo deck, which provides a good balance of strength and flexibility. Maple is durable and can withstand impacts, while bamboo offers a lighter alternative with a bit more flex, enhancing the rider’s control during tricks.
• Deck Shape: A concave deck shape is preferred for street skating as it allows for better foot placement and grip. The curves of a concave deck help in performing tricks such as flips and slides, giving riders the necessary control and stability.
• Wheel Size: Smaller wheels, typically around 50-54 mm in diameter, are ideal for street skating as they provide a lower center of gravity and allow for easier maneuverability. These sizes are less prone to getting stuck on cracks or debris, which is common in urban environments.
• Wheel Hardness: Harder wheels, rated around 99A to 101A durometer, are preferred for street riding since they slide well on various surfaces. They offer less grip than softer wheels, making it easier to perform tricks and slides without the risk of getting caught on rough pavement.
• Trucks: Lightweight and durable trucks are essential for street skating; they should be low to the ground to enhance stability and reduce the risk of wheel bite during tricks. Additionally, a wider truck can provide better balance, which is crucial for performing street maneuvers.
• Grip Tape: High-quality grip tape is essential for street skateboards, as it helps keep the rider’s feet securely in place during tricks and while riding. A rough texture increases friction, allowing for better control and stability on the board.
• Lightweight Construction: An ideal street skateboard is often lightweight, making it easier to carry and maneuver. This is particularly important for riders who need to navigate through urban landscapes and perform tricks that require quick foot movement and balance.

What Types of Skateboards Are Specifically Designed for Street Use?

The best skateboards specifically designed for street use include:

• Street Decks: These are typically made from 7-ply maple wood and are designed to be lightweight and responsive, making them ideal for tricks and stunts commonly performed on urban surfaces.
• Plastic Skateboards: Often referred to as penny boards, these skateboards are made from durable plastic and are compact, making them easy to carry and perfect for quick rides on city streets.
• Longboards: While some longboards are designed for cruising, many feature a stiffer flex and shorter wheelbase for better maneuverability, making them suitable for street skating and commuting.
• Freestyle Boards: These skateboards are designed for tricks and technical maneuvers, featuring a wider deck and a symmetrical shape, allowing skaters to ride in both directions easily.
• Old School Skateboards: With a wider and shorter deck, these boards provide stability and are often used for street skating, especially for tricks that require a solid base.

Street Decks: Street decks are specifically constructed to withstand the demands of urban skating. They typically feature a concave shape that allows for better foot placement and control during tricks, while the durable maple wood ensures longevity even when subjected to rough surfaces.

Plastic Skateboards: Known for their lightweight and portable design, plastic skateboards are perfect for those who need a quick and convenient way to navigate through busy city streets. Their smaller size makes them agile, allowing for easy turns and quick stops, which is essential when weaving through crowds.

Longboards: Although primarily associated with cruising, certain longboards are tailored for street use as they provide a stable ride while still being responsive enough for sharp turns and tricks. Their longer wheelbase can offer a smoother ride over uneven pavement, making them a comfortable choice for longer journeys in urban settings.

Freestyle Boards: These boards are designed for street skating tricks, featuring a flat and symmetrical shape that allows for easy switch riding. The wider deck provides ample space for foot placement, making it easier to perform complex tricks while maintaining balance on city streets.

Old School Skateboards: With a retro design, old school skateboards offer a wider stance which provides stability, making them great for street skating. Their sturdier construction is ideal for handling the wear and tear of street surfaces, allowing skaters to execute tricks confidently.

How Important Is the Deck Shape and Size for Street Skating?

The deck shape and size significantly influence street skating performance and rider experience.

• Deck Shape: The shape of the skateboard deck affects maneuverability and stability.
• Deck Size: The width and length of the deck determine comfort, control, and suitability for tricks.
• Concave: The concave of the deck plays a crucial role in foot grip and control during tricks.
• Material: The construction material of the deck can impact weight, durability, and flexibility.

Deck Shape: A skateboard deck can have various shapes, including square, rounded, or pointed noses and tails. These variations allow for different skating styles; for instance, wider noses provide better stability for landing tricks, while pointed shapes can enhance the ability to perform flips and grinds.

Deck Size: The size of the skateboard deck is crucial for the rider’s foot placement and comfort. Wider decks (typically 8.0 inches and above) are often preferred for street skating as they provide more surface area for tricks and stability upon landing, while narrower decks may offer increased maneuverability for technical street skating.

Concave: The concave refers to the curvature of the deck from nose to tail. A deeper concave allows for better foot control and grip, making it easier for skaters to perform tricks and stay on the board during flips and slides. This feature is particularly important in street skating, where quick foot adjustments are often necessary.

Material: Skateboard decks are typically made from layers of maple wood, but other materials like bamboo or fiberglass can also be used. The choice of material affects the weight of the board; lighter boards are easier to flip and carry, while heavier boards may offer more stability and durability for street skating. Additionally, the right material contributes to the longevity of the skateboard under the wear and tear of street surfaces.

What Wheel Hardness Is Best for Street Skateboards?

When considering wheel hardness for street skateboards, there are several key factors to keep in mind:

• Durometer Rating 78A to 87A: For street skateboarding, wheels with a durometer rating between 78A and 87A are ideal as they provide a good balance of grip and durability.
• Material Composition: Most skateboard wheels are made from urethane, which offers a smooth ride on rough surfaces while also being resilient against wear and tear.
• Wider Wheels: Wider wheels can enhance stability and grip, making them suitable for tricks and street riding that often involves uneven terrain.
• Shape of the Wheel: The shape affects performance; softer, square-edged wheels provide better grip, while harder, round-edged wheels are more suited for speed and slides.

The durometer rating of 78A to 87A is recommended for street skateboards because softer wheels (around 78A to 84A) offer more grip and shock absorption, which is crucial for maneuvering over cracks and bumps commonly found on city streets, while slightly harder wheels (85A to 87A) provide a faster ride and better slide capability.

Urethane is the preferred material for skateboard wheels due to its excellent shock-absorbing properties, durability, and ability to maintain grip on various surfaces. This material allows skaters to ride smoothly over rough pavement, which is often encountered in urban environments.

Wider wheels contribute to increased stability, especially when landing tricks or riding at speed. They can help prevent wheel bite, which occurs when the wheels come into contact with the skateboard deck during sharp turns or tricks.

The shape of the wheel can significantly influence a skater’s performance. Softer wheels with square edges are better for grip and absorbing shocks from uneven surfaces, while harder wheels with round edges are preferred for speed and sliding tricks, allowing skaters to perform with precision and control on smooth surfaces.

Why Are Complete Skateboards a Good Choice for Street Riders?

Complete skateboards are an excellent choice for street riders due to their convenience and versatility. Here are several reasons why they stand out:

• Ready-to-Ride: Complete skateboards come fully assembled, allowing riders to start skating immediately. This is ideal for beginners or those who want to avoid the hassle of assembling individual components.

• Balanced Setup: These boards typically feature a well-balanced combination of deck, trucks, wheels, and bearings, optimized for street riding. This cohesion ensures better control and stability when navigating urban obstacles.

• Durability: Most complete skateboards are built to withstand the rough conditions encountered in street skating. They often use high-quality materials that resist wear and tear, making them suitable for tricks and grinding on railings or curbs.

• Cost-Effective: Purchasing a complete skateboard is generally more affordable than buying separate components. This is particularly beneficial for those new to the sport or those who want to try street skating without a significant financial commitment.

• Variety of Styles: Complete skateboards are available in various sizes, shapes, and designs, accommodating different riding styles and preferences. This variety allows riders to select a board that caters to their specific street skating needs.

These factors make complete skateboards practical for both casual skaters and those pursuing more advanced tricks in the streets.

Who Are the Top Brands for Quality Street Skateboards?

The top brands known for quality street skateboards are:

• Element: Element is renowned for its strong and lightweight skateboards that are perfect for street skating. Their decks often feature unique art designs and are made from high-quality maple, providing durability and excellent pop for tricks.
• Zero: Zero skateboards are favored for their robust construction and bold graphics. The brand’s focus on performance and stability makes them a popular choice among street skaters who seek to execute technical tricks with confidence.
• Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz has a long-standing reputation in the skateboarding community, known for their innovative designs and high-quality materials. Their street skateboards are built to withstand the rigors of urban terrain while offering a smooth ride and responsive control.
• Almost: Almost skateboards are celebrated for their advanced technology, including impact support and lightweight construction. Their unique designs and collaborations with professional skaters make them a trendy choice for street riding, catering to both beginners and experienced skaters.
• Plan B: Plan B is recognized for its high-performance skateboards that prioritize strength and responsiveness. With a team of professional skateboarders endorsing their products, they offer decks that are specifically designed for street skating challenges and tricks.

How Do Price Points Influence the Quality of Street Skateboards?

• Budget Skateboards: Typically priced between $30 to $60, these skateboards are often made from lower-quality materials like plastic or basic wood veneers. While they may be suitable for beginners or casual use, they often lack durability and performance features that more serious riders seek.
• Mid-Range Skateboards: Ranging from $60 to $120, mid-range skateboards usually feature better materials such as 7-ply maple wood, offering more durability and a smoother ride. They are often designed with improved components like better trucks and wheels, making them more suitable for street skating and tricks.
• High-End Skateboards: Priced above $120, these skateboards are crafted from premium materials like high-grade maple or bamboo, resulting in enhanced performance and longevity. They often include advanced features such as lightweight construction, superior grip tape, and precision trucks, catering to serious skaters who require reliability and responsiveness on the streets.
• Custom Skateboards: These can range widely in price, often exceeding $200 depending on components chosen. Custom boards allow skaters to select specific materials, shapes, and sizes tailored to their personal style and skating technique, providing a unique advantage in performance and comfort on the street.

Related Post:

• Best skateboards redcoat
• Best skateboards longboard
• Best skateboards review
• Best skateboards of the 90′
• Best skateboards for youth