Whether you want to pick your very first skateboard or your five millionths, there are these features to consider when choosing it.
Board width: The sticker on the board says different numbers – 7.75, 8.00, 8.25, etc.. They are the width of the board in inches. As a rule of thumb, thinner boards allow you to do more kick and flip tricks; bigger ones give you more balance.
Concave: The curve shaping the board can tell your skating preference. It can be rather steep for faster kicking or flatter so you can have more surface standing and moving with it.
Grip tape: Most people, beginners in particular, like it to be grippy and coarse because it prevents your feet from sliding off. Some pros like Gabe Cruz like to sand it down to make it more versatile while doing tricks. But maybe it’s still a long way to go.
Wheel size: The main thing while choosing wheels is the diameter. Too big wheels cause the “wheel bites” (It hits the board when you are moving, causing sudden stop and fall). So you want it to be just enough to move easily on the board.
Trucks: Quick tip, choose those that have the same length as the board width. But notice that some trucks are higher than others, and it really breaks down to your personal preference to choose.
Of course, that’s not all for a skateboard; we also need skate bearings, hardware, and a tool to assemble everything up. But as we are focusing on the things that really matter, those above are pretty much enough.