Types Of Skateboards: Ultimate Guide 2024
Last Updated on July 3, 2024 by BoardsRiding
Until a few years ago, skateboarding was a popular game, but today it’s a lifestyle activity that both the skaters and the spectators can enjoy. Longboards and shortboards are the two most common forms of skateboards; however, numerous subtypes cater to various body shapes, riding styles, and personal preferences.
Over the years, the skateboard’s design has evolved in various ways. Skateboards now come in a wide variety of styles, thanks to the plethora of possibilities accessible on the market. Skateboards may be sorted depending on their size characteristics, such as deck size or wheel size and deck forms, in this massive collection.
Longboards and shortboards, or “longboard skateboards” and “shortboard skateboards,” are the two types of skateboards based on size and form. Longboard skateboards come in four distinct varieties.
Style, structure and shape have all changed dramatically due to rising popularity. Listed below are the distinct varieties of skateboards currently on the market. Find out which types of skateboards is best for you!
What is skateboard? And different types of skateboards
It is a four-wheeled vehicle made of wood or composite material that skaters use for transportation or stunts. Your feet’ kicks and pumps traditionally drive skateboarding; however, electric skateboards eliminate the need for this.
Parts of skateboard:
Three essential components make up a skateboard:
#1 Deck:
When you’re on a skateboard, you’re standing on the deck made of wood or composite material. Depending on the skater, grip tape may be put in a variety of ways to the deck’s topside to help keep your shoes from sliding off the board.
The skater’s height, weight, shoe size, and riding preferences all play a role in determining the deck size.
#2. Trucks
There are four bolts per truck that hold the axles to the board, referred to as “trucks.” To fine-tune the movement of the trucks, you may modify the kingpin and the pressure on the bushings. The width of your skateboard’s trucks should be nearly the same as the width of your trucks.
#3. Wheels:
Skateboards have four wheels, two on each truck, for eight wheels. Wheels occur in a variety of sizes and are used for a variety of purposes: There are two bearings for each wheel, for eight bearings per board.
They have varying hardness ratings, better for downhill skating and fast speeds, while hard wheels are ideal for skateboard tricking.
Types of longboards
Longboard skateboards are available in various designs and styles depending on their intended use, construction, and aesthetics. Subcategories of longboard skateboards include:
#1. Classic Longboards
These are longboards that are more than 33 inches in length and have a bigger platform. Longboards aren’t great for stunts, but they’re better for accurate road carving since they can manage wider curves.
#2. Downhill Longboards
Traditional longboards have the exact dimensions as downhill longboards, but the deck is shorter. The slots in these boards allow shorter trucks and higher-riding wheels that extend over the deck.
In addition, drop-through decks enable the truck’s cab to sit higher than the board, thereby reducing the vehicle’s total height. Because of this, you can go up to 45 mph on a downhill track while keeping the car low to the ground.
#3. Pintail Longboards
This longboard has an oval design that allows the wheels to lie outside the deck, giving it a more classic appearance. Speed and agility are enhanced as a result of this.
#4. Twin Tip Longboard
Downhill longboards and twin tip longboards are almost similar in construction. Wheel cuts and low stances are seen on both models. A downhill board may have a different nose or tail than the other end, but a twin tip board is the same on both ends.
Types of Shortboards
Due to the greater variety of shortboard skateboards available than longboards, it is critical to choose the perfect one for your riding style. The following are examples of shortboard skateboard subcategories:
1. Mini Boards
The moniker “mini boards” tells it all. The small skateboard was more popular at the start of the skating era. Skatepark wheels on the mini-cruiser make it ideal for youngsters learning to skateboard at the park or their backyard.
If you’re looking for it locally, you’ll have a hard time finding it; but, you can get it online. It is most suitable for children under the age of ten.
2. Cruiser Boards
The medium-sized deck and softer wheels distinguish cruiser boards from other boards. By swapping the wheels with softer ones, any skateboard can be transformed into a cruiser.
Because of the soft wheels, these boards are delightful to ride and may be used for enjoyment and transportation on city streets, but they are not appropriate for stunts.
However, the most fabulous skateboard wheels for cruising may be found here if you’re interested in giving them a try. Those who are just starting should not do this.
3. Old School board
Old school skateboards may be identified by their fishtail deck forms, which give them a retro, but stylish appearance. Cheater sticks are used to maintain the graphics on board, and the board has a tail, a tiny nose, and big wheels.
Replace the wheels of an old school board with softer ones to turn it into a cruiser. You can see rails under the board to assist you to stay balanced.
4. Off road skateboard
Just a few skateboards can be used on practically every surface, from gravel to grass to dirt. Off-road skateboarding is the greatest option if you like skating in any location. However, simply because roads aren’t available everywhere, this board was created with that in mind.
The brake is the most admirable feature of this skateboard, and it’s simple to stop at high speeds when necessary. Because you never know when off-road riding may turn risky, you must have the proper brakes. The rubber wheels allow the skateboard to slide over various terrain with more ease than conventional skateboard wheels.
5. Street skateboard
The term “street skateboard” implies that it is used on city streets; however, it may also be seen in industrial locations, on staircases, plazas, park benches, and retaining walls
When choosing a street skateboard, keep in mind that the wheels should be between 48 and 55 millimeters in diameter. You can easily do stunts like flipping and spinning the board with these wheels.
Its design is similar to a freestyle board, but it is narrower and more symmetrical. The finest street skateboard trucks and decks may also be found by researching the best street skateboard trucks and decks.
6. Nickle or penny skateboards:
These are lightweight plastic boards that are smaller and easier to carry than a standard shortboard. Although street and tiny cruiser versions are, the most common design is based on an old school board.
7. Steep kick skateboards:
More experienced skateboarders should use steep kick skateboards for tricks that demand a bigger lift while leaping off the ground.
This kind of skateboard may be used for a variety of purposes. Due to its versatility as a board that can be used in bowls and on the street, skateboarders often transport them to and from the skatepark.
They generally feature a nose and tail that resemble popsicle sticks, although there are several variants. As a bonus, the boards on these devices are much thinner.
Which Skateboard Should You Buy?
Because there are so many various kinds and designs of skateboards to choose from, there are several considerations to make while selecting your board. Before making your selection of a suitable skateboard, take into consideration the following factors:
Riding style:
Different skating techniques need the use of various skateboards. If you want to perform tricks at the skatepark with your buddies, you should start with a shortboard and work your way up from there.
Shoe size:
If you have an adult shoe size of at least 8, then a full-sized conventional skateboard with a 7.5-inch deck width will work for you, as would a full-sized longboard.
Usage:
Because you might have many skateboards for different purposes, consider how frequently and where you will use your skateboard.
your height:
Full-sized normal skateboards are ideal for everyone who stands at least 5 feet 3 inches tall or higher. A skater between the heights of 4 feet, 5 inches and 5 feet, 2 inches should purchase a mid-sized skateboard with a deck width of 7.25–7.375 inches, depending on their height.
best skateboard for beginners
Mini skateboards are ideal for beginning skateboarders since they are small and easy to handle. One of the most common names for this motorcycle is the Mini Cruiser. With the help of a firm grip, this board may help a novice learn to skateboard balance.
Mini boards are a great way to master new technical skills. However, many individuals overspent as a start, which is a waste of time and money.
If you’re just getting started, the best skateboard under $100 will do just fine. It’s also possible to purchase the greatest skateboard under $50 if you’re on a budget.
Conclusion
If you’re just getting started, you must learn as much as possible about the many types of skating and skateboards available.
This will give you a better sense of which is best suited for your needs. As a newbie, you should look for a skateboard with an average weight and eight inches in length.
Since it doesn’t have a trick, the cruising skateboard is an excellent place to start. Once you’ve mastered the techniques, you may proceed by switching between skating and skateboarding styles.
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