Skateboard Buying Guide and Size Chart (2024)

Skateboard Buying Guide and Size Chart (1)

If you're new to skateboarding or just looking to upgrade your current setup, navigating the world of skateboard buying can be overwhelming. With so many different types of boards, trucks, wheels, andbearings on the market, it's hard to know where to start. But fear not because we've got you covered with this buying guide.

In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about choosing the right board size, from the width of the deck to the length of the trucks. Whether you're looking for a standard popsicle shape or a cruiser, we'll help you find the perfect setup to match your skating style and preferences. So grab your helmet, lace up your shoes, and let's dive in.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

  • Parts of a Skateboard
  • Types of Skateboards
  • Skateboard Sizes
  • Pre-built and Custom Completes

Shop All Skate

Parts

SkateboardDeck - This is where it all starts. Made from several layers of laminated wood, the deck is your standing platform and canvas for the streets.

Trucks - Skateboard trucks are the unsung heroes of your setup. They allow the board to turn, providing the axles for the wheels and a platform for grinds.

SkateboardWheels - Believe it or not, these round, polyurethane objects enable your board to roll. They come in different sizes, durometers (hardness), and shapes to suit different types of riding.

Bearings - Thesefit inside the sides of the wheels and allow them to spin freely. Without bearings, your wheels would be useless. Make sure you choose the right ones for your setup, or you'll be struggling to keep up speed.

Grip Tape - It's the sandpaper-like material applied to the top deck of the skateboard to provide grip and prevent slipping. Grip tape offers the necessary friction for your feet to stay on the board and allows you to perform tricks precisely and confidently.

Hardware -Nuts and bolts might not seem like the coolestpart of your setup, but they're essential. Don't skimp on the hardware, or you will only be riding until the wheels fall off.

The Three Types Of Skateboards

The three main types ofskateboardsare fun but uniquely functional for different types of riding. Ultimately the type skating you plan to do will determine the kind of board you need. Watch the video and read below to decide whether a standard skateboard, skateboard cruiser or a longboard is the right fit for you.

Standard Boards- Also known as trick boards, are the most common type of skateboard. They are shorter in length and have a concave shape that allows for better control and stability while performing tricks. Standard boards are best suited for street-style skateboarding, such as grinding rails and performing flips and tricks.

Cruisers Boards-Longer and wider than standard boards, with a wider and more stable deck that is perfect for cruising around town or commuting. They have larger and softer wheels that provide a smoother ride over rough surfaces and are easier to maneuver at slower speeds. Cruisers are a good option for beginners or those who want a more relaxed riding experience.

Longboards- The longest type of skateboard and are designed for cruising, carving, and downhill riding. They have larger wheels and trucks that allow for better stability and a smoother ride at higher speeds. Longboards are great for riders who want to cover longer distances and enjoy a more laid-back riding style.

Standard Skateboards

Shop Standard Skateboards

TacticsIce Cream Incident 7.25 Complete Skateboard$89.95

Santa CruzScreaming Hand 8.25 Complete Skateboard$109.95

CreatureHorns Outline 7.8 Complete Skateboard$109.95

TacticsArachnophilia 8.25 Complete Skateboard$89.95

KrookedMermaid 8.88 Complete Cruiser Skateboard$133.95

Alien WorkshopAbduction 8.0 Complete Skateboard$109.95

TacticsBrother Merle x Tactics Suburban Outlaw 8.25 Complete Skateboard$89.95

Toy MachineVice Monster 7.75 Complete Skateboardorange$109.95

BlindBust Out Reaper 7.625 Soft Wheels Complete Skateboard$99.95

TacticsEarth Guy 8.25 Complete Skateboard$89.95

ArborStreet Logo 8.0 Complete Skateboard$119.95

QuasiEuro Phade 8.0 Complete Skateboard$119.95

TacticsIce Cream Incident 7.5 Complete Skateboard$89.95

FlipTeam Odyssey 8.0 Complete Skateboardneon green$109.95

Zero3 Skull Blood 7.5 Complete Skateboard$88.95

$94.95

TacticsBig Oval Logo 8.25 Complete Skateboard$89.95

FoundationBloval 8.0 Complete Skateboard$109.95

ChocolateAlvarez Longhorn 7.75 Complete Skateboard$95.95

Cruiser Skateboards

Shop Cruiser Skateboards

KrookedMermaid 8.88 Complete Cruiser Skateboard$133.95

GlobeBlazer 26" Cruiser Skateboard Completedos blume$141.95

LandyachtzDinghy Coffin Fish 28.5 Complete Cruiser Skateboard$199.95

Santa CruzSpeed Wheels Shark 8.81 Complete Cruiser Skateboard$172.95

ArborWarren Shaper 29" Complete Cruiser Skateboardsilver carver trucks / black wheels$259.95

CreatureBrue Killer Trippy Tanks 8.6 Complete Cruiser Skateboard$199.95

LandyachtzATV-X Ditch Life 31" Complete Cruiser Skateboarddark wave$159.95

GlobeThumpy 30" Surf Skate Complete Cruiser Skateboardstorm cats$207.95

Santa CruzParadise Break 8.4 Complete Cruiser Skateboard$144.95

EnjoiWhitey Panda 28" Complete Cruiser Skateboardwhite$89.95 (36% off)

ArborPilsner Solstice B4BC 28.75" Complete Cruiser Skateboardluna / silver trucks / trans amber wheels$194.95

Anti-HeroShaped Classic Eagle 9.3 Complete Cruiser Skateboard$125.95

KrookedMini Frame Flowers 7.6 Complete Cruiser Skateboard$125.95

GlobeSun City 2 31.5” Surf Skate Complete Cruiser Skateboardastro red$224.95

CreatureNight Crawler 8.6 Complete Cruiser Skateboard$184.95

ArborPivot Micron 26" Complete Cruiser Skateboardsilver trucks / trans red wheels$149.95

Anti-HeroGeneric Cruiser 7.6$125.95

LandyachtzDinghy Blunt 28.5" Complete Cruiser Skateboardwild cats/white wheels$139.95

Santa CruzJapanese Snake Dot 10.54 Complete Cruiser Skateboard$244.95

DustersCazh Cosmic 29.5" Complete Cruiser Skateboardwhite$102.95 (30% off)

Longboards

Shop Longboards

GlobeProwler Classic 38" Complete Longboardsomewhere fast$199.95

ArborAxis Flagship 40" Complete Longboardpalisander / black trucks / trans amber wheels$209.95

LandyachtzDrop Hammer 36.5" Drop Through Complete Longboardskate or dye$239.95

GlobePintail 44" Complete Longboardpurple/shape faze$191.95

GlobePintail 37" Complete Longboardhombre/shape faze$182.95

LandyachtzRipper Postcard 36.9" Complete Longboard$174.95

ArborFish Solstice B4BC 37" Complete Longboardluna / silver trucks / trans amber wheels$211.95

DustersCruisin Nomad 37" Complete Longboardmulti$139.95 (30% off)

Santa CruzToxic Dot 33" Pintail Complete Longboard$101.95 (46% off)

ArborFish Artist 37" Complete Longboardbossdog / silver trucks / trans white wheels$199.95

Sector 9Unagi Rips 34.5" Complete Longboardblack trucks / clear amber wheels$167.95 (20% off)

GlobeChromantic 33" Complete Longboardpsy palm$141.95

Santa CruzWave Dot Splice 33" Pintail Complete Longboard$109.95 (36% off)

DustersMoto Cosmic 37" Complete Longboard$116.95 (39% off)

GlobeBlazer XL 36.25" Complete Longboardweepy blume$153.95

Santa CruzSerape Dot 33" Pintail Complete Longboard$132.95 (30% off)

DustersCalifornia Dreaming 40" Complete Longboard$143.95 (30% off)

ArborAxis Photo 37" Complete Longboardmichael townsend / black trucks / trans amber wheels$151.95 (20% off)

GlobeByron Bay 43" Complete Longboardsun days$182.95

ArborAxel Serrat Crosscut Pro 34" Complete Longboardblack trucks / teal wheels$144.95 (29% off)

Sizes

When it comes to skateboards, size matters. A skateboards size is measured by inches and on average they typically range from 7.5 to 8.5 inches in width. When choosing a board, consider your shoe size and how it correlates with the width of the deck.

If you wear men’s size 6.5 to 9, start out with a deck width of 7.5 to 8.0 inches. If you wear shoes 9.5 or larger, we recommend getting a deck between 8.0 and 8.5 inches. Keep in mind, that these are just general guidelines your own personal preference should be taken into consideration when choosing your new board.

As a generalization, usualy skaters who like flip tricks, manuals, ledges, flat bars and technical tricks usually prefer boards on the narrower side of the spectrum (7.75 – 8.25 inches). Those who skate big bowls, hand rails, or like to jump down large gaps and stairs are usually more comfortable with a larger board with more surface area (8.25 – 9.0 inches).

TIP:Don’t be afraid to try out different sizes to find out what works best for you. There’s no exact science about deck size – only personal preference.

Skateboard Size Chart

Skateboard Buying Guide and Size Chart (62)

Pre-Built or Custom Completes?

Pre-Built Completes

If you’re looking for your first skateboard, or buying someone their first skateboard, a pre-built complete is a great way to go. They come with everything you need, are usually less expensive, and the parts are picked with beginners in mind.

Shop All Skateboard Completes

TacticsIce Cream Incident 7.25 Complete Skateboard$89.95

Santa CruzScreaming Hand 8.25 Complete Skateboard$109.95

CreatureHorns Outline 7.8 Complete Skateboard$109.95

TacticsArachnophilia 8.25 Complete Skateboard$89.95

GlobeProwler Classic 38" Complete Longboardsomewhere fast$199.95

KrookedMermaid 8.88 Complete Cruiser Skateboard$133.95

TacticsBrother Merle x Tactics Suburban Outlaw 8.25 Complete Skateboard$89.95

LandyachtzDinghy Coffin Fish 28.5 Complete Cruiser Skateboard$199.95

Alien WorkshopAbduction 8.0 Complete Skateboard$109.95

TacticsEarth Guy 8.25 Complete Skateboard$89.95

Toy MachineVice Monster 7.75 Complete Skateboardorange$109.95

BlindBust Out Reaper 7.625 Soft Wheels Complete Skateboard$99.95

TacticsIce Cream Incident 7.5 Complete Skateboard$89.95

ArborStreet Logo 8.0 Complete Skateboard$119.95

QuasiEuro Phade 8.0 Complete Skateboard$119.95

FlipTeam Odyssey 8.0 Complete Skateboardneon green$109.95

SK8MAFIAOne Love 8.0 Complete Skateboardpurple$109.95

TacticsBig Oval Logo 8.25 Complete Skateboard$89.95

Zero3 Skull Blood 7.5 Complete Skateboard$88.95

$94.95

Custom Completes

If you want to upgrade your parts and personalize your setup for your skating style, we recommend building your own skateboard. Dig into our detailed guides below to learn how to pick the parts for your perfect setup and head to our skateboard builder to create your masterpiece.

Build a Custom Complete

Skateboard Buying Guide and Size Chart (83)

Keep Learning

Best Board for Your Style

Best Beginner Skateboards

Guide to Safety Gear

Learn to Skate

< Back to All Skate Guides

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Still Have Questions?

If you're stillneed more information, rest assured that we have the resources to help you out. Our customer service team is highly knowledgeable and can answer any questions you may have about skateboard equipment. You can easily reach out to them by phone or message.

Additionally, if you are in Portland, Eugene, or Bend, feel free to visit one of our local shops and speak to one of our friendly and helpful retail employees. They'll be more than happy to assist you and provide any information or guidance you need. Don't hesitate to reach out to us - we're here to help!

Customer Service:

Call us toll-free at888.450.5060

Text us at: 888.450.5060

Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Pacific Time

Saturday - Sunday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Pacific Time

help@tactics.com

Skateboard Buying Guide and Size Chart (2024)

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