So you've decided to start skateboarding. Good for you. If have seen some of the funky videos that are shown on some of the sports channel or seen some skater performing cool tricks with their skateboard at skateboard park and decided it's time you got in on the action yourself. By its very nature, skateboarding is a very creative and individual sport, and you can take it in a lot of different directions, but there is one thing you will need and that’s a skateboard. I'm going to run through the major things you need to consider when buying a skateboard so you can make a better decision about what you buy and where you buy it from.
One thing you should know straight off is that skateboards can be extremely expensive. Straight off the bat you can pay triple figures for a pro deck and that doesn't even include wheels, trucks and bearings, all of which also come at a premium if you want quality gear. You should first try and clear your mind to all that great stuff. Initially, you may well do with something basic and realistic. Something rather disposable is just right as a result if you make up your mind skating isn't for you or you end up ruining the skateboard in the course of learning which you almost certainly will you haven't paid so much without any reason.
By far the best kind of thing is to go for a complete skateboard or go for a deck which is ‘blank’ – a deck with no graphics. It is the graphics and the branding are what make pro decks so expensive, and if you do extensive skateboarding on it they will scratch off pretty fast. You will usually get these with grip tape already on, or you can get any skate shop to do it. It's not even very difficult to do yourself. Try and get a 7-ply deck - this means it's laminated with 7 layers of wood. 9-ply decks are heavy and uncomfortable, and a good sign that they are cheaply made. Try and also pay attention to the shape of the deck. if it's flat and straight it's no good, you should have a fair amount of curve to the kicktails.
The trucks on my very first deck break the first time I tried to ollie. Watch out for this - buy from a proper skateboard dealer whether online or in a shop, not a high street sports shop/department store! If you look at the trucks on skateboards in this type of shop you can tell that the metal is of bad quality as it looks excessively shiny and light. As tempting as the prices may be, walk away.
Bearings are what keep your wheels spinning when you stop pushing - they determine how fast your skateboard is. Bearing is rated by the ABEC value. The slowest bearings are 'AA' bearings, skateboards from high street shops come with these and they are BAD! You’ve got different bearing ratings including ABEC 3, 5, 7 and 9. Go for ABEC 3 or ABEC 5 bearings at the most. Though you want to be able to roll quite freely, getting bearings that are too fast is a bad idea for beginners. It makes ride more scary and landing tricks much more tough. Also for beginners, wheels are less of a consideration. The wheels that come with a basic complete set are fine. Fairly standard wheels of 55mm will be enough.
To summarize your ideal first skateboard like Branded Tortise Complete will be a complete consisting of a blank 7 ply deck, strong trucks, basic wheels and ABEC 3 or 5 bearings. Nevertheless prior to you go out and procure brand new, find out with skaters you already know - often, a second hand deck from a expert skater will be a lot better, as it will have been comfortably worn in and there is a likelihood you may perhaps get one at a bargain.
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