Top 5 Skateboard Completes: Your Buying Guide

Imagine this: you’ve got the urge to shred, to cruise down the street, or maybe even attempt your first ollie. You picture yourself with a cool skateboard, ready for adventure. But then, you walk into a skate shop, or browse online, and suddenly you’re faced with a dizzying array of decks, trucks, wheels, and bearings. It feels overwhelming, right?

Choosing your first skateboard complete can be tough. There are so many different sizes, shapes, and brands. You don’t want to end up with a board that’s too big, too small, or just plain wrong for what you want to do. It can be frustrating and make you feel like you’re not sure where to even start. But don’t worry, we’ve all been there!

In this guide, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about skateboard completes. We’ll help you understand the important parts and how they work together. By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing a board that’s perfect for you and your skating dreams. Let’s get rolling!

Our Top 5 Skateboard Complete Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Skateboard Complete Detailed Reviews

Your First Ride: A Complete Skateboard Buying Guide

So, you want to shred? Getting your first skateboard, also known as a “complete,” can feel a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry! This guide will help you find the perfect board to start your skateboarding journey.

Key Features to Look For

A good complete skateboard has several important parts that work together.

Deck

The deck is the wooden board you stand on.

• Size: Decks come in different widths. Smaller kids need smaller decks (around 7.0 to 7.5 inches wide). Older kids and adults usually prefer decks between 7.5 and 8.5 inches wide. A wider deck offers more stability.
• Concave: This is the slight curve on the sides of the deck. It helps you grip the board better with your feet. Most decks have a medium concave, which is great for beginners.
• Shape: Most completes have an “popsicle stick” shape, which is good for tricks.

Trucks

Trucks are the metal T-shaped parts under the deck. They hold the wheels and let you steer.

• Width: The truck’s axle (the bar that goes across) should match your deck’s width. This helps you balance and control the board.
• Height: Trucks come in low, medium, and high. Low trucks are good for flip tricks, while high trucks give you more clearance for carving. Medium height is a good all-around choice.

Wheels

Wheels make the board roll.

• Size: Smaller wheels (50-53mm) are faster and lighter, good for street skating and tricks. Larger wheels (54-60mm) roll smoother over rough surfaces and are better for cruising.
• Hardness (Durometer): Wheels are rated with a number and “A” (like 99A). Softer wheels (80A-90A) grip well and are quiet for cruising. Harder wheels (95A-101A) are faster and slide easier, good for tricks. Beginners often do well with wheels around 99A.

Bearings

Bearings are small metal rings inside the wheels that help them spin. They are rated using an “ABEC” system (like ABEC 5 or ABEC 7). Higher numbers usually mean better precision and speed. Most completes come with decent ABEC 5 or 7 bearings.

Important Materials

The quality of materials used impacts how long your skateboard lasts and how well it performs.

• Deck: Most skateboard decks are made from 7-ply Canadian Maple. This wood is strong and flexible. Higher-end decks might use more layers or different wood types for extra strength.
• Trucks: Trucks are usually made of aluminum alloy. This makes them strong but also light.
• Wheels: Wheels are made of polyurethane (PU). The quality of the PU affects how smoothly the wheels roll and how durable they are.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Several things make a skateboard better or worse.

• Brand Reputation: Well-known skateboard brands often use better materials and have stricter quality control. This usually means a higher-quality, more durable board.
• Component Quality: The better the quality of each individual part (deck, trucks, wheels, bearings), the better the overall performance and lifespan of the complete.
• Assembly: A well-assembled complete will feel solid and ride smoothly. If parts are loose or misaligned, it can make skating difficult and unsafe.
• Price: Generally, more expensive completes use higher-quality materials and components. Very cheap boards might use weaker wood, less durable trucks, or rougher bearings.

User Experience and Use Cases

Who is a complete skateboard for, and what can you do with it?

A complete skateboard is perfect for anyone starting out. Whether you want to cruise around your neighborhood, learn basic tricks at the skatepark, or just have fun with friends, a complete is your ticket.

For beginners, a board that’s easy to control and stable is key. A medium-sized deck with medium-height trucks and wheels that aren’t too small or too hard is a great starting point. This setup lets you get a feel for riding and balance without being too difficult.

As you get better, you might find yourself wanting to do specific types of skating.

• Cruising: If you just want to roll around, a slightly wider deck and softer, larger wheels will give you a smoother, more comfortable ride.
• Street Skating: For learning ollies, kickflips, and grinding ledges, a standard popsicle shape with medium concave, medium trucks, and harder, smaller wheels is ideal.
• Transition Skating (Bowls and Ramps): Riders who want to skate bowls and ramps might prefer a slightly wider deck for more stability and larger wheels to maintain speed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the best size skateboard for a beginner?

A: For most beginners, a deck width between 7.5 and 8.0 inches is a good starting point. It offers a balance of stability and maneuverability. Your height and shoe size also play a role.

Q: Do I need to assemble a complete skateboard?

A: No, a “complete” skateboard comes pre-assembled. All the parts are put together and ready to ride right out of the box.

Q: How often should I replace my skateboard wheels?

A: Wheels wear down over time, especially if you slide them a lot. You might need to replace them every 6 months to a year, depending on how often you skate and what you do.

Q: Can I use a skateboard for transportation?

A: Yes, many people use skateboards for short commutes or getting around town. For better cruising, consider a wider deck and softer, larger wheels.

Q: What does “durometer” mean for skateboard wheels?

A: Durometer is a measure of how hard the skateboard wheels are. Higher numbers mean harder wheels, which are faster and slide better. Lower numbers mean softer wheels, which offer more grip and a smoother ride.

Q: How do I know if my trucks are the right size?

A: The width of your truck’s axle should be about the same as the width of your deck. This helps keep your wheels from hitting the deck when you turn and provides good balance.

Q: Are expensive skateboards worth it for beginners?

A: While you don’t need the most expensive board to start, investing a little more in a quality complete from a reputable brand will make learning easier and more enjoyable. Cheaper boards can be harder to ride and break faster.

Q: What is the difference between street skating and cruising?

A: Street skating often involves doing tricks, like ollies and grinds. Cruising is more about riding smoothly from place to place. The type of wheels and deck size can make a difference for each.

Q: How do I maintain my skateboard?

A: Keep your deck dry. Clean your bearings occasionally if they get dirty and squeaky. Check that your trucks are tight enough for steering but not too tight.

Q: Can I do tricks on any complete skateboard?

A: Most completes are designed to be versatile. However, boards specifically made for tricks will have a popsicle shape and the right wheel size and hardness for easier flip tricks and grinds.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.