How to choose the components for your first skateboard
OK so you want to build a skateboard but don’t know where to start?
We’ve put together a brief guide into what components you’ll need and some size guidance if you’re just starting out skateboarding.
So probably the most important piece of the puzzle. There are many different options when it comes to decks. We’d say if you’re just starting out and are looking for your first skateboard deck then stay in between the 8.0″ wide – 8.25″ wide parameters.
If you are smaller in size or have smaller feet then it might pay to look for a smaller deck, say something like a 7.75″
If you are much smaller then maybe you’ll need a Mini deck (generally intended for use by smaller children), although there isn’t as much choice when it comes to Mini Skateboard Decks.
So you’ll need a sheet of Grip Tape to go on top of your deck. We offer Jessup Griptape for free with all decks. It’s plain black, sticks and grips well and has been our house griptape for 20 years now. But if you want to choose something different, perhaps with a picture on it then have a browse of our Skateboard Griptape section.
OK so you’ll need a pair of Trucks that are the correct width for your skateboard deck. We try and include as much info as possible with our trucks. Each Truck should have it’s Axle Width in the Title and this is probably the best way to size up your Trucks to your deck. i.e if your Deck is 8.25″ wide look for trucks that have an 8.25″ Axle.
All of our Skateboard Trucks are sold as a pair so the price you see is for Two Trucks.
What wheels to choose? There are so many different skateboard wheels available these days it can be confusing. For your first skateboard we’d probably advise using between a 52mm – 54mm diameter wheel.
If you’re going to be skating more skatepark than street then maybe go up to 56mm (they’ll be faster on the transition).
Most of our skateboard wheels are hard (99A-101A) but if you want something softer then check out our Soft Skateboard Wheels Filter.
Bearings can get confusing, ABEC rating is talked about a lot in the skateboard industry. The higher the ABEC rating the faster the bearing should be (apparently). Having been in the game a long time we’ll say that there is an element of truth here but it is not always the case. We’ve tested most all of the skateboard bearings we stock and are happy with them all at their relevant price points.
Our 3 best selling skateboard bearings are Bones Reds, Bronson G2 and Mini Logo.
Riser Pads are Plastic/Rubber Shims that go between the Deck and the Trucks. Some people say they reduce impact, but they are mainly used so you can adjust your truck height to accommodate larger wheels and avoid Wheel Bite!
N.B. You don’t have to use a Riser Pad on your Skateboard, it is personal preference.
OK so the last component you’ll need is a set of Truck Bolts. These are the bolts that hold you undercarriage on to your deck. There’s 2 main types of bolts usually
Allen Key – Allen Key Head, usually come with a Free Allen Key in the packet.
Screwdriver – Phillips Head Screwdriver Bolts, you’ll need a Phillips Head Screwdriver to assemble.
They come in a range of sizes, we’d probably recommend using a 1″ Bolt for your first set of bolts. See below for some size guidance.
0.78″ Truck Bolts – Will basically just be long enough for a deck and baseplate. Won’t accommodate any riser pad at all.
1″ Truck Bolts – Will accommodate a deck, baseplate and a 1/8″ Riser Pad.
1.25″ Truck Bolts – Will accommodate a deck, baseplate and a 1/4″ Riser Pad.
1.5″ Truck Bolts – Will accommodate a deck, baseplate and a 1/2″ Riser Pad.
After you’ve chosen all the components of your skateboard you’ll need to assemble it. You might have adequate tools at home but if you haven’t or you just want one tool to do the whole job, then check out our selection of Skate Tools.
We also have a Custom Skateboard Builder section on our website, you can use it to select all your components or just simply add them to your basket and use this page as a check list etc
We hope you found this article helpful, if you ever need any advice on anything on our website, don’t hesitate to call 0191 2612229.
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