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Top 10 Best Skateboard Wheels in 2019

March 23, 2016 By admin Leave a Comment

Skateboard wheels are helpful for moving and determining how fast you can go. Generally, these are made by using polyurethane. They also come in a wide range of colors, durability levels and size to suit your skateboard preference and style. Durometer and diameter are used for measuring the wheels of skateboards. Former is the hardness of the wheel and the latter is its size. Both these factors are determined by personal preferences and use of skateboards. Custom building is helpful for you to select the best skateboard wheels that match your hardware, trucks and deck.

How to Choose the Best Skateboard Wheels

Skateboard wheels have greater impact on your ride in several ways, which include speed, feel and ability to control its movements. Wheel choice is one of the biggest factors in skate set-up. You can select the best skateboard wheels on the basis of materials, contact patch, durometer and diameter.

Features

a) Materials

Most skateboard wheels are manufactured from polyurethane (PU), a hard composite material. With the introduction of PU wheels in 1970s, the face of skating has changed forever. Durability is the most important characteristic of this material. It also has the power to resist abrasion to a sport, which was in desperate need. PU provides topmost performance benefits. Besides, these wheels are relatively not expensive to manufacture. Therefore, you can purchase top quality equipment at an affordable cost.

b) Diameter

Millimeter (mm) is used for measuring skateboard wheels. If the number is lower, the wheel will be smaller. The diameter of most skateboard wheels range from 50 to 75mm. Larger wheels result faster ride and smaller wheels provide slower ride. Besides, the acceleration and turn is also determined by wheel diameter. If you can do technical tricks on shortboards, smaller wheels are the ideal choice. Larger wheels provide required speed and balance for cruisers and longboards.

  • 50-53 mm wheels are slower, smaller
  • 54-59 mm is the average wheel size and it is perfect beginners and riders skating vert ramps, bowls, parks and street
  • 60mm+ wheels are designed for dirt boards and downhill. These are made for rougher surfaces and speed.

c) Durometer

The hardness of skateboard wheels is measured by using durometer. Most manufacturers use A Scale Durometer. This is a 100-point scale, which quantifies the hardness of a wheel. If the number is higher, the wheel is harder. Average diameter is 99a. However, some manufacturers use B Scale Durometer, 20 points less. It allows scaling an additional 20 points. It means, the hardness of 80b durometer and 100a durometer is same. However, such skateboard wheels have more accurate and wider hardness range.

  • 78a-87a- soft wheels
  • 88a-95a – little bit harder and faster. Though grip is less, it is still good
  • 96a -99a-Grip and speed is good, great for beginners
  • 101a+ : Fastest and hardest with least grip
  • 83b-84b : Extremely hard

d) Contact Patch

Contact patch has greater role in the performance of skateboard wheel. This is the area of a wheel, which actually makes contact with the pavement. Contact patch will be very large with large longboard wheels. Large contact patch helps to distribute weight over a larger area. This is helpful for reducing compression of urethane in your wheels and decreasing rolling resistance.

 

Review of Top 10 Best Skateboard Wheels

1. Set of 4 LED Light-up Skateboard Wheels

According to my experiments of a large number of products, these are the best skateboard wheels and they are equipped with ABEC-7 Bearings Ride – 60x45mm. These wheels can light up the night, so it can be used even during night. It has multi-color LED bright lights, so, batteries are not needed for lighting up these wheels. High quality ABEC-7 is the other stunning feature of this wheel. All these features make this skateboard wheel the best product in this category. The price of these wheels is below $50.

Best Skateboard Wheels review

Key Features:

  • Wheel size is 60mm x 45mm
  • Made by using PU
  • No batteries required
  • Comes with high intensity LEDs
  • Multi-color lights when spinning
  • ABEC-7 road runner bearings

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2. Tiger Boards 59mm Skateboard Wheels

I also checked the Tiger Boards thorough on many surfaces. Tiger Boards 59mm Skateboard Wheels (78a) has unavoidable role in the best wheels for skateboarding category. These are available in stunning colors, which is helpful for making a strong fashion statement. These are super soft skateboard wheels, so these will be the perfect replacement for lots of similar sized skateboards. Tiger 3” or 4” trucks and Tiger Abec7 bearings are the other specialties of these skateboard wheels. Amazon price of these wheels is below $20 with free shipping on eligible orders.

Best Skateboard Wheels review

Key Features:

  • Super soft (78a softness)
  • Extremely smooth wheels (59mm)
  • Come in a wide range of bright colors
  • Comparable
  • Separate solid bearings

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3. Bones Wheels 100’s Wheels

Comfortable ride is the right for every rider. Bones is popular for making some of the best skateboard wheels, so you can confidently buy Bones Wheels 100’s Wheels. The company manufactures these wheels by using urethanes, which is revolutionizing the future of skateboarding. Besides, all skateboards of Bones can provide you warranty. The price of these wheels is below $30

Best skateboard wheels review

Key Features:

  • Color of the wheel is white
  • Made in the USA
  • High quality
  • Comes with a warranty

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4. Bones STF Stree Tech Formula Skateboard Wheels

I can surely say that top quality components are used for manufacturing Bones STF Street Formula. These are engineered specially to provide the best properties. Amazing slide capabilities and substantially higher rebound are the other major features of Bones wheels, especially this model. The wheels of Bones are produced and developed in its on plant in Santa Barbara, CA. The manufacturer is very confident about the topmost quality of these skateboard wheels.


Key Features:

  • Smooth surface
  • STF hardness
  • Comes in a set of 4
  • ​Available in white color
  • Used topmost quality components

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5. Orangatang In Heat 75mm Skate Wheels

Do not believe my words, just check and find it yourself! The contact patch of this skateboard wheels is 56mm and it is 75mm tall. These wheels are designed for providing speed, hard carving, and pumping. These wheels have the ability to slide when they are broken. Nevertheless, these are not freeride wheels. Edges of these wheels are hard sharp to provide good grip. Speed can be maintained because of thick lips. Rippled inner walls are helpful for providing you progressive energy return.


Key Features:

  • These wheels come with a set of 4
  • Durometer of these wheels is 80a
  • These are softer and gripper
  • These are softer and gripper
  • Durometer of 86a provides harder/slider wheels

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6. Shark Wheel High Performance Skateboard Wheels

I also used these wheels in many surfaces. These SIDEWINDER skateboard wheels come in 70mm 78A and these are available in a Set of 4. Generally, Stark Wheels are considered as the next-level wheels. They can provide you high performance because of 70mm wheels. Besides, these wheels are really great for all around cruising. These wheels are available at below $80


Key Features:

  • Stark Wheels can be used even wet conditions
  • Provides good slide control
  • Very fast because of sine-wave shaped wheels
  • Can use them in rough terrain
  • Look square when they roll

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7. Sector 9 Slide Butterballs Longboard Wheels

I can confidently say that these wheels are awesome for easier sliding and cruiser setups. The butter based urethane leaves fatty thane lines behind. They slide amazingly even when they are broken in. The price of these 65Mm (4) wheels is affordable enough.


Key Features:

  • Pretty fast roll speed
  • Slide smooth and consistently
  • Affordable Price

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8. Powell Peralta Rat Bones Re-Issue Skateboard Wheels

Powell Peralta Rat Bones are great for cruising and vert skating. These are great wheels if you just started for learning how to slide. These are also very buttery, which is beyond explanation. These super smooth wheels are great all around. Powell Peralta Rat Bones is ideal for older style decks. These wheels are available at under $40


Key Features:

  • Smooth surface
  • Natural Formula
  • 85a hardness
  • 44 mm Width
  • 60 mm diameter

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9. Ricta Clouds White 78a Skateboard Wheel

I used Ricta Clouds for skating from Downtown Brooklyn. I can surely tell you that these wheels can provide you lots of grip. They can also able to keep your board in motion. In order to enjoy every beat, I used in manhole covers, grates, twigs, rocks, crappy pavements and electric covers. These wheels are really stunning. You can purchase these amazing wheels spending less than $50


Key Features:

  • Provides smooth rolling
  • 78A soft urethane
  • Can be used in roughest surfaces
  • Modern Shape

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10. Sunset Skateboards Cruiser Wheel

These skateboard wheels come with ABEC-9 Bearing (4-Pack). From my experience, I can tell that these wheels are designed for providing best level performance. These are soft cruiser wheels with small size. These are super smooth and provide you a soft cruiser ride. The manufacturer used the brightest LEDs, which can glow for 100,000 hours! The price of these wheels is below $50


Key Features:

  • 59mm x 45mm standard wheel size
  • High intensity LED skate wheel with awesome brightness
  • No batteries required
  • Soft and durable
  • Fast moving

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Final Decision

I have a passion for testing skateboard wheels and I picked these top 10 skateboard wheels on the basis of through research and deep experimentation. I have checked hundreds of models picking the best skate wheels. Finding the best wheels for skateboarding is not an easy task. So, I checked them with all types of surfaces. I also checked the speed, movement, control, spin, etc. The top skateboard wheels mentioned here are the best wheels available in the industry. You can confidently purchase one on the basis of your affordability and usage. I am sure that all these products can provide you maximum satisfaction. These skateboard wheels are really worth for providing you the best value for your money.

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Filed Under: Editor Choice

Best Knee Pads For Skateboarding and Guides

March 23, 2016 By admin Leave a Comment

Knee damage is among the most common injuries that skateboarders face. According to statistics, over 70% of knee injuries occur when a skateboarder falls forward onto his/her knees. 37% of the injuries are caused by a loss of balance while 26% are caused by failed trick attempts. That is why you need the best knee pads for skateboarding every time you are out skateboarding.

Any skateboarder will agree that the sport has its fare share of risks. But again it is fun and kind of addictive. And that is where accessories like knee pads come into play. They are one of the most important skateboarding accessories; especially if you are skateboarding on ramps or downhill.

That is not to say that you should ignore them if you are skateboarding on other surfaces. Basically, every skateboarder needs knee pads. They will help you to avoid visiting the doctor or being a victim of chronic knee arthritis.

How to Choose The Best Knee Pads For Skateboarding

By now, you and I have already established that knee pads are going to save your knees. They are crucial safety gears that you should never ignore. The first thing that you need to do is choose the best skateboard knee pads.

Pretty much all the best knee pads for skateboarding are made using a stretchy material. Their front part is made of foam, plastic or other tough materials that can protect your knees from any impact. You simply attach the whole pad to the back of your knee using Velcro straps.

Having said that, I should add that the efficiency of your knee pad is dependent on how well you choose it. Factors like size and design play a major role in ensuring you are 100% safe. Below are the major considerations to make when looking for the best skateboard knee pads.

Features

1. Size

This is the most important consideration. A well-fitting knee pad will not restrict your range of motion. It will shift with your movements and allow you to bend your knees. If it is too tight then you will be uncomfortable. If it is too loose then it might not protect you.

So how can you ensure that the one you buy will fit perfectly? Well, there are two ways of doing so.

Based on your knee size

One way of determining whether a knee pad will fit is by knowing its measurements and the measurements of your knee. Specifically, you need to measure the distance round your knee (at the center of the knee). You can do so by using a tape measure or a string and then reading the measure using a ruler.

Now use the following chart to determine the size of knee pad that will fit you.

.

Size Junior Small Medium Large X-Large
Center (C) Measurement Junior Fits 12″ – 14″ “14 – 16” 15″ – 17″ 17″ – 20″

Based on your weight

The other alternative is to choose a knee pad based on your weight. In that case, use the chart below to determine the size of pad that will fit.

Size Small Medium Large X-Large
Weight Under 125 lbs. 125 – 150 lbs. 150 – 180 lbs. 180 lbs. above

2. Materials

As I have mentioned already, skateboard knee pads are made using a stretchy material and adjustable Velcro. However, the cap features a protective shell that absorbs most of the impact. Basically, the best knee pads for skateboarding should have a soft interior and a harder exterior.

Best Materials for Interior

The interior of the knee pad will be touching your body. Therefore, you need to choose one that is comfortable. The best pad should be made of foam with a breathable fabric. The foam absorbs the shock that might penetrate the shell while the fabric makes you comfortable. In fact, some modern ones feature gel and antibacterial for extra comfort.

Best Materials for Exterior

The exterior will face most of the hard impact. That means it should be made of a material that is either hard enough to remain intact even after the impacts or adequately soft to absorb all the impact. Therefore, you an either choose a hard shelled or a soft shelled knee pad.

Most hard shelled knee pads are made of ABS plastic. The material is hard enough to protect you from high impact falls. Therefore, I strongly recommend this one if you are an aggressive skateboarder.

Soft shelled pads are made of Polyurethane (PU), Kevlar, dense foam, VPD, d3o or any other flexible material that can cushion your knee. The main benefits of soft shelled pads include the fact that they are light and allow you a wider range of motions. If you are not an aggressive skateboarder then a soft shelled pad is the best for you.

3. The Thickness

The best skateboard knee pad should be sufficiently thick. Thicker padding means more protection. However, note that the extra padding also comes with extra bulkiness. If your skateboarding involves tricks and aggressive stunts or if you are a newbie then the extra thickness will be a great idea.

Alternatively, instead of buying very thick ones you can buy attachable knee gaskets. They are donut shaped pieces that add a layer to your regular knee pad.

4. Ease of wear and removal

For convenience purposes, you might also want to consider how easy it is to wear and remove the knee pads. Whereas it might not be a major factor, it can play a big role when time is of the essence (like in the case of students who skateboard to school).

Sleeve style knee pads

These are pads that slip on when you are wearing and slip off when you are removing them. They tend to be a bit tasking to wear and remove; especially when you have your skating shoes on.

Butterfly style knee pads

These ones are designed to be wrapped around your knee. They are easy to wear and remove; even when you have your shoes on.

5. Other considerations

  • Gender: whereas most skateboarding pads are unisex, there are others that are designed either for women or men.
  • Your skateboarding style: there are also pads for specific types of skateboarding. Particularly, you can find very hard shelled ones for aggressive skateboarders and slightly soft shelled ones for learners and recreational skateboarders.

 

My List of Top 5 Best Skateboard Knee Pads

1. 187 Pro Derby Knee Pad

Price: $$

Rating: 4.6 stars

This protective gear is the most expensive in my list. The reason why I have it here is because it is worth every penny that you will spend. It features removable V-22 Dual Density Foam that not only ensures adequate protection but also allows you to wash it easily.

Designed for pro skateboarders and hard impacts, this knee pad is reinforced with ballistic nylon for durability. Its Rapid F L E XHinge allows the pad to respond to full range of motion. Furthermore, the design ensures that it doesn’t slip off your leg when you are skateboarding.

2. G-Form Pro-X Knee Pads

Price: $$

Rating: 4.3 stars

This knee pad is manufactured by G-Form and it features superb technology. It has molecules that harden upon impact; therefore they absorb shock only when they are required to. It is sufficiently light in weight and you won’t feel like you are wearing something bulky.

Its breathable fabrics make it very comfortable and well ventilated. In terms of quality and performance, this G-Form is outstanding in every way. It is super flexible and reshapes based on your movements. That means it allows you a variety of motions. Therefore, you can use it comfortably for amateur or pro skateboarding.

3. Pro-Tec Street Gear Junior Three Pad Pack

Price: $$

Rating: 4.7 stars

This is the second knee pad from Pro-Tec to appear in my list of the best knee pads for skateboarding. That should not come as a surprise because the company manufactures some of the best skateboard knee pads.

Like the other four that I have listed above, this particular product has earned its spot in this list. It is meant to safeguard your knee in case you encounter a moderate to high impact that can damage the knee. Its high quality fabrics are reinforced by EVA cup and a general low profile for guaranteed protection and comfort.

4. Pro-Tec Street Gear Skate and Bike Knee Pads

Price: $$

Rating: 4.1 stars

Pro-Tec is undoubtedly one of the best manufacturers of skateboarding equipment and gear. In addition to that, the company manufactures affordable yet high quality products. This knee pad is no different.

Its quality is guaranteed by high grade fabrics that are breathable, ballistic nylon that ensures durability, EVA cup foam for a comfortable wear, and hard ABS plastic that forms the protective outer shell.

With regards to performance, the pad is ergonomically designed to offer full protection without limiting the range of your movements. Its Velcro attachments make it easy to wear and remove.

5. Triple 8 KP 22 Knee Pads

Price: $$

Rating: 4.3 stars

This knee pad is made of heavy duty EVA memory foam for maximum impact absorption. It features a flat cup design that ensures durability as well as stability. It is one of thickest in the market and that means more padding for you when you need it.

This knee pad comes in a variety of sizes and is ideal for park and ramp skateboarding because it has the ability to absorb a lot of shock. Its butterfly style of wearing and removing makes it a time saver when every second is essential.

Final Verdict

As you can see from my list above, there is a knee ad for almost any budget. Therefore, don’t ignore this very important accessory; otherwise you might end up with multiple knee injuries that might eventually disable you or cause chronic knee arthritis.

If you are not sure what to settle for then I recommend the 187 Pro Derby Knee Pad. It is great for beginners as well as pro skateboarders. It is also meant to absorb small, medium and high impacts.

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Filed Under: Editor Choice

Best Skateboard Decks Review & Buying Guides

March 20, 2016 By admin Leave a Comment

Of all the many parts of a skateboard, there is no doubt that a deck is one of the most important.Today, I will talk about the best skateboard decks. It is the flat board on which you stand while skateboarding. Basically, it is the surface that comes into direct contact with your foot.

Most modern decks measure between 7 and 10.5 inches (or 18 and 27 cm) wide and between 28 and 33 inches (71 and 84 cm) long. However, long boards are generally bigger and can be as long as 36 inches (or even longer). They are great if you are a speed junkie who skates on rough surfaces. Their downside is that they are relatively expensive compared to standard skateboards.

Having said that, it is important to mention that a good deck will offer you a great skateboarding experience regardless of your skateboard’s size. Below is my guide on how you can get the best skateboard decks in the market.

How to Choose the Best Skateboard Decks

Skateboarding trends have largely affected buying trends in the $4.8 billion dollar skateboarding industry. For instance, the fact that skateboarders are getting older makes some decks more popular than others. According to 2006 statistics, 71% of skateboarders were between 12 and 17 years old. Currently, only 45% fall within that age group. I will explain why age is an important factor as far as choosing a deck is concerned.

In addition to that, over 60% of skateboarders skate in parks and driveways. Such surfaces are not extremely rough and that means you can use a standard size deck (not necessarily a long board deck) on your skateboard and still skate comfortably.

Well, apart from your age and the surface on which you will skateboard, there are crucial factors that should influence your choice of a skateboard deck. Here is a comprehensive buying guide with details that most skateboard deck reviews will not highlight.

Features

1. Style

Skateboards come in four main styles namely, shortboard, longboard, cruiser, and old school. Each style of deck is appropriate for certain kinds of skateboarding. Therefore, the deck that you choose should match your skateboarding style. Below is a summary of each style and its most appropriate kind of skateboarding.

# Shortboard

Shortboards are the shortest skateboards in the market. They are most appropriate for performing tricks. They perform outstandingly well when used on the streets or parks. Therefore, if your style of skating leans towards tricks and stunts then you might want to construct a shortboard. That means you should get a deck that is suitable for a shortboard (between 7 and 10.5 inches wide and 28 to 33 inches long).

# Longboard

Longboards are not the best when it comes to tricks and stunts. They are designed for transportation and pushing around. They are also great for racing because they can accelerate very fast and perform outstandingly well in very high speed. Some are designed specifically for downhill racing. Therefore, if you want a skateboard that you can use for racing or to commute from one place to another then a longboard should be your best bet. In that case, you will need to get a deck that is bigger than that of a shortboard (over 10.5 inches wide and over 36 inches long).

# Cruiser

This is a board that is designed for cruising around. It is meant for leisure skating in the streets or parks. For that reason, it features a mid-sized deck that has kicktails. If you are more interested in cruising than anything else, I highly recommend that you consider a deck that can grip your feet very strongly.

# Old school

Old school skateboards have a vintage touch. They feature an asymmetrical shape that is characterized by a wide nose that is flat. Most of them also have flat kicktails and are great for skating on ramps, pools or carving the streets. If you are constructing an old school skateboard, you should go for a deck that is stylish and sturdy. It should also feature vintage printings.

2. Size

Skateboard decks come in various sizes but most measure 7 to 10.5 inches wide and 28 to 33 inches long. When buying the best skateboard decks, deciding which size is most suitable for you is highly dependent on where you will be skating, your personal preference and age. However, there are certain considerations that you need to put in mind as far as dimensions go.

First, the width of a skateboard deck determines how well you can balance on your skateboard and how much control you will have over it. If the deck is too narrow (compared to your height and shoe size) then you won’t be able to balance on it and you will have trouble riding and performing tricks. At the same time, if it is too wide you will have problems controlling the whole board.

Second, the length of a skateboard deck should not be a factor. Contrary to the width that plays a very big role in determining controllability and stability of the board, the length plays no major role as far as your skateboarding experience goes.

So what is the right size for you? Below is a general guideline that links deck size and age.

# Micro decks: these are decks that measure 6.5 to 6.75 inches wide. They are most suitable for skateboarders who are 5 years old or younger. Such a skater should be (typically) 3¢4² tall and should have a size 3 or smaller shoe.

# Mini decks: these decks measure anything between 6.8 and 7.2 inches wide. They are best for skateboarders whose height ranges from 3¢5² to 4¢4² and who wear shoes of size 4 to 6.

# Mid-size decks: these decks have a width of between 7.3 and 7.4 inches. They are designed for 9 to 12 year olds who wear size 7 to 8 shoes.

# Full-size decks: these decks measure 7.5 inches or more and should be used by a skateboarder who is 13 years or older. A typical skateboarder who uses these decks should be 5¢3² tall and wear size 9 or bigger shoes.

3. Shape

The best skateboard decks are designed with a concave shape. The shape allows for a stronger skateboard and a more controlled ride. There are many types of concave decks. Here are the main ones:

# Radical concave: this is the most common concave shape on skateboard decks. It features a subtle U-curve.

# Progressive concave: this shape resembles the radical concave but it has a deeper curve and steep walls.

# Tub concave: also resembles the radical concave but has rails that extend at a sharper angle from the deck.

# W-concave: takes the shape of a W at the area towards the rail.

# Asymmetrical: this type of concave has the skateboard’s rails rising at different angles.

# Convex: these decks arch upwards

4. Material

Skateboard decks come in a variety of materials. However, the most common is maple wood. It is ideal for skateboarding because it is flexible and durable. Therefore, it can be shaped without losing strength. So if you have to choose a deck based on its material then maple wood is your bets bet. Other materials that you can consider are outlined below:

# Plywood: the most ideal plywood for skateboard decks is the Russian Birch or 1/8″ Baltic. It is strong and can be molded easily.

# Bamboo: a bamboo deck is definitely one of the best because bamboo wood is very hard and has spring back qualities.

# Plastic laminate: features layers of resin-impregnated paper and Melamine resin. This material adds stiffness to the deck.

5. Other considerations

# Decorations: choose a deck that is decorated according to your personal preferences. Alternatively, you can choose one that is blank so that you can decorate it yourself.

# Kicktails: these are upward curves at the ends of your deck. If your skating leans towards performing tricks then choose a deck that has highlighted kicktails.

 

My Top 5 Recommended Skateboard Decks

Looking for a deck? Check out my list of top skateboard decks below.

1. Natural-Maple-Blank-Skateboard

Best Skateboard Decks

Price: $$

This 15 pound deck is made of high quality 7 ply maple that guarantees durability and stiffness. It features a medium radical concave and is 30 inches long. The package includes a grip tape that is not attached to the deck; therefore you will attach it yourself.

As far as quality and performance go, the deck is really outstanding. It is thin but sturdy and has a great curvature. Its light weight ensures that you won’t face any challenges when performing tricks. The kicktail is well designed for easy control regardless of whether you are cruising or performing tricks. In addition to that, it comes blank and that means you can print it with anything that you want.

2. Mini-Logo Skateboards Deck 

Best Skateboard Decks

Price: $$

This 4.4 star rated deck is manufactured by Mini-Logo Skateboards. It is hand crafted using 7 ply maple for maximum quality possible. Just in case you are worried about defects, the manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty on manufacturing defects.

This deck should be your ultimate pick if your skateboarding involves intense sessions that might damage a deck. It is very strong and features a moderate concave that not only ensures durability but also makes it easy to control the whole board. The nose and tail come in a perfect size. That means you can trust this deck when you want to perform tricks regardless of whether you are a novice or an experienced skateboarder.

3. Blank Decks Warning Skateboard Deck (Natural)

Best Skateboard Decks

Price: $$

Blank Decks is famous for manufacturing affordable yet high quality skateboarding products and this 3.9 star rated deck is no exception. It measures 7.5 by 31 inches and weighs a mere 2 pounds.

The dimensions imply that it is meant for a full size skateboard and therefore anybody who is 13 years and above should be able to use the deck comfortably. At the same time, the light weight is an added advantage because even a kid of 13 years can flip a deck that weighs 2 pounds without much difficulty.

​If you are interested in a deck that you can decorate yourself then this blank deck should be one of your top priorities because it does not come with any decorations.

4. Moose Blank Skateboard Deck

Best Skateboard Decks

Price: $$

This deck is manufactured by Moose and comes with a detached grip tape. However, if you are not satisfied with the grip you can always buy another one that you prefer. It measures 31 inches long and is made with 7-Ply Canadian Maple for strength and durability.

It features a radical U-concave that ensures stability even when you are skating under very high speed. The nose and tail are just steep and are designed for a good pop. Therefore, the deck is great for cruising as well as performing skateboarding tricks. You can trust it to outperform skateboards that have decks made with other brands. Alternatively, you can use it to learn new tricks and stunts.

5. Stereo Skateboards Dollar Clint Deck

Best Skateboard Decks

Price: $$

This is definitely one of the high end decks available in the market. It is designed for pro skateboarders but is also great for amateurs as well as learners. The material used to make it is hard rock Canadian maple wood. Therefore, you should not worry about durability.

The biggest strength of this deck is its feel and design. It gives you the feeling of a pro immediately you start skateboarding with it. Its radical concave is adequately steep for enhanced control and stability. Furthermore, it has a very great pop that should act as an advantage for you if you are new to skateboarding or if you want to learn new tricks.

Final Verdict

At the same time, if you are on a very tight budget, you can always go with a deck like the Moose Blank Skateboard Deck that costs as low as $ . My point is you should get a board that you can afford and one that can serve you best.

So there you have it – a comprehensive guide on how you can buy the best skateboard deck. Remember that whereas price has an influence on the choice of deck that you make, quality is more important. It can make the difference between who learns new tricks and who doesn’t.

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The Best Skateboard Bearings Review and Guides

March 16, 2016 By admin Leave a Comment

Every skate wheel has a cutout groove that houses and shields two sets of ball bearings. The bearings eliminate friction between the wheel’s metallic material and the axle on which the wheel spins.So, finding the best skateboard bearings is an important issue.

Modern skateboards use precision bearings. They were first used in skating in the 1970s but have since grown to become the industry standard. That means every single one of the 11 million skateboarders who enjoy skateboarding on a frequent basis needs precision bearings.

Dirty or worn out bearings require cleaning or replacement because they can stop spinning while you are skateboarding and that will expose you to the risk of injury. That is why skateboarding stores have been making huge sales (for example, Zumiez generated net sales of $724.34 million in 2013 ) from components like bearings regardless of the fact that the number of skateboarders has been declining by an average of 2% per year.

How to choose the best skateboard bearings

There are so many brands of skateboard bearings. However, the biggest difference between one brand and another is just the packaging. Generally, most skateboarders prefer Swiss bearings but they don’t mind buying local and China-made bearings.

For the sake of diversity, sellers like Zumiez stock a variety of brands in their outlets. Of course trusted brands attract more customers and that is why Zumiez boasts of 551 stores worldwide. Having said that, I should emphasize that the manufacturer’s brand is not as important as the quality of the bearings. That is why I have prepared a list of considerations that you should make if you want to buy the best bearings for skateboards.

1. ABEC Ratings

ABEC stands for Annular Bearing Engineers Committee. It is responsible for creating a grading system upon which the tolerance of bearings can be measured. The system consists of ratings that range from 1 to 9 (but odd numbers only). The higher the rating of a bearing the more tolerant it is.

Therefore, the best skateboard bearings have a rating that is close to 9. Such bearings allow for very little friction even at very high speeds. Below is a general guideline for each rating:

# ABEC 1: typically low-quality steel bearings that are very cheap, crude and least accurate.

# ABEC 3: relatively cheaper than industry standard bearings and are not good for fast skateboarding.

# ABEC 5: this is the industry standard and features bearings that are affordable and reliable for speeds of up to 20 miles per hour (MPH).

# ABEC 7: expensive bearings that are great for high speed cruising. They are smooth regardless of terrain.

# ABEC 9: these bearings are the best in the industry. They are not common among skateboarders because their standards are meant for other wheels (like vehicle wheels).

As mentioned already, the higher the rating the better the bearing. However, a good skateboarding bearing doe not need to be ABEC 9. ABEC 5 or ABEC 7 will give you a great experience.

2. Materials

Skateboard bearings are usually made using either steel or ceramic.

# Steel bearings

As the name suggests, they are made of steel. They are circular in shape but have flat sides. Each bearing holds seven or eight balls that are lubricated. The bearings not only eliminate friction but also disperse the weight that you exert on the board.

Steel bearings are very durable and economical compared to ceramic ones. They work very fine for most skateboarders. However, their downside is that the steel metal can heat up and expand thus causing the bearings to be ineffective. Furthermore, they need more attention when it comes to maintenance because they need to be clean, dry, and lubricated always.

# Ceramic bearings

They are made from a compound known as silicon nitride and contain 9 balls. They have a harder exterior than their steel counterparts and their interior is filled with ceramic powder. They are very light in weight and guarantee less friction and thus better performance.

Contrary to steel bearings, ceramic bearings do not expand with increase in temperature, do not need frequent lubrication, do not rust and are therefore great for precision performance. However, they are usually very expensive compared to steel ones.

Between steel and ceramic bearings, ceramic ones are definitely superior in terms of quality and performance. That is not to say steel bearings are bad. They work fine but always require frequent maintenance and lubrication.

3. Parts

Small as they look, skateboard bearings are made up of seven components:

# Bearing shield: this is a ring that can be seen on the side of the bearing. It prevents dirt particles from entering into the ball bearings.

# Rubber seal: a soft rubbery ring that is also found on the outside of the bearing. It also shields dirt particles from entering the bearing’s interior.

# C-ring: this is a ring that is usually fitted into the bearing’s groove on the outside. It locks the shields in place.

# Outer ring: this is the round exterior. It is the body that holds all other parts.

# Inner ring: a small metal ring that fits inside the outer ring. It is where the axle fits through.

# Ball retainer: holds ball bearings in place.

# Ball bearings: these are ceramic or steel balls that rest inside the ball retainer. Ceramic bearings have 9 balls while steel bearings have 7 or 8. Their role is to allow bearing casings to spin around them.

A skateboard bearing cannot work properly without all these parts. Therefore, before you fit one on your skateboard make sure it has each part in place (and working perfectly).

4. Size

Bearings come in different sizes. However, skateboard bearings come in two main sizes.

# 608 Standard: this is the standard size for best skateboard bearings. It has an 8mm core, 7mm width, 22mm outer diameter and matches virtually ever skateboard wheel out there.

# Mini: mini-bearings can be used alongside a standard 608 bearing hub. However, they require a sleeve for compatibility.

It is highly advisable that you go with the 608 standard because it is the industry standard. However, if you are conversant with mini bearings then you can also try them.

5. Other considerations

Other factors that you can consider when selecting a skateboard bearing include:

 Bearing spacers: some bearings come with spacers that reduce the weight that each bearing has t handle. They make turns smoother and more stable. They are totally optional.

Speed washers: they act as buffers between the bearing and nut and thus they reduce friction when you turn. They are great additions but are also optional.

My List of Recommended Best Skate Bearings

Some of the best skateboard bearings reviews do not give a list of recommended products. That might leave you even more confused because you might not know which manufacturers are the best. That is why I have prepared my brief review of the top 5 best bearings for skateboards.

Bones Super Swiss 6 Competition Skate Bearings

Best Skateboard Bearings

There is no doubt that Bones Bearings manufacture some of the best skateboard bearings. The Super Swiss 6 is rightfully rated with 4.6 stars. Why am I saying so? Well, very few other bearings can match this one in terms of quality and performance.

It features a unique design with six large balls that ensure strength, increased speed and fast acceleration. The nylon ball retainer is designed for high speed cruising. Basically, this bearing is exactly what you need if your skateboarding involves very high speed cruising.

It comes with a single removable rubber shield that is easy to clean. For better performance, I highly recommend you use Speed Cream lubricant.

Bones Swiss Ceramics Bearings

Best Skateboard Bearings

This is a 5-star rated ceramic bearing that is Swiss made. At only 3.5 ounces, it is very light to allow you to perform tricks and stunts without spending a lot of energy. As far as performance goes, the bearing is very quiet even at very high speed.

In terms of quality, the bearing features solid and pure silicon nitride ceramic balls that are removable. They make the bearing to have very little friction and that means you will use very little energy to skateboard when you install them.

Bones Swiss Ceramic bearings are superb for high speed and acceleration and are also very easy to take apart, clean (and lubricate) and reassemble. Get these if you are a speed junkie.

Bones Ceramic Reds Bearings

Best Skateboard Bearings

These ceramic bearings are also manufactured by Bones Bearings. They have won the hearts of many skateboarders and it is no wonder they are rated at 4.5 stars. The fact that they are made of ceramic makes them high quality bearings. They are light and cannot add any substantial weight to your board.

The bearings are 8mm (industry standard size) and can be used in virtually any skateboard. Their biggest advantage is their ability to glide in any weather. They are waterproof and do not expand in hot weather.

These bearings should be your top priority if you are looking for durable and friction-free ones. They are great for learners because they are super-smooth and make it easy to control your skateboard.

4. Pacific Flyers Premium Ceramic Si3N4 Skateboard Bearings

Pacific Flyers Si3N4 Skateboard Bearings

Best Skateboard Bearings

These bearings come pre-lubed with high quality synthetic lubricant that gives them a very smooth and enjoyable ride. The manufacturer also offers a lifetime warranty against any manufacturing defects and therefore you should be guaranteed that if they have any faults you can return them before installation.

So what makes these bearings great? Well, for one they feature high quality silicon balls that are used in construction. That means outstanding durability and performance. Second, they weigh a mere 0.31 pounds and therefore you should not worry about any weigh that they might add on your board.

Finally, they are great for cruising; whether you are using a long board or cruiser. Therefore, you can trust your board to outperform others anywhere, any time.

Yellow Jacket Premium Bearings

Best Skateboard Bearings

At 4.8 stars, Yellow Jacket Premium are among the highest rated bearings in the market. You might be shocked to learn that they are also some of the most affordable. They feature the highest precision in the market today and that should be a much needed boost if you enjoy performing stunts.

The bearings feature a yellow seal protection that shields the inside from dirt and debris that might compromise their durability and performance. The ultra-fast lube that is used as a lubricant makes them very good for high speed skating.

As an added advantage, you will enjoy 100% money back guarantee when you purchase these bearings. That is good news for any skateboarder because we all don’t want to invest in equipment that don’t come with some level f guarantee.

Final Verdict

As I summarize, it is probably important to mention that your bearings will perform only as well as you maintain them. Caring for bearings is not hard. You only need to ensure that they are clean and lubricated properly.

That being said, I must insist that if you want to enjoy your skateboarding sessions then look no further than the five bearings that I have outlined above. I selected the best performers in the industry. Furthermore, I have listed bearings that vary in price so that you get a good quality product for whatever budget you are working with.

So, get the best Skateboard Bearings that you can afford and skate on!

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Best Skateboard Trucks For 2016

March 14, 2016 By admin Leave a Comment

According to latest figures, skateboarding is a whooping 4.8 billion dollar market. Over 11 million people report that they enjoy skateboarding frequently. Out of that population, close to 93% are 24 years and below. Those figures are clear indications of how the young population is willing to invest in this sport. In fact, by 2014, the average price of skateboarding shoes was $42.47 and over 40% of skateboarders were reported to use the full skateboarding gear and equipment.

One such equipment is a set of skateboard trucks. For the sake of those who don’t know, Best skateboard trucks are T-shaped metal pieces that are mounted on the skateboard’s underside. They keep the board’s bearings and wheels securely attached to the deck.

Therefore, with a great set of skateboard trucks, you can avoid being one of the 3 in every 1000 participants (of the sport) who visit the doctor every year.

How to Choose the Best Skateboard Trucks

As mentioned already, the best skateboard trucks will guarantee you safety. In addition to that, they will keep your skateboard in good condition for a very long time and they will also make it easy for you to perform tricks. But how can you ensure that the trucks you buy are the best? Well, here is a brief buying guide for you. Bear in mind that over 77% of skateboarders buy their equipment and parts online and in small local stores rather than in sporting goods stores.

Therefore, the store is not as a major factor as the features of the trucks. Below are the considerations that you should make.

The Parts

Best Skateboard trucks are made up of various components. They are listed below. Make sure the set you settle for has each one of them (or at least as many as possible).

# Base-plate: this is the flat part of your truck. It mounts directly to the skate’s deck and ensures a secure hold. It comes with four or six mounting holes. Make sure they match the deck’s insert holes.

# Kingpin: holds the whole skateboard together. It should be made of a strong material that cannot break easily.

# Bushings: they support the truck’s many pieces during the skating session. Therefore, they absorb shock that comes from twists and turns. Bushings can be soft, medium, or hard. Soft ones make it easy to twist and turn (and thus perform tricks) medium ones are decently responsive while hard ones are easy to control.

# Hanger: is a T-shaped area that is made of aluminum alloy. Wheels are attached on either side of the hanger and the kingpin runs up its interior to interlock with bushings. When you are skating, it will be in direct contact with curbs and rails and thus it should e durable enough.

# Risers: these are small rectangular pieces of plastic or rubber. They are usually very hard and they elevate the skate higher off the ground, decrease its vibrations, and absorb impact. A riser is usually punched with six screw holes for fitting it on either a small or long skate board.

The Profile

The truck profile refers to the distance between the bottom of the skate deck and the hanger. There are three categories of profiles:

# Low (50 to 53 mm): these are meant for boards with small wheels. They provide extra stability and are suitable for flip tricks.

# Mid (53 to 56 mm): these are good for street or park skateboarding.

# High (over 56 mm): are good for boards with large wheels. They cruise well and are perfect for long boards and cruisers.

The Size

The size of a truck is measured either by its hanger width or axle width. The two (axle and hanger) determine how far apart the board’s wheels will be. The general rule is that the difference between the width of the axle and that of the deck should be as small as possible (plus or minus a quarter of an inch). That way the skateboard will be very stable.

The Material

The material used to make a truck determines how well it can cruise and flip. Whereas a good material will allow you to have full control over the board, a bad one can result in poor performance due to resistance and grinding. The best trucks are made of aluminum base-plate and hanger with steel axles. Such trucks are good enough for almost any tricks. Other materials include titanium and magnesium.

Other considerations

Other factors that you can put at the back of your mind include:

# The cost: your budget will determine the quality of your skateboard trucks because generally high-end trucks last longer and perform better than low-priced ones. However, that is not to say that cheap skateboard trucks will not serve you well. The only problem is that they might not be as durable as expensive ones.

# The Brand: 71% of skateboarders don’t buy their equipment from the most reputable brands (because of their high cost). However, they still enjoy the value offered by little known brands.

My List of Recommended Skateboard Trucks

Regardless of that, I highly recommend that you get yours from the best manufacturer because the best skateboard trucks will offer you an unimaginable experience during your skating sessions. Below are five skateboard trucks from which you can choose.

1. INDEPENDENT Skateboard Trucks

These are some of the most durable yet easy to control skateboard trucks available in the market. Its baseplate and hanger are made of aluminum while the axle is made of steel and that is why the whole truck is extremely durable.

Best Skateboard Trucks

As far as performance goes, they turn incredibly well and grind very smoothly. They are very stable and can be used by people who are heavier than average. The stability also means that they allow you to flip the board easily. You can use them in street cruising or in a park without any problem.

These mid-profile trucks are meant for a deck that measures anything from 7.4″ to 8″. If you are using the wheel size then use this truck with a 55mm wheel.

​

2. Venture Superlite Lo -5.0 (Set Of 2)

Contrary to the Independent above, these ones are low profile trucks that have a 7.75″ axle. If tricks and stunts are your thing then the light weight of these trucks will be the advantage that you need to expand your skills. At only 2 pounds, even an amateur skateboarder can easily flip the board.

Their performance is boosted by the fact that they are very stable. In fact, their low profile makes them great for beginners because you won’t be high up above the ground when you are skateboarding. That means you can focus your attention on learning tricks rather than on balancing.

One thing that is worth noting is that this is not a cruiser truck. Its low profile makes it unsuitable for high speed cruising but great for stunts and tricks.

3. Thunder Polish Hi 147 High Performance Skateboard Trucks

Best Skateboard Trucks

Thunder has a reputation for manufacturing great trucks and this one is no exception. It is designed for very quick response so that you can have full control of your skateboard. Generally speaking, it reacts faster than most other trucks.

Its light yet strong design is another advantage because it allows you to cruise and perform tricks without worrying about defects. Speaking of cruising, I should mention that this is a high profile truck and therefore it performs very well where high speed is concerned. In fact, you won’t feel any wobbling even when you are cruising on a slope.

The truck is suitable for any deck that measures 7.75 to about 8.25 inches. It comes with washers.

4. Havoc 5.0 Skateboard Trucks

Best Skateboard Trucks

These trucks are available in a variety of colors (including white, black, blue, and purple). Their baseplates and hangers are made of aluminum alloy for durability and strength. Therefore, they can withstand rough daily use and serve you for a very long time.

With regards to design and suitability, these trucks come with wheel spacers (not bearings) and can be used with a board that measures anything between 7.25 and 8.5 inches. The good thing is that you can use them with standard wheels and they will work perfectly.

You should definitely consider these if you are on a tight budget because although they are cheap skateboard trucks, they can easily outperform some high-priced brands in terms of quality.

5. Tensor Low Aluminum 5.0 Black Skateboard Trucks

Best Skateboard Trucks

Tensor’s Low Aluminum skateboard trucks have the 5.0 in their title because each one has a 5.0″ black hanger. They are premium trucks that feature a highly reduced weight (because they have been constructed with light weight aluminum) and a low ride height. The two features give these trucks superior sliding capabilities.

If you fancy custom logos then the Tensor graphic that is imprinted on the baseplate will excite you. The quality of these trucks is top-notch. They are great for raw grinding and fast turning.

Although the manufacturer recommends that you use these trucks with a board that measures between 7.0″ – 7.5″, you can actually use them with an even bigger board (up to 8″) without any problems.

Final Verdict

So there you have it – my comprehensive guide on the best skateboard trucks. Remember that trucks can make the difference between who learns great skills and who doesn’t. They also play a role in determining who visits the doctor frequently due to skateboarding accidents and who stays safe.

If your interest is to enjoy skateboarding and safety at the same time then you should get one of the five trucks that I have reviewed above. I have considered everything from price to profile just so that I can ensure there is something for you. so choose one that suits you the most and enjoy skateboarding.

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