Complete Skateboards

When you're new to skateboarding, choosing your first skateboard can be very complicated because of the choice of brands and models. How to choose your skateboard ? Should you choose a complete skateboard or a custom one? This is where you'll find the answers to all your questions!

The characteristics of the skateboard

The skateboard is made of 7 ply Canadian maple with fiberglass between each ply and epoxy resin. The grip on top of the skateboard is a non-slip material that allows more control over the skateboard when performing tricks. Underneath a skateboard are the trucks, the metal parts that attach the wheels to the board and allow the skateboard to turn.

Inside the trucks are small rubber pads, or bushings, which allow for more flexibility and easier turning. For pre-assembled skateboards with a semi-tension setting, the tighter the trucks, the less the skate will turn and the more stable it will be.

Skateboard wheels made of polyurethane or urethane can have several diameters and hardnesses. The hardness of the wheels is measured with an American standard called the "shore", and appears on the wheel with a number and a letter "A". The hardest wheels will have a hardness index of 75A, and the softest wheels will have a hardness of 104A. The harder a wheel is, the faster it will roll and slide easily, which is perfect for street skateboarding.

The diameters of skateboard wheels vary and range from 47mm to 60mm. The larger the wheel diameter, the better the skateboard rolls and resists ground imperfections. Smaller diameter wheels are lighter and more manoeuvrable. On the other hand, they can easily be blocked by small stones and unevenness in the ground. Therefore, for street skateboarding, it is advisable to opt for small diameter wheels that are very hard and allow the riders to have a good impulse on the ground.

Which skateboard to choose for tricks?

The street skateboard is a classic skateboard that everyone knows. This type of skateboard is used by riders to do tricks in a skatepark or in the city. Often the skateboard has two rounded ends called "kicks", one of which is slightly more pronounced towards the front.

What are the different sizes of skateboards available?

You choose your skateboard according to the size of your feet. The width of skateboards is expressed in inches and ranges from 7.5" to 8.75". For a child or teenager who is not very tall, a skateboard with a width of 7.5" to 7.8" is often chosen.

A classic full size skateboard measuring 8" would be suitable for a teenager or adult, and it is with a skateboard of this size that most people start out. When you start skateboarding, you tend to position yourself too far forward or backward.

This is why you should choose skateboards that are wide enough, because this way you are less likely to fall. For tall people or those with big feet, you should opt for 8.125" and 8.25".

The different spare parts for your skateboard

Before getting on a board, it is important to know the different parts that make up a skateboard

Grip

The grip is the material glued on top of the board. It provides the grip between the shoes and the skateboard.

Deck

This is the board that has a part that goes in front, the Nose, and a part that goes behind, the Tail. The size and shape of the board varies according to the use of the skateboard.

Risers

These elements help to minimize vibration and prevent the wheels from touching the board.

Trucks

There are two of them and they are attached to the sides of the board, but without reaching the end. They connect the wheels to the board (with 8 screws and 4 nuts) and are used to make the turns. The bigger they are, the more stable the skateboard will be.

Bearings

These are metal rings with several balls inside which are protected by two discs. They are usually made of aluminium and they allow the skateboard to keep its speed.

Wheels

The skateboard has 4 wheels, often made of urethane. To choose them, you have to base your choice on their size:

• 52 mm to 55 mm: used for street or park skating and for small skaters;
• 56 mm to 60 mm: used for street skating, parks, bowls, vertical ramps, and for larger skaters;
• 60 mm or more: used for longboards, to pass slopes or dirt roads.

But it is also possible to choose wheels according to their hardness:

•  87A: this is a good choice for long skates, cruising style. Very good for irregular surfaces;
• 95A: ideal for street style and not to lose control on bumps;
•  97A: good performance on all types of smooth surfaces, like parks and ramps;
•  100A: used by experts. These are very hard wheels with little traction especially for rocky areas.

Screws

The screws are fundamental to fix the axles to the board. Depending on the type of skateboard, you will need a different length of screw.

Choosing a full or custom skateboard?

If you are new to skateboarding, buying a complete skateboard is a better choice for your wallet. Packages contain all the parts you need and are cheaper than custom skateboards.

Of course, the complete skateboard is made up of parts that have a basic technicality. But to start practising, this will be more than enough. When you have a bit more experience with skateboarding, you can easily switch to a custom skateboard that you can build yourself like a real rider.

Complete skateboards

For a beginner, we recommend a complete skateboard which is much cheaper than a custom skateboard. The price range is between 74.90€ and 209.90€. The CLICHE skateboards are very good at the entry level, for the more experienced riders the ELEMENT boards will meet the needs of many sizes.

Versatile skateboards

At Nomadeshop you will find DB models that are suitable for street and touring. These skateboards have the shape of a street skateboard and the soft wheels of a cruiser. This skateboard is comfortable enough for cruising in the city and at the same time you can do a little skatepark.

Customised skateboards

For someone who wants to do some tricks but doesn't want to go to a skatepark, it is advisable to make a set-up. It is possible to start with a street deck and build it into a cruiser with soft wheels. With this customised skateboard it is possible to perform tricks while keeping the pleasure of sliding.

The price for a classic street or cruiser board is at least 150€, the price may vary depending on the brand and the range. With all the skateboard parts, you can create a unique board, which looks like you.

Essential equipment

Skateboarding is a sliding sport, so it is important, especially if you are a beginner, to think about protection. And in this sense, there are some essential equipment that a beginner rider must have. And you will see that in case of a fall, these accessories are always very useful!

The helmet

To start with, you will need a helmet. Yes, the head is the part of the body that must be protected. So you can't afford not to have a helmet, no matter what your level is. Even the most experienced riders choose this accessory with great care.

However, you should choose a skateboarding helmet according to your level of riding. For example, if you ride off-road, you should choose a full face helmet. But if you are just riding around, a bowl helmet will do.

In addition, it must be said that a helmet can quickly become a stylish accessory that allows you to show off your look. The design of the helmet is an important criterion, but you should also take into account the size, resistance, ventilation and comfort.

Knee pads

Tricks and other skateboarding tricks can quickly lead to falls and injuries. So it's best to protect your knees from fractures or sprains with knee pads. And contrary to what you might think, knee protectors don't hinder your movements as long as you choose the right model. It is important that the accessory matches your body shape.

Elbow pads

Elbow pads protect you when you fall backwards. It is important to note that they also protect your clothes from tearing. Usually, these accessories are sold in sets with knee and wrist pads. Ideally, you should choose equipment that has a well-padded fabric.

Skateboard brands at Nomadeshop

Do you want a Globe skateboard? Or a complete Enuff skateboard? At Nomadeshop, you'll find only the best in urban skateboarding. That's why we offer you handpicked brands that are true references in the world of skateboarding.

Arbor, Globe, Enuff, Almost, Element, Cliche, Nomad Skateboards, you will surely find what you are looking for in our large selection. All our brands offer quality parts so that you can enjoy a skateboard that will accompany you in all your adventures.

And every time you evolve, you will always find the board you need in our online shop or in our shop. We are always here to give you the best advice and to find you the equipment that will make you a better rider.

Find all the skateboard models and all our advices, on the website and at the Nomadeshop shop in Paris Bastille.