Complete skateboards

Types of Complete Skateboards

In the skating world, a complete skateboard refers to a board that is ready to ride and is generally sold to customers who are not necessarily skaters but intending to use the board for skating. The board comes with all the necessary parts assembled. It includes the deck, grip tape, trucks, wheels, bearings, and hardware. The complete skateboards are available in different varieties. Here are some types of all-inclusive skateboards:

• Standard Skateboard

  This type of skateboard is designed for street skating and tricks. It features a concave wooden deck with a size that ranges from 7.5 to 8.5 inches. The board also comes with metal trucks, 50 to 55 mm wheels, and Abec 5 to 7 bearings. Typically, the standard skateboard is produced in different sizes and shapes to accommodate various skating styles and skill levels. Although it is primarily used by kids, this board can be used by individuals of all ages.

• Mini Skateboards

  Mini skateboards are also referred to as youth or kids' skateboards. They are specially designed for younger skaters or individuals with small feet. The board features a smaller and lighter setup that consists of a reduced-width deck, smaller trucks, and tiny wheels. This configuration makes it easier for beginners to perform tricks and maneuvers. Ideally, mini skateboards are as the name suggests smaller and lighter than standard skateboards. Their decks have a width of around 7.0 inches or even less.

• Old School Skateboards

  Old-school skateboards are renowned for their distinctive shape that bears a nose and tail with a wider, squared-off tail, and a concave deck. These designs are accompanied by larger wheels, which make them suitable for vert ramps and street skating. Usually, the decks have a width of around 9.5 inches or more, and the length ranges from 30 to 33 inches. Additionally, these boards come with larger trucks and wheels that measure 55 to 60mm in diameter and 40 to 45mm wide respectively.

• Freestyle Skateboards

  They are designed for performing tricks on flat ground such as spins, flips, and even dancing. They feature a symmetrical shape with a popsicle design. This makes them suitable for a wide range of tricks. Also, the decks are constructed with different materials that include fiberglass or carbon fiber, which makes them lighter and more responsive. Additionally, they come with medium-sized wheels that measure 50 to 54mm in diameter and 30 to 35mm in width.

Scenarios of Complete Skateboards

A complete skateboard is versatile and can be used in different scenarios. Here are some of them.

• Street Skating

  Street skating involves skating on sidewalks, streets, and other public spaces. Completes are ideal because they offer a well-rounded performance that suits tricks and transportation. The kicktail and concave allow skaters to flip and grind. Also, larger wheels make it easy to roll over cracks and bumps.

• Park and Vert Skating

  Complete boards can also be used for park and vert skating. This scenario involves skating on ramps, bowls, and skateparks. Completes designed for park skating have smaller wheels and a narrower deck. This allows for greater maneuverability and easier transitions. On the other hand, completes meant for vert skating have larger wheels and a wider deck. This provides more stability and support when doing high jumps and tricks.

• Freestyle Skating

  Freestyle skating involves performing tricks and flips on flat ground or obstacles. Freestyle skaters use completes with a popsicle shape. This provides a balanced and responsive feel. The popsicle shape also makes it easier to perform complex tricks like flip and shuvits. Additionally, freestyle completes have a durable construction that can withstand the impact of tricks. Also, they have a medium concave that allows for better control during tricks.

• Commuting and Transportation

  A complete skateboard isn't just for tricks. It can also be used for commuting and transportation. Completes with larger wheels and a wider deck offer a smooth and stable ride. This makes them ideal for longer distances and commuting. The kicktail and concave also allow skaters to make sharp turns and stops. This makes complete skateboards suitable for navigating through traffic and crowded areas.

How to Choose Complete Skateboards

Choosing the right complete skateboard can be a challenging task, especially for beginners who do not know what to look for when purchasing. Below is a guide to help in selecting the ideal skateboard.

• Deck Size

  The size of the skateboard deck is one of the crucial elements to consider when buying a skateboard. Skateboards with smaller decks, 7 to 7.5 inches wide, are suitable for kids and skaters who do a lot of tricks. Conversely, a wider deck measuring 8 inches and above is ideal for beginners and skaters who prioritize speed and stability.

• Deck Material

  Another factor to consider is the material used to make the deck. Most skateboard decks are constructed with maple wood due to its flexibility and ability to withstand extreme pressure. Other decks are made from bamboo and plastic. A complete skateboard made from a solid material will have a longer lifespan.

• Trucks

  Another important element to consider is the trucks. Buyers should ensure that the skateboard has quality and well-sized trucks. If the trucks are too wide, the wheels will be far apart, making turns difficult. Conversely, if the trucks are too narrow, the board will be unstable.

• Wheels

  Complete skateboards come with different wheel sizes. Skaters should pay careful attention to the wheel size. Smaller wheels, measuring 50-52mm, are suitable for technical tricks and skate parks. Conversely, larger wheels, measuring 53-56mm, provide more speed and stability, making them ideal for street skating and rough surfaces.

• Bearings

  Bearings affect the speed and performance of the skateboard. Buyers should ensure the complete skateboard comes with quality bearings to enjoy a smooth ride. They can do this by checking the ABEC rating. An ABEC rating of 5 to 7 is suitable for beginners. Conversely, an ABEC rating of 7 and above is ideal for professional skaters.

• Intended Use

  Before selecting a complete skateboard, one should consider the type of skating one intends to do. Whether it is street skating, park skating, or cruising, each style requires different equipment. For instance, those intending to do tricks should look for a board with a popsicle shape.

Function, Features, and Design of Complete Skateboards(Combined)

Being a broadly purchased item, complete skateboards are available in different designs and feature sets, which are listed below:

• Function

  Complete skateboards are versatile and can be used for different activities. Skateboarders can use them for street skating, park skating, and cruising. Some boards are specifically designed for particular types of skating, such as freestyle or vert skating. This provides skaters with the opportunity to choose a board that matches their style.

• Features

  Complete skateboards come with different features. These include concave decks, grippy grip tape, and reliable trucks and wheels. These features provide different levels of performance, control, and comfort. Some boards even have custom graphics or unique shapes, which allows skateboarders to express themselves. Additionally, complete skateboards usually come with all the necessary components. This includes a deck, trucks, wheels, and bearings. This makes them convenient for buyers who want to purchase a ready-to-roll board.

• Design

  Design-wise, complete skateboards vary widely. They can range from traditional popsicle shapes to more eccentric forms. For instance, a complete skateboard with a wider deck and larger wheels is usually designed for longboarding and cruising. In contrast, a board with a narrower deck and smaller wheels is usually used for technical tricks. Moreover, the design of a skateboard's deck can also affect its performance. For instance, decks with different concave levels provide different levels of responsiveness and comfort.

Q&A

Q1: What is a complete skateboard?

A1: A complete skateboard refers to a skateboard that is fully assembled and ready to ride. It includes all the necessary components, such as a deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, hardware, and grip tape. These elements are pre-assembled and adjusted, so users do not need to buy anything separately.

Q2: What should one consider when buying a skateboard for a child?

A2: When buying a complete skateboard for a child, consider their age, skating skill level, and the size of the skateboard. Younger children may require smaller boards with softer wheels, while older kids will, of course, use bigger skateboards. Also, look for skateboards specifically designed for beginners, as they often have features that make learning easier.

Q3: What is the difference between a cruiser skateboard and a regular skateboard?

A3: Cruiser skateboards are designed for more comfortable and casual riding. They usually have larger, softer wheels that make it easier to roll over cracks and bumps in the pavement. Regular skateboards, on the other hand, have smaller, harder wheels and are more suited for tricks and technical skating.

Q4: How can one maintain a complete skateboard?

A4: To maintain a complete skateboard, routinely check and tighten the trucks, replace worn-out wheels and bearings, and clean the deck and grip tape. Also, flip the skateboard over occasionally to ensure even wear on all parts.