Skateboard buying guide

The price you pay for a skateboard can be considered as an investment, especially when it is your first purchase because all indispensable components which make it up must be acquired at the same time. As passionate skaters, our goal is for this investment to be amortized as much as possible in relation to the fun that skateboarding will provide you.

Our complete skateboards category includes the pack systems listed below from the cheapest to the most expensive :

- Prices under 125 euros = Price points complete skateboard packs : the advantage of these packs is, by definition, their low cost, which means that those who aren't certain whether they will really like skateboarding or not will be able to test it out. If you find complete skateboards even cheaper elsewhere (notably in multisport stores or supermarkets), they will in fact be toys that we refuse to sell, as they discourage skateboarding due to their poor quality, which has nothing to do with real skateboards.

- skateboard kids for children under 8 : For children under 8 years old, you'll need to choose a board that's shorter in length to avoid spreading your feet too far apart, and thinner in width. These boards are listed on our site as "board kids".

- 125 euros = complete skateboards at the best value : Top quality at the best price. There won't be much difference in quality between these packs and the more expensive ones, the price difference being explained by the greater choice of shapes, sizes and graphics on offer.

- 10% reduced complete customized skateboards : For those with discerning tastes who want to indulge themselves.

Indispensable components which make up a complete skateboard :
- One gripped deck
- One pair of trucks
- One set of four wheels
- One set of eight bearings
- One set of bolts

Accessory components :
- One pair of pads
- Two pairs of bushings
- A branded sheet of griptape

The essential selection criteria are listed below. As the shape of modern skateboards is standardized, beginners won't necessarily notice the difference between a board that's more or less concave, with ends that are more or less pointed and more or less raised, or wheels with a more or less conical shape... : For a first skateboard, don't take too many of these criteria into consideration : It's only as you progress that your personal settings and tastes will assert themselves.

1) How to choose your skateboard deck ? (Indispensable component of a complete skateboard)
- The width, measured in inches (1 inch = 1" = 2.54 cm) : For a first board, avoid extremes, choosing a size between 7.75" and 8.125".

- The brand : When it comes to quality, it's true that some boards are more forgiving of repositioning feet errors than others, and that some age better than others... For your first board, do yourself a favor and choose the graphics and brand that suit you best : You won't feel the differences in quality at first. The brand's origin (USA or Europe) will also explain price differences.

- For children under 8, you'll need to choose a board that's shorter in length, so as not to spread your feet too wide, and thinner in width. These boards are listed on our site as "board kids".

2) How to choose your skateboard trucks ? (Indispensable components of a complete skateboard)
- The width, measured in mm : This should be as close as possible to the width of the board. Each brand has its own scale with corresponding values shown in the table below :
- The height (low, mid, high) : This is a subtle adjustment, so don't bother with it, especially if it's your first skateboard; any height will do. The wheel diameter can also help you choose :
3) How to choose your skateboard wheels ? (Indispensable components of a complete skateboard)
- Diameter, measured in mm : For a first set of wheels, as when choosing a board, avoid extremes, choosing a size between 51 and 54mm. Basically small wheels (Diameter less than 52mm) are street-oriented, for better precision, and large wheels (Diameter greater than 52mm) are skatepark-oriented, for better stability and speed.

- Hardness, measured in durometer : Hard wheels (Durometer greater than 99a) are street-oriented, as they slide more easily when performing tricks on curbs or ledges. Softer wheels (Durometer below 99a) are more comfortable to ride on less smooth surfaces, while softer wheels (Durometer around 78a) are more suitable for cruiser-type riding (Just cruising or filming).

4) How to choose your skateboard bearings ? (Indispensable components of a complete skateboard)
The price of bearings is proportional to their ABEC rating, which measures the precision of their manufacture and therefore their quality : The higher the ABEC rating, the faster and longer they will run, but beware : Above ABEC 7, bearings tend to be more fragile. It also depends on how you look at your purchase : The price point nude bearings 608 zz abec 3 that we sell are very good (they're used by most of the AMIGOS team) : they should be considered as consumables, because if they break they can be replaced easily and cheaply (1.25 each), while higher-price bearings will last longer and save you tinkering with your skateboard.

5) How to choose your skateboard bolts ? (Indispensable components of a complete skateboard)
- The length is measured in inches (1 inch = 1" = 2.54 cm) : If you choose to use pads, you'll need to choose bolts size 1". If you don't use pads, size 7/8" or 1" bolts will fit.

- Phillips if you prefer to use a Phillips screwdriver, allen if you prefer to use a btr allen key.

6) How to choose your skateboard pads ? (Accessories for experienced users)
- riser : Hard pads that increase the space between the wheels and the underside of the board to prevent them from touching (Wheel bite).

- shock : Soft pads to absorb vibrations and shocks.

7) How to choose your skateboard bushings ? (Accessories for experienced users)
Bushing hardness is measured with a durometer, allowing you to fine-tune the trucks to your personal taste (tight/loose).

8) How to choose your skateboard grip ? (Accessory)
There's no real difference in quality between the different grips we sell, so you can indulge yourself by choosing the graphics and brand that suit you.

Finally, if you have any questions or need advice, you can contact us [email protected].