Buyers Guide and Overview |
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 When you are in the market to buy a skateboard - whatever kind it may be - go to a specialist retailer. It's these guys who keep the world
skating, and they need your support!
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Your first port of call should always be your locally owned, full-service, independent skateboard shop. If you don't have one or want gear they don't stock try a specialist online skateboard retailer or the manufacturer direct.
Most of these firms are staffed by long-time skateboarders who know their products intimately. This is extremely important as the skate industry is in a perpetual state of flux.
Product availability is unpredictable at best, and can be outright maddening at the very worst. Pricing can sometimes be curious, if not outright dodgy. Specialist firms, however, will always be the most consistent and fair, not only on prices, but also on overall product quality, availability, and service.
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Build It Yourself |
 Good skateboards are very rarely bought in one piece. Most experienced skateboarders prefer to buy individual components that they then assemble themselves. Nevertheless most boards fall into one of five broad categories:
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| New School setups |
- the most common, and ideal for skateboard trickery in your driveway, street, mini ramp or local skate park
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| Longboards |
| - bigger and smoother boards which aim to duplicate the flow and grace of surfing waves |
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| Retro or Old-School setups |
| - tailored to those who grew up skating during the 1970s and 1980s |
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| Slalom setups |
| - for racing downhill through cones |
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| Speedboards |
| - for out and out, down the line speed |
Bespoke Bits'n'Pieces |
The five different board styles vary greatly but they all include:
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 - A deck, the platform that you ride on
- Trucks (x2), the axles on which the wheels sit
- Wheels (x4)
- Bearings (x8) with spacers (x4)
- Griptape, a self-sticking product like sandpaper that helps to keep your feet in place on the deck
- Mounting hardware, the bolts and nuts that mount the trucks to the deck
- Raiser pads, the plastic pads that go between the trucks and deck, for greater riding height
Part of the joy of skating is that you can play with these components to create a bespoke board that suites your individual skating style and look.
However, if you are uncertain about what to choose follow my top five picks. They are all fantastic setups that will excite and excel.
Stay tuned for regular updates as new products continue to come to market. Cheers, and happy skateboarding!
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