Building Your First Skateboard

Boards, Bearings, Battlestar Galactica

Choosing the Board

• Skateboards can be broken down into two main categories: Popsicle, and Shaped.
  
  • Popsicle shapes will work for all types of skating but are designed for tricks.
  • Shaped skateboards are great for cruising and could be used in transition.

• Size is really a subjective category and this is where personal preference comes into play quite a bit. There is no right size!
  • Narrower boards are very nimble and can be moved, or flipped, with a lot less effort.
  • Wider boards are very stable and can make it easier to land on when trying new tricks.

• Depending on what your skateboard is made out of, you skateboard may last longer, feel lighter, or even break your bank. Here is a list of common construction types and their benefits!
  • 7-Ply Maple: The most common construction for a skateboard. This is the least costly way to build a board and would keep your cost down when building one. Odds are the majority of skateboards you are looking at are built this way.
  • Carbon Fiber: Now every company has a different name for their carbon fiber infused construction but some of the most common would be Flight, VX, or Impact. These types of constructions allow skateboardsto be more durable and lighter weight. These decks are also usually more expensive, so if you want to save a couple bucks maybe look at a 7-Ply Maple deck.

Choosing the Components

• Trucks are the piece of the skateboard that connect the deck to the wheels and allow the skateboard to turn. Skateboard trucks do come in different sizes, so make sure you are familiar with a companies size chart when choosing trucks for your deck.

• Wheels come in various different sizes and hardness (Durometer). Where you plan on skating will have an impact on the size and hardness of wheel that is recommended.
  • Size
    • Smaller wheels are good for technical skating. (keeps the board lighter)
      • 50-54mm
    • Larger wheels are great for vert or transition skating. These will usually require a riser pad for wheel clearance.
      • 55-60mm
  • Hardness (Durometer)
    • Softer wheels = More traction.
    • Harder wheels = Faster and Easier Slides
    • 99 Duro is a great starting place that offers a balance between these two.

• Bearings follow the old adage of "you get what you pay for". Typically the more you spend on bearings the longer and faster you will roll. If you are looking for a dependable bearing that wont cost a lot, assume $20-$30 for the set.

• Griptape
  • This is a way for you to personalize your board! They come in almost every color and various designs, so pick one you like! One thing to make sure before you purchase is that the width of the griptape is wider than your skateboard. This will make the application much easier.
• Hardware
  • Hardware is the nuts and bolts that keep the trucks attached to the skateboard. Skateboard hardware comes in various lengths and colors.
    • If you are not using a riser/shock pad, 7/8" or 1" hardware will be sufficient. If you do use a riser or shock pad, look at using 1 1/8" hardware.
    • Hardware can be colored to help designate the front of the board. This is very helpful especially with popsicle shapes.

That's It!