Skateboard Size Chart: Deck, Truck, Wheel and More!
Do you intend to buy a skateboard?
If yes, let me give you some good advice: you should choose the size carefully. Because this factor will greatly affect your skateboarding performance.
There is a reality that:
Purchasing the right product with the right size can be confusing for many shoppers simply because skateboards are now available in numerous different sizes. But don’t worry we are here to help you!
See also:
- Upgrade Your Skateboard With Ultimate Best Skateboard Decks
- Best Longboard Trucks
- Best Shark Wheels Review
Hence:
We bounce back with this post to resolve the common issue of most buyers and riders as well as provide related information about skateboard size charts. Discover more right now!
What size do YOU need to consider?
Skateboard Deck Size
Why is it Important?
In your skateboard, the deck is very important because this biggest part will give you the ability to control the board well.
Despite wishing a deck in a size that you have in mind, you still have to select the product that fits the body.
Now, let’s consult the below chart:
Generally, the average deck size ranges from 7 inches to 8 inches. Although these sizes vary seemingly a little, it can make a huge difference when you use a skateboard. In a word, you can base this on choosing the right deck.
What Other Factors to Consider?
One more thing you need to notice when choosing a deck is what you want to do the most with that skateboard.
For instance, in case you wish to perform various tricks and flips, then a smaller deck size will be better for your purpose.
The suitable skateboard deck size also varies depending on the nature of its user.
For a beginner, a small size one will be sufficient and safest. It can be lighter or thinner, which will allow the user to navigate easily.
For an experienced rider, a large size one will be perfect because it is ideal for doing more tricks. After all, you can experience a cool ride with the right size deck whether you are an amateur or a professional.
How to Measure a Board Deck?
Well, this seems to be the common question of almost all customers. Then, we would show you the basics right now:
- Width: Most riders consider width the most significant dimension of the skateboard deck. It is measured straight across at the board deck’s widest point. Generally, decks range between 7.0 and 10.0 inches, which depends on the deck shape. There are still wider or narrower boards, but these are not common as well as not practical for different skateboarding purposes.
- Length: The skateboard length is measured from the tip of the board nose to the tip of the board tail. Length is proportional to the skateboard width and ranges from 28 inches to 33 inches. For longboards, they can measure up to 44 inches.
- Wheelbase: The skateboard deck’s wheelbase is the distance between the centers of the innermost truck mounting holes. It ranges from 13.5 to 16 inches and is proportional to the deck length on almost every standard popsicle deck. Some special cruiser decks and shaped boards own differing wheelbase ratios. Wheelbase can affect the turning radius and stability, but it is subtle and not a major issue for a newbie.
- Tail and nose: Both of them are measured from the center of the outermost truck mounting holes and range between 5 and 7 inches. The nose can be slightly longer and wider than the tail, except on old school or uniquely shaped skateboards.
Skateboard Truck Size
Why is it Important?
Trucks are skateboard parts that attach wheels to the deck as well as allow for pivoting and turning on the skateboard axle.
Normally, a truck consists of the hanger, the axle, the baseplate, the kingpin, bushings, together with nuts and washers.
Trucks now have different widths, which will affect the stability and performance of your skateboard as different truck widths are suitable for different riding styles.
They help you to prevent the wheel bite as well. Thus, it’s essential to know the size of your skateboard before picking out any trucks.
What Factors to Consider?
The skateboard truck is determined by the width of its hanger or the width of its axle. Notably, the axle width is the same as that of the deck.
Take a look at the axle widths and respective deck sizes below:
What else?
Don’t forget the skateboard truck profile, which means the distance between the bottom surface of the deck and the truck hanger. It includes three forms: Low, Mid and High.
- Low forms suit best for giving additional stability to the rider as well as performing tricks like flips. The center of gravity is low for these and hence ideal for the newbies.
- Mid forms are very versatile and best for street skateboarding or riding in parks. The height range is usually used in a skateboard designed for all round aims.
- High forms with the high-level height are perfect for trained and professional riders who enjoy doing carving or other tricks.
Usually the size of skateboard trucks has to match with the size of the deck to even out the weight . In particular, it should be the same as the quarter of the skateboard’s overall size.
Let’s consult the following chart to understand more:
Skateboard Wheels Size
Wheels of a skateboard come in different sizes as well as shapes. They also vary in diameter and the hardness.
Depending on the type of skating you like, you should consider both variables because they will affect the way your skateboard performs.
How is the Wheel Diameter?
Diameter is measured in millimeters and printed on the wheel’s outer surface. Different wheel sizes bring different skateboarding styles.
For example, the common range for park and street skateboarding is from 50 to 60mm. Wheels that are larger than 60mm are used on cruisers or longboards. They will allow the rider to go faster and help to prevent cracks.
How about smaller ones?
From 50mm to 54mm, they are slower and prone to getting caught on rocks or cracks but are loved by technical or street riders because of their light weight and ease for many technical tricks.
For beginners, they had better start with skateboard wheels in the middle of the range, about 54-55 mm.
How is the Wheel Hardness?
You have to consider the wheel hardness because this factor will influence the overall performance of your skateboarding making it better depends on a good set of wheels.
The hardness is measured on called durometer. It is rated on the scale called Durometer A Scale along with hardness ratings from 1A-100A and 100A is regarded as the hardest. There are two main types:
- Softer forms ( lower than 88a to 95a ): are perfect for skating on rough areas and rolling over pebbles or cracks. They are also used on decks for easy cruising, or even by filmers who want a stable and smoother ride. However, they aren’t ideal for street or technical skateboarding, because their grip and softness will reduce the ability to do tricks and pop the skateboard off the ground.
- Harder forms ( 95a to 100a ) are great for technical or street skateboarding. They have less friction as well as ride faster. Forms of this durometer are very versatile and work perfectly in almost all common skateboarding areas such as parks, street, or vert. Furthermore, some hardness is also measured in Durometer B. Wheels that use this scale will be a lot harder. Below is the common chart for conversion between both ratings.
Skateboard Bearings Size
How are They Important?
Bearings are parts that help to mount the board deck on an axle. They are manufactured in the same size that makes the process of purchasing bearings easier. This also means any bearing will fit any board wheel.
About the function:
Bearings will fit inside your board wheels and let them spin with greater speed and less friction.
Note:
The 608 size bearings are made with steel and now the most common bearing type used in the skateboards.
What is the ABEC Scale?
The only differences in bearings are the construction quality and their speed or ABEC ratings themselves.
Almost all skateboard bearings now are rated based on a scale known as ABEC (Annular Bearing Engineers Committee).
This factor establishes geometry, tolerance, dimensions, and noise standards to assist industrial ball bearing manufacturers as well as customers in comparing and selecting bearings for common applications, on the scale of 1,3,5,7, and 9.
By the way:
This ABEC system is not intended as the rating system for ball bearings. Thus it should not be regarded as the only measure of quality for board bearings.
The main point is that higher-quality bearings will get less friction, sturdier construction, and a higher ABEC rating if applicable.
Skateboard Size Chart
In addition to all the above factors, considering the shoe size as well as your body size is also necessary.If you want to have a right and pro skateboard, you will need to search for a skateboard according to your body size and shoe size.
Inferring from the above chart, you can see:
- Micro board deck width of 6.5″ – 6.75” with the average deck length of 27.2” – 27.6”: These are the best skateboards for newbies who are under 6 years old, less than 3’5” tall and wear the size 3 shoes or lower.
- Mini board deck width of 7.0″ with the average deck length of 28”: They suit newbies from 6 to 8 years old, between 3’5” and 4’4” tall who wear the size 4-6 shoes.
- Mid-size board deck width of 7.25″ – 7.375” with the average deck length of 29”: They are suitable for users who are from 9 to 12 years old, between 4’5” and 5’2” tall and wear the size 7-8 shoes.
- Full board deck width of 7.5” and higher with the average deck length of 29” and higher: All skaters who are over 13 years old, taller than 5’3” and wear the size 9 shoes and higher will love these products.
The size chart above is a general guideline based on the common ones. The more you progress, the more you want to customize the necessary setup to meet your own skating needs. Let’s count on them to pick up the product that works best for you.
Taking Care of Your Skateboard
So, after having basic knowledge about the skateboard size chart and other important aspects, you may have a good base to pick up a skateboard with the proper size, right?By the way, when owning the right product, don’t forget these following tips to maintain your skateboard for long term uses:
- Make sure to keep that skateboard in moderate temperature.
- Avoid leaving the deck in cold, damp areas or a hot car. This can lead to mold or warping issues.
- Make sure to clean bearings regularly to prevent dirt as well as re-apply the bearing grease.
- Keep the deck away from water because it can rust the hardware.
- Keep the grip tape clean with grip gum.
- Try to smooth out and protect the deck when skating on abrasive or uneven features.
See more: The Best Way to Take Care of a Longboard
Final Verdict
Many of the skateboard brands available nowadays come with various sizes, hence choosing a proper product is easy; you just need to take time and think it through.
We hope the skateboard size chart and other information we provide will help you to select the desired board easily. Thanks for reading!
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