Fitting a couple of wheels underneath a suitable plank of wood is the process that elicits one of the most exciting sports props out there – the well-known and well-beloved skateboard! Whether it's an 80's music video, an episode of the Simpsons or indeed a random picture of virtually any busy street, you can spot one of these cheeky means of transportation together with an affable lad or lass on top of it. If you'd like to join in on the fun and get yourself a skateboard to call your own, check out our top 5 list and learn more!
In the modern-day world of trailblazing technology and incessant innovation, finding an appropriate means of covering short to medium distances can present a bit of a challenge, especially if you plan for your vehicle to be sort of smallish in size! Whether we're talking about bicycles, monocycles or even the sheer oddity of a product called the
Segway, getting around will be significantly affected by what kind of contraption you’re riding on (or possibly in). Well then, if you consider yourself a young, skillful and able-bodied gentleman or gentlewoman who appreciates the 90's culture and wouldn't mind joining a punk band should the possibility arise, we'd say you're the right kind of person to possess
a skateboard!
The great thing about these lovable wooden planks with wheels is that they carry quite a load of culture and chic history along with them. In pretty much any bigger city across the globe, there's bound to be a skateboarding underground movement where young and vibrant folk wearing skateboarding shoes discuss such matters as what skateboard bearings they should get, and how they’re personalizing their skateboard decks! For example, you may overhear some talk about
the trucks, and we're not talking about those operated by a teamster, for the record. A skateboard truck is an integral part of its construction, as it connects the deck to the wheels, by means of
bearings.
Since trucks perform an important role in making a skateboard, well 'skateboard', these parts are made out of tough materials, such as hardened aluminum and various types of strengthened steel. As for the bearings, they’re usually made out of chrome or carbon metal, or, alternatively, some type of specialized ceramics. Other than that, let's mention that skateboard decks are usually made of wood as the goal is for them to be both tough and flexible enough to withstand the pressure of jumps and general wear ‘n’ tear. Also, these decks are often subject to various decorations and customizations, so you can look forward to stamping your very own imprint on your skateboard!
If you need to check out some examples of great skateboards out there, then you’re in the right place. One great option is a cruiser skateboard. These are usually 22 or 27-inches, like the
ANCHEER 27-Inch Complete Cruiser Skateboard that’s made with 9-later Canadian maple wood! Alternatively, you might be looking for a more classic kicktail board, like the
Dongchuan Pro Complete Skateboard or the
MINORITY 32-Inch Maple Skateboard. Both of these are fantastic options built with durability in mind. Whichever type you go for, it’s always good to understand your purchase so read on to find out some important consideration factors.
Price
Considering their lifetime, which can go on for years on end, provided you take good care of them, skateboards can't really be described as that expensive, in all fairness. For example, you can get a pretty decent model complete with wicked visuals for some 40-ish bucks! If you'd like a more elaborate model, however, you may be asked to put as much as 120 of your hard-earned dollars on the table. Of course, factors such as the quality of the bearings, trucks, and wheels all tend to add a couple of extra bucks on top of the original deal, so if you're working on a smaller budget, pay attention to these details before you go in for a purchase!
Features
Even though skateboards aren't necessarily the most complex means of transportation and sporting leisure out there, it could still be worth surveying their features, so that you may have a clearer picture of what you want from one of these contraptions. Check out the list below and see for yourself!
- Material of the Deck
- Material of the Trucks
- Material for the Wheels
- Type of Bearings
- Size of the Skateboard
- Slip-Resistant Deck Formula
- Visual Style
- Logo
If you worry about your balance while you're on the board, or think that it would be too slippery at times, a model that comes with a slip-resistant deck formula can be a great solution for you!
Construction and Design
Despite having a reputation as one of the most customizable sports props, skateboards don't really offer much space for variation when it comes to their basic shape and design. Although certain offshoots do exist, such as those odd-looking two-wheeled contraptions, the standard skateboard has a pretty uniform build, no matter the visual theme. You get a slightly curved deck, a pair of trucks, and then two pairs of wheels. Of course, these come in different sizes, so you can choose the one that suits you the best depending on your age and skill level.
There are nevertheless a few different kinds of skateboards that we should inform you of. The standard skateboard is mainly designed for doing tricks at the skate park. It comes with small, hard wheels, which aren’t ideal for cruising around, but will definitely help you slide down that rail. The cruiser, on the other hand, has a longer deck and softer, bigger wheels to help you roll around town. The longboard, finally, has a much longer deck (over 36 inches usually) and large, soft wheels. These are ideal for rolling downhill, making them the go-to board for all downhill racing thrillseekers.
Also, as we already mentioned, there's plenty of space for customization; you can definitely express yourself in your deck’s design, for example.
Performance and Ease of Use
Generally speaking, skateboards are both simple and difficult to use. They could be described as simple because learning the basics of the art of skateboarding is a walk in the park, really. However, if you'd like to become quite crafty with it, and perhaps compete on a high level afterward, prepare to put in plenty of practice hours! Maintenance-wise, we would advise you to change the wheels every couple of months (or maybe even weeks, depending on how much time you spend skating about), and regularly check how the trucks are doing and whether or not they require some polishing or other minor tweaks. If you see any cracks or other imperfections, consider buying a new pair, as repairs can be pricey, and it's questionable whether or not it's worth patching up a faulty truck.
As we prize your safety and well-being above all other things, we stress that you also look into the gear that’s necessary for you to enjoy a perfectly safe and danger-free ride. Never forget to put on your gloves, to strap on those knee pads, but most of all don’t forget your helmet! If you’re well and truly prepared, then off with you! Ride on!
We at TopProducts.com love technology, and would like to assert the following regarding the contraptions that free you from merely walking about: 'Until hoverboards are invented and can be bought at an agreeable price, we, the TopProducts research team, will stick with skateboards as the coolest, most effective means of getting around your neighborhood, and look cool while doing it.' We hope you liked our top 5 picks, considering that these exquisite pieces of sporting hardware come in all shapes and sizes, and we wish you a merry and hassle-free purchase!
