Should You Buy a Complete or Build Custom?
The first decision every new skater faces: buy a pre-assembled complete skateboard or build one piece by piece. Both have merit depending on your situation.
Pre-Built Completes
A complete skateboard comes fully assembled and ready to ride. They're convenient and usually cost less than building custom. The key is to avoid cheap toy-store completes — those boards use inferior components that won't hold up and can actually make learning harder. Look for completes from reputable skate brands like Element, Enjoi, Santa Cruz, or those sold by dedicated skate shops.
Custom Builds
Building your own setup lets you choose each component to suit your preferences. It's slightly more expensive but gives you better quality control and teaches you about the gear. Most skate shops will assemble the board for you at no extra charge when you buy all the parts from them.
Recommendation for beginners: A quality complete from a reputable brand is the easiest starting point. Once you know what you like, you can transition to custom builds.
Choosing the Right Deck Width
Deck width is the most important measurement to get right. It affects stability, flip speed, and overall feel. Use shoe size as a rough guide:
- 7.5" – 7.75" — Smaller feet (youth/smaller adult), great for technical tricks
- 7.875" – 8.125" — Most common adult street skating size, versatile 8.25" – 8.5" — Larger feet, transition/bowl skating, more stability
- 8.5"+ — Cruising, transition, or personal preference for a wider platform
When in doubt, an 8.0" deck is an excellent all-around starting point for most adults.
What to Look for in Beginner Trucks
For beginners, reliable mid-range trucks from established brands are the smart choice. Venture and Thunder offer excellent entry-level options. Make sure the truck width matches your deck width (see sizing chart in our trucks guide). Avoid the cheapest possible trucks — they affect balance and turning significantly.
Wheels: Size and Hardness Matter
Wheels are measured in millimeters (size) and durometer (hardness):
- 50–53mm – Small, fast-accelerating, best for street skating and tricks
- 54–56mm – Versatile all-around size, rolls over cracks more easily
- 56mm+ – Larger for transition, cruising, or rough surfaces
For hardness, 99A–101A is standard for street and park skating. Softer wheels (78A–87A) are for cruiser boards and roll more smoothly on rough pavement but aren't ideal for tricks.
Bearings: Don't Overthink It
Bearings are rated on the ABEC scale (or equivalents). For most skaters, ABEC 7 or equivalent ceramic/steel bearings from brands like Bones Reds, Spitfire, or Bronson are more than sufficient. Expensive precision bearings won't make you skate better at the beginner stage — just make sure they're from a known skate brand, not no-name budget bearings.
Budget Breakdown
| Setup Type | Approximate Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Complete (reputable brand) | $60–$90 | First-time skaters unsure if they'll stick with it |
| Mid-Range Complete | $90–$130 | Committed beginners wanting quality components |
| Custom Entry-Level Build | $130–$180 | Beginners who want to choose their own gear |
| Full Quality Custom Build | $180–$250+ | Serious beginners/intermediate skaters |
Where to Buy
Always buy from a dedicated skate shop — either a local shop or a reputable online skate retailer. Local skate shops offer invaluable advice, proper assembly, and support the skate community directly. Avoid department stores and general sporting goods retailers for anything beyond basic protective gear.
Essential Protective Gear
Don't skip safety equipment, especially as a beginner:
- Helmet – Non-negotiable. Look for CPSC or ASTM certified skate helmets.
- Wrist guards – Wrist injuries are the most common in skating. These are extremely effective.
- Knee and elbow pads – Essential for ramp and transition skating.