How Much Does A Skateboard Weigh? (Explained)
How much does a skateboard weigh? The typical skateboard weighs around 5 to 7.5 lbs (2 to 3.4 kg) with all components attached. That includes the deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, and hardware. However, some skateboards can weigh more or less than others depending on the components that you purchase.
For example, a deck made from bamboo will be lighter than one made from maple. And some trucks are made of aluminum instead of steel which can affect the weight as well. Let’s take a deeper dive into the weight of each part that makes up a complete skateboard and how weight affects the ride.
Understanding Skateboard Weight
Skateboard weight plays a significant role in how your board performs and feels while you’re riding. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater, understanding the concept of skateboard weight is essential for choosing the right setup that suits your style and preferences. Let’s dive deeper into the importance of skateboard weight and how it can affect your skating experience.
Why Does Skateboard Weight Matter?
Skateboard weight directly impacts various aspects of your riding, including maneuverability, stability, and overall control. The weight of your board affects how it responds to your movements and the surface you’re riding on. Here are a few reasons why skateboard weight matters:
- Maneuverability: A lighter skateboard is generally more maneuverable, allowing for quick turns, spins, and tricks. With less weight to move, you can easily manipulate the board with your feet and execute technical maneuvers with precision. Lighter setups are favored by skaters who focus on street-style tricks and technical skateboarding.
- Stability: On the other hand, a slightly heavier skateboard offers more stability, especially at higher speeds or on uneven terrains. The added weight provides a solid and grounded feel, reducing vibrations and giving you a smoother ride. This stability is often preferred by skaters who enjoy cruising, downhill riding, or longboarding.
- Pop and Ollie Height: The weight of your skateboard can affect the pop and height you can achieve when performing ollies and other tricks that involve popping the board off the ground. Lighter boards are easier to snap and generate more pop, allowing for higher ollies. However, heavier boards can provide a more solid platform for landing tricks, offering increased stability upon impact.
Finding the Right Skateboard Weight
Choosing the ideal weight for your skateboard is a matter of personal preference, riding style, and skill level. It’s important to strike a balance that suits your needs and enhances your skating experience. Here are some factors to consider when determining the right skateboard weight for you:
- Riding Style: Consider the type of skateboarding you enjoy the most. If you’re primarily into technical tricks and street skating, a lighter setup might be preferable to maximize maneuverability. If you’re more into cruising, carving, or downhill riding, a slightly heavier board with added stability could be a better fit.
- Skill Level: Your skill level can also influence your preference for skateboard weight. Beginners might benefit from a lighter board that is easier to control and maneuver while learning basic skateboarding skills. As you progress and gain more experience, you might experiment with slightly heavier setups to enhance stability and tackle more advanced tricks.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, your personal preference should guide your choice of skateboard weight. Some skaters enjoy the feather-light feel of a board that responds instantly to their every move. Others prefer the solidity and stability of a slightly heavier board, providing a more substantial platform to land tricks or tackle rougher surfaces. It’s all about finding the weight that feels comfortable and enhances your overall performance.
How Much Does a Skateboard Weigh?
As stated above, your average skateboard weighs somewhere between 5 to 7.5 lbs or 2 to 3.4 kilograms. Below is a table that highlights the most common weight fluctuations for each component on a skateboard.
Quick Average Weight Breakdown
| Skateboard Component | lbs | kg |
| Deck | 2 to 5 lbs | 0.9 to 2.26 kg |
| Trucks | 1.54 lbs | 700 g |
| Wheels | 0.5 lbs | 227 g |
| Bearings | 0.22 lbs | 100 g |
| Grip tape | 0.29 lbs | 132 g |
| Total | 4.55 to 7.55 lbs | 2.06 to 3.42 kg |
Weight Of A Skateboard Deck
A skateboard or longboard deck is typically made up of 7 to 9 plies of wood laminated together. Generally, decks are made from either maple or bamboo. Both are light and flexible types of wood that complement skateboarding.
On average, the size of a skateboard ranges from 7.25″ to 8.5″ in width, and between 29″ to 33″ in length. Decks of these sizes will typically weigh 2 to 5 lbs (1 to 2.26 kg).
Weight Of Skateboard Trucks
Skateboard trucks are the metal part of the skateboard that attaches below the deck and houses the wheels. Trucks tend to be made out of aluminum, steel, and titanium, each with varying weights. This is one of the most important pieces on a skateboard because it handles the weight load of the skateboard.
The average weight of a single truck is approximately 0.77 lbs (350 g). They come in many different shapes and sizes, which both affect the overall weight.
Trucks are made up of many smaller parts such as axles, bushings, and kingpins. Quality trucks will make your skateboard last much longer.
Weight Of Skateboard Wheels
The average weight of four skateboard wheels is about 0.5 lbs (250 g). Wheels are made of plastic urethane and vary in size and durometer (hardness).
Usually, the larger the wheels, the more they will weigh. It will also affect the style of ride that you’re going for.
If you want to cruise, bomb hills or commute take a look at some larger and softer wheels. However, if you want to perform tricks, skate street, or tear up the park you’re going to want to go for some smaller and harder wheels. Smaller wheels have less resistance when performing tricks and larger wheels provide more stability.
Weight Of Skateboard Bearings
Each bearing only weighs 12 to 14 grams (0.02 to 0.03 lbs) and each skateboard has eight bearings total. That means that the average weight for your bearings is approximately 100 grams or 0.22 lbs.
Bearings are responsible for allowing the wheels to roll on the axle. Each bearing consists of six to eight ball bearings that are enclosed by steel races and two plastic shields. Bearings are always the same size, however, they do come in different ABEC ratings.
Here is an article explaining how ABEC ratings work and how they affect your skateboard.
How Much Does Grip Tape Weigh?
Grip tape is applied to the top of the deck to allow your shoes to grip the skateboard. Seriously, the name says it all. One side is adhesive like tape and sticks to the deck while the other side helps the feet get a firm grip of the board. The grip side feels similar to medium-grade sandpaper.
Grip tape is usually 9″ in width, 33″ in length, and weighs 0.29 lbs (132 g). However, quite a bit of it will be excess that you cut off with an x-acto knife so it won’t weigh that fully.
Grip tape comes in many different colors and graphics. You can even customize the grip by trying different cuts.
Balancing Weight and Durability
When it comes to choosing a skateboard, finding the right balance between weight and durability is crucial. Skateboards need to withstand the rigors of tricks, jumps, and various riding conditions while still providing a lightweight feel for optimal performance. Here’s a closer look at how weight and durability intersect and some tips for striking the right balance:
- Deck Material: The choice of deck material plays a significant role in determining both weight and durability. Traditional skateboards are commonly made from layers of maple wood, known for its strength and durability. While maple decks tend to be heavier than alternative materials, they offer excellent resilience and can withstand the impact of tricks and jumps. On the other hand, lighter materials such as bamboo or composite decks provide a lighter feel but may sacrifice some durability. Finding a deck material that strikes the right balance for your needs is essential.
- Construction Techniques: The way a skateboard is constructed can influence its weight and durability. Skateboards with multiple layers of high-quality wood veneers tend to be more durable and can handle the stresses of skateboarding better. Additionally, advanced construction techniques like carbon fiber reinforcement or fiberglass can enhance both strength and weight reduction. It’s worth considering these construction aspects when looking for a skateboard that balances weight and durability.
- Component Selection: Choosing the right components, such as trucks, wheels, bearings, and hardware, is another factor in balancing weight and durability. High-quality trucks made from lightweight materials like aluminum can reduce the overall weight of your skateboard without compromising strength. Similarly, selecting wheels and bearings that offer a good balance of weight and durability is crucial. Opting for quality hardware ensures that your skateboard remains intact during intense riding sessions.
- Maintenance and Care: Taking proper care of your skateboard plays a significant role in maintaining its durability while keeping weight in check. Regularly inspecting and tightening the hardware, replacing worn-out components, and keeping the deck clean and dry can prolong its lifespan. Avoiding excessive exposure to moisture, extreme temperatures, and harsh impacts can also help preserve the durability of your skateboard.
Finding the right balance between weight and durability largely depends on your personal preferences and intended use of the skateboard. If you prioritize technical tricks and street skating, a slightly heavier setup with a more durable deck might be suitable. For those focused on cruising or transportation, a lighter board with components designed for durability and smooth rides could be a better fit.
Ultimately, it’s essential to consider your specific needs, riding style, and skill level when striking the right balance between weight and durability. By choosing quality materials, maintaining your skateboard, and finding the optimal combination of components, you can enjoy a skateboard that delivers a lightweight feel without compromising on durability or performance.
Does Your Weight Matter On A Skateboard?
There is no set skateboarding weight limit, but the board’s quality and construction will influence how much weight it can support. A durable skateboard can bear up to 250 pounds or 115 kgs of weight.
The final test is the landing. The bulk of the rider’s weight should be placed on the trucks of the skateboard during a proper landing. If a trick isn’t landed properly, the deck has a higher chance of breaking or getting stress fractures.
However, there are several benefits of being a heavier skateboarder. A heavier skater may have greater momentum going downhill. Lightweight skaters will accelerate faster, but they won’t have as much momentum as a heavier skateboarder when going down ramps.
If you’re interested in learning more about skateboard weight capacities, check out this article.
Does The Weight Of A Skateboard Matter?
No. It doesn’t matter what the weight of a skateboard is, but it matters how you use it and why you’re using it.
Heavier skateboards and longboards get more momentum when going down hills but so do heavier skaters. With that in mind, it is easier to learn flip tricks on skateboards that don’t weigh a whole lot. That’s because with less weight there is less resistance.
Conclusion
The total weight of the average skateboard is between 4.55 and 7.55 lbs, or 2.06 and 3.42 kg. However, the weight of the skateboard doesn’t really matter all that much. It matters how you use it and why you’re using it.
You should buy a skateboard that is durable enough for the type of riding that you are doing, but also one that meets your personal preference. It doesn’t matter if your board weighs four pounds or ten pounds because once you get used to skating on it, the weight won’t be an issue at all.
