Skateboard Size Chart (Pros & Cons of Building a Skateboard)

There are numerous factors to consider when choosing a skateboard, including the deck size, truck size, and wheel size. While there are plenty of pre-built skateboards available on the market, some skaters opt to build their own skateboard to have complete control over its components and customization options. Building your own skateboard can be an exciting and fulfilling experience, but it also has its pros and cons.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of building your own skateboard. We’ll also provide you with a skateboard size chart, which will help you choose the right size skateboard for your needs. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or just starting, this guide will help you make an informed decision and build a skateboard that perfectly suits your needs and preferences.

Skateboard Size Chart:

Choosing the right size skateboard is crucial for your performance and safety while skating. A skateboard that is too small or too large for your body size can affect your stability, control, and comfort, making it difficult to perform tricks or maintain balance. A skateboard size chart can be used to help beginners figure out what size deck, trucks, and wheels they need.

To help you choose the right size skateboard, here’s a breakdown of the key components:

Deck Size:

The deck size is the most important factor in choosing the right size skateboard. The deck size is determined by the width of the board, and it typically ranges from 7.5 inches to 8.5 inches. For adults, the recommended deck size is between 7.75 inches to 8.5 inches. However, the right size also depends on your personal preference, skill level, and the type of skating you plan to do. A wider deck offers more stability and is ideal for cruising and carving, while a narrower deck offers more control and is better for technical tricks.

Truck Size:

The truck size is determined by the width of the hanger, which is the metal part that holds the wheels. The truck size should match the deck size to ensure proper fit and performance. The recommended truck size for a deck that is 7.5 to 8 inches is 129mm to 139mm, while a deck that is 8.25 inches to 8.5 inches requires a truck size of 139mm to 149mm.

Wheel Size:

The wheel size is determined by the diameter of the wheel, which ranges from 50mm to 60mm. The right wheel size depends on your personal preference, skating style, and the surface you plan to skate on. Smaller wheels are ideal for technical tricks and street skating, while larger wheels are better for cruising and skate parks. Additionally, the hardness of the wheel, or durometer, also affects the performance and comfort. Softer wheels provide more grip and shock absorption, while harder wheels offer more speed and durability.

In addition to the key components, other factors to consider when choosing the right size skateboard include your height, weight, and shoe size. It’s important to choose a skateboard that is comfortable and suits your individual needs and preferences.

Ultimately, choosing the right size skateboard can make a big difference in your performance and enjoyment of the sport. By following the skateboard size chart and considering your personal needs, you can find the perfect size skateboard for your body and skating style.

Pros of Building Your Own Skateboard

1. Customization: When you build your own skateboard, you have complete control over the components and can create a unique skateboard that suits your individual needs and preferences. You can choose from a variety of deck shapes, graphics, and colors, as well as different types of trucks, bearings, and wheels to match your style and performance requirements. By customizing your skateboard, you can create a board that truly reflects your personality and skating style.
2. Quality Control: One of the biggest advantages of building your own skateboard is that you can ensure the quality of the components. You can choose high-quality parts from reputable brands and inspect each component before assembly to ensure that they are up to your standards. With a pre-built skateboard, you’re relying on the manufacturer to choose the parts, which may not meet your expectations. By building your own skateboard, you can ensure that each component is of the highest quality and perform optimally.
3. Cost-effectiveness: While building your own skateboard may require an initial investment, it can be more cost-effective in the long run. When buying a pre-built skateboard, you’re paying for the convenience of having everything put together for you. However, by purchasing each component individually and assembling it yourself, you can often save money on the overall cost. Additionally, you can choose parts that fit your budget, rather than being limited to pre-built options.
4. Learning Experience: Building your own skateboard is a learning experience that can teach you valuable skills. You’ll gain a better understanding of how each component works, how they fit together, and how they affect the performance of your skateboard. This knowledge can help you troubleshoot issues and make adjustments to your skateboard as needed. Additionally, building your own skateboard can be a fun and rewarding hobby that can lead to further exploration of the sport.
5. Personal Satisfaction: Building your own skateboard can provide a sense of personal satisfaction and accomplishment. You’ll be able to take pride in your creation and show it off to others. Knowing that you built your own skateboard can also give you a sense of pride and confidence when riding it, which can enhance your overall skateboarding experience.

Cons of Building Your Own Skateboard

1. Complexity: Building a skateboard requires a certain level of skill and knowledge of the components. If you’re new to skateboarding, building your own skateboard may be overwhelming and confusing. There are many parts and variables to consider, and if you’re not familiar with them, it can be challenging to know which components to choose and how to assemble them. Additionally, if you make a mistake during assembly, it can affect the performance and safety of your skateboard.
2. Time-consuming: Building your own skateboard is a time-consuming process that requires patience and attention to detail. You’ll need to research and purchase each component individually, and then spend time assembling them. Depending on your level of experience, it may take several hours to complete the assembly process. If you’re short on time or don’t enjoy DIY projects, building your own skateboard may not be the best option.
3. Costly Mistakes: If you’re not familiar with the components or the assembly process, you may make mistakes that can be costly. For example, choosing the wrong size trucks or wheels can affect the stability and control of your skateboard, while using the wrong hardware can cause the components to loosen and affect the performance. Additionally, if you make a mistake during assembly, such as over-tightening the bolts or using the wrong tools, it can damage the components or affect the overall safety of your skateboard.
4. Limited Warranty: When building your own skateboard, you’ll need to purchase each component individually, which may not come with a warranty. This means that if any of the components fail or break, you’ll need to purchase a replacement out of pocket. In contrast, pre-built skateboards often come with a warranty that covers any defects or damages, providing peace of mind and protection.
5. Lack of Professional Advice: When building your own skateboard, you’re not getting the benefit of professional advice or expertise. Skateboard manufacturers often have teams of experts who design and test their products to ensure the highest level of performance and safety. By building your own skateboard, you’re relying on your own knowledge and research, which may not be as reliable or comprehensive as the advice of a professional skateboard company.

Comparison of Building vs Buying a Skateboard:

When it comes to getting a skateboard, you have two main options: building your own or buying a pre-built skateboard. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider them carefully before making a decision.

Building Your Own Skateboard

Building your own skateboard allows you to customize each component to your individual needs and preferences. You can choose the deck shape, size, and graphic, as well as the trucks, bearings, and wheels that match your style and performance requirements. Additionally, building your own skateboard can be a fun and rewarding hobby that allows you to learn valuable skills and gain a deeper understanding of the sport.

However, building your own skateboard can be time-consuming and requires a certain level of skill and knowledge of the components. If you’re new to skateboarding, building your own skateboard may be overwhelming and challenging. Additionally, mistakes during assembly can be costly and affect the performance and safety of your skateboard.

Buying a Pre-Built Skateboard

Buying a pre-built skateboard is a convenient and easy option for those who are new to skateboarding or don’t have the time or skills to build their own. Pre-built skateboards are designed and assembled by professionals, ensuring that the components are high-quality and work well together. Additionally, pre-built skateboards often come with a warranty that covers any defects or damages, providing peace of mind and protection.

However, pre-built skateboards may not offer the customization and personalization options that building your own skateboard does. You may also be limited to the components that are included in the pre-built skateboard, which may not match your individual needs and preferences. Additionally, pre-built skateboards can be more expensive in the long run, as you’re paying for the convenience of having everything put together for you.

Ultimately, the decision to build or buy a skateboard depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you enjoy DIY projects and want complete control over your skateboard’s components, building your own skateboard may be the best option. If you’re new to skateboarding or don’t have the time or skills to build your own, buying a pre-built skateboard may be the better choice. Regardless of which option you choose, it’s important to ensure that each component is high-quality and meets your performance and safety requirements.

Tips for Building Your Own Skateboard:

Building your own skateboard can be a rewarding and satisfying experience. It allows you to customize your board to suit your style and needs, and it can also save you money compared to buying a pre-built skateboard. However, it’s important to keep in mind that building your own skateboard requires some knowledge and skill, and there are certain tips that can help you create a board that performs well and is safe to ride.

1. Choose Quality Components:
   When building your own skateboard, it’s essential to choose high-quality components that can withstand the wear and tear of skating. This includes the deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, and hardware. Look for reputable brands and read reviews to ensure that you’re getting durable and reliable components.
2. Match Components to Your Riding Style: Each component of a skateboard can affect the overall performance and feel of the board. Therefore, it’s important to choose components that match your riding style and preferences. For example, if you’re a beginner, you may want to choose softer wheels for more stability, while advanced riders may prefer harder wheels for faster speeds and technical tricks.
3. Use the Right Tools: Building a skateboard requires specific tools, such as a skate tool, allen wrenches, and a screwdriver. Make sure you have all the necessary tools before you begin, and use them properly to avoid damaging the components or injuring yourself.
4. Follow Instructions: When assembling your skateboard, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully. Each component has a specific order and technique for assembly, and missing a step or doing it incorrectly can affect the performance and safety of the board.
5. Check for Proper Fit and Alignment: Before riding your skateboard, it’s crucial to check that all the components are properly aligned and tightened. This includes the trucks, wheels, and bearings. Improper alignment or loose components can affect the stability and control of the board, which can be dangerous.
6. Test Ride and Adjust: After building your skateboard, it’s important to test ride it in a safe and controlled environment. This allows you to adjust the components, such as the trucks or wheel tightness, to your liking and ensure that the board is performing well.

By following these tips, you can build a skateboard that suits your riding style and needs while ensuring safety and performance. Building your own skateboard can be a fun and rewarding experience, and with the right components, tools, and knowledge, you can create a board that you’ll love to ride.

Conclusion

Building your own skateboard can be a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to customize your board to your unique preferences and needs. However, it’s important to keep in mind the pros and cons of building your own skateboard and consider whether it’s the right choice for you.

One of the biggest advantages of building your own skateboard is the ability to customize it to your liking. You can choose the deck size, shape, and design that suits your style, and select components that match your riding preferences. This can result in a board that performs well and feels comfortable to ride and the skateboard size chart should help you find out how to size all of the components.

Additionally, building your own skateboard can save you money compared to buying a pre-built skateboard. While high-quality components can be expensive, buying them individually and assembling them yourself can be more cost-effective than buying a pre-built board.

However, building your own skateboard requires some knowledge and skill, and there are certain cons to consider. For example, if you’re new to skateboarding or building, you may make mistakes that can affect the performance and safety of your board. It’s important to do your research, follow instructions carefully, and use the right tools to ensure that your board is safe to ride.

Ultimately, whether you decide to build your own skateboard or buy a pre-built board depends on your personal preferences and needs. By considering the pros and cons, and following the tips and guidelines provided, you can build a skateboard that you’ll love to ride and be proud of.