Go like clockwork - discover our little guide for skateboards!
19.4.2016
Translation: machine translated
For beginners to skateboarding, it's often difficult to find your way around all the different models and brands. We'll help you and explain the most important things you need to know about skateboarding.
What is a skateboard made of?
A skateboard is made up of four main elements: the board, the axles, the wheels and the bearings. In our short guide, we'll introduce you to a few more important elements in addition to the basics.
The four main elements:
- The board: in general, the board consists of seven to nine plies of wood that are coated with glue and pressed together. Maple wood is generally used which makes the board stable and light. Cruisers and some longboards also have a plastic board, which makes it a little more sensitive, but also more affordable. Boards come in different sizes and designs.
- The axles: skateboard axles, more commonly known as trucks are metal T-shaped pieces that connect the board to the wheels. These also allow you to turn. Trucks consist of a baseplate, a hanger, rubber and a kingpin.
- The wheels: skateboard wheels come in different sizes, hardnesses and colours. The size (diameter) and hardness (durometer) vary according to the area of use of your skateboard. What's more, the wheels, often made of polyurethane, are one of the decisive factors for the maximum speed of your skateboard.
- Bearings: also called bearings, bearings are needed to mount the wheel to the axle. Bearings are also responsible for the wheels running smoothly, that they don't come to a standstill directly after pushing. There are 8 bearings (2 per wheel) per skateboard. The precision of the bearings is given in ABEC and ranges from ABEC 1 (minimum) to ABEC 11 (maximum). There are sometimes major differences in quality between bearings, which can be seen in the precision - recognisable by the number of ABECs. The higher the quality of the bearings, or the more precise they are, the faster they go.
Other skateboard components:
- Baseplate: the baseplate, or baseplate is the truck's pedestal. It is with this and with the help of screws that the axle and the board are connected.
- Rubbers: the rubbers or bushings are made of polyurethane. They are placed between the hanger and the baseboard, and are available in different hardnesses.
- Grip: the grip is a rough, non-slip coating that is glued to the board.
- Kingpin: with this special screw, the axle parts are held together and the steering hardness can be adjusted.
- Nose: the raised front of the board is mainly used for many tricks.
- Tail: the raised back of the board is also used for tricks.
What styles and types of skateboards exist?
You've certainly noticed: not all skateboards are the same! And the big differences aren't just from a quality point of view. The primary area of application and your riding style are also important. Below, we take a look at the three main types of skateboard.
1. Figure skateboarding
With figure skateboarding - also known as newschool skateboarding - you can ride in the skatepark as well as on the road. At both the nose and tail is a kicktail so you can ride normal and switch. Element, Plan B and Girl are just a selection of the figure skateboard manufacturers.
2. Cruisers
Cruisers are wider boards with just a kicktail and are ideal for the city. They are particularly manoeuvrable and versatile. Roxy and Penny are two of the best-known manufacturers for this category of skateboards.
3. Longboards
Longboards are ideal for long distance and downhill riding. They often have a symmetrical shape with a low point of gravity. As these boards have a special modification in the board, the so-called cut-outs, you can also mount larger wheels. The Madrid and Globe companies are among the most popular brands.
See all longbpards
See all skateboards
Thomas Kröni
Category Leader
thomas.kroeni@digitecgalaxus.chWhether on the sea, on the road or in the glittering powder. I prefer to move sideways on the board. It may sound trite, but for me it is still the best feeling in the world. It's the perfect balance to my job as a product manager in winter, water and fun sports. Shred it!