On the move on fast wheels - discover our little skateboard guide!
23.3.2017
Translation: machine translated
For newcomers to the world of fun sports, it can often be difficult to find your way around the diverse world of skateboard brands and models. We will help you and explain the most important things about boards on 4 wheels on this page.
How is a skateboard constructed?
A skateboard consists of four main elements, namely the deck, trucks, wheels and bearings. In addition to these basic components, we will introduce you to a few other important skateboard elements in our short glossary.
The four main elements:
- Deck: The skateboard deck, the actual board of the skateboard, usually consists of seven to nine layers of wood pressed together with resin glue. Maple is usually used, which makes the deck stable and very light at the same time. Cruisers and some longboards also have a plastic deck, which is a little more fragile but also cheaper. Decks are available in a wide variety of designs and sizes.
- Trucks: The skateboard trucks are the T-shaped metal parts on the underside of your board that are connected to the deck and the wheels. The trucks are responsible for steering the skateboard. They consist of the baseplate, hanger, bushings and kingpin.
- Wheels: Skateboard wheels are available in different sizes, hardnesses and colours. The size (diameter) and hardness (durometer) determine the area of use of your skateboard. The wheels, which are usually made of polyurethane, are also decisive for the maximum speed of your board.
- Ball bearings: The ball bearings, also known as bearings, are required for mounting the wheels on the axles. The ball bearings are also responsible for ensuring that your wheels run and do not stop immediately after pushing. You need 2 bearings per wheel, so 8 for the entire board. The precision of the bearings is specified in ABEC and ranges from ABEC 1 (minimum) to ABEC 11 (maximum). There are sometimes big differences in the quality of the bearings, which are mainly due to the precision of the bearings - recognisable by the ABEC number. The higher the quality and accuracy of the bearings, the better and faster they run.
Other skateboard components:
- Baseplate: The baseplate is the base plate of the truck. It is used to connect the axle and deck with mounting screws.
- Bushings: Bushings are steering rubbers made of polyurethane. They are located between the hanger and base plate and are available in different degrees of hardness.
- Griptape: Griptape is a rough, non-slip covering that is stuck to the deck.
- Kingpin: This special screw is used to hold the parts of the axle together and adjust the hardness of the steering.
- Nose: The upturned tip of the deck is mainly used for many tricks
- Tail: The high-curved end of the deck is also a prerequisite for many skateboard tricks.
What skateboard styles and types are there?
You should realise by now at the latest - not all skateboards are the same! And it's not just the quality of the boards that differs greatly. The primary area of use of your board and your riding style are also important. We present the three most important types below
1. street skateboards
With a street skateboard - also known as a new school skateboard - you can ride both in the skate park and on the street. There is a kicktail on the nose and tail so that you can ride normally as well as "switch". Element, Plan B and Girl are just a selection of manufacturers of these street skateboards.
2. cruisers
Cruisers are wider decks with a single kicktail and are best used in the city. They are particularly manoeuvrable and versatile. Roxy and Penny are two of the best-known manufacturers in this skateboard category.
3. longboards
Longboards are particularly recommended for long distances downhill and straight ahead. They usually have a symmetrical shape with a low centre of gravity. As these boards have a special cut-out in the board, you can also fit larger wheels. Madrid and Globe are among the most popular brands.
Practical accessories
Beginners should certainly wear a helmet and a pair of suitable protectors for their first attempts at rolling. During the first few metres, it is also helpful to lean on an assistant. This can prevent the odd bruise. [[productlist:6180328,5784702,6184929]]
To all longboards
To all skateboards
If two wheels are more your thing, you might be interested in the following report:
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!
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