If you’re wondering about what a standard size skateboard is, and got confused while sizing the deck, wheels, or trucks, we’re here to help.
In this article, we’ll cover all you need to know about the sizes of the different components in a skateboard and how you can choose the right one.
Standard Skateboard Size
Choosing the size of a skateboard, especially a width, is undoubtedly the most in-demand question of all. For picking the right size, we suggest starting out with a deck width that proportionates your shoe size.
When your shoes are men’s 6.5 to 9, you should go for a board that is wide by 7.5-8 inches. And if you wear larger than 9, get a deck having a width between 8 to 8.5 inches.
Skaters who are in the flip tricks, ledges, technical tricks, or flat bars, mostly prefer narrower boards having a width something from 7.75 to 8.25-inch.
On the other hand, the big bowl skaters, or those who are in the habit of jumping downstairs or large gaps, find themselves comfortable with much wider boards (8.3 to 9-inch).
In general, the larger is your board, the better your transportations will be, as they offer more stability and comfort within the standing platform.
Take a look at the chart down below, which will help you get a more clarified idea about the standard size skateboard width.
However, we still recommend trying out different size variations and figure out what standard-size skateboard deck size suits you best. Despite all the precepts regarding standard sizes, it’s your preference that matters the most.
How Long Is a Standard Size Skateboard?
The standard skateboard deck length mostly ranges from 28 to 33 inches. The smaller the size gets, the better it becomes for you to perform the tricks. And we recommend picking a 32-inch long deck, which is a practical size to get the best of both worlds. But still, it’s all up to your preference.
You’ll also find several boards that are over 36-inches in length, which are called longboards, whereas the plastic penny boards usually measure 22-inches.
Standard Size Skateboard Wheel Size
For picking the standard size skateboard wheel size, first, you need to know their types well. There are primarily three types of wheels. Find them with their associating sizes down below.
Street/Park Wheels: 50-60mm in Diameter
These are the hardest wheels that work best in streets and park skating for their lightweight, fast-rolling surfaces. They slide more easily too, which makes them perfect for doing the ollies, flips, or power slides.
Soft/Cruiser Wheels: 54-60mm in Diameter
Cruiser wheels are usually bigger and softer than street/park wheels. They fit any deck, and they are built for rolling fast regardless of the surface type. Throwing on cruiser wheels on your skateboard gives you smoother rides to make your skateboarding the fastest and the most fun way to roam throughout the town.
Longboard Wheels: 60-75mm in Diameter
These are the softest and the largest available wheels out there. They are made for powering through the roughest of surfaces, keeping the grip through the corners. Longboard wheels provide a variety of skateboarding options, including cruising, carving, sliding, and downhill racing.
Which One Should You Pick?
Smaller wheels weigh less, giving you more responsive, quicker pops. It benefits a lot while technical or street skating. Bigger wheels, in contrast, are heavier. Yet, they roll faster, keeping the consistency, especially on rigid surfaces. This trait makes them a splendid choice for transportations and even bowl skating.
Here’s an important thing we’d like to suggest. Remember to add riser pads when you’ve chosen wheels bigger than 56mm. It will add clearance to prevent potential wheel bites.
A Few More Things to Keep in Mind
The size of the Wheel contact patch, which is also referred to as the riding surface, is an essential aspect of the wheel that should be in your considerations. It’s the part of your wheels that contacts the ground. It mostly impacts the amount of grip you’re going to get. While the narrower patches are beneficial for trick rides and technical skating, you’ll be better off with wider ones for better transportations or bowl skating since they keep up the grip firmer at higher speeds.
Another aspect that impacts the grip amount is the wheel profile or the edge of the wheel. It affects the overall weight while determining how well the wheels will lock into the grinds. Generally, round-edged wheels help you slide more conveniently. On the contrary, a sharp-edged one will help you achieve better grip, tucking much firmer into the grind without causing slippage.
Standard Size Skateboard Truck Size
To determine the standard size skateboard truck size, you need to find out whether the axle width of the truck perfectly aligns with the deck width.
It’ll be best if you can find the exact matches, but a little off won’t hurt your riding. We suggest keeping the gap no more than 0.25-inch.
Standard Bushing Size
The urethane cushions underneath the truck are called bushings. They rest on each of the hanger sides to slide onto the truck’s kingpin.
Bushings provide the truck with the stability it needs, allowing you to customize the turns of the trucks. With all the bushings being same-sized and made to fit any truck, you don’t have any particular size to choose.
But here’s one thing, harder bushings will restrict the turns for much better stability, and the softer ones will be more responsive with less stability.
Standard Size Skateboard Bearing Size
Choosing the bearing size for your skateboard wheels can never go wrong, and you can be assured of it.
An 8mm core, 7mm width, and 22mm outer diameter are universalized as the standard size skateboard bearing size and these measurements are meant to fit any wheel you choose.
What you should consider instead is the ABEC ratings of bearings, which determines the physical limits and tolerances of ball bearings and how fast they would spin. Also, you may consider choosing the bearing material among steel, ceramic, and titanium, which come with different durability levels, strength, and lifespan.
Read: How To Slow Down On A Longboard Downhill?
On a Final Note…
That’s all from us about the standard sizes of skateboard components. Hopefully, this write-up will help you figure out the right shapes and sizes you’ll need in your skateboard for the best gliding experience.
But again, all the sizes mostly depends on personal preference. So pick your own riding style and keep exploring to find out what combinations sound more like you.
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