How To Choose A Pre-Built Complete Skateboard

If you’re new to skateboarding it can be intimidating trying to purchase a complete skateboard. Questions like, “How wide of a skateboard should I have?” and “What parts should I choose?” are common. The beauty of a pre-built complete skateboard is that you don't need to worry about what trucks will fit, what wheels or bearings to choose, or how to apply grip tape! All of this has been taken care of for you, all you need to do is open the box and GO SKATE. There are a few things you will need to consider when choosing a pre-built complete like width, length, and type of skateboard (i.e. standard or cruiser). Below you’ll find some tips on how to find the right pre-built complete skateboard for you, whether you’re looking to learn tricks or just cruise around.

Most pre-built complete skateboards have a similar “Popsicle” shape where the nose and tail of the board is rounded, with the nose slightly wider and longer than the tail. The Popsicle shape is a standard in the skate industry and is the most common type of skateboard you’ll see.

The majority of pre-built skateboards also come with wheels, trucks, bearings, hardware, and griptape put together by the manufacturer. The wheels are usually harder with durometer rating between 92a-101a (the higher the durometer number, the harder the wheel) which is perfect for street or park skating. Pre-built complete skateboards are great for beginner and intermediate skaters looking to get the basics down.

While each component plays a role in how your board is going to feel, the deck is the heart of (and the connection to) the rest of your setup. Deck width is one of the most important things to consider because it dictates whether the board is going to be easier or more difficult to ride.

If you are age 13 or older, a skateboard deck width between 8.0” and 8.5” is recommended, with an 8.0” suggested for a 13 year old just starting and 8.25” or 8.5” for an adult.

For ages 6-12, a width between 7.0” and 7.9” is recommended. This is a smaller skateboard that is easier to maneuver for younger kids who are just starting.

For ages 5 and under, a skateboard width of 6.9” and smaller is recommended. Skate Warehouse also sells soft top complete skateboards for this age group. Soft top completes replace the gritty griptape upper of the deck with a soft foam top that’s easier on the feet.

Keep in mind that the length of a deck is proportional to how wide of a skateboard you choose. If you’re riding a board that’s 8.5” wide, the length will be about 32”, give or take a half an inch. If you’re riding a board that’s 6.5” wide, the length will be smaller, averaging about 28”-29”. As mentioned above, the rest of the parts on the skateboard come pre-built and already compatible with the rest of the board, so you’ll be ready to go once you know how wide you want your skateboard to be.

You don’t need to worry about learning tricks to still enjoy skating. There are plenty of complete skateboards that focus on actual riding and less on technicality. If you’re looking to skate through rougher surfaces or use a skateboard to get to point A to point B, then a cruiser complete is for you. These skateboards vary in size and shape, as opposed to a normal complete skateboard. Cruiser completes are typically 8”-10” wide with softer wheels (78a-90a durometer).

If you’re looking to mimic surfing and ‘70s style skating, brands like Carver and Arbor offer surf-inspired shapes that satisfy that itch. If you’re looking for an ‘80s style old school shape, brands like Powell and Santa Cruz offer boards with a square tail and smaller nose.

Keep in mind that not everyone is the same and your preferences may not fit this guide perfectly. You may find that you prefer a wider or narrower skateboard for your age than suggested, but this guide hopefully helped in getting you started with the right pre-built complete skateboard so you can get out there and GO SKATE!

If you have further questions about purchasing a complete please use our chat feature or call us at 1.800.GO.SKATE.