Imagine this: you finally get your hands on a brand new skateboard, ready to conquer the streets or the skatepark. But then, you stare at all the different parts – the deck, the trucks, the wheels – and suddenly, it feels a bit overwhelming, right? Choosing the right skateboard gear can be tricky. There are so many choices, and it’s tough to know what will work best for you, especially when you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade.
You want gear that feels good, performs well, and helps you learn those awesome tricks. But the wrong equipment can make learning harder and even lead to frustration. That’s where we come in! This post is designed to make choosing your skateboard gear simple and fun. We’ll break down each essential piece, explaining what it does and why it matters.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of what makes a great skateboard setup. You’ll know how to pick out the perfect deck for your style, the right trucks for smooth turns, and wheels that can handle any surface. Get ready to ditch the confusion and gear up for some serious shredding!
Our Top 5 Skateboard Gear Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Skateboard Gear Detailed Reviews
1. JBM Adult & Kid Skating Protective Gear Set for Beginner to Advanced
Rating: 9.3/10
Gear up for adventure with the JBM Adult & Kid Skating Protective Gear Set! This all-in-one package provides essential protection for anyone hitting the pavement on skates, a scooter, or a skateboard. Whether you’re just starting out or already a seasoned pro, this set offers peace of mind for all your outdoor sporting fun. It’s designed for ages 14 and up, making it a great option for teens and adults alike.
What We Like:
- The helmet offers a great fit with its adjustable dial and strap.
- Multiple vents in the helmet keep your head cool while you ride.
- The knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards use tough plastic plates over soft EVA padding for solid protection.
- This set is super versatile for many sports like roller skating, skateboarding, and scootering.
- It’s a complete package, so you get everything you need in one box.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “beginner to advanced” claim might be a stretch for highly technical or extreme sports.
- While durable, the padding might feel a bit basic for very high-impact falls.
This JBM protective gear set is a solid choice for anyone looking for reliable protection during their favorite outdoor activities. It offers good value and essential safety features for a wide range of sports.
2. Adult Knee Pads Elbow Pads Wrist Guards for Adult Kids 6 in 1 Protective Gear Set for Skateboarding Biking Roller Skating Cycling Outdoor Sports Black L
Rating: 8.9/10
Gear up for your next adventure with the Banzk Adult Knee Pads Elbow Pads Wrist Guards 6-in-1 Protective Gear Set! This all-in-one set provides essential safety for skateboarding, biking, roller skating, cycling, and other outdoor sports. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this gear offers reliable protection for both adults and kids.
What We Like:
- Sturdy and Impact Resistant: Made with tough 600D Oxford cloth and reinforced PP shells, these pads can handle impacts. The EVA foam layers add cushioning and breathability, keeping you comfortable.
- Safety First: The durable materials ensure superior protection for your knees, elbows, and wrists. You get a great mix of flexibility and safety, letting you enjoy sports worry-free.
- Professional and Comfortable Design: Adjustable straps and magic stickers fit various sizes, including children, teens, and adults. The breathable fabric helps keep you dry and cool, even during long sessions.
- Wide Range of Activities: Perfect for skating, roller riding, skateboards, cycling, scooters, ATVs, BMX, and other extreme sports.
- Size Options: Available in S, M, L, and XL to fit everyone. Just check the size chart in the pictures before buying.
- Great Gift Idea: This set makes a fantastic present for girls, boys, teens, or adults who love outdoor activities.
- Lifetime Warranty: The set includes elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist guards, all backed by a lifetime warranty. If you have any issues, customer service will provide a solution within 24 hours.
What Could Be Improved:
- Size Chart Reliance: It’s important to carefully check the size chart before purchasing to ensure the best fit.
This Banzk protective gear set offers robust protection and comfort for various outdoor activities. It’s a smart investment for anyone looking to stay safe while having fun.
3. GoHimal Skateboard Backpack
Rating: 9.1/10
The GoHimal Skateboard Backpack is a do-it-all bag for anyone on the go. It’s designed for skaters, travelers, and students alike, offering smart storage and comfortable carrying for all your gear.
What We Like:
- This backpack has a special spot for your laptop, fitting screens up to 17 inches.
- Lots of pockets help you keep your stuff neat and easy to find.
- You can fit clothes, books, and other travel items inside.
- It’s super comfy with padded back support and adjustable straps that don’t hurt your shoulders.
- A luggage strap makes it easy to attach to your suitcase when traveling.
- The zippers are strong and won’t rust, adding a stylish touch.
- This bag works for all sorts of activities like hiking, camping, and even just going to school.
- It’s made from tough stuff that lasts a long time.
- There’s a hidden pocket to keep your important things safe from thieves.
- It makes a fantastic gift for friends and family.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has a laptop compartment, it might not be padded enough for some users who need extra protection.
- The “multi-sport” design is great, but it might lack some very specific features for extreme sports enthusiasts.
This GoHimal backpack is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and versatile bag. It offers great organization and comfort for your daily adventures.
4. JBM Adult & Kids Knee Pads Elbow Pads and Wrist Guards for Inline Skating
Rating: 8.9/10
Protect yourself while you roll! The JBM Adult & Kids Knee Pads, Elbow Pads, and Wrist Guards set offers reliable safety for skaters and riders of all ages. This classic combo is a must-have for anyone hitting the pavement on inline skates, roller skates, skateboards, or scooters. Designed for ages 12 and up, it provides essential protection for your most vulnerable joints.
What We Like:
- This set includes everything you need: wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads.
- The pads are made with soft EVA padding and strong plastic plates, offering a great balance of comfort and protection.
- Multiple adjustable straps ensure a snug and secure fit for different knee sizes.
- It’s perfect for a variety of activities like inline skating, skateboarding, scootering, and other outdoor sports.
- The durable materials mean these pads will last through many adventures.
What Could Be Improved:
- While suitable for ages 12+, younger children might find the sizing a bit large.
- The classic design, while functional, might not appeal to those looking for more modern aesthetics.
This JBM protective gear set is a solid choice for anyone looking for dependable safety equipment. It’s a great way to ensure fun and safe adventures.
5. Triple Eight Saver Series 3-Pack Pad Set– Ideal for Skateboarding
Rating: 9.0/10
The Triple Eight Saver Series 3-Pack Pad Set offers essential protection for anyone hitting the pavement on wheels. Whether you’re skateboarding, rollerblading, or biking, this all-in-one set keeps you covered. It includes knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards, designed for both kids and adults. You get everything you need to ride with confidence.
What We Like:
- This set provides complete protection with knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards.
- The knee and elbow pads use tough fabrics with thick EVA foam and hard polycarbonate caps for serious impact protection.
- The wrist guards offer strong support thanks to their tough ABS plastic splints and comfortable, stretchy nylon mesh.
- All the pads are simple to put on and take off with a sleeveless design.
- Wide, strong elastic straps with adjustable hook-and-loop closures make sure the pads stay put.
- Finding the right size is easy, with clear measurements for the wrist guards.
What Could Be Improved:
- While comfortable, the sleeveless design might not offer as much warmth in colder weather.
- The sizing chart is based on wrist guard measurements, which might require users to measure carefully to ensure a good fit for all three pieces.
This Triple Eight pad set is a smart investment for anyone serious about safety while enjoying their favorite wheeled activities. It delivers reliable protection and a comfortable fit, so you can focus on having fun.
Your Guide to Awesome Skateboard Gear
Ready to hit the streets or the skatepark? Picking the right skateboard gear makes all the difference. This guide will help you find the perfect setup, whether you’re a total beginner or looking to upgrade.
1. Key Features to Look For
When choosing skateboard gear, several key features help you pick the best stuff.
Decks: The Foundation
- Size: Decks come in different widths. Wider decks offer more stability, which is great for beginners or cruising. Narrower decks are quicker for tricks.
- Shape: Most decks are “popsicle” shaped, good for all-around skating. Some have a “cruiser” shape, often with a kicktail for easy maneuvering.
- Concave: This is the curve on the deck. Deeper concave helps your feet grip the board for better control during tricks.
Trucks: The Steering Wheels
- Width: Truck width should match your deck width. This makes steering smooth and balanced.
- Height: Trucks have different heights. Lower trucks keep you closer to the ground for stability. Higher trucks give you more clearance for smoother riding over rough surfaces.
Wheels: Rolling Smoothly
- Diameter: Smaller wheels are lighter and speed up faster, good for tricks. Larger wheels roll over cracks and bumps more easily, great for cruising.
- Durometer (Hardness): This measures how hard the wheels are. Softer wheels offer more grip and a smoother ride. Harder wheels slide easier and are faster.
Bearings: The Spin Masters
- ABEC Rating: This rating (like ABEC-5 or ABEC-9) tells you how precise the bearings are. Higher ratings usually mean faster spinning.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in your gear affect how it performs and lasts.
Decks
- Maple Wood: Most decks use 7-ply maple wood. This is strong and flexible, perfect for skateboarding. Higher-quality decks might use special types of maple or construction methods for extra pop.
Trucks
- Aluminum: Trucks are usually made from strong aluminum. This makes them lightweight but tough. Some might have steel axles for extra durability.
Wheels
- Urethane: Skateboard wheels are made of urethane. Different urethane formulas create wheels with varying hardness and grip.
Bearings
- Steel: Bearings are typically made of steel. High-quality steel and precise manufacturing lead to better performance.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make skateboard gear better or worse.
Good Quality
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often use better materials and have stricter quality control.
- Construction: A well-made deck with good glue and pressing techniques will last longer and have better “pop.”
- Smooth Bearings: Clean, well-lubricated bearings spin freely and make riding much easier.
- Durable Trucks: Trucks that don’t bend or break easily are a sign of good quality.
Lower Quality
- Cheap Materials: Decks made from weaker wood or trucks made from softer metal can break easily.
- Rough Bearings: Gritty or slow bearings make skating difficult and frustrating.
- Poor Assembly: Wheels that wobble or trucks that are loose can be dangerous.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Your gear should match how you want to skate.
Beginners
- A wider deck (around 8 inches) and softer wheels (around 99a durometer) offer stability and a smoother ride. This helps you learn balance and get comfortable.
- Look for complete skateboards from reputable brands. They usually come with well-matched parts.
Street Skating and Tricks
- Narrower decks (7.75 to 8.25 inches) are lighter and easier to flip for tricks.
- Harder wheels (100a+ durometer) are better for sliding on ledges and rails.
- Good quality bearings are essential for speed and pop.
Cruising and Longboarding
- Wider decks provide stability for comfortable riding.
- Softer, larger wheels absorb bumps and vibrations, making for a smooth ride over longer distances.
- Some cruisers have a kicktail, which lets you pop the board up to get over obstacles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What size skateboard should I get if I’m a beginner?
A: For beginners, a deck width of about 8 inches is a good starting point. It offers stability.
Q: How often should I replace my skateboard wheels?
A: You usually replace wheels when they get too small, flat-spotted (worn flat on one side from sliding), or chunked (pieces chipped off).
Q: What does “durometer” mean for skateboard wheels?
A: Durometer measures how hard your skateboard wheels are. A higher number means a harder wheel.
Q: Do I need different gear for street skating versus ramp skating?
A: Yes, street skaters often prefer lighter boards and harder wheels for tricks. Ramp skaters might like slightly wider boards for stability.
Q: How do I clean my skateboard bearings?
A: You can clean bearings with a special bearing cleaner or rubbing alcohol. Make sure they are completely dry before lubricating them again.
Q: What’s the difference between skateboard trucks and car trucks?
A: Skateboard trucks are the metal parts that hold your wheels to the deck and allow you to steer. Car trucks are part of a car’s suspension system.
Q: Can I use longboard wheels on a regular skateboard?
A: You can, but longboard wheels are usually much larger and softer. They might not fit on a standard skateboard without modifications and can make it harder to do tricks.
Q: How do I know when my skateboard bearings are bad?
A: Bad bearings will feel slow, gritty, or make rattling noises. They won’t spin as freely as good ones.
Q: Is it better to buy a complete skateboard or build my own?
A: For beginners, a complete skateboard is easier and often more affordable. As you learn more, building your own lets you customize every part.
Q: What should I do if my skateboard deck is chipped?
A: Small chips on the edges of the deck are usually okay and are a normal part of skating. If a chip is very large or goes deep into the wood, it might weaken the deck.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
William has over three years of experience in building gazebos. He started AskGazebo.com to assist his clients.