It is easier to do all kinds of tricks on pennyboards, on longboards - to go down the hills. Find a skateboard for a beginner or child in a few steps.
Step # 1: deck material
High-quality and reliable boards are made from Canadian maple. And also from Chinese or Russian maple. Wood planks are more expensive than plastic or polypropylene planks. Although there is no difference in elasticity and wear resistance between them. Fiberglass and aluminum decks are designed for professionals.The less the board weighs, the easier it is to do tricks on the skateboard. The narrow ones are maneuverable, while the wide ones have a large area for "landing" legs. They are good for twists and turns on high ramps.
Step # 2: tracks (suspensions)
Speed depends on their height and weight. For a beginner, a board with low tracks is better. They need to be wide for the board to be more stable. Opt for a skateboard with aluminum suspension and steel bars.
Step # 3: wheel stiffness and diameter
They are made of polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride with a diameter of 45 to 70 mm.
- Wheels with a small diameter (up to 51 mm) are maneuverable, but sensitive to unevenness.
- Large diameter (over 56 mm) with improved flotation and speed. But with them it is more difficult to quickly change the direction of movement.
Hardness is indicated by a marking from 50A to 102A. The higher the indicator, the harder they are.
- Soft wheels (with an index up to 85A) do not develop speed well. But they are pleasant to ride, they smooth out shaking and tenaciously "hold" the road. And it's easier to control the skate. However, due to friction, they wear out faster.
- Hard (with an index of 98A) - on the contrary, they keep the speed well. But it is not very pleasant to ride them - the skate shakes and maneuverability "lame".
It is better for a child to buy a model with wheels with a diameter of 54 mm and a hardness of 78-85A (medium). It is convenient to ride them even on a broken sidewalk.
Step # 4: bearings
When putting wheels on the suspensions, bearings are put inside - 2 in each. In a skateboard, as in roller skates, bearings of the ABEC standard are used. The most common ones are ABEC 3, ABEC 5 and ABEC 7. The speed of the bearings is proportional to the number - the higher it is, the higher the speed develops.
Types of skateboards: skateboard and longboard - which is better?
Longboards differ from skateboards in length - from 70 cm to 1.5 m, in shape and characteristics.
- The deck has a complex shape:
- with bends in a longitudinal section is called a camber,
- in the transverse - concave.
- The deck springs well.
- The wheel suspension is more flexible. You can tilt the board to ride in a larger arc.
- Wheels are softer and larger in diameter.
The longboard develops speed, but is not as agile as a skate. Most often they ride it from slides covered with asphalt. It is not convenient to move around the city on it, and look, you will not have time to dodge and knock a passer-by. And in the hands of carrying such a mastodon - that still "joy".
Ride with the Breeze: Pennyboard
Pennyboard is a small plastic board 50-60 cm long. And this is its main advantage. Fits in a backpack or bag.
It's easy to ride it - I got up and drove off with a breeze. It is not designed to overcome curbs. Ideal for children and teenagers who like to ride without extreme stunts and jumps.
Play: cruiser
A cruiser is a cross between a penny and a longboard. Its length is within 60 cm. Good suspension and wide deck give stability while driving. And the rough surface provides good grip on the board - minimizing falls and slipping.
Cruisers are bigger and tougher than a penny. They are suitable for teenagers and adult riders. It's easier to learn jumping on these.
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Watch the video to find out which skateboard is right for you
