Best Skateboards for Beginners & Pros 2021 Reviews — How to Pick the Right Skateboard

Whether you're a new skater or have been shredding for years, finding a good quality skateboard on a budget isn't always easy.  Just because you don't want to spend a lot of money, doesn't mean you want a "cheap" board that won't handle your tricks!

We've done the research have found a great mix of skateboards for both beginners and pros that won't break the bank. Plus we put together a guide that will help you find the right board for you. Or, if you're looking to build one of your own, it will help you get the right parts!

Skateboards have come a long way from the early ’50s, where people discovered these exquisite pieces of man-made equipment that would forever change man’s locomotion. The idea that you can glide through the air is pretty exciting.

Plus it sure beats walking, right?

Well, fast forward to recent times. Skateboards are now among the best way to have fun when the waves on the beach are down, and you get to do this all while simultaneously improving your motor skills.

Unlike the past, where everyone would make their own horrid depiction by assembling basic wood and a pair of wheels, manufacturers nowadays are especially keen on the assembly process.

Modern skateboards are tweaked to be as efficient as possible for both beginners and pro skaters (and everything in between). 

They are now faster, more comfortable and with features like rails and wheel bearings that make it possible to do all those ill-advised tricks you see kids doing on the internet. We even have electric skateboards now, which are more powerful and don’t require too much effort to operate.

That said, choosing one among the vast array of skateboard out there may be really daunting, especially if you are new to this. The more experienced riders may also be looking for upgrades for their less-competitive starter pack boards. 

For this reason, we have done our research and assembled some of the best skateboards out there for both beginners and pros! 

On top of that, we put together a comprehensive guide that walks (or should we say skates?) you though what you need to know in order to choose the right skateboard for your age, skating style and experience level.

Whether you are a first time skater, or have been at it for years, there's something for you in this article!

By the way, if you are new to skating, we strongly encourage you to read our other post — 9 Skateboarding Tips for Beginners — which provides useful information about how to ride a skateboard safely, as well as several other informative tips.

Best Skateboards 2021 Reviews

If you are new to skateboarding, it's highly recommended that you get a board that's ready to go, rather than building one from scratch (unless you have someone who can help you get all the right stuff).

These are usually referred to as complete skateboards or skateboard completes.

A complete skateboard includes a skateboard deck, grip tape, wheels, bearings, trucks, and the necessary hardware to attach the trucks to the board.  Some brands offer pre-assembled complete boards and others you have to build yourself. 

In the latter case the set comes with pre-determined pieces, rather than you having to go out and select each component individually. For experienced skateboarders, complete boards provide convenience for skaters who don't want to build a board. 

For our product reviews, we chose to focus only on complete skateboards that fall in the moderate to budget friendly price range with an average price of about $50 (with the exception of the high-end electric skateboard).

If you don't want a pre-assembled complete skateboard and are considering building your own board from scratch (especially if it's your first time), you will find the information in our skateboard guide extremely useful to make sure you get the right components.

So skip ahead if that's you!

Best Beginner Skateboards 2021 - Top 5 Skateboards for Beginners

We are going to start with beginner skateboards that will help you learn and advance to skating with the big boys (and girls)!  Even if you have been skating for a while and are looking for a new board, you may still want to read through these reviews.  

Many of the beginner boards the have chosen are also good for more advanced skaters and/or the brands also make pro skateboards.

Not in stock? You may like the Powell Diamond Dragon 3 Complete Skateboard.

Out of stock? Check out the Jackson Pilz fierce panda from Enjoy Skateboards

This one not in stock? Check out more complete skateboards from SkateXS.

Not available? See what else Krown Skateboards has to offer.

Best Pro Skateboards 2021- Top 5 Skateboards for Pros

Now, let’s take a look at the best skateboards for professionals – the more advanced big boys. These are some of the boards to consider if you already have some skateboarding skills and want a complete skateboard.

Playshion also has a great line of mini-cruisers and other longboards.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Skateboard: Ultimate Buying Guide

Whether you are new to the world of skater folk or you’re an experienced professional, there are some factors you may need to consider when choosing a skateboard or buying parts.

If you are a newbie, for instance, you might need to familiarize yourself with some of the common terminologies going around. You’ll need to know the different types of boards out there too, and the features that make them ideal for a learner.

For a more experienced skater, you may already be familiar with most of this stuff. 

You probably already have an idea about the kind of board you want or are looking for an upgrade to a better board. For you, we shall dive a bit more into the intricate parts which work to help make your transition smoother and possibly get you a faster, more dynamic skateboard. 

Let's look at the wonderful world of skateboards, and what you need to help you choose the board just right for you!

Types Of Boards: Which Is Best For Your Age And Experience Level?

First and foremost, a skateboard can simply not be without its most fundamental piece. This is its deck or the flat board which you stand on.

But not all boards are made equal. Their decks come in varying lengths and materials which, in turn, perform different functions and impact the types of tricks you can do.

In general, skateboard decks fall into three categories: mini skateboards, full-sized skateboards and longboards and cruisers. 

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons for each of them — and what kind of tricks you can to with them.

Length: Is Longer Always Better?

The size of the skateboard is yet another crucial factor that you must consider. Measurements on a skateboard’s deck are usually done from the nose down to the tail. Typically, length tends to vary between 28 inches and 32 inches. This range of size is considered to be more stable and perfect for any new beginner skater. Anything longer than this, such as longboards, is usually better handled by more professional riders.

When looking at length, you should choose according to your particular riding needs. A shorter board, for example, would be good if you are a street rider and you love doing tricks. You can opt for a longer board, on the other hand, if you are more experienced, or working on your balance and stability.

You see, when the board is short, its profile tends to be lower. Longer boards, on the other hand, have a wider profile to them. We shall expound more on low and high profiles and their significance further below.

How the Width of a Skateboard Affects Balance

Most decks have a width of 7.5 to 8.75 inches. As a rule of thumb, the wider the board, the better-expected performance. This, however, is subject to one’s riding style and general preference.

If you are one for those crazy off rap tricks, you should consider a wider board for more control. A wider deck offers your feet more room and a higher center of gravity, which, safe to say, is good for any entry-level skater, or for practicing new skills.

That said, there still are some tricks like kickflips which are meant for street riders.

Which Deck Size Is Best For My Age?

Selecting the right deck should be your first priority.  For optimal results, you should consider the deck by comparing it with your age, shoe size, weight and experience level.

If the deck is for a young learner, of ages between 3 and 8 (perhaps the best age to start learning), with shoes ranging from sizes 3 to 6, a micro or mini skateboard would be the best option here. These skateboards are usually between 6-7 inches in width, which are perfect for smaller kids to maneuver and get accustomed to.

If you are an adolescent or teen (9-18-year-olds), you’d be fine using a mid-size deck, which is around 7.3 inches in width. Since teens’ physical bodies are more developed, they tend to have more control over such deck widths and can use these larger boards to perform basic tricks. These decks can be used by kids too who have already gotten used to mini skateboards.

For adults (above 18), a full deck size would do just fine. The width here is usually about 7.5 inches and above. This will suit anyone with a foot size of 9 and above, and again, any experienced teen.

What Is a Wheelbase: Does It Matter?

The wheelbase of a skateboard can simply be defined as the distance between the two inner sets of mounting holes of your skateboard’s trucks.

Wheelbase determines how close or your back wheels will be from your front wheel, which, in turn, plays a part in the overall performance of your board. It also sets a tone on the way a rider feels while skating on their skateboard. On adjusting it, you will easily notice the difference.

Typically, the range is between 13-15 inches, but this can be set with regards to the rider’s height and preference. If you fall on the shorter side, narrow wheelbases will be more comfortable. On the other hand, taller people would be more suited for a wider wheelbase. It will provide them with a better stance as they skate down the road.

Nose And Tail: Which Is Which?

As you may already have deduced from the naming, the nose represents the front of your skateboard’s deck while the tail represents the back. If you are a beginner, it may be hard to differentiate the two, but most decks usually have graphics intended to distinguish or highlight the difference.

Another way to tell is to look for the kick. Whereby, the nose has a bigger kick to it while the tail will have a subtler, gentler kick.

What Are The Best Rails For You?

Rails are simply the edges that run along the skate’s deck. They too influence the overall performance of your skateboard. The most common are rounded rails which make it easier to do flipping tricks. This can be especially ideal for pro-skaters who are constantly showing off their tricks.

The other rail types may either have sharp or blunt edges to them, which are meant to keep your shoes in place as you slide. As a new skater, you will find that falling off your skateboard is inevitable. For this, you can opt for such rails to reduce the frequency.

Currently, we also have a new kind of rail called the Gas Pedal Rails or GPS. These ones have some sections cut into a beveled edge which tends to reduce the sharpness of the rail and its concave. By so doing, they are able to provide the skater with more control and comfort.

How to Choose The Strongest Ply

Ply refers to the deck itself — when it's made from wood that is. It constitutes a combination of layers of wood, which are pressed tightly to make the deck. You may wonder why not just use one solid piece of wood? This is perfectly possible; however, board decks which are made using a cross-grain pattern tend to be stronger and more durable when compared to single wood ones.

The standard today in most decks is 7 plies and would be efficient for any beginner. However, you can add a few more bucks and get a certainly more superior 9 ply-board. This kind would be stronger and more durable for the pro skater constantly doing intense tricks.

What is a Kicktail?

The kicktail is the upward curve that’s usually on the ends of your deck. If you enjoy doing stunts and tricks, then you will probably need a deck that has kicktails.

For the more experienced rider, you’ll find that having a kicktail on the nose and tail of your board will give you better stability and ability to maneuver through slides, pivots, and sharp turns.

What Does EFFP Stand For?

EFFP is short for the Effective Foot Platform.

It is the top area of the deck where you control your board when standing. It is located right in the middle of your board right in between the front and rear trucks.

Camber And Rocker Boards: What Are They?

In this case, camber skateboards include all skateboards with raised middles. Rockers, on the other hand, have sunken middles.

The angle of camber and rocker is, however very subtle; you may not even notice. The difference in the shape however, still plays a role in the flex for your deck. Most decks come in neutral deck camber but you may find some longboards and cruisers with camber decks. 

That said, the decks with a positive camber have a higher center of gravity and will, therefore, give you more flex. Rocker decks have a lower center of gravity with a sloped/sunken shape and are therefore more preferred by riders. Rockers are good for beginners who ideally require a lower center of gravity to maintain their balance.

The Best Skateboard Shapes for Balance & Stability

Traditionally, skateboards used to be flat; but manufacturers realized that a concave or sunken shape is more ideal.

As we’ve seen with rocker skateboards, the sunken area provides a lowered center of gravity, which in turn means more balance.

As a beginner, this is a fundamental feature that you will surely need.

The shapes are also good for pros because they offer more foothold when compared to the ordinary flat board. With this, you are able to turn, slide, drift and perform tricks more easily.

The most common present day shapes for skateboards include:

How Do I Choose The Most Reliable Truck?

If you don’t already know, trucks are usually the metal components attached to the deck, used to connect the wheels with its bearings to the deck itself.

Trucks consist of two parts: the baseplate and the hanger.

The top part of it is called the baseplate. It is screwed to the deck itself. Below the baseplate is the hanger, where an axle runs through to connect the wheels.

If you buy a fully assembled skateboard (best for beginners), the truck might already be in place. However, if you are assembling it by yourself, you might have to buy and fix a truck separately. For this, you need to select wisely, depending on your intended use for the skateboard and wheel size. Most are made from aluminum alloy, so material shouldn’t worry you much.

Therefore, the factor you should look at most is the truck profile.

We have different types of profiles, which, in turn, serve different needs. These include low, middle and high profiles.

Best Skateboard Bearings: Which is Better Steel Bearings or Ceramic Bearings?

Bearings are the round metallic pieces used to connect your wheels to your truck’s axle.

They are used primarily to reduce friction between the wheels as they spin on the axle. They come in different materials, which work differently. We shall look at some of them and their difference.

Between steel and ceramic bearings, the default option is usually steel bearings for new skaters because they are durable and cost you relatively less money. 

Therefore, if you are a beginner, steel bearings should do you just fine. Since there are so many different manufacturers of steel bearings out there, it might be difficult to choose. In this case, simply pick the most expensive one if you’re stuck between a choice of two — in general, the more the cost, the better the quality.

That said, metal bearings sometimes malfunction because of energy created when the axle and wheels rub together. The friction created there would destroy your bearings. For this reason, it is important to keep the bearings well lubricated, clean, and dry.

Ceramic bearings, on the other hand, are considered to be more effective for reducing friction. 

They tend to be smoother and more resilient than steel, meaning they will remain solid for longer amid friction. For such bearings, manufacturers tend to charge more. Due to their expensive nature, these bearings would be more suited for professional skaters seeking a competitive advantage of sorts.

In addition there are also premium titanium housings with ceramic bearings which are often the top choice for professional skaters. These high-precision bearings are made for speed and durability for sure, but definitely cost more.

For your ordinary casual skater or someone still figuring out what works best for them, a metallic bearing will still hold up just fine.

What Are ABEC Ratings and What Do They Have To Do With Anything?

If you’ve owned a skateboard before, then you’ve probably come across this term in your board’s wheel description. The ABEC scale was developed by the Annular Bearing Engineering Committee (hence the ABEC acronym) in order to establish industry standards for ball bearing tolerances.

In short, these ratings are a basic valuation of the quality of your wheel bearings. 

A standard beginner would be well with an ABEC-5+ rating.  Let's take a further look at the different ratings (which are all odd numbers) and how they relate to skateboard bearings.

There are two main factors that are considered when it comes to ABEC ratings — the diameter and durometer. 

Here, the diameter is how big the wheels are. It has an effect on the board’s suitability for tricks and the type of truck to use.

The durometer, on the other hand, reflects on how hard the wheels really are. Therefore determine usability on a different surface.

When it comes to diameter here are your options:

When looking at durometer, it gets even easier.

The usual scale ranges from 70a to 100a. Here, the higher the number in the scale, the harder the wheels.

Contrary to what most people think, the softer wheels like 70a are better suited for rougher surfaces such as pathways, streets, and rugged roads. 

The harder, 100a kind wheels would do best and run faster on the smooth surfaces, including parks, ramps and pools.

All in all, picking a skateboard is made much easier when you pay attention to the most fundamental aspects of the skateboard. These are the deck, bearings, trucks, and wheels. 

These are the components that affect your skateboard and its overall usability most. 

When making your selection, it is important also to consider your area and nature of use, skill set, as well as the budget you have set. With our buying guide, you should now be able to know what is vitally required and what can be left behind.

Needless to say, factors such as color or design should be last on your priority. Yes, we know you want to look cool, but safety and durability come first.

Also notable is that a higher-priced skateboard or component will outperform any lower end skateboard any day. It will be better in design and overall durability. So, keep that in mind as well.

Don't forget your protective gear! And if you have any doubt about whether a helmet is a good idea, check out our fact check on snowboarding helmets — the same facts apply.

Ready to shred? Pick your favorite board and get to it!