Piece by Piece: Building Your Custom Skateboard with the Right Components - Share A Word
Skateboarding is more than just a sport; it’s a vibrant culture that blends creativity, style, and athleticism. As skateboarding continues to grow in popularity, many skaters are diving into the world of customisation, creating unique setups that reflect their personality and enhance their performance.
Building a custom skateboard not only gives you control over your ride but also allows you to personalise every detail, from the deck to the wheels. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, here are all the components you need to craft a personalised skateboard setup and elevate your experience:
Deck
Choosing the right deck is crucial when building your custom skateboard, it’s the foundation of your setup and a chance to show off your style. The size is key: for street skating and flip tricks, go with a 7.5″ to 8.0″ deck for easier maneuverability. If you enjoy a mix of street and park skating, an 8.0″ to 8.5″ deck offers a good balance of stability and control. For vert or cruising, opt for a deck 8.5″ or wider for more stability.
It’s important to think about the deck’s shape and concave. These factors affect how the board feels under your feet, from responsiveness to comfort. The material and construction also play a huge role in durability and performance.
Don’t forget to personalise it! Whether you opt for a pre-designed graphic or a blank deck to create your artwork, this is your chance to make your skateboard one-of-a-kind.
Trucks
Skateboard trucks play a crucial role in how your board handles and performs, influencing everything from turns to tricks. These metal components connect the wheels to the deck, and choosing the right skateboard truck fit is essential for improving your overall experience. With various options like standard kingpin, low, mid, high, and hollow trucks, the decision can seem overwhelming, especially for beginners. Not to mention, they come in different widths, colours, and designs, so there’s a lot to consider!
The first thing to keep in mind is size. Selecting the right truck size ensures your board feels stable and responsive when making turns or performing tricks. For the best stability and control, you want your trucks to match your deck’s width. Here’s how to pair trucks with deck sizes:
• 7.5″ – 8.0″ decks: Choose 129mm – 139mm trucks
• 8.0″ – 8.5″ decks: Go for 139mm – 149mm trucks
• 8.5″ and wider decks: Opt for 149mm – 159mm trucks
Once you’ve got the size right, it’s time to think about how you want your skate trucks to look. You can choose trucks in various colours, finishes, and designs, from polished metal looks to matte finishes or vibrant hues. Some skaters even like to mix and match truck colours for a unique, custom look.
You can also adjust truck tightness to fine-tune your ride. Looser trucks offer more fluid turns and carving, while tighter trucks provide extra stability for technical tricks. Experimenting with truck tightness allows you to find the perfect setup based on your skating style, whether you’re a street skater or prefer cruising.
Ace, Independent, Thunder, and Venture are among the most popular skateboard truck brands, known for their quality and performance. Each of these brands offers durable and reliable trucks, but it’s important to remember that what works best for you depends on your personal skating style. Experiment with different options to find the perfect fit for your ride.
Wheels
Customising your skateboard wheels lets you personalise the performance and look of your ride. When selecting wheels, consider the size and hardness (durometer) as these impact your speed, grip, and comfort. Softer wheels offer more grip and are great for rougher terrain, while harder wheels are faster and work well for smooth pavement. You can also have fun with the design—wheels come in various colours, patterns, and graphics, so you can choose ones that match or contrast your deck and trucks.
Bearings
Bearings are small but crucial components that allow your wheels to spin smoothly. While they may not stand out in terms of style, choosing high-quality bearings can make a huge difference in your ride. Pay attention to the ABEC rating, which measures precision and speed—the higher the rating, the smoother the ride.
Bearings come in various materials, like steel, ceramic, or titanium. Ceramic and titanium bearings offer superior durability, reduced friction, and better corrosion resistance.
Hardware
When it comes to skateboard hardware, bolts and nuts may seem like a small detail, but they can make a difference in both performance and style. For a bit of flair, consider coloured hardware—options like neon, metallic, or glow-in-the-dark bolts can add a fun touch to your deck.
Some skaters even mix it up with one different coloured bolt to mark the nose or tail. Also, make sure your hardware is compatible with your deck and trucks—most setups work with 7/8″ hardware, but thicker decks or riser pads may need longer bolts. Always go for high-quality hardware to ensure your skateboard stays secure and stable.
Grip Tape
Grip tape might be all about function, but it’s also a chance to show off your personal style. But before focusing on personalisation, it’s essential to choose the right texture for your skating needs. For example, coarser grip tape offers more traction for flip tricks and street skating but might wear down your shoes. If you’re just cruising around, a finer-grit tape will be easier on your shoes and still provide good grip.
Size-wise, make sure it matches your deck dimensions for full coverage. And don’t forget, grip tape is a blank canvas for creativity—whether you select tape with custom cutouts, doodles, or pre-designed patterns, have fun with it and express your individuality.
