Skateboard Buying Guide & Size Chart | Tactics

If you're new to skateboarding or just looking to upgrade your current setup, navigating the world of skateboard buying can be overwhelming. With so many different types of boards, trucks, wheels, and bearings on the market, it's hard to know where to start. But fear not because we've got you covered with this buying guide.

In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about choosing the right board size, from the width of the deck to the length of the trucks. Whether you're looking for a standard popsicle shape or a cruiser, we'll help you find the perfect setup to match your skating style and preferences. So grab your helmet, lace up your shoes, and let's dive in.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Parts of a Skateboard
• Types of Skateboards
• Skateboard Sizes
• Pre-built and Custom Completes

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Skateboard Parts

Skateboard Deck - This is where it all starts. Made from several layers of laminated wood, the deck is your standing platform and canvas for the streets.

Trucks - Skateboard trucks are the unsung heroes of your setup. They allow the board to turn, providing the axles for the wheels and a platform for grinds.

Skateboard Wheels - Believe it or not, these round, polyurethane objects enable your board to roll. They come in different sizes, durometers (hardness), and shapes to suit different types of riding.

Bearings - These fit inside the sides of the wheels and allow them to spin freely. Without bearings, your wheels would be useless. Make sure you choose the right ones for your setup, or you'll be struggling to keep up speed.

Grip Tape - It's the sandpaper-like material applied to the top deck of the skateboard to provide grip and prevent slipping. Grip tape offers the necessary friction for your feet to stay on the board and allows you to perform tricks precisely and confidently.

Hardware - Nuts and bolts might not seem like the coolest part of your setup, but they're essential. Don't skimp on the hardware, or you will only be riding until the wheels fall off.

The Three Types Of Skateboards

The three main types of skateboards are fun but uniquely functional for different types of riding. Ultimately the type skating you plan to do will determine the kind of board you need. Watch the video and read below to decide whether a standard skateboard, skateboard cruiser or a longboard is the right fit for you.

Standard Decks: Also known as trick boards, are the most common type of skateboard. They are shorter in length and have a concave shape that allows for better control and stability while performing tricks. Standard boards are best suited for street-style skateboarding, such as grinding rails and performing flips and tricks.

Cruiser Boards: Longer and wider than standard boards, with a wider and more stable deck that is perfect for cruising around town or commuting. They have larger and softer wheels that provide a smoother ride over rough surfaces and are easier to maneuver at slower speeds. Cruisers are a good option for beginners or those who want a more relaxed riding experience.

Longboards: The longest type of skateboard and are designed for cruising, carving, and downhill riding. They have larger wheels and trucks that allow for better stability and a smoother ride at higher speeds. Longboards are great for riders who want to cover longer distances and enjoy a more laid-back riding style.

Standard Skateboards

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TacticsOval Logo Skateboard Deckyellow$44.95Powell PeraltaSkeleton 8.5 Flight 244 Shape Skateboard Deckgreen foil$114.95Heroin100th Egg 9.125 Skateboard Deck$80.95TacticsOval Logo Skateboard Deckblue$44.95Sci-Fi FantasyNeoliberal Beauty 8.5 Skateboard Deck$72.95Santa CruzStranger Things Meek Slasher Eddie SIGNED Skateboard Deck$119.95TacticsLost N Found Skateboard Deck$49.95Powell PeraltaSkeleton 8.25 Flight 243 Shape Skateboard Decksilver foil$114.95ChocolatePerez Know Your Rights! 8.0 Skateboard Deck$76.95TacticsMultnowhere Falls Skateboard Deck$49.95Fancy LadStrode 8.25 Skateboard Deck$69.95HockeyTrafalgar 8.4 Skateboard Deck$81.95TacticsRobot In A Chair Skateboard Deck$49.95GirlGeering Blood Bath 8.0 Skateboard Deck$76.95ZeroBurman Suffer 8.25 Skateboard Deck$72.95Fucking AwesomeWanto Throw Up Man 8.18 Skateboard Deck$81.95Toy MachineSky Brown Guest 8.25 Skateboard Deck$79.95TacticsThe Juggler Skateboard Deckbrown$49.95Plan BJoslin Snikt OG 8.375 Skateboard Deck$68.95CreatureMessenger 9.25 VX Skateboard Deck$107.95

Cruiser Skateboards

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