Cheap Skateboards Are Risky Business
So you are in the skateboard shop and looking at new boards, but your last paycheck left you a little short. Now you are considering those cheap skateboards on the shelf, because honestly it is all you can afford right now. Let me tell you why this is a bad, bad idea.
Is it really worth getting banged up because you bought a cheap skateboard? I don’t know about you, but I would rather be on my board grinding than waiting in some emergency room filling out paperwork – but that’s just me!
In fact, many boards on the market aren’t as good as the manufacturer would have you believe. They will mark up pre-made boards and give you the false sense of security that you are buying a good board. But in reality, it is called perceived value. Many skaters think that because a board has a big tag, it is a high quality board. Wrong!
It is up to you to learn how to tell a good board from a wrecked board in waiting, without looking at the price. So what should you be looking for? Here are a few hints to help get you started:
The first thing you will want to check out is the deck. This is going to be supporting all of your weight and a cheap deck is going to split on you at the worst time (think rail grinds). Check to make sure the deck is made of high quality wood and the edges are sealed properly. A good test is to jump on the board a few times and listen if the wood cracks. If you hear it cracking, throw that puppy back on the shelf.
What do the wheels look like? You don’t want to buy a board with cheap plastic wheels. You need to familiarize yourself with the best wheels on the market, and if you have to, replace the wheels on your board after you buy it. Remember, it isn’t worth it.
Finally, check the truck and be sure it is sturdy and sealed properly to the board. If you see plastic sealants instead of rubber ones, yep, put it back on the shelf. The trucks need a good sealant like rubber or they are bound to crack and come loose.
So yes there is a difference between getting skateboards cheap, and a cheap skateboard. So now that you know the difference, maybe it is worth waiting for your next paycheck to buy a better one?
