Mastering advanced skateboarding skills requires more than just practice and determination—it demands a well-optimized gear setup tailored precisely to your style and the kind of tricks you want to excel at. Every piece of your skateboard, from the deck to the bearings, influences how you perform complex maneuvers and how smoothly you ride. Understanding how to customize and maintain these components can help you gain the edge you need to push your skills further.
Essential Skateboarding Gear Components
To start optimizing your skateboard setup, it’s important to recognize the key components involved. A typical skateboard setup includes the deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, hardware, and grip tape. Each part plays a specific role in the overall performance and feel of the board.
- Deck: The flat board you stand on, made from various types of wood and shapes.
- Trucks: The metal T-shaped parts that hold the wheels and allow the board to turn.
- Wheels: Available in different sizes and hardness, they affect speed and grip.
- Bearings: Tiny components inside the wheels that help them spin smoothly.
- Hardware: Nuts, bolts, and screws that hold your trucks onto the deck.
- Grip Tape: The gritty surface applied to the top of the deck for foot traction.
Each component interacts with the others, so optimizing your setup means carefully selecting and adjusting each piece to match your advanced skating style.
How Deck Shape and Size Impact Advanced Trick Performance
The deck is arguably the heart of your skateboard setup. When performing advanced tricks, the shape and size of the deck can drastically influence control, balance, and comfort.
Deck Width affects stability and maneuverability. Narrower decks (7.5” to 8”) are ideal for flip tricks and technical street skating because they allow for quicker board rotation and easier handling. Wider decks (8.25” and above) offer more stability, which is favored in transition skating like bowls and ramps.
Deck Length also matters. Longer decks give more foot room and stability but can be less responsive during flips. Classic lengths range from 31” to 33”, but personal preference and the style of skating ultimately dictate what feels best.
Concave Shape
For advanced skaters, experimenting with different shapes and sizes can lead to finding the perfect deck that complements your technique and the types of tricks you want to master. Trucks must strike a balance between providing solid stability and allowing precise control. When selecting trucks for advanced skateboarding, consider their width and height. Truck Width should correspond closely to your deck’s width. Mismatching can cause wheel bite or reduce turning efficiency. Buying trucks that match the deck width ensures smoother turns and better board control. Truck Height
The quality of the truck’s bushings and hanger also affects responsiveness. Softer bushings allow easier turns while harder bushings add rigidity for stability during fast rides or slide tricks. Wheels come in diverse sizes and hardness levels, making them a key factor in customizing your setup for advanced skill execution and different terrains. Wheel Size typically ranges from 50mm to 60mm or more. Smaller wheels (50-54mm) are ideal for technical street skating because they’re lighter and help maintain pop during tricks. Larger wheels (55mm and above) roll faster and handle rough surfaces better, making them preferred for ramps, bowls, or cruising. Wheel Hardness
Choosing wheels based on where you skate most frequently will help improve your control and overall skating experience. Though small, bearings play a crucial role in speed and smoothness. For advanced skating, it’s wise to invest in high-quality bearings rated by the ABEC scale or other precision metrics. Well-maintained bearings allow your wheels to spin effortlessly, reducing friction and fatigue during longer or complex sessions. Additionally, the hardware (bolts and nuts) that fasten your trucks to the deck should be sturdy and regularly checked for tightness. Using quality hardware prevents unnecessary loosening or damage during aggressive tricks. Some skaters prefer rounded hardware to avoid catching on shoes or clothing during flips. Grip tape provides the essential traction between your feet and deck. For advanced skaters, customizing your grip tape application can enhance foot control significantly. You can experiment by cutting patterns or using different textures to create zones of varied friction. For example, adding a smoother patch around the tail area may help with pop control during ollies, while grittier sections can secure your foot better in other spots. Some skaters even opt for perforated grip tape or mesh grip in spots where airflow or weight reduction is a priority. Regardless of style, maintaining clean, debris-free grip tape is critical as worn or dirty tape reduces friction and increases the risk of slipping. Optimizing your gear isn’t just about buying the right components—it also involves regular maintenance to sustain peak performance. Routine care ensures your skateboard remains reliable for performing advanced tricks without surprises. Advanced skateboarding often involves high impact and rigorous tricks that can wear gear down fast. It’s essential to strike a balance between durability and performance when selecting your components. For example, a softer wheel may offer better grip but wear out quicker on rough surfaces. A more flexible deck can provide better pop and control but may have a shorter lifespan if it’s too thin or made from lower-quality materials. Many advanced skaters find that investing a bit more in higher-grade materials pays off long-term. Reinforced decks, quality trucks with strong hangers, and wheels designed for endurance offer lasting performance without sacrificing the responsiveness required for technical skills. Ultimately, prioritizing what aspects (speed, control, durability) matter most to your skating style will guide you toward a setup that feels just right. Every skateboarder’s journey is unique, and so is their gear setup. Optimizing your skateboard for advanced skills means continuously evolving your components based on your progression, terrain preferences, and trick goals. Start by evaluating your current setup and identifying areas where you feel limited—maybe your deck is too wide for quick flips or your wheels are too hard for your street environment. Experiment with changes one component at a time to notice the impact on your performance. Remember, the perfect setup combines comfort, responsiveness, and durability tailored specifically to you. With thoughtful customization and consistent maintenance, your gear can unlock new tricks, smoother rides, and greater confidence across all your skateboarding endeavors.Choosing the Right Trucks for Stability and Responsiveness
Picking Wheels Suited to Your Riding Environment
Bearings and Hardware Considerations
Customizing Grip Tape for Better Foot Control
Maintenance Tips to Keep Gear Performing Well
Balancing Durability and Performance in Your Gear
Tailoring Your Setup for Growth and Style
