Skateboard Parts

For the beginning skateboarder, the lingo can get a little confusing. Many non-skateboarders think that all a skateboard is made up of is the board and the wheels. Here is a look at the different skateboard parts.

First, you will need to know that different parts of the skateboard affect how it works. The main skateboard parts that you will find on any skateboard are the deck, the trucks, the wheels, the bearings, the hardware, and the grip tape.

Of the different skateboard parts, the deck is the board itself. It can be made of different materials, and is the part that you stand on. The average board is 7.5-8 inches wide and 32 inches long. However, the exact size and shape can vary depending on each skater and the type of skating that they prefer. A street skater will have different needs than a vertical skater.

The skateboard parts known as the trucks are the parts that attach to directly to the deck on the bottom. They are the smaller parts, including the axles, bushings, and kingpins. You can usually choose between aluminum and titanium in a variety of colors. Different quality trucks lend themselves to different types of skating. Trucks are held to the deck with nuts and bolts.

Attached to the trucks are the skateboard parts known as the wheels. They are made of plastic urethane, and can come in a variety of hardness. If you skate vertical, you will want softer wheels, while harder wheels are better for street skating. The wheels can vary in size as well, with smaller wheels being better for tricks and larger wheels being better for stability. The bearings can be found in the center of the wheel, and are measured in abec. The bigger the abec, the faster the wheels are able to spin.

Grip tape is a rough covering that covers the top of the deck and provides traction when you are skating. It can come in different colors and graphics to personalize your board to your own tastes.
You can also customize your skateboard with parts like risers. Such accessories are not needed, but can change the performance of your board to more your liking.

When you are shopping for a skateboard, you can purchase a complete skateboard with all parts included. Or, for a more personal touch, you can only buy the skateboard parts that you need. Decks and kingpins are often bought separately, since they can be broken easily through hard use.