Skateboard Guide Skateboard Guide. "

Saturday 19 December 2009

Warm Up Skateboarding Wallpaper

Warm Up Skateboarding Wallpaper

Plan B Skateboards Wallpaper

Plan B Skateboards Wallpaper

Plan B Skateboards Wallpaper

Wednesday 1 July 2009

Guide to Skateboard Wheels


Skateboard wheels are small rigid wheels that propel skateboards. They are attached in pairs to the bottom of the skateboard, mounted and held in place by special axles called trucks. They are usually made of polyurethane, a type of hard rubber, and range in size from 48 to 100 millimeters.

Skateboard wheels also come in various degrees of hardness, measured in the durometer A scale. The softest wheels are about 75a, and the hardest are at the top of the scale at 99a. Some wheels are labeled 101a or higher, although this is inappropriate because the scale only goes up to 100. Such measurements are usually done on the B or D scales, which are more accurate and cover a wider range of hardnesses.


Types of Skateboard Wheels

Street Skateboard Wheels

Street skating wheels are the smallest type of wheel, measuring 48 to 55 millimeters. They are also relatively hard, which prevents them from absorbing energy and slowing down. They are useful for performing skating tricks, such as flips and ollies (a type of aerial stunt).

Vert Skateboard Wheels

Vert skating wheels are designed for vert skating, which involves jumping and landing on ramps. They are about 55 to 65 millmeters across, allowing faster and more sustainable speeds than street skating wheels. They are one of the hardest types of wheels available, mainly because they are used exclusively on ramps.

Slalom Skateboard Wheels

Slalom skating wheels are used in slalom racing, a sort of obstacle race where the skater skirts around a trail of cone obstacles. They are larger than vert wheels at 60 to 75 millimeters, enabling them to sustain maximum speeds for longer periods. They are usually softer to enhance grip on tight turns.


Longboard wheels

Longboard skateboard wheels are designed for longboards, which are used for cruising and transport. They range in size from 65 to 100 millimeters, providing a stable and comfortable ride. They usually have hard plastic cores, since solid polyurethane would make them too thick and heavy.


Choosing Skateboard Wheels

Durometer: Choose a skateboard wheel with the right durometer for your skill level. Softer wheels are best for beginners and children, because they do not easily trip over rocks or bumps. For adults and casual skaters, a good all-around durometer is about 97a – this will work on most street and skate parks, and even some pools and ramps. Wheels above this durometer are too difficult for the average skater and are best left to the pros.

Size: Choose the appropriate wheel size for your body size – the smaller you are, the smaller yout wheels need to be. For children and teens, 52 to 55 millimeters is a good range, while 56 to 60 millimeters can work for bigger riders. Anything bigger than 60 millimeters is usually a specialty wheel, and will not be suitable for most parks.

Guide to Skateboard Helmet


Skateboard helmets are the headgear worn by skaters to protect their heads from injuries. Just like bicycle helmets, they cover the upper portion of the head (not the sides), chin, and the back of the neck. They usually have outer shells made of solid, durable plastic and interiors with soft padding. Most models have small round vents for air circulation. Skateboard helmets are essential accessories skaters should never do without. Statistics shows that the use of skateboard helmets reduces head injuries and accidents by up to 85%.

Types Of Skateboard Helmets

Strap skateboard helmets
  • Strap skateboard helmets have adjustable straps for a snug fit.
  • Most models feature stainless steel rivets, interior foam padding, and soft tubular webbing.
  • They come in sleek and lightweight designs.
  • They are available in different sizes.
Strapless skateboard helmets
  • Strapless skateboard helmets are designed to be easily worn over the head.
  • They do not have straps or webbing.
  • They are made up of high-impact outer shells and inner foam padding.
  • They come in sleek and lightweight design.
  • They are available in different sizes.

Tuesday 30 June 2009

Bearing ratings: Choose skateboard bearings with a high Annular Bearing Engineering Council (ABEC) rating. They are rated using the odd numbers from one to nine in the ABEC scale, where one is the lowest and nine is the highest. Cheap skateboards usually come with unrated bearings that do not ensure excellent performance.


Maintenance advice


Do not skate on dirty or muddy surfaces, as skateboard bearings wear easily and slow down when exposed to too much dirt and water.

Replace rough bearings immediately. Nothing can be done to bring them back to their original form.

Clean your skateboard bearings regularly to keep them in top form.

Types Of Skateboard Decks

Blank skateboard decks

  • Blank skateboard decks are plain wooden planks with no prints or graphics on the bottom.
  • They usually feature the natural color of wood.
  • The grain of the wood can be seen through the lacquer in some models.
  • They can have bottoms with colored stain where the wood grain can be seen.
  • Most models are painted in one solid color with no designs or graphics.

Graphic skateboard decks

  • Graphic skateboard decks are wooden planks designed with colors, graphics, texts, and other creative patterns.
  • They usually have screen printed bottoms. Buyers usually pick out the designs they want first before they are printed on the bottom.
  • Most models come with a warranty against delamination.

Guide to Bearings

Skateboard bearings are the metallic cylinders enclosing the wheels of a skateboard. They consist of an inner central shaft fitting around the truck axles and an outer shaft fitting into the wheels. In between the inner and outer shafts are small balls, usually made of steel or ceramic, rolling in a raceway. Skateboard bearings increase the a skateboard’s performance in rough and rugged surfaces.

Choosing Skateboard Bearings

Bearing ratings: Choose skateboard bearings with a high Annular Bearing Engineering Council (ABEC) rating. They are rated using the odd numbers from one to nine in the ABEC scale, where one is the lowest and nine is the highest. Cheap skateboards usually come with unrated bearings that do not ensure excellent performance.

Maintenance advice

Do not skate on dirty or muddy surfaces, as skateboard bearings wear easily and slow down when exposed to too much dirt and water. Replace rough bearings immediately. Nothing can be done to bring them back to their original form. Clean your skateboard bearings regularly to keep them in top form.

Guide to Skateboard Backpacks

Skateboard backpacks are bags used for carrying skateboards. They look like ordinary backpacks except they have dedicated front compartments just for skateboards. The skateboards can be stored vertically inside the backpacks, allowing them to be brought anywhere. Skateboard backpacks come in women’s and men’s designs in different colors and styles.

Choosing Skateboard Backpacks

Compartments: Aside from carrying your skateboard, look for a skateboard backpack that can carry your notebooks, schoolbooks, and other needed accessories. If you listen to music on your way to a session, choose a skateboard backpack with a built-in CD organizer for storing up to six of your favorite CDs. You can also get one with a cell phone holder for keeping your cell phone.

Water-resistance:
Choose a coated water-resistant skateboard backpack to protect your skateboard from warping and your other things from getting wet.