![ELEMENT デッキ MADARS APSE COOP - 8.0](http://prime-skateboard.com/cdn/shop/products/02021538_65bc8dcc27cf6_prime_skateboard_d-elm-ma-coop80.jpg?v=1707465517&width=1445)
How to choose a skateboard
Hello, this is Shintaro from Prime.
I want to start skateboarding, but what is the number one reason why I can't take the plunge? I'm sure there are many reasons such as "There's no one nearby" or "There's no shop near where you live."
I don't know what to choose...
I think this is the number one factor. We hope you will follow Prime's ``easy'' selection method until the end.
Please watch this video first.
Now let's take a look at each part.
STEP 1 How to choose a deck
Let's start skateboarding. First you need to choose a deck.
The deck is the “face” of the skateboard
Please choose whichever design you like.
Skateboarding is a world of self-expression and individuality. A deck with a design you like will increase your motivation. We often get asked at stores, `` Which size should I choose? '' I
Please ignore the size
I answer. In fact, each skateboard differs in length and width by a few millimeters.
We skaters have ridden dozens of decks (some even hundreds), and from those decks, we have established the size and shape that is best for us.
Do you understand that "preference in millimeter units" in the very first deck? Like shoes, decks are the things that wear out the most and need to be replaced as you continue skating. Don't be fooled by millimeters, choose your first piece based on your intuition. For the deck, choose one that has the design of any skateboard ``face'' that you like.
STEP 2 How to select a track
Once you've decided on your deck, next is the truck. Trucks are the core of the suspension. It is a part that controls turn performance and influences the ease of performing tricks. Because it is a very important part
It doesn't matter which one
That's not the case.
In fact, this is where most people get frustrated when choosing a track. This is because the size of the truck needs to match the width of the deck, and there are cases where you give up because you don't know that.
Below is the deck/truck size correspondence table. The number listed at the end of the deck product name is the deck size. Also, the size notation of trucks varies depending on the brand. For trucks, the size is indicated by the number at the end of the product name, so please check it against the compatibility chart.
DECK SIZE | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
7.5 or less | 109 | N/A | 143 | 11 |
7.5 ~ 7.875 | 129 | 5.0 | 145 | 22 |
7.875 ~ 8.25 | 139 | 5.2 | 147 | 33 |
8.25 ~ 8.4 | 144 | 5.6 | 148 | 44 |
8.4 ~ 8.75 | 149 | 5.8 | 149 | 55 |
Trucks have different characteristics depending on the brand. In addition to the ``INDEPENDENT,'' ``VENTURE,'' and ``THUNDER,'' which are known as the ``three major trucks in the world,'' Prime also handles ``ACE,'' which is rapidly gaining popularity on the street. Without going into "difficult otaku talk", below is the usability of each brand. Simply input it into your head and remember it.
|
High turn performance Used by a wide range of people from street to R-type riders. Recommended for those who want to enjoy all-round skating. Most popular in cruiser settings. |
|
Standard turn performance It is overwhelmingly lightweight and allows you to perform all tricks with ease. Recommended for those who want to do tricks quickly, as well as women and children. |
|
loose turn performance Excellent stability! You can hold it solidly when performing tricks. Recommended for those who want powerful handling. It has a stiff ride, so if you mainly ride in the area, it is best to avoid it. |
|
Extremely high turning performance Suitable for situations where you want the truck to operate instantly, such as wall rides. Because it is relatively heavy, it gives the impression that it is suitable for intermediate to advanced users. |
The truck is the most difficult part to break. When you continue skating, you spend a lot of time with these parts compared to other parts, and once you get used to using them, it can be difficult to replace them. In fact, we often hear people say that they can no longer do what they used to be able to do just by changing the truck. Therefore, it is a part that we recommend making an initial investment in as a long-term partner.
STEP 3 How to choose wheels
After choosing your deck and track, choose your wheels. A wheel is a wheel. There are actually two types of wheels. "Hard wheels" and "cruiser wheels" If you make the wrong choice here, you will end up with completely different vehicles.
In other words, it is no exaggeration to say that the purpose of the skateboard is determined by these wheels.
>Hard wheels
These are hard wheels used for regular skateboards. It's the one that makes the gurgling and gliding sound that you often see on the streets.
If you want to practice tricks such as ollies and flips, or practice ramps and balls at the skate park, choose these hard wheels.
Hard wheels also have various brands and detailed specifications. If you are worried, just choose the brand "SPITFIRE" and you will be fine. It is the favorite of the wheel brand with the most users around the world.
Furthermore, when you delve into things such as "size," "hardness," and "shape," it becomes a deep world that takes a long time to explain.
Recommended sizes vary depending on the purpose. If you mainly want to practice tricks on the street or in the park, you should choose ``52MM'', and if you want to practice tricks with ramps or balls, you should choose ``54MM''. Just to say, as long as this size selection is not extremely small or, conversely, extremely large, you will be able to practice all-round without any problems.
>Soft (cruiser) wheels
These wheels have excellent quietness and running performance, making them ideal for skateboarding as a means of transportation.
The ride comfort of cruiser wheels changes greatly depending on the size (caliber).
Cruiser wheels with a large diameter (60MM or more) have excellent ride comfort and performance, allowing you to enjoy comfortable cruising even on rough roads. The longer the distance traveled, the more pronounced the effect will be.
As for cruiser wheels with a small diameter (56MM or less), they don't go too fast and are light, so you can do things like ollie. The size allows you to easily do an ollie while cruising.
When moving around town, you can climb over small bumps, so it can be said that a smaller size is better in terms of ``driving through''.
STEP 4 How to choose a bearing
The last part to choose is the bearing.
Bearings are the engine of a skateboard. The criteria for selecting bearings for the engine are "rotational performance" and "durability."
The specifications of bearings mentioned above improve in proportion to the price. However, not all brands have the same level of price and performance.
``So what should I choose based on?'' The answer is ``Is it specifically for skateboarding?''
The bearing brands that Prime stocks are "BONES" and "BRONSON". These two companies are both bearing brands exclusively for skateboards.
A bearing is a bearing for a rotating part. Although it is a part that controls rotation, it does not just rotate, but skateboards also require durability to protect its shape from strong impacts and excessive pressure.
The high durability of these bearings is why they are made specifically for skateboards.
I will skip the details of the structure here, but depending on whether it is "dedicated" or "non-dedicated", the "lifespan" = how long you can continue to use it will vary greatly.
Among the two brands mentioned above that Prime handles, even the lowest priced model has sufficient "rotation performance" and "durability".
STEP 5 Finally
The main parts selection is now complete. Other necessary deck tape and bolts can be selected based on appearance at first.
The h skateboard is now complete.
On Prime, there is an option to select whether "assembly" is required on the product page of each part.
Some deck tapes are available for free as options on the deck product page.
Regarding bolts, when adding each part to the cart, please select ``Assemble'' as an option and purchase the 4 items necessary to assemble the skateboard: ``Deck'', ``Trucks'', ``Wheels'', and ``Bearings''. If so, we will assemble it for you using free materials.
The skateboard is now complete.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to " Contact Us ".