Are you tired of cruising around town on a plank of wood that’s barely holding together? Rather than hitting the pavement on the wrong board, you should upgrade your street skating game with the best skateboard for street.
The street skateboarding is all about experiencing the thrill of the ride, the challenge of navigating the urban landscape, and the freedom to express yourself through your tricks.
But as any experienced skater (like me) will tell you, choosing the right street skateboard can make all the difference. From deck size to wheel hardness, each component plays a crucial role in your performance and overall experience.
So, whether you are an adult looking to pick up a new hobby or a beginner just starting out, this article will surely guide you to find the best type of skateboard for street skating.
So, you’ve decided to hit the streets on a skateboard, good choice! But hold on a sec, before you go out and buy the first board you see, let’s talk about what you should be looking for in a street skateboard.
Here are the key features to consider when selecting your street skateboard setup:
a. Deck Size, Shape, and Material
The deck is the most crucial part of your street skateboard because it determines your overall stability and control. When choosing a street deck, you’ll want to consider the size, shape, and material.
The size of the deck depends on your height, weight, and skating style. Smaller decks offer more maneuverability, while larger decks provide more stability.
Generally, decks range from 7.5″ to 8.5″ in width. For street skating, a deck size of 7.75″ to 8.25″ is recommended for beginners, while advanced skaters may prefer a narrower deck for better control.
Similarly, the shape of the deck also plays a crucial role in your performance. Some popular shapes include Popsicle and Cruiser boards.
The material of the deck can affect your riding experience. Maple wood is the most popular choice for street skateboards due to its durability and flexibility.
Trucks determine how easily you can turn and grind. The width and height of the trucks depend on your deck size, so it’s essential to choose the right trucks that match your deck.
Wider trucks provide more stability, while narrower trucks offer more control. The height of the trucks determines your distance from the ground, affecting how easily you can flip your board and land tricks.
The truck width should be according to the deck size for optimal performance. For street tricks, most experienced riders prefer trucks ranging from 5″ to 5.75″ in width. And if you are into cruising and carving, go for a bit wider decks, probably slightly narrower than the deck.
The weight of the trucks also affects your stability and maneuverability. Lightweight trucks are ideal for technical tricks, while heavier trucks provide stability for high-speed skating.
Read reviews of the best skateboard trucks along with a detailed guide on how to choose them.
c. Wheel Size and Hardness
The wheels play a critical role in your street skateboarding experience, affecting your speed, grip, and slide. The size and hardness of the wheels depend on the type of terrain you’ll be skating on.
Smaller wheels are more suitable for technical street skating, while larger wheels are better for cruising and skating on rough surfaces.
The wheel size and hardness depend on the terrain and skating style. For street skating, wheels ranging from 50mm to 55mm in diameter and 99A to 101A in hardness are suitable for most surfaces and tricks.
Smaller and harder wheels are better for technical tricks and smooth surfaces, while larger and softer wheels provide more speed and grip for rougher terrain.
“I personally prefer 52mm with a hardness level of 99A for street skateboarding, perfect size for tricks and cruising – neither too hard, nor too soft!”
The bearings are the small metal balls that allow the wheels to spin. The quality of the bearings affects your speed and smoothness. ABEC rating is a common indicator of bearing quality, with higher ratings indicating better precision, speed, and durability.
For street skating, ABEC 7 or higher bearings are recommended for optimal performance. (Some skaters prefer ABEC 5, I guess it comes to your personal preference).
Best Skateboards for Street – Complete Setups
1. Powell Peralta Flight Deck
2. Moose Blank Skateboard
3. Bamboo Skateboards
4. Birdhouse Skateboard Tony Hawk Falcon
5. Baker Black/White Logo
Now, let’s get into the details of each skateboard and find out what makes them best for street skateboarding.
Note: the sizes I mentioned here belong to the boards I rode, you may choose a differently sized skateboard according to your style, but quality of the parts will be the same (hopefully).
Powell Peralta Flight Deck is the best street skateboard complete setup. It is a popular choice for street skaters due to its high-quality construction, reliability, and excellent performance.
The deck is made from Powell Peralta’s exclusive Flight Deck technology, which uses a composite construction that is lighter and stronger than traditional 7-ply decks. A special fiber-reinforced construction provides an incredible amount of pop and durability.
The deck also features a mellow concave shape that makes it easy to maneuver and control. I own one (size 8.25” x 32”), been riding it on the pavements and in parks for over three years and it still one of my favorites when it comes to street skating.
The setup also features powerful Bones wheels, with a diameter of 52mm and a hardness rating of 101a. And the best part I love about this board, its lightweight medium width Independent trucks, making it a great choice for technical street skating.
The only downside is that it’s a bit pricey, but the quality justifies the cost.
The Moose Blank Skateboard is an excellent choice for beginners who are just getting into street skating. This skateboard is made of high-quality materials and is very affordable, making it a great value for money.
The deck is made of 7-ply Canadian maple, which provides excellent strength and durability. I personally love the simplicity of this deck, because it gives me freedom to paint the art to express my personality and riding style.
The setup comes with quality Tensor trucks and smooth-rolling Spitfire 52mm wheels with 99a durometer, making it a great choice for cruising and technical street tricks.
The only downside is that it doesn’t come with grip tape, which means you’ll have to purchase it separately and apply it on your own (or get services of an expert).
The Bamboo Skateboards complete setup is a great choice for eco-conscious skaters as the deck is made from sustainable bamboo.
The deck is made of 6-ply bamboo and features a unique concave shape that provides excellent control and maneuverability. The deck has a nice pop and is lightweight, making it perfect for street skating.
Despite having one ply less than most decks, it can still reliable enough to accommodate riders up to 220 lbs.
I specifically admire this skateboard for street because of its elasticity, and it absorbs shocks better than traditional maple decks.
And the best part is, the brand is providing alternative to reduce maple deforestation.
The setup comes with quality Enuff trucks and smooth-rolling 52mm wheels, making it a great option for both beginner and advanced street skaters.
Lately, the Bamboo skateboards are gaining popularity because they are versatile. You can use them to skate in streets, park, and vert.
Ah, the Birdhouse Tony Hawk Falcon – a classic board from the top rated street skateboard brands, and the top choice for skaters who prefer high-quality skateboard setup.
This complete skateboard features a sturdy 7-ply maple deck with a medium concave and a size of 8.0″ x 31.5″. This size is perfect for street skating, providing a stable platform for hardest tricks and grinds.
The trucks are made of durable aluminum alloy and are 5 inches wide, providing excellent stability and control. I was blown away the turning efficiency and responsiveness of the board – of course it was due to the quality trucks (I admit).
The wheels are 52mm in size with a 99A hardness, not so small, not so hard, just making them perfect for street skating and cruising. These wheels offer a good balance of speed and grip, allowing for smooth rides and easy tricks (what more can we even expect?).
This complete skateboard is an excellent choice for street skaters who want a versatile setup that can handle a range of tricks and terrain. Need a second opinion about this board? It is popular among professional skateboarders – now this depicts it’s reliability and performance.
This simple yet stylish deck is constructed from 7-ply North American maple featuring a cool black and white logo graphic design. The deck has an excellent pop and offers optimal durability.
I had a fair share to ride the 8.0″x31.5″ deck, found it easy for technical maneuvers and flip tricks in the streets. It’s mallow concave made it easier for me to control it while performing stunts.
The setup comes with Baker brand trucks, which are renowned for their quality and reliability (I can confidently confirm this claim after riding them). These trucks are 5.25″ wide, which is an ideal size for the 8.0″ deck.
The wheels on this setup are also top-notch, measuring 52mm in diameter and featuring a hardness rating of 100a. This combination provides excellent speed and control on smooth surfaces, while also being durable enough to handle rougher terrain.
The only downside I’ve experienced (maybe you won’t) is that it’s a bit heavy compared to other setups, which may not be ideal for skaters who prefer a lighter board (like me).
Versatile setup for street skating, flip tricks, and technical maneuvers
Affordable price
High-quality aluminum trucks with a medium profile
The wheels has a great grip
Cons
Wheels may be too hard for some skaters, depending on their preferences and the terrain they skate on
Best Skateboard Decks for Street Skating
Skateboarding has become a fashion and a fun activity on the streets. The deck is the foundation of your skateboard, and choosing the right one is crucial for your performance on the street.
Apparently, the artwork on the deck is considered to be a huge factor in the skateboarding community. Most skaters prefer graphics of the street decks that represent their personalities.
However, there are more factors to consider before choosing a deck for street skating.
Think about riding on a vert skateboard deck in a street, you’ll not enjoy the smooth rides or you may end up snapping it. Hence, it is necessary to skate on decks that are particularly designed for street skateboarding.
Look for the following factors before picking a street deck:
Width: Street skateboarding mostly consists of long rides, cruising and speedy rides from hilltops. Decent width decks provide an ideal surface to stand on comfortably.
Skateboard Geek advice picking a street deck having a width between 8 to 8.5 inches. Moreover, the length should be short to carry around easily.
Shape: Choose a Popsicle stick shape deck for street skating. They perform better while skating, cruising and little liftoffs on the pavements.
Concave: Mellow concave decks are considered to be better for cruising in the streets. You feel more comfortable and have better control of the board.
Skaters intend to perform little flip tricks on the streets to get appreciation. A little concavity makes it easier for skaters to lead the board.
Material: Skateboard decks are made with Canadian maple wood, Bamboo, and carbon fibers. Maple wood grows in a cold climate over the years, flexible and durable. These decks are relatively cheaper because the market is saturated with maple decks.
On the other hand, Bamboo decks are a bit sturdier and heavier than maple decks. Carbon fiber decks are very durable and lightweight – but they are expensive.
After taking these facts into consideration along with durability, performance, and technical specification, we’ve rounded up some of the top rated skateboard decks for street skating.
Powell Peralta Flight Deck
Moose Deck
Bamboo Deck
Birdhouse Tony Hawk Falcon
Baker Logo Deck
Santa Cruz Screaming Hand
Almost Skateboard Deck
Alien Workshop Deck
CCS Logo Blank
Anti-Hero Skateboard Deck
Common Issues with Street Skateboards: How to Avoid and Fix Them
Street skateboarding can be a fun and exciting activity, but it’s not without its challenges. As much as we love it, we can’t ignore the fact that it comes with a few common issues.
If you are new to street skating or even if you are an experienced rider, it’s essential to be aware of these problems to keep your board in good shape and avoid any unnecessary injuries.
Here are some common issues with street skateboards and what you can do to avoid and fix them:
1. Razor Tail
Razor tail is a term used to describe the gradual wear and tear on the tail of a skateboard deck, which can lead to the board becoming sharp and difficult to use.
It can be caused by many factors, including hard landings, excessive dragging, and grinding.
Try to land your tricks as softly as possible, using your knees to absorb the impact.
Avoid dragging your tail excessively on the ground or ledges.
Consider investing in a skateboard deck made with high-quality materials that are more resistant to razor tail.
How to fix razor tail:
Use a sandpaper to file down the sharp edges.
If the tail is severely damaged, you may need to replace the deck altogether.
2. Deck/Tail Snapping
Another common issue with street skateboards is deck and tail snapping, which is when the skateboard deck or tail breaks under pressure.
This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as landing too hard, using a board that’s too small, or skating in cold weather.
How to avoid deck/tail snapping:
Choose a skateboard deck that’s the appropriate size and weight for your body and skating style.
Avoid skating in extremely cold weather, as the cold can make the wood more brittle and prone to snapping.
Consider using a skateboard deck made with durable materials, such as carbon fiber or fiberglass, that are less likely to snap.
How to fix deck/tail snapping:
If your deck/tail snaps, you’ll need to replace it with a new one.
3. Waterlogged Deck
A waterlogged deck is a common issue with street skateboards that occurs when the deck absorbs moisture from rain, snow, or wet surfaces. A waterlogged deck can become heavy, slippery, and difficult to control, making it unsafe to use.
How to avoid a waterlogged deck:
Try to avoid skating on wet surfaces as much as possible.
If you must skate in wet conditions, use a waterproof spray on your deck to help repel moisture.
Always dry your deck thoroughly after skating in wet conditions.
How to fix a waterlogged deck:
If your deck becomes waterlogged, try to dry it out as soon as possible using a towel or hairdryer on a low setting.
If the deck is severely waterlogged, you may need to replace it with a new one.
4. Wheelbite
Wheelbite is when the wheels of your skateboard rub against the bottom of your deck, causing the board to come to an abrupt stop.
This can be dangerous, as it can cause you to lose your balance and fall off your board.
Read a detailed article on what is wheelbite on a skateboard and how to prevent it.
How to avoid wheelbite:
Make sure your skateboard trucks are the appropriate size for your deck.
Use riser pads between your trucks and deck to create more space and prevent wheelbite.
Consider using smaller wheels or tightening your trucks to reduce the risk of wheelbite.
How to fix wheelbite:
If you experience wheelbite, try adjusting your trucks or adding riser pads to create more space between your wheels and deck.
Conclusion
Our journey through the world of street skateboarding has come to an end. Today we learned that choosing the right skateboard for street skating is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience.
We have discussed the key features to consider when selecting a street skateboard, including deck size, shape, and material, truck width and height, wheel size and hardness, and bearings.
Our top choice: Powell Peralta Flight Deck
Second option: Bamboo Skateboards
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a street deck skateboard?
A street deck skateboard is a type of skateboard that is specifically designed for street skating, which involves performing tricks and stunts on urban terrain such as stairs, rails, and ledges.
Street decks typically have a shorter length, narrower, a medium concave, and a smaller nose and tail allowing for better maneuverability and control.
What is a recommended skateboard?
A recommended skateboard is one that suits your skill level, style, and budget. When looking for a skateboard, consider factors such as the deck size and shape with a good balance of pop and stability, truck size and hardness, wheel size and durometer, and bearing quality.
Do skateboards work on roads?
Yes, skateboards work on roads, but it depends on the condition of the road surface. Smooth and well-paved roads are ideal for skateboarding, while rough and uneven roads can be challenging and even dangerous.
Longboards and cruiser boards are better suited for riding on roads and sidewalks, while street decks are designed for skateparks and urban environments.
I got inspired by my father after watching him performing heroic tricks on a skateboard. Started at the age of 8 and performed in multiple competitions, now I coach professionals for tournaments. It's not just a sport for me - more like a passion and meditation! After years of experience with different skateboarding products, here are my reviews about Best Skateboard Brands and Best Skateboard for Beginners. It's an era of technology, you can also check unbiased reviews of Best Electric Skateboards. You can also read Benefits of Skateboarding.
Powell Peralta Flight Deck is the best street skateboard complete setup. It is a popular choice for street skaters due to its high-quality construction, reliability, and excellent performance.
The Moose Blank Skateboard is an excellent choice for beginners who are just getting into street skating. This skateboard is made of high-quality materials and is very affordable, making it a great value for money.
The Bamboo Skateboards complete setup is a great choice for eco-conscious skaters as the deck is made from sustainable bamboo.
Ah, the Birdhouse Tony Hawk Falcon – a classic board from the top rated street skateboard brands, and the top choice for skaters who prefer high-quality skateboard setup.
This complete skateboard is an excellent choice for street skaters who want a versatile setup that can handle a range of tricks and terrain. Need a second opinion about this board? It is popular among professional skateboarders – now this depicts it’s reliability and performance.
Razor tail is a term used to describe the gradual wear and tear on the tail of a skateboard deck, which can lead to the board becoming sharp and difficult to use.
Another common issue with street skateboards is deck and tail snapping, which is when the skateboard deck or tail breaks under pressure.
A waterlogged deck is a common issue with street skateboards that occurs when the deck absorbs moisture from rain, snow, or wet surfaces. A waterlogged deck can become heavy, slippery, and difficult to control, making it unsafe to use.
Wheelbite is when the wheels of your skateboard rub against the bottom of your deck, causing the board to come to an abrupt stop.
