Have you ever wondered what size skateboard the pros use to pull off those jaw-dropping tricks? Well, as a seasoned skateboarder, I know firsthand how important it is to choose the right skateboard size to step up their game and impress their crew.
Whether it is landing a sick trick or taking a gnarly spill, we often look up to professional skaters and copy them. And that’s when the desire rises to ride a pro size skateboard.
From deck size and diversification to body type and skill level, there are a ton of factors that pros consider when finding the perfect size for them. So, get ready to discover the insider secrets to pro skateboard dimensions, and how you can benefit from their expertise.
When it comes to choosing the right skateboard size, there’s no better place to look than the pros. After all, they’ve spent years perfecting their craft and have likely experimented with various deck sizes to find the one that works best for them.
Honestly, it’s not just a matter of personal preference or brand loyalty. The size of your skateboard can make a huge difference in your performance and the tricks you are able to pull off.
Generally, pro skateboarders prefer an 8.25” skateboard deck, and almost every professional skateboarder mostly rides an 8.25” size skateboard. It is the most diverse size for almost every type of skateboarding.
Two Main Factors That Influence Skateboard Size for Pros
When it comes to skateboard size for pros, there are two main factors to consider: deck size and deck diversification – let’s discuss them:
1. Deck Size
Deck size is the most crucial consideration as it affects how you control your skateboard, your balance, and your speed. It is referred to the width of the board and can range from around 7.5 inches to 8.5 inches or more.
Generally speaking, the wider the deck, the more stable it will be, making it easier to land tricks. However, a wider deck can also make it more difficult to perform certain maneuvers, like flip tricks.
Read features of the best skateboard decks that are the first choices of most pro skaters.
2. Deck Diversification
On the other hand, deck diversification means that different skateboard shapes and concaves are available. Some skaters prefer a flatter board for more stability, while others opt for a more concave shape for greater control.
For example, if you want to skate street, you’ll typically go for a smaller board, whereas if you want to do tricks in the park, you’ll need a bigger board.
Pro Skateboarders and the Size Decks They Ride
Here are some pro skateboarders and the size decks they ride:
Nyjah Huston– one of the most successful and influential skateboarders in the world, and he’s known for riding slightly larger decks than most pros. He typically rides decks that are between 8.25 and 8.5 inches wide, which gives him the stability and control he needs for his technical street tricks.
Tony Hawk – a legendary skateboarder who has been a pro for over 30 years. Over the course of his career, he’s ridden a wide range of deck sizes, but he tends to favor wider boards these days. We have seen him riding decks that are between 8.5 and 9 inches wide for his signature vert tricks.
Paul Rodriguez – a street skating icon who’s known for his smooth style and technical prowess. He tends to ride slightly smaller decks than some of his peers, typically ranging from 8 to 8.5 inches wide.
Andrew Reynolds – a legendary skater who’s known for his massive pop and gnarly handrails. He tends to ride wider decks than most pros, typically ranging from 8.5 to 9 inches wide for his powerful style of skating.
Chris Joslin – a newer face on the skate scene, but he’s already made a name for himself as one of the most fearless and technically proficient skaters in the world. He tends to ride slightly smaller decks than some of his peers, typically ranging from 8.25 to 8.5 inches wide for his hard street tricks.
Are Wider Skateboards Easier To Ride?
Well, wider skateboards are generally easier to ride. However, they do have their advantages when it comes to stability and balance. It’s a tricky one because it depends on a few factors. Let’s break it down, shall we?
Advantages
Larger Surface Area: Wider skateboards provide a larger surface area for your feet, which can help with balance. If you are a beginner or have larger feet, a wider board might feel more comfortable and stable.
More Stable: Because of the wider deck, wider skateboards are generally more stable than narrower ones. This can be particularly helpful when learning new tricks or trying to maintain balance on uneven surfaces.
Disadvantages
Less Responsive: However, wider skateboards might not be as responsive as narrower ones. This means they might not turn or flip as easily, making them less suitable for technical tricks or maneuvers that require quick and precise movements.
Heavier: Additionally, wider boards can be heavier, which might make them less maneuverable in certain situations.
What Size Skateboard Wheels Do Pros Use?
Professional skateboarders have different preferences when it comes to wheel size, depending on the type of skating they’re doing. Generally, street skaters and vert skaters prefer different wheel sizes.
For street skating, pros tend to use smaller wheels in the range of 50-55mm in diameter. Smaller wheels are lighter and more maneuverable, making it easier to perform tricks and flip the board.
On the other hand, vert skaters typically use larger wheels, ranging from 55-60mm in diameter. Larger wheels provide more speed and stability when skating on ramps or in bowls, and they roll over cracks and rough surfaces more easily.
Of course, these are just general guidelines, and there are always exceptions to the rule depending on their personal preference or the specific tricks pros are performing.
Generally, an 8.25 skateboard is considered to be on the larger side of the spectrum, but it is a popular size among many pro skateboarders. It offers a wider base, making it more stable and providing a larger surface area for landing tricks, especially when skating vert or larger transitions.
However, it may be less responsive and more difficult to flip, especially for beginners or those with smaller feet.
Conclusion
Now you know the secrets behind what size skateboard pros use and got an idea to choose the perfect size for yourself. Remember, deck size and diversification are the two main factors that influence skateboard size for pros.
And if you are still confused about where to start, go for an 8.25” size skateboard which is a favorite choice for pros.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size board for skate pros?
The most common size board for skate pros is 8.25 inches.
Is 8.5 deck too big?
Not necessarily. An 8.5-inch deck can work well for skaters who enjoy cruising, ramp skating, or for those with larger feet. However, it may not be the best fit for skaters who prefer a more technical style of street skating.
What is a popular skateboard size?
Currently, the most popular skateboard size among both professionals and amateurs is 8.25 inches. It offers a versatile size that works well for a variety of styles, from street skating to park skating.
What size board do street skaters use?
Street skaters generally prefer smaller boards ranging from 7.75 to 8.25 inches. This size offers better control and maneuverability for performing tricks and navigating through tight spaces.
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.
