Reddit mentions: The best skateboard decks

Deck: Any of the big brands, kinda personal preference based on pop / board shape / graphics [Baker, Element (not featherlights, they tend to snap.), Flip, Zero, MiniLogo, etc.] You can also usually get a blank deck from one of those companies for a cheaper price.

Trucks: Independent trucks are what I've always used. Thunder trucks are good quality too. Indys are just kinda classic and very popular. Dad used em back in the 80s. (of the appropriate size, usually 139s, depends on deck width)

Wheels: Totally personal opinion, but I like Bones 100s or Spitfire Formula 4s

Bearings: Bones Reds. Classic. My dad skated on these too. I have skated on them ever since I started at 8 years old. Tried, true, affordable.

Here's my most recently purchased full, complete deck, parted out, for you to look at:

Deck: (not the exact same as mine, got it at a local shop. Deathwish decks are manufactured by Baker.) http://www.amazon.com/Deathwish-Deathspray-Black-Skateboard-Decks/dp/B0086Q7B2A/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1453949834&sr=1-5&keywords=deathwish+skateboard

Trucks: http://www.amazon.com/Independent-Stage-Standard-Truck-Silver/dp/B00APL6OY0/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1453949901&sr=1-1&keywords=Independent+139

Wheels: http://www.amazon.com/Bones-Wheels-100s-52mm-White/dp/B00CLCLRZW/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1453949927&sr=1-1&keywords=Bones+100s

Bearings: http://www.amazon.com/Bones-Reds-Precision-Skate-Bearings/dp/B000FDRQ1S/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1453949941&sr=1-1&keywords=Bones+reds


Good Luck! If you want to get into skateboarding, I highly recommend going into a local shop. A big part of skate culture is supporting your local stores, which are usually filled with some pretty cool people.

Lol it's an expensive hobby especially once you start doing things that will break the board. So since you're just starting I'd recommend getting a complete set as they tend to be cheaper. Try the ward skatepark or zumiez. Other than that try Amazon just make sure they are good reviews from the people that actually ride them not just my son loves it. Stay away from places such as Walmart as its a race to what will break first the deck or the trucks. Also https://www.amazon.com/Moose-Blank-Skateboard-Assorted-Colors/dp/B003YKBQUQ are great cheap decks if you want to buy the other components individually as well. You will have to learn to apply the grip tape yourself through.

Unless you are looking to bomb some hard hills or do a lot of rough tricks or carve on a nickle (literally) so basically if you are just wanting a cruising board I would suggest just buying a blank deck off of amazon.

Get something along the lines of THIS or THIS

Then for everything else THESE should do fine. I wouldn't suggest getting more than 70mm wheels and even that is pushing it. You really want something (for a cruising deck) around 57mm. Also don't try to get super hard or super soft wheels (normally referred to as fat or fat free wheels).

Longboards can be expensive and I know a several people and have heard of even more people who save up and buy a roughly $300 dollar board but then only use it for cruising or never ride it really and what I have listed (or thing similar to it) should do just fine for a trial board and keep the cost relatively low. I actually built a bored with similar items from amazon for my friends who do not have a deck and it has held up pretty well for the past few years.


EDIT: Depending on if the board comes with grip tape or not you may need to buy some. THIS is more along the lines of the expensive stuff of the cheap stuff so I think it is worth it personally.

HAHA! Perfect explanation. So would something like these be better?
https://www.blackdiamondsports.com/sector-9-sand-blaster-35-0-x-8-75-longboard-deck-22814
https://www.amazon.com/Landyachtz-The-Mummy-Longboard-Deck/dp/B01FJFRABC

You should look into blank decks. They're super cheap, decent enough quality and great to learn with. I used to order them online all the time because I was super hard on my skateboards and having extra decks on hand was a blessing when something goes wrong or you get mad and snap one.

I've had a quick look through amazon and found most of your parts for cheaper or alternatives. Here's the setup I've compiled but feel free to switch parts out if you prefer.

Deck: 1. Same Mini-Logo Militant #170 Skateboard Deck - Navy 8.25" (No grip)

2. Other Mini-Logo designs in various sizes (Cheaper than 1. but also with no grip tape)

Wheels: Enuff Refreshers 53mm

Trucks: Enuff Disco Trucks 5.5"

Truck Hardware: Venom or Skatewarehouse (Just a colour preference)

Bearings: Bone Reds

Skate Tool: Venom

All in all it comes to £70-£80 but you'll have a good setup which will last and even parts you can reuse on another deck when the time comes. The only thing missing is grip tape. I intentionally left this out as it can be annoying to fit yourself for a beginner (although it's possible if you take it easy) so I'd recommend buying some at a skate shop and asking them to fit it.

General guidelines for wheel size:
> 50-53mm - Small slower wheels, stable for trick riding and smaller riders skating street, skate parks and bowls.

> 54-59mm – Average wheel size for beginners and bigger riders skating street, skate parks, bowls and vert ramps.

> 60mm+ – Specialty riders skating longboards, old-school boards, downhill and dirt boards; made for speed and rougher surfaces.

Hope this helped, let me know how you get along!

What type of skating are you looking to get into? Street or Vert? Do you have a local skate shop near you? Usually you can get a blank deck much cheaper from a shop. Otherwise check out the links below, you will need all 3. Keep in mind, these are generic parts and might not have the best quality but will get the job done to learn. If you want to add some style to a blank deck just spray paint something on it. Come up with your own design. Building your own board will give you a sense of accomplishment and help motivate you to skate.

Deck

Accessories

Grip

EDIT 1: Stay away from generic tony hawk Walmart board like the one you linked.

Thanks! Would end up costing over 130 USD. Being a bit short on cash (Grad-college), what do you think about this package with Real? http://www.amazon.com/Real-Team-Renewal-Skateboard-Complete/dp/B00BIHCDMW/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_1


So something like this?
This is what I sourced from what you recommended.
Venture Salt 'N' Pepper 5.0 Low Skateboard Truck (Black/White, Set of 2)
39 USD
http://www.amazon.com/Venture-Pepper-Skateboard-Truck-Black/dp/B005QZ1XC8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1371988471&sr=8-3&keywords=Venture+truck

Bones STF Street Tech Formula Skateboard Wheels (Standard, Set of 4) size 52
34 USD
http://www.amazon.com/Bones-Formula-Skateboard-Wheels-Standard/dp/B001H55SP4/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1371988582&sr=8-2-fkmr1&keywords=bones+STFs+size+51

Bones Super Reds Bearings, 8 Pack set
USD 19
http://www.amazon.com/Bones-Super-Reds-Bearings-Pack/dp/B002E2MYSI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1371988684&sr=8-2&keywords=ones+Reds+bearings

Real Skateboard MVP 3-D 8
35 USD
http://www.amazon.com/Real-Team-Logo-Renewal-Skateboard/dp/B00BIHCE7Q/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1371989286&sr=8-11&keywords=Reals+skateboard

here's a quick list I put together for a solid custom setup.

Deck: Enjoi 8.0 (you could swap this for another deck of any quality brand.

Trucks: independent stage 11's. (note this is in a set of one, so you'll have to buy two trucks)

Wheels: Spitfire formula four's

bearings: bones reds

grip tape: mob grip

Hardware: 7/8". (personally I go to a hardware store and get them a bit cheaper)

Definitely do your research and decide what would be best for you though.

To me, this is the dream set up for getting around IV:

Bone Swiss Bearings

Bear trucks

Gumball wheels

And any deck you want. As another poster said, I'd recommend a shorter deck because it's easier to manage while on campus.

I used this deck for awhile, and it was awesome

If you want to skate, do get a set up that will make you love it. If you skimp out on parts, especially wheels/bearings, you're going to have a bad time.

Its cool how retro boards are coming back.

The fact that you can get a brand new deck and trucks that are basically the same as the retro ones is awesome. You could probably find some wheels that are similar too.

You should hang that one up as decoration, you wouldn't want anything to happen to a genuine vintage deck like that.

EDIT: bruce logan talking about being an OG skater

Hey, I had a 36" longboard but wanted to change my deck and got this 30" board.

Moose Old School Skateboard Deck (10" x 30", Natural) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003FVFP6A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ygLsDb66WMJ4S

I know it's not an eBoard deck, but I am able to drill holes to install the electrical housing onto the deck, however I don't know what housing to get for this board.

I have a 10s2p battery and a cheap motor controller. There's a lot of curvature on the sides of the deck as well. Maybe 4 inches of total flat area.

If there's no option to buy a housing, I am also capable with 3D printers and can design the cover, however I rather find something that will work and will be a lot stronger if I can.

As people are suggesting a top mounted deck with some Caliber II, zealous bearings, and appropriate 60-70mm wheels (and risers) should suit you pretty well. If you coming of a street deck a Hosoi Longboard may be perfect as it offers some ok concave, kicktails (for decent commute and freestyle movement), and a stiff structure so no flex. I rode this deck for years as a beginner downhill but I'm also kinda weird and needed one board to rule them all.

Pictures here.

Blankdecks.com is a great site for blanks.

This is the skateboard I ride right now from Amazon, and it's decent

Four month ago I bought a $25 kryptonics longboard from Walmart, my first skateboard, and now I need an upgrade. What do you think of this purchase?

Board:
http://www.amazon.com/Blank-Decks-Warning-Skateboard-Natural/dp/B002GIEAN2/ref=pd_sim_sg_8?ie=UTF8&refRID=086FC09SRT7RDVAM5THF

Trucks:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00123YRG2/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=YI9FBBOH7K08&coliid=IGYQQ845RM81K

Wheels:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ZC8AHE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=YI9FBBOH7K08&coliid=IQNGHRR1ELLNZ


The reason I chose a short board is because I'd like to learn how to skateboard and do tricks so having the option of putting on small wheels to take it to a park AND the option of putting on big wheels and cruise around town is important to me because I'll be using it to get to work.

Am I missing anything? Any advice welcome

I bought this. https://www.amazon.com/Wolpark-Skateboard-Longboard-Protector-Protection/dp/B078ZYKMXW/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1538709281&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=nose+guard+skateboard&dpPl=1&dpID=51UD8SUtFUL&ref=plSrch

It is nice. You can remove it and apply it easily

Can anyone vouch for this bundle that I have come across on Amazon?


I'm buying this board and am willing to put it together myself but I can decide what to get for wheels and trucks, etc. I'm trying to stay under 200 dollars while getting decent quality.


If that bundle turns out to be crap, can someone recommend me all the pieces required and somehow fit it into my budget?

I order from skateone in California, just since spring I bought 4 decks 4 sets of trucks and all the riggings for them. Amazon you can usually find free shipping on anything over 35$ for example this is the deck I'm riding now https://www.amazon.ca/Mini-Logo-DCMMML12709AHA-Skateboard-Small-Aloha/dp/B06XJCCH4X/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1500006876&sr=8-4&keywords=mini+logo+deck



Nevermind they seem to be backlogged on everything now. it all says shipping 2-4 weeks or 1-2 months. I got my stuff in 4 days when I ordered it.

For example https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002GIEAG4/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1523525127&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=skateboard+deck&dpPl=1&dpID=31c33zkaUdL&ref=plSrch

I preferred to wait a bit and collect old ones because 1) they were for free 2) I like them a bit trashy.. but buying new ones is a viable and faster option.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002GIEAG4/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Why not save yourself the money and get a blank deck