Skateboarding is one of the fastest growing sports in America. Celebrated as an activity that promotes individualism and perseverance, it is starting to gain support of parents across the nation. If you have never skateboarded before, you may be considering traveling to your local skateboard shop to purchase a skateboard. You probably have many questions, especially involving the parts of the skateboard itself. This article will dive straight into the topic, naming and explaining all of the things that make up a skateboard.
The wooden part of the skateboard which gives the skateboard the majority of its structure is known as the deck. Skateboard decks are the most design friendly part of the skateboard. Most decks in skate shops have a large variety of painted graphics on the bottom. This adds to the aesthetic value of the skateboard. Painted skateboard decks from professional companies usually cost about $55. However it is also possible to purchase blank decks which have no paint on the bottom. These decks will usually cost around $30.
Because the top of a deck is slick wood, there is a need for a substance that will grip the shoes of the skateboarder. Thus, all skateboards have grip tape. Grip tape is a sheet of black paper with a composition similar to sandpaper. The cost of grip tape usually ranges from $5 to $10.
In order to turn, skateboards are mounted on metal hangers known as trucks. Trucks are argued to be the most important part of the skateboard, due to their functionality. Trucks have a nut in the middle that is mounted on a kingpin. The level of tightness of the nut on the kingpin will determine how the trucks steer. Trucks will cost about $60 on average. However, it is important to remember that a single pair of trucks can last for multiple years.
Trucks are mounted to the deck with skateboard hardware. Skateboard hardware includes eight nuts and bolts. Skateboard hardware can be purchased for as low as $2. Many skate shops will simply give it away for free.
The wheels on a skateboard are constructed of polyurethane. Originally, skateboard wheels were constructed of clay. However, polyurethane wheels proved to have better functionality and durability. A set of skateboard wheels will cost about $30. These are mounted onto the ends of the trucks.
In order for the wheels to move fast and smooth, a set of skateboard bearings must be purchased. There are two skateboard bearings per wheel, comprising 8 bearings in total. The quality of bearings come in a variety of rankings. The most common rankings for skateboard bearings from lowest to highest quality include Abec 3, Abec 5, and Abec 7.
So now that you know all of the parts of a skateboard, it’s time to go out and buy one. The fun you will have on a skateboard will probably last a lifetime.