The big non-slippery polyurethane wheels included in the kit alongside the deck offer you the best of both worlds when it comes to street and skate park skateboarding.
The deck can be a bit squeaky initially.
The BELEEV 31-inch skateboard is capable of holding up to 100 kg of weight, which makes it suitable for skaters all across the board from children to teens and adults. The Ero Double Kick concave, on the other hand, makes the skating more stable regardless of the surface you are riding on.
Kids, teens, and adults (8+)
Double Kick
79 x 20 cm / 2.1 kg
7 ply Canadian Maple
95A PU wheels, 55 mm
ABEC 7
1 year (on manufacturing faults)
The 13 cm heavy-duty aluminium trucks that are connected to the deck are extremely durable and can withstand quite a beating before they need to be changed.
You might need to tighten the wheels for a better skating experience.
This Osprey skateboard model will be an excellent pick for kids and teens that are perfecting their skateboarding skills with new tricks. Thanks to the reduced weight of the deck, making tricks with this board will become a tad bit simpler.
Kids and teens (8+)
Double Kick
79 x 20 cm / 2.18 kg
7 ply Maple
PVC, 54 mm
ABEC 5
Amazon's 30-day return policy
A 9-ply maple deck of this skateboard is known for its added durability and will become a decent substitute to some cruiser skateboard models that are made of plastic.
The wheels may seem quite "tough" at first.
The Xootz Double Kick Trick skateboard is an excellent skateboard that is both durable and easy to control even at high speeds. The main selling point, however, is the affordable price that makes it an optimal option for entry-level skaters.
Kids and teens (8+)
Double Kick
79 x 20 cm / 2.1 kg
9 ply Maple
PVC, 54 mm
ABEC 3
Amazon's 30-day return policy
The wider deck compared to similar models makes this board more stable and comfortable for the rider to control.
The user's manual just barely covers the maintenance of the board.
A perfect choice for city riding and as the means of transportation, especially for teens and adults: rides fast and controlling it is a breeze, little to no vibration is felt.
Kids and teens (8+)
Cruiser
68.6 x 19 cm / 2.5 kg
Hard plastic
Soft PU, 59 mm
ABEC 7
Amazon's 30-day return policy
The 52 mm 95A-grade urethane wheels are not too wide, which makes the skateboard more manoeuvrable on different surfaces and especially on paved roads.
The deck surface's grip with regular shoes can be lacking.
Tony Hawk's Birdhouse 180 Wingspan skateboard is without a doubt an entry-level model. That said, the excellent build quality of the bearings combined with the flexible yet durable deck puts it slightly above your regular beginner's model.
Kids, teens, and adults (8+)
Double Kick
79 x 20 cm / 2 kg
7 ply Maple
95A Urethane, 52 mm
ABEC 3
Amazon's 30-day return policy
An All-Purpose Skateboard
BELEEV 31-inch model is a fairly standard skateboard intended for use on city roads and in skate parks, but what makes it stand out is the combination of good features rather than a single aspect.
First things first, the deck here is made of Canadian maple, often labelled as hard rock maple. As you would expect, it is fairly sturdy, which will provide good mileage even if you skate quite regularly. The weight of just 2.1 kg also makes the deck easy to carry around even by kids that are 8 years or older, while the dimensions of 79 x 20 cm make it comfortable for teens and for adults to skate without issues.
As for the design of the board, it is a standard double kick deck that will be suitable for riding through the town or a city without too much of a problem. The more experienced users, on the other hand, will also appreciate the thickness of this 7-ply Canadian maple deck that is thick enough for performing tricks but is not too heavy at the same time. Seven plies of maple make it thick but not too bulky, which makes carrying it less of a chore. Additionally, if you don’t like the standard black colour pattern of the skateboard, you will be glad to find out that this particular model is optionally available in 5 more colours.
A Full Package
For your convenience, the appliance is equipped with an All-in-One skate T-tool that allows tightening the wheels as they get loose and also the mounting screws. Alternatively, you can use the tool to upgrade the deck with a different set of wheels if such a need arises.
The only concern we had with the board is that its deck was a bit squeaky. However, it doesn’t really affect the performance of the skateboard and if you keep the bearings and wheels checked on a regular basis, you won’t have any issues with riding this double kick model.
When it comes to the wheels, what we have here is a set of four 95A polyurethane wheels that can reduce the vibrations and dampen them by a notch and a half compared to smaller wheels. Likewise, the skateboard is equipped with ABEC 7 bearings that are designed for high-speeds and can handle different surfaces with ease. To add more, the bearings are quite precise and surely are long-lasting, so you won’t have to worry about changing the wheels for a while.
In the end, the BELEEV 31-inch skateboard is one of the best models in the medium price range you can find. Reasonably light and easy to maintain, it will be a good pick for both beginners that want to learn how to skate as well as for experienced skaters that need a replacement deck.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £26.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B08533NVRY |
Flexible, Hardy, and Easy to Ride
Although Osprey is mostly known for its beginner-grade skateboard decks, this 31-inch model is really something out of the ordinary.
To start off, this board features heavy-duty aluminium trucks that make turning and dampening the vibrations that wheels produce quite a bit. The 13cm easy ride trucks will also come in handy for kids and teens that are still learning how to skate, compared to full-size alternatives that are far less forgiving when it comes to coming out of a tight turn.
The only thing that we didn’t appreciate about the whole package is the fact that you need to additionally tighten the wheels. But once this procedure is done and over with, you will get a sturdy, reliable skate that is perfect for kids and teens. Likewise, the weight that is just over 2 kg makes it a good pick for both girls and boys since it is quite well balanced and easy to carry around.
A Perfect Entry-Level Deck
Furthermore, contrary to similar 31-inch decks, however, this Osprey skateboard is aimed more at kids and teens rather than at adult skaters, and it really shows if you take a look a the wheelbase. The main difference between the other complete skateboard products is that the wheels here are made of PVC instead of polyurethane and are a tad bit smaller, measuring only 54 mm. It may not seem as much but combined with ABEC 5 rated 608z bearings, the deck won’t be able to hold an adult person for too long. Moving on, similarly to other models on our list, this skateboard model is available in 5 different colour schemes aside from the standard yellow one so you can definitely find the one that your child will like.
As for the deck itself, it is a standard 7-ply maple base that doesn’t have a lot of differences compared to other skateboards available on the market. Design-wise, it is a typical double-kick skateboard that will be suitable for paved roads in urban areas or dedicated skating spots like skate parks. The Concave shape of the deck also allows for performing tricks from the nose and tail with relative ease. However, due to the thickness of the deck itself, they may require some practice.
Wrapping things up, the OSPREY 7-ply skateboard is one of the most attractive models you can find below the 30-quid mark. Despite its seeming flimsiness, it also proved to be a decent beginner model for skaters that are just starting out, and it will be a good lift-off platform for teens and kids that want to learn how to skate but are hesitant about getting a more expensive deck.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B07Z4BZV1N |
Colourful and Durable
More often than not, complete skateboards are designed as beginner-only models that rarely can impress experienced skaters. That being said, this model from Xootz is something more than just a standard skateboard for beginners.
Right off the bat, the first thing that catches the eye is, of course, the colourful sticker that covers the lower part of the deck. Just like the other skateboards, this one is optionally available in a multitude of different colours that lets you choose between 5 different patterns. Considering that it is a model made for kids, you will be able to pick the one that your girl or boy likes the most with relative ease.
When compared to other skateboard models included on our list, the deck of this one is certainly built to last. Featuring a 9-ply maple deck, the Xootz 31-inch skateboard is also noticeably thicker than the regular 7-ply boards made of maple. Surprisingly enough, this complete skateboard is fairly agile and can even be used for performing tricks beyond its cruiser capabilities.
All You Ever Needed in a Kids Model
Looks aside, let’s talk about the performance and the materials since, at the end of the day, bright colours are not among the most important features of a good skateboard. Firstly, like any other double kickboard, this one is measured roughly 79 x 20 cm (or 31 by 8 inches) which provides enough room for comfortable skating for both kids and teen skaters. In the same vein, the total weight of the kit with all the bearings and wheels attached doesn’t exceed the mark of 2.1 kg, which is pretty standard for a complete board of this type.
Speaking of bearings, the kit includes 608z ABEC 3 ones that, combined with the 54 mm PVC wheels, provide decent dampening on the paved roads and spots designated for skating. Although it is a good combination of bearings and wheels, don’t expect a great performance on other surfaces from this skateboard model. Lastly, the trucks here are a pair of 5-inch (13 cm) aluminium ones that can withstand quite a beating and certainly are a reliable option for urban use. Although the fitting of the wheels is rather tight at first, in just a few short skating sessions they will roll normally and, as always, you can tighten or loosen them to your kids liking with a standard T-shaped tool.
All things considered, this is a good budget-friendly board that is designed for beginners, kids, and teens. Although not quite suitable for adults, it can still impress some teens that are looking for a replacement complete board for a low price that doesn’t require additional maintenance compared to more expensive models.
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B076Z2856M |
Big Brother to a Classic Shortboard
This one is the same as the classic Ridge board in most ways, except it is bigger. That's why it's called the Big Brother. Bigger than the classic Ridge means bigger than an average cruiser in general, of course. And while, for example, the bigger modification of a Penny board is the same length as this Ridge, 68.6 cm, its width is the same as the short version, 15 cm, while here we have a shortboard with the width of 19 cm. A bit more length and width are good for a cruiser because they make it more comfortable to stand on the deck, especially when you ride at a speed—you have more space and, hence, better stability. It does make sharp turns a little harder to do, though, due to the larger turning circle.
All Colours of the Rainbow and Beyond
Back to the deck. The material it is made of is high-quality hard plastic. While plastic is not the best choice when it comes to doing tricks—multilayered maple handles landings and flips better—for cruising around, plastic is just as good as wood can be. Better even, since it is more flexible compared to the standard cruiser models like Penny boards that are more of a fashion thing rather than an actual skateboard. Likewise, the plastic deck is less likely to crack, in contrast to maple-based multi-layer decks that can bend and ultimately break if enough pressure is applied.
The Ridge Big Brother is bigger in size, therefore, it is also heavier. Obviously, it's still quite bearable at its weight of just 2.5 kg, but for kids under 8 years old, carrying it might be difficult. Due to this reason, these skateboards are more suitable for teens and adults. What's more, they offer more space to place bigger feet and require more strength to control, plus they have the ability to carry more weight without becoming too large at the same time.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £39.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B00E3UW1XW |
A New Addition in the House of Birds
Tony Hawk’s name is pretty much synonymous with skateboarding and with half-pipe tricks specifically. But how do the Birdhouse skateboards stand up to the name? Well, the 180 Wingspan complete skateboard certainly does! Let’s take a closer look at its core features and find out how.
Getting obvious out of the way, this is an entry-level model designed for kids that are older than 8 years old and teens. The reasons for that are the bearings that will simply not hold an adult person for too long. To be more precise, the ABEC 3 bearings included here can provide excellent dampening but only until a certain weight is applied on top of them, hence the classification. That being said the maximum weight capacity of the deck combined with the bearings underneath is 100 kg, so it is still totally suitable for teenage skaters.
As for the dimensions, the deck here presents a standard 31 x 8-inch board (79 x 20 cm) and might not impress young skaters at first glance. However, in practice, it's a reliable skateboard perfectly suitable for both cruising and performing standard tricks. To add to that, the back and the front side of the deck is quite flexible, despite having 7 layers of maple along the whole length of the board. This, combined with the total weight of just 2 kg makes it simple to transport and carry around even in one hand.
Ultimate Model to Learn Tricks With
Furthermore, as we inspected the whole skateboard, we couldn’t omit the wheels included in the package. The set of 4 95A-grade urethane wheels will be a good option for skate parks but not so much for paved roads, so in case your kid will use it as a road-capable skateboard, we recommend getting an additional set of cruiser wheels.
Perhaps the only downside of the deck is that it doesn’t combine too well with regular shoes and might require skater shoes for the best experience. Albeit being a budget-friendly deck at its core, the 180 Wingspan exceeded our expectations and is actually closer to the medium-range boards when it comes to the build quality and the sheer performance.
Finally, the Birdhouse 180 Wingspan is definitely a good option for both girls and boys that are interested in getting good at skating but don’t want a stiff deck like those intended for beginners. Slightly more expensive than most kids skateboards, the 180 Wingspan is flexible, reasonably light, and exceptionally easy to skate with, which ultimately grants it a spot on our list.
| Last updated price | £34.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07314TW76 |
What Is a Skateboard?
Well, one needs to be really old or very, very young to not know what a skateboard is, considering these things go back to 1958 at the very least and are still a favourite among kids, tweens, teens, and adults alike.
Skateboarding is an extreme sport that involves a board on wheels, or skates (hence the name) and, preferably, some protective gear like a helmet and kneepads. It is so popular that the Olympic committee has agreed to include it as a "guest" competition for the 2020 Games.
Skateboards are constantly in trend, have been for years, and their fan base is steadily growing while everything else is in and then out of trend. There are times where skateboards seem to be temporarily "overthrown" when some new tech comes out, like with the so-called hoverboards in 2014, but they always come back, and for a reason. A simple deck with wheels propelled forward with your own power instead of that of a motor, it is a transportation method as well as an exercise, and an opportunity to show off your skills with style yet for much less money and hassle, generally. There are longboards that are mostly used for commute purposes due to their lower manoeuvrability, and there are actual skateboards, or shortboards, on which it is easier to do tricks.
What Features to Compare
Pro boarders usually prefer making their skateboards from individually bought parts for the most comfortable ride. Hobbyists, though, make do with pre-assembled models since it is less hassle and more often than not cheaper. If you're looking for a skateboard for beginners, your very first board, or you're just not too savvy a hobbyist, you might need some advice as to how to proceed. Here's what you need to consider besides the design, which can totally be anything.
The Deck
The deck is the biggest part of the skateboard so, naturally, it is important. It is also the part that receives the most load and therefore, it is prone to breakage if it is of low quality or chosen wrongly.
The first thing to consider when it comes to the deck would be the width. Some first-time skaters try to decide on the width by the shoe size but that is not exactly correct. Well, it is in a way that you should get the board on which it is comfortable to stand, of course, but there's more to the width. Wider decks are heavier and slower when it comes to flipping so if you want a fast flipper you should go for a bit thinner board. Wide decks are good to land on, both on the ground and mid-air, they are steadier. For kids and teens, about 15 cm is optimal though taller and heavier riders will need wider boards. When undecided, go for the more comfortable feel.
When it comes to materials, the maple wood and plastic are the options prefered by most. There are also aluminium and fibreglass skateboards as well, however, they cost a lot and are fairly difficult to master. Maple is more durable, especially if the deck has 7–8 layers, but also quite a bit more expensive. Quality plastic will also live through all kinds of abuse and it is a good choice for your first board as they are flexible in use; plastic is also good in case you are not sure the hobby will stick and don't want to pay too much.
The Wheels
The wheel size selection is similar to that of a deck size. Smaller wheels are lighter and they rotate faster, they are good for all kinds of tricks. Bigger wheels are perfect for cruiser skateboards and when you primarily use the board for commuting. Then, there is hardness. Hard wheels are good for tricks since they allow more slide while softer ones are good for riding on rough terrains and cruising. It is possible to do tricks on soft wheels, of course, but it is easier on hard ones.
The Bearings
The ball bearings are all of the same sizes but they can be of different tolerance and precision decided according to the Annular Bearing Engineering Committee (ABEC) requirements. The lowest tolerance would be ABEC 1 and the highest ABEC 9 (they only go by odd numbers, too, so it's ABEC 1–3–5–7–9). The ABEC 11 name is going around but these are ABEC 9 bearings that can handle intense side loads and they are used in longboards, it is not tolerance or precision. We suggest you go for the middle ground with your first board, like 6 or 7, they are not too pricey but offer nice quality.
How to Care For Your Skateboards
It seems unimportant, maybe. Some beginner riders might sometimes think that nothing grave can happen to a piece of wood with wheels. Even less when your board is plastic. We kind of got used to plastic requiring little to no maintenance at all aside from occasional wiping. Well, that is not exactly true, skateboards do need some specific care if you want to ride them for years to come. Admittedly, models with wooden decks need more maintenance than plastic ones. Here are some tips.
Don't Leave It Outside
This is not even about it being stolen—if that's the case with your neighbourhood, you probably already know to never leave anything valuable unattended. But there's more to it. Even if you have a high fence around your house or apartment building, leaving your board outside is not a good idea. While the myth about constant raining all over the UK is just that, a myth, the truth is that in some areas, the amount of rain per year is quite high indeed. A wooden deck will see hell if left in the rain, what with wood absorbing the moisture like a sponge. And when it's not raining, it can be the sun, which is as bad for plastic as it is for wood. Basically, any extreme temperature can be the death of your board. Also, dust can get between the parts and make manoeuvring a challenge. Animals are also a threat. Take your skateboard inside, most of them do not require that much space.
Clean the Bearings Regularly
Bearings are the most important part of your skateboard. And you will need to take them out to clean them. It is not too difficult to do but might be a bit scary for a beginner. Don't let that stop you, though. You'll have to take off the wheels to get to the bearings. Keep in mind that simply washing the bearings with water is not sufficient, you will most probably cause them to rust sooner than later. You can use WD-40, though some frown upon that and say olive or sunflower oil is better for greasing. Well, WD-40 is okay for quick cleaning but you'll need to do thorough one from time to time. We'd like to agree. Soak the bearings in oil, then wipe them and put them back into wheels. Check the screws and the kingpin while you're on it.
Take Care of the Deck
Decks are expensive. If you don't have a constant free supply of them, you'd want yours to last. Besides the weather, which we've covered already, there is the damage you do to the deck when you skate. Improper feet placing is nearly inevitable when you are a newbie and can cause splitting or cracking, the tricks you perform cause a physical shock, and nothing is indestructible. Check your deck for splits and grip for tears after each riding, don't skid on the tail—it will scuff, become sharp and hurt you. If you see some damage, try to fix it, don't write it off as something small. See your local shop for advice and check up.
The better care you take after your board, the longer it will be with you.
Sources:
1. Skateboarding, Wikipedia. Last modified on September 26, 2016.
2. Steve Cave A Brief History of Skateboarding, About Sports. Updated October 23, 2015.
3. Hannah Ustel 10 of the World’s Most Influential Skateboarders, Mpora. February 20, 2014.
4. How to Skateboard (Beginners), wikiHow.
5. Skateboard Buyer's Guide, Tactics.
6. SKATEBOARD GUIDE AND SKATE SIZE CHART, evo.
7. Steve Cave Buying the Right Skateboard for You, About Sports. Updated July 31, 2015.
8. Jessica Gezon Choosing the Right Skateboard Deck, Overstock.