For those looking for convenience, a complete skateboard is a great option. However, if you want something tailor-made to your preferences, a custom board is the way to go.
When it comes to starting skateboarding, one of the most important decisions is whether to buy a complete skateboard or build a custom one. Both have their pros and cons. On one hand, complete skateboards are convenient as everything is pre-assembled, making them easy to use straight out of the box. On the other hand, with a custom skateboard, you can tailor it to your needs, preferences, and riding style. Whether you decide to buy a complete skateboard or build a custom one, it ultimately comes down to personal choice and what works best for you. In this article, we will compare the two options, highlighting the benefits and drawbacks to help you make an informed decision.
Credit: stokedrideshop.com
Pros And Cons Of Buying A Complete Skateboard
Skateboarding is a fun and thrilling activity that has grown in popularity over the years. Whether you are an experienced skateboarder or just starting, choosing the perfect skateboard can be a challenging task. While some people decide to buy a pre-assembled skateboard, others prefer to customize their own.
In this blog post, we will focus on the pros and cons of buying a complete skateboard.
Advantages Of Buying A Complete Skateboard
A complete skateboard is an ideal option for beginners who are new to skateboarding.
- Ready-to-ride: complete skateboards are usually pre-assembled and ready to use right out of the box. This means no extra time is required to put together the parts.
- Affordable: buying a complete skateboard is often cheaper than purchasing individual parts and assembling them yourself.
- Matching components: when you buy a complete skateboard, the components such as the deck, trucks, wheels, and bearings are already matched in terms of size and style. This ensures that the skateboard’s parts work well together and not produce any imbalance.
- Good for beginners: complete skateboards come in different designs, colors, and brands, making them an excellent choice for beginners who are unsure of what type of skateboard they want to ride.
- Convenience: complete skateboards can be easily found in local skate shops, online retailers, and other sporting goods stores. This makes it more convenient for buyers to acquire one.
Disadvantages Of Buying A Complete Skateboard
While complete skateboards have their benefits, there are also some disadvantages to consider before buying one:
- Limited customization: complete skateboards come in standard sizes and designs, meaning that you cannot customize the board to suit your preferences fully.
- Lower quality components: some complete skateboards use lower quality components to keep prices low. This might result in a low-quality riding experience and impact your learning curve as a beginner.
- Limited upgrade options: with a complete skateboard, the components are already selected, and upgrading may be more challenging. This could prevent you from making necessary changes to improve your skating experience.
- Limited control: some skateboarders may find that complete skateboards do not give them the control and feeling they need to perform certain tricks or techniques.
Buying a complete skateboard has its advantages and disadvantages. It’s a good choice for beginners or for anyone looking for an affordable, ready-to-ride skateboard. However, for those who want more customization and control, customizing their own skateboard might be a better option.
Choose your skateboard wisely based on your personal preference, skill level, and budget.
Pros And Cons Of Building A Custom Skateboard
Skateboarding is an exciting sport, and one of the essential items for any skateboarder is a skateboard. Skateboards can be purchased as a complete skateboard or assembled custom made. Choosing between a pre-made skateboard or a custom one can be a difficult decision.
This post explores the pros and cons of building a custom skateboard.
Advantages Of Building A Custom Skateboard
There are many advantages to building a custom skateboard.
- Personalization: building a custom skateboard allows for a lot of personalization. You can select the deck size, the grip tape design, the truck width, the wheel diameter, and the bearing quality that best suit your preferences and style.
- Quality control: when you build your skateboard, you have complete control over the quality of the components you choose. You can select high-quality parts that offer long-lasting durability, which can result in a safer and more enjoyable skateboarding experience.
- Skill development: building a custom skateboard can develop your skills as a skateboarder. It is an excellent opportunity to learn about the different parts of a skateboard and how they relate. You also get the chance to upgrade and replace components, which can help you develop a better understanding of the board’s mechanics.
Disadvantages Of Building A Custom Skateboard
While customizing your skateboard can be fun, there are some potential advantages that come with it.
- Cost: building a custom skateboard can be on the expensive side, especially if you are looking for quality components. However, it is still possible to build a custom skateboard on a budget if you do your research and shop around.
- Time-consuming: building a custom skateboard can be time-consuming, primarily if it’s your first time doing it. It requires research, planning, and assembling, which can take hours or even days.
- Lack of guidance: building a custom skateboard can be daunting if you are not familiar with all the components and how they work together. There is a risk of making mistakes and ending up with a skateboard that does not perform as intended.
Building a custom skateboard requires careful consideration of the various advantages and disadvantages. If you are looking for a skateboard that is tailored to your preferences and needs as a skateboarder, a custom skateboard may be the right choice for you.
However, if you are on a budget and need a skateboard quickly, a complete skateboard may be the better option. Either way, having a skateboard that you enjoy riding is essential for a memorable skateboarding experience.
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Factor To Consider Before Making A Decision
Skateboarding can be an exciting activity that provides an opportunity for fun and adventure. However, before hopping on a skateboard, it’s important to decide whether to buy a complete skateboard or custom. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Here are some key factors to consider before making a decision.
Skill Level
Your skill level plays a crucial role in determining whether to buy a complete skateboard or custom. If you are a beginner, a complete skateboard may be a better option since it comes pre-assembled, saving you time and hassle. On the other hand, if you are an experienced skateboarder, a custom skateboard may enable you to choose components that match your needs and preferences.
Budget
Considering your budget before making a decision is vital. Complete skateboards tend to be more affordable than custom ones, making them a better choice for those on a tight budget. However, it’s worth noting that custom skateboards offer better quality components, which means they may be more durable and require less maintenance in the long run.
Riding Goals
Before making a decision, you need to ask yourself what your riding goals are. Are you planning to perform tricks and ride at the park? Or are you looking for a skateboard to cruise around town? Complete skateboards tend to be better suited for cruising around, while custom skateboards offer better performance when it comes to tricks.
Style Preference
Your personal style preference is also vital in determining whether to buy a complete skateboard or custom. Complete skateboards come in various designs based on your preference. However, with a custom skateboard, you can create a unique design that reflects your personality and style.
Availability Of Components
When it comes to components, it’s essential to consider the availability of components before purchasing a skateboard. Complete skateboards have pre-assembled components, making them easily replaceable. However, with custom skateboards, certain components may be hard to find, making maintenance challenging.
Deciding whether to buy a complete skateboard or custom comes down to personal preference. However, by considering skill level, budget, riding goals, style preference, and availability of components, you’ll be able to make an informed decision. Whatever you decide, remember to wear protective gear and have fun!
Conclusion
Whether you should buy a complete skateboard or go for a custom one boils down to your personal preference. If you are a newbie or just want a hassle-free option, then a complete skateboard might be a perfect choice. However, if you value skateboard aesthetics and prefer a personalized option, then a custom skateboard should be an excellent investment for you.
Keep in mind that with a custom skateboard, you will be able to choose each component separately, which can make all the difference in terms of ride quality and overall performance. Don’t forget to consider your budget, skill level, and riding terrain before making a final decision.
Ultimately, purchasing a skateboard is a huge investment for your skating experience, so choose wisely. With this guide, we hope that you will be able to make an informed decision between the two options and find the perfect skateboard that meets your needs and preferences.
