To set up a skateboard for adult riders, select a deck size based on shoe size and adjust truck tightness to preference. Adult skateboarders may also prefer larger wheels for smoother rides and faster speeds.
Skateboarding is an exciting and popular sport enjoyed by adults of all ages. While it may seem like a straightforward activity, setting up a skateboard requires careful consideration for optimal performance and safety. Choosing the right components based on individual needs and preferences is essential for a successful setup. In this article, we’ll explore the most important factors to consider when setting up a skateboard for adult riders. From selecting the deck size and adjusting truck tightness to choosing the right wheels and bearings, we’ll cover all the basics to help you get started. Let’s dive in!
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The Importance Of Skateboard Setup For Adults
Skateboarding has been around for decades, and it’s a sport that brings joy and excitement to people of all ages. Even adults enjoy skateboarding and may want to join in on the fun. However, as an adult skateboarder, it’s crucial to have a skateboard setup that caters to your needs and abilities.
In this blog post, we’ll look at the importance of skateboard setup for adults and what you need to consider before buying a skateboard.
Consider Your Skill Level
Whether you’re new to skateboarding or you’ve been doing it for years, it’s important to recognize your skill level. This will help you determine the type of skateboard you should buy and the parts you’ll need. For beginners, it’s recommended to choose a skateboard that is wider, longer and more stable, allowing for better balance and easier maneuverability.
Experienced riders, on the other hand, typically prefer narrower boards that are lighter, allowing for better speed and easier tricks.
Choose The Right Deck
The deck is the central part of a skateboard and the most crucial. It’s important to select the right size that suits your needs. Those with larger feet should go for a wider and longer deck. However, it’s always important to try out different sizes to find one that is comfortable for you.
Additionally, pay attention to deck material, as well as the shape, design, and graphics.
Evaluate The Trucks
Trucks connect the deck to the wheels and are vital for turning and maneuvering the skateboard. It’s essential to choose trucks that match the width of your deck. The best skateboard trucks are durable and sturdy, allowing you to easily perform tricks without wobbling.
Ensure to take into account their height, weight and bushings, which affects skateboard turning sensitivity.
Choose Suitable Wheels
Wheels are essential for any skateboard setup, and they come in different sizes and durometer levels. Durometer is the measurement of wheels’ hardness, with numbers ranging from 1-100. Harder wheels are more durable but make it harder to land tricks.
Softer wheels, on the other hand, are more comfortable but less durable. For adult riders, it’s best to go for medium durometer levels that provide better balance between speed and flexibility.
Consider Bearing Quality
The bearings are small metal rings that sit inside the wheels and allow them to spin. The faster the bearings, the faster you’ll go, and the smoother the ride will be. For adult riders, the bearings’ quality should match your skill level as much as the rest of your board.
The higher the abec rating (ranging from 1-9), the better the quality and smoother the ride.
Find The Right Grip Tape
The grip tape is the layer on top of the deck that provides traction and helps keep your feet from slipping off the skateboard. Good grip tape is essential for adult skateboarders to prevent accidents. Choose the perfect grip tape that suits you, depending on your preferences.
Finding the right skateboard setup as an adult is crucial to ensure the best possible riding experience. Consider your skill level, deck size and design, truck type, wheel durometer, bearing quality, and grip tape quality before making your purchase. With these factors in mind, you’ll be sure to find the perfect skateboard setup that best suits your needs, abilities, and preferences.
Happy skateboarding!
Choosing The Right Deck
Skateboarding is not just for kids; it has become a popular mode of transportation and a recreational activity among adults. Skateboarding as an adult requires a different approach, including the right skateboard setup. Choosing the right deck is a crucial part of setting up your skateboard.
Here’s what you should consider when selecting the best skateboard deck for you.
Size: What Size Deck Is Best For Your Body Size?
- The skateboard deck’s size must be proportional to your body size.
- A wider skateboard deck is better for riders with bigger feet than a narrower one.
- The length and width of the deck must be comfortable for you to stand on and maneuver.
Shape: What Shape Deck Do You Feel Most Comfortable On?
- The skateboard deck’s shape, namely the concave, also plays a crucial role in the skateboard setup
- The concave refers to the inward curvature of the deck, and it comes in different depths.
- A deep concave is ideal for riders who prefer a more responsive skateboard.
- A shallow concave is perfect for beginner riders or for those who like a more relaxed ride.
Material: What Material Do You Want Your Deck To Be Made Of?
- Skateboard decks come in different materials, including maple wood, bamboo, and composite material.
- Maple wood is the most common material for skateboard decks as it is durable and provides a good pop.
- Bamboo decks are eco-friendly, lighter, and offer more flex.
- Composite decks offer more pop and durability than maple wood.
- Choose a material that fits your preference and budget.
Choosing the right skateboard deck is crucial in setting up a skateboard that best suits your needs. The size, shape, and material must all be taken into consideration when selecting a skateboard deck. Keep in mind that the right skateboard deck should be comfortable, functional, and fit your style.
Choosing Your First Skateboard – The Complete Setup
Selecting Trucks That Work For You
Skateboarding is not just for kids and teenagers. Adults can also enjoy the adrenaline rush and fun that comes with riding a skateboard. If you’re looking to set up a skateboard that works for you, then you should pay attention to the trucks you choose.
These are the metal parts that fix the wheels to the deck of the skateboard and allow you to turn while riding.
Width: What Width Trucks Do You Need For Your Deck Size?
Choosing the correct width trucks for your deck size is vital for stability and control while riding.
- For decks between 7. 5″ and 8. 25″, a pair of trucks between 139mm and 144mm is perfect.
- For decks between 8. 25″ and 8. 5″, go for trucks between 144mm and 149mm.
- If your deck is wider than 8. 5″, select trucks over 149mm.
Height: What Height Trucks Will Work Best For Your Riding Style?
Selecting the best height trucks is just as crucial as choosing the right width for your deck. It has to suit your riding style.
- For street skateboarding and doing tricks, lower trucks with a height of 48mm to 50mm are perfectly suitable.
- If you plan to ride in a skatepark, then go for a height of 50mm to 53mm, as these provide more stability when carving and performing aerial tricks.
- If you’re into cruising and carving, then taller trucks between 54mm and 60mm are ideal.
Kingpin: What Kind Of Kingpin Do You Prefer?
The kingpin is the bolt that attaches the trucks to the skateboard deck, and it has two types- standard and reverse kingpin.
- Standard kingpin is best for street skateboarding and performing tricks.
- Reverse kingpin trucks are great for longboarding and cruising since they make the board more maneuverable and easy to turn.
Remember, selecting the right trucks is key to achieving maximum control and stability while riding your skateboard. Consider these guidelines when choosing your next pair of trucks and enjoy the ride!
Wheels: Finding The Right Balance Between Speed And Control
Skateboarding is an exciting and liberating activity enjoyed by people of all ages. However, when it comes to selecting the right skateboard setup, many adult riders find themselves at a loss. One critical component of any skateboard setup is the wheels.
Finding the right balance between speed and control is crucial for a comfortable and safe ride. In this section, we’ll discuss the different factors to consider when choosing skateboard wheels for adults.
Size: What Size Wheels Do You Need For Your Riding Style?
The size of your skateboard wheels influences your riding experience.
- Smaller wheels range from 48 to 53 mm and are perfect for street-style skateboarding. They are more nimble and allow for quicker turns.
- Larger wheels range from 54 to 60 mm and are ideal for cruising and commuting. They roll over cracks and small obstacles with ease and provide a smoother ride.
- Middle-sized wheels range from 53 to 56 mm and work for both street-style skateboarding and cruising.
Shape: What Shape Wheels Do You Prefer?
Skateboard wheel shapes affect how the board feels and performs.
- Rounded wheels provide a smooth ride and work well for cruising, commuting, and vert-style skateboarding.
- Conical wheels have a slimmer profile and are ideal for street-style skateboarding. They have a quicker response and are more stable for tricks like slides and grinds.
- Square wheels have a flat outer surface and are good for street-style skateboarding. They provide a lot of traction and grip, making them suitable for technical tricks.
Durometer: What Durometer Wheels Will Work Best For Your Needs?
Skateboard wheels come in various durometer ratings, which is a measure of their hardness.
- Softer wheels (75a to 85a) provide a smoother ride and extra grip and are suitable for cruising and commuting.
- Medium-hard wheels (86a to 95a) are an all-purpose option. They provide a balance between speed and grip and work well for street-style skateboarding.
- Hard wheels (96a and above) are great for vert-style skateboarding, bowls and half-pipes. They are fast and slide easily, making them suitable for tricks like airs and grinds.
Choosing the right skateboard wheels is essential for a safe and enjoyable ride. Consider what size, shape, and durometer is the best fit for your riding style, and experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect setup.
Finding The Perfect Bearings For Your Skateboard
Skateboarding has become a widely recognized sport for adults who are looking for a thrilling way to keep fit, hone their skills, and attain some kick-ass stunts. One critical component of a good skateboard setup is the bearings. Bearings are crucial to the skateboard’s overall stability and speed.
In this article, we will delve into finding the perfect bearings for your skateboard.
Abec Rating: What Abec Rating Do You Need For Your Riding Style?
Abec rating is used to measure the bearings’ tolerance and precision levels; the higher the rating, the more tolerance and precision. However, finding the perfect abec rating for your skateboard comes down to your riding style.
- If you are a beginner, abec 3-5 ratings should serve you correctly.
- For intermediate riders, an abec 5-7 rating should be appropriate.
- Advanced skateboarders will benefit from ratings between abec 7 and abec 9.
Brand: What Bearing Brand Do You Prefer?
There is no perfect bearing brand; however, some have put in consistent work to ensure their bearings outperform the competition.
- Bones reds bearings: bones reds is a fan-favorite and a great choice for anyone seeking quality bearings.
- Mini-logo bearings: if you are looking for a budget-friendly option, mini-logo bearings are the way to go.
- Bronson speed co. Bearings: bronson is a versatile brand that offers bearings that can adapt to any riding style.
Material: What Material Do You Want Your Bearings To Be Made Of?
Bearings are crafted using different materials, each with its benefits.
- Steel bearings: steel bearings are durable and sturdy, perfect for beginner, intermediate, or advanced riders.
- Ceramic bearings: ceramic bearings are material-prone and need proper wheel maintenance. These materials are fast and require minimal maintenance.
Choosing the perfect bearing for your skateboard plays a huge role in your overall experience. Ensure that you inquire about the abec rating, brand, and material before making a purchase. With the right bearings, you can enjoy stable rides and attempt exhilarating stunts.
Conclusion
Skateboarding is not just for kids; adults can also enjoy this fun and exciting activity. When choosing a skateboard setup, it’s important to consider several factors such as deck size, wheel size, truck size, and the type of bearings you want to use.
It’s also important to choose the right protective gear such as a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads to minimize injuries. With the right setup, you can have a great time skating while improving your balance, coordination, and overall fitness.
Don’t be afraid to try out different setups to find the perfect one that suits your needs and preferences. Remember to always practice safety and have fun while skateboarding. So get out there and start riding!
