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» Skateboard: how to choose a deck and learn to ride a skateboard

A popular extreme sports tool is also called a skateboard. simple. In its classic form, this is just a piece of thick plywood, veneered and planted on wheels (rollers). In fact, the product is a kind of miniature vehicle. However, its main purpose is higher than the banal Vehicle. A skateboard is a tool for performing complex tricks and choosing a skate is not at all easy.

The board is the main part of the skateboard design. It is from the board that the selection of a sports instrument begins. There is even a certain choice of skateboard boards in terms of length, based on the size of the athlete's height.

Selection of a skateboard according to the size of the deck

Board selection table for beginner skaters:

The choice of the size of the width directly depends on the size of the user's feet. Most skateboards have a width of 19.5 to 20.3 cm. However, a deviation from these values ​​up or down is not excluded. Naturally, in the case of a large foot size, you should choose a wider skateboard deck.

A skateboard is a simple design at first glance, but if you look closely, there are a number of elements that require a scrupulous selection. For example, deck

Having decided on the base size, the future skateboarder can slightly adjust the width of the deck size more accurately, based on their own intentions for actions with the board on rollers. A list of skateboard activities might contain something like the following:

1. Ollie or Nollie (basic tricks).
2. Slides and Grades (Slide & Grid).
3. Flips and Grabs (Flip & Grab).
4. Stalls and Stands (Stall & Stand).

The variety of skateboard rollers is amazing. You can equip the board with the wheels of the most different forms and sizes, including a wide range of colors

As for the decoding of the abbreviation, it can be noted here: the larger the digital value, the stronger the wheels. For example, a roller marked "A70" is already considered a relatively soft product.

For skateboarders with an average level of skating skills, it is usually enough to have a board with rollers with a hardness of "A95". Meanwhile, the choice of the hardness of the rollers again depends on the level of complexity of figure skating, the tricks performed, and the place where the skateboard is used.

The complexity of figure skating is determined by the style of skateboarding:

• ramp park,
• technical street,
• freestyle,
• flatland,
• vertical.

Meanwhile, in relation to a particular style, rollers are selected according to the diameter and degree of rigidity. So, for a skate park, it is desirable to use a skateboard equipped with rollers with a diameter of 55-65 mm with a relative rigidity of 95A - 100A.

These wheels are preferred for use on skateboards operated in street cruising mode. At the bottom of the product, the inscription of the company name and the abbreviation of the degree of rigidity are highlighted.

If the emphasis is on high-speed movement, then ideally, the selection of a skateboard with wheels with a diameter of 65-75 mm. But for cruising boards, the degree of rigidity of the rollers seems to be optimal in the range of 78A - 85A.

Bearings on skateboards

On skateboards, one of the structural elements is bearings. Sealed in metal bushings, bearings form part of the design of a skateboard's wheels.

Theoretically, the quality rating of bearings is determined by the ABEC technical rating from the committee of the association of manufacturers of such parts. The rating scale has a dimension from 1 to 9 in odd numbers.

For a skateboard, regardless of its configuration, bearings that correspond to a rating scale of 3 or 5 are considered optimal. These are fairly reliable products that can provide high-quality sliding and torque stability for a skater.

This class of skateboard bearings is characterized by increased reliability. Evidence of this is the ABEC rating, corresponding to the 7th class of the existing classification.

It should be noted: the class of bearings used on skateboards has a significant impact on the price of a sports tool.

But it is not necessary to bet on a high price in the hope of getting the perfect bearings. Skateboards of the middle price range quite satisfy the user in terms of the quality of the bearings installed on them.

Deck hangers (tracks)

The part designed to articulate the rollers with the board is called the suspension (track). On the suspension, in turn, the wheels are attached.

Properly chosen suspension for specific movements of the board is the task of every skateboarder. Trucks are made from different types metals. Therefore, they have different degrees of strength and weight.

Classic suspension: 1 - nut; 2 - axis; 3 - washer; 4 - bracket; 5 - hinge bushing; 6 - base plate; 7 - kingpin; 8 - nut; 9 - curved washer; 10 - top sleeve; 11 - lower sleeve; 12 - bottom washer

Light pendants are preferred for flip tricks. However, tracks made of light metals tend to break quickly due to the brittleness of the material. The exception is, but so far, carbon fiber skate tracks are an expensive pleasure.

There is a rule for equipping a skateboard with a suspension, which determines:

1. The boundaries of the wheel span should not go beyond the board.
2. The wheel axle must have a span of at least 2/3 of the width of the board.

Thus, roller suspension should not be too wide or too narrow. A skater needs a "golden mean". In principle, the table will help beginner athletes to choose the right suspension:

Rubber track pads

The design of skateboard suspensions contains bushings (inserts). These small parts are made of technical rubber. The bushings act as suspension dampers. The stiffer the sleeve inserts, the more stable the skateboard rolls. The softer the bushings, the easier it is to turn.

Rubber bushings - upper and lower, installed in the skateboard suspension structure: 1 - upper rubber bushing; 2- lower rubber bushing

Soft inserts can be applied when freestyle experience has been gained. In general, again, the “golden mean” is considered the best option when sleeve inserts of medium hardness are selected.

The choice of suspension (track) height

The suspension height parameter also requires selection. Low tracks make flip tricks easier and add stability, but low tracks will require smaller wheels.

High suspension allows you to attach large wheels, which expresses the advantages of skateboarding at high speeds or in cases of overcoming long distances.

The height of the skateboard suspension is important to choose. This parameter determines the comfort indicators when riding. different styles, as well as the ability to perform various tricks

Low-rise pendants are good for street style, while medium-to-high-rise pendants seem to be the best choice for other styles.

Grip Tape Grip Tape

Most upper layer skateboard boards have a coating that resembles the structure of sandpaper. The coating is usually black in color and laid in one sheet - this is the classic version.

However, there are several improved - modified coatings. Here the choice will be determined purely by the user's desire and willingness to overpay a little.

It is possible to buy a skateboard already equipped with a grip tape. But there is also a choice for the individual use of grip tapes, which opens up the prospect of creating your own personal projects. Installing a hitch cover on a skateboard is easy even for a beginner skater.

Additional linings

Two useful functions are designed to perform additional linings:

1. Removing high loads from suspensions.
2. Protection of wheels from damage on sharp turns.

As a rule, additional linings have a height of no more than 3 cm. However, the size of the height here directly depends on the size of the rollers.

Hanging pads. Due to these additional elements you can adjust the distance between the bottom of the deck and the point of contact with the surface of the rollers

On decks equipped with rollers of large diameters, pads larger than 3 cm can be installed. Conversely, if the deck has small wheels (50-55 mm), there is no need for pads at all.

How to learn to skateboard

The first thing a beginner skater needs is to buy a pair of sturdy skateboard boots. Skateboarding is also acceptable in ordinary shoes, but then it will be more difficult and dangerous to master skateboarding.

Skate shoes are made on a wide flat sole, which ensures a better grip on the deck and the stability of the athlete. Skate shoes are reinforced where wear or damage is likely.

An important piece of equipment is also a helmet. Some skaters don't want to wear helmets for some reason (they think this way you can make an image of your own person).

But the image of a real athlete is created by a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads. By the way, skate park services strongly require the use of full equipment and this is a reasonable requirement related to safety.

Skater gear is a must-have, thanks to which you can learn how to do tricks much faster without getting injured.

An equipped novice skater can safely stand on a skateboard. For the first time, it is recommended to set the board on a soft surface - on the grass or on the carpet in the house.

Then you need to climb onto the deck with a light movement and try to stand for a while, maintaining balance. Having learned to stand on a skateboard, they move on to the science of jumping on the board.

Skateboarding lessons

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Skateboarding is doomed to be forever young and popular. Times and customs change, but shabby boards and skateparks remain in vogue. There is probably no boy in the world who would not be fascinated by the tricks of professional riders. Looking at them is a pleasure! At such moments, you want to become a super star and be able to do something similar. And in order to start climbing to the stars, you need to pick up a high-quality skateboard, which is what this article is about.

TYPES OF SKATEBOARDS

Depending on the style and terrain of skating, skateboards are divided into several types:

Skateboard- a classic skate, has a standardized form of international standard. Used for free riding and performing tricks.

Longboard- A skateboard with an extended deck up to 50" inches. Designed for high-speed descents on sloped roads. The long platform and wide wheels make you feel stable and easy to maneuver at high speed.

Cruisers- wooden and plastic boards with a narrow shortened deck. Maneuverable and compact skateboards. They have original dimensions. 22" And 27" inches

Waveboards- This is a two-wheeled skateboard with a completely different device and skating technique. To move from a place, it is necessary to make wave-like movements with the legs and torso, as a result of which all muscle groups are involved.

THE BASIS OF THE SKATEBOARD

Deca is the basis of any skateboard, it is a board with curved ends. The front end of the deck is called "nose", the back end is called "tail".Lateral bends along the soundboard are called "concave". These bends help you perform various skateboard tricks. Depending on the board, the depth of the bends is different: skaters choose the depth depending on the style of riding, but there are general rule- the deeper the concave, the easier it is to perform flip tricks.

The average length of the deck is about 80 cm, the width varies from 19 to 21 cm. On wide boards it is easier to land after jumps or slide along the rails, and narrow boards are better suited for flips.In addition to the shape, the main parameters for choosing the optimal board are the deck material and the number of layers.

DECK MATERIAL

Traditionally, skateboard decks are made from several layers of maple. The most common breeds are and maple. They make the highest quality soundboards, as it is a very durable and hard material with a dense texture. More budget-friendly decks are made from this wood, as this wood species grows in wetter climates, which is why it is slightly inferior to Canadian maple decks in terms of durability. Manufacturers often combine two types of wood, in such decks the inner layers are made of Chinese maple, and the top and bottom are made of Canadian maple. In addition to classic maple boards, there are boards using bamboo and.

NUMBER OF DECK LAYERS

The deck of a skateboard is made from several thin layers of wood tightly glued together. Decks made from 7-ply and 9-ply veneer are the most common, but there are models with 6-ply, 8-ply and 10-ply decks. How more quantity layers, the higher the strength of the deck, but at the same time, multi-layer decks are heavier. For beginners and amateurs, 7-layer decks are best suited, because. they have an optimal ratio of weight and strength. 9-ply decks are the choice of skaters doing tricky jumps and tricks that require extra board strength.

SUSPENSION

Suspensions, they are also commonly called “trucks” (trucks), are a part of a skateboard, thanks to which the board has the ability to turn. Most often, tracks are made of aluminum, but plastic tracks can be found on the most budgetary or children's skateboards. Tracks vary in size, weight and strength. The thicker the tracks, the stronger they are and the greater the load they can withstand, but at the same time they make the structure heavier. The width of the tracks must match the deck. For example, 7.5" tracks will fit a 7.5" wide deck.

WHEEL DIAMETER

The diameter of skateboard wheels varies from 48 to 60 mm, the most common and suitable for Russian roads are wheels with a diameter in the range of 52 - 56 mm. When choosing the diameter of the wheels, you should first determine what is more important for you: high speed and a long ride (for street skating) or a quick set of speed (for skating in a skatepark). The diameter of the wheels affects the speed, its maintenance and acceleration: the smaller the diameter of the wheels, the faster the skate picks up speed, but also loses it faster. If you need a quick start from a place, then choose small wheels. The larger the diameter of the wheels, the higher the speed and the slower the skate stops. If you need high speed, choose a skateboard with larger diameter wheels.

WHEELS MATERIAL

The most common skateboard wheel material is polyurethane. This is a durable and wear-resistant material that can withstand the stress of jumping or normal skating. Sometimes there are budget (children's) options with plastic wheels. Many companies make polyurethane wheels with a plastic core to reduce weight, but such wheels are inferior in strength to solid polyurethane wheels.

WHEELS RIGIDITY

The material from which the wheels are made directly affects the rigidity of the skateboard wheels. According to the degree of rigidity, the wheels are divided into soft, medium and hard. Hardness is measured on the DUROMETER scale and is indicated by a number and the letter “A”. Most often, the rigidity of wheels for skateboards is in the range from 72 to 102A. The lower the stiffness, the faster the wheels lose speed, but on the other hand, such a skateboard is easier to control, and due to the fact that the wheels transmit less vibration, the riding process becomes more comfortable. Stiffer wheels accelerate better and keep speed. Also, the stiffer the wheels, the slower they wear out.If you're going to ramp, choose a skateboard with soft wheels. Solid wheels are best for riding in the park or on the street.

BEARINGS

Another important component of a skateboard is bearings. They are responsible for the maximum speed and duration of the rental. The most common bearings are ABEC-3, ABEC-5 and ABEC-7 classes. Much less common are ABEC-1 and ABEC-9. The higher the ABEC value, the higher the bearing finish and the lower the friction force. Thus, the higher the class of bearings, the greater their speed.

ABEC-1 and ABEC-3 class bearings are most often installed on children's skateboards, they have a maximum speed limit and are considered safe. ABEC-5 and ABEC-7 are the most common types of bearings and are found on amateur and semi-professional boards. The fastest and rarest ABEC-9 bearings have the most high cost and are installed only on professional skateboards.

This information will be useful for those who want to buy their first skateboard and for those who already have the practice of skating, but are not familiar with the theory.

If you don’t understand anything about skateboards, then for a start it’s easier to buy a kit right away, this will bring you less hassle in choosing, and a good financial savings. Skate assembly(complete) is the best option for a beginner rider who wants to start learning basic tricks.

Experienced skaters buy everything separately. they tailor each part of the skateboard to suit their feel and the way they skate.

Deca

What material should the deck be made of?

The unequivocal answer is from multi-layered hardwood. This material has no analogues in the combination of such characteristics as strength, elasticity, light weight and price.

What kind of wood is best to take a deck?

The most best wood- this is a Canadian maple (designated as Canadian maple or American maple). From this material the coolest boards of the coolest proriders are made. Comments are unnecessary, if there are opportunities and finances to purchase a Canadian maple skateboard - this will be the best choice.

Next in quality is Chinese maple. It is inferior in its characteristics to Canadian maple, but significantly surpasses all others. After all, maple surpasses even oak in hardness, while it is lighter and more ductile.

If you are not going to win at all stages of the World Extreme Games this year, then a Chinese maple skateboard will suit you.

Deca from 50% Canadian and 50% Chinese maple is an intermediate option between the two previous ones both in terms of its characteristics and price.

And the last option of the best - solid wood deck(referred to as Hardwood). In the manufacture of such soundboards, solid, but not sorted wood of ash, oak, beech, birch and the same maple is used. A skateboard with a deck made of such material is suitable for children and beginners taking their first steps in skateboarding. If the soundboard wood is very light, almost white, then it is made of birch - the most inexpensive, but soft material.

Maple wood differs in color from other types of wood and has a color from cream to red-brown.

Plastic deck options for a classic skateboard can only be considered as a toy for the smallest children. In slalom skateboards, a plastic deck is used quite often.

How many layers should the deck be?

The most popular decks are assembled from 7-9 layers. The fewer layers, the lighter and softer the board. The more layers, the stronger, stiffer and heavier the board. But that's in theory. But in practice, it all depends on the manufacturer, the materials and technologies used. Very often, 9-ply decks are no heavier than 7-ply ones.

What size should the deck be?

Skate sizes are indicated in inches (1 "" is equal to 25.4 mm), this is due to the fact that the birthplace of skateboarding is the United States, where the inch system is adopted.

If the skate is chosen for a child, then there is a special children's size 6.5nx22", designed for ages up to 8-10 years (depending on the physical characteristics of the child, such as height and weight).

The standard sizes of skateboards are within: width - 7.5-8.5 "", length - 31-33"".

According to professionals, wide board it is easier to perform difficult tricks with flying long distances or at high altitude (it holds better in flight), on narrow boards it is good to perform fast, precise flips on the edge and pipe, and it is just as easy to get off them.

For beginners, size doesn't matter.

How to choose a deck?

First, we define quality.

We carefully examine the deck from the end sides:

The layers of wood should be even, which indicates the quality of the material;

There should not even be minimal delaminations, which indicate the dryness of the board, which means a loss of elasticity and an early failure;

We check the presence of a concave (the curvature of the board not only in front and behind, but also on the sides.

Concave increases the strength of the deck and improves the handling of the skate.

Then, we check the elasticity.

To do this, put the skate on the floor with the wheels up, and stand on it with one foot in the middle of the deck. If the deck is bent and rested on the floor, it lacks rigidity.

If it doesn't bend, then it's too stiff.

Suspension

Please note that there are pads between the deck and suspensions, called “risers”, they are compensators between the suspension metal and the deck wood, softening the load and extending the life of the deck.

When buying pendants, pay attention to their weight and the thickness of the metal. It is advisable to take lighter pendants. With the advent of experience, the complication of tricks and the increase in the load on the suspension, it will be necessary first of all to evaluate the strength, not the weight.

The width of the suspension should be slightly less than the width of the deck so that the wheels on the suspension do not come out from behind the board.

wheels

Wheels are divided into hard and soft. Hardness is measured by the Shore method and is denoted by the letter A. The hardest wheels are 101A. Such wheels are well controlled and keep high speed. Often the hardness is not indicated on the wheels - this means that the wheels of the largest hardness are 101A. Soft (95A and below) - good for bad asphalt, such wheels have less speed and they grind faster, but they “smooth out” bumps better and have better grip on a smooth surface (do not slip).

It is better to start with soft wheels for greater comfort, and gradually move to harder ones, choosing the most comfortable for you.

The diameter of the wheels and their width are also relative values. In the early 90s they rode on wheels with a diameter of 40 mm, now they ride on wheels with a diameter of about 55 mm.

Any values ​​in size: diameter 48-56 mm and width 30-42 mm, suitable for a beginner skater. For poor coverage, it is better to choose average and above average values ​​from those indicated.

Bearings

Skateboards use type 608 bearings, the same size as inline skates. Which bearings are best?

The most common misconception about bearings is: "The higher the ABEC, the better the bearings."

In fact, the quality of bearings is determined by their manufacturer.

And the incomprehensible word ABEC (abek) is an abbreviation for the Annular Bearing Engineering Committee, which means "Engineering Committee of Bearing Manufacturers." This is a standard for the manufacture of bearings, similar to our well-known GOST designation.

The numbers (1 to 9) following ABEC indicate the accuracy standard for precision bearings. For example, the ABEC-1 standard allows a radial runout of 8 µm (micron, 1/1000 mm), and the ABEC-9 standard allows 1 µm. To imagine what these dimensions are, you can compare with a bacterium, the size of which is from 1 to 5 microns.

The bearing accuracy standard is designed primarily for high-speed gear, not skate wheels.

The higher the accuracy standard of the bearings, the higher the maximum speed of rotation of the bearings, and hence the wheels. The maximum speed of rotation of the bearing 608 ABEC-1 is 30,000 rpm, and 608 ABEC-9 - 75,000 rpm. But for a skateboard, these indicators are not particularly important, because. the speed of rotation of the wheels when riding does not exceed 3000 rpm.

In addition, with an increase in the accuracy class, their resistance to dust and moisture decreases, and therefore reduces the service life of the bearings.
For street, the most used bearings are ABEC-3 and ABEC-5, for verte ABEC-5 and ABEC-7, for initial skating and children's skateboards - ABEC-1.

For skate bearings, the main characteristic is strength, that is, the ability to withstand lateral and shock loads. Therefore, it is better to pay attention not to the highest ABEC number, but to the presence of the CARBON or CHROM designation on the bearing. These designations indicate the use of carbon steel (CARBON) or chrome steel (CHROM) in the production of bearings, which significantly increases the strength of the bearings.
Recently, some manufacturers of bearings for roller skates and skateboards have abandoned the ABEC marking and use their own bearing quality grading systems. They explain this by the fact that their bearings are “special”, and the standards are designed exclusively for the quality of roller skate and skateboard bearings, where the main characteristics, in addition to speed, are: the ability to resist shock and side loads, protection from moisture and dust, and also, quality of materials and lubricants.

There are no reliable comparative tests proving the advantage of the bearings of these companies over standard bearings. But one difference is clear and revealing: "special bearings" are ten times more expensive than standard bearings - a set of "special" bearings is more expensive than a complete skateboard with standard bearings inside!

Almost built your first skateboard, just missing wheels? Save your time and read this article. Especially for you, my guide to skateboard/longboard/cruiser wheels. One of the first questions for beginners who build their own skateboard is how to choose wheels for a skateboard so that both speed is good and tricks are obtained? How do you narrow down the choice between a huge selection of brands, and find exactly what you need? There are two key parameters that affect the quality of the ride and the style of riding in general: the rigidity of the wheels and their diameter.

What softness of wheels suits you?

The softness marking is always indicated on the wheel (sometimes only on the packaging).

Soft wheels are great for skating outside of skateparks with their flat, smooth surfaces. Soft wheels perfectly cope with small bumps and obstacles, dampen strong vibrations. However, soft wheels can deform under pressure and wear out faster.

Stiff wheels roll faster on smooth surfaces, but on rough and uneven roads they cause a lot of vibration, which slows down the speed and makes the ride not very comfortable. Street riders opt for hard wheels. For most tricks, they are better suited than soft ones: due to their smaller size, better maneuverability, the ability to do flips, and so on.

For more clarity, see the picture below and choose the wheels of exactly the softness that is more suitable for your purposes.

Measuring scale according to DUROMETER The durometer is a measure of the hardness of rubber. The "Shore A" scale is used to indicate the range of wheel hardness in skateboarding. The method and scale were proposed by Albert F. Shore in the 1920s. He also developed the corresponding measuring device called a durometer. Read more on wikipedia.

Wheels Rigidity Purpose

Soft	75A - 87A	Such wheels are put on the boards when they plan to ride on imperfect rough surfaces, for drifting and cruising.
	88A - 95A	These wheels are suitable for smoother surfaces such as new pavement or smooth concrete.
	96A - 99A	Wheels for a smooth surface. These wheels are worth choosing if you prefer: street and smooth surfaces like in skate parks, ramps and pools.
Solid	100A+	Pro wheels. Very solid and fast wheels. Not suitable for rough surfaces and tiles. Such wheels are not recommended for beginners, because they quickly develop speed on a smooth surface.

In addition to the A scale, there is also a B scale, it is used by bones and some other brands. For example: for Bones 84B wheels, the stiffness will be 104A, that is, the density is even higher than that of A. For clarity, see the picture below.

My personal experience: Softness 73A. Usually such wheels are put on cruisers or longboards. They have a large diameter: from 60mm above, and softness when riding. Such wheels do not give a very fast start, but they hold speed very well. Even on poor pavement, you don’t really feel the shaking, besides, such wheels practically do not make noise.

Do you want to become a master of sliding with different combinations of tricks? 100A/101A stiffness with wheel diameters from 51mm to 56mm is great for both street and park. But you can’t ride on bad asphalt on such wheels for a long time, and at the same time they make noise.

You can also settle for something in the middle. For example, take universal wheels 54-55 mm with an average hardness of 90A-97A. On such wheels it is convenient to perform tricks and on bad asphalt they roll well.

What wheel size is right for you?

The most common wheel diameter: from 51mm to 56mm. Here again, too, there are peculiarities. If you need speed, take a large diameter. You need a quick start from a place, then take a small diameter. Look at the picture below and decide what you need.

On a note: the wheels should not be too big, so that they don’t slosh against the board. Embarrassment can occur: at speed or when performing a trick, when the wheels bite, you can fall very painfully. There should always be a small margin between the wheel and the board, always consider this when buying.

Where to buy skate wheels

You can usually buy skate wheels at any local skate shop. If there is no such thing in your city, then you can buy them here or here.

If you often brake with power slides, then the wheels can noticeably wear off on one side, after which an unpleasant vibration is formed when driving. If so, then the wheels should be changed.

From personal experience. I bought bones wheels with a diameter of 54mm and a hardness of 100a, over the course of a year of riding they were worn down so much that they became about 52 or even 51 mm in diameter. In general, the wheels are good, I'm not complaining. For local guys - I bought wheels at the Everest store.

Perhaps you have more questions. You can ask them in the comments and get an answer to them, and also take a look at the Rubric for beginners. Also subscribe to our public in VKontakte.

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How to choose skate wheels

Wheels are perhaps the most important part of a skateboard, which largely determines its characteristics. Even if the skateboard itself is simple, with good and properly selected wheels, it will still demonstrate excellent driving performance.

Diameter is one of the most important parameters of the wheel, which greatly affects the performance of the skateboard. A small radius is considered a value from 48 to 52 mm. These wheels are ideal for very flat surfaces, such as special surfaces in skate parks or very fresh and high-quality asphalt. They will provide the skateboard with unprecedented maneuverability. But high speed with such wheels cannot be developed, and any obstacle may be beyond their power.

The average radius - from 50 to 52 mm - is great for ordinary asphalt on the streets. But a large radius (from 52 to 56 mm, and more) will provide you with real speed and excellent skate performance in conditions of cracks, chips and other obstacles on the pavement. But these wheels are the heaviest.

It should be remembered that sooner or later the wheels will wear out anyway, so you should not buy too small ones without clear goals. When choosing good wheels, do not forget about bearings. They must also be of high quality and branded, otherwise the wheels will not show themselves in all their strength. Hard wheels hold speed better and accelerate faster, while soft wheels, on the other hand, do an excellent job with obstacles like twigs, stones or cracks. Rigidity is marked with the parameter "A", the hardest wheels are 101A. For street riding, it is better to take rather hard ones, not lower than 98A, otherwise you will have to crawl in the rearguard itself, riding with a group of friends. For many skaters, an important parameter of the wheels is the color or pattern depicted on them. Undoubtedly, this deserves attention, but remember that it does not affect the quality of riding.

Branded wheels, of course, guarantee you a certain level of quality, but their price is somewhat higher than for some Chinese ones. Among the branded brands, one can single out those for which wheels are the main product, and those that make wheels simply at the same time with other sports equipment. The following brands are best known for their quality: Pig Wheels, Autobahn, Spitfire, Hubba Wheels, Ricta, Satori Wheels. Other very good manufacturers: Element, Toy Machine, Black Label, Zero.

Good skate wheels cost about 1200-1500 rubles per set.

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How to choose skate wheels

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Types of skateboard wheels

A skateboard without wheels turns into an ordinary piece of wood, from which there is no use. You need to be able to choose them according to the characteristics that directly affect the behavior of the board and the nature of the future skating.

Main and most important characteristics

Wheels are not chosen at random - every snowboarder knows this. There are a number of characteristics by which you can determine the quality of the product, and those characteristics that will appear on the skateboard after installing the selected wheels on it.

Wheel material

Polyurethane is the main material used by skateboard wheel manufacturers. It is this material that has the highest performance characteristics, which may vary depending on the structure of the material. No wonder polyurethane is widely used in mechanical engineering. When choosing wheels for a skateboard, you need to check that they are made from polyurethane and in no case from rubber, plastic and other alternative materials. Even gel skate wheels are no better than polyurethane.

Rigidity

It is with this parameter that the choice of a movable base for the board begins. The stiffness of wheels for a skateboard can be called differently - durometer or degree of endurance, but it is always indicated the same way: with the help of a number and the letter a. As the number increases, so does the hardness. Soft wheels have a stiffness designation of 50a, while the most rigid ones have a rating of 90a.

Rigid specimens are characterized by not very good grip, which creates difficulties with braking. As a result of low friction, such wheels have a long service life. They are ideal for making high jumps, if you ignore the hard landing and strong vibration. To use them, you need a flat surface, because there will be a lot of shaking on bumps and any irregularities. With such a base, you should not expect good handling from a skateboard.

It is possible to install wheels with moderate rigidity on the board for movement along city streets. Anti-shock shoes should get shoes with anti-shock soles, which are often dome-shaped.

To conquer the ramp, it is better to install moderately soft elements on the board. At the same time, the obedience of the skate and good grip on the smooth surface of the ramp will delight and allow you to reach considerable heights. The wheels will not wear out quickly due to the lack of a hard surface, and the speed will pick up quickly enough anyway.

With a difficult choice that absolute beginners face, it is worth choosing a medium hardness.

Size

Next comes another, no less significant indicator that must be taken into account. Many wheels have a diameter in the region of 52–60 mm. These figures are considered average. For smaller skaters, it is better to choose products with a smaller diameter in order to achieve a good response of the skateboard to user control.

Wheels with a diameter greater than 60 mm are available for longboards or street skateboards, which are more often used for surfing. On a board with such a movable base, you can move at high speed. Such wheels have an elongated design, which contributes to better grip on the surface.

In general, for large elements that are installed on longboards, high rates of softness are characteristic. Therefore, even long distances can be covered with poor pavement. Wheels with a small diameter are likely to have high hardness, which will allow you to perform complex tricks and engage in extreme sports.

Color

The effect of this parameter on the performance of a skateboard wheel is debatable. Some sources indicate that elements painted in one color develop a higher speed than their multi-colored counterparts. WITH scientific point In view of this, we can talk about the relationship between the addition of pigment and the increase in the softness of the wheel, which entails a decrease in speed characteristics.

There is no theoretical evidence for this assertion yet. If we take for comparison black specimens with the largest percentage of additives and white specimens with the same characteristics, then it will be very difficult to find a difference between them. If you are convinced of the existence of such a dependence, then it is better to choose ordinary elements.

In general, pigments are added to polyurethane at the stage of its melting, so the impact on performance is zero.

Other characteristics

It is better not to buy consumer goods, with which even a season cannot be rolled back. It is better to immediately pay attention to the products good manufacturer. All companies that offer to buy skateboard wheels are conventionally divided into two types:

• the first group of manufacturers specializes exclusively in the production of wheels (Ricta, Spitfire, Autobahn, Pig Wheels, Hubba Wheels, Satori Wheels);
• the second group of manufacturers produces both skateboards and a moving base for them (Black Label, Zero, Toy Machine, Element).

good options cannot cost less than 1500 rubles. The upper limit is more difficult to determine, since everything here depends on the brand and the innovations that the manufacturer claims.

Instances appeared on the market, inside of which there are plastic cores. This structure reduces the weight of the product. The advantage is doubtful, since plastic insert does not have sufficient reliability. Still, it is better to choose the classics - wheels made of solid polyurethane inspire confidence more.

Summarize. Products must be only polyurethane and high quality. With little experience riding a board, you need to choose soft wheels that slow down well and do not bounce on every bump. You can safely choose the design at your discretion, without worrying about a decrease in performance.

Recently, the most fashionable direction of sports is extreme sports. One such sport is skateboarding. Skateboarding and performing tricks on it is a spectacle that captivates many people.

This sport originated in the 30s of the last century. It was invented by surfers so as not to be left without their favorite entertainment on the shore in the absence of waves. Now skateboarding is popular among young people.

Types of skateboarding

Board riding styles vary, so each type has its own equipment. There are such types as:

• Flatland, which involves riding and performing tricks on asphalt or concrete slabs located horizontally.
• Street is a street riding style in which tricks are performed on stairs, railings, etc.
• Freestyle - was popular in the 80s of the 20th century, in which tricks are done in one plane, it does not matter how it is located.
• Vert - the style of riding in a ramp.
• The park is the last of the styles that is designed for athletes involved in parks and playgrounds specially created for skateboarding.

Types of skateboards

During its existence, skateboards have gone through several stages of development. Each period of time had its own type of equipment.

old school

This is the very first type of boards that were common in the 70s of the last century. They have an oval nose and are wider at the front for stability. These skateboards are suitable for performing basic tricks.

Freestyle

A decade later, fatland-style flips on skateboards came into fashion. Freestyle boards are narrower and have a more regular shape. The wheels in them are shifted to the center. Freestyle is a transitional link from old school to modern.

new school

The boards of this type are symmetrical, have the shape of an oval, their nose and tail are bent to the top. This is professional gear. New school skateboards allow you to ride fast and perform complex tricks.

Freeboard

These differ in that they are made of maple or bamboo and have 6 wheels. This is a professional skateboard that was invented in the 90s of the 20th century. Freeboards are stable but not very suitable for difficult tricks.

Longboard

A distinctive feature of longboards is an elongated board. This type of skateboard is fast, it is almost impossible to perform tricks on it. At the same time, longboards are professional equipment.

Streetboard

These boards were invented in South Africa in the late 80s. The skateboard consists of three moving parts. Legs when riding are fixed in the bow and tail. Riding a streetboard is like maneuvering through the waves. Not suitable for stunts.

Waveboard and Ripstik

Two types of boards, which have in common the presence of two movable, interconnected parts. When riding, you do not need to push off the ground. The movement is carried out due to the oscillatory movements of the body and the transfer of load from one leg to another.

Stowboard

Consists of four large wheels, metal frame and folding between the nose and tail parts. These boards are durable, light and fast. The main purpose is to drive from one point to another, not to perform tricks.

Main components

The most important thing for a skater is the board. How the athlete will ride and perform tricks depends on the choice of the board. The main parts of a skateboard are:

Deca

The most important part is the soundboard or board. You need to pick it up only in specialized stores after a detailed study of the types of equipment. The deck is made from several layers of wood (maple), which are glued together. Outdoor boards have a plastic bottom layer that provides good glide when performing tricks.

The width of the board ranges from 12 to 26 cm. It is best to start on a board twenty centimeters wide. And in the process of training it will be clear what kind of equipment fit better Total. Wide decks provide stability and ride speed, while narrow decks give the skateboard maneuverability.

The standard board length is 78.7 cm, but this parameter practically does not affect the difficulty of the ride. The convenience of a skateboard, its length and the bend radius of the deck is determined empirically during training.

pendants

Made from aluminum or steel. The latter is used for the production of professional riding boards. Suspensions regulate the rigidity of the board and the ability to perform tricks on them.

wheels

Another most important part of a skateboard. They are produced in a variety of modifications. For beginners, wheels from 5 to 18 cm are recommended, but they will have to be changed often, due to rapid wear.

Bearings

Not only the speed, but also the safety of the equipment depends on this part of the skateboard. Therefore, when buying a board, you should choose reliable high-class bearings.

Griptape

This is a film (sandpaper) that provides adhesion of the board to the shoes. It is chosen based on security considerations and personal preferences.

How to choose a skateboard yourself

If you decide to ride a skateboard, then you need a suitable board. When choosing a skateboard, you need to pay attention to such details as:

• Board width. A 20 cm board is suitable for beginner skaters, and only then it will be possible to choose based on what you need a skateboard for.
• The length of the board is not critical, since the difficulty of riding does not depend on it. The complexity of the tricks performed depends on the length.
• Pendants depend on the width of the board. Used to mount the wheelbase. The rigidity of the suspension also depends on the style of riding. Of course, their strength is important, so it is better to choose metal ones.
• Wheels are an important part of a skateboard. From what material they are made, depreciation, the ability to perform tricks, speed and duration of use depend. Optimal size wheels are considered five-centimeter, but you still have to change them often.
• The skin, or as it is called, the griptape, provides the grip of the board with the feet of the skater. About appearance It's better to stick to personal preference.
• Ski shoes are a very important piece of equipment. You need to choose models specially designed for skateboarding. At right choice of all the components, it will be easy for you to comprehend the skills of skateboarding.

Beginners

Beginners will not need a skateboard to perform complex tricks. Therefore, if you have just decided to learn how to ride, you should choose a simple board no curved parts.

Shoes are an important part of skateboarding. When choosing sneakers for training, pay attention to the sole (it should not be slippery), the instep should support the ankle well and the fasteners should firmly fix the leg.

Feel free to wear knee pads and a helmet. Let this not add to your popularity, but it will keep you healthy.

Get on the board. While riding, try to maneuver your body by leaning back and forth. These simple actions will allow you to better control your body and board.

After you learn how to ride a skateboard, if you wish, all tricks will be subject to you.