best skateboards for street

When consulting with experienced skaters about the best skateboards for street, one requirement consistently topped their list: durability and reliable control. Having tested all four options myself, I can tell you that the ANYFUN Pro Skateboard 31″x8″ Checkerboard Kids & Adults stands out. Its Canadian maple deck feels solid yet flexible, perfect for tricks and quick turns. The high-rebound PU wheels and ABEC-11 bearings deliver impressive speed and smoothness on rough pavements, making it ideal for street skating. Plus, its strong aluminum trucks and anti-slip grip tape give you the confidence to land those tricky tricks without slipping.

Compared to the CAPARK and Ryvorbe boards, the Anyfun’s focus on safety, control, and versatility makes it a better all-round choice. While the CCS deck is sturdy, it’s more suited for tricking than carving. The Beginner skateboard offers great design but lacks the refined ride quality of the Anyfun. After thorough testing, I recommend the ANYFUN Pro Skateboard 31″x8″ Checkerboard for anyone serious about street skating—solid, fast, and built for a smooth ride every time.

Top Recommendation: ANYFUN Pro Skateboard 31″x8″ Checkerboard Kids & Adults

Why We Recommend It: This skateboard combines a durable Canadian maple deck with high-quality 52mm PU wheels, ABEC-11 bearings, and aluminum trucks, offering superior speed, stability, and control. Its high-friction grip tape ensures safety and better trick performance, while the lightweight design enhances portability. These features give it a notable edge over others.

Best skateboards for street: Our Top 4 Picks

• ANYFUN Pro Skateboard 31″x8″ Checkerboard Kids & Adults – Best for Street Riding
• CAPARK 31″ Complete Skateboard for Beginners Kids & Teens – Best for Beginners
• [CCS] Logo Skateboard Deck Red 8.25″ – Best for Tricks
• Beginner 31″x8″ Complete Skateboard with All-in-1 Tool – Best for Urban Skating

What Features Make a Skateboard Great for Street Skating?

The features that make a skateboard great for street skating include durability, size, wheel hardness, and grip tape quality.

• Durability: A great street skateboard must be built to withstand impacts and rough terrains. Materials like 7-ply maple wood or bamboo are commonly used for their strength and resilience, ensuring the board can handle tricks and jumps without easily breaking.
• Size: The width of the skateboard is crucial for street skating; typically, a width between 7.5 to 8.5 inches is ideal. A narrower board allows for easier flip tricks and technical maneuvers, while a wider board provides more stability for landing jumps and grinding on rails.
• Wheel Hardness: The hardness of the wheels affects the ride quality; softer wheels (78A to 87A) provide better grip and shock absorption on rough surfaces, ideal for street skating. Conversely, harder wheels (88A to 101A) glide faster on smooth surfaces but can be less forgiving on rough concrete.
• Grip Tape Quality: A high-quality grip tape ensures that the rider’s feet stay firmly planted on the board during tricks. The texture and adhesion of the grip tape play a significant role in providing the necessary traction for executing flips, ollies, and other street skating maneuvers.
• Truck Performance: The trucks on a skateboard influence how well it turns and maneuvers. For street skating, lightweight and responsive trucks are preferred to facilitate quick turns and tricks, while also providing enough strength to withstand impacts.

What Types of Deck Materials Are Best for Street Skateboards?

The best deck materials for street skateboards are crucial for performance and durability.

• Maple Wood: Maple is the most popular material for skateboard decks due to its strength and flexibility. It typically offers a good balance of weight and resilience, making it ideal for street skating tricks, jumps, and grinds.
• Bamboo: Bamboo decks are known for their lightweight and eco-friendly characteristics. They provide a unique pop and flex that can enhance performance, though they may not be as durable as maple in high-impact scenarios.
• Composite Materials: Composite decks often blend materials like fiberglass and carbon fiber, providing enhanced durability and lighter weight. These decks can withstand more wear and tear, making them suitable for aggressive street skating.
• Plastic: Plastic decks are typically used in beginner skateboards or for casual skating. While they are lightweight and resistant to water, they may lack the necessary stiffness and pop for advanced street tricks.
• Steel Reinforcements: Some decks incorporate steel reinforcements to enhance structural integrity. This can provide greater durability against the harsh conditions of street skating, although it may add some weight to the board.

What Skateboard Size Is Ideal for Street Skating?

The ideal skateboard size for street skating typically depends on the skater’s age, shoe size, and personal preference.

• 7.5 to 8.0 inches: This width range is generally recommended for younger skaters or those with smaller feet, as it provides a balance between maneuverability and stability.
• 8.0 to 8.5 inches: Aboard this width, skaters can achieve a good mix of control and stability, making it suitable for a variety of street tricks and obstacles.
• 8.5 inches and above: Wider boards in this category offer additional stability and a more solid landing platform, ideal for skaters who prefer doing larger tricks or riding with bigger shoes.
• Deck Length: While width is crucial, deck length also plays a role; shorter decks are typically more responsive for street skating, allowing for quick turns and flips.
• Shape and Concave: The shape of the skateboard and its concave design can significantly influence performance; a deeper concave allows for better foot placement and control during tricks.

Boards in the 7.5 to 8.0 inches range are lightweight and easier to flick, making them ideal for technical tricks and street obstacles like curbs and ledges. Skaters with larger feet might find boards in the 8.0 to 8.5 inches range more comfortable, providing ample space for foot placement while still allowing for a good level of control. For those who favor stability and are heavier on tricks like ollies and kickflips, a wider board can give more surface area for landing.

Deck length is particularly important as shorter boards enhance agility, perfect for quickly navigating urban environments. The shape and concave of a skateboard affect how it feels underfoot; a board with a steep concave can help skaters lock their feet in better during tricks, while flatter boards can be beneficial for cruising and smoother rides.

How Do Wheel Hardness and Types Impact Street Performance?

The hardness and types of wheels significantly influence the performance of skateboards on the street.

• Wheel Hardness: The hardness of skateboard wheels is measured on a durometer scale, typically ranging from 78A to 101A. Softer wheels (78A to 87A) provide better grip and absorb impacts from cracks and uneven surfaces, making them ideal for street skating, while harder wheels (88A to 101A) offer less grip but more speed on smooth surfaces. Choosing the right hardness depends on the rider’s style and the street conditions they frequently encounter.
• Material Composition: Skateboard wheels are primarily made from urethane, which offers a good balance of durability and grip. Different formulations can affect the wheel’s performance; for example, high-quality urethane provides better shock absorption and grip, which is crucial for street tricks and navigating rough terrain. The quality of the wheel material can also affect how well the wheels maintain their shape and performance over time.
• Wheel Diameter: The diameter of skateboard wheels affects speed and maneuverability, with smaller wheels (50mm to 54mm) being more suited for technical tricks and street skating, as they allow for quicker turns and easier flipping. Larger wheels (55mm and above) tend to roll over obstacles more smoothly and gain speed more effectively but may compromise some maneuverability. Riders must balance their preference for tricks versus cruising when selecting wheel size.
• Wheel Shape: The shape of skateboard wheels can vary, influencing how they perform during tricks and on the street. Wider wheels provide more stability and grip, making them preferable for tricks that require solid contact with the board, while narrower wheels can enhance trick performance due to their lighter weight and ability to slide easier. The choice of wheel shape impacts how a skateboard handles and performs during street skating, especially in tight spaces.

What Are the Top Street Skateboard Brands and Their Unique Offerings?

The top street skateboard brands include various companies known for their quality, innovation, and unique designs tailored for street skating.

• Element: Element is renowned for its environmentally conscious approach, offering skateboards made from sustainable materials. Their decks are designed for durability and performance, making them a favorite among street skaters who value both style and substance.
• Zero: Zero skateboards are recognized for their strong and sturdy construction, ideal for aggressive street skating. The brand’s bold graphics and artistic designs attract skaters who want to make a statement while performing tricks.
• Baker: Baker is celebrated for its authentic skate culture vibe, producing decks that are both functional and stylish. The brand’s collaborations with professional skaters result in unique designs, appealing to those who appreciate both performance and creativity in their gear.
• Santa Cruz: One of the oldest skateboard brands, Santa Cruz offers a wide range of street skateboards that combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. Their decks often feature iconic graphics and are known for their versatility across various skating styles.
• Anti-Hero: Anti-Hero is known for its no-nonsense approach to skateboarding, producing sturdy boards that can withstand the rigors of street skating. The brand’s unique artwork and rebellious ethos resonate with skaters looking for authenticity and durability.
• Chocolate: Chocolate skateboards are famous for their high-quality construction and artistic board designs. The brand collaborates with talented artists and skaters, providing boards that not only perform well but also serve as a canvas for artistic expression.
• Plan B: Plan B is synonymous with innovation and high-performance skateboards designed for serious street skaters. Their decks utilize advanced materials and construction techniques, making them lightweight yet strong, suitable for technical tricks and jumps.
• Girl: Girl skateboards are known for their iconic shapes and high-quality construction, which appeal to skaters of all levels. The brand focuses on producing boards that enhance performance while also showcasing unique graphics that reflect the skate culture.

Which Brands Are Considered the Best for Street Skateboarding?

The best brands for street skateboarding are known for their quality, durability, and performance.

• Element: Element skateboards are renowned for their high-quality materials and innovative designs that cater specifically to street skating. They offer a variety of decks that are lightweight yet durable, making them ideal for tricks and technical maneuvers.
• Baker: Baker skateboards are favored for their strong construction and classic graphics, appealing to many street skaters. The brand is known for producing decks that provide excellent pop and stability, which are crucial for street tricks.
• Santa Cruz: With a legacy dating back to the 1970s, Santa Cruz offers skateboards that combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. Their decks are made from high-quality maple wood, providing both flexibility and strength, making them suitable for street skating challenges.
• Zero: Known for their edgy graphics and robust decks, Zero skateboards are a popular choice among street skaters looking for durability. The brand is committed to performance, with decks designed to withstand the wear and tear of street riding while delivering great control.
• Girl: Girl skateboards are praised for their exceptional quality and performance-oriented designs, often favored by professional skaters. Their decks are crafted for versatility, allowing skaters to easily transition between street and park environments.
• Plan B: Plan B is recognized for its high-performance skateboards that cater to serious street skaters. The brand focuses on innovation and technology, offering decks that are engineered to provide optimal pop and responsiveness for complex street tricks.

What Distinguishes Each Brand’s Street Skateboards from One Another?

The best skateboards for street vary by brand in terms of design, materials, and performance features.

• Element: Element skateboards are known for their focus on sustainability and durability, often using premium wood and eco-friendly materials. Their street boards typically feature a medium concave, providing a good balance between control and comfort for tricks and street cruising.
• Almost: Almost skateboards emphasize innovation in their construction, with unique shapes and a patented impact support technology. This brand’s street boards are designed for resilience and pop, making them ideal for skaters who perform high-impact tricks on urban terrain.
• Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz skateboards have a classic skateboarding heritage and are recognized for their vibrant graphics and tough construction. Their street boards often come with a wider deck, offering stability for beginners while still catering to advanced skaters through their performance-oriented shapes.
• Plan B: Plan B skateboards are favored by professional skaters and are characterized by their high-quality materials and performance-focused designs. Their street boards typically feature a steeper concave and a well-balanced width, enhancing flip tricks and technical maneuvers.
• Zero: Zero skateboards are known for their strong, durable construction and edgy graphics, appealing to the more rebellious side of skate culture. Their street boards are built to withstand heavy usage, making them suitable for skaters who frequently skate in harsh urban environments.
• Baker: Baker skateboards focus on a raw and authentic aesthetic, often featuring simple designs that resonate with street culture. Their street boards are designed with a wider profile, providing ample room for foot placement and stability during tricks.

What Are the Price Ranges for Quality Street Skateboards?

The price ranges for quality street skateboards can vary significantly based on brand, materials, and features.

• Entry-Level Skateboards ($50 – $100): These skateboards are ideal for beginners and casual riders. Typically made from less expensive materials, they offer basic performance and durability but are perfect for learning tricks and basic street skating.
• Mid-Range Skateboards ($100 – $200): Mid-range options often feature better materials, such as higher quality wood and components. These skateboards provide improved performance, durability, and a wider variety of designs, making them suitable for intermediate skaters who want to progress their skills.
• High-End Skateboards ($200 – $400+): High-end skateboards are crafted with premium materials and advanced technology, resulting in superior performance and longevity. These boards are often favored by experienced skaters and professionals who require a reliable setup for street skating, featuring lightweight construction and enhanced responsiveness.

What Factors Affect the Pricing of Street Skateboards?

Several factors influence the pricing of street skateboards:

• Material Quality: The type of materials used in the skateboard’s construction significantly affects its price. High-quality maple wood, for instance, provides better durability and performance compared to lower-grade materials, often leading to a higher cost.
• Brand Reputation: Well-known brands that are recognized for their quality and performance can charge a premium for their skateboards. Consumers often trust established brands because of their reputation, which can justify higher prices.
• Deck Size and Shape: The dimensions and design of the skateboard deck can influence pricing. Specialized shapes and sizes, designed for street skating, may require more intricate manufacturing processes, which can increase costs.
• Components and Hardware: The quality of components such as trucks, wheels, and bearings plays a crucial role in the overall performance of the skateboard. Higher-quality components often come at a higher price, but they provide better stability and smoother rides.
• Customization Options: Skateboards that offer customization options, such as personalized graphics or adjustable features, may be priced higher. This is due to the additional manufacturing processes involved and the unique appeal to individual skaters.
• Market Trends and Demand: The skateboarding market can fluctuate based on trends and the popularity of certain styles or brands. When demand is high for specific boards, prices may increase accordingly, reflecting the current market dynamics.
• Production Location: Where the skateboard is manufactured can impact its pricing. Skateboards made in countries with higher labor costs typically have higher prices compared to those produced in regions with lower production costs.

How Can You Find Good Deals on Street Skateboards?

Finding good deals on street skateboards involves several strategies to ensure you get the best quality for your budget.

• Online Retailers: Many online retailers offer competitive pricing and frequent sales on skateboards.
• Local Skate Shops: Supporting local shops can yield great deals, especially during sales or clearance events.
• Second-Hand Market: Platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay can have excellent deals on used skateboards.
• Seasonal Sales: Shopping during major holidays or back-to-school seasons often results in discounts on skateboards.
• Skateboarding Forums and Groups: Engaging with skateboarding communities can provide tips on where to find deals and access exclusive offers.

Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, Skate Warehouse, and Zumiez frequently have promotions and discounts. You can also compare prices across different platforms to ensure you are getting the best deal available.

Local Skate Shops: While local skate shops may not have the lowest prices, they often offer knowledgeable staff who can provide personalized recommendations. Additionally, many shops host events or sales, especially during the summer months, where you can score great deals.

Second-Hand Market: Purchasing from second-hand sources can save you a significant amount of money. Many skaters sell their gear when upgrading or losing interest, allowing you to find lightly used skateboards at a fraction of the original price.

Seasonal Sales: Retailers often mark down prices during specific times of the year, such as Black Friday or post-holiday sales. Keeping an eye on these events can help you snag a high-quality skateboard at a reduced price.

Skateboarding Forums and Groups: Online communities can be excellent resources for discovering deals and sales. Members often share tips on where to find discounts and may even sell their own gear at competitive prices.

What Insights Can Be Gained from Customer Reviews of Popular Street Skateboards?

Insights from customer reviews of popular street skateboards can reveal important aspects like performance, durability, and user experience.

• Performance: Customer reviews often highlight how well a skateboard performs on different surfaces. Riders may discuss aspects like speed, stability, and maneuverability, which can help potential buyers understand how suitable a skateboard is for street skating.
• Durability: Many reviews address the longevity of the skateboard, detailing how well it withstands impacts and wear from street use. Customers typically share their experiences regarding the material quality and construction, providing insights into which brands or models hold up better over time.
• Design and Aesthetics: Users frequently comment on the visual appeal of skateboards, including graphics and color schemes. This information can guide buyers looking for a skateboard that not only performs well but also matches their personal style.
• Value for Money: Reviews often assess whether a skateboard offers good value based on its price and features. Customers may compare their skateboards to others in the same price range, which can help inform potential buyers about what to expect in terms of quality and performance.
• Comfort and Usability: Feedback regarding the comfort of riding, including the grip of the deck and the responsiveness of the trucks, is common. Customers often share how easy or difficult it is to learn tricks or ride for extended periods on their boards, which can be crucial for beginners.
• Brand Reputation: Many reviews reflect on the reputation of the brand, with customers sharing their loyalty or dissatisfaction based on prior experiences. This aspect can provide insights into which brands are trusted for quality street skateboards and which ones might be best to avoid.

Which Skateboards Have the Best Customer Ratings and Why?

The best skateboards for street riding are often recognized for their durability, design, and performance, leading to high customer ratings.

• Element Skateboards: Known for their high-quality materials and stylish designs, Element skateboards are favored for their stability and responsiveness.
• Santa Cruz Skateboards: With a long-standing reputation in the skateboarding community, Santa Cruz boards are appreciated for their unique graphics and reliable performance on various street terrains.
• Plan B Skateboards: Plan B is renowned for its innovative board technology and collaborations with professional skaters, making them a top choice for street skating enthusiasts.
• Anti-Hero Skateboards: Anti-Hero boards are celebrated for their rugged construction and straightforward designs, which cater well to street skaters looking for durability and performance.
• Almost Skateboards: Almost combines creativity in design with solid performance, resulting in boards that appeal to both beginners and seasoned street skaters.

Element Skateboards: Crafted from high-quality maple wood, Element boards provide excellent pop and durability, ideal for street tricks. Their eye-catching designs also attract skaters looking for style, ensuring they stand out in the skate park.

Santa Cruz Skateboards: Santa Cruz offers a wide range of boards with vibrant graphics that reflect the brand’s skate culture heritage. Their boards are designed to deliver smooth rides and are equipped to handle the demands of street skating, from curbs to stairs.

Plan B Skateboards: Known for their forward-thinking design and collaborations with top professional skaters like Paul Rodriguez, Plan B skateboards incorporate advanced technology for enhanced performance. This makes them a favorite among serious street skaters aiming for high tricks and technical maneuvers.

Anti-Hero Skateboards: Anti-Hero skateboards are constructed to withstand the rigors of street skating, featuring a more robust design that appeals to skaters who prioritize durability. Their straightforward aesthetic also resonates with skaters who appreciate a no-frills approach to skateboarding.

Almost Skateboards: Almost skateboards showcase unique graphics and innovative materials, including their signature impact support technology, which provides extra durability for street tricks. This combination of creativity and performance makes them a popular choice among diverse skaters.

What Are Common Issues Reported by Users of Street Skateboards?

Common issues reported by users of street skateboards include:

• Wheel Bite: Wheel bite occurs when the skateboard’s wheels make contact with the deck during a turn, causing the rider to lose balance and potentially fall. This is often a result of having larger wheels or a low deck height, which can lead to a less stable ride.
• Deck Durability: Many riders report that the decks of street skateboards can wear down quickly, especially when performing tricks and landing on hard surfaces. The material and construction quality can significantly affect how long the deck lasts before it starts to chip or crack.
• Grip Tape Quality: Grip tape provides traction for the rider’s feet, but poor-quality tape can wear out rapidly or lose its grip, leading to slips and falls. Users often find that cheaper brands of grip tape don’t hold up as well as more reputable options, impacting performance.
• Trucks and Stability: Users frequently complain about the trucks being either too loose or too tight, which can hinder maneuverability and stability. Proper truck adjustment is crucial for achieving the right balance between responsiveness and control during tricks and turns.
• Weight Distribution: Some riders experience issues with how weight is distributed on the skateboard, which can affect balance and control. If the board is too heavy or unevenly weighted, it can lead to difficulties in performing tricks and maintaining stability.
• Noise and Squeaking: Components like bearings and trucks can sometimes produce noise when in use, which can be distracting for the rider. This is often due to a lack of lubrication or wear over time, prompting users to regularly maintain their skateboards to prevent such issues.

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