The cost of a skateboard can vary widely based on several factors, such as materials and manufacturer. A lower-priced entry-level skateboard would normally be made from pressed wood and have a low level of design and components for functionality.
A complete skateboard usually ranges in price from $50 to $150, which is the cost of cheaper models. Boards that are closer to the higher end typically have more expensive components such as graphite, carbon fiber, and aluminum decks. A complete board can range in price from approximately $100 to $300.
Higher priced boards will typically have a composite or custom aluminum deck to increase strength, reduce weight, enhance performance and increase durability. Most mid-range boards fall somewhere in the middle, with a higher price point for those seeking a board made from more expensive materials such as carbon fiber or fiberglass.
The cost of a skateboard can also depend on additional features that can include different styles of trucks, bearings, and wheels, flex ratings, concave designs, and the availability of a brand name or signature graphics.
What Are The Factors That Are Affecting Skateboard Cost?
Skateboarding is an action sport played using any kind of board along with two wheels attached to it. A skateboarder travels on the boards while standing and controlling the direction by shifting their weight.
The process makes use of a variety of techniques like hopping, sliding (skitching), rolling, and others. The cost of a skateboard depends on many factors like the type of board used in the game, quality/brand of the material used, etc.
Types Of Skateboards
There are various types of skateboards available. Generally, they can be grouped into three basic categories:
- Long boards (also known as “cruisers”)
- Mid-length boards (also known as “street”)
- Short boards (also known as “ducks”).
Longboards
The board’s size is usually proportional to the user’s height. Longboards are typically slower, more stable, and easier to ride than shorter skateboards however, mid-length boards tend to be faster, lighter, and smaller than longboards.
A cruiser board is a longboard designed for cruising and racing. It has a deep concave to allow the rider’s feet to be as close together as possible and is also very stable due to its length.
Mid-Length Boards
A street skateboard is usually either a cruiser or a standard – it’s longer than a mid-length board but not as long as a tech skateboard or a longboard. In general, a street skateboard is one that is longer than wide or equal to it, while a tech skateboard will have the same size as width.
Shortboards
A shortboard typically ranges from 27-35 inches in length and 8-9 inches in width – smaller boards offer more control during extreme maneuvers while larger boards can be very fast.
Quality
The purchase of a skateboard with good quality material may increase the price of the board. For example, if you buy an aluminum or carbon fiber deck with all-wooden wheels for cruising with your friend, it can cost around $150 to $200.
But if you are purchasing a street skateboard that has steel bearings, aluminum trucks, high rebound bushings, and a durable deck for grinding at skate parks, it will cost around $100 to $150. The quality of the board varies with respect to various factors like the brand name of the product, price, weight capacity, etc. If you are purchasing a standard longboard it must be having the capacity of weight up to 250 lbs and the standard wheel size must be 65mm X 45mm.
If you want to purchase a good quality skateboard for street games, it should have all-metal alloy wheels with 5′ or smaller size; whereas if you are purchasing a professional skateboard with 7 inches/180 mm wheel size and 100% aluminum alloy frame, it will cost around $200.
Brand Names
It is evident that there are many factors that affect the cost of skateboards such as brand name, quality of material used, weight capacity, etc. If you want to purchase a good quality branded skateboard it can easily cost around $100 to $300 and if you want to purchase a professional branded skateboard with 7 inches/180 mm wheel size and 100% aluminum alloy frame, it will cost around $200.
See also: Best Skateboard Brands For Beginners.
Breaking Down The Components Of Skateboard.
The components of the average skateboard can be broken down into three main pieces, with additional smaller accessories that are not included in the price. The board itself, which is most often made out of wood, is typically around $35-$45 dollars for most boards.
Then there are the wheels and bearings; these pieces do not normally cost more than $15-$20. The last main components are the trucks and deck, which can range from $50 to over $200, depending primarily on the quality of the materials used in creating them.
The cost of most skateboards usually averages around $100, this is close to the average price for all board sports (skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding, etc.). The cost of the components are not very uniform throughout all brands and prices. This is because some skateboard companies have their own discounted ways to get their customers better deals on parts.
Board / Deck
The price range for the board itself can be anywhere from $35 to over $200, depending on what materials are used in its creation. Decks that are made with a lot of plywood will typically be cheaper, as plywood is relatively inexpensive.
Decks that have been created with just a little less wood than the standard 7 plies can range from $60-80. The more expensive decks are those that have been created using maple or other high-quality materials, which can cost up to $200.
See also: Best Blank Skateboard Deck.
Wheels
The price range for the skateboard wheels is normally between $8 and $30, depending on the quality of the wheel. The more expensive wheels are those that utilize urethane or polyurethane instead of traditional rubber; these types of wheels will cost over $35.
A cheaper alternative to urethane wheels are a new type of plastic polymer that is used in most longboards. This version of the wheel will usually cost around $25.
See also: Best Skateboard Wheels.
Bearings
The price range for the bearings in a skateboard varies, depending on the class and the quality of the bearings. The cheaper bearings can cost anywhere from $5 to $20, but more expensive bearings will be up to $30 for a set.
One of the most important factors in choosing which bearings to get is how often they will need to be replaced.
Bearings that are held together by either plastic or metal shields will need replacements much more often than those with rubber O-rings, which will last about twice as long because they can expand when they heat up.
See also: Best Longboard Bearings.
Trucks
The price range for the trucks themselves is usually between $30 and $80, although some companies that sell very cheap decks include plastic or low-quality metal trucks to save money. The price range for the skateboard trucks is normally between $30 and $80, depending on the quality of the truck.
The trucks of the skateboard are one of its most important parts because they determine how much maneuverability and flexibility there is in each turn.
The cheaper trucks are those that utilize plastic or metal, whereas high-quality trucks will use heavy-duty metals to ensure their durability. The more expensive alternatives are those with ball bearings instead of standard axles, but these do not tend to affect the overall price very much.
See also: Best Skateboard Trucks.
Grip Tape
The thickness of the tape can range from 1/16th inch to 5/8th inch thick. A sheet of grip tape usually costs between $5 and $10 depending on the brand, width, length, and thickness. However, custom grip tape can cost up to $30 per sheet.
The cost of skateboard grip tape varies based on the brand, length, width, thickness, and shape. Grip tape is usually sold in lengths that are either 3 or 4 feet long, although it is also available in custom measurements.
It comes in various widths but with standard measures being 2 inches wide by 10 feet long. When used, the grip tape is cut into smaller pieces that are either 2 inches long or 4 inches long.
Grip tape is used for decoration and for helping the rider maintain better control of their board.
See also: Best Skateboard Grip Tape.
Skateboarding Accessories.
Skateboarding requires a lot of skills that can only be developed with practice. Additionally, to avoid serious injury skaters should also wear protective gear such as helmets, elbow pads, knee pads, etc.
Additionally, there are a lot of accessories that make skateboarding easier and more convenient to do. Some different types of accessories include Wrist Guards, Elbow Pads, Knee Pads, Helmets, Deck Grip Tape, Skate Tool (to tighten bolts), and more.
Skateboard Backpacks
Skateboard backpacks can vary a lot in prices, so just look for one that fits within your budget while still giving you all mentioned below features (and hopefully more). If it has everything you need but costs below $100 or somewhere around there, then it’s the best price.
You can have a look at our review on Best Skateboard Backpack.
- Durability. The skateboarding backpack should be made of high quality materials that can withstand the abuses of skaters who carry them all day every day (or at least whenever they go out). Look for heavy duty zippers and straps that won’t break or fray even after extended use.
- Storage space. A good skateboard backpack should not only fit a skateboard, but also all the things you would need to bring with you for skating water bottle, wallet, cell phone, snacks, extra clothes (for when you fall off your board), etc. It’ll be hard to bring everything with you in pockets alone.
- Style. The backpack should be designed to look sleek and cool, but also match the style of other skaters (i.e., if all your friends skate, they probably won’t like it if your backpack looks too different). Plus, you’re more likely to use a stylish bag vs. a bag that’s lacking in the style department.
- Comfort. Since you’ll probably be wearing your backpack for hours at a time, it should feel comfortable and not make you sweat or anything even after carrying it for a long time (i.e., adjust the straps so they fit right). Also, see if there are any padding on the straps and back that will keep you extra comfy.
The skateboard backpack should generally be on the bigger side, if you’re looking for a skateboard backpack check out our article on Skateboard Backpacks, which includes some good options.
Skateboarding Helmets
A skateboard helmet’s function is to protect the skull of a person who skates on a skateboard. Many people may think that this protection only comes at the cost of style, but compared to other types of helmets, it can be easy on the wallet as well.
Most basic half-shell helmets are sold for about $25-$75. The more expensive helmets are lighter and have more features, such as better ventilation and thicker shells. The cost of a skateboard helmet depends on several factors:
- The type of helmet (half-shell or full face).
- Its size.
- The certification it has received.
Half Shell
Half-shell helmets come in many shapes and varying thicknesses of shell material, from thin plastic to thick polycarbonate. In addition, they can come in different sizes and with or without a visor. Both impact resistance and style will affect the price of a helmet.
Smaller Shell
A smaller shell thickness means less material, which will result in a lighter weight, but it could leave the wearer more prone to injuries if he or she is involved in an accident. A full-face helmet, on the other hand, is bulkier, has more padding for comfort, and usually has a visor to protect the face from flying debris. These helmets typically sell for $80-$200 or more.
Safety Certifications
The price of a skateboard helmet also depends on its certification or safety rating. There are four types of skateboard helmets available:
- CPSC Certified – This helmet is the safest type and will sell for over $100.
- ASTM Certified – Less expensive than a CPSC certified helmet, this type offers more protection compared to the first two types, but is not as impact worthy as a CPSC certified helmet.
- Skate One Corporation Certified – This type of helmet is manufactured by a company that was founded by skateboarders and has its own set of safety standards for helmets which they enforce on their manufacturers.
- Other Certifications – Helmets labeled with different brand names or logos may be certified, but the consumer should beware as not all of them can be trusted.
The cost of a skateboard helmet, while cheaper than most other types, will still depend on the factors mentioned above. On average though, you can expect to pay $25-$75 for half-shell helmets and $80-$200 or more for full-face ones.
Knee Pads
Skateboarding requires a lot of equipment. Many people think the most expensive part about skateboarding is the board itself, but the price varies widely depending on what you are looking for. Skateboard pads have been a staple in the sport since its early days.
They’re not as essential as the board of course, but they provide protection and safety for your feet and legs. It is more convenient to wear pads than to worry about injuring yourself when you fall and it is cheaper and easier than losing a toe.
After buying a new deck it’s important to buy elbow and knee pads at the same time to get used to the shape of them while skating without them before you get hurt.
A decent pair of knees and elbow pads, especially for a beginner skater will range in price from $50 to $100. The main things that affect the cost are the brands and materials used, but the price is also determined by what kind of protection level it offers and how durable it is.
If you want a protective pad with breathing material, they are usually more expensive than just a plastic pad. On the other hand, if you want something that will last longer but has no extra protection, it will be cheaper.
Shoes
Skateboarding is a popular sport but can get expensive. Skateboard shoes are sneakers made for the sport, and they are often high in price. Skateboarding involves tricks in which one needs to be creative with feet movements in order to gain speed, maintain balance, or stop.
Skateboard beginners will find that they easily need a new pair of shoes every 3 months because they wear down that quickly. Even with regular skateboarding, a good pair of shoes may only last 6 to 8 months before the bottoms are extremely worn out and no longer have any grip on them.
The price for a good pair of skateboard shoes is about $100. The cost of a good skateboard shoe is usually dependent on the brand, and it is up to the individual which brand will come out with better products. Along with the cost of skateboard shoes, there are different brands such as Fallen Footwear, Element Skateboards, DVS Shoe Company, Vans Shoes, etc.
If you want to practice more, you may need to buy some more expensive shoes. Skateboarding is a sport that takes a lot of time and effort into practicing, so it can be worth it to invest in higher quality shoes.
Closing Thoughts
The best skateboard cost about $100 to $120 but can go up to more than $200.
Wheels are the most important factor in the price of a good skateboard so it is better to have larger wheels with very little slip. If you plan to go off curbs and stairs, consider getting a board with larger wheels as they are more sturdy and can handle more stress than smaller ones.
Especially for beginners, it is recommended to choose a board that has all the components already attached to save money and time putting them on. The downside is that you won’t be able to change or upgrade anything without buying an entirely new skateboard.
