Lesson 101:
How to Buy Your First Skateboard – TROUBL3 Skateboards Guide
So, you’re ready to start skating? That’s sick! Whether you’re looking to cruise to school or dive headfirst into the culture of creativity and self-expression that skateboarding offers, we’ve got your back. Skateboarding has no rules, no uniforms—just a board and endless possibilities. The first step is figuring out what type of skating you want to do and picking the right gear to match your vibe.
What Type of Board Should I Get?
It all depends on what you’re into! Check out the three main types of boards below, each tailored for different riding styles. Pick the one that fits your goals best, and you’ll be ready to roll.
Street/Park Board
If pulling off tricks at the skatepark or hitting street spots is your dream, then this board is your go-to. Street/park boards are built for technical tricks and offer tons of customization.
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PROS:
- Perfect for learning tricks
- Huge variety of graphics and styles
- Can handle most pavement surfaces
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CONS:
- Slower and not ideal for long-distance commuting
- Smaller, harder wheels make for a rougher ride
How to Build It: Start by choosing your deck, then trucks, wheels, bearings, and hardware. Or grab a preassembled board and get skating immediately!
Cruiser Board
Want a smooth ride for zipping around the city? Cruisers are all about comfort and speed. They're not designed for tricks, but you can still learn the basics.
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PROS:
- Designed for speed and easy maneuverability
- Glides over most pavement with ease and comfort
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CONS:
- Heavier than a street board due to bigger wheels
- Not built for tricks
How to Build It: Pick your deck, then add trucks, cruiser wheels, bearings, riser pads, and hardware. As always, we’re happy to walk you through your options!
Longboard
Looking for speed and stability for longer rides or bombing hills? The longboard is your answer. Built for carving and high-speed cruising, it’s all about smooth, stable rides. Not the board for tricks, but perfect for those who want to go fast and flow.
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PROS:
- Ideal for high speeds and long-distance rides
- Super stable, even at fast speeds
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CONS:
- Heavier due to its size and larger components
- Not meant for trick skating
How to Build It: Start with the deck, then trucks, big wheels, bearings, riser pads, and hardware. Preassembled options are available if you’re ready to hit the streets ASAP.
Ready to Roll?
We get that there’s a lot to consider, but don’t sweat it! Our team at TROUBL3 Skateboards is here to help. Our boards are crafted one by one with 100% Canadian hard maple veneer, hand-drawn, and made by skaters for skaters—just like that craft NE IPA you love. Whether you're building your board or grabbing a preassembled one, you'll get an authentic, artisanal deck built to last.
Need advice or help picking your first skateboard? Hit us up at troubl3skateboards@gmail.com or swing by Troubl3Skateboards.com. We’re here to help you get rolling!
#TROUBL3Skateboards #Skateboarding101 #SkateboardCulture #HandcraftedBoards #SkaterMade #StartSkating
Lesson 102:
Guide to Common Street-Style Popsicle Deck Sizes
When it comes to street skating, popsicle-shaped decks are the most popular choice. These boards are versatile, allowing skaters to pull off technical tricks, ride at the park, and hit street spots. The width of your skateboard deck plays a crucial role in your skating experience, influencing your control, balance, and comfort. Here's a breakdown of the most common sizes for street-style popsicle decks and what makes each one unique.
7.5" - 7.75" Decks
Best for: Smaller skaters, kids, and those who prefer a lightweight, easy-to-flip board.
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Pros:
- Perfect for technical tricks like flip tricks due to the lighter weight.
- Easier to maneuver for smaller skaters or those with smaller feet.
- Ideal for riders who prefer a more compact setup for precise control.
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Cons:
- Less stable for landings and riding at high speeds.
- Not the best for taller riders or those with larger feet.
7.75" - 8.0" Decks
Best for: Versatile skating; a great all-around size for street, park, and tricks.
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Pros:
- A popular choice among street skaters, offering a good balance between control and stability.
- Suitable for most skaters, including those who want a board that works for both street and park.
- Wide enough for comfort and stable landings but still light enough for flips and tricks.
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Cons:
- A little less stability compared to wider decks for those who like riding transition or bombing hills.
8.0" - 8.25" Decks
Best for: Skaters looking for a mix of stability and trick performance.
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Pros:
- A great middle-ground size, offering extra stability while still being agile enough for tricks.
- Common choice for skaters who ride both street and transition parks.
- More surface area for your feet, making it easier to land bigger tricks.
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Cons:
- Slightly heavier than narrower decks, making flip tricks a bit harder for beginners.
8.25" - 8.5" Decks
Best for: Transition skating, larger skaters, or those who want more stability.
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Pros:
- Perfect for larger skaters or those with bigger feet.
- Offers more stability for landings and riding ramps or bowls.
- Ideal for skaters who prioritize comfort and control over technical flip tricks.
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Cons:
- Heavier, making technical flip tricks more difficult.
- Not as nimble for technical street tricks.
8.5" and Above
Best for: Transition, bowls, vert, and riders who prioritize stability.
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Pros:
- Great for transition and vert skating, offering maximum stability and control at high speeds.
- Provides a larger platform for comfortable cruising or carving in bowls.
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Cons:
- Heavier and less responsive for technical street tricks.
- Not as easy to flip or maneuver compared to narrower decks.
Choosing the Right Size for You
Ultimately, your choice of deck size comes down to personal preference, riding style, and comfort. If you love technical street tricks, you’ll probably prefer a smaller, lighter deck (around 7.75" - 8.0"). If you’re into bowls, ramps, or just want more stability, a wider deck (8.25" or bigger) will give you the confidence to stick your landings.
At TROUBL3 Skateboards, we’ve got you covered with a variety of handmade popsicle decks crafted from 100% Canadian hard maple veneer. Whether you're into technical tricks or carving transition, we can help you find the perfect board to fit your style.
Need help deciding? Hit us up at Troubl3Skateboards.com or shoot us an email at troubl3skateboards@gmail.com and we’ll walk you through the best options for your skateboarding journey.
#TROUBL3Skateboards #StreetSkating #PopsicleDeck #SkateboardSizeGuide #SkaterMade
Lesson 103:
Guide to Skateboard Wheel Sizes and Styles
When it comes to building your perfect skateboard setup, choosing the right wheels is crucial. Wheels influence how fast you ride, how smooth your ride is, and what type of terrain you can handle. Skateboard wheels come in various sizes and hardness levels (measured in durometer), and the right choice depends on your skating style. Let’s break down the common wheel sizes and styles so you can pick the best setup for your ride.
Wheel Sizes:
50mm - 54mm Wheels
Best for: Street Skating, Technical Tricks
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Details: Smaller wheels (50mm-54mm) are ideal for street skaters and those focusing on technical tricks. These wheels are light and make it easier to pull off tricks like kickflips and grinds.
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Why Choose Them?: Smaller wheels give you more control for technical tricks. They’re also great for smoother surfaces like skate parks or well-maintained streets.
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Terrain: Best for flat and smooth surfaces.
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Speed: Slower, but more nimble for quick tricks.
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Pros:
- Lightweight, easy to maneuver.
- Perfect for flip tricks and technical skating.
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Cons:
- Slower and less smooth on rough pavement.
- Can get stuck in cracks more easily.
54mm - 58mm Wheels
Best for: Park Skating, All-Around Use
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Details: Wheels in this size range are more versatile and can handle both street and park skating. They're a great middle-ground option if you want speed but still need control for tricks.
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Why Choose Them?: These wheels offer more speed than smaller wheels while still allowing for tricks. Perfect if you split your time between street and park skating.
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Terrain: Works well on skate parks, smooth streets, and rougher pavement.
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Speed: Faster than smaller wheels, with a balance between speed and trick performance.
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Pros:
- Versatile, works for both street and park skating.
- Offers more speed without sacrificing too much control.
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Cons:
- Heavier than smaller wheels, making flip tricks slightly harder.
58mm - 60mm+ Wheels
Best for: Transition, Vert, and Cruising
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Details: Larger wheels are designed for transition skating (bowls, ramps, vert) or cruising. They offer more speed and a smoother ride, perfect for carving and downhill.
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Why Choose Them?: If you're looking for speed, stability, and a smoother ride on rough surfaces, these are your go-to. Great for riding ramps and bowls at higher speeds.
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Terrain: Perfect for ramps, bowls, and rough streets.
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Speed: Faster and smoother, great for longer rides or high-speed skating.
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Pros:
- High-speed and smooth over rough terrain.
- More stability at high speeds.
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Cons:
- Heavier, harder to pull off technical tricks.
- Not ideal for street tricks due to size and weight.
Wheel Styles (Durometer):
Hard Wheels (95A - 101A+)
Best for: Street Skating, Tricks
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Details: Harder wheels (95A - 101A) are perfect for technical street skating and tricks. They offer less grip but slide easier, making them ideal for tricks like powerslides and grinds.
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Why Choose Them?: If you’re skating smooth surfaces like a skatepark or well-paved streets and doing a lot of technical tricks, harder wheels are your best bet.
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Feel: Fast, slippery, and responsive. Ideal for tricks that require sliding.
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Pros:
- Best for flip tricks and grinding.
- Easier to slide and grind on.
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Cons:
- Rough ride on rough pavement, less grip.
Soft Wheels (78A - 90A)
Best for: Cruising, Rough Terrain
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Details: Soft wheels (78A - 90A) provide more grip and a smoother ride, making them perfect for cruising and rough surfaces. They absorb more shocks, so they’re ideal for skaters who want a smoother ride or need to handle cracks and rough roads.
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Why Choose Them?: If you're more focused on cruising, bombing hills, or skating over rough pavement, soft wheels will give you the comfort and grip you need.
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Feel: Grippy and smooth, absorbs shocks, not as fast but great for rough surfaces.
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Pros:
- Smoother ride over rough terrain.
- Excellent grip and shock absorption.
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Cons:
- Slower and less suited for tricks.
In Summary:
Choosing the right wheels depends on your style of skating:
- Technical street skaters: Go for smaller, harder wheels (50mm-54mm, 95A-101A) for better control and flip tricks.
- All-around skaters: Mid-size wheels (54mm-58mm) offer a good balance of speed and versatility.
- Transition and cruiser skaters: Opt for larger, softer wheels (58mm-60mm+, 78A-90A) for a smoother, faster ride with stability.
At TROUBL3 Skateboards, we’ve got a range of wheels to fit every style, whether you're bombing hills or hitting the park. All of our products are crafted with the highest quality materials, ensuring you get the best performance out of your setup.
Need more help choosing the perfect wheels? Drop us an email at troubl3skateboards@gmail.com, or visit Troubl3Skateboards.com and we’ll get you rolling!
#SkateWheels #SkateboardSetup #TROUBL3Skateboards #StreetSkating #ParkSkating #Cruising #WheelSizeGuide
Lesson 104:
Skateboard Truck Sizing Guide: Matching Your Trucks to Your Deck
Choosing the right trucks for your skateboard is essential for performance, stability, and overall feel. Trucks are the T-shaped parts that connect the wheels to the deck, and the width of your trucks should align with the width of your deck for a balanced setup. Different manufacturers label their truck sizes differently, often using millimeters or inches, which can make things a little confusing. Below is a guide for some of the most popular truck brands—Independent, Thunder, and Venture—along with how to match their truck sizes to your skateboard deck.
Truck Size Guide for Common Brands:
Tips for Choosing the Right Trucks:
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Match the Axle Width to the Deck Width: The goal is to have the truck's axle width closely match your deck width. This helps with balance and performance. A slightly narrower truck allows for more responsive turns, while a wider truck gives you more stability.
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Independent Trucks: Known for durability and a classic design, Independent trucks are a favorite among skaters who value a stable ride, especially for transition and vert skating.
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Thunder Trucks: Thunder trucks are lightweight and known for their sharp turning response, making them great for technical street skating and quick transitions.
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Venture Trucks: Venture trucks are celebrated for their balance between durability and turning performance, making them a good all-round option for street skaters.
Truck Height:
Most brands offer trucks in low, mid, or high heights. Here’s a quick overview of how that affects your ride:
- Low Trucks: Best for smaller wheels (50mm - 53mm) and technical street skating.
- Mid Trucks: Good for all-around street and park skating with wheels in the 53mm - 56mm range.
- High Trucks: Best for larger wheels (56mm and above) and skaters who like to ride ramps or bowls.
At TROUBL3 Skateboards, we recommend choosing trucks based on your skating style and deck size to ensure a smooth, balanced ride. Need help deciding? Reach out to us at troubl3skateboards@gmail.com or visit Troubl3Skateboards.com and we’ll guide you through building your perfect setup!
#SkateboardTrucks #TROUBL3Skateboards #SkateSetup #IndependentTrucks #ThunderTrucks #VentureTrucks #SkaterMade #SkateboardSizing
Lesson 105:
Guide to Bearings, Hardware, Grip Tape, and Skateboard Maintenance
When building or maintaining your skateboard, every part matters. Beyond the deck and trucks, the components like bearings, hardware, and grip tape play a crucial role in how your board performs and feels. Here’s a breakdown of each, along with some tips on how to keep your setup in top shape.
Bearings
Bearings are the small but essential components inside your wheels that allow them to spin smoothly. While they might seem insignificant, the quality of your bearings can drastically affect your speed and ride quality.
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ABEC Rating: Bearings are often rated using the ABEC scale (Annular Bearing Engineers' Committee). ABEC ratings range from 1 to 9 (with higher numbers generally being better), but don’t be fooled into thinking higher is always better for skating. Some brands make high-quality bearings without focusing solely on ABEC ratings (e.g., Bones Bearings). Skateboard-specific brands often prioritize strength and durability over the ABEC rating alone.
- ABEC 3-5: Great for beginner to intermediate skaters who want a smooth ride but don’t need ultra-high speed.
- ABEC 7-9: Ideal for advanced skaters who want faster, smoother spins for downhill or high-speed cruising.
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Skate-Specific Bearings: Brands like Bones use their own rating system (Bones Reds, Swiss Bearings) and are well-known for providing smooth, durable bearings tailored for skateboarding. These bearings don’t use the ABEC rating but offer superior performance for tricks and cruising.
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Maintenance: Regularly clean and lubricate your bearings to prevent dirt buildup and keep them spinning fast. Use a skate-specific lubricant like Bones Speed Cream to avoid wearing down your bearings prematurely.
Hardware
Skateboard hardware consists of the bolts and nuts that hold your trucks onto the deck. While hardware might seem basic, choosing the right size and keeping it in good condition is important.
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Standard Hardware Sizes:
- 7/8" to 1": These sizes are typical for most skate setups with no riser pads.
- 1 1/8" to 1 1/4": If you’re using riser pads, you’ll need longer hardware to accommodate the added height.
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Colors and Styles: You can choose between black, silver, or custom-colored hardware. Many skaters use one bolt in a different color to help identify the nose or tail of their board at a glance.
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Maintenance: Always check your hardware for tightness. Loose bolts can affect your control and cause damage to your deck or trucks. A quick check before each session can save you from potential problems mid-ride.
Grip Tape
Grip tape is the rough, sandpaper-like layer on top of your skateboard deck that gives your feet the traction needed for tricks and control.
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Types of Grip Tape:
- Standard Grip: Most skaters use traditional coarse grip tape, which provides excellent grip for street, park, and technical tricks.
- Coarse/Extra-Grip: Some brands offer extra-grippy options for skaters who want more foot traction, especially helpful for downhill or vert skaters.
- Clear or Custom Grip: Want to show off the graphics on your deck? Clear grip tape or custom-cut grip tape designs let you personalize your board while maintaining functionality.
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Application Tip: Applying grip tape requires a steady hand. Peel it slowly and press down from one end to the other to avoid air bubbles. Use a file or razor blade to trim the edges for a clean finish.
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Maintenance: Keep your grip tape clean with a grip tape eraser or by gently brushing off dirt. Dirty or worn-out grip tape can affect your footing and control, so it’s worth replacing when needed.
Skateboard Maintenance Tips
To keep your board riding smoothly and extend its life, here are some essential maintenance tips:
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Tighten Trucks & Hardware: Make sure your trucks are secure but not too tight. Adjusting your trucks to your preferred tightness helps with control and turning. Check your hardware regularly to prevent rattling or deck damage.
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Clean Bearings: If your wheels aren't spinning as smoothly as they used to, it might be time to clean your bearings. Remove them from the wheels, soak them in a cleaning solution, dry them, and add a few drops of skate-specific lubricant. Avoid using water or household oils, which can damage bearings.
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Check Wheels: Over time, wheels can develop flat spots or wear unevenly. Rotate them regularly to ensure even wear, and replace them when they become too worn.
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Grip Tape Replacement: Worn-out grip tape can lead to slips or loss of control. Replace your grip tape when it becomes smooth or too dirty to grip properly.
At TROUBL3 Skateboards, we understand that every component of your setup is important. That’s why we offer a range of high-quality bearings, hardware, and grip tape to make sure your board rides smoothly and lasts longer. Need help with maintenance or picking the right parts? Reach out to us at troubl3skateboards@gmail.com or visit Troubl3Skateboards.com and let us help you keep rolling.
#TROUBL3Skateboards #SkateMaintenance #Bearings #GripTape #SkaterMade #SkateHardware #SkateboardingEssentials #StayRolling