Embarking on the exciting journey of skateboarding can feel daunting, especially when faced with the vast array of gear available. For those just starting out, navigating the world of decks, trucks, wheels, and bearings can be overwhelming. This is precisely why skateboard completes for beginners are an excellent solution, offering a convenient, cost-effective, and ready-to-ride option that simplifies the entry into the sport.
What Exactly Are Skateboard Completes?
A skateboard complete is a fully assembled skateboard, ready to ride right out of the box. Unlike custom setups where you choose each component individually, completes are pre-built by brands, ensuring all parts are compatible and balanced. This makes them particularly appealing for beginners who might not yet understand the intricacies of different component specifications.
Why Choose Skateboard Completes For Beginners?
There are several compelling reasons why beginners should consider a complete skateboard setup. These pre-assembled boards remove much of the guesswork and allow new riders to focus on learning the fundamentals of skating.
Convenience: Skateboard completes for beginners eliminate the need to research and select individual parts. You just unbox it and start skating.
Cost-Effectiveness: Typically, buying a complete skateboard is more affordable than purchasing all the components separately. This is a great way to try out skateboarding without a significant initial investment.
Balanced Setup: Brands design their completes with compatible components, ensuring a harmonious and functional ride. This means the trucks will match the deck width, and the wheels will be appropriate for general use.
Ready to Ride: With a complete, there’s no assembly required. This means more time spent learning tricks and cruising around, and less time spent building your board.
Understanding the Key Components of a Skateboard Complete
Even when opting for skateboard completes for beginners, understanding the basic components will help you make an informed choice and appreciate your board more. Each part plays a crucial role in how the skateboard performs.
The Deck
The deck is the wooden board itself, typically made from several plies of maple wood. For beginners, deck width is often the most important factor. Wider decks offer more stability, which can be beneficial for learning balance, while narrower decks might be easier for flip tricks.
Trucks
Trucks are the metal axles that attach the wheels to the deck. They allow you to steer and turn. The width of the trucks should match the width of your deck to ensure proper wheel alignment and turning responsiveness.
Wheels
Skateboard wheels vary in size (diameter) and hardness (durometer). For beginners, a medium-sized wheel (52-56mm) with a medium hardness (99a-101a) is generally recommended. These provide a good balance for street skating, park riding, and cruising on smoother surfaces.
Bearings
Bearings are small metal rings that fit inside the wheels, allowing them to spin freely. They are often rated with an ABEC number (e.g., ABEC 5, ABEC 7), which indicates their precision. For beginners, ABEC 5 or 7 bearings are usually perfectly adequate, offering a smooth and reliable ride.
Griptape
Griptape is a sandpaper-like adhesive sheet applied to the top of the deck. It provides traction for your feet, preventing them from slipping off the board. Most skateboard completes for beginners come with griptape already applied.
Choosing the Right Skateboard Completes For Beginners
With a better understanding of the components, you can now focus on selecting the best complete for your needs. Consider these factors when making your decision.
Deck Size: Generally, a deck width between 7.75 and 8.25 inches is suitable for most adult beginners. Smaller riders or younger individuals might prefer a slightly narrower board, while larger riders might opt for a wider one for increased stability.
Skate Style: While beginners will mostly be learning fundamentals, think about where you’ll be skating. If you plan to cruise around or ride on rougher surfaces, slightly softer wheels might be beneficial. For skatepark use, standard hard wheels are ideal.
Brand Reputation: Many reputable skateboard brands offer excellent complete setups. Researching brands known for quality can help ensure you get a durable and reliable board.
Budget: Set a budget that you are comfortable with. Remember that a complete offers great value, and there are many high-quality options available at various price points.
Getting Started with Your Skateboard Complete
Once you have your complete skateboard, the real fun begins! Remember to start in a safe, flat, and open area away from traffic. Wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads, especially when you are just starting to learn.
Learning to balance, push, and turn are the first steps. Don’t be discouraged by falls; they are a natural part of the learning process. The durability and balanced design of skateboard completes for beginners will support you through these initial stages.
Conclusion: Embrace the Ride with Skateboard Completes For Beginners
Choosing a complete skateboard is an intelligent and practical decision for anyone new to the sport. It removes the complexity of component selection, offers great value, and gets you rolling immediately. With a reliable complete under your feet, you can dedicate your energy to mastering the basics and experiencing the pure joy of skateboarding.
Don’t hesitate any longer. Find the perfect skateboard completes for beginners that suits you, grab your safety gear, and start your incredible skateboarding adventure today!