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So, you're thinking about buying skateboards from zumiez? Maybe you're a seasoned skater looking for a new deck, or perhaps you're just starting out and feeling a bit lost in the world of ollies and kickflips. Either way, Zumiez is a name that probably popped up. It's a pretty ubiquitous presence in malls across America, and that familiarity can be both a blessing and a curse. It's convenient, sure, but is it the *best* place to find your next board? That's what we're here to unpack. This isn't just a review; it's a guide to help you make the most informed decision possible. We'll explore the range of skateboards Zumiez offers, from complete setups to individual components, and investigate into the brands they carry. We'll also look at the pros and cons of shopping there, so you can decide if it's the right fit for your skateboarding process. Ready to roll? Let's explore in.
Zumiez Skateboards: A Deep Examine into Selection
A First Look at the Deck Selection
When you walk into Zumiez, the first thing you'll probably notice is the wall of decks. They carry a mix of their in-house brands and some of the more popular names in skateboarding. You'll see brands like Almost, Enjoi, and Blind alongside Zumiez's own branded decks. The selection is decent, especially if you're looking for something with a flashy graphic. However, if you're after a specific shape, concave, or construction method, you might find the choices a bit limited.
Complete Skateboards: Ready to Roll?
For beginners, the complete skateboards at Zumiez can be tempting. They're pre-assembled, relatively affordable, and seem like a quick way to get started. Brands like Element, Birdhouse, and Creature often have complete setups available. The problem? Complete skateboards often compromise on component quality to keep the price down. The trucks might be generic, the bearings slow, and the wheels hard and unforgiving. It's not to say they're *bad*, but a serious skater will likely outgrow them quickly.
Diving Deeper: Trucks, Wheels, and Bearings
If you're looking to upgrade or build your own board, Zumiez does offer some individual components. They usually stock trucks from brands like Independent and Venture, wheels from Spitfire and Ricta, and bearings from Bones. The selection is usually geared towards the more mainstream options, so you might not find more niche or specialized products. Also, keep in mind that the staff at Zumiez, while usually friendly, might not have the in-depth technical knowledge to guide you through the finer points of choosing the right components. For example, a skate shop employee might be able to tell you the durometer of a wheel off the top of their head, or explain the difference between high and low trucks. You might not get that at Zumiez.
Component | Pros at Zumiez | Cons at Zumiez |
|---|---|---|
Decks | Good variety of graphics, some name brands | Limited shapes and concaves |
Complete Skateboards | Affordable entry point, pre-assembled | Lower quality components, quickly outgrown |
Trucks | Popular brands like Independent and Venture | Limited selection of sizes and styles |
Wheels | Name brands like Spitfire and Ricta | Mostly hard wheels, limited durometer choices |
Bearings | Bones bearings available | Limited selection beyond Bones Reds |
Navigating the Zumiez Skateboard Landscape: Brands and Specialties
so you're checking out the brands carried when buying skateboards from Zumiez. It's a mixed bag, honestly. You'll definitely see some familiar names, brands that have been around forever and have a solid reputation in the skate world. Think Element, Birdhouse, and Santa Cruz. These are brands that generally make decent quality decks and completes, especially for beginners. They're a safe bet if you're not sure where to start. But then you'll also see brands that are maybe a little less well-known, or that are more focused on apparel than hardware. These might be Zumiez's in-house brands, or smaller brands that are trying to get their stuff out there. It's not to say they're *bad*, but you might want to do a little extra research before committing to one of these.
One thing to keep in mind is that Zumiez is a retail chain, not a skate shop. That means they're catering to a broader audience, not just hardcore skaters. They're going to stock what sells, what's popular, and what makes them the most money. That's why you see a lot of decks with flashy graphics, even if the construction isn't the best. It's also why you might not find more niche or specialized brands. If you're looking for something specific, like a deck with a particular shape or concave, you're probably better off going to a local skate shop or an online retailer that specializes in skateboarding. They'll have a wider selection and staff who can actually answer your questions.
Let's talk about some specific brands you might encounter. Element is a classic, known for its durable decks and simple designs. Birdhouse is Tony Hawk's brand, so it's got that name recognition. Santa Cruz is another old-school brand with a long history in skateboarding. These are all solid choices for beginners and intermediate skaters. On the other hand, you might see brands like Enjoi, which is known for its quirky graphics and more playful approach to skateboarding. These are fine, but they might not be as durable as some of the other options. And then there are the Zumiez-branded decks. These are usually the cheapest option, but they're also the lowest quality. They're fine for learning the basics, but you'll probably want to upgrade to a better deck eventually.
- Element: Durable decks, classic designs.
- Birdhouse: Tony Hawk's brand, good for beginners.
- Santa Cruz: Old-school brand with a long history.
- Enjoi: Quirky graphics, playful approach.
- Zumiez Brand: Cheapest option, lowest quality.
Skateboards from Zumiez: Assembling Your Perfect Setup
so you're thinking about building your own skateboard from parts you get at Zumiez? It's definitely doable, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, let's talk about deck size. This is really important, because it'll affect how the board feels under your feet. If you're just starting out, a good all-around size is around 8.0 inches wide. That's a good size for street skating and park skating. If you're bigger, you might want to go a little wider, like 8.25 or 8.5 inches. If you're smaller, you might want to go a little narrower, like 7.75 inches.
Next up are the trucks. This is where things can get a little confusing, because truck sizes are usually measured in millimeters. You want to make sure your trucks are the right width for your deck. A good rule of thumb is to match the truck width to the deck width. So, if you have an 8.0-inch deck, you want trucks that are around 8.0 inches wide. Independent and Venture are both good brands that Zumiez usually carries.
Wheels are another important component. The size and hardness of your wheels will affect how the board rides. Smaller, harder wheels are good for street skating, because they're easier to ollie and flip. Larger, softer wheels are good for cruising and filming, because they're smoother and roll over cracks easier. A good all-around size is around 52mm, with a hardness of around 99a. Spitfire and Ricta are both popular wheel brands that Zumiez carries.
Finally, you'll need bearings. Bearings are what allow your wheels to spin. Bones Reds are a popular and affordable option that Zumiez usually carries. They're a good choice for beginners and intermediate skaters. You'll also need hardware to attach your trucks to your deck, and grip tape to keep your feet from slipping. Zumiez usually sells these too.
Putting it all together, you'll need a deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, hardware, and grip tape. Zumiez has all of these things, but you might not find the *exact* components you want. If you're picky about your setup, you might be better off going to a local skate shop or an online retailer that specializes in skateboarding. But if you're just starting out, or you're not too picky, Zumiez can be a convenient option.
Component | Considerations |
|---|---|
Deck Size | Match to your foot size and skating style |
Truck Width | Match to your deck width |
Wheel Size & Hardness | Smaller/harder for street, larger/softer for cruising |
Bearings | Bones Reds are a good starting point |
Beyond the Skateboards: Gear and Culture at Zumiez
so you've got your skateboard, maybe even some decent trucks and wheels. But Zumiez is more than just hardware, right? It's also about the clothes, the shoes, and the whole skater vibe. You'll find brands like Vans, Thrasher, and Adidas Skateboarding lining the shelves. These aren't just for skaters, of course; they're streetwear staples. But if you're trying to complete the look, Zumiez has you covered. They also sell a ton of accessories, like hats, backpacks, and stickers. So, if you want to rep your favorite skate brand, you can probably find something at Zumiez.
Final Thoughts on Skateboards from Zumiez
At the end of the day, buying skateboards from Zumiez is a matter of considering convenience against specialization. If you need a board *now*, and you're not super picky about specific components, it can be a decent option. They offer a good entry point into the sport and a chance to see some gear in person. However, for serious skaters or those seeking expert advice, exploring local skate shops or specialized online retailers will likely yield better results. Do your research, know what you want, and don't be afraid to shop around. Happy shredding!