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Navigating the world of pro skateboards can feel overwhelming, whether you're a seasoned skater or just starting out. At kizworld, we're passionate about helping you find the perfect board to match your skills and style. From understanding the nuances of construction to exploring leading brands, we'll guide you through everything you need to know about pro skateboards.
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Deck Material | Typically 7-ply Canadian maple for durability and pop. |
Deck Shape | Varies based on riding style (street, park, vert). |
Trucks | Provide stability and turning, often made from aluminum alloy. |
Wheels | Hardness and size impact speed and grip. |
Bearings | Enable smooth rolling, rated by ABEC scale. |
Understanding Pro Skateboard Construction
Ever wonder what makes pro skateboards so special? It's all about the parts! Think of it like building a super-fast, super-rad go-kart. You wouldn't use wobbly wheels or a flimsy frame, right? Pro skateboards are designed for performance, using top-notch materials and construction to handle gnarly tricks and smooth rides. Let's break it down!
First up, the deck! This is the wooden platform you stand on, and it's usually made from hard rock maple. Why maple? Because it's sturdy, flexible, and can take a beating! Most pro decks are made from 7 layers of maple glued and pressed together for maximum strength and that satisfying "pop" when you ollie. Speaking of ollies, the concave of the deck, which is the slight curve from side to side, helps you perform tricks by giving you more leverage. It's like having a little ramp built right into your board! If you're eager to learn more about perfecting your ollie and other cool tricks, check out our guide on how to do an ollie.
Deck Part | What it Does |
|---|---|
Nose | The front of the board, often used for flip tricks. |
Tail | The back of the board, used for popping ollies and other tricks. |
Rails | The sides of the deck, can be used for grinds and slides. |
Understanding Pro Skateboard Construction
Choosing the Right Pro Skateboard for Your Style
Picking the right pro skateboard is like choosing a sidekick for epic adventures! It's about finding a board that matches your vibe and how you like to shred. Are you all about conquering ramps and bowls like a skateboarding legend? Or do you prefer mastering tricks and flips on the streets? Let's figure out which board will help you rule the skatepark!
Street Skating: Conquer the Concrete Jungle
Street skating is all about creativity and conquering obstacles! Think stair sets, rails, ledges – anything you can find in the urban jungle. For this style, you'll want a pro skateboard with a narrower deck, usually between 7.5" and 8.25" wide. This gives you more control for flipping your board and landing tricks with precision. Check out this article about how to get started with skateboarding.
Park Skating: Flowing Through Transitions
Park skating is like dancing with the ramps and bowls! It's about smooth lines, big air, and flowing through transitions. For this, you'll want a pro skateboard with a wider deck, typically 8.25" or wider. This gives you more stability for carving and landing those epic airs. A good place to start is learning how to do an ollie.
Skateboarding Style | Deck Width | Features |
|---|---|---|
Street | 7.5" - 8.25" | Narrower for precise footwork and flips |
Park | 8.25" and up | Wider for stability and carving |
Choosing the Right Pro Skateboard for Your Style
Top Pro Skateboard Brands in the World
Choosing a pro skateboard brand is kinda like picking your favorite band - it's all about finding a crew that vibes with your style! Some brands are known for their sick graphics, others for their techy innovations, and some for their legendary team riders. Let's drop into the world of some of the biggest names in skateboarding!
Classics Never Die
Think of these brands like the Rolling Stones of skateboarding - they've been around forever and still rock! Element, founded by Johnny Schillereff (what a cool name, right?), is all about connecting with nature and has some seriously artistic decks. Toy Machine, known for its iconic mascot, is all about pushing boundaries and having a laugh while doing it. And then there's Girl Skateboards, started by pro skaters Spike Jonze and Mike Carroll, known for their clean style and iconic video parts. These brands have stood the test of time for a reason - they're built to last and ooze cool! For more tips on choosing the right board for your style, check out our guide on how to choose the right skateboard.
Brand | Founded | Known For |
|---|---|---|
Element | 1992 | Nature-inspired graphics, team riders like Bam Margera |
Toy Machine | 1993 | Edgy graphics, pro skater Ed Templeton |
Girl Skateboards | 1993 | Clean aesthetics, iconic video parts |
New School Heroes
Just like music has new artists topping the charts, skateboarding has its rising stars! Take Primitive Skateboards, founded by pro skater Paul Rodriguez - they're known for their bold designs and killer team. Then there's Fucking Awesome, started by skateboarding legend Jason Dill - it's all about raw street skating and a no-nonsense attitude. And let's not forget Baker Skateboards, created by pro skater Andrew Reynolds - they're known for their crazy antics and pushing the limits of what's possible on a skateboard. These brands are shaking things up and bringing a fresh perspective to the game! If park skating is more your thing, we've got you covered - learn about park skateboarding here.
- Primitive Skateboards
- Fucking Awesome
- Baker Skateboards
Top Pro Skateboard Brands in the World
Maintaining Your Pro Skateboard for Peak Performance
Taking care of your pro skateboard is like keeping your favorite pair of sneakers fresh! It's all about regular check-ups and showing some love to keep it rolling smoothly. First off, check your bearings – those little metal rings inside your wheels. If they're making grinding noises or feel rough when you spin them, it's time for a cleaning or replacement. You can find detailed guides on cleaning and maintaining bearings on skateboarding wheels and bearings. Next up, examine your deck for any cracks, chips, or warping. Remember those awesome 7-ply maple decks we talked about? They're tough but not invincible! Tighten your truck bolts if they feel loose, and make sure your grip tape is still grippy for landing those sweet tricks. Giving your board a little TLC can make a world of difference in how it performs.
Maintaining Your Pro Skateboard for Peak Performance
Final Thought
Choosing and caring for your pro skateboard is a journey. By understanding the craftsmanship, exploring different brands, and finding the right fit for your style, you're investing in an experience. Embrace the learning curve, enjoy the ride, and remember that the most important element of skateboarding is the passion and creativity you bring to it.