Whether you’re a new or seasoned skater, becoming confident in the balance between budget and functionality of a new skateboard can be tricky.
Learn how to score a good setup without breaking the bank.
Cost of a Decent Skateboard
When adding up the total cost of a decent skateboard, there are several costs to consider.
Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50-$300 all-in.
You can either buy a complete board as-is, customize specific aspects of the board, or purchase each of the parts separately and construct your own.
Below is a breakdown of what you can expect in terms of the cost of each of the parts.
- Skateboard deck: $30 to $90
- Wheels: $20 to $60
- Trucks: $30 to $70
- Bearings: $10 to $100
- Grip tape: $5 to $10
- Hardware: $3 to $5
Other Costs of Skateboarding
Once you’ve got all your gear, skateboarding is pretty cheap, but there are some other costs to consider.
Beyond the skateboard, there are a few other costs to consider.
You will want to invest in decent-quality protective gear, which can cost up to $200.
It is also important to spend money on good skate shoes for comfort and safety—these will typically cost between $100 and $180.
Depending on what skatepark you decide to visit, they can cost $10 (more or less) for a visit.
Factors that Affect How Much a Skateboard Costs
From a high level, there are four main factors that will affect how much you will pay for a new skateboard.
1. Brand
As with many other products, you will spend more on skateboards from popular brands.
Just because a board is from a popular brand, doesn’t mean it is automatically high quality.
Don’t blindly rely on the name of the brand without assessing the quality of its products and reputation.
2. Type
There are many different types of boards on the market, each functioning in a unique way.
What type you should go for will depend on what type of style you envision yourself skating.
3. Quality
Purchasing a high-quality board will save you from having to replace it sooner.
However, a higher price doesn’t always mean higher quality.
4. Where You Buy
It’s a good idea to shop around different skateshops in your area and online.
The price of a skateboard will vary based on where you buy it.
You may pay higher for it at one store simply because it is in a popular location.
Deeper Dive into the Cost of Each Part
When you’re adding up all of the costs of building a new board, you may be tempted to cut them wherever you can.
However, it’s important to do this tactfully.
If you go too cheap, you’ll end up having to replace parts much sooner than if you invest in decent quality from the get-go.
Get familiar with what parts you should invest money in versus where you can save.
Cost of Decks
On average, people spend about $50 on a decent deck.
There are three main categories of decks that come with different costs.
Blank Skateboard Decks
If you’re looking to save money on this piece, you can do so without compromising quality.
There are many blank decks on the market, generally costing $35 to $40, made in the same factory as branded models.
The only difference is they have a more generic shape and no graphics.
These are great whether you are learning how to ride or you are someone who often breaks your decks.
Branded Skateboard Decks
These are a bit more expensive—typically around $50 to $65. The brand you are after will affect the cost, but the quality is pretty standard across most brands.
If you have extra money to spend, splurging on graphics can give you a cool look while you support the skateboard industry.
Purchasing branded decks may contribute to contests and sponsorships.
On top of this, you may find a custom-shaped deck that suits what you’re looking for.
Carbon Fiber Skateboard Decks
This is the most durable deck you can get.
They are the most expensive, typically ranging from $90 to $120, but they last longer than traditional maple decks.
This is a great option if you break cheaper decks often and have a few dollars to splurge.
Cost of Trucks
Trucks also differ in quality and price.
If you’re a beginner, you likely won’t notice a difference between lower and higher-durability trucks and will be safe purchasing them for around $20.
Once you’re more advanced, you may consider purchasing a more decent quality set of trucks, typically costing about $40.
You’ll notice they respond better than their cheaper counterparts and will help you with tricks and carving.
These are worth the extra money, as they will last for quite a long time.
Generally, the highest quality trucks you can get are titanium and cost around $75.
Cost of Wheels
The cost of wheels ranges due to the quality and type of polyurethane (plastic) used to construct them.
You can expect to pay around $15 for wheels that last for a season or two or closer to $60 for wheels that will last you for several years.
Cost of Grip Tape
There isn’t much variance in grip tape.
You should be good to go with whatever comes with the deck.
If you need to replace the grip tape on your deck at any point, you can purchase a single sheet for about $6 to $20.
The lower end of the spectrum will give you standard black grip tape whereas you can spend more and get printed color tape if you’d like.
Cost of Bearings
When it comes to bearings, there is usually no need to get expensive parts.
Standard bearings will cost around $10 to $15 and will be great for most skaters.
There are much more expensive ceramic bearings on the market, costing up to $90, but these are only necessary for skaters traveling at very high speeds.
Cost of Hardware
Hardware, such as bolts and nuts, is cheap. You can expect to pay between $2 and $6 for these components.
Avoid hardware with plastic rings inside or independent low-quality brands.
How Much Should You Spend on Your First Skateboard?
If you are new to skateboarding, it’s often best to purchase a complete, pre-made board.
A decent, standard adult board that won’t break easily generally costs between $50 to $100.
Since longboards and cruisers are more stable, they’re great for beginners (if that’s the type of riding you’re interested in). A decent cruiser skateboard or longboard will typically cost anywhere from $100 to $250.