Key takeaways
- Wear a properly fitted helmet and consider wrist guards, elbow pads and knee pads, especially while learning.
- Skate in safe areas away from traffic, and follow local rules.
- Check that trucks, wheels and bolts are tight before each session.
- Choose flat-soled skate shoes for grip and board feel.
- If the board has loose hardware, wobbly trucks or cracked plies, stop and repair or replace it.
- For young children, an adult should supervise and help choose size-appropriate gear.
For most beginners, a pre-assembled street complete with a 7.75 to 8.25 inch wide deck from an established brand such as Element, Santa Cruz, Powell Peralta or Birdhouse is the best starting point; smaller riders may prefer a narrower deck or a mini complete, and cruising-focused riders should consider a cruiser complete instead of a street setup.
Our top picks
![[CCS] Logo Skateboard Complete Black 8.00"](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31PEbUX1gWL._SL500_.jpg)
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Complete Skateboards at a Glance
| Brand / line | Best for | Typical setup (as makers describe) | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Element complete | Beginner to intermediate street | Seven-ply maple deck, standard trucks and wheels | Stock bearings are basic |
| Santa Cruz complete | Style and variety, street and cruising | Maple deck with artwork, standard hardware | Some models are decorative first |
| Powell Peralta complete | Classic shapes, old-school feel | Maple deck, retro shapes, standard trucks | Shapes may be wider or unusual |
| Birdhouse / Enjoi / Almost | Pro-model street boards | Seven-ply maple, popular sizes | Parts vary by price point |
| Mini or youth complete | Kids and small riders | Shorter deck, smaller wheels | Riders outgrow them |
| Cruiser complete | Commuting and cruising | Softer wheels, wider decks | Less suited to tricks |
Lines and sizes vary by season. Confirm the stated deck width and parts on the maker’s page.
How to Choose a Complete Skateboard
Deck width
Deck width is the most important choice. Many street riders choose widths from around 7.75 to 8.5 inches. Smaller riders and younger kids often start with narrower decks, while larger riders and those who prefer stability tend to choose wider decks. Follow the maker’s size guidance for height and shoe size.
Deck construction
Most street decks use seven plies of maple. Makers sometimes list alternative constructions such as bamboo or composite blends. Lower-cost boards might use thinner or lower-grade plies and are more prone to chipping or losing pop.
Trucks, wheels and bearings
Complete boards ship with trucks, wheels and bearings pre-installed. In entry-level boards, bearings and bushings are usually basic and can be upgraded later. Wheels for street skating are usually harder and smaller than cruiser wheels, which are softer for grip and ride comfort.
Grip tape and finish
Grip tape holds your shoes on the board. Check that it covers the deck evenly. Graphics are cosmetic, though some brands print on the top veneer, which can wear.
Street, Cruiser and Mini Compared
| Type | Best for | Features | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street complete | Learning tricks, parks, general skating | Hard wheels, symmetrical deck with kicktails | Rougher on cracked pavement |
| Cruiser complete | Commuting, relaxed riding | Soft wheels, wider decks, sometimes one kicktail | Less responsive for tricks |
| Mini complete | Kids and small riders | Shorter deck, smaller trucks | Quickly outgrown |
Budget Tiers
| Tier | Typical features | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Basic deck, generic trucks and bearings | Heavier, less durable, parts often replaced |
| Mid-range | Skate-shop style completes from known brands | Bearings and bushings may still be upgraded |
| Premium | Custom builds from shops, high-grade trucks and bearings | High cost, more choices to make |
Many skaters recommend completes from skate brands over toy-store boards, since the latter often use poor hardware and decks that wear quickly.
Safety and Fit Notes
- Wear a properly fitted helmet and consider wrist guards, elbow pads and knee pads, especially while learning.
- Skate in safe areas away from traffic, and follow local rules.
- Check that trucks, wheels and bolts are tight before each session.
- Choose flat-soled skate shoes for grip and board feel.
- If the board has loose hardware, wobbly trucks or cracked plies, stop and repair or replace it.
- For young children, an adult should supervise and help choose size-appropriate gear.
Care Notes
Keep your board dry, because moisture can swell wood and rust bearings. Clean bearings occasionally, tighten hardware as needed and replace worn wheels. Avoid leaving the board in hot cars, which can warp the deck.
Pick X If You…
| If you… | Pick |
|---|---|
| Are a beginner wanting to learn tricks | Element or Birdhouse street complete |
| Want style and a classic feel | Santa Cruz or Powell Peralta complete |
| Are a younger or smaller rider | Mini or youth complete |
| Mostly cruise or commute | Cruiser complete |
| Want to customize over time | A mid-range complete you can upgrade |
Alternatives
- Custom builds from a local skate shop, where staff can match deck width and parts to your needs.
- Longboards if you prefer cruising, carving or downhill.
- Penny-style plastic boards for light cruising, though they are less suited to tricks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size skateboard should a beginner get?
Many beginners choose a deck around 7.75 to 8.25 inches wide. Smaller or younger riders may prefer narrower decks. Check the maker’s sizing guidance.
Are complete skateboards good enough?
Completes from skate brands are fine for learning. Over time you can upgrade bearings, wheels or trucks as your skills grow.
Are cheap toy-store skateboards a good idea?
Often not. They tend to have weak decks and low-quality hardware that can make learning harder and less safe.
What safety gear do I need?
A properly fitted helmet is essential, and wrist, elbow and knee protection is a sensible addition, especially for beginners.
How long does a skateboard last?
It depends on how often and how hard you skate. Decks lose pop and eventually crack, and wheels and bearings wear out and can be replaced.
Can I use a street skateboard for cruising?
Yes, but it will feel rougher on uneven ground. Softer wheels or a cruiser complete provide a smoother ride.
