Skateboarding is an amazing sport that requires skill, balance, and technique. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, it is important to understand everything about your skateboard, including its weight. Skateboards come in all shapes and sizes, and their weight can significantly impact your overall performance. In this blog post, we will discuss how much do skateboards weigh, why it matters, and how to choose the right skateboard.
Skateboards typically weigh between 4 to 5 pounds (1.8 to 2.3 kilograms), but weight can vary depending on deck size, materials, and components.
How Much Do Skateboards Weigh?
Skateboards are typically made of 7-9 layers of wood, which makes them sturdy and durable. The average weight of a skateboard is between 2 to 5 pounds, depending on its size, shape, and materials.
Mini cruisers and penny boards are usually the lightest, weighing around 2-3 pounds, while longboards or downhill boards weigh up to 5 pounds. It may not seem like much, but the weight of your skateboard can affect your tricks, balance, and overall maneuverability.
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How Skateboard Weight Affects Your Performance
The weight of your skateboard plays a crucial role in your performance, especially when it comes to tricks. Lighter skateboards are easier to maneuver and flip, making them ideal for doing tricks like ollies, kickflips, and heelflips.
On the other hand, heavier skateboards are more stable and provide better balance, making them perfect for cruising, carving, and downhill riding. It is important to choose a skateboard that suits your personal preferences and style of riding.
Factors That Affect Skateboard Weight
Skateboarders value quality and durability when it comes to their gear. One of the essential factors to consider when purchasing a skateboard is the board’s weight, as it directly affects the rider’s performance.
Several factors influence the weight of skateboards, and understanding them can help you make an informed decision when selecting a board that suits your needs. In this section, we’ll delve into the various factors that affect skateboard weight and their pros and cons.
Deck Material:
Skateboard decks can be made of materials such as bamboo, maple, or carbon fiber. Maple is the most common material, known for its durability and rigidity; thus, it’s slightly heavier.
On the other hand, lighter materials such as bamboo and carbon fiber are becoming more popular in the market due to their improved flexibility and light-weightedness.
Trucks:
Trucks hold the wheels and connect the deck to the wheels. They are made of aluminium which offers rigidity, strength, and durability.
The size of the truck affects the weight of the skateboard. Lightweight trucks are great for beginners who need more agile movement, while heavier trucks are preferable for technical tricks since they can withstand impact and force.
Wheels:
Skateboard wheels come in different sizes and materials. A lighter wheel lets you speed up and manage the board better, while heavier wheels are more durable and perform better on rough terrain.
Bigger and softer wheels, commonly used for cruising, add weight to the skateboard, while smaller and harder wheels, typical for technical tricks, offer maneuverability with less weight.
Bearings:
Valued by frequency and responsiveness, your skateboard’s bearings can impact the skateboard’s weight. As a rule of thumb, the lighter the bearing, the higher quality it provides. Also, keep in mind that ceramic bearings are lighter than steel bearings.
Hardware:
The overall weight of your skateboard also depends on the nuts and bolts holding the trucks to the board, which often need to be noticed.
Although they may not weigh much, a difference in the hardware could affect the skateboard’s weight and performance. Light hardware may suit riders who prefer light-weighted equipment to facilitate their maneuvers.
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How To Choose The Right Skateboard For You
Choosing the right skateboard can be overwhelming, but finding one that suits your needs and preferences is important. If you are a beginner, starting with a mid-size, 7.5-8 inch skateboard is recommended, as it is easy to control and maneuver.
If you are into cruising or commuting, a mini cruiser or penny board would be ideal, as they are lightweight and portable. For those who love downhill riding or longboarding, a bigger and heavier board would be the best choice.
It is important to try out different types and sizes of skateboards before making a purchase.
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Bottom Line:
So how much do skateboards weight? Skateboard weight may seem like a small detail, but it can have a big impact on your overall performance and riding experience.
Understanding how much skateboards weigh, how it affects your tricks, and how to choose the right one is crucial in becoming a better skateboarder. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, always remember to have fun, stay safe, and keep on skating!