A Comprehensive Guide to Skateboard Accessories and Hardware

skateboard accessories and hardware is more than just a sport—it's a lifestyle. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skater, the right skateboard accessories and hardware are essential for safety, performance, and style. In this article, we'll break down the key skateboard accessories and hardware you need to know about, from the deck to the trucks and wheels. Let’s dive into what makes a skateboard work and how accessories can elevate your ride.

1. Skateboard Decks

The skateboard deck is the foundation of your ride, and its shape, size, and material can affect your overall performance. Decks are typically made from layers of maple wood, although some can also feature other materials like bamboo or fiberglass for added flexibility and durability.

Key Features of Skateboard Decks:

Material: Most decks are made from 7-ply maple wood, which offers a good balance of strength and flexibility.
Shape: Decks come in various shapes, such as the classic popsicle shape, cruiser decks, and longboards, each suited for different riding styles.
Width: A wider deck provides more stability, while a narrower deck offers more maneuverability. The width of a deck typically ranges from 7.5" to 8.5", depending on personal preference and the type of skating you do.

2. Skateboard Trucks

Trucks are the metal parts that connect your wheels to the skateboard deck. These crucial pieces of hardware allow you to turn, grind, and perform tricks. Skateboard trucks are generally made from aluminum or steel, with different features designed to enhance your ride.

Key Features of Skateboard Trucks:

Size: Trucks come in various sizes to match your deck’s width. A truck that’s too narrow or too wide can affect your balance and turning ability.
Height: Trucks come in low, medium, or high variations. Low trucks offer more stability and are better for street skating, while high trucks are ideal for vertical and transition skating, giving more room for the wheels to clear the deck during tricks.
Bushings: The rubbery components within the trucks that provide the ability to turn smoothly. Soft bushings are ideal for street skating, while harder ones provide better control for technical tricks.

3. Skateboard Wheels

The wheels of a skateboard have a significant impact on the ride, offering varying levels of grip, speed, and control based on their size and hardness. Skateboard wheels are typically made of urethane, a durable material that provides a smooth ride on various surfaces.

Key Features of Skateboard Wheels:

Diameter: Wheel size affects your ride's smoothness and speed. Smaller wheels (50-52mm) are ideal for technical street skating, while larger wheels (54-60mm) are better for cruising or downhill riding, as they offer more grip.
Durometer: This refers to the hardness of the wheel. Softer wheels (78A-87A) provide better grip on rough terrain, while harder wheels (99A-101A) slide more easily and are best for smooth surfaces and technical tricks.
Shape: Skateboard wheels come in various shapes, from square-edged to round-edged. Square-edged wheels offer more grip, while round-edged wheels provide a smoother, faster ride.

4. Bearings

Bearings are the small circular components that allow your skateboard wheels to spin. They are placed inside the wheels and play a crucial role in how smoothly your skateboard rolls.

Key Features of Skateboard Bearings:

ABEC Rating: Bearings are rated using the ABEC scale (typically ABEC 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9). Higher ratings (ABEC 7 and 9) generally indicate faster and smoother bearings, but they are not always the best choice for all types of skating, as they may be less durable for rough terrain.
Material: Bearings are commonly made from steel or ceramic. Ceramic bearings are more expensive but offer better performance and durability.

5. Grip Tape

Grip tape is a sandpaper-like material that you attach to the top of your skateboard deck to provide traction. It ensures that your feet stay firmly planted on the deck, even during high-speed maneuvers or tricks.

Key Features of Grip Tape:

Texture: Most grip tapes are made from a rough, sandpaper-like surface that grips your shoes, offering better control. Some grip tapes come with special patterns, like diamond or skull designs, to add style to your board.
Size and Application: Grip tape is usually cut to fit the deck’s width and length. It’s important to apply it smoothly to avoid bubbles and wrinkles.

6. Skateboard Hardware

Skateboard hardware refers to the screws, nuts, and bolts that hold your skateboard together. These are essential for assembling and maintaining the skateboard, as they keep the trucks securely fastened to the deck.

Key Features of Skateboard Hardware:

Size: Skateboard hardware typically comes in 7/8" or 1" sizes, depending on the thickness of the deck and how high or low you want the trucks mounted.
Material: Most skateboard hardware is made of steel, but it’s essential to choose corrosion-resistant hardware for durability.
Bolt Types: Bolts come in various designs, including standard bolts, kingpin bolts, and locknuts, which help secure the truck to the deck and ensure safety while riding.

7. Skateboard Risers and Shock Pads

Risers are thin plastic or rubber pads that sit between the skateboard deck and the trucks. They help to raise the trucks, providing additional clearance for the wheels and reducing the chances of wheel bite (when the wheels hit the deck during sharp turns).

Key Features of Risers and Shock Pads:

Purpose: Risers prevent the wheels from contacting the deck, especially with larger wheels. Shock pads offer extra cushioning to reduce the impact of rough landings and vibrations.
Material: These accessories are typically made of plastic or rubber, with rubber shock pads providing better comfort and protection.

8. Skateboard Protective Gear

Safety is an essential part of skateboarding, especially for beginners. While not technically part of the skateboard hardware, protective gear like helmets, elbow pads, and knee pads are vital for protecting yourself from falls and injuries.

Key Features of Protective Gear:

Helmets: A properly fitted helmet is a must for any skater, as it helps protect against head injuries.
Pads: Knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards protect vulnerable joints and reduce the risk of injury while learning new tricks or tackling obstacles.

9. Additional Accessories

There are many more accessories available to customize and enhance your skateboarding experience, including:

Skateboard Bags: Perfect for carrying your board and other gear on the go.
Skate Tool: A handy multi-tool that allows you to make quick adjustments to your skateboard hardware.
Stickers and Griptape Art: For adding a personal touch to your skateboard, stickers and custom griptape designs are popular options.

Conclusion

Skateboarding hardware and accessories are integral to both performance and safety. Whether you’re looking to improve your ride with better bearings, customize your deck with vibrant grip tape, or make sure you’re protected with knee pads, there’s a wide range of options to suit every skater's needs. By carefully selecting the right components and accessories for your style, you can enhance your skating experience, improve your performance, and keep yourself safe as you ride. Happy skating!