If you’ve just started skateboarding and don’t have a lot of money to spend on a new board, you may think that buying a cheap skateboard is the way to go. However, don’t be fooled. Cheap is not the same as cheap. While there are plenty of cheap skateboards out there, many of them are of poor quality and won’t hold up to constant use or advanced tricks. There are cheap skateboards that are well made and a bargain. Let’s look at two definitions before continuing:
Cheap: it costs very little; low price; small cost; can be low quality
Cheap: not expensive; a good value
So by our definitions, a cheap skateboard can be more expensive than a cheap one.
cheap skateboards
A cheap skateboard is one that is built with poor quality materials. They are usually sold at mass market retailers such as some chain stores. They may be priced low, or they may be priced higher than a better quality board. These cheap boards will have a deck made of cheap plastic or wood, will not have the deck fit and finish, trucks and wheels of a better board, and will use inferior trucks and wheels.
cheap skateboards
An inexpensive skateboard will be made of higher quality materials than a cheap skateboard. It will have a platform made of high-quality plastic, wood, or composite materials. It will also have good quality trucks and wheels.
Some examples of cheap skateboards
Powell is a company that makes inexpensive skateboards. They have several complete boards (deck, trucks, and wheels) for less than $50. They are excellent value for money if you are just starting to skateboard. Another company that makes good quality budget skateboards is Speed Demons. They have some models for under $60 and even more in the $60 to $80 range. One type of board that we don’t like is the Yocaher skateboard. These boards cost around $35 and feature bland graphics and, in our opinion, a design that isn’t up to today’s standards.
If you’re looking for exciting graphics and a good quality plate, we like World Industries plates. You can pick one up for under $60, they have decent boards and mediocre trucks and wheels, but they’re a good example of a budget skateboard that should serve you well initially and until you’re ready to invest in a better board.