A good skateboard will cost you in the range of $75 to $140 depending on what components you add into it.
Here is how to get a cheap skateboard that is still high quality.
- First, shop for a high quality blank skateboard deck like this one. This will get your cost for the board itself around $25 – $35. If possible, opt for the free grip tape option. A blank deck just means that there are minimal graphics on the bottom. blank decks have been great for me over the years.
Find a High Quality Cheap Blank Skate Deck
Pros
- 7 Ply Maple Deck Under $30
- Multiple sizes to choose from
Cons
- This has no graphic on the bottom.
- Next, shop for quality blank wheels too. If you are going to be doing flatground and grinding tricks, go with a harder durometer like 99a and up.These will work well for you. https://www.amazon.com/CCS-Skateboard-Wheels-Multiple-Colors/dp/B078YFHKP5/ If you are looking for wheels to cruise around with ease, go with a softer durometer like 95a and lower. These softer wheels will work well for you.
Get a Set of High Quality Cheap Blank Skateboard Wheels
Pros
- 100a durometer (hard) professional wheels
- Great for street and skatepark skating
Cons
- Minimal graphics
- Third, when selecting quality bearings go with this tip: Go with a less expensive, quality, bearings from a company like Bones, Lucky, Spitfire or independent. If you sort Amazon by average customer review and try to keep the price under $16, you will be fine. Otherwise, I recommend getting any of the bearding on this page. It is already sorted by price for you. All of these bearings will work well for you.
Find a Set of High Quality Inexpensive Skateboard Bearings
Pros
- These are the more generic version of Bones bearings
- Comes with everything you need lubricated with Bones speed cream
Cons
- May need to be replaced after a few months.
- Fourth, when selecting the skateboard trucks, it is perfectly fine to go with an economic pair like these CCS branded trucks. These even come with hardware, so you will save a few dollars not needing to buy it separately. When it comes to trucks, you can always purchase new bushings for it. These are usually the first pieces to wear out. Replacing bushings are usually less than $15 to replace.
Get Professional Quality Inexpensive Skateboard Trucks
Pros
- These are high quality steel trucks from a trusted brand.
- They come with free hardware, so you can skip buying the next item.
Cons
- The bushings might need to be replaced after a few months. If you need to replace your bushings go with these.
- Lastly, if you need hardware for your skateboard, it is inexpensive. This set from mini logo should be fine for you.
Look for Skateboard Hardware Under $5
Pros
- Durable hardware that will last you
- They come with free hardware, so you can skip buying the next item.
Cons
The 3 Best Cheap Skateboards You Can Buy Right Now
Best and Cheapest Online
A Blank Complete from Moose Skateboards
Once you strip away graphics and the additional branding prices, you get a skateboard just like this one. It is a quality blank canvas. The truth is nobody cares what brand gear you ride. The important part is that the gear lasts long enough for you to have fun on your skateboard. This will do that for you.
Please note that to keep the costs low, this one does not come preassembled. Assembling a skateboard is simple, though. You will need skate tool or a 1/2″ socket or wrench, and a Philips screwdriver. This video tutorial will walk you through everything you need to do.
Pros
- Quality gear all with out brand names to keep the cost low.
- The 99a (harder) wheels make this a great board for skateparks and street skating.
Cons
- You will have to assemble this.
Best Bang for Your Buck
A Blank Complete from CCS Skateboards
This is the cheapest and best quality deck that I could find. CCS is a reputable skateshop that makes its own gear. Their blank complete set up has everything you need and they will even assemble it for you. To help you customize it to how you like it, they give you a free skate tool. This will help you tighten your trucks to be exactly how you like it.
Pros
- Quality gear from a well known skate industry supplier.
- The skateboard comes fully assembled, ready to ride directly out of the box.
- Comes in a variety of sizes. Check out our skateboard size guide.
- It comes with a free tool to get everything customized for how you like it.
Cons
- You don’t get to choose the wheel size.
Best Cheap Complete With a Graphic
A Mini Logo Complete
This one will be great for anyone. It is one of the wider boards that I linked to in this guide, so it will be good for adults too. This is actually the size that I skate. If you are looking for a quality deck with a graphic on the bottom, this is the cheapest and best complete online.
Pros
- Mini Logo is a sister brand of Powell. They specialize in making inexpensive, quality skateboards.
- The 52mm 99a (harder) wheels make this a great board for skateparks and street skating.
Cons
- You will have to assemble this.
Cheapest and Good Enough to Still Learn On
Roller Derby Street Series
This is the cheapest one I could find that still is a decent skateboard. With this complete, you might have to replace the bushings and bearings. To make this rideable long term, you might want to consider going with one of the other complete skateboards that I mentioned above.
Pros
- It is inexpensive and still decent enough to learn on.
- The right size for a kid between 4′ 5′ tall.
- The deck is a normal 7 ply maple deck.
Cons
- The bushings in the skateboard’s trucks may need to be replaced. I recommend picking these up (they are under $10) here.
- The bearings may need to be replaced (they are around the $15 -$20 range). I recommend going with these cheap skateboard bearings here.
- If you are a taller adult, this one might be too small for you.
Here are some general principles to follow.
Go with quality gear that doesn’t have a graphic. In skateboarding we call that a “blank deck” or “blank wheels.” Without a brand name or graphic, you can get less expensive skate gear.
Follow our skateboard and truck size guide to make sure you purchase a set of trucks that will match the width of your deck. You can see the full skateboard / truck size guide here.
When you are just starting out you don’t need the strongest skateboard or best set of trucks. You won’t be going that hard on it for a few months. You just need a set up that lasts long enough for you to have fun. Check out our best skateboards for beginners guide to find an inexpensive complete set up that we recommend. You can also find all skateboard hardware here.
There is no shame in getting hand me down gear. If you have any friends that have been skateboarding for a while, chances are good they have an old deck lying around they could give you.
So there you have it.
Here is how to get the best cheap skateboard you can.
- Find a High Quality Cheap Blank Skate Deck
- Get a Set of High Quality Cheap Blank Skateboard Wheels
- Find a Set of High Quality Inexpensive Skateboard Bearings
- Get Professional Quality Inexpensive Skateboard Trucks
- Look for Skateboard Hardware Under $5
Or Just Get One of these Pro Quality Complete Cheap Skateboards
- Best and Cheapest Online: The Blank Moose Skateboards Complete
- Best Bang for Your Buck: The Blank CCS Complete Skateboard
- Best Cheap Complete With a Graphic: A Mini-Logo Complete Skateboard
- Cheapest and Good Enough to Still Learn On: The RD Street Series Complete Skateboard
Steve Weber is an avid snowboarder and skateboarder. He has been snowboarding for 26 years, skateboarding for 20, and is always looking for a new board sport to try out. When he is not riding or skating, he runs a marketing agency. Board of the World is Steve’s blog for skateboard and snowboard gear reviews. The blog’s goal is to help people find the right board for them and encourage people to have fun outside.