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To help you find the best skateboard, we researched dozens of different styles and then bought and tested 10 of the favorite completes on the market today. Our experts spent weeks riding all kinds of setups, from cruisers to legendary pro's signature models and even toy-store boards. Each product was purchased as a complete and rated on its durability, ideal skill level, and the quality of each of its components: the deck, wheels & bearings, and trucks. So, whether you're a parent looking to buy a starter board for your child or a full-grown adult who just wants to cruise around, there's a skateboard to fit any size, skill level, age, or budget.
We were thoroughly impressed with the Real Team Oval Classic's deck, which had a very snappy pop and was sturdy enough to survive even when we intentionally tried to snap it in half. Real boards are known for their steep concave, which helps with getting high ollies and making it easier to flick with flip tricks. The generic brand trucks survived weeks of grinding on metal and concrete obstacles without issue, and the deck still had plenty of life left even after it started showing signs of razor tail from regular skate sessions. This complete is ideal for intermediate skaters looking to expand their trick library or experienced skaters who just need a ready-to-skate setup, but it works just as well for beginner skaters who want to invest in a quality complete.
Compared to the other street-style setups, the Real Team Oval Classic felt heavier and had a deck that seemed slightly wider than the advertised 8.25 inches. We may only be talking about a fraction of an inch here, but most skateboarders can tell the difference between an 8.0-inch and an 8.25-inch deck. Beyond the board, the wheels often didn't cooperate when we wanted them to slide for powerslides, lipslides, or bluntslides. Even so, one of the wheels developed a minor flat spot that eventually evened out as we continued to skate on it. CCS allows you to swap out parts when you build this Real complete, so you have the option to replace the wheels for higher-quality alternatives, or you could cut down the costs with a setup like the CCS Blooming Streets Complete.
The Real Team Classic Oval Complete had no issue withstanding the multiple attempts it took Jackson to land this backside lipslide shuv out.
Unlike the other setups on this list, the Globe Blazer Cruiser was designed with the main purpose of transportation in mind. When trying to get from point A to point B, this stylish setup was the one we found ourselves grabbing the most since it was the perfect combo of a lightweight deck combined with big, soft wheels. The 7.25-inch deck is portable enough to have sticking out of a backpack and doesn't feel like it weighs you down when you're carrying it in your arms. The color-coordinated wheels and smooth bearings did a great job at holding speed, saving us from having to push over and over, and rolled over rough sidewalks and big cracks easily. Even if you did lean too much to one side to make a sharp turn or to aggressively carve around a pool corner, the deck has scooped-out wheel wells on its underside to make sure you don't get pitched off from wheel bite. While it didn't add anything to the performance, we thought the sticky griptape matching the deck's graphic was the cherry on top.
Even though the Globe Blazer Cruiser excelled, as the name says, it falls short when it comes to any sort of street skating. The Globe's deck was completely flat, making it tricky to pop the tail or drag up on the nose for ollies and flip tricks. As much as we liked the portability, it felt scary to ride such a small board on the more intimidating ramps of transition-heavy parks. In our testing, we noticed that the Globe complete showed some early signs of leaning to the right, which isn't much of an issue when you're riding it but could be an indication of a warped board or uneven trucks. If you're looking for something that's more comfortable in a skatepark but can still function as a cruiser, consider the Arbor Pilsner Cruiser instead.
Rolling into a ramp on the Globe Blazer Cruiser felt dicey since the deck was so small.
For a setup with generic parts, the CCS Blooming Streets Complete offered incredible value since it was a fraction of the cost of other completes. The deck felt just as snappy and had a similar concave to other brand name boards, with griptape that offers a decent amount of traction even after several sessions at dusty skateparks. The trucks felt reliable no matter what grind we put them through and were responsive when rolling around on a miniramp. Just like the Real complete, you can customize this CCS setup by choosing more expensive parts or swapping certain components out when the time comes.
After we put the CCS Blooming Streets Complete through its paces, we did notice some shortcomings. Compared to higher-quality decks, the pop of the CCS board felt like it didn't last as long. We put the CCS deck through the same break tests, but it seemed to flex way more when we slammed down hard on metal coping in an attempt to focus it in half. Since this was a pre-built complete from CCS, the wheels shared the same issues as the Real setup, feeling inconsistent when it came to slideability. Still, the CCS complete works just as well for someone learning how to skate as it does for a seasoned skater who's looking for a solid, low-cost complete. For something more geared towards someone stepping on their board for the first time, try the affordable WhiteFang Double Kick instead.
Jackson going the distance on a backside feeble grind at the skatepark with the CCS Blooming Streets Complete.
At a price that would barely get you a deck these days, you can get the WhiteFang Double Kick complete that's ready to ride. We didn't expect the WhiteFang board to have a decent amount of pop since the wood sounded soggy, but we were still able to ollie onto taller obstacles at the skatepark. Even though we're not sure what the brand of the griptape is, it feels grippy enough to trust when dropping or rolling into ramps. Considering you can order this complete from an online retailer and have it on your doorstep within the week, it's a small initial investment for kids who want to learn all the basics of skateboarding, like riding around, ollies, manuals, or other basic grinds and slides.
Although the WhiteFang passed all of our tests, it feels like it is ready to break at any moment when doing simple boardslide tricks. This might be due to the setup being designed for kids and not for skaters looking to do plenty of slides and grinds. After only a few sessions of light grinding, the trucks started bowing, which led to them turning like they had minds of their own. Even though you can tighten the trucks by tightening the kingpin nut, it deoesn't make riding feel any less squirrelly. On top of that, the kingpin bolt sticks out and prevents you from doing certain tricks, like smith grinds. If you're just starting out with skateboarding, the WhiteFang complete is more than capable for learning the basics, but we'd recommend going for the CCS Blooming Streets Complete if you're ready to step things up a bit.
The WhiteFang Double Kick lets you learn the basics of skateboarding, like manuals.
Feels much taller because riser pads and big wheels
The Arbor Pilsner Cruiser's hybrid design makes it a jack of all trades, feeling at home whether it's used for street skating, park skating, or as a cruiser. The unique deck shape has a wide squared-off tail that makes tail and blunt stalls on coping feel very comfy. When it comes to riding around parks, the Arbor trucks offer a smooth experience when turning on any type of transition. The wheel and bearings mean very little pumping since they hold speed so well, making for less fatigue in the legs after long miniramp sessions.
Even though the Arbor Pilsner Cruiser could do it all, it doesn't shine in any particular category. The deck has a hefty tail to pop ollies, but it only has a slight concave on the nose, making it hard to do any tricks off the nose. As smooth as the soft wheels were to ride, they make any sort of slide trick impossible. If you're used to riding street-style setups, the Arbor complete's riser pads and big wheels give the entire complete a more elevated ride, which takes some adjusting to. The Arbor cruiser still deserves a spot in any skater's quiver, thanks to its unmatched versatility. However, if you're looking for a complete more appropriate for a certain type of skating, the Real Team Oval Classic is the best street skating option, while the Globe Blazer Cruiser is better suited for riding around.
Jackson barely had to pump to maintain speed for this miniramp run with the Arbor Pilsner Cruiser.
Credit: Jackson Chen
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The PHOEROS Standard is typical for the type of setup one would find at a toy store, so the quality isn't great, but it will work for kids who are just starting out.
Credit: Adam Yee
How We Test Skateboards
We spent several weeks with each skateboard complete, putting them through all the damage and destruction that comes with jumping down stairs, hitting metal rails, and grinding through chunky concrete ledges. Not only did we put them through the wringer with regular skate sessions, but we also tested how resistant the decks were to snapping when doing boardslides and disaster stalls, how easily the wheels would get a flat spot after a ton of powersliding, and how the skateboards would handle the impact of jumping down stairs and gaps. Outside the skatepark, we rolled around with the completes on different surfaces like city sidewalks and asphalt roads.
Jackson applying a layer of wax to the Real deck.
Jackson stress-testing the flexibility of the Meketec's plastic deck.
Loosening the trucks of the Arbor Pilsner Cruiser hybrid complete.
Why Trust GearLab
After researching over 40 skateboards and strongly considering 22 potential options, we purchased 10 of the most popular models for testing. They were all purchased as a complete setup at their current retail price, so there was no mixing and matching of parts to create a custom board. To find the most fun and functional models, we spent weeks testing boards of various shapes, sizes, and materials to determine the best model for each skill level and age group. Some are designed strictly for transportation, others are meant for learning tricks, and while most can be used for both, there were a couple more versatile models that excelled in all areas. Each was tested on the sidewalk, street, and in a skatepark to see how they performed on different surfaces. Our testing methods were consistent in all areas to keep the process as objective as possible. After all of the research and a few bumps and bruises from testing, our experience and test results make us confident in our recommendations.
As a skater who goes through at least a board every month, Jackson Chen has plenty of experience with various brands in the industry — having tried popular brands like Primitive and Girl as well as lesser known ones like WKND and Roger. Thanks to a quiver of setups, Jackson cycles between a traditional popsicle shape for street skating, a fish-shaped cruiser meant for riding around, and a wider setup for transition days when he doesn't feel like flipping his board. He's constantly tinkering with his setups, which means testing out new deck shapes, wheel chemistries, or truck designs as they come out. When he's not actively skating, Jackson can often be found chatting with skatepark locals about all the minute details that make each skateboarder's setup unique, like wheelbase, truck height, or if the wheels have their graphics turned inside out.
Jackson holding the pinch for the backside krooked grind on a metal skatepark bench.
Jackson dropping in on a schoolyard ledge with the Arbor Pocket Rocket.
Jackson holding onto a backside lipslide on a round rail at the skatepark.
As a dedicated skateboarder for two and a half decades, our second tester Adam Yee is a total skate nerd and has ridden skateboards from countless brands of all sizes and shapes. As a teen and young adult, he had several sponsors and traveled for demos and competitions in the local circuit. As he got older, Adam began to teach skateboarding lessons privately and as a skate camp counselor. He continues to share his love of all things skateboarding with people of his generation and the next. As the sport and skate lifestyle has grown to become a worldwide phenomenon, more people are getting into it, and more companies are making products for skaters to try. Adam is always at the forefront of new technology in the latest boards and passionately follows all things skate.
Adam doing an ollie while testing at the skatepark
Adam making some adjustments to the trucks on the Baker while testing
As the biggest board in the bunch, the Z-Flex Shadow Lurker will be harder for kids to control but has a smooth and stable ride.
How to Choose The Best Skateboard
We narrowed the decision-making process to three major considerations to help you break down which skateboard setup to buy, including what deck shape, material, and parts to consider.
Which Skateboard Shape
The overwhelming majority of skateboard decks out there are popsicle-shaped since this concave form makes it easy to lift the board up to do tricks. These days, companies are experimenting with variations on the classic popsicle design, like with symmetrical models that don't distinguish between the nose and the tail. However, you can also go with an old-school-shaped deck that lacks a steep nose and is better for cruising around or riding in transition-heavy parks. If you can't decide on what type of skating you want to do, there are hybrid-shaped boards that can do both street skating and park skating but won't cater to either.
Deck Material
When it comes to choosing your skateboard deck's material, wood is generally the superior option. Skateboards made of hard maple have long been the industry standard thanks to the wood's natural resiliency and pop, but we've seen decks that include a mix of bamboo sheets or even a carbon fiber layer for more durability. Plastic boards don't share the same pop as wood boards, which makes them harder to do tricks with, but they have the advantage of never accidentally getting snapped in half.
Type of Trucks and Wheels
Besides selecting a deck that suits the type of skating you want to do, you have to consider which trucks and wheels go well with that setup. Street skaters typically go for smaller, harder wheels since they are lighter and are designed to slide tricks. If you prefer to ride around in big concrete parks, larger and softer wheels will hold speed well and provide better traction as you pump around the transitions. Most skateboard setups use high-quality metal trucks that can survive the damage from doing grinds, but cruiser completes have taller trucks to give you more clearance for a smoother ride.
Analysis and Test Results
The best boards are easily maneuverable and should be versatile enough to be used for transportation and for basic tricks. A great setup should have trucks that are stable and responsive while riding, wheels that roll smoothly, bearings that maintain their speed, a crisp and snappy deck, and be durable enough to take a beating. Each component serves a specific purpose, so we based our tests on the performance of each of its parts, along with how well it performed as a whole. We spent hours with every board, rating them on these features to determine our recommendations for any age and ability.
What's the Best Value?
Considering how often skateboarders have to swap out parts of their setup, value is a very important consideration when looking at which products to buy. In our experience, decks that have better pop and longevity often cost more since they're more likely to use better-quality wood. This is why we were surprised with the CCS Blooming Streets complete, and its generic deck, which delivered a comparable pop and board feel to higher-end brands for half the price. If you're just starting out and are looking for the most affordable option that can still help you progress past the beginner stages, the WhiteFang complete gets the job done for even cheaper. However, if you want a setup that's similar to what pros use, you'll have to pay more for something like the Real Team Oval Classic.
Deck Quality
The deck is the main feature of any skateboard and should be sized according to the height and shoe size of the rider. Although the deck usually doesn't last as long as the other parts, having a good quality deck makes a huge difference in the skater's ability to develop their skills. We rated each deck on its size, weight, flexibility, and the amount of “pop” or recoil it produces, which affects how easily and how high tricks can be done. We also included the quality and application of the grip tape in this metric.
The deck quality varied considerably between the boards in our test group. Like the Real, CCS, and Arbor, some are the same caliber as the pros use. Some were molded plastic, which could last a lifetime, but didn't have the same amount of capabilities, while others were thick and heavy or arrived in poor condition.
Our favorite deck overall comes with the Real complete. Its steep concavity gave our testers excellent control, and it felt crisp and poppy under our feet. It allowed us to get higher on our tricks and withstood our landings, too. As the most fundamental component of any setup, the quality of the deck is a good way to gauge the overall grade of any complete.
The Real Team Classic Oval's deck quality gave Jackson enough confidence to hop onto this frontside bluntslide.
Credit: Tyler Clement
Wheel and Bearing Quality
The wheels and bearings have the greatest effect on how smooth and how fast a skateboard rolls. Bigger and softer wheels grip the ground better and provide a smoother ride, while smaller and harder wheels are better for tricks but can be more susceptible to getting caught in cracks or slipping out. We tested the wheels by trying each set on different surfaces: sidewalks of variable roughness, asphalt, and at a skatepark. For the bearings, we tested how far each board could roll from a single push on a smooth, flat surface.
Most of the popsicle-shaped boards, like the CCS, came with wheels that are 52mm in diameter and 100A durometer, which is an average size and hardness for many boards that are sold as a complete. However, even between these models, there was still a difference in the width and amount of grip of the wheels. All of the cruisers had wheels that were much bigger and softer. The Globe Blazer Cruiser has some of the widest wheels of all, but the Arbor Pilsner Cruiser's smaller wheels still provide a smooth and gentle ride. Most bearings are rated on the ABEC scale, with the lowest being an ABEC-3, and the quality ascends with the number. Unfortunately, this alone didn't strike us as a very reliable system of measurement, as some of the ABEC-5s outperformed those listed as being ABEC-11s.
The Real and CCS complete's wheels made it tough to get a consistent powerslide.
Credit: Tyler Clement
Truck Quality
The trucks are a crucial part of a skateboard's anatomy, as they are what give the board stability and allow you to turn. Many skaters will keep the same set of trucks for years and hate to replace them, as nothing changes the feel of a board more than changing the trucks. During testing, we rated each pair of trucks on their stability and responsiveness while turning and if and how smoothly they were able to grind. While some cruisers aren't designed for doing tricks or grinds, their trucks have a better turning radius and a quicker response time. Overall, only a few boards with trucks covered all of the bases, which was quite surprising.
Virtually all trucks take some breaking in and getting used to. The Arbor Pilsner Cruiser had the highest-rated trucks due to their stability, response time, and grinding capabilities. The Globe Blazer Cruiser was another model with good trucks that performed well when rolling around in the streets, but using them for grinds isn't very likely. Some of the trucks didn't turn very well at first but were easily fixable with minor adjustments, and others felt wobbly and unstable no matter how much you tighten them like the WhiteFang Double Kick. Regardless of one's skill level or size, having good-quality trucks makes a huge difference.
Jackson had no problem grinding through the crunchy concrete of this slappy curb with the CCS Blooming Streets Complete's trucks.
Credit: Tom Logsdon
Skill Level
Each complete was rated according to the skill level that it is most suitable for. While a toy store board may work for a beginner who doesn't know how much the parts can vary, an experienced skater very likely knows how much of a difference a good pair of trucks or the right size board can make. This metric was heavily based on the size of each board, as it's important to have a deck that one can control and will support them. We also considered how many uses each model has, which correlates to the amount that each allows the rider to progress. Even though most skaters can adapt to varying setups over time, some boards are definitely better for certain skill levels than others.
The ideal skill level is directly related to each model's size, materials, and overall quality. A mini-cruiser, like the Retrospec Quip 22.5" Classic or Meketec Little Cruiser, can be an excellent introductory board for small kids who are just learning to ride but won't be trying tricks quite yet. Many beginners start on a budget board, such as the WhiteFang, and graduate to a higher quality setup if they decide to continue. However, any board from a respected skate company, like Real or Arbor, will provide more options for use and make it easier to ride and develop tricks from the start.
Jackson popping a backside 180 on the WhiteFang Double Kick.
Credit: Margie Chen
Conclusion
As one of the most popular activities amongst young people today, skateboarding is growing at a rapid rate. Our lead expert spent weeks reviewing numerous styles of completes to deliver our best recommendations. Many people think that skateboarding is only for kids, but the truth is that people of all ages are picking up a board for the first time or getting back into it after a hiatus. So, no matter your age, size, or budget, there is a skateboard to help you have some fun.
