How to Buy a Skateboard
Zephyr Sports has always strived to offer a huge selection of products to fit the needs of all our shoppers. Skateboards require multiple parts to make up a complete and ride ready product. This guide will help you to find all the individual pieces needed to make a complete skateboard.
Almost all the individual parts that make up a skateboard are interchangeable between brand and size. Your final choice should come down to personal preference for performance and a style you will enjoy.
If at anytime you have a question, you can contact a live service representative at 877.814.4297 or via live chat.
Choosing a Pre-Assembled Complete Skateboard

Pre-Assembled Complete Skateboards come pre-built and ready to skate out of the box. All the parts have been pre-chosen and match up together for a great ride.
This is a great choice for beginners who are unsure what kind of skateboard they want or are unsure if they will continue to like skateboarding. We take all of the guess work out of shopping and offer all of our Pre-Assembled Complete Skateboards at discounted prices.
Parents looking to pick up a skateboard for a child need not worry, all the parts included with these completes are top of line components from well-known and popular manufactures.
Building a Custom Complete Skateboard

Building a Custom Complete guarantees that you only get exactly the products you want. The flip side is making sure you get all the parts you need. The different components that make up a complete skateboard come in different sizes, builds, and designs. Below is a list of all the necessary components to build a skateboard.
Custom Complete Skateboards do not come assembled.
Skateboard Decks
Let get some of the lingo down first.
* Length- The length of the board is measured from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. Average board length is 28″-32″.
* Width- The average width of a deck is 7.5″- 8.25″. Width is influenced by the size of the rider and the type of riding. Bigger riders and those doing vert typically prefer a wider deck.
* Wheelbase- The distance from one pair of inner mounting holes to the other inner pair. The average wheel base is 13″-15″, and again, the choice is influenced by the rider.
* Nose- the nose is the front section of the deck, just above the mounting holes.
* Tail- the tail is the rear section of the deck, just behind the mounting holes.
* Mounting Holes- Pre-drilled holes where the trucks are attached. Arranged as two sets of four holes; one set is near the nose, the other near the tail.
* Ply- When looking at the side of the deck, thin layers of maple veneer are visible. Layering the wood in a cross-grain pattern creates a stronger board than a single solid piece of wood. The typical board is seven-ply.
* Concave- The section of the board between the nose and tail curves up slightly on the sides. The concave gives the rider more control and to increase board strength.
Decks come in many different widths. The width you need depends on your size, skating style, and personal preference. Here are some general guidelines:
What skateboard deck width is right for me?
Choosing the size of your deck will depend on any of three factors: Your age, height, and/or shoe size. In the end, deck size will generally come down to personal preference. Though, there are some basic guidelines that can help first time buyers.
MINI – 7.0″ & 7.3″
Generally intended for children and younger skaters. Height: 5′2″ & shorter.
Anyone 12 years old and younger will want to consider trying a MINI before stepping in to a FULL size deck. These smaller boards are great for shoe sizes between 4-8.
FULL – 7.5″ & Wider
Generally intended for teens and adults. Height: 5′3″ & taller.
Anyone 13 years old and older will want to choose a FULL size deck. These full size boards are great for shoe sizes 9 and bigger.
If you know you want to buy a MINI or FULL size deck, but are unsure which exact size to try within the size range, it is best to get a smaller width. Generally wider boards will feel heavy to riders who would prefer a smaller width. Skateboarding is all about comfort and confidence, so once you find a size you are comfortable with, it is recommended that you stay with that size until it no longer feels right.
Skateboard Trucks
Skateboard Trucks consist of five parts: axel, hanger, kingpin, bushings, and baseplate. Often the size of the truck will be listed by the axel width, though it may sometimes be listed by the hanger width. Unlike decks, the size of your trucks allows for a lot more flexibility.
What size trucks do I need?
Choosing the size of your trucks will be based on the width of your deck.
Axel: 7.75″ or Hanger: 5.0″
(7.25″ to 8.0″ deck width)
This axel & hanger size is a good fit for all MINI and FULL size decks.
Axel: 8.0″ or Hanger: 5.25″
(8.0″ to 8.5″ deck width)
This axel & hanger size is a good fit for most decks wider then 8.0″.

What is HIGH & LOW?
As well as axel and hanger size there is sometimes a high and low height size. This size determines the distance between the deck and the hanger. Trucks with a normal height work well for almost all skateboard decks. Unless noted, assume the truck height is normal.
HIGH: Designed for wheel size greater then 56mm
This truck height is good for normal riding, cruising, and carving.
LOW: Designed for wheel size 50mm to 55mm
This truck height is good for performing flip tricks and street riding.
What is the Kingpin?
The kingpin is a bolt that screws through the baseplate up to the hanger and through the bushings. By tightening or loosening the kingpin nut you can adjust how much the hanger can pivot. This will result in a tighter or looser ride. All kingpins can be adjusted. For a tighter ride, tighten the kingpin nut and for a looser ride, loosen the kingpin nut.
What size skateboard wheel do I need?
Skateboard wheels vary in color, size and durability. The diameter and durometer of the wheel affect the way the board rides. The diameter and durometer are a matter of personal preference and skating style. Here are some general guidelines:
Diameter: Smaller wheels are slower, bigger wheels are faster.
52-55mm – Slower, but stable and good for trick riding and smaller riders
56-60mm – Beginners of all sizes on ramp, park and street
60mm+ – Longboards, old-school boards, speed and rougher surfaces
Durometer measures the wheel’s hardness. Harder wheels are faster; softer wheels are slower but have better grip.
Note: Standard wheel durometer is 99A.
87a – Soft wheel good for rough surfaces, longboards or street boards that need lots of grip.
95a – Slightly harder and faster with a little less grip, but the grip’s still good.
99a – Good speed and grip. Good wheel for beginners, street, ramp and park.
100a+ – Hardest and fastest wheel with the least grip.
What size bearings do I need for my skateboard wheels?

Skateboard Bearings are universal and come in a set of eight (two on each wheel). Any skateboard bearings will fit in to any skateboard wheel. Though the bearings are universal, the quality of bearings does differ. Higher quality bearings will last longer and remain smoother longer.
Which bearings should I buy?
If this is your first skateboard, standard lower-end bearings are best. As you continue riding and buy new boards down the road, you may want to try more expensive bearings to compare quality.
Do a need riser pads for my skateboard?
Skateboard decks that use wheels smaller than 55mm do not typically require risers. 1/8” shock pads can help keep the hardware from vibrating loose.
As the wheels get larger, there’s a greater chance for wheel bite (when the wheel will makes contact with the underside of the deck) causing a nasty wipeout. In general, the longer the board and the larger the wheel, the more height is needed in a riser pad.
Simple. If you are getting riser pads, it’s probably safe to go longer on the bolts. If you’re not, go with the shorter ones. Even if you end up getting them too long, it’s just a few strokes with the hacksaw to trim them down, so play it safe.
What size hardware do I need to put together my skateboard?
7/8″ to 1″ – No Riser
1″ to 1 1/8″ – 1/8″ Riser
1 1/4″ – 1/4″ Riser
1 1/2″ – 1/2″ Riser
Grip Tape
Grip tape is the sandpaper-like material applied to the top of the deck that helps your shoes grip the board. Grip tape most commonly comes in one large sheet that must be applied and cut based on the size and shape of your board. You can cut shapes out or choose different colors or patterns to customize the look of your deck.
If you still have questions about anything skateboard, please contact Customer Service @ (805)275-2040.
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