Do you dream of cruising down the street but stare at high skateboard prices with a frown? You see those cool tricks online, but the gear looks expensive. It feels like getting into skateboarding means emptying your wallet, right? That’s a huge bummer when you just want to try out this awesome sport!
Finding a cheap skateboard that actually works well is tough. Many budget boards break fast or just don’t roll right. You worry about wasting money on something that falls apart after a few pushes. We get it; nobody wants a lemon board.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what to look for in an affordable setup. You will learn the secrets to finding a durable, fun, and budget-friendly skateboard. Get ready to roll without the worry!
Top Cheap Skateboard Recommendations
- Perfect for beginners: This 31 inch skateboard is a versatile choice for both beginners and pros that want just the right balance of convenience, safety, and stability; it's the perfect choice for anyone that wants to ease into skateboarding
- Portable and lightweight: Thanks to a sturdy wooden build coupled with the lightweight, our skateboard for cruising makes the perfect companion for your outdoor trips and travels; it's easy to carry around making it ideal for anyone that wants to skate anywhere they want
- Sturdy and stable build: The complete skateboard deck is made using durable and sturdy maple wood to add strength and stiffness while also gives it a stylish flair; it offers more traction for your feet and gives better control when skating
- Perfect for beginners: This 31 inch skateboard is a versatile choice for both beginners and pros that want just the right balance of convenience, safety, and stability; it's the perfect choice for anyone that wants to ease into skateboarding!
- Portable and lightweight: Thanks to a sturdy wooden build coupled with the lightweight, our skateboard for cruising makes the perfect companion for your outdoor trips and travels; it's easy to carry around making it ideal for anyone that wants to skate anywhere they want.
- Sturdy and stable build: The complete skateboard deck is made using durable and sturdy maple wood to add strength and stiffness while also gives it a stylish flair; it offers more traction for your feet and gives better control when skating.
- 【Better Control & Safer】：Equipped waterproof and environment friendly sandpaper which provided high friction and strong anti-slip, the emery sand paper matching with classic double kick concave design provide you safety experience and better control, also help you learn more tricks easily. Great for beginners and skilled.
- 【Smooth & Speedy】：Super smooth (52mm,95A)High rebound PU wheels with high speed ABEC-11 bearings and 95A High rebound PU bushing, our wheel can give you quick response from the ground,suitable for commuting, skate parks, ramps, pools and other smooth surfaces or even rough ground.
- 【Durable & Stable】：High density 7 layer Canadian maple wood matching with high-strength aluminum alloy trucksto add strength and stiffness , which are wear-resistant, waterproof and durable. it offers more traction for your feet and gives better control when skating. The max load is up to 220 lbs .
- [ONE SCREW QUICK RELEASE] The mini kids skateboard, assembled with 17" long x 5" wide bendable non-slip polypropylene deck, with new one screw release system for the durable pp wrapped iron truck makes a smaller radius of turning circle, it is ready to ride right out of the box, which is great skateboard for kids and beginners. Max load 100lbs.
- [SMOOTH AND PORTABLE] Equipped with carbon steel bearings ensure super smooth and fast ride. The mini skateboard is light weight, portable and able to fit in a backpack for easy movement.
- [SAFE AND SKILL] The mini kids skateboard, complied with the all the safty regulations strictly. Wonderful steering performance is suitable skateboard for boys 3-7 years.
- Perfect for beginners: This 31 inch skateboard is a versatile choice for both beginners and pros that want just the right balance of convenience, safety, and stability; it's the perfect choice for anyone that wants to ease into longboarding
- Portable and lightweight: Thanks to a sturdy wooden build coupled with the lightweight, our skateboard for cruising makes the perfect companion for your outdoor trips and travels; it's easy to carry around making it ideal for anyone that wants to skate anywhere they want
- Sturdy and stable build: The complete skateboard deck is made using durable and sturdy maple wood to add strength and stiffness while also gives it a stylish flair; it offers more traction for your feet and gives better control when skating
- Perfect for beginners: This 31 inch skateboard is a versatile choice for both beginners and pros that want just the right balance of convenience, safety, and stability; it's the perfect choice for anyone that wants to ease into longboarding
- Portable and lightweight: Thanks to a sturdy wooden build coupled with the lightweight, our skateboard for cruising makes the perfect companion for your outdoor trips and travels; it's easy to carry around making it ideal for anyone that wants to skate anywhere they want
- Sturdy and stable build: The complete skateboard deck is made using durable and sturdy maple wood to add strength and stiffness while also gives it a stylish flair; it offers more traction for your feet and gives better control when skating
- Perfect for All Riders: This 31 inch skateboard gives you just the right balance of convenience, safety, and stability.
- Portable and lightweight: Thanks to a sturdy wooden build coupled with the lightweight, our skateboard for cruising makes the perfect companion for your outdoor trips and travels; it's easy to carry around making it ideal for anyone that wants to skate anywhere they want
- Sturdy and stable build: The complete skateboard deck is made using durable and sturdy maple wood to add strength and stiffness while also gives it a stylish flair; it offers more traction for your feet and gives better control when skating
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Snagging a Great Cheap Skateboard
Skateboarding is awesome! You see cool tricks online and want to try them. But a brand-new, top-of-the-line board costs a lot. Don’t worry! You can find a great, affordable skateboard without spending too much money. This guide helps you pick the best cheap board for your needs.
Key Features to Look For in a Budget Board
Even cheap boards need certain parts to work well. Pay attention to these main features:
- Deck Size and Shape: Most beginner boards are “popsicle stick” shaped. Look for a deck width between 7.5 and 8.0 inches. This size works well for most new riders.
- Truck Quality: Trucks are the metal parts that hold the wheels. Cheap boards often have weak trucks. Make sure the trucks look solid and are made of metal, not weak plastic.
- Wheel Hardness (Durometer): Wheels have a hardness number (like 99A or 78A). Softer wheels (lower number) grip better for cruising on rough sidewalks. Harder wheels (higher number) are better for skateparks. For a first cheap board, aim for something around 95A—a good middle ground.
- Bearings: Bearings let the wheels spin. They are rated using the “ABEC” scale (ABEC 3, 5, 7, etc.). Higher numbers spin faster. For a cheap board, ABEC 5 or 7 is usually fine.
Important Materials Matter
What the board is made of affects how long it lasts and how it feels.
The Deck (The Wood Part)
Good decks use layers of strong wood called maple veneer. Most quality boards use 7-ply (seven layers) of Canadian Maple. Cheap boards might use fewer layers or lower-quality wood. Always check if the deck lists 7-ply maple. This makes the board strong enough to handle small jumps and bumps.
The Trucks
Look for trucks made from aluminum alloy. Avoid trucks that look like they are made mostly of plastic. Metal trucks handle stress much better, even if they are simple designs.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about the price tag. Some cheap boards cut corners in bad ways, while others are just built simply.
Quality Reducers (What to Avoid)
- Plastic Wheels: If the wheels feel very light and squeaky, they might be plastic, not polyurethane. Plastic wheels will break fast and offer zero grip.
- No Grip Tape: Grip tape is the sandpaper on top that keeps your feet from slipping. A cheap board must have decent grip tape. If it peels off right away, your feet will slide off.
- Stiff Bushings: Bushings are the rubbery parts inside the trucks that let you turn. If they are rock hard, you will struggle to steer the board.
Quality Improvers (What to Look For)
Even on a budget, some things make a board better:
- Double Kick Tail: This means both the nose (front) and tail (back) curve up. This shape lets you learn tricks like the “ollie” easily.
- Pre-Assembled vs. DIY: Sometimes, buying a complete, pre-assembled board from a known budget brand is better than buying loose, unknown parts.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who is this board for? Your use case changes what you should buy.
The Casual Cruiser (Riding to a Friend’s House)
If you just want to roll around flat ground and enjoy the ride, look for slightly softer wheels (around 80A-90A). These wheels soak up small pebbles and cracks better. Durability is less important than a smooth ride.
The Aspiring Trickster (Learning Basic Skills)
If you plan to try pushing, turning sharply, and maybe attempting small ramps, you need a standard popsicle shape and harder wheels (95A+). The deck must be strong enough to withstand landing. A cheap board is a starting point, but be prepared to upgrade trucks or wheels first if you start landing bigger tricks.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cheap Skateboards
Q: Can a cheap skateboard break easily?
A: Yes, they can. Cheap decks often use weaker glue or fewer wood layers. They handle light riding well, but hard landings from tricks might snap them faster than expensive boards.
Q: Are pre-assembled cheap skateboards good enough for beginners?
A: Yes, they are usually perfect for beginners. They let you learn the basics without a big investment. You can always upgrade parts later.
Q: What is the minimum wheel size for a cheap board?
A: Look for wheels around 50mm to 54mm. This size is standard and works well on most budget setups.
Q: Should I buy a longboard or a trick board if I am on a tight budget?
A: If you only want to cruise long distances, a cheap cruiser or mini-cruiser might be better than a cheap trick board. Cruisers are more stable.
Q: How do I know if the trucks are too weak?
A: If the metal looks thin, or if you see cracks near where the truck attaches to the deck after a few rides, the trucks are too weak.
Q: Does the brand name matter on a cheap board?
A: For budget boards, the specific brand matters less than the listed materials (like 7-ply maple). Research the materials, not just the logo.
Q: Will a cheap board slow me down?
A: Probably. Cheap bearings (like ABEC 3) do not spin as freely as high-quality ones. You will have to push more often.
Q: Can I replace the grip tape on a cheap board?
A: Absolutely! Replacing worn grip tape is one of the cheapest and easiest upgrades you can make to refresh an old, cheap board.
Q: What is the main difference between a $30 board and a $100 board?
A: The main differences are the quality of the wood (durability), the precision of the bearings (speed), and the strength of the metal trucks (safety and turning ability).
Q: How long should a beginner use a cheap board before upgrading?
A: Use it until you know you love skateboarding, or until a part breaks from normal use. If you are learning to ollie, you might upgrade trucks or wheels after six months.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!