Are you fond of skating and want to buy your first board? A question tickles in your mind what is the right size for you and how to measure a skateboard? Look no further, and the answer depends upon multiple factors. Simple measurement is quite easy. You just need to measure the length & width of the deck.
However, the major thing is that you measured the skateboard, but what is the right size of the skateboard for you? There are majorly two major ways of measuring the skateboard’s length, straight deck length and from the grip side. However, both methods don’t provide the most accurate solution to your choice because other factors determine the right choice for you.
How to Measure a Skateboard: Picking up the Right Size for You
Measurement Tools
Measuring the skateboard requires some tools. Although the tools don’t have rocket science behind them, you need to understand the process.
Measuring Tape
A measuring tape is suitable to verify that your skateboard measures the required dimensions. However, according to one of our teammate’s experience, not all measuring tapes are accurate. You must understand that these tapes may not have the same measurements.
Using multiple brands of measuring instruments is the way we recommend to our readers. Although it seems awkward, but you’ll find measuring tapes a bit different. It won’t cost you more to buy more than one of these tools than to add incorrect skateboard accessories.
T-Tool
Do not rush to measure your skateboard deck. To measure your skateboard’s size, you must first remove its trucks. The T-tool is the best tool to use for the purpose. The device is used to repair your skateboard’s wheels and hardware trucks for better service. Most of the T-tools on the market have multi-sized sockets for ease. To deal with the parts of your skateboard, you will need a high-quality T-tool.
Space
A curved or unstable workstation can cause measurement problems. Your skateboard should be measured on a flat surface, free from any other objects than your measuring tapes. Ensure the surface you are working on isn’t too hard or slippery.
Additionally, a rough surface can scratch your deck, and a polished surface can make it unstable, so you need to be aware of that. We recommend you use a smooth cloth covering to keep your deck stable and your workstation neat.
Measurement in Four Steps
It’s not difficult to measure a skateboard. We suggest you follow these steps but make sure not to skip a step.
Preparing the Setup
Do not just grab your tape and place it on your deck. Ensure the availability of tools with you before starting the process. Keep them ready and approachable to your hands so that you can work without difficulty. You can place them at your desk or wherever you can reach them. The step helps you to measure with higher accuracy. You can identify any missing accessories or tools by preparing them.
Truck Removal
Get your T-tool out and start losing the skateboard’s bolts & nuts. To ensure that the screws are securely seated upon re-installation, be careful not to damage your deck’s female thread. You don’t want any bolts or nuts to be lost, so make sure you have all your bolts and nuts together.
Measurement
Put your skateboard on the prepared table and ensure the foot landing side is upward. Start by measuring the deck’s width. Next, measure the deck length from the nose up to the tail. Measure the deck from tip to tip because the decks have concave designs. Make sure that the tape does not stick through the design.
Repeat the Process for Accuracy
We recommend you repeat the process for higher efficiency. Make sure you understand the process and try to use it for any skateboard. Understanding enables you to get your knowledge about the skating equipment. It will also help you to avoid purchasing the wrong accessories.
Selecting the Best For You
We have collected reviews from numerous skaters to understand the answer to how to measure a skateboard for you. Our experience and wide research on the question indicate that three major factors influence the right selection for you. However, before discussing the factors, clarify that the biggest factor is your preference regarding the skateboard selection.
Body Measurement
Pick a board that is compatible perfectly with your body. In simple terms, if you’re small, you’ll need to choose a smaller board. Similarly, if you’re taller than an average adult, we recommend you use it on a larger board. In contrast, most street skateboard decks are the same length.
However, the width of the deck is among the most evident distinctions because it provides control. Even the fact that a quarter-inch doesn’t seem to have any effect. Yet, the tiny difference in size can have a major impact on your ride and deck feel. This is due to the concave structure and overall board design.
Riding Style
If you typically like transition skating or want more stability and the surface area beneath your feet, you’ll need to use a deck that is a bit larger. If you prefer to perform flip tricks, choose lighter-weight setups. Similarly, if you like freestyle or street skating, you might want a smaller board. We recommend eight inches in width as the right size.
If you’re looking for long rides or cruises, you’ll need a larger board. This is because the width enhances stability and balance. Most people looking to perform Flip tricks, Manuals, and technical tricks usually opt for decks with a narrower width.
Similarly, skateboarders interested in skating bowls and tricks downstairs are likelier to choose broad boards, which typically range between 8.5″ and above. Wider skateboards are also better commuter boards as they are more stable.
Shoe Size
An important feature while selecting the board width is your shoe size. Turning or performing technical tricks requires a perfect balance between the foot and the board. We recommend you choose a deck that is not too broad for your feet and not exceedingly narrow. Your feet should land slightly wider than the board deck.
If you’re just beginning to learn about skateboarding, we suggest you purchase the skateboard deck proportional to the size of your shoes. Persons that wear an eight or greater adult male shoe should consider a deck of full size. If you typically wear the men’s 6.5 to 9 size shoes, the most suitable deck for you is 7.75 to 8.0 inches. Similarly, if you wear 9.5 or greater shoes, you should begin using an 8.0 to 8.5 size deck.
Does the Wheelbase Matter?
Most people believe that the deck’s width is the primary aspect. We think in the same direction, but some other factors also play a crucial part in measuring for the best. We believe that a half-inch difference in wheelbase feels much more than a half-inch variation in the width.
However, how do you measure skateboard wheelbase? Wheelbase measurements are taken between the central point of the back and front truck holes, closer to the center of the deck. If we measure the wheelbase outside the hole, we miss by 0.125 millimeters, which is like riding 8.25 inches instead of 8.5 inches.
We suggest that the wider wheelbases make the skateboard sturdier. A majority of tall street skaters choose a slightly larger wheelbase. However, the board can be much more responsive with a shorter wheelbase, making flip tricks feel lighter.
The 14.2-inch wheelbase is typical on Popsicle boards and is a fantastic starting point to experience the different dimensions of the deck. Contrary to the standard wheelbase, vert boards feature a 15″ wheelbase, considered a longer wheelbase.
Is the length of a Skateboard a Big Factor?
The length of your skateboard does not matter concerning an ordinary skateboard. The deck sizes vary from 28 to 32 inches, with a most common size of 31.5 inches long. According to my experience, a longer skateboard provides you with more stability in cruising. However, we recommend you slow down the board to turn sideways.
Usually, the board’s length increases slightly when the width grows. However, length doesn’t impact the riding or tricks the way, but the width can. After understanding everything in mind, the board’s length is not a big factor when choosing the right skateboard for you.
Expert Team Answers
- Marnus K. quoted, “Although the skateboard tail and nose are not measured separately, there is an easy way of determining which one is what. The nose of the skateboard is slightly wider than the tail and has a less sharp angle. A wider nose will give you better chances of turning and steering the skateboard where you want it.”
- Drake suggested, “Another way to determine the size of a skateboard truck is by identifying its tightness. It is a more personal preference. Take the tool along, and then skate around with the truck to see if it needs any adjustments. Perhaps you need to adjust it a little.”
Conclusion
The answer to the question of how to measure a skateboard. It shouldn’t remain difficult. We have tried to cover different aspects of the measurement and indicate the best method to find the perfect size for you.