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At Cal Skate we refuse to sell preassembled skateboard set ups regardless of the brand name. The manufactures assemble those packages set ups with sub-par quality and imitation components the we as skaters cannot stand by. These $100 packaged assemblies are not suitable for beginners or advanced riders, they are a simply a smoke and mirrors effort to under sale true quality components.
It is a common misconception that a smaller board is better for a smaller child, but in reality, the Mini and Micro boards that are offered by some brands offer little stability and are for the most advanced prodigy riders. If your kid is exploding out of the ramp or doing more technical maneuvers a smaller deck might be something to consider but even for the smallest and youngest riders, we would still recommend at least 8.0” wide deck. Another advantage of buying larger is that your kid will not grow out of this until their teenage or years.
Although nothing beats coming in to Cal Skate and being sized up by our staff, but we will do our best to help give you the information to make an informed and confident decision. But the bottom line is that sizing is a personal and ever evolving preference, the more you skate the more you learn, adapt and evolve.
In our store 8.25”-8.5” Decks are the most commonly selected sizes and are great recommendations teenagers and average sized adults (Under 6ft) when being used for technical street skating, commuting as well as park riding. If you are a taller rider an 8.75”-9.0” deck might be a little bit more proportional to your height and figure, while if you are shorter an 8.0” might be a better choice for your height and figure.
WHEN SETTING UP A CUSTOM COMPLETE YOU WILL NEED TRUCKS, WHEELS, BEARINGS, GRIPTAPE, MOUNTING HARDWARE AND IN MOST CASES RISER PADS. BELOW ARE COMPATIBLE OPTIONS ALONG WITH OUR BEST ADVICE TO SET THIS UP CORRECTLY FOR ANY RIDER.
• Independent 139’s
• Thunder 147’s
• Ace Classic 33’s
• Krux 8.0's
• Venture 5.2's
• Bullet 140's (PRICE POINT)
• Independent 144’s
• Thunder 148’s
• Ace Classic 33’s or 44’s
• Krux or 8.25’s
• Venture or 5.6’s
• Bullet 145’s (PRICE POINT)
• Independent 149’s
• Thunder 149
• Ace Classic 44’s
• Ace AF1 55’s
• Krux 8.5’s
• Venture 5.8’s
• Bullet 150’s (PRICE POINT)
• Independent 159’s
• Thunder 151’s
• Venture 6.1’s
• Independent 169’s
• Thunder 161’s
• Ace Classic 55’s
• Ace AF1 66’s
• Venture 6.1’s
• Gullwing Pro III
• Independent 169’s
• Thunder 161’s
• Ace Classic 66’s
• Ace AF1 77’s-Gullwing Pro III
• Independent 215 (9.75” and larger)
(78A-87A) are suggested for beginners or anyone spending their time on rougher pavement. We recommend Ricta Clouds, Spitfire 80HD, Bones ATF or anything from the Satori Brand.
(95A-104A) are suggested for advanced riders, anyone wanting to learn tricks that require sliding or anyone spending their time on ramps and skateparks. We recommend Spitfire Formula Fours, Bones STF, Bones SPF, Jivaro or OJ Wheels.
You can accomplish a smoother and more predictable ride by using a soft wheel (78A-87A) in a diameter larger than 60MM, but in doing so it requires a riser pad and it makes learning tricks more difficult.
All skateboard bearing that we carry have been tested and have met our quality standards. Regardless of the price point every option is one that you can buy with confidence. Our preferred Bearings Are “Bones- Reds”, “Bones- Super Red” “Mini Logo” PRICEPOINT and anything by Bronson.
Jessup and Mob grip in black are our Griptapes of choice but the graphic and clear Griptape are higher quality than ever. So do not hesitate to customize your deck with one of our many choices.
Risers act as a lift kit for your skateboard, they create distance between your wheels and deck. Risers severely reduce your chances of wheel bite. Risers are a great choice for riders with more height and weight leverage. Below are our suggestions on what riser to pair with your assembly base off of wheel size.
• 50mm-55mm: No Riser
• 56mm-59mm: 1/8” Riser
• 60mm-65mm: 1/4” Riser
• 66mm and above: ½” Riser
Every board needs Mounting Hardware to be assembled. Below are compatible options based off of riser size.
• 1.0” Standard hardware is compatible for boards using no riser or a small 1/8” riser pads
• 1.25” Hardware is compatible for boards using 1/4” riser pads
• 1.5” Hardware is compatible for boards using 1/2” riser pads
