Skateboarding is all about riding on a board with style and grace, and to ensure that you’re able to do it smoothly, you need the best hardware for your skateboard. The right components like trucks, bearings, wheels, and grip tape can make a world of difference to your riding experience. But with so many options and brands available in the market, finding the best hardware for skateboards can be overwhelming. Therefore, in this article, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 best hardware for skateboards that you can buy today, along with a comprehensive buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
Get ready for our reviews on the best hardware for skateboards, but first, here are some related Amazon products to check out:
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Best Hardware For Skateboards
Hardware For Skateboards: A Beginner’s Overview
Hardware for skateboards includes all the components needed to build or upgrade a skateboard, such as trucks, wheels, bearings, and grip tape. These components are essential for creating a customized skateboard that suits the rider’s riding style, skill level, and personal preferences.
Trucks are the metal components that attach the wheels to the board and allow it to turn. They come in different sizes and shapes, and choosing the right size and type is crucial for ensuring stability and maneuverability. Wheels come in various sizes, shapes, and durometers, and they affect the speed, grip, and smoothness of the ride. Bearings are the small metal balls that allow the wheels to spin freely, and they come in different grades that determine their durability and speed. Finally, grip tape is the sandpaper-like material that covers the deck’s top surface and provides traction and grip for the rider’s feet. Overall, hardware for skateboards plays a vital role in shaping the performance, comfort, and style of the skateboard.
Why is it Important to Consider Buying Hardware For Skateboards?
Considering getting into skateboarding, there are several key reasons why investing in hardware designed specifically for the sport can enhance your overall experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider, having quality components can make a significant difference in terms of performance, safety, and enjoyment. Here are some key reasons why you should consider purchasing hardware for your skateboard.
To improve stability and performance
Skateboarding involves rigorous movements, twists, and turns that require a high level of stability and performance. The skateboard hardware – including trucks, wheels, bearings, and bolts – is critical to ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride. Over time, these components may wear down or become damaged, resulting in a less responsive and less stable ride.
Upgrading to new hardware can significantly improve stability and performance. For example, wider trucks offer increased stability for tricks, while softer wheels provide better grip on rough surfaces. High-quality bearings can also enhance performance by allowing for faster speeds and smoother turns. Investing in new hardware can not only improve the overall ride experience but also help prevent accidents and injuries.
To replace worn or damaged parts
Skateboarding is an extreme sport that involves performing tricks and stunts over various obstacles. The wear and tear on the skateboard can be considerable, especially when it comes to the hardware. Hardware includes bolts, nuts, and screws that hold the skateboard components together. Over time, they can become worn or damaged, leading to instability and even risk of injury.
Replacing worn or damaged hardware is crucial for maintaining the stability and safety of the skateboard. It is also essential for improving the skateboard’s performance. Hardware that is loose, worn, or damaged can affect the skateboard’s movement and stability, causing the rider to lose control. Regularly replacing hardware will not only ensure the rider’s safety but also extend the lifespan of the skateboard. Therefore, purchasing hardware for skateboards is necessary to keep the skateboard in good condition and the rider safe.
To customize the overall feel and look
Hardware For Skateboards includes items such as trucks, wheels, bushings, bearings and bolts. These items play a crucial role in the performance and aesthetics of a skateboard. When it comes to customizing the overall feel and look of a skateboard, the hardware is the perfect place to start.
For instance, by switching out the stock wheels for a set of colorful ones, you can add a pop of excitement and personality to your board. Alternatively, changing the trucks can completely alter the way your skateboard feels and handles. A person can opt for wider or narrower trucks and change the bushings to adjust the turn radius. Customizing the hardware is an easy way to make a skateboard unique and eye-catching, while also improving its performance and feel.
To ensure safety while riding
Having the right hardware on your skateboard is critical for ensuring a safe and smooth ride. The hardware, which includes bolts, nuts, and washers, holds the trucks and wheels in place, preventing them from falling off while you ride. If the hardware is loose or worn out, it can lead to dangerous accidents, which could result in serious injuries.
Moreover, high-quality hardware can help prolong the lifespan of your skateboard. Regular use of your skateboard can cause bolts to loosen, and nuts to become stripped, leading to potential damage to your deck and trucks. By investing in good-quality hardware, you can avoid these issues, thus saving money and ensuring your board is always in good working condition. In summary, having the right hardware on your skateboard is essential for safe riding, preventing accidents, and ensuring longevity.
Things to Consider when Choosing the Best Hardware For Skateboards
Picking out the perfect hardware for your skateboard can be a bit tricky, but with a few key factors in mind, the decision-making process can become much simpler.
Size
Before buying hardware for skateboards, it is important to consider the size of the hardware. Choosing the right size will determine whether the hardware fits the skateboard properly or not. For instance, larger hardware may not fit smaller skateboards and vice versa. A hardware that is too small or too large can cause the bolts to slip out or stick out, respectively, making riding the skateboard uncomfortable and unsafe.
Another reason to consider the size of hardware is that it affects the weight and performance of the skateboard. Lighter hardware can make the skateboard faster and easier to control, while heavier hardware can increase stability and durability. Making the right choice in terms of size can also determine how effective the hardware is in securing the wheels and trucks, which translates to better performance and safety.
Material
When it comes to buying hardware for skateboards, it’s essential to consider the material used. The material can affect the durability, weight, and performance of the skateboard. For instance, if you buy skateboard trucks made of low-quality materials, it might not withstand wear and tear of the sport, resulting in the need to replace them frequently. Similarly, the deck material can affect the weight of the skateboard, which will impact how it feels during use.
Additionally, the material can affect the performance of the skateboard. For example, truck materials can impact how quickly the skateboard can turn, and the deck material can affect its flexibility, which can affect the board’s performance when landing different tricks. Considering the material before buying hardware can ensure you have a skateboard that’s durable, lightweight, and performs well, ultimately leading to a better skating experience.
Compatibility
Before buying any hardware for your skateboard, it is essential to consider its compatibility with your existing equipment. If you try to mix and match hardware with different specifications or brands, it can result in poor performance, instability, and potential safety hazards. For example, if you are using a low-riding skateboard deck, you will need to ensure that the truck height is compatible to avoid wheel bite or deck damage. Similarly, if you are replacing your wheels, you need to choose the right diameter and durometer to match your riding style and preferred terrain.
Considering hardware compatibility can save you from unexpected accidents and extra expenses. It can also enhance the overall durability, stability, and performance of your skateboard. So, before making any purchase, research and consult with the professionals to determine the compatibility of different hardware options, which will ultimately add to your overall skateboarding experience.
Brand reputation
Brand reputation is important to consider when purchasing hardware for skateboards because the durability and quality of the components can have a significant impact on the rider’s safety and overall experience. A brand with a good reputation is more likely to have invested in research and development to ensure that their products can withstand high-impact crashes, the wear and tear of regular use, and provide optimal performance. On the other hand, a brand with a poor reputation may use lower quality materials, which can lead to components breaking or failing prematurely, which could cause injury to the rider. Additionally, reputable brands typically have a better warranty and customer service to address any issues that may arise with their hardware, providing peace of mind for the consumer.
Furthermore, a brand’s reputation can also reflect on the skateboarding community as a whole. Supporting companies that uphold ethical and sustainable practices not only benefits the environment and workers involved, but it also supports the industry’s overall growth and longevity. Purchasing hardware from a respected brand can also indicate to others that the rider is knowledgeable about the sport and values quality and safety, improving their reputation within the community. Ultimately, it’s important to research and consider a brand’s reputation before making a purchase to ensure that the hardware is of sufficient quality and will provide a safe and enjoyable skateboarding experience.
Price
Price is an important factor to consider when buying hardware for skateboards because it determines the quality of the components. High-quality hardware is usually expensive as it is manufactured with precision and durable materials. However, people should aim to strike a balance between the budget and quality. Cheap hardware may not be able to support the weight of the skateboarder or withstand the wear and tear of regular use. This could lead to potential accidents and injuries. Therefore, it’s necessary to invest in reasonably priced hardware that is suitable for your skateboarding needs.
Moreover, different components of hardware are sold at different prices, and one might have to pay more for better quality. For example, high-quality bearings give the skateboard a smoother ride, but it comes with a higher price tag. Similarly, expensive trucks might be more durable and easier to maintain. However, it’s not necessary to purchase the most expensive components. A person should only spend on what they need and what they can afford. It’s always better to buy a higher-priced component that is of reputable brand and can last longer than cheaper parts that need to be replaced frequently.
Reviews and ratings
Reviews and ratings are important to consider before buying hardware for skateboards because they provide valuable insight into the quality, durability, and performance of the product. Reading reviews from other skateboarders who have already purchased and used the product can give you an idea of how it performs and whether it meets your needs and expectations. If a particular brand or model consistently receives positive reviews and high ratings, it is likely to be a reliable and well-performing choice.
On the other hand, negative reviews and low ratings can warn you about potential issues or flaws with the product. For example, if a hardware set has a lot of reviews mentioning that the screws easily strip or break, it may not be a good investment. By taking the time to read reviews and ratings, you can make a more informed purchasing decision and avoid wasting your money on subpar hardware.
FAQs
What are the different types of hardware components that can be used for skateboards?
Skateboards are made up of several hardware components, including the deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, and grip tape. The deck serves as the primary platform for the rider, while the trucks are responsible for turning, stability, and weight distribution. Wheels are essential for movement and control, while bearings facilitate a smooth ride. The grip tape provides traction for the rider’s feet and helps to maintain balance and control while riding. Different types of hardware components can be selected based on the rider’s preference, style, and skill level to enhance their skating experience.
What size should the bolts and nuts be for skateboard hardware?
Skateboard hardware is typically made up of eight bolts and nuts that secure the trucks (the metal components that attach the wheels to the deck) to the skateboard. The standard size for skateboard hardware bolts is 7/8-inch.
The hardware bolts and nuts should be made from high quality steel and should fit tightly in order to ensure that the skateboard is safe and stable for riding. Some skateboarders prefer to use shorter hardware bolts, which can reduce the weight of the skateboard slightly and prevent the bolts from protruding through the skateboard deck’s surface. Ultimately, the size and type of hardware bolts and nuts used on a skateboard can vary depending on the individual skateboarder’s preferences and needs.
Should I use riser pads with my skateboard hardware?
While there are no hard and fast rules about using a specific type of saddle on a hybrid bike, it is generally recommended that you choose a saddle that is designed specifically for use on a hybrid bike. Hybrid bike saddles tend to be wider and more padded than other types of bike seats, as they are designed to provide a more comfortable and upright riding position. This makes them particularly well-suited to use on hybrid bikes, which are designed to provide a comfortable, versatile ride that is suitable for a wide range of activities, from commuting to leisurely weekend rides.
Ultimately, the choice of saddle for your hybrid bike will depend on a number of factors, including your personal preferences, your riding style, and the specific design and geometry of your bike. However, by choosing a saddle that is specifically designed for use on a hybrid bike, you can ensure that you get the most comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable ride possible.
How often should I replace my skateboard hardware?
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, selecting the right hardware for your skateboard is vital for a smooth and safe ride. The top 10 hardware options discussed in this article have been carefully selected to provide you with the best options available in the market today. Regardless of your skill level, you can find the best hardware for your skateboard based on your preferences and requirements. Whether it’s the durability, weight, or design you’re looking for, there’s a perfect match for you on this list of the best hardware for skateboards. Happy shopping!