Skateboarding is a fun and exciting sport that has gained a lot of popularity in recent times. Skateboards come in different sizes, shapes, and styles, and finding the perfect skateboard can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. The size of a skateboard is an essential factor to consider when selecting one that suits your needs. It’s crucial to know how to measure a skateboard correctly to ensure you get the right size that meets your requirements.
In this article, we provide a step-by-step guide on how to measure a skateboard. This guide is ideal for both beginners and experienced skaters. We cover everything from measuring the deck size to choosing the right width, length, and trucks. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you find the perfect skateboard size for your needs.
Understanding the Anatomy of a Skateboard
Before you can measure a skateboard, you need to know its basic anatomy. Skateboards typically consist of five main parts: the deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, and grip tape.
The deck is the largest and most important part of the skateboard. It’s the flat, wooden board that you stand on, and it’s the foundation for your tricks and maneuvers. The trucks are the metal parts that attach the wheels to the deck. They allow the board to turn and pivot. The wheels are obviously what allow the skateboard to move, and they come in many different sizes and shapes. Bearings are small metal pieces that enclose the axle of each wheel, and they help reduce friction and increase speed. Lastly, the grip tape is the rough, sandpaper-like material that’s applied to the top of the deck to provide traction for your feet.
Understanding these basic parts will help make measuring your skateboard a breeze. Keep reading to learn step-by-step how to measure your skateboard correctly.
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Choosing the Right Tools for Accurate Measurements
Before you start measuring your skateboard, it is essential to use the right tools to ensure accurate measurements. Some of the necessary tools include a tape measure, ruler, and a set square. Tape measures come in different sizes and shapes, with most of them ranging from 12 to 25 feet in length. A tape measure is invaluable in measuring the width and length of your skateboard deck. You can get an accurate measurement with a retractable tape measure that you can hold with one hand while measuring.
Additionally, a ruler is essential when measuring the height and width of your skateboard trucks. Ensure that the ruler you choose is long enough to accommodate the width of your truck. A set square, on the other hand, ensures accurate angles when measuring the hardware mounting holes on your skateboard deck. You can opt to use a digital angle finder to take readings from the trucks or deck’s angle, giving you the exact angle measurements. With these tools, you are assured of accurate measurements, and this makes it easier to shop for a new skateboard or replace broken parts.
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring the Skateboard Deck
Before getting started with the measurement process, you need to ensure that the skateboard deck is standing upright. This is crucial to ensure that you get accurate measurements. Once the skateboard is upright, you need to measure the width of the deck from one end to the other using a tape measure. Ensure that the tape measure is level with the skateboard, and the measurements are taken from the widest points on both ends.
Next, you need to measure the length of the skateboard deck. To measure the length of the deck, place the tape measure at the nose of the skateboard, and extend it to the tail. Ensure that the tape measure is in contact with the skateboard’s surface, and the measurements are accurate. Once you have measured the width and the length of the skateboard deck, record the figures to determine your skateboard’s size. Remember to measure the skateboard deck from the top to the bottom surface, and not the thickness, as it doesn’t contribute towards the overall skateboard size.
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Measuring the Skateboard Trucks: Essential Tips and Techniques
When measuring the skateboard trucks, it is important to get accurate measurements as they affect a rider’s stability and turning ability. First, remove the wheels from the skateboard and place it on a flat surface to ensure you get an accurate measurement. The axle is the metal rod that runs through the middle of the truck. You should measure the width of the axle from one end to the other using a tape measure or ruler.
Additionally, it’s important to measure the hanger, which is the T-shaped part of the truck that holds the wheels. This is also measured from one end to the other. You should also take note of the height of the truck, which is the distance between the baseplate and the center of the axle. Measuring these dimensions will help you select the right size of skateboard trucks for your board or replace old ones. By following these essential tips and techniques, you can quickly and accurately measure your skateboard trucks.
How to Measure Skateboard Wheels for Optimal Performance
In order to determine the ideal size of skateboard wheels, it is important to take a few factors into consideration. One of the key considerations is the type of skating being done. For example, larger wheels tend to be better for cruising and transportation, while smaller wheels are generally better for technical street skating and tricks. Another important aspect is the terrain where the skating will take place. Rougher surfaces may necessitate larger, softer wheels for a smooth ride.
To measure the wheels, start with the diameter. This is typically measured in millimeters, ranging from 50mm to 75mm or more. Another critical factor is durometer, or the hardness level of the wheels. This can range from soft (78a-87a) to hard (99a and above). The softer the wheels, the more grip and shock absorption they provide, while the harder wheels offer more speed and a smoother ride on smooth terrain. By considering these factors, skateboarders can choose the optimal wheels for their style, skill level, and skating environment.
The Importance of Accurate Skateboard Measurements for Customization
The importance of accurate skateboard measurements for customization cannot be overstated. Customizing your skateboard involves adding new components, changing the shape of the deck, and altering its dimensions. However, before you embark on any customization project, you need to ensure that you have accurate measurements of your skateboard.
Having accurate measurements not only ensures that you get the right components but also prevents accidents caused by improperly fitted parts. For instance, if your trucks are too wide for your deck, they will hang off the edge, making it difficult to control your skateboard. On the other hand, if your trucks are too narrow, your skateboard will wobble and could lead to accidents. By measuring your skateboard accurately, you can customize it to your liking, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride.
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Troubleshooting Common Measurement Issues and Errors.
After following each step of the measurement process accurately, there may still be some measurement issues and errors that arise. To begin with, double-check that the skateboard is on a flat surface and that the measuring tool is correctly positioned. If the measurements still look off, it could mean that the skateboard is not symmetrical. In such cases, take the average of the two ends to find the centre.
Another issue that could arise is when measuring the wheelbase, and the measurement falls between two numbers. In such a case, it is advisable to round up to the nearest inch. Additionally, if you come across any issues related to the size of the board and its components, refer to the manufacturer’s specifications. Measuring skateboards can be a challenging process, but being diligent and careful in every step will help yield accurate measurements and avoid any measurement issues or errors.
The Conclusion
To measure a skateboard accurately, you need to consider many aspects like the board’s length, width, wheelbase, and deck shape. In most cases, manufacturers mention these dimensions on the board itself or their website. You can measure these dimensions using a ruler, measuring tape, or a caliper.
It’s essential to keep in mind that proper measurement ensures that you buy the right size of skateboard that fits your riding style. A skateboard that does not match your riding style may cause several problems while riding, leading to discomfort, injuries, and poor performance. Therefore, it’s vital to measure your skateboard and ensure that it fits you comfortably and meets your riding requirements.