If you are just starting to skateboard and don’t have a lot of money to spend on a new board, you may think that buying a cheap skateboard is the way to go. However, don’t be fooled. Cheap is not the same as cheap. While there are many cheap skateboards, many of them are of poor quality and will not stand up to constant use or advanced tricks. There are inexpensive scooters that are well made and are a bargain. Let’s look at two definitions before moving on:
Cheap: it costs very little; low price; small cost; may be low quality
Cheap: not expensive; a good value
So by our definitions, a cheap skateboard can be more expensive than a cheap one.
Cheap skateboards
A cheap skateboard is one that is built with poor quality materials. They are usually sold at mass market retailers, such as some chain stores. They may be priced low or they may be priced higher than a better quality board. These cheap boards will have a deck made of cheap plastic or wood, will not have the fit and finish of the deck, axles and wheels of a better deck, and will use lower wheels and axles.
Cheap skateboards
An inexpensive skateboard will be made of higher quality materials than a cheap skateboard. You will have a deck made of high-quality plastic, wood, or composite materials. You will also have good quality trucks and wheels.
Some examples of inexpensive skateboards
Powell is a company that makes inexpensive skateboards. They have several complete boards (deck, trucks and wheels) for under $ 50. These are an excellent value if you are just getting started in skateboarding. Another company that makes a good quality inexpensive skateboard is Speed Demons. They have some models under $ 60 and even more in the $ 60- $ 80 range. One type of board that we don’t like is the Yocaher skateboard. These plates cost around $ 35 and feature smooth graphics and, in our opinion, a design that is not up to today’s standards.
If you are looking for exciting graphics and a good quality plate, we like World Industries plates. You can buy one for under $ 60, they have decent tires and mediocre axles and wheels, but they are a good example of an inexpensive skateboard that should serve you well at first and until you are ready to invest in a better board.