Skateboarding is a popular sport and hobby enjoyed by millions around the world. From beginners to professionals, every skateboarder experiences the excitement of gliding through the streets or mastering tricks in a skate park. Before you dive into this thrilling activity, one question you might have is “How much does a skateboard weigh?“
Understanding the weight of a skateboard is essential for both selecting the right equipment and assessing your own limitations in terms of strength and mobility.
The weight of a skateboard can vary greatly, depending on factors like the type of deck, the materials used, and the choice of wheels and trucks. In general, the average skateboard weight ranges from 7 to 10 pounds (3.2 to 4.5 kilograms).
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Generally speaking, a skateboard weighs around 4 to 10 pounds (1.8 to 4.5 kg). Standard skateboard weigh around 6 to 8 pounds (2.7 to 3.6 kg). Longboard weigh around 7 to 10 pounds (3.2 to 4.5 kg). Cruiser weigh about 4 to 7 pounds (1.8 to 3.2 kg).
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How Much Does a Skateboard Weigh?
The weight of a skateboard mainly depends on its size, components, and materials used. Generally speaking, a skateboard weighs around 4 to 10 pounds (3 to 4.5 kg). Let’s break it down by components so you have a better understanding:
- Deck: Skateboard decks are usually made of layers of plywood and can vary in size. On average, a deck weighs around 2 to 3 pounds (0.9 to 1.4 kg). Smaller decks will be lighter, while larger ones will be heavier.
- Trucks: Trucks are the metal pieces that attach the wheels to the deck. They come in different sizes and materials, which affects the weight. Typically, a pair of trucks weigh between 1 to 1.5 pounds (0.45 to 0.68 kg).
- Wheels: Skateboard wheels are made of urethane, and their weight also depends on their size and density. On average, four wheels together weigh around 0.5 to 1 pound (0.22 to 0.45 kg).
- Bearings: Bearings are small metal parts that help the wheels spin smoothly. Their weight is quite minimal, usually not more than 0.1 pounds (0.05 kg) for a set of eight.
- Hardware & Griptape: The nuts, bolts, and screws that hold everything together, as well as the griptape on the deck, contribute to the overall weight. Combined, they weigh around 0.4 pounds (0.18 kg).
Now, let’s look at the general weight scale of different skateboard types:
- Standard Skateboard: 6 to 8 pounds (2.7 to 3.6 kg)
- Longboard: 7 to 10 pounds (3.2 to 4.5 kg)
- Cruiser: 4 to 7 pounds (1.8 to 3.2 kg)
Factors Influencing Skateboard Weight
Material Choices
The materials used to construct your skateboard play a significant role in determining its overall weight. Common materials include:
- Wood: Most traditional skateboards are made from layers of plywood, usually maple, which provides a good balance of weight and durability.
- Plastic: Lightweight and inexpensive, plastic skateboards can be a good option for beginners or those on a budget. However, they might not offer the same level of performance and durability as wooden boards.
- Composite materials: Some skateboards use a combination of materials, such as wood, carbon fiber, or fiberglass, to balance weight and strength.
It’s important to consider your individual needs and preferences when selecting your skateboard’s material.
Skateboard Styles
Different skateboard styles and shapes also contribute to variations in weight:
- Street decks: These boards are typically lighter, with a more compact shape and narrow width, making them suitable for street skating and technical tricks.
- Cruisers: Cruisers tend to be somewhat heavier and have a wider deck, providing stability and comfort for longer rides or transportation purposes.
- Longboards: Longboards are the heaviest of the three styles, with a longer and wider deck. This added weight increases stability at high speeds and is well-suited for downhill riding or long-distance cruising.
Additional Accessories
Adding accessories to your skateboard can increase its overall weight. Some examples of popular skateboard accessories include:
- Skateboard hardware: Trucks, wheels, and bearings can differ in weight, depending on the material and size. Heavy-duty trucks and larger wheels will increase your skateboard’s weight, providing stability but potentially affecting maneuverability.
- Griptape: Thicker and coarser griptape can add some weight to your board but may offer better traction and control.
- Lights and safety gear: Attaching accessories like lights or slide gloves can provide added functionality and safety but will also impact your skateboard’s weight.
Weight Ranges for a Skateboard and its Components
Before purchasing or assembling your skateboard, it’s essential to know the average weight of its various components. This will help you choose the suitable parts for your skating preferences. To help you decide, we’ve compiled a table displaying the average weight ranges for a skateboard and its main components.
| Component | Weight range (lbs) |
|---|---|
| Complete Skateboard | 7.5 – 12 |
| Skateboard Deck | 2 – 5 |
| Trucks (Set of two) | 1 – 3 |
| Wheels (Set of four) | 0.5 – 1.2 |
| Bearings (Set of eight) | 0.1 – 0.3 |
| Griptape | 0.2 – 0.3 |
Remember that a skateboard deck’s weight greatly depends on its size and construction materials. A sturdier and more robust deck may weigh more, but it could offer extra stability for riders.
When selecting a skateboard’s trucks, it’s vital to consider your skating style and preferences. If you enjoy technical tricks, lighter trucks may be ideal for you, as they can provide more agility and maneuverability. However, heavier trucks may offer better stability for downhill or fast-paced skating.
Moving onto wheels, it’s essential to remember that they come in various styles, diameters, and materials. So the density and materials of skateboard wheels can influence their weight. Smaller wheels, often seen on street and technical skateboards, are usually lighter, while larger wheels for longboards are heavier.
Finally, bearings and griptape have a small impact on the overall weight of your skateboard. The difference in weight based on these components will rarely be noticeable when skating, but it’s important to be aware of their contribution to the total mass of your skateboard.
How Much Does a Skateboard Deck Weigh?
When you’re shopping for a skateboard, it’s important to consider the weight of the deck. A lighter skateboard deck makes it easier for you to perform tricks and maneuver, while a heavier one may provide more stability and durability. Skateboard decks generally weigh between 2 to 5 pounds (0.9 to 2.3 kilograms).
The weight of a skateboard deck can vary based on a few factors, such as the material used and the size of the deck. Skateboard decks are commonly made from wood, specifically Canadian maple.
This type of wood is known for its strength and stiffness, which contribute to the overall weight of the deck. Decks may also have additional features like colored layers or graphics, which can impact weight.
Skateboard deck sizes typically range from 7.5 to 8.5 inches (19 to 22 centimeters) in width, and the length can vary from 28 to 33 inches (71 to 84 centimeters). As you might expect, larger decks tend to weigh more than smaller ones.
Here’s a general guide to skateboard deck weights by size:
- 7.5 to 7.75 inches wide: Approximately 2 – 3 pounds (0.9 – 1.4 kg)
- 8 to 8.25 inches wide: Approximately 2.5 – 4 pounds (1.1 – 1.8 kg)
- 8.5 inches and up: Approximately 3 – 5 pounds (1.4 – 2.3 kg)
Remember that these are just rough estimates and the actual weight of a skateboard deck can vary depending on the brand and materials used. It’s always best to check with the manufacturer or retailer for the specific weight of the deck you’re interested in. Happy skating!
How Much Do Skateboard Trucks Weigh?
Skateboard trucks connect the wheels and bearings to the deck and are crucial to your skateboard setup. Have you ever wondered how much do skateboard trucks weigh? Here is some information to give you a better understanding.
The weight of skateboard trucks can vary depending on the brand, materials used, and size. On average, a single skateboard truck weighs around 10 to 22 ounces (280 to 625 grams). To give you an idea of how these weights compare, let’s examine the weight of some popular skateboard truck brands and models:
- Independent Trucks: Stage 11 Standard – 12.5 ounces (355 grams) each
- Thunder Trucks: Team Hollows – 11.1 ounces (315 grams) each
- Venture Trucks: V-Hollow Lights – 10.8 ounces (306 grams) each
Remember that the weight of your skateboard trucks will also be influenced by the materials used. Trucks typically have a mix of aluminum and steel components; however, some brands also use lightweight materials such as titanium or hollow axles to offer a lighter option.
Heavier trucks can generally provide increased stability, especially for those who enjoy riding faster or performing powerful tricks. On the other hand, lighter trucks may make it easier to perform flips and aerial maneuvers. So, the preferred truck weight will depend on your personal preferences and skateboarding style.
How Much Do Skateboard Wheels Weigh?
When it comes to skateboarding, every component of the skateboard plays a crucial role in its performance. One such important component is the wheels. As a skateboard enthusiast, you might be curious to know how much skateboard wheels weigh.
Generally, skateboard wheels weigh approximately 200-250 grams (0.44-0.55 pounds) for a set of four wheels. The weight varies depending on the size, material, and type of wheels you choose for your skateboard.
Choosing the right wheels for your skateboarding needs is essential for an enjoyable experience. Skateboard wheels come in various materials, but polyurethane is the most common. Polyurethane wheels are preferred for their perfect combination of grip and durability.
Skateboard wheels come in different sizes, typically ranging from 50mm to 60mm in diameter. Smaller wheels, around 50mm-53mm, are lighter and offer quicker acceleration, making them suitable for street skateboarding or technical tricks.
On the other hand, larger wheels, around 54mm-60mm, are heavier and provide higher top speeds, making them ideal for transition or cruising.
The hardness of the wheels, known as durometer, also impacts their weight. Softer wheels, around 78-87A, are slightly lighter and offer a smoother ride on rough surfaces. Meanwhile, harder wheels, around 88A-101A, are slightly heavier and provide better speed on smooth surfaces like parks.
How Much Do Skateboard Bearings Weigh?
When it comes to the weight of skateboard bearings, you’ll find that it’s a small but essential component that contributes to the overall weight of your skateboard. Generally, skateboard bearings weigh around 25 to 30 grams (0.88 to 1.06 ounces) per set.
Each skateboard has a total of eight bearings, with two bearings per wheel. This means that the total weight of the bearings on your skateboard is approximately 50 to 60 grams (1.76 to 2.12 ounces).
While this may not seem like much, it’s important to consider how the weight of each component adds up to achieve the ideal balance and performance of your skateboard.
Bearings are available with different materials and quality levels. Steel bearings, which are the most common, have a slightly heavier weight than ceramic bearings. On the other hand, ceramic bearings are lighter and provide a smoother ride; however, they are also more expensive. Here is a quick comparison of steel and ceramic bearings:
| Material | Weight per set (approx.) | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | 25-30 grams | Affordable, easily available, and durable | Slightly heavier, susceptible to rust |
| Ceramic | 20-25 grams | Lightweight, smooth ride, longer lifespan, rust-resistant | More expensive |
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Impact of Weight on Performance
Effect on Tricks
The weight can play a crucial role when performing tricks on a skateboard. A lighter skateboard is generally easier for you to manipulate, allowing you to perform flips, jumps, and other tricks with less effort.
You may find controlling the board easier and achieving greater movement precision. On the other hand, a heavier skateboard might require more energy to perform tricks, but can provide increased stability, especially when landing.
Impact on Speed
The weight of a skateboard can also influence your speed while riding. A lighter board can allow you to reach higher speeds with less effort, as there is less mass to propel forward.
However, it may be more susceptible to wind resistance and other external factors. In contrast, a heavier skateboard might take more effort to gain speed, but once you get going, it can maintain momentum better and be less affected by external forces.
Influence on Handling
Handling is another aspect of skateboard performance where weight plays a role. Steering and maneuvering around obstacles are smoother and more responsive with a lighter board.
Your turns can be sharper, and you can easily make quick adjustments. On the other hand, a heavier board typically offers more stability, which can be beneficial for beginners or during downhill runs, but may sacrifice some responsiveness in turns and quick maneuvers.
