The 30 best skateboarding brands
Independent, Birdhouse and Kryptonics lead our ranking of 30 skateboarding brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Skateboarding brands, ranked
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1
Independent
Independent truck company is a skateboard trucks manufacturer founded in 1978 when there were no quality skateboard trucks in the market. Owned by NHS inc., the company is based in Santa Cruz, California. To ensure the life and strength of the skateboards, the trucks are manufactured using high-quality alloy, high tensile alloy steel axles, and formula stock bushings. The company also has a wide range of clothing and accessories for you to choose from.
Website: independenttrucks.com |Brands like Independent
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Birdhouse
Tony Hawk and Per Welinder, both former Powell Peralta skateboarders, founded Birdhouse, an American skateboard company. Birdhouse sells complete boards, decks, parts and stickers, often with signature team designs and maple construction. Many boards are built around team riders and their designs.
Website: birdhouseskateboards.com |Brands like Birdhouse
Popularity 7.7/10
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3
Kryptonics
Krytonics is one of the leading brands dealing with skateboards, doing exceptionally well in the market. It is a US-based established brand. They aim to produce reliable, stylish, and secured skateboards. They stick to their rule to create innovative and funky products. It doesn't discriminate between genders or age groups, i.e., anyone, whether male or female, a child or an adult, can carry out its design. It also creates the skating accessories like helmets, elbow pads, and many more. Their price range is fair and affordable.
Website: kryptonics.com |Brands like Kryptonics
Popularity 7.4/10
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4
Blind
The greatest place to buy a skateboard online is Blind Skateboards. Thanks to the brand, riders of all ages and skill levels can discover their needs without breaking the bank. Decks, trucks, wheels, and clothes for men, women, and children are available. They provide the largest collection of skateboards, decks, trucks, wheels, and other skateboarding accessories. If you're seeking anything specific, they can assist you in locating it. The client service experts at Blind will help you find any details you desire.
Popularity 6.1/10
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5
AIRWALK
Shoes are an essential aspect of any outfit. They can turn an outfit around, and it's like stepping on clouds when paired with comfort. Somewhere along the way, the importance of proper shoes was lost in translation but not with Airwalk. They offer a wide variety of sustainable and durable shoes for men and women in unique patterns and colors for all sizes. Tailored for individual needs, these shoes outshine all the others. They also provide apparel and essential accessories.
Website: airwalk.com |Brands like AIRWALK
Popularity 5.3/10
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6
Sector 9
A group of friends used to hang out in a La Jolla backyard in 1993. A friend used to call the group 9balls and their hangout spot Sector 9. The gang needed a logo for some replacement skateboard boards when they decided that Sector 9 sounded catchy. And so, the name stuck. The basis of the company is to realize the raw feeling of skateboarding into their products, which they did successfully.
Website: sector9.com |Brands like Sector 9
Popularity 3.7/10
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7
Black Label
Most people prefer skating over any other outdoor activity for their pastime or playtime, and for that, they are always searching for suitable skateboards. One of the producers and manufacturers of skateboards and related stuff in the market is Black Label. It comes up with creative designs and artistic work on stylish skateboards. The wheels used in the skateboards are smooth functioning and can generate necessary friction. They ensure that the overall quality is high and worthy of spending the money.
Popularity 3.4/10
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8
Madrid
Madrid Skateboards was founded by the Madrid brothers at a time when efficient and reliable skateboards were not widely available on the market. Their innovation and vision of creating skateboards that parallel the thrill and adrenaline rush of the sport resulted in a series of highly popular and successful collaborations with celebrities and film franchises to popularise the art of skateboarding. Their products and accessories remain an all-time favorite with beginners and professional skateboarders.
Website: madridskateboards.com |Brands like Madrid
Popularity 3.0/10
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9
Z-Flex
Z-Flex is well-versed in the skateboarding and strong inline skating industries. They recently converted our business to entirely internet sales due to the success of their web store, which has many satisfied returning customers from around the world. That has...
Website: zflex.com |Brands like Z-Flex
Popularity 2.9/10
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10
Real Skateboards
Skateboarding as a sport is thrilling and exciting, rousing the body and mind to an unbelievable rush of adrenaline. At Real Skateboards, the needs of every skateboarder are catered to with their range of professional-grade skateboards. Crafted with expert guidance...
Website: realskateboards.com |Brands like Real Skateboards
Popularity 2.7/10
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11
DGK
DGK produces skateboard decks and streetwear from Carlsbad, California, founded in 1994 by pro skateboarder Dustin Keegan. The brand is recognized for its HollowTech construction. Its apparel for men and kids keeps the same skate-focused look.
Website: dgkallday.com |Brands like DGK
Popularity 2.6/10
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12
Landyachtz
Landyachtz is a leading brand in the consumer and retail industry. The minimalistic brand caters to individuals who love adventure and fun and offers products to enhance their experience. Their extensive product collection incorporates artistic skateboards, smooth cruisers, racing and...
Website: landyachtz.com |Brands like Landyachtz
Popularity 2.6/10
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13
Roller Derby
Roller Derby, an American producer and distributor of sports products, was established in 1936 by Oscar Seltzer and had its headquarters in Litchfield, Illinois. It specializes in inline, ice hockey, and skating accessories. The company is the biggest skate producer...
Website: rollerderby.com |Brands like Roller Derby
Popularity 2.2/10
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14
Toy Machine
Toy Machine is rooted in skateboarding, and its decks feature cartoon faces, aliens and bold graphics. Each board is made from seven-ply maple. Beyond boards, the company offers crew socks and skate clothing that match its street style.
Website: toymachine.com |Brands like Toy Machine
Popularity 2.2/10
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15
Valterra
Valterra Products has a long service history in the RV, pool, spa, and plumbing sectors. As a family-owned business, they understand their customers' demands and desire to provide value-added items that surpass their expectations. Their product ranges are continually developing...
Website: valterra.com |Brands like Valterra
Popularity 2.2/10
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16
Santa Cruz
Skateboard decks, stickers and screen-printed shirts give Santa Cruz its look, built around its Screaming Hand logo. The American skate brand also sells men's clothing, so the same graphics carry from the deck to the wardrobe. Skateboarders and fans of...
Popularity 2.1/10
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17
Plan B
Planners are the perfect instrument to keep yourself organized and note the essential things. Plan B provides smartly made planners for various purposes and professions. With Plan B, you can purchase a teacher planner, pregnancy planner, and other accessories like...
Popularity 1.8/10
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18
Renner
Skate your way through life with Renner Skateboards. The series of products the company has launched with sturdy designs and mechanisms are meant to be tough and durable. Visit their website and browse through their gallery to see users live...
Website: rennerskateboards.com |Brands like Renner
Popularity 1.6/10
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19
Darkstar
Exotic leather is worth a luxury, which is what a brand, Dark Star Leather, ensures to its customers. It believes that leather is an art itself. One can perform creativity and artistry on exotic leather. They design and create several...
Popularity 1.6/10
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20
Caliber
Caliber designs snowmobile and marine trailer accessories, including glides, ramps, traction ladders and clamps for loading sleds and watercraft. Its FlexGlides guide a snowmobile in and out of a trailer without the rider leaving the seat. The company's trailer accessories...
Popularity 1.6/10
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21
Makaha
Founded in 1963 by Larry Stevenston and his family, who was skateboarding’s first family, MAKAHA is a company that manufactures skateboards for professionals and amateurs. The company was the first to create the surfboard-shaped skateboard and has been manufacturing the...
Website: makahaskateboards.com |Brands like Makaha
Popularity 1.6/10
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22
Chocolate
Chocolate is a blessing to humankind. Chocolate Vault is known to deal with the services related to making and selling good-quality chocolate to different customers. You can get chocolate in a variety of shapes here. You can order any shape...
Website: ocalesit.com |Brands like Chocolate
Popularity 1.4/10
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23
Hobie
Not merely creating toys, Hobie has developed a way of life. A life based upon fun and water, but not leaving any quality out of the equation. Since 1950 they have been catering the best to watermen and women. All...
Website: hobie.com |Brands like Hobie
Popularity 1.4/10
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24
Zoo York
The 1970s in New York saw the rise of a particular gang of skateboarding graffiti artists going by the name ‘The Soul Artists of Zoo York.’ They spray-painted subways and other public structures. In 1993, their Californian successors made the...
Website: zooyork.com |Brands like Zoo York
Popularity 1.4/10
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25
Razor
Razor has been creating rides for kids since the year of 2003. They devote themselves to crafting the perfect rider for a kid. Razor is well known for producing kick scooters and skateboards. They have recently added caster boards and...
Website: razor.com |Brands like Razor
Popularity 1.4/10
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26
ACS
Established in 1994, ACS is a manufacturer of hearing aids. It is considered the most trusted by pharmacies and professional doctors around the world for earplugs and other devices for hearing. Their products are upgraded constantly to suit the evolving...
Website: acscustom.com |Brands like ACS
Popularity 1.4/10
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27
Enjoi
Enoji is a skateboarding rand that manufactures clothing and skateboarding accessories. They have made their mark by creating satirical designs, and their logo, a stylized panda, is well known. The company was set up in 2000 by a professional skateboarder,...
Website: enjoico.com |Brands like Enjoi
Popularity 1.4/10
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28
Paris Trucks
Do you need your handlebars, seat posts, or handlebars replaced? Then again, maybe you're only looking for a few lights, Covers, or an overhaul kit to get your vehicle running again after a few months on the shelf. Paris Trucks...
Website: paristruckco.com |Brands like Paris Trucks
Popularity 1.3/10
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29
Logan
Logan Earth Ski was established in 1975. It manufactures high-quality skateboards for kids and skateboard enthusiasts. The brand is committed to the best quality material for manufacturing its authentic skateboards. It seemed more focused on the tournaments and championships through...
Popularity 1.3/10
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30
Orangatang
As a Loaded Boards, Inc. division, Orangatang Wheels works to make its website accessible. They are dedicated to serving all their clients, including those with impairments, and promoting diversity and inclusion. This company's website is continuously being improved to make...
Website: orangatangwheels.com |Brands like Orangatang
Popularity 1.3/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independent | independenttrucks.com | /independenttrucks | independenttrucks | @Indy_Trucks | – |
| Birdhouse | birdhouseskateboards.com | /BirdhouseSkateboards | birdhouseskateboards | @birdhouse | BirdhouseSkateVideos |
| Kryptonics | kryptonics.com | /kryptonicswheels | kryptonics | – | – |
| AIRWALK | airwalk.com | /airwalk | airwalk | @airwalk_online | AirwalkOnline |
| Sector 9 | sector9.com | /sector9 | sector9 | @Sector9 | Sector9Media |
| Madrid | madridskateboards.com | /MadridSkateboardsUSA | madridskateboards | @madridskate | MadridDownhill |
| Z-Flex | zflex.com | /zflexskateboards | zflexskateboards | – | – |
| Real Skateboards | realskateboards.com | /realskateboards | – | @realskateboards | – |
Skateboarding Buying Guide
Introduction
Skateboarding is a popular and exciting sport enjoyed by individuals of all ages around the world. Whether it’s cruising the streets, hitting skateparks, or simply learning tricks, skateboarding is an activity that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of skill level or experience. However, choosing the right skateboard can be a daunting task, especially if you’re a beginner. This skateboarding buying guide is designed to help you make an informed decision when choosing a skateboard that fits your needs and budget.
Types of Skateboards
There are many types of skateboards available on the market today. Here are the most common types:
- Street Skateboards – This type of skateboard is designed for street skating and tricks. Street skateboards are typically smaller than other types of skateboards, which makes them more agile and responsive.
- Cruiser Skateboards – Cruiser skateboards are designed for cruising around town, commuting, or simply relaxing. They are typically wider and longer than street skateboards, which makes them more stable and easier to balance on.
- Longboards – Longboards are designed for cruising and carving. They are typically longer than other types of skateboards, which provides more stability and easier maneuverability.
- Old School Skateboards – Old school skateboards are designed to mimic the style and design of skateboards from the 70s and 80s. They are typically wider, with a blunt nose and tail.
Skateboard Components
A skateboard is made up of several components, each of which serves a specific purpose. Understanding the different components of a skateboard can help you make an informed decision when purchasing a skateboard. Here are the most common skateboard components:
Deck
The deck is the flat, usually wooden, board that you stand on while skateboarding. Decks come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. The most common material used for decks is maple wood, which is very durable and provides a good balance of strength and flexibility. Other materials used for decks include bamboo and carbon fiber.
Trucks
Trucks are the metal T-shaped part of the skateboard that attaches to the deck and holds the wheels. Trucks are made up of several components, including the baseplate, kingpin, hanger, and bushings. The width of the trucks should match the width of the deck. Trucks come in a variety of sizes and materials, each of which affects the performance of the skateboard. More expensive trucks are typically made from higher-quality materials and offer improved performance.
Wheels
Wheels come in a variety of sizes and hardness levels, each of which affects the performance of the skateboard. Larger wheels provide a smoother ride and are better for cruising, while smaller wheels are better for tricks and street skating. Softer wheels provide more grip, which is useful for cruising and carving, while harder wheels provide less grip but are better for tricks and slides.
Bearings
Bearings are small metal cylinders that sit inside the wheels and allow them to spin. Higher-quality bearings spin faster and more smoothly, which can improve the performance of the skateboard. Bearings are rated on the ABEC scale, with higher numbers indicating higher quality bearings. However, the ABEC rating is not always an accurate indicator of bearing quality, and many skateboarders prefer lower-rated bearings that provide a smoother ride.
Choosing the Right Skateboard
Choosing the right skateboard depends on several factors, including your skill level, riding style, and budget. Here are the most important factors to consider when choosing a skateboard:
Skill Level
If you’re a beginner or just getting started with skateboarding, it’s important to choose a skateboard that is easy to ride and provides good stability. Cruiser skateboards are a good option for beginners, as they are wider and more stable than other types of skateboards.
Riding Style
Your riding style is another important factor to consider when choosing a skateboard. If you’re interested in tricks and street skating, a street skateboard is a good choice. If you’re interested in cruising, commuting, or carving, a cruiser or longboard is a better choice.
Deck Size
The size of the deck is another important factor to consider when choosing a skateboard. The width of the deck should match the width of your feet, and the length of the deck should match your height. However, personal preference also plays a role in choosing the right deck size. If you’re a beginner, a wider deck can provide better stability and balance, while a narrower deck can provide better maneuverability.
Truck Size
The size of the trucks should match the width of the deck. If the trucks are too wide or too narrow, it can affect the performance of the skateboard. However, personal preference also plays a role in choosing the right truck size. If you’re interested in cruising, larger trucks can provide better stability, while smaller trucks are better for tricks and street skating.
Wheel Size and Hardness
The size and hardness of the wheels are important factors to consider when choosing a skateboard. If you’re interested in cruising, larger and softer wheels provide a smoother ride. If you’re interested in tricks and street skating, smaller and harder wheels are better. However, personal preference also plays a role in choosing the right wheel size and hardness.
Bearing Quality
Bearing quality affects the performance of the skateboard. Higher-quality bearings spin faster and more smoothly, which can improve the performance of the skateboard. However, higher-quality bearings are also more expensive. If you’re a beginner or just getting started with skateboarding, lower-rated bearings can provide a smoother ride at a lower cost.
Budget
Finally, your budget is an important factor to consider when choosing a skateboard. Skateboards range in price from less than $50 to more than $500. If you’re a beginner or just getting started with skateboarding, a lower-priced skateboard can provide a good balance of performance and affordability. If you’re an experienced skateboarder or interested in high-performance skateboarding, a more expensive skateboard may be a better choice.
Conclusion
Choosing the right skateboard can be a daunting task, especially if you’re a beginner. However, understanding the different types of skateboards and skateboard components can help you make an informed decision when purchasing a skateboard. When choosing a skateboard, consider your skill level, riding style, budget, and personal preferences. With the right skateboard, you can enjoy the exciting and rewarding sport of skateboarding and improve your skills and confidence over time.
