Free Sample
The Complete Handbook of Skateboard Parts
Essential Knowledge for Skaters, Shops, and Builders
by Alumigogo Books
Chapter 1: Understanding Skateboard Parts
Skateboard parts are mechanical and material components that perform specific functions. They are not fashion accessories, and they are not interchangeable. A bearing rated ABEC 7 spins differently than one rated ABEC 1. A bushing with a durometer of 90a behaves differently under load than one rated 95a. A wheel with a contact patch of 55 millimeters provides different grip and roll speed than one with a 48-millimeter patch. These differences are measurable, repeatable, and consequential.
Understanding skateboard parts means understanding what each component actually does, what its specifications mean in practice, and why choosing one part over another matters for how the board performs, how long it lasts, and whether it will work safely for a specific rider and riding style. This is not about brand preference or aesthetic choice. It is about function and specification.
What Skateboard Parts Are
A complete skateboard consists of six major systems: the deck, wheels, bearings, trucks, hardware, and grip tape. Each system includes multiple parts with measurable specifications that affect performance. When people refer to "skateboard parts," they typically mean all of these components—the replaceable and repairable pieces that make a skateboard functional.
The deck is the platform you stand on. It is typically made from seven plies of maple veneer laminated together with adhesive. The deck provides structural rigidity, determines the board's length and width, and creates the shape (kicktail, concave, wheelbase) that affects how the board feels when you ride it. Decks wear out through