Skateboarding

Top Skateboarding Gear & Where to Buy It in the US — Decks, Electric Kits, and Pro Tips

Why picking the right skateboard matters more than you think

If you’ve ever stood in a skate shop staring at a wall of decks and felt overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Your skateboard is more than a platform with wheels — it’s an extension of your style, your balance, and how you want to ride. Choose the wrong width or a deck with the wrong concave, and tricks feel sloppy, or cruising becomes a chore. Pick wisely, and the board becomes almost like a pair of favorite shoes: it fits, supports, and makes you better without thinking about it.

Drestige: curated decks with bold graphics

Drestige offers a range of eye-catching decks that appeal to skaters looking for personality as much as performance. Models like the Platinum Deck X 2pac Black and the Rodriguez Shine Deck X 2pac Gold bring graphic-forward aesthetics that stand out at the park. For riders who like a bit of attitude, decks such as the Lord Nermal Fuchsia have a playful, rebellious flair, while options like the G1 Nature Walk Assembled Skateboard are ready-to-ride for beginners who want a solid build straight out of the box.

Top Drestige picks to consider

If you want a versatile all-around deck, look for something between 8.0 and 8.5 inches wide. The Platinum Deck X 2pac Black is likely to fall in that sweet spot. For skaters who favor transition or vert, consider slightly wider boards — think 8.5 to 9.0 inches. The Rodriguez Shine and Mapping Dirty P Team Decks lean into unique graphics with solid construction, perfect for skaters who want to stand out while still getting predictable pop and control.

Walmart: budget options, custom decks, and electric upgrade kits

Walmart is often where casual riders and families start. You’ll find affordable options like the Custom Skateboard Deck in an 8.50-inch width — a comfortable size for many skaters, offering a good balance between stability and trick-friendly maneuverability. Beyond basic decks, Walmart stocks items that surprise people: parts and even electric skateboard drive kits that let you convert a regular deck into an electric cruiser.

Electric conversion kits and DIY options

For people curious about electrifying their setup, kits such as the M6 Drive Kit Electric Skateboard DIY Kit make it possible to add motorized power to your favorite deck. These kits typically attach to the underside of a conventional longboard or skateboard and can be installed in a matter of minutes with basic tools. If you're the DIY type, this is a fun way to get the speed and range of an electric board without buying a full prebuilt model.

How to choose the right deck width and shape

Deck width is one of the simplest yet most impactful choices. Want to ollie and flip? Aim for 7.5 to 8.25 inches if you’re smaller or prefer quick flicks. Prefer cruising or skating bowls? Jump to 8.5 inches and above for stability and surface area. Think of width like shoe width — too narrow and you slip, too wide and your foot feels stuck. Matching deck width with truck axle width is also crucial: trucks should be within about a quarter-inch of the deck width for proper board feel.

Length and wheelbase: the unsung heroes

Length and wheelbase affect how the board turns and feels underfoot. A shorter wheelbase (distance between the trucks) gives quicker steering and snappier tricks, while a longer wheelbase smooths out turns, great for cruising or downhill runs. Expressed in inches, most street decks fall between 28 and 33 inches long, while longboards can stretch two to four feet depending on design and purpose.

Where else to shop in the US for quality skate gear

Beyond Drestige and Walmart, the US is full of retailers that cater to different skater types. Zumiez and CCS are staples for streetwear and board parts, Skate Warehouse and Tactics focus heavily on performance hardware and a deep selection of decks and wheels, and local skate shops often provide the best hands-on advice and community vibe. If you want to browse a huge inventory and compare parts, online specialists usually let you mix and match components to build the exact setup you want.

Specialty stores vs. big-box retailers — pros and cons

Big-box stores like Walmart are unbeatable for value and convenience, especially if you need a deck fast or want to experiment without a big investment. Specialty shops, on the other hand, offer curated selections, higher-end bearings and wheels, and expert staff who can guide your choices. Think of big boxes as a solid pair of sneakers you buy at the mall, while specialty shops are the boutique where the staff remembers your name and the exact shoe size you liked.

Electric skateboards: kits, complete boards, and safety considerations

Electric skateboards have exploded in popularity. You can buy full electric boards with integrated batteries and motors, or retrofit an old deck with a kit like the M6 Drive Kit. When you go electric, prioritize battery quality, reliable brakes (or regenerative braking), and a remote control that feels intuitive. Range is typically measured in miles, and speed can vary widely — pick what fits the terrain and local laws where you ride.

Buying tips for electric setups

Always check the kit’s compatibility with your deck and trucks. Motor torque, battery amp output, and weight all matter. If you commute, aim for a range that easily covers your round trip with a margin — think in miles rather than minutes. For steep hills, torque is more important than top speed. And remember: protective gear is non-negotiable when you add speed to the equation.

Essential accessories: trucks, wheels, bearings, and hardware

After the deck, trucks and wheels shape your entire ride. Trucks come in widths that align with deck size — match them carefully. Wheels are rated in millimeters by the industry, but you can think of common street wheels as roughly 1.8 to 2.5 inches across, while cruiser or longboard wheels might be 2.4 to 3.1 inches. Softer wheels help on rough streets; harder wheels slide easily on smooth surfaces. Bearings are the unsung speed masters: precision-rated bearings spin smoother and last longer, making a small investment that can noticeably improve roll.

Assembly basics for beginners

Building a skateboard is like making a sandwich: once you know the order, it’s easy. Mount the trucks to the deck using hardware, install bearings in the wheels, slide the wheels onto the truck axles, and tighten the axle nuts. Don’t overtighten; you want wheels to spin freely while avoiding wobble. If you’re using an electric kit, follow manufacturer instructions closely and test everything at low speeds before riding normally.

Maintenance that keeps your board rolling

Skateboards demand a little TLC: clean bearings every few weeks if you ride regularly, swap wheels when they show flat spots, and check hardware for loose bolts. If your deck shows serious cracks near the truck holes or a large compression dent, it’s time to replace it — safety first. For electric setups, pay close attention to battery care: avoid deep discharges, store the battery at moderate charge, and keep it dry and cool when not in use to extend lifespan.

Quick troubleshooting tips

If your board wobbles at speed, tighten your trucks incrementally or consider different durometer bushings. If bearings feel gritty, remove them, clean them with a fast solvent, re-lube with bearing oil, and reinstall. For electric drive kits that lose power, check the battery charge, connections, and the remote’s calibration before assuming the motor is faulty.

How to pick between assembled boards and custom builds

Assembled boards are fantastic for beginners or people who want something that works out of the box — no fuss, just ride. Custom builds let you tailor every part: deck width, truck brand, wheel size, and bearing quality. If you’re chasing a specific feel or want to upgrade over time, start with a decent deck and swap parts as your skills progress. It’s like upgrading components on a bike — you don’t need everything top-of-the-line at first, but having a plan helps.

Budgeting your setup

On a tight budget, prioritize a good deck and durable trucks. Mid-range bearings and wheels can come next. If you’re eyeing electric conversion, factor the kit cost plus any professional installation if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself. A realistic budget for a solid starter setup is often under two hundred dollars for a complete assembled board, but electric kits and high-end components will push that number higher depending on specifications.

Learning resources and local community tips

Want to get better fast? Skate parks, local meetups, and online tutorials are gold. Watch videos to study foot placement and timing, then hit the park to practice what you see. Local skate shops often host clinics or can point you to groups that ride regularly. Community is one of skateboarding’s best perks — someone will always share tips on gear and technique if you ask.

Safety gear that actually matters

Helmets, wrist guards, and knee pads are worth their weight in confidence — literally and figuratively. If you’re trying new tricks or going electric, wear a helmet every time. Protective gear helps you push your limits while lowering the injury risk, so you can learn faster and get back out the next day.

Whether you’re shopping Drestige decks for the art and feel, grabbing a practical Custom Skateboard Deck from Walmart, or hunting through specialty stores for that perfect wheel-durometer, options exist for every rider and budget. Consider your goals — tricks, cruising, downhill, or commuting — and choose parts accordingly. With a little knowledge and the right gear, skateboarding becomes more rewarding and more fun.

Conclusion: Skateboarding is as much about expression as it is about physics. From deck width and truck setup to the choice between a budget board or a premium custom build, every decision affects your ride. Use retailers wisely — big-box stores for convenience and value, specialty shops for expertise and curated gear — and don’t forget to maintain your equipment so it lasts. Now grab your helmet, find a patch of smooth pavement, and enjoy the ride.