Getting back into skateboarding or starting fresh can be an exciting journey, but figuring out the right setup can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable cruiser or a trick-ready board, this guide will break down the options, from custom builds to pre-assembled completes, and help you choose the best skateboard for your needs. We’ll cover various setups, including cruisers, trick boards, and longboards, ensuring you have all the information to make an informed decision.
Skateboard Setup for Cruising and Tricks
Custom cruiser trick skateboard setupA versatile setup that blends cruising comfort with trick capabilities is an excellent choice for many adults. This type of board, like the one pictured, is great for those getting back into skateboarding or beginners who want to learn to ride and perform basic tricks. It’s designed to be fast and comfortable on various surfaces, even rough roads, while still allowing for ollies and shove-its. The key to this setup is the balanced components that provide both stability and responsiveness.
The 80A 56mm Bones Rough Rider wheels are ideal for this setup, as they are soft enough to handle rough terrain, yet hard enough for tricks. While a bit more bouncy than harder wheels like 99A 53 Spitfire Classics, they offer excellent grip, making them suitable for both cruising and even riding slippery bowls.
Custom cruiser trick setup close upTrucks are crucial for carving, so consider options like Independent trucks, Venture Trucks (high), Ace Classics, or Paris Street trucks. In this particular setup, GrindKing trucks were used, which offer a very loose feel. For bearings, Bronson Raws are a fast option, though they are known to be a bit noisy. If you prefer a quieter ride with similar speed, Bronson G3’s or Zealous bearings could be alternatives. The deck size, in this case, is 8.5 inches, which is a great balance for bowls, cruising, and performing ollies. However, keep in mind that performing kickflips on this wider deck might require a bit more effort than on a narrower board.
Full Specs:
- Deck: 8.5-inch (choose your preferred brand)
- Trucks: Independent 149, Venture, Ace, or similar (ensure they fit the deck width)
- Wheels: Bones Rough Riders 80A/56mm
- Bearings: Bronson Raws or Bronson G3
- Grip Tape: Jessup or similar
- Hardware: 7/8″ to assemble trucks
Skateboard Setup for Tricks
Street skateboard setupFor experienced skateboarders returning to the sport, a traditional street setup focuses on performance and responsiveness. This setup is built with harder wheels and a more “poppy” deck, allowing you to execute advanced tricks. The options for customization are virtually endless, but a reliable starting point would be to choose a deck around 8.25″ wide. Combine that with trucks from Thunder or Independent, which are great for their durability and response. You’ll also need hard, smaller wheels to execute tricks properly; Bones STF 53mm wheels, Spitfire Classics, or Mini Logo wheels (which are a great budget choice) would be ideal. This is your go-to setup if you are focused on tricks and technical street skating.
Old School Cruiser Skateboard Setup
Old school skateboard decksOld school decks have made a huge comeback, and for good reason. Beyond the nostalgia factor, these decks offer exceptional stability and comfort, making them great for cruising. They typically are around 10″ wide, providing ample foot space. For trucks, Paris 169 trucks (9″) or Independent stage 11, 215 trucks are a good match. Keep in mind that Paris 169 trucks often come with very stiff bushings, so you might want to consider replacing those for a smoother ride.
Old school skateboard partsWheel choice depends on your preference, if you’re looking for a smooth ride, refer to our guide on best skateboard wheels for cruising. For something versatile, Bones Rough Riders between 56mm and 64mm are an excellent option. Larger wheels help to reduce the need for frequent pushing and deal with rough terrain more effectively. Pair your setup with Bronson G3 or Raw bearings for speed and durability, and add rails to complete the old-school aesthetic and function.
This setup showcases the versatility of old-school boards. In this example, a Mike Vallely Elephant reissue deck is paired with Paris Street 169 trucks, Venom Thug Life Six-Fours 64mm/78A wheels, and Bones Super Swiss bearings, among other components. This configuration delivers a smooth, stable ride, perfect for cruising and enjoying a bit of retro style.
- Deck: Mike Vallely Elephant reissue deck (including rails)
- Trucks: Paris Street trucks 169 (consider replacing bushings)
- Wheels: Venom Thug Life Six-Fours 64mm/78A
- Bearings: Bones Super Swiss
- Hardware: 1 1/8″ hardware from Fireball Co Supply
- Shock Pads: 1/8″
- Grip Tape: 10″
Mini Cruiser for a Smooth Ride
For beginners seeking comfort, a mini cruiser is an excellent option. These boards are designed for smooth, comfortable rides with options ranging from fast and nimble to more relaxed.
Landyachtz Tugboat Captain
Landyachtz tugboat cruiser skateboardThe Landyachtz Tugboat Captain is a popular entry-level option with a notable steep concave, providing a secure and responsive feel when riding. This makes it easy to navigate and handle. This board is very fast, easy to carry around, and roughly the same length as a standard skateboard but with more width. The 10-inch width offers great foot placement, though the concave reduces the space compared to flatter boards. The Tugboat is versatile, allowing for both cruising and tricks, and is well-suited for heavier riders or those with larger feet. While the stock bearings and wheels might not be the best, they still perform adequately, and can be replaced with options like Bronson G3’s/RAW bearings and OJ Super Juice wheels (60mm) for an enhanced ride. For more detailed information, check out our LY Tugboat review.
Arbor Oso
Arbor Oso Foundation bottom viewThe Arbor Oso offers a more laid-back riding experience compared to the Tugboat. It prioritizes stability and comfort, featuring Bogart wheels, which are considered a high-quality budget option. The bearings, while decent, could be upgraded for better performance, however, they do perform better than the spaceball bearings. The board is equipped with high-quality Paris Street trucks, although the bushings might be a bit soft for some riders. It handles varied surfaces like grass, pebbles, and even gravel with ease. With its wide platform and a large kicktail, this board lets you hop over curbs, perform some basic tricks, and enjoy a comfortable, stable ride. Despite being a little heavy, it remains a great choice for comfortable cruising.
Longboard Setups for Adults
When considering longboards, it’s important to remember that while these boards may come with a higher price tag, they often offer superior performance and construction. Brands like Pantheon and Bustin frequently outshine more mainstream brands in terms of build quality.
Pantheon Pranayama
Pantheon-Pranayama-top-viewThe Pantheon Pranayama is the ideal commuter board designed for long distances. This longboard is incredibly low to the ground, which significantly improves balance, making it a great choice for beginners. Although it’s only 31″ long, the board offers an exceptionally large standing platform, feeling much bigger than its dimensions suggest. The Pranayama is built to avoid wheelbite and improve pushing efficiency. This board isn’t just suitable for beginners, it is also enjoyed by many experienced riders. For more details, check out our Pantheon Pranayama review.
Bustin Maestro
Bustin Maestro longboardThe Bustin Maestro is another excellent option for adults, known for its carving capabilities and low ride height, making it perfect for beginners. The board is designed to teach new riders the basics, including balance, pushing, and braking. Although the Maestro is a highly recommended board, it does have a few limitations, which are covered in detail in the Bustin Maestro review.
A Few Tips for Adult Skaters
If you’re new to skateboarding, it’s important to start slowly with the basics. Look up tutorials, wear protective gear, and always keep your phone with you for emergencies. Choosing softer wheels and wider decks makes a significant difference, making your initial experiences much more forgiving and enjoyable. Don’t feel pressured to buy the most expensive gear right away; you can always upgrade as you progress. For more technical skating, harder, smaller wheels may be beneficial. Taking breaks when skating is essential, and be sure to wear the correct shoes. It’s best to avoid crowded areas until you’ve developed sufficient skill. Enjoy the ride!
Ruben Vee
I’m an experienced skateboarder who still enjoys shredding. I started skateboarding 25 years ago, reached my peak in the 2000’s, and still ride today. I have a strong passion for skateboard gear, and I love testing new products and sharing my experience with others.
Our editorial process ensures that all content is high-quality and fact-checked. If you spot any inaccuracies, please let us know at feedback@skateboardershq.com, so we can take immediate action.
SkateboardersHQ is an independent blog, we do not accept paid product promotions. We are currently rebranding and moving to RippedLaces.
