Is your skateboard feeling sluggish? Do you find yourself working harder to maintain speed? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, optimizing your setup for speed is crucial for a more enjoyable experience. This guide will explore nine effective methods to boost your skateboard’s speed, covering everything from gear maintenance to riding techniques.
Optimizing Your Skateboard for Speed
Achieving optimal skateboard speed involves several factors. While some might consider purchasing new equipment immediately, it’s essential to understand the nuances of each component. For instance, while harder wheels provide speed on smooth surfaces, they can hinder performance on rougher terrains. Similarly, while quality bearings are beneficial, ceramic bearings may not offer the value some expect. Let’s dive into the specifics.
1. Maintain Your Bearings Properly
Close-up of old, rusty skateboard bearings
The condition of your skateboard bearings significantly affects your speed. Even the best wheels won’t perform well with rusty, poorly maintained bearings. Regular maintenance is key to keeping them rolling smoothly. Dust, dirt, and moisture can all contribute to bearing deterioration. Ideally, clean your bearings regularly, especially after riding in wet or dusty environments. To clean your bearings, remove them from the wheels and carefully detach the shields using a thumbtack if necessary. Submerge the bearings in isopropyl alcohol or nail polish remover for about 15 minutes. Shake the container to remove dirt, then dry the bearings thoroughly. Apply a few drops of silicon lubricant, such as Bones Speed Cream, to ensure smooth operation. Regular cleaning might be necessary once you’ve cleaned your bearings for the first time, as the alcohol removes the grease.
2. Opt for Larger Wheels
Wheel size significantly impacts your skateboard’s speed. Larger wheels require less rotation to cover a distance, thus enhancing speed. Smaller wheels are ideal for technical street skating (48-53mm), while larger wheels (56-60mm and up) are preferable for cruising and achieving greater speed. Larger wheels have more leverage against the truck axles, reducing friction and enabling the wheel to roll further with each rotation.
A graphic showing how skateboard wheel size affects speed and acceleration
Think of it like the difference between a BMX bike (small wheels, fast acceleration, lower top speed) and a mountain bike (larger wheels, slower acceleration, higher top speed). While larger wheels boost speed, they may not be ideal for technical tricks. Consider the type of skateboarding you primarily do before making changes. For street skaters, even a small increase from 49mm to 53mm can have a significant impact.
3. Invest in Quality Bearings
While ceramic bearings may seem appealing, they don’t always provide a proportional boost in speed. Instead, focus on reputable brands like Bones or Bronson. Avoid no-name bearings priced under $10, as they tend to wear out quickly. Quality bearings offer superior longevity and durability, maintaining speed for a longer time compared to cheaper alternatives.
A collection of various high quality skateboard bearings
Brands like Bones Super Swiss or Bronson G3 are designed to withstand impacts and require less maintenance, making them a better investment over time. While new bearings are always fast initially, their ability to maintain speed varies greatly depending on quality.
4. Choose Harder Wheels for Smooth Surfaces
Wheel hardness plays a critical role in speed, particularly on concrete skate parks or other smooth surfaces. Harder wheels, such as Bones SPF 84B, offer less grip and roll faster. Softer wheels provide more grip, which is better on rougher surfaces.
Close-up of OJ Hardline skateboard wheels
A wheel hardness of 99A is a good middle ground for both skate parks and slightly rough surfaces, offering the right balance of speed and grip. The key is to experiment and find the optimal balance for your specific needs.
5. Seek Smoother Riding Surfaces
The surface you ride on significantly affects your skateboard’s speed. Rough, gritty asphalt will cause excessive vibration and slow you down, regardless of your setup. Smoother surfaces, like concrete skate parks, will allow your skateboard to roll with less resistance. If you’re stuck with rough roads, softer wheels can absorb the vibrations and enhance speed.
6. Refine Your Pushing Technique
Your pushing technique can make a difference. Improper technique, such as mongo pushing, can compromise balance and acceleration. Push efficiently by using the front part of your foot to propel you forward, rather than stomping the ground with your entire foot. Avoid placing excessive weight on your pushing foot.
7. Master the Art of Pumping
For transition skaters, pumping is essential for maintaining speed and momentum. Bend your knees when hitting the transition’s sweet spot and extend them to generate speed. This requires timing and practice, but it can significantly boost your speed on ramps, bowls, and transitions. Practice on smaller features first before progressing to more challenging ones.
8. Consider Removing Bearing Shields (With Caution)
Some skaters remove the shields from their bearings to reduce friction. If the shields are bent inwards, removing them can potentially increase speed by preventing rubbing against the ball bearings. However, this makes your bearings more susceptible to dirt and debris, requiring more frequent cleaning. Remove the shields if they are causing friction, otherwise keep them on for more protection.
9. Don’t Over-Tighten Axle Nuts
Image showing how to properly attach wheels to truck axles
Ensure your wheels can spin freely. Over-tightening the axle nut causes friction and slows your board down. Use speed washers between the bearing and the axle nut to minimize friction. Spacers between the bearings will also prevent crushing when tightening the nut, which, while not directly affecting speed, maintains bearing integrity.
Conclusion
Optimizing your skateboard’s speed involves a combination of maintenance, equipment choices, and technique adjustments. With a few tweaks, you can significantly enhance your riding experience. Whether you invest in new gear or refine your skills, experimentation is key to finding the perfect setup and style that suits your skating needs. Keep experimenting with different wheel sizes, hardness, and riding techniques to find the balance that works best for you. Remember that finding the ideal balance for speed depends on your specific skating style and the terrain you usually ride. Don’t hesitate to try setups from friends to see what differences you notice before making any purchases.
