It’s tempting to grab a seemingly great deal on a skateboard from Amazon, especially when you see those 5-star reviews and “Amazon’s Choice” badges. But are these budget boards really worth it? The truth is, many cheap Amazon skateboards are far from a good investment and can actually be unsafe. This article will help you navigate the world of online skateboard shopping, identify low-quality boards, and point you toward better options.
Why Most Cheap Amazon Skateboards Aren’t Worth It
The allure of a $30 skateboard with glowing reviews is strong, but it’s crucial to look beyond the surface. The reality is that the vast majority of these highly-rated, low-cost skateboards are not worth your money. Many of the positive reviews are either fake or incentivized, while the negative reviews often reveal serious issues with quality and safety. These boards typically feature subpar components, including:
- Low-Quality Decks: Made from cheap, weak wood that can break easily.
- Poor Trucks: Affecting stability and making turning difficult.
- Bad Bearings: Resulting in slow and choppy rides.
- Uncomfortable Wheels: Making for an unpleasant skating experience.
low quality amazon skateboards
Are Amazon Skateboards Suitable for Beginners?
While it might be tempting to buy a cheap board for a beginner, it’s actually counterproductive. These boards are difficult to ride, unstable, and can easily break, making the learning process more frustrating and potentially dangerous. Instead of encouraging a new skater, a bad board can actually turn them off from the sport entirely. It’s far better to invest in a decent quality skateboard that will provide a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable learning experience.
Which Amazon Skateboard Brands Should You Avoid?
Identifying specific bad brands can be tricky because new ones pop up constantly. However, some consistently fall short in quality. Here’s a list of Amazon skateboard brands to be wary of:
- Cal 7
- Wolff
- Magneto
- Minority
- WhiteFang
- Beleeve
- Retrospec
- Metroller
- KPC
While some of these brands might have slightly better decks, they typically cut corners on other components. It’s important to note that many of the best-selling skateboards on Amazon, particularly those with suspiciously low prices, often belong to these low-quality brands.
What Are Some Good Skateboards Available on Amazon?
If you are determined to buy a board on Amazon, it is not all doom and gloom. There are some legitimate, reputable brands available, usually at a higher price point. The best complete skateboards on Amazon will typically be priced upwards of $70. Here are some brands to consider:
- CCS Complete (often sold directly through their webshop on Amazon)
- Birdhouse Complete
- Globe Complete
- Santa Cruz Complete
- Arbor Whiskey Complete
These brands offer complete skateboards that are a better starting point, although they still may not match the quality of a custom setup. Keep in mind that you generally get what you pay for, so expect to invest more for a better-quality board. Even these completes are best for beginners and may not be the choice of experienced skaters who often prefer to assemble their own.
Key Indicators of a Low-Quality Skateboard
Recognizing a bad skateboard is crucial when shopping online. Here’s what to look for:
- Extremely Low Price: Skateboards under $60 are almost always made with cheap materials and should be avoided.
- Plastic Wrapping: Cheap boards are often wrapped in plastic before assembly, which is a sign of low-quality manufacturing.
- Poor Deck Construction: Look for signs of delamination (where the layers of wood separate) or bending under pressure, which indicates poor quality wood.
- Generic Components: If the product description is vague or doesn’t list specifics about the brand of trucks, bearings or wheels, it is a red flag.
Screenshot of a bad skateboard
delamination skateboard deck
bending skateboard deck
plastic wrap low-quality skateboard
Spotting Fake Reviews on Amazon
Fake reviews are a serious problem on Amazon, particularly with cheaper products. Be wary of overly positive reviews that lack detail. Look for:
- Generic Praise: Reviews that focus on things like “fast shipping” or “nice graphics” instead of performance.
- Suspicious Language: Be careful of reviews that read as if they were written by bots or don’t sound like a real person.
- Lack of detail: Reviews that are overly enthusiastic but provide no detail about how the skateboard performs, or specific component quality.
To help identify fake reviews, you can use tools like:
- reviewmeta.com
- thereviewindex.com
These tools analyze Amazon reviews to detect suspicious patterns and give you a better idea of whether a product is truly well-liked.
fake reviews amazon skateboards
The Real Cost of Cheap Skateboards
Buying a cheap skateboard may seem like a bargain, but it often ends up costing you more in the long run. You may quickly need to replace parts, like bearings, or the entire board if it breaks. Investing in a decent quality skateboard from the beginning can save you money and frustration in the future.
Conclusion: Choose Wisely
While there are a few legitimate skateboard brands available on Amazon, it is important to proceed with caution. Be aware that many of the low-priced boards are of poor quality and can be unsafe. Avoid the temptation of those 5-star reviews and instead focus on buying from reputable brands. Doing the research to make an informed decision will result in a more enjoyable and safer skateboarding experience.
Ruben vee
Ruben Vee
I’m an experienced skateboarder who has been riding for over 25 years. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and helping others find the right gear.
