Skateboarding is for everyone, regardless of size or weight. However, if you’re a heavier rider (over 230lbs), you might need a slightly different setup to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride. This guide will walk you through choosing the right skateboard components to handle your weight, ensuring durability and performance. Generally, you’ll need a wider deck, high-quality trucks, and bushings designed for heavier use. Let’s dive into the specifics.
Choosing the Right Skateboard Deck for Heavy Riders
skateboard setup for heavy riders
The best skateboard for a heavier rider isn’t just about the brand; it’s about the entire setup. Most complete skateboards aren’t ideal for heavier or taller riders because their bushings are often too soft. If you purchase a complete setup, consider replacing the bushings right away. In the past, narrower decks were more common, but today, 8.0″ to 8.25″ is standard. For heavier riders, however, an 8.5″ or wider deck offers better stability and can handle more impact. If you find yourself breaking decks frequently, investing in a stronger, more durable deck is a good idea. These options might be pricier, but they can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Many advanced decks incorporate fiberglass layers to enhance strength and durability. While these decks can withstand more weight and impact, they can also cause skin irritation if splinters form from wear. Here are some of the most recommended deck technologies for heavier riders:
Powell-Peralta Flight Deck
powell peralta flight deck construction in different angles
The Powell-Peralta Flight deck is a well-known choice for its durability. It features a construction of 5 layers of maple wood and 2 layers of fiberglass composite, making it both lightweight and incredibly strong. The epoxy infusion enhances its overall quality and performance, making it highly resistant to breakage.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and thin design
- Up to 8 times more durable than standard decks
- Excellent pop, snap, and rebound
For a complete setup designed for heavy riders, consider the following:
- An 8.25″ or 8.5″ Powell Peralta Flight deck or Santa Cruz VX
- 54mm Spitfire Conical Full wheels
- Bones Hardcore Hard bushings
- Bronson G3 bearings
- Independent 147 trucks for an 8.25″ deck or Indy 159 for an 8.5″ deck
- 7/8″ or 1″ hardware
- Griptape of your choice
This setup is designed to handle significant weight while maintaining stability. The harder bushings offer increased support, and the wide wheels provide a larger contact surface, improving overall control.
Santa Cruz VX
Santa Cruz VX skateboard deck
The Santa Cruz VX decks utilize 5 layers of maple wood and 2 layers of fiberglass, providing a great balance of strength and flex. These decks are exceptionally durable and perfect for riders who like to skate parks, perform tricks, or engage in activities that often lead to deck breakage. Although they are more expensive than standard decks, they can be a worthwhile investment for riders who need the extra durability. These boards are known for their slightly more flexy feel compared to standard decks.
Dwindle Impact Technology
Setup for heavy skateboarders
Dwindle decks use Impact technology, reinforcing the truck mounting areas with carbon discs. The standard Impact version has two carbon discs at the base, which absorb impacts efficiently. The Impact Light version utilizes 7-ply maple with die-cut carbon fiber laminate on top. The Impact Plus version features 8-ply North American Maple with carbon fiber discs and an additional carbon fiber layer on top. Dwindle decks are exceptionally durable and great for riders who frequently break decks.
Brands using Dwindle Impact Technology include:
- Almost
- Dwindle
- Enjoi
Lithe Slate & Nex
The Lithe Slate 3 is designed for heavy riders who frequently break decks. It has a unique inlay construction that makes it almost unbreakable and eliminates chipping. Lithe decks utilize a carbon composite blend that resists fraying and skin irritation, but are expensive. The Lithe Nex is a more affordable option that provides a stiffer flex and high pop despite being slightly heavier. These decks are excellent for riders seeking to avoid razor tail, chipping, and breaking.
Lithe Nex Skateboard deck
Lib Tech Skateboard
Lib Tech skateboards mix carbon fiber, fiberglass, and maple wood. They reinforce sidewalls and tails with birch, and their core is vertically laminated with fiberglass, resulting in a long-lasting, durable deck with consistent pop. These boards are ideal for heavy and tall skaters.
Emillion Fibertech
Emillion Fibertech decks are enhanced with fiberglass and are known for their exceptional strength. While they might feel a bit stiff initially, they break in quickly, maintaining peak performance over time. Emillion decks are a more affordable option, with great tail and nose durability, although they may not be as durable as the Lithe Slate 2 or Flight Deck.
P2 Technology
P2 decks have a thin maple core reinforced with Aramid Fiber on top, resulting in a stiff and strong nose and tail. This also ensures longer-lasting pop. While the shape might vary from standard decks, P2 technology is used in brands like Creature, Flip, Plan B, and Santa Cruz.
Choosing the Right Wheels for Heavier Skateboarders
spitfire formula four conicall full skateboard wheels
For heavier riders, wheel choice is crucial. Spitfire Classics and Spitfire Full Conicals are among the best options. For park, bowl, and street riding, go for 99A wheels. Bowl riders can benefit from 56mm 99A or 97A wheels for a smoother, grippier ride. The large contact patch provides added stability. For park and street, 53-54mm 99A wheels are ideal.
Hard Bushings for Stability
hard bushings and quality skateboard trucks
Stock bushings are often too soft for heavier riders, leading to instability and damage. Upgrading to harder bushings is necessary to support your weight effectively. Below is a guide for selecting the appropriate bushing hardness based on your weight:
| Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) | Flexy | Medium | Stiff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 175 | 80 | 87a | 90a | 90a |
| 200 | 91 | 90a | 90-93a | 93a |
| 225 | 102 | 93a | 93-95a | 95a |
| 250 | 113 | 95a | 95-97a | 97a |
| 275 | 125 | 97a | 97a | 100a |
Bones Hardcore bushings, particularly the Hard variant, are highly recommended as they don’t deform easily and provide long-lasting support. They fit most truck brands, such as Thunder, Venture, Independent, and Tensor.
Trucks for Heavy Skateboarders
For trucks, choose reputable brands like Independent, Thunder, Venture, Tensor, and Grind King. Cheap trucks will not last long, especially under the stress of a heavier rider. If the bushings on your new trucks feel too loose, consider replacing them after a break-in period. Each brand has its own advantages, so choose one that fits your preference, but be sure to avoid low-quality options.
Recommended Complete Setups
Here is a table providing recommended truck axle widths for various deck sizes:
| Deck width (Inches) | 8.0″ – 8.49″ | 8.5″ – 8.99″ |
|---|---|---|
| CCS Trucks | 139, 144 | 149, 159 |
| Independent Trucks | 139, 144 | 149, 159 |
| Thunder Trucks | 147, 148 | 149, 151 |
| Tensor Trucks | 5.35, 5.5 | 5.75 |
| Venture Trucks | 5.2 | 5.8 |
The following components are suggested for a durable setup:
- Deck: Powell Flight deck (strong and lightweight)
- Wheels: 53mm, 99A Spitfire Wheels (suitable for both street and transition skating)
- Bearings: Bones Reds bearings (with spacers)
- Trucks: Independent Trucks (known for durability)
All components are compatible, creating a robust setup for heavy riders.
You can find all the above mentioned parts here:
- Powell Peralta Skateboard Deck Biss Leaf Grashopper Flight 8.5″
- Jessup Griptape (9 x 33)
- Bones Bearings Reds Bearings Including Spacers
- INDEPENDENT Stage 11 Polished Standard Skateboard Trucks 149
- H Block Skateboard Black Riser Pads 1/8 in & 1 in Phillips Hardware Nuts & Bolts
- Spitfire F4 Conical Full Wheels Set White Blue 53mm/99D
Cruiser Skateboards for Heavy Riders
Globe Big Blazer cruiser
If you prefer a cruiser skateboard, consider the following options:
For beginners, the Globe Blazer is an excellent choice. Its flat, predictable deck makes it easy to get the hang of riding.
Globe Cruiser Longboard from different angles
For a more aggressive yet stable ride, consider the Arbor Oso, though it can be difficult to find in stock.
Arbor Oso Foundation bottom view
The Landyachtz Tugboat Captain is a good alternative with more concave and plenty of foot room.
Landyachtz Tugboat from different angles
Conclusion
Heavyweight skateboarders need to prioritize the quality of their decks and the hardness of their bushings. Gravity is a bigger factor, meaning more impact upon landing. While you don’t need the most expensive board, investing in durable components will enhance your riding experience and longevity. Remember that harder bushings are often necessary to compensate for added weight. New riders should also consider wearing protective gear to minimize the risk of injury, which can be particularly impactful. By making informed decisions about your equipment, you can enjoy skateboarding safely and confidently, no matter your size.
