For some time, we at Longboards Guide have been eager to delve into SkateXS skateboards, recognizing their unique approach to designing skateboards specifically for kids. While many brands offer smaller, kid-sized skateboards, SkateXS distinguishes itself by prioritizing quality, performance, and child-friendly designs.
SkateXS skateboards stand out with their superior quality, featuring appealing graphics, enhanced turning capabilities, and softer wheels that excel on various surfaces. The durable maple/bamboo decks are built to withstand impacts, ensuring a safe skateboarding experience.
boy and girl riding a SkateXS skateboard
Let’s explore what makes SkateXS skateboards exceptional. They offer three distinct models tailored to different skill levels, and we’ll examine each individually. Before we dive in, let’s clarify some skateboarding terms to ensure clarity.
Skateboard Deck: The flat, wooden platform you stand on.
Skateboard Trucks: T-shaped metal components that attach to the deck, enabling turning and pivoting.
Skateboard Bushings: Small, rubber or urethane rings within the trucks that facilitate smooth turning.
Shore Durometer Scale: A measurement of wheel hardness.
Skateboard Bearings: Small, circular metal components inside the wheels that allow them to spin.
Skateboard Grip Tape: A rough, sandpaper-like sheet on top of the deck for traction.
Let’s begin with the most beginner-friendly option, designed for children aged 5 to 12.
SkateXS Beginner Skateboard Review
The SkateXS beginner skateboard offers an affordable entry point without compromising on quality. It is lightweight, making it easy for children to carry, and provides a stable, smooth ride. You can customize the board with various wheel colors, grip tape designs, and deck graphics.
We had the opportunity to test this board with a complete beginner – my six-year-old niece.
girl on a skateXS skateboard
We chose the unicorn design, and my niece used it for the first time over Easter. Despite having no prior skateboarding experience, she instantly loved it. Her fascination with unicorns only heightened her excitement when she saw the board. She was eager to start learning how to ride.
After ensuring she had a helmet (albeit a slightly oversized one) and protective gear, she quickly gained confidence. The softer wheels and the board’s responsiveness played a significant role in her rapid progress.
first time skateboarding little girl (copyright skateboardersHQ)
The softer wheels made for a smooth ride, even on rougher patches of pavement, and the board felt remarkably stable. Turning was initially challenging for her, but she soon got the hang of it. She had an overwhelmingly positive experience and now wants a skateboard for her birthday. We’re definitely getting her a properly fitted helmet too!
In summary, the SkateXS beginner skateboard is ideal for children who are new to skateboarding and want a comfortable, stable ride. The softer wheels prevent issues with small obstacles and are great for neighborhood rides and skate park cruising. It’s less suited for advanced tricks.
Let’s examine the specific components and why they work so well for children.
SkateXS Kids Beginner SKateboard
SkateXS Kids Beginner SKateboard
SkateXS Kids Beginner SKateboard
Our Score
SkateXS Kids Skateboard
Excels on sidewalks, concrete, and asphalt, delivering a smooth and dependable ride from the start.
- Custom Designed for kids
- Handles pebbles and cracks well
- High-quality parts
- Excellent customer service
- The safest skateboard we tested
Deck
Initially, we were a bit doubtful about the bamboo and hard rock maple combination, but it proved to be very effective. Similarly, we had some concerns about the wheel quality, which also proved to be unfounded.
SkateXS skateboard up close
We tested the board on a sunny day with my niece and my son. My son, who was not thrilled about riding a skateboard with a unicorn graphic (he made his feelings quite clear), did participate in the testing.
After using this board for some time, the deck has maintained its pop and feels incredibly solid. There’s no evidence of chipping, delamination, pressure cracks, or warping. The deck is sturdy enough to support an adult, though it’s a bit small (I tried a few tricks and it didn’t go well).
The deck’s construction consists of two layers of bamboo and five layers of hard rock maple, making it more durable than boards made solely of birch or hard rock maple. It also features appealing graphics for both boys and girls.
Graphics
SkateXS Kids Beginner SKateboard
The child-friendly graphics on these skateboards are a major plus. Designs like pirates, unicorns, and dragons are not overbearing, which makes them highly appealing to kids. Graphics play a significant role in motivating kids to skateboard. We saw this first-hand with my niece’s enthusiastic reaction.
Many parents dislike the typical skulls or scary artwork often found on skateboards, and SkateXS has addressed this issue effectively. The graphics are high quality and won’t fade or peel off with regular use if the board is properly cared for.
SkateXS Wheels
The beginner setup includes colorful, SkateXS-branded wheels that provide ample grip and stability for young riders. The swirl mix wheels are visually appealing and complement the colorful grip tape and deck graphics. The softer wheels handle small cracks and pebbles well.
SkateXS skateboard wheels
Since most beginners will ride in areas with less-than-smooth surfaces, softer wheels are essential to avoid being stopped by small obstacles.
These wheels are versatile enough for rougher surfaces, making them perfect for cruising, as well as performing well at skate parks and on streets. They measure 53mm and have a 90A durometer rating.
However, softer wheels aren’t ideal for tricks because their bounce can make it harder to land and control a trick. This isn’t a problem for beginners, and the wheels can be upgraded when the child is ready for tricks.
SkateXS Trucks
The SkateXS trucks are surprisingly lightweight, which is rare in complete setups. Most complete skateboards sold online come with heavy trucks that are hard to turn, adding to the overall weight.
SkateXS trucks
These trucks are comparable to more popular brands and feature a hollow kingpin. The bushings are specifically chosen for kids, making turning easier. Bushings are urethane rings that fit inside the trucks.
Many kids’ skateboards have bushings that are too hard. SkateXS’ softer bushings provide better responsiveness and control when turning.
The bushings also snap back into position quickly, making it easier to ride in a straight line without overcorrecting. You can upgrade to Bones bushings for added stability and control.
skateboard bushings on a truck
SkateXS Bearings
The basic version comes with SkateXS bearings, which offer good performance. They roll smoothly for a decent amount of time, reducing the need to push frequently. This allows kids to focus on getting comfortable with their board. These bearings are sufficient for low-impact skateboarding.
Grip Tape
The grip tape is available in many colors and isn’t too gritty. While grip tape is designed to provide traction, too much grip can hinder stance adjustments. The ideal grip tape allows feet to stay on the board while still allowing for quick adjustments.
SkateXS skateboard grip tape
This grip tape strikes the perfect balance, and neither my son nor my niece had any issues with their stance. You can also personalize the skateboard by adding a name for an additional $10.
Upgrades
SkateXS offers upgrades like Ricta Cloud wheels, which are even better at handling rough surfaces. You can also upgrade to Bones bushings for smoother and more stable turning.
Verdict
There are no downsides to this skateboard, making it one of the best for kids. Although $120 might seem expensive, the quality of the parts and construction justify the price.
While you could buy a cheap $30 board from a big online retailer, they are often unsafe, don’t ride well, and are mass-produced.
This skateboard provides kids with better control, predictability, stability, and aesthetics. Check out the beginner skateboard at SkateXS, and consider adding a helmet and other protective gear.
SkateXS Advanced Skateboard Review
The advanced version is designed for kids who know how to ride and want to start learning tricks. It includes Bones 100’s wheels, Bones bushings, Mini Logo bearings, and Thunder trucks. The deck remains the same as the beginner model.
This setup is ideal for skate parks and skating over obstacles. The trucks are more durable, and the wheels offer better speed on smooth surfaces but are less effective on rougher surfaces.
SkateXS Advanced Skateboard
In summary, this is an excellent skateboard for park skating and basic tricks. It’s perfect for kids who already know how to ride and want to improve their skills. It features high-quality components but is less suited for riding on rough surfaces.
Bones 100 Wheels
Bones 100’s wheels provide excellent grip on smooth surfaces and are good for sliding tricks. They are harder than the SkateXS wheels, making them less suited for gritty asphalt. They perform exceptionally well in concrete skate parks and are reliable for basic tricks.
Bones 100s skateboard wheels
Harder wheels don’t bounce as much as softer wheels. When performing an ollie, the bounce of softer wheels can make it harder to land. Harder wheels reduce this bounce, making it easier to land.
An ollie is a skateboarding trick where the rider pops the board with their back foot while sliding their front foot up towards the nose to make the board jump into the air.
Bones wheels are ideal for learning basic tricks and are great for skate parks, but are less suited for neighborhood rides where the terrain is often rougher.
Mini Logo Bearings
mini logo bearings
The advanced SkateXS skateboard comes with Mini Logo bearings. These budget-friendly bearings perform similarly to more expensive ones. They are fast, suitable for low-impact skateboarding, and work well in skate parks.
They aren’t recommended for high-impact skateboarding because they may not last long, but they’re a great choice for the advanced setup as most kids don’t do high-impact skateboarding.
Thunder Trucks
Thunder trucks are well-regarded for technical skateboarding in parks and on the street. They are known for their durability, reliability and responsive turning due to their low-profile design. Thunder Trucks is a top brand among skateboarders.
thunder trucks on skateXS advanced skateboard
The advanced version uses stock bushings, which may need some adjustment depending on the rider’s weight. This is about finding the right balance for the board’s responsiveness.
Tightening the kingpin nut will make the board less responsive, while loosening it will make it turn faster. It’s a matter of finding the right setup through trial and error.
If your child is struggling to stay balanced, try tightening the trucks slightly. If they have trouble turning, consider loosening them a bit.
Verdict
The SkateXS Advanced skateboard is perfect for kids who live near skate parks or smooth areas without traffic. It’s ideal for learning basic tricks and carving around obstacles.
It is not as well-suited for neighborhood rides due to rough pavement. Remember that the basic version can be upgraded with new wheels when a child is ready to learn tricks. Available at SkateXS.
SkateXS Pro Skateboard Review
Boy on a skateXS skateboard
The Pro version is made for street and park skateboarding. It features Spitfire wheels, Bones hardcore bushings, and Bones Reds bearings. The deck and trucks are the same as the advanced version.
In summary, the Pro version is made with the highest quality parts to withstand high impacts and last the longest. This is a dedicated trick skateboard for street and skate parks and is less suitable for comfortable cruising.
Spitfire Wheels
We tested the Spitfire Bighead wheels, which are durable, offer a wider contact patch for more grip and balance when riding in skate parks. More colorful Spitfire wheels are also an option.
Spitfire wheels on SkateXS skateboard
Spitfire wheels are among the best for technical skateboarding. Like Bones 100’s, they work well on smooth surfaces. The main differences are hardness (99A vs 100A) and durability.
Spitfire Bighead wheels have slightly more grip than the Bones wheels and are made of a higher-quality polyurethane mix, which makes them last longer. They also perform well on not-too-gritty asphalt.
Bones Hardcore Bushings
The stock bushings are replaced with Bones Hardcore Bushings. These bushings are known for their predictability and resistance to deformation. They are preferred for bowl skating, which requires a lot of carving and turning. Predictability is key when turning on a skateboard.
bones hardcore bushings soft
Bones bushings maintain their shape and don’t deform like many stock bushings, which means you don’t have to adjust the truck nuts as often. This is a big advantage for parents who might not know much about skateboards.
Verdict
This is the best skateboard for advanced skateboarding in the streets or at skate parks, perfect for kids who already know how to ride and are ready to advance their skills. If you live near a skate park, this board is an excellent choice.
The harder wheels work better on smooth concrete, and the aftermarket bushings enhance agility. This top-quality skateboard outperforms many others in this category. Available on SkateXS.
How do They Compare to other Skateboard Brands?
5 kids skateboards laying on the ground
SkateXS stands out by offering custom skateboards with quality parts specifically selected for kids. Many kids’ skateboards are mass-produced and of lower quality.
SkateXS skateboards are custom assembled with wheels, bearings, and bushings that are well-suited for kids.
Many skateboards come with low-quality wheels, slow bearings, and hard bushings that make turning difficult. Many boards are made of birch, which tends to splinter.
You could build your own skateboard, but it takes time and expertise to know what works best. It also tends to be more expensive.
Don’t Forget to Buy A Helmet
skateboard helmet, shoes, and protective gear
SkateXS also offers protective gear from Triple 8, including helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. This high-quality gear helps prevent injuries, which can cause kids to give up.
Proper protective gear absorbs impacts, and investing in a good helmet is essential.
Also, consider skate shoes, which make riding a skateboard easier due to thinner outsoles that allow the skater to feel more connected to the board, resulting in more control.
Maintaining and Taking Care of a Skateboard
Store your skateboard in a dry place to prevent moisture from damaging the wood. Water is the primary enemy of skateboards.
delamination skateboard deck
Maintenance is simple and only takes a few minutes. Parts like truck bolts and axle nuts can loosen due to vibrations. Trucks might feel too loose, or the wheels might not spin well.
- A 9/16” wrench/socket wrench to adjust the turning ability of the trucks.
- A 1/2” wrench/socket wrench to adjust the axle nuts.
- A 3/8” wrench/socket wrench and a Phillips head screwdriver for the screws and nuts that attach the trucks.
Alternatively, a skate tool can be used to make all necessary adjustments.
Review Transparency
We at LongBoards Guide have tested many skateboards over the years. We buy and test gear ourselves.
Some time ago, we contacted SkateXS about their skateboards, and they offered to ship us two boards to test. We want to be upfront about this.
While we typically don’t accept free products to maintain objectivity, we made an exception due to our understanding of skateboard gear and the quality of SkateXS’s products.
By purchasing a skateboard through our links, we may earn a small commission, which does not cost you any extra. This review is based on our genuine support for the product. SkateXS did not ask us to write a positive review.
Ruben vee
Ruben Vee
I’m an experienced skateboarder with over 25 years of riding. I love testing gear and sharing my findings.
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