We often hear about the top skateboard brands, but the discussion about which ones to avoid is less common. Most skaters started with a less-than-ideal board, perhaps a hand-me-down or the cheapest option available. We’ve all experienced the frustration of a soft, flimsy deck, stiff trucks that won’t turn, and wheels that barely spin. This guide will steer you clear of those headaches.
The Absolute Worst Skateboard Brands
Let’s dive into ten of the worst skateboard brands that you should absolutely avoid. Investing in a cheap skateboard can lead to a poor experience and even be dangerous. It’s better to buy from a reputable brand, but also important to know where their decks are made.
Low-quality kids' skateboards demonstrating the kinds of boards to avoid
1. Kryptonics Skateboards
Kryptonics is a brand that often sparks debate. While it boasts a high average rating on Amazon, many skaters have never even heard of it, and for good reason. The reviews are often left by parents who don’t know what to look for, while the actual users, the kids, struggle with the board’s poor quality. The decks are often described as “cheap and feeling like plywood.” Some users report trucks breaking after just a few days of light use. The lesson here is not to trust Amazon reviews blindly. Kryptonics once had a solid reputation, especially for wheels in the late 70s and early 80s, but the quality has severely declined.
2. Walmart Skateboards
Walmart skateboards are notorious for their poor quality. The decks are made with inferior materials, making them unsafe. These boards won’t last long and should be avoided at all costs due to their potential for causing injury.
3. Intersport Skateboards
Intersport, similar to Decathlon, produces entry-level skateboards that have quality issues. They use ABEC 1 bearings, which significantly hamper speed and require constant pushing. Their decks are shorter than standard, making balance a challenge. The truck axles are also longer than the trucks themselves, which is a clear sign of poor design. Avoid large, multi-sports retailers if you’re serious about skateboarding.
4. Mongoose Skateboards
Mongoose skateboards, like Kryptonics, have a misleading online reputation. Despite being more expensive, they offer little improvement in quality. Their decks are thicker and heavier than usual, using a 9-ply construction instead of the standard 7-ply. The added weight makes the deck less responsive and prone to snapping. They also use ABEC 1 bearings and composite trucks, which are not ideal for tricks or grinding.
5. Osprey Skateboards
Osprey Skateboards hold the distinction of being one of the lowest-rated skateboards on Amazon. While they are upfront about not being for professional use, even their cruising performance is lacking due to poor wheel and bearing quality.
6. Airwalk Skateboards
Airwalk skateboards also fail to justify their price. The bearings are known to fall apart easily, and the deck is often inaccurately advertised as 7-ply when it’s actually 9-ply. One user even recommended Walmart boards over Airwalk for a better return on investment, a telling comparison.
7. Maple Skateboards
Maple Skateboards, despite being widely available, are notorious for their poor quality. The decks have no concave, making tricks extremely difficult. The bearings are low quality, and the paint on the trucks is so abrasive that it causes the board to stick during grinds. Pro skater Sean Malto was shown snapping multiple Maple decks in a short period in a consumer report by The Berrics.
8. World Industries Skateboards
It’s sad to see that World Industries, once a pillar in skateboarding, has severely declined. After being sold, the company moved production to China and started using inferior materials to cut costs. Their decks are heavier than usual, and the truck bushings don’t respond well to adjustments, making turning difficult. The end product is similar to a Walmart board, which is a shame for such a respected brand.
9. Decathlon Oxelo Skateboards
Decathlon Oxelo Skateboards, demonstrating their design for beginners and the issues with their build quality
Decathlon’s Oxelo skateboards are designed to be affordable, but their quality is compromised. While they have improved recently, the decks still feel soft and soggy after minimal use. The wheels are decent, but the trucks are not reactive or reliable for grinds. The product is indicative of the old adage, you get what you pay for – a budget product that delivers a below-average experience.
10. Amazon “Brands”
A graphic saying "Minority Skateboards Suck," highlighting the low quality of boards from unbranded sources
Many “brands” on Amazon are simply cheap, unsafe products. Avoid boards from brands like Minority, Krown, White Fang, Merkapa, Hikole, Puente, Cal 7, Krown Wolf, KPC Pro, Atom, and Rimable. Anything under $75 for a complete skateboard should be avoided, as well as very cheap longboards.
The Unreliability of Amazon Skateboard Reviews
Be cautious of Amazon reviews. Many companies pay for positive reviews or try to remove negative ones. One personal example shared in the original article illustrates how a manufacturer offered payment for promotion, but when a fair, unbiased review was insisted upon, they retracted the offer. A further scan of their reviews using an AI-tool showed that 90% of them were fake.
Final Thoughts: Invest in Quality Skateboard Brands
It’s crucial to invest in a genuine skateboard from the start. You don’t need to spend a fortune, but having a realistic budget will save you money in the long run and make learning much easier and safer. Check where the brand’s decks are made. Right now, the best wood shop to look for is PS Stix. Brands like WKND, Thank You, Welcome (USA), and Strangelove are great choices. Due to supply chain and material shortages, many brands are shifting production locations. For the most up-to-date information, consult the Slap Magazine thread for an updated list of brands and wood shops.
