Skateboards
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Tactics is your skate shop for skateboards and everything skateboarding. We've been helping riders find the right setup since 1999 — from first-time buyers to seasoned pros. Whether you're looking for a complete skateboard to get started, a new deck to replace your current one, or individual components to build your own setup, we carry 1,120+ products from 100+ real skate brands.
Not sure what you need? Use the filters above to browse by brand, size, style, or price — or keep reading for a quick guide on how to choose.
What Kind of Skateboard Do You Need?
Every rider is different, and so is every skateboard. Here's a quick breakdown of the main types we carry:
- Complete Skateboards — Fully assembled and ready to ride. The best starting point for beginners — no compatibility guesswork, no extra parts needed. We carry completes from Baker, Santa Cruz, Enjoi, Krooked, Powell Peralta, and more.
- Street and Park Setups — Built around a standard popsicle-shaped deck. Best for learning tricks, skating flatground, and hitting skateparks. Pair with hard wheels (99A–101A) for a fast, responsive feel.
- Cruiser Skateboards — Designed for getting around rather than tricks. Softer wheels (78A–90A) absorb cracks and rough pavement. Brands like Carver, Arbor, and Loaded are known for this style.
How to Choose the Right Skateboard Size
Deck width is the most important measurement. Too narrow and you'll feel unstable; too wide and flip tricks become harder to control.
| Age/Rider | Recommended Width | Size Category |
|---|---|---|
| Kids 8 and under | 6.5" – 7.25" | Micro / Mini |
| Ages 9–12 | 7.25" – 7.75" | Mid |
| Teen + Adult (shoe size US 9 or under) | 7.75" – 8.25" | Standard |
| Adult (shoe size US 10+) | 8.25" – 8.5"+ | Wide |
Riders focused on street tricks tend to ride narrower. Skaters who prefer transition, bowls, or cruising usually go wider. For a more detailed breakdown, read our skateboard size guide.
Skateboard Brands at Tactics
We carry over 100 brands — here's a quick guide to what we stock and what each is known for:
- Decks: Real, Baker, Anti-Hero, Girl, Chocolate, Polar Skate Co., Hockey, Santa Cruz, Powell Peralta, Welcome
- Trucks: Independent and Thunder for street skating. Venture and Tensor for lighter setups.
- Wheels: Spitfire for street and park. OJ and Ricta for all-around riding. Sector 9 for cruising.
- Bearings: Bones Reds are the standard. Bronson Speed Co. if you want to step up.
For more detail on which brands suit which riding styles, see our best skateboard brands guide.
Budget Guide
- $70–$120 — Entry-level completes. Good for kids and anyone trying skating for the first time.
- $120–$180 — Completes from real skate brands. The right range for most beginners who are serious about learning.
- $180–$250+ — Full custom builds. Better components, better performance, longer lifespan.
Avoid cheap boards from big-box stores — they look like skateboards but don't skate like them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which skateboard is best for beginners?
A complete skateboard from a real skate brand is the best starting point. Look at completes from Baker, Santa Cruz, Enjoi, Flip, or Krooked in a 7.75"–8.25" width for adult riders. A solid beginner complete typically runs $100–$150 and will hold up as you learn. Avoid toy boards — the trucks and wheels make a significant difference to how the board rides.
What is a normal price for a skateboard?
A complete skateboard from a real skate brand typically costs $100–$180. Individual decks run $50–$90. If you're building a full custom setup (deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, hardware, and grip tape), expect to spend $150–$250 depending on the components you choose.
What's the best skateboard you can buy?
The best setup is the one matched to how you skate. For street and park, a Real or Baker deck with Independent trucks, Spitfire wheels, and Bones Reds bearings is a proven combination. For cruising, a Carver or Loaded complete is hard to beat.