I got an e-mail today from a skater named Thomas, and he was wondering if World Industries skateboards, the ones sold at sporting goods stores, are good enough to skate on. I actually get this question a lot, mostly about World Industry completes! It's a good question - there are LOTS of cheap skateboards out there to buy. Some are shockingly cheap, like the ones at Walmart or Toys R Us. Some cost a little more, like these World boards, but they still don't cost as much as a pro grade skateboard. So are they OK to ride?
To help clear this up, I updated my Cheap Skateboards Buyer's Guide to list a few cheap skateboard brands that I think are pretty good for new or casual skateboarders. Keep in mind, these skateboards won't last as long as pro grade boards, and they'll probably break if you get really aggressive, but if you are just starting out, or if you just want a skateboard to ride to school on, these should be OK.
But it's my duty here to tell you a little of what happens when we all buy cheap skateboards! You see, a lot of these cheaper skateboards on the market now are being made in China, and they're cheap because China has itself grown wealthy, but it keeps its citizens poor. And that seems bad, doesn't it? So we can get cheap labor there, but also sometime soon that bubble will probably pop. And if we all buy skateboards from China, then there won't be very many made here in the States anymore. Not that it really matters where they are made, except from a proud, patriotic kind of way, but the boards coming out of China are honestly not as good as the ones we make here. So, if we all go for the cheap boards, then there might not be pro grade ones left! At least, that's the argument. Chris Stevens wrote a great article about it - read The High Cost of Cheap Skateboards to find out more.
Who knew that trying to save money would get you tangled up in international politics and moral dilemmas?! As I heard in a war movie, "Welcome to the suck!"
So, still want to buy a cheap skateboard? Of course you do! We all want the deal, right? And I think that, after riding a cheap board for a while, you will want to upgrade on your own. We all want the bigger and the better, right? So check out the Cheap Skateboards Buyers Guide for some ideas! If you know of a board that you think should be added to the list, post a comment below! Or, if you want to share what you think about the whole dilemma of buying skateboards made overseas, then post comments, get in fights, and share your opinions with the world!
Comments
Our blank decks are 7-layer Maple wood and have great “POP” We sell them for $17.50 in our store (cheaper than any comparable prices I saw on blank decks through the blog). The shipping is a bit rough but if you buy 2+ decks, it is well worth it. Steve did a little blurb about our company a month ago or so. Check us out at http://store.derf561designs.com
SKATE ON!! STEVE, KEEP BLOGGING BRO!!
I agree on the most part about decks made in China not being as good as decks made in the U.S of A,but I think there is at least one exception.Almost(while not made in China,they are still made in some place like Indonesia or something)are my favorite boards of all time.They are durable,insanely light,and have MONSTER pop(and not to mention one of the best teams in skating!).
Primo- Where are you buying your decks right now? What price are you paying out the door for them (include shipping/tax)? And how many you buy at a time? Thanks for the help. Trying to provide the best quality deck for the cheapest price on our site and always looking for feedback from where other skaters shop. Thanks dude!
I mostly go to Good Times Skate Shop down here in San Antonio,and the cost for the decks differ for what you want.I always get the latest technology for my decks(Impact Support,Uber-Light,etc.),so they are a little more expensive(although if I could find a company to match the quality and lower the price,I might find a new favorite brand
)
Woops,I forgot to say I pay about 60 dollars with tax
What company decks were the last 2-3 you bought? Or are you buying blanks? I think you may really dig the pop in the decks we carry. We have heard nothing but good things from them.
The last 3 decks I’ve bought have been Almost,but next time i get a new one,I might get a Derf cause they are insanely cheap…and even if I didn’t enjoy it as much as an Almost,it still would be nice to get them as back up decks cause they are cheap,and sound like really good decks
Stick to a legit skate shop in your area that sell boards from legit skate companies & up incoming skate companies. There you’ll get expert advice, you’ll be supporting your local skate shop that supports local skating and helps get skate parks built in your cities. Shop local!
I thought Powell and lots of the major skateboard companies in the USA have decks made in China? The new mini ripper and cab completes just came in off the boat for example. Even the older Powell classics that have the “2″ mark are all from China. I agree there are some real Junk that was made in China, but there was some junk made here too. I am all for the go USA thing but when you buy a pair of $150 nike shoes made in china for a cost of $5, please appreciate it is Nike in the USA that makes the $145 (that and jordan who makes $50 for his licencing deal…LOL). On a side note, I noticed prices for some barely used complete decks on ebay are way down. Maybe a way to save $50 or more on a deck and have something you could skate for a bit and still sell down the road for no loss. Its a buyers market now on ebay for the used stuff. Lots of deals also on some vintage collector decks also IMHO. Cheers!