Buying cheap skateboards doesn't mean that you need to also be buying low quality. This is a list of skateboards that are cheap, but aren't necessarily cheaply made. Most of these boards are a little lower quality than pro grade skateboards, but for new skaters, or skaters who aren't very aggressive in their skating, these cheap skateboards should work just fine.
by KryslerBlank skateboards and skateboard gear are mostly wheels and decks that are made without any company name attached to them. They are generic, usually just a simple one color, and cheap! The problem with blank skateboard gear is that there isn't just one company who makes them. Most are made in bulk in China, and because it's tough to tell which ones are ok quality, and which ones aren't, normally I would say to avoid them.
However, blank skateboards are cheaper, and there are some out there that are good enough! For example, TGM Skateboards makes blank decks that are 100% Rock Hard Canadian Maple. Ask the owner of the shop you are buying the blank deck from, and make sure it is made of good wood. Read more about blank skate gear.
Mini Logo SkateboardsMiniLogo Complete Skateboards are high quality decks and parts marked down in price for their lack of graphics. You know the cool picture on the bottom of your skateboard? Well, having that cool art and a pro skater's name on the board means it costs a little more. Minilogo skateboards are still quality parts, but they are just one color, with a small logo (that's where they get the name). This means that with Minilogo, you get a great skateboard for less money. Minilogo boards are made by Powell, and are the same quality as regular Powell decks.
As far as quality vs price, Minilogo isn't the cheapest, but the quality is higher than other boards on this list.
Shop Skateboards
CCS Skateboard ShopSome skateboard shops sell their own cheap skateboards with their shop's logo on the bottom. These work out a lot like blank skateboards - some are poor quality, and some are just fine. Most, though,
are just fine. Most skateboard shops don't want to put their shop's name on really bad boards!
The trick with shop skateboards is that you have to actually go to a shop to get one! Some shops sell their boards online, but it's best to go to a shop and ask them about their boards. Ask the same sort of questions you'd ask for blank boards.
Board PusherThere are companies out there who help you make your own custom skateboard decks. Most of these are a little cheaper than pro skateboard decks, plus you get to design your own picture! I tried out
Board Pusher, and I liked them a lot.
These boards are fairly good quality, but they aren't necessarily a lot cheaper than regular skateboard decks.
Powell Golden DragonPowell's Golden Dragon skateboards are complete boards (that means they have trucks, wheels, griptape, everything) that cost only a little bit more than just a regular skateboard deck.
The problem with Golden Dragon skateboards is that they are mass produced in China. There are some complicated reasons why buying boards like this can be a bad idea for the future of skateboarding. But for most of you out there, you are more concerned with saving money now. Golden Dragon skateboards are still good enough quality, I liked them when I tried them out, and the graphics are pretty cool. If you don't worry about the global economic issues that might plague your children's children, then try Golden Dragon!
