Complete Skateboard vs. Custom Skateboard: Which Is Better?

The short answer: It depends on your experience level, budget, and what you want from skating. For beginners, a complete skateboard is the best value and easiest way to start. For experienced skaters who have specific preferences or want to upgrade parts, a custom skateboard offers better performance and durability. Both have pros and cons, but the right choice hinges on how serious you are about the sport.

Understanding Complete Skateboards

A complete skateboard comes ready to ride out of the box. It includes the deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, grip tape, and hardware, all assembled by the manufacturer. These are often sold at skate shops or big-box retailers, and prices can range from budget-friendly to mid-range.

Pros:

• Convenience: No need to research parts or assemble anything. Just grab and go.
• Cost-effective: Generally cheaper than buying all components separately. You can get a decent complete for a budget price.
• Great for beginners: You don’t know what you like yet, so a standard setup is fine to learn on.

Cons:

• Quality varies: Some completes use low-end parts that wear out quickly, especially trucks and bearings.
• Not customizable: You’re stuck with the chosen deck width, wheel hardness, and truck tightness.
• May need upgrades soon: As you progress, you may want better bearings or softer wheels, so you’ll end up replacing parts anyway.

Understanding Custom Skateboards

A custom skateboard means you select each component individually: deck (brand, width, shape), trucks (brand, size, baseplate angle), wheels (diameter, durometer), bearings (ABEC rating), grip tape, and hardware. You can mix and match to suit your style and preferences.

Pros:

• Tailored to you: Choose the exact deck width that matches your shoe size, wheel softness for your terrain, and truck tightness for your turning style.
• Higher quality: You can pick reputable brands for each part, ensuring durability and performance.
• Replaceable parts: If a part breaks, you only replace that part, not the whole board.

Cons:

• More expensive: A custom build typically costs more than a complete, depending on components.
• Requires research: You need to learn about parts and compatibility, which can be overwhelming for beginners.
• Assembly needed: You’ll have to put it together or pay a shop to do it, which adds time and possibly cost.

Cost Comparison: Complete vs. Custom

To give you a clear picture, here’s a rough breakdown of what you might spend.

Complete Skateboard (Entry-Level): Budget-friendly. Usually comes with a basic maple deck, standard trucks, and 99A wheels. Good for learning basics, but you may notice creaking and slower roll soon.

Complete Skateboard (Mid-Range): Mid-range price. Better quality wooden deck, slightly better trucks, and bearings. This can last a while if you’re not too hard on it.

Custom Build (Budget-Minded): Mid-range to premium. You can get a decent deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, and grip/hardware. This is the sweet spot for value if you want good performance.

Custom Build (High-End): Premium. Professional-level decks (Pro models), premium trucks (Independent, Thunder), and ceramic bearings. This is for serious skaters.

Remember, these are estimates, and prices vary. The key is that a custom build often gives you better quality for a similar price to a mid-range complete, and you can upgrade parts over time.

Beginner’s Guide: What Should You Choose?

If you’re brand new to skateboarding, starting with a complete is often recommended. Here’s why:

• Low risk: You might find skating isn’t for you. A complete is a smaller investment.
• Learn the basics: You need to learn balance, pushing, and turning. A standard setup is fine.
• Understand what you like: As you skate, pay attention to what feels good or bad. Do you want a wider deck? Softer wheels? That knowledge will inform your custom build later.

Once you’ve been skating for a few months and know you’re hooked, consider upgrading to a custom. You can keep your complete as a backup or for cruising.

Experienced Skaters: Why Go Custom?

If you’ve been skating for a while, you already know that a custom board feels better. Here’s why:

• Performance: You can choose a deck with the right concave and wheelbase for your tricks. Trucks with the correct bushing hardness for your turning style. Wheels that are ideal for street, park, or cruising.
• Durability: You can invest in high-quality parts that last longer, saving money in the long run.
• Personal expression: Your board can reflect your style, with graphic decks and colored components.

Even if you’re not doing tricks, a custom cruiser built with softer wheels and a wider deck can make your daily commute way more comfortable.

Deck Width and Shoe Size: Getting the Fit Right

One of the most important factors in skateboard performance is deck width, and it should match your shoe size and skating style. A deck that is too narrow feels twitchy and unstable, while one that is too wide is hard to flip and control. Here is a general guide based on common recommendations from skate shops and experienced skaters.

• Shoe size 6 or smaller: Deck width around 7.5 to 7.75 inches. This is suitable for younger or smaller skaters, especially those learning technical street tricks.
• Shoe size 7 to 8: Deck width around 7.75 to 8.0 inches. This is a versatile range for many teenagers and adults with smaller feet.
• Shoe size 8.5 to 10: Deck width around 8.0 to 8.25 inches. This is the most common range for adult skaters and works well for both street and park.
• Shoe size 10.5 to 12: Deck width around 8.25 to 8.5 inches. This provides a stable platform for larger feet and is great for transition skating.
• Shoe size 13 or larger: Deck width 8.5 inches and above. These wider decks offer stability and control for big-footed skaters.

Keep in mind that these are guidelines, not strict rules. Your personal preference and skating style also matter. If you plan to skate mostly in bowls and ramps, a wider deck can be beneficial. If you are focused on technical street tricks, a narrower deck might suit you better. When choosing a complete, check the deck width; many completes come in standard sizes like 7.75, 8.0, or 8.25. For a custom build, you can select any width you want.

Maintenance and Longevity: Keeping Your Board in Shape

Whether you choose a complete or a custom, proper maintenance can extend the life of your skateboard and keep it performing well. Here are some practical tips.

• Check hardware regularly: The bolts that attach trucks to the deck can loosen over time. Tighten them with a skate tool every few sessions. Loose hardware can cause wobbling and damage the deck.
• Clean bearings: Bearings collect dirt and grime, which slows you down. Clean them with a bearing cleaner or citrus-based solvent, then lubricate with a few drops of bearing oil. Avoid using WD-40 as it can attract more dirt.
• Rotate wheels: Over time, wheels wear unevenly, especially if you do a lot of sliding. Rotating them (swapping front and back, and flipping them) can promote even wear and extend their life.
• Replace grip tape: When grip tape becomes smooth or dirty, it loses grip. You can replace it with new grip tape. This is a relatively inexpensive way to refresh your board.
• Inspect deck for cracks: Wooden decks can crack or chip, especially around the truck mounts. If you notice deep cracks or delamination, it’s time to replace the deck. Riding a damaged deck can be dangerous.
• Store properly: Avoid leaving your board in extreme heat or moisture, which can warp the deck and rust metal parts. Store it indoors when possible.

For complete skateboards, the parts are often lower quality, so they may need more frequent maintenance or replacement. Custom builds with higher-quality components tend to last longer, but they still require care. A well-maintained board, whether complete or custom, will perform better and save you money in the long run.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying

Buying a skateboard can be confusing, especially if you’re new. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Buying from a department store: Department store skateboards are often toys, not real skateboards. They use plastic trucks, poor bearings, and cheap decks that can break easily. Instead, buy from a skate shop or reputable online retailer.
• Ignoring deck width: As mentioned, deck width should match your shoe size and style. Don’t just pick a board because of the graphic; check the width.
• Overlooking wheel hardness: Wheel durometer affects how the board rides. Softer wheels (around 78A to 87A) are better for cruising and rough surfaces, while harder wheels (99A to 101A) are better for skate parks and smooth surfaces. Choose based on where you’ll skate most.
• Skimping on bearings: Bearings affect speed and smoothness. Cheap bearings will slow you down and wear out quickly. Look for reputable brands like Bones, Bronson, or Swiss.
• Not considering truck size: Trucks come in different axle widths to match deck width. Using the wrong size can affect stability and turning. For example, a 7.75-inch deck typically uses trucks with an axle width of around 7.6 to 8.0 inches.
• Forgetting about assembly: If you buy a custom build, you’ll need to assemble it or pay a shop. Some online retailers offer assembly for an extra fee. If you’re not handy, factor that into your decision.
• Assuming expensive means better: Price doesn’t always equal quality. Research brands and read reviews. Sometimes a mid-range complete from a reputable brand is better than a cheap custom build with unknown parts.

By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll get a better board and a better skating experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade a complete skateboard later?

Yes, you can. Most completes have standard parts that are interchangeable. You can replace the wheels, bearings, or trucks as they wear out or as you want to improve performance. The only thing you might struggle with is the deck if you want a different shape, but you can replace that too.

Are custom skateboards worth the extra cost?

For most regular skaters, yes. The performance difference is noticeable, and you can choose parts that match your skating style. But if you’re a casual skater who only rides occasionally, a good complete might be enough. It’s about how much you value the experience.

What is the best skateboard for a teenager?

For a teenager, it depends on their size and experience. A complete with an 8.0″ deck is a safe bet for many. If they’re serious, a custom build lets them pick a deck size that fits their shoe size. For instance, if they wear size 9-10 shoes, an 8.0″ to 8.25″ deck is ideal. You can check out our best skateboards guide for specific recommendations.

In the end, both options are valid. A complete gets you rolling quickly and economically, while a custom gives you the exact ride you want. Consider your commitment level and budget, and you’ll make the right choice. Happy skating!

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