If this is your first skateboard, the short answer is simple: a pre-built complete from a known brand is the best way to start. It gives you a balanced board for €60-90 with no decisions to make, and you can skate the same day. Only build one part by part if you already know the width you want, the trucks you like, or you’re reusing components. For a first board, going custom usually costs more money and more frustration than a well-chosen complete.
Pre-built complete vs custom build
A complete comes assembled from the factory: deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, hardware and griptape, all ready to roll. It’s the natural entry point and what we recommend to anyone starting out. Brand completes (not the toy-store or supermarket kind) use 7-ply maple and real components that hold up.
A custom build makes sense once you have preferences: a specific width, a particular wheel hardness, or you want to mix brands. You gain control and quality, but you pay for each part separately and need to know what you’re combining. For a first setup it rarely pays off.
| Pre-built complete | Custom build | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | €60-90 | €110-160 |
| Decisions to make | None | Many |
| Component quality | Good | Whatever you pick |
| Best for | Getting started | Knowing what you want |
What deck width you need
Width is measured in inches and it’s the first decision. For most adult beginners, 7.75” to 8.25” is the safe range. Let your shoe size and height guide you:
| Shoe (EU) / height | Recommended width |
|---|---|
| < 38 / kids | 7.0” – 7.5” |
| 38-42 / < 1.70 m | 7.75” – 8.0” |
| 42-45 / 1.70-1.85 m | 8.0” – 8.25” |
| > 45 / > 1.85 m | 8.25” – 8.5” |
A narrower deck turns and flips more easily; a wider one gives stability on landings and ramps. When in doubt, go 8.0”: it’s the default width for street and skatepark. There’s a full breakdown in the deck size guide.
Trucks, wheels and bearings basics
You don’t need to master every component on day one, but understand three things:
- Trucks: they should match the deck width (a truck that’s too narrow or too wide makes the board unstable). Truck height matters too; we cover it in the hi vs lo trucks guide.
- Wheels: hardness is measured in durometer. Hard wheels (99a-101a) slide better for street and skatepark tricks. Soft wheels (78a-87a) absorb rough pavement and are made for rolling and getting around (cruising). For a first board aimed at learning tricks, go hard; if you just want to cruise, go soft.
- Bearings: almost any decent set spins fine. Don’t be fooled by the ABEC scale: it wasn’t designed for skateboarding and a high number doesn’t mean more real-world speed. A mid-range branded set will last years if you keep them clean.
Beginner-friendly, good-value brands
For a first board, these brands offer real components without overpaying:
- Jart: European-pressed maple, some of the best prices for beginners.
- Enjoi, Element, Real: solid completes and decks at a contained price.
- Independent and Venture for trucks; Spitfire for wheels once you move to a custom build.
Avoid supermarket brands and “plastic board with a print” toys: the wood is poor, the trucks won’t turn, and they’ll put you off before you learn anything.
Realistic budget
- Entry-level brand complete: €60-90
- Mid-range complete: €90-120
- Quality custom build: €130-180
Add a helmet and, if you want, pads. It’s the best investment you’ll make on day one.
Common beginner mistakes
- Buying for the graphic instead of size or quality.
- Soft wheels while expecting to do tricks (or hard wheels while expecting a comfy roll).
- Over-tightening the truck bolts: the board needs to be able to turn.
- Buying a toy-store complete to save €20 and buying a proper one a month later anyway.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a decent first skateboard cost?
Between €60 and €90 for a brand complete. Under €40 is usually toy-grade gear that won’t hold up or help you learn.
Should I buy it assembled or part by part?
Assembled (a complete) to start. Building it part by part is worth it once you know the width, wheel hardness and trucks you want.
What deck size for an adult beginner?
8.0” is the safe bet for most people. Smaller feet lean toward 7.75”; larger feet toward 8.25”. Compare options in the deck catalog.