All posts by: VZG Team

How Do We Make our Polyurethane Skateboard Wheels?

VZG Team / / Skateboard
Polyurethane Skateboard Wheels

Polyurethane skateboard wheels are an ideal choice for inline skating boots and wheels. When it comes to skating, polyurethane skate wheels are relatively indestructible, flexible, resilient and durable.

You should be able to check out the wheels and it’s performance depending on the skating style that will mostly be used for. Check out our previous article to know what the skateboarding styles are today.

Like every wheel’s purpose, polyurethane skateboard wheels allow the skateboard and the rider himself to move along a surface. It can come in a variety of colors, sizes, and designs that can show a rider’s personality and skating style. 

Generally, skateboard wheels can be measured in diameter and durometer. The diameter is the size of the wheels, while the durometer shows how hard the wheels are. Both of these factors will depend on what you prefer, as well as what the skating purpose is.

The two major factors to consider when selecting skateboard wheels are their diameter and durometer. The diameter tells the size of the wheels while the durometer tells how hard the wheels are. These factors will become the basis of its ideal skating purpose.

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History of Skateboarding

Brief History of Skateboard Wheels

Early 1900s, the first “skateboard wheels” were invented by innovative children by attaching old roller skate wheels to a 2 by 4 board. This was the concept behind the modern-day skateboard wheels that were molded from solid steel and were very tricky to use because the wheels offer very limited traction.

After a couple of years, the first commercial skateboard wheels were manufactured, still made from steel, however, smoother and more even. By the 1960s, manufacturers realized that these steel wheels are still offering little traction and are difficult to maneuver, so they tried making wheels from clay.

However, predictably, clay wheels are way bumpier, harder to control, and easier to break after landing some jump tricks.

In the 1970s, Frank Nasworthy made a breakthrough by using polyurethane in producing skateboard wheels. Frank, the inventor of the polyurethane skateboard wheel, noticed that urethane wheels performed better on roller skates, and thought they would work better on skateboards as well.

When polyurethane wheels were attached to skateboards, the sport took off wildly. People across the United States started skating on boards as their own sport, rather than just as a recreational activity. Skateboarding tricks and rules were also created during the late 1970s.

Since the 1980s, the construction of skateboard wheels has not changed much. Some modern polyurethane formulas provide greater traction and durability than the original mixtures, but the construction remains the same.

Clear wheels actually provide better performance than colored wheels, because the pigments in the wheels allow for less urethane in the wheel. The higher the concentration of urethane, the better performance will be in flexibility and traction.

Heat Transfer Printing Machine

Heat transfer printing machines are also called a digital printing machine. It is commonly used in printing skateboard graphics because it is efficient in transferring designs with intricate details and multiple colors.

The heat transfer printing can be broken down into two major phases: printing the design on a transfer paper, and transferring that design from the paper to the deck with the help of high heat and pressure.

  1. The first stage is pretty simple. Designs are made on computer software and it is then printed on a special transfer paper.
  2. After the graphics are ready on the transfer paper, the heat press is heated between 350 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  3. The skateboard deck is placed on the plate and covers the transfer paper with a thin cloth for protection.
  4. Pressure is applied to press the transfer paper and the deck together. The thicker the transfer paper is, the less pressure is needed.
  5. The usual time for heat transfer printing on skateboards varies from 25 – 60 seconds, depending on the design complexity.
  6. The film is peeled off while the transfer paper is still hot, leaving the full graphic on the board.
  7. Finally, any excess paint is scraped away from the edges with a sharp knife, leaving a neat edge and a professional finish.

The main drawback of heat transfer printing is the cost. Transfer paper may be costly but, you can do so much more with the graphics, its colors, and details, than with the screen printing method.

What Is Polyurethane and Why Is It Used?

Look around you. Chances are there are already objects around you made from polyurethane. That’s because polyurethane is one of the most widely-used forms of synthetic resin available on the market, and it’s used in thousands of household and commercial products worldwide.

Polyethylene is a versatile plastic material that can exist in a variety of forms. It can be made as either rigid or flexible, making it a great option for a broad range of different products. So, how is it made?

Polyurethane is made by chemically combining polymers and urethane. To accomplish this, polymers are linked together by urethane groups, creating a versatile solution that can take many forms. The compound created is stable, safe, and durable which is what we use today

History of Polyurethane

Polyurethanes were invented by a German industrial chemist, Professor Dr. Otto Bayer. During this time, experimentation and trials are being done to figure out what chemicals can be added to obtain certain qualities and attributes.

During World War II, polyurethanes were widely used as a replacement for rubber, which was expensive and hard to obtain during this era. Additionally, other polyurethane applications were developed, such as coatings of different kinds, from resistant clothing to airplane finishes.

Why is Polyurethane Used?

Unlike other synthetic compounds, polyurethanes are heat resistant and will not melt when heated. This is especially beneficial when rolling on hot pavement.

Additionally, due to the synthetic nature, it can be formulated in many different ways, depending on the needed application. Color can be added, the shape can be easily formed, and finally, it can survive sheer pressure, which is advantageous especially when doing jump tricks and consecutive beating.

Skateboard Wheel Production

Take a glimpse of how we process our polyurethane skateboard wheels.

1. Melting and Mixing Polyurethane

Two polyurethane compounds are processed separately before combining together in heated, high-pressure metering machines.

First, the high-quality polyurethane is mixed at high temperature, then the low-quality polyurethane is mixed at room temperature. These polyurethanes are treated at different temperatures because they have their respective heat-absorbing property

These compounds are then mixed together while being heated in the process. If a color needs to be added, the pigment is added in this mixing stage.

Once the mixture has been thoroughly mixed, it is poured into aluminum molds through a mixing chamber then allowed to cool down and harden up into a solid form.

2. Cooling and Hardening

The cooled down, solid wheel logs are then removed by hand and placed on trays. Several wheel molds are running at the same time on the conveyor system.

The wheel logs are manually cut into shape by hand. The sidewalls and the riding surface, also known as the tread, are then shaped into the proper wheel shape.

3. Adding the Designs

If you wish to decorate the already made wheel, then it will proceed with a semi-automated process of digitally printing the design to the sidewalls with the use of a pad printing machine.

The silicone pad is placed on an inked printing plate then transfers images to the wheels. Wheel designs that have more than one color go through multiple printing pads with different ink colors and are printed consecutively until the design is achieved.

4. Assembly and Storage

Once the wheels have completely been made, they will proceed to join the other components of a skateboard to be finally assembled, packed, and stored for shipment.

Conclusion

Now that you have known the process of manufacturing polyurethane skateboard wheels, you will have knowledge that you can share with your customers. It is essential that we can explain to them queries if ever it comes up as an effective way to show professionalism and product knowledge.

Here in VZG, our mission is to exceed customer expectations by giving premium-grade products and customer service. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our online support system if you need any assistance, you can send us an enquiry in here.

How Printing on Skateboard Decks Is Done?

VZG Team / / Skateboard
printing on skateboard decks

As a skateboarder, one way to show personality in your skateboard is by having a customized deck. But what is the process behind making a boring deck into a work of art? Let’s find out.

There are different types of machines that do the job of printing on skateboard decks and each with its printing process. While there are a  variety of skateboard printing machines available on the market, we can divide them into three kinds:

  • Screen Printing
  • Heat Transfer Printing Machines
  • UV Printing Machines

These machines utilize complex technologies and materials to provide the consistent and best possible results on skateboard decks. Let’s take a glimpse into the specifics of these skateboard printing techniques.

Table of Contents

Screen Printing

Screen printing is the traditional method of applying graphics on a skateboard. The main advantage of this process is its low cost since screen printing does not need any expensive and complex technology. It is pretty straight forward and here’s how screen printing is done.

  1. To start off with screen printing, you will need a frame on which a mesh will be stretched that will serve as a foundation of the graphics. The mesh and the frame combo is called the screen.
  2. A stencil is made by blocking the part of the screen where the graphics will appear as a negative image.
  3. The screen is placed on top of the deck. Ink is put on the screen and a squeegee is used to form the graphics in the mesh holes.

As you can see, the screen printing process only does one color at a time, so this technique is best used for one or two colored graphics with simple details. Most skateboards are made simple because this is the most common technique used.

If your design has intricate details and has three or more colors, it is best to use the two following techniques.

Heat Transfer Printing Machine

Heat transfer printing machines are also called a digital printing machine. It is commonly used in printing skateboard graphics because it is efficient in transferring designs with intricate details and multiple colors.

The heat transfer printing can be broken down into two major phases: printing the design on a transfer paper, and transferring that design from the paper to the deck with the help of high heat and pressure.

  1. The first stage is pretty simple. Designs are made on computer software and it is then printed on a special transfer paper.
  2. After the graphics are ready on the transfer paper, the heat press is heated between 350 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  3. The skateboard deck is placed on the plate and covers the transfer paper with a thin cloth for protection.
  4. Pressure is applied to press the transfer paper and the deck together. The thicker the transfer paper is, the less pressure is needed.
  5. The usual time for heat transfer printing on skateboards varies from 25 – 60 seconds, depending on the design complexity.
  6. The film is peeled off while the transfer paper is still hot, leaving the full graphic on the board.
  7. Finally, any excess paint is scraped away from the edges with a sharp knife, leaving a neat edge and a professional finish.

The main drawback of heat transfer printing is the cost. Transfer paper may be costly but, you can do so much more with the graphics, its colors, and details, than with the screen printing method.

UV Printing Machine

A newcomer to the skateboard graphic printing market is the UV Printing Machine. It merges both old and new techniques: inkjet printing and UV printing technology.

It works in a way that prints the UV ink directly on the surface of any material, in this case, the wooden skateboard deck. Then, the ink is cured by a UV lamp to dry in an instant, forming an image. Here’s the process of printing with UV ink.

  1. First of all, the UV printing machine uses piezoelectric inkjet technology that does not come in contact with the surface of the substrate.
  2. It sprays the ink onto the surface of the deck with the help of the internal voltage of the print head. For this to work, a software is used to control hundreds of print nozzles precisely.
  3. The UV curing phase is important because it improves the speed of the ink drying process.

The biggest advantage of using UV printing machines is that you can apply this print technique on materials that are not strictly paper. Additionally, UV ink can directly be printed on materials such as wood and plastic, making this printing machine ideal for skateboards.

The main disadvantage is the cost itself, as this process is highly complex and uses expensive technology.

Conclusion

Whatever the graphic transferring technique is used, the important thing is you are happy with the design and it can show your personality on your deck.

In VZG, we will handle all your graphic designs and it is our mission to exceed your expectations. It is long-lasting and vibrant with a professional finish.

If you have any other questions or concerns about the best printing method for your skateboard graphics, feel free to reach out through our email, bella@vzg.com or send us an email through here.

Getting To Know the Skateboard Truck

VZG Team / / Skateboard
skateboard truck

A skateboard truck is a necessary component of a skateboard because it will determine how your skateboard will perform. It helps in maneuvering and controlling the direction of a skateboarder at their will.

Skateboard trucks are T-shaped metal pieces that are installed underneath the deck of the skateboard. This is also where the wheels and bearings are securely attached. In this article, we will be listing down the important components of a skateboard truck and how it is made.

Table of Contents

What are the Parts of a Skateboard Truck?

Trucks are made up of many parts such as axles, hangers, kingpins, and bushings. These parts work simultaneously to provide your skateboard with top stability and control while rolling and performing tricks.

Let’s get to know each of these parts and what it does to a skateboard.

1. Baseplate

The baseplate is the foundation of the truck. It is the part mounted on the deck with 4 bolts. The kingpin and the pivot cup are also located on the base plate.

2. Kingpin

The large bolt that connects the hanger to the base plate is called the kingpin. Typically, the kingpin nut is located at the upper end of the kingpin and is easily replaceable.

There are two types of kingpin, a standard, and a hallow. A standard is made solid while a hollow kingpin is a hollowed-out bolt, which reduces the weight of the truck.

3. Hanger

The hanger is the area of the trucks on which you grind on railings. It is next to the base plate is the hanger which is the main component of your truck.

The rear part of the hanger is called the pivot and sits in the pivot cup of the base plate. On the flip side, the hanger is attached to the base plate with the kingpin and bushings.

4. Bushings

The bushings are the components of the trucks that determine the turning performance. They are made from polyurethane and are placed on the kingpin between the base plate and hanger.

They are available in a range of firmness and can easily be interchanged with the help of a skate tool. Some bushings are also equipped with a reinforced hard plastic layer which means washers are not required.

5. Axle

The axle is a bar made of titanium or steel that extends through the hanger, which is cast around it.

The wheels and bearings are mounted on the visible parts of the axle. If the thread of the axle has worn out, you can use a skate tool with an axle rethreader to fix it.

6. Axle nuts

Axle nuts are the nuts attached to the axle and are used to mount the wheels. In case that there is a loose or lost axle nut, you can easily get replacement axle nuts in most skate shops.

7. Washer

The metal discs placed above and below the bushings are called the washers. It ensures that the forces acting on the board are evenly distributed to make every ride stable.

8. Speedrings

Speed rings are small washers that are the same size as the core of the bearings. They are located between the bearings and hangers as well as between the bearings and axle nuts.

They prevent the bearings from scraping against the other components that may lead to rusting and deformation.

skateboard truck

How are Skateboard Trucks Produced?

Skateboard trucks are made from molded aluminum alloys which give its light yet strong and stiff quality. The smelted aluminum alloy is injected in between skateboard truck molds.

The truck molds are then pressed together under a 20-ton weight to squeeze out all the air. The process of eliminating any air bubbles will result in a high density, durable skateboard truck.

The molded alloys are cooled down and will proceed to a smoothing phase with the help of machines.

Conclusion

Aside from having a durable deck, it is also vital that you are guaranteed that your trucks are in a top-notch performance. Here in VZG, all our trucks are made from premium grade alloy metals and have passed multiple inspections to ensure your safety and satisfaction.

Skateboard Grip Tapes: From Sheets To Your Decks

VZG Team / / Skateboard
skateboard grip tape

There’s nothing more satisfying than feeling the tingling sensation of touch grip tape against the tips of your fingers. Keeping it rough and fully-tractioned is important for the rider’s safety and controllability.

A skateboard grip tape is applied on top of the deck to create strong traction between the rider’s shoes and the deck. It has a sandpaper-like texture typically made from silicon carbide and aluminum oxide. Without this friction, it’d be impossible to get your deck into the air.

Today, we will be finding out how a grip tape became one of the most important features of a skateboard and how they are made in today’s modern standards.

Table of Contents

The Evolution of a Grip Tape

During the booming birth of surfers in the 1960s, sidewalk surfers typically rode skateboards barefoot. Due to the dangers of speeding downhill while having unprotected feet, Slip Check, spray-adhesive, was used and applied on the skateboard in order to wear shoes while having traction from the deck.

The booming popularity of skateboarding gave rise to the innovations of improved detraction. Typically, a resin is poured on the deck, and then sand is sprinkled on the still-wet resin to create a rough surface, thus, the earliest grip tape was invented. Although better than riding barefoot or with spray-on adhesives, the sandy resin texture is not quite grippy enough.

Several years later, the grip tape evolved into a product itself. The first form of grip tape was called Pizza Tape. The name came from how it looks, rough and rocky that looks like pizza toppings.

The pizza tape was a drag to work on, figuratively and literally. The surface was too rough to the point of destroying the soles of the skate shoes. On the other hand, if the grit was too small, the grip will not be enough for proper traction.

Another issue to deal with during the first years of grip tape is how to consistently keep it stuck to the board. In the early 1990s. California laws prohibited the use of solvent-based thinner and lacquers, which is the typical component of adhesives back then.

The early grip tapes had a paper lining, and if water seeped through, it would rot. To prevent this, a barrier needs to be applied in between the wooden deck and the grip tape. The first barriers were made of foil sheets, but with the introduction of plastics, grip tape manufacturers found a barrier that was waterproof, cheaper, and more flexible.

During the 1980s, colored grip tapes became popular as a way to show the personality and the persona of a skateboarder. Boards are typically adjourned with bright sheets of neon-colored tapes that made skateboards aesthetically pleasing as well.

During the mid-90s, graphic grip tape was introduced, offering a plethora of designs including logos and art patterns.

After a decade of trials and experimentations, skaters and manufacturers have found a grip tape they are pleased with. And thanks to better adhesives, better plastics, and finer grits, the functional aspects of grip tape have stayed the same for the past ten years.

skateboard grip tape

How Is a Grip Tape Made?

The inception of the grip tape has made it possible to perform tricks on the air as well as to protect your shoes from the dreaded tear and wear. Now, let’s take a glimpse of how it is made from start to finish.

1. The Base

A large sheet of screen-like polyester is laid onto a converter belt. This polyester sheet will become the base of the grip tape. The screen-like construction allows the grip tape to be flexible and shapeable, making it easy to stick on top of the deck.

Small holes are drilled on the sheet to allow any water, moisture, and air bubbles to run off when smoothening. A machine applies adhesive on the top side of the polyester to create a sticky surface for the silicon carbide.

2. The Coating

Silicone carbide mineral composition is sprayed on top of the sticky surface to create a sandpaper-like texture. With the help of a high-powered heat lamp, the silicon carbide dries on top of the polyester film faster.

3. Applying Adhesives

A machine applies a resin adhesive at the bottom of the polyester film that will result in the sticky underside of the grip tape.

4. Backing Paper

A thick lining of paper is applied over the resin adhesive so that the sticky underside of the grip tape will not come into contact with other materials until the time of application.

5. Forming the Shape

An automated lathe cuts the massive layers of polyester film sheets with the silicon carbide top and the adhesive resin bottom into 32-inch by 9-inch strips.

6. Applying

Once the grip tape has been cut, it will then proceed where the decks are and be applied to form a gritty skateboard deck. It is stuck together using an automated machine to avoid misalignment and air bubbles.

Conclusion

A skateboard is not complete without a grip tape. Finding out what it is made of will eventually give you more knowledge about how it helps skateboarders do tricks, how to fix it and how we can guarantee you that our grip tapes are made to last long.

How Skateboard Decks Are Made

VZG Team / / Skateboard
How Skateboard Decks Are Made

From a piece of flat wood to your shaped skateboard deck, ever wondered how skateboard decks are made?

Whether you’re just beginning to balance on your new skateboard or you have been grinding rails for a long time, learning the manufacturing process of skateboard decks can be a huge benefit to your performance.

Understanding how your board is put together and what the differences are between types of manufacturing processes used by manufacturers can help you choose one that’s better quality and great durability. Here is a quick peek at the process of making premium-grade skateboard decks.

Table of Contents

Wood treatment

1. Wood treatment

The most common construction material used for skateboard decks is maple wood from the Great Lakes area of the U.S. and Canada. These cold-weather maple woods are used because of short growing seasons and top-notch quality wood density. The higher the density is, the more durable the deck will be. During log-harvesting season, logs are sent to the mill and will be stored for three months before being treated. The stored logs are soaked in water for hours to soften them for more efficient and accurate slicing. Once the logs reach about 50% in moisture, they are then spun at high speeds against a blade to create thin veneers that are already dried up before being sent to our manufacturing facilities.
Veener Assembly

2. Veneer Assembly

The strength and stiffness of a skateboard deck come from the layering of multiple plywoods that are glued together. The same principle can be demonstrated by a bullet-proof laminated window, constructed with multiple layers of glass and plastic glued together. Maple logs that are kept at optimal humidity and moisture content are first sent to the sawmill for processing. The bark is stripped removed and the log is halved or quartered, depending on its diameter. The divided logs are called “bucks”, thus, the process is called “bucking”. The bucked logs heated at around 200 degrees Fahrenheit to soften the fibers, which will result in easier slicing in the lathe. The heating is done by either a hot water bath, spraying with hot water, or by steaming. After being heated, the bucks are immediately sliced using a lathe about 1/16th of an inch. The veneers are then dried to approximately 8% moisture in order to apply the epoxy properly. Most epoxies used to glue veneers require different moisture levels. There are three different structures of veneers used in each deck.

1. Face veneer

Face veneers are the top and bottom layers of the deck. These layers should be free of any blemishes and lumps, and they are always going through a long-grain direction (vertical).

Any face veneer with lumps can be used for another section of the deck.

2. Core veneer.

Core veneers are also vertically sliced and along the long-grain direction. However, these pieces often have blemishes and knots that would look deformed if used for the face veneers of the deck.

3. Cross-grain veneers

As the name suggests, the cross-grain veneers have the grain facing sideways. They are usually cut sections of longer veneers glued together to form alternating long-grain and cross-grain layers.

Decks are gourd in a way so that their grains cross at each layer, which greatly improves the overall strength.

The veneers can come in their natural color or stained with colors. The staining is done under high pressure in a pressure chamber. The color then travels right through the nooks and crannies of the veneer, giving it longer color retention.

The staining process cannot be done either by hand or by soaking. If a stain were simply painted onto the veneer, the color would easily scratch off.

The top and bottom sides of the veneers are sanded on one side while the remaining sides are coated with special glue. This glue is specially formulated to withstand the repeated shocks of the board smacking the pavement and obstacles without cracking or separating.

VZG uses a non-toxic, water-based adhesive in gluing the veneers together. Once the glue is worked in the veneers, they are layered, and several decks’ worth of layers are stacked and placed together in a mold to be simultaneously pressed and shaped.

Shaping the deck

3. Shaping the Deck

Once the veneers and epoxy are laminated, the stack of decks is then placed in a mold to form the shape of the deck, concave and upturned on the tail and the nose.

The stack of the deck undergoes hot presses with 40 tons of pressure. The hot press will hold the deck together for several hours to completely dry out the adhesive. Once dried, the shaped deck is then sawed to the desired shape.

Holes are then drilled where trucks will be attached. Finally, the decks will undergo sanding to smoothen the surface.

Adding Graphics

4. Adding the Graphics

Skateboard decks can come in a variety of graphic designs on the underside. The graphics are often added through the process of heat transfer.

Each graphic is printed on a sheet of plastic. This plastic sheet is fastened to the bottom of the deck and is run through a machine that simultaneously applies heat and pressure. The heat melts the ink on the plastic sheet, transferring it permanently to the bottom of the deck.

Conclusion

As you can see in the whole process, a skateboard deck goes through a lot of processes: from cutting the trees to the transferring of the graphic design. Thanks to the innovations and process improvements, we can guarantee that we can provide premium-grade skateboards and decks that you will be able to use for a long time.     

10 Different Types of Skateboards

VZG Team / / Skateboard
What are the Different Types of Skateboard

Skateboards were invented sometime in the late 1940s or early 1950s when surfers in California wanted to feel the sensation of surfing while on land. It was then called “sidewalk surfing”, a new twist in surfing that does not need waves to enjoy.

From the early years of skateboards, it has gone through several periods and phases before arriving at the modern deck designs we see today. Each one was designed to cater to the demands of different riding conditions from performing tricks, cruising down the street, dropping in on a bowl or half-pipe, or speeding down a hill.

Learning the diverse kinds of skateboards will help you decide which one fits your needs. Let’s take a look at the most popular and widely used different types of skateboards that can be found rolling out on the streets.

Table of Contents

1. Freestyle skateboard

If it is your first time buying a skateboard, it is recommended to get a freestyle board. This kind of board allows amateurs to learn how to balance and to practice and execute basic tricks.

Freestyling is the oldest skateboarding style that mainly focuses on performing technical skills on flat ground. There is also a variation of freestyle longboards that are best used while cruising on flat and smooth surfaces as it allows the rider to maneuver easily.

When picking a freestyle skateboard, choose a board that will suit your size. A large board is perfect for beginners for better stability and easier balancing. Once you are ready to try our tricks, it is time to transition to a narrower and shorter freestyle board.

Most beginners assume that using small boards will be easier to control when doing aerial tricks due to its lightweight but keep in mind that the smaller the board is, the less stable it is.

2. Slalom skateboard

During the 1960s to 1970s, downhill skateboard racing was the rave. A special kind of skateboard was modified to accommodate the speed needed while zooming downhill. In the 2000s, modern-day slalom boards were out in the market, which also means the revival of downhill skateboard racing.

To be able to win this kind of race, you need a skateboard made to reach top performance. A slalom skateboard is built to run fast and increase your traction and versatility when turning.  They have larger and softer wheels compared to an average skateboard. The boards are also made stronger and more receptive to foam plus carbon-fiber cores.

Slalom racing is more than just reaching the finish line first. The course is marked with neon-colored plastic cones and the rider with the least cones knocked down with the fastest time wins. Each knocked down cone represents a time penalty and this will be deducted from the total runtime.

3. Downhill skateboards

Downhill skateboard racing does not only use slalom boards but can also be done with a special kind of board known as a downhill-oriented skateboard.

It focuses on performing at faster speeds with precision and skill.  Downhill skateboards are specifically made to have a top mount, drop-through, and drop-platform designs for a faster and more maneuverable ride.

The decks of downhill skateboards are very stiff and come with a wheelbase with sizes of 29 to 32 inches. It has a concave portion on the deck to keep your feet from slipping backward or forwards.

4. Street skateboards

One of the most commonly used nowadays are street skateboards, especially in urban areas. It lets you move more efficiently through the streets and on the sidewalk.

Aside from being a form of transportation, this kind of skateboard can also execute stunts on different obstacles found on the streets such as speed bumps, handrails, plant boxes and sidewalk railings. If you want to show off your skills on the streets, then you should get this board.

Typically, you can see lots of street skateboard users in plazas, parking lots, and alleyways. Its wheels are as big as 48 to 55mm and have a narrower deck. This wheel size will allow its rider to make slips and turns quickly and easily.

The deck is usually made from polyurethane so expect it to be very stiff and hard but still being lightweight, perfect for grinding and kickflips. You need a light yet stiff board because it’s highly likely you’ll be banging it on the streets as you move about.

When buying a street skateboard, you also have to consider boards with smaller wheels in order to reduce the overall weight.  Smaller wheels will ensure that inertia takes control quicker, therefore, performing different tricks will be much easier.

Street skateboards look similar to freestyle boards but are narrower and have a symmetrical shape.

5. Vertical skateboard

If you want to feel like Spiderman and show off tricks on vertical surfaces like walls, slides, and pools, then a vertical skateboard is your go-to board.

As the name implies, it performs well on vertical and inclined surfaces such as on-ramps and railings. It has a wider deck that gives your feet more surface to grip and a comfortable position when performing vertical tricks.

It has wheels that are around 55mm large that provide great stability and control. With a vertical skateboard, you can master impressive techniques such as pushing, carving, and cruising that will be beneficial before trying out vertical tricks.

6. Park skateboards

Skateboarding parks are a skateboarders’ paradise. It has half pipes, quarter pipes, and walls for vertical skateboarding as well as the addition of street structures such as stairs, rails, and benches – a true concrete jungle of obstacles.

All these elements make skateboarding more challenging and a lot more fun. And of course, with all these obstacles, you will also need a specially-designed skateboard, a park skateboard.

Before getting a park skateboard, you have to keep in mind that it should be perfect for your height. If your height is below 5’4” then you get a board with a length that’s 29” and below. If you are 5’4”and taller, then you need a board with a length of 32”.

Some park skateboarders prefer a wider board because of better stability. And to provide more room for your feet to position and land safely.

Park skateboards’ wheels have 51 to 55mm. Smaller wheels can help you perform tricks easily and quickly. Wheels that roll fast lets you enhance your air and speed so you can successfully execute tricks and stunts.

7. Pool skateboards

Got a nearby abandoned, empty pool? Then get a pool skateboard. It will let you ride on bowls, pools, and vertical ramps safely and effectively.

The skateboard for this sport has a wider deck because you must have a lot of room for your feet to hold on to and to gain more stability and control.

Wider boards are better when it comes to pool skateboarding because it will ensure you that your board will last longer. Remember that you’ll be landing hard on the ground during vertical stunts so you need a board that can handle your weight and the pressure of a jump.

It is recommended to invest in very stiff boards made of strong material like carbon. The truck must be between 15” to 18” to accommodate changes in wheels if needed.

8. Off-road skateboards

Off-road skateboards can be compared to the off-road vehicle of the skateboarding world.

They are the exact opposite of street skateboarding as it needs a special kind of board with specialized wheels and accessories.

Usually, off-road skateboarders modify their street skateboards to endure off-road environments such as sand and gravel.

Off-road skateboards are born when the wheels of an ordinary skateboard are replaced with larger rubber ones so that the board can have more grip over rough roads and grass. Another important feature installed in most off-road skateboards is modified decks with straps for your feet.

Another unique feature of an off-road skateboard is the brake. This addition is important as you might need to stop quickly to avoid dangerous terrain conditions, such as a tree stump, a large stone, and the likes.

9. Cruising skateboard

If you want to stroll around your streets, then get a cruising skateboard. It lets you travel as fast as you can without doing any trick or touching the ground. Cruising skateboards are ideal for moving quickly and must have durable rubber wheels since it will be touching the ground constantly.

10. Electric skateboards

Combining the innovations of modern technology and purpose of traditional skateboarding, electric skateboards are gaining popularity because it gives its users a commute like no other.

The electric skateboard comes with an electric motor, battery pack, and improved trucks that will carry all the electrical components. Unlike traditional skateboards, you do not need to push your board using your feet as the motor will to the motion for you.

Obviously, electric skateboards are not made for performing tricks and stunts as heavy impacts can damage the motor and battery pack, which can be heartbreaking.

Most electric skateboard users often carry spare battery packs in case they run out of juice while in the middle of a stroll.

Conclusion

Skateboarding has been through lots of changes and evolution but one thing is for sure, the fun and thrill remained the same.

Knowing exactly what you want to accomplish will give you a better decision-making process when buying a skateboard, and we’re here to help you.

It is essential to have the best-quality skateboard that you can use for a long time. Check out our large collection of skateboards to start your riding journey!

Skateboard vs Longboard: What’s the Best for You?

VZG Team / / Skating
Skateboard vs Longboard

Skateboard manufacturers design these boards in different styles for specific purposes. And you may also get different riding experiences by riding a longboard from a skateboard.

When choosing a board you want to ride, think of the main reason why you want one. Do you want to do some tricks in the skate park? Or do you want to cruise and slide downhill? Today, we will differentiate skateboard vs longboard to help you select which one best suits your style.

Table of Contents

A Brief History of Skateboards and Longboards

Before we tackle their differences, we have to know the early history of how a skateboard and longboard came to be.         

In the 1950s, surfing was booming on the beaches of California. Surfing was so hyped up that surfers wanted to experience the thrill of surfing on land during days with no surfable waves.

Then a genius idea of attaching some wheels on a wooden plank shaped into a surfboard came to mind, the skateboard was born.

When skateboarders realized that these boards were too huge to execute tricks, they made them smaller.

By the 1990s, the first skateboards were too small for skateboarders to cruise on them and the sensation of riding a surfboard with its size doesn’t feel natural. They tweaked the design to make it longer and that was the birth of the longboards.

Differences Between Skateboard Vs Longboard

Most people assume that the only difference between a skateboard and a longboard is its size. However, there are a few more things to consider before selecting which is the best for you.

Here are five key differences between a longboard and a skateboard:

1. Shape and Size

Visually, if you put a longboard and a skateboard together, there is a striking difference in the board’s shapes. Longboards have a flat nose and tail. On the other hand, skateboards have more of a curved nose and tail to give an advantage while doing tricks and flips.

Moreover, one obvious difference between the two is its size, and from the name itself, a longboard is longer. Typically a longboard is measured at 59 inches while a skateboard measures around 36 inches.

But you may be surprised that there are longboards as small as 28 inches in length, but don’t let that confuse you with a typical skateboard. All you have to remember is that the main difference between the two is their shape: longboards are flat and skateboards are curved.

2. Deck Flexibility

When we talk about the deck, we are referring to the base of the board. Most decks are made up of flexible wood, such as maple and industrial-material glue. There are also decks made from artificial materials such as aluminum, plexiglass, composites, nylon, and fiberglass.

Different kinds of decks will have different purposes in skateboards and longboards. If you want to learn and do some tricks, your board should be thinner so it can have more flex. The flex of the board refers to the stiffness of it.

A board that is too “soft” may provide poor stability which can be challenging to nail tricks on. For a spring-like feel and performance-quality deck, skateboarders should select a board with soft to medium flex.

On the other hand, longboards are built to gain maximum speed as you run downhill. To keep the pace steady, they have thicker decks with little flex in order to support the rider.

3. Trucks and Wheels

Underneath the deck is the base where the wheels are attached and they are referred to as trucks. A skateboard and longboard’s trucks work and look differently from one another.

On a skateboard, the trucks are more rigid and narrower, which gives the riders an advantage in grinding and landing tricks. Additionally, they are the same size as the width of the skateboarder’s deck.

Longboards’ truck is more flexible which is perfect for a smoother cruise in long distances and faster ride downhill. The trucks of a longboard are wider, typically around 6 to 7 inches to accommodate more control in long-distance rides.

When it comes to the differences of their wheels, longboards have larger and softer wheels for a smoother and more coordinated ride. Meanwhile, skateboards have smaller and harder wheels to make it easier to shred rails and better landing after a jump trick.

4. Balance

Most beginners who want to master basic tricks on skateboard practice on a longboard to balance. Since a longboard is wider and more stable, practicing one of the most important skills on a skateboard is learned, balancing.

Once they are more confident with their balancing skill, it is time to transition to the skateboard and learn how to balance on a smaller board.

5. Purpose

Still cannot decide which board to choose? Ask yourself why you want to ride. Do you want to master impressive tricks or ride at exhilarating speeds? Here are more purposes of each board.

Skateboards are perfect for:

  • Learning new tricks
  • Grinding rails
  • Skating at mini ramps
  • Doing kickflips
  • Mastering ollies
  • Getting around town

 

Riders with longboards usually enjoy:

  • A stable riding experience
  • Cruising with friends
  • Zooming downhills
  • Riding the board to the beach

Conclusion

Knowing exactly what you want to achieve will give you a better decision-making process when buying a board.

If you want to race or cruise around town, then get a longboard. If you’re fascinated with doing tricks and want to show it off to others, then get a skateboard and explore the nearest skatepark in your area.

The important thing is you have the best-quality board that you can use for a long time. Check out our large collection of skateboards and longboards to start your riding journey!

Skateboard vs Longboard: The 5 Differences

VZG Team / / Skating
Skateboard-vs-Longboard

Skateboard manufacturers design these boards in different styles for specific purposes. And you may also get different riding experiences by riding a longboard from a skateboard.

When choosing a board you want to ride, think of the main reason why you want one. Do you want to do some tricks in the skate park? Or do you want to cruise and slide downhill? Today, we will differentiate skateboard vs longboard to help you select which one best suits your style.

Once you made a choice, you can check out our list of longboards by the world’s leading company when it comes to longboard manufacturing, Venture Zebra Group. With a wide selection of longboards, VZG guarantees that what you are looking for is available for purchase.

For almost 20 years, VZG has been a leader in the skateboarding and longboarding community around the world and has helped to grow the sport of skateboarding and longboarding into what it is today. VZG provides products at the best prices and its main goal is the satisfaction of riders.

Table of Contents

A Brief History of Skateboards and Longboards

Before we tackle their differences, we have to know the early history of how a skateboard and longboard came to be.         

In the 1950s, surfing was booming on the beaches of California. Surfing was so hyped up that surfers wanted to experience the thrill of surfing on land during days with no surfable waves.

Then a genius idea of attaching some wheels on a wooden plank shaped into a surfboard came to mind, the skateboard was born.

When skateboarders realized that these boards were too huge to execute tricks, they made them smaller.

By the 1990s, the first skateboards were too small for skateboarders to cruise on them and the sensation of riding a surfboard with its size doesn’t feel natural. They tweaked the design to make it longer and that was the birth of the longboards.

Differences Between Skateboard Vs Longboard

Most people assume that the only difference between a skateboard and a longboard is its size. However, there are a few more things to consider before selecting which is the best for you.

Here are five key differences between a longboard and a skateboard:

1. Shape and Size

Visually, if you put a longboard and a skateboard together, there is a striking difference in the board’s shapes. Longboards have a flat nose and tail. On the other hand, skateboards have more of a curved nose and tail to give an advantage while doing tricks and flips.

Moreover, one obvious difference between the two is its size, and from the name itself, a longboard is longer. Typically a longboard is measured at 59 inches while a skateboard measures around 36 inches.

But you may be surprised that there are longboards as small as 28 inches in length, but don’t let that confuse you with a typical skateboard. All you have to remember is that the main difference between the two is their shape: longboards are flat and skateboards are curved.

2. Deck Flexibility

When we talk about the deck, we are referring to the base of the board. Most decks are made up of flexible wood, such as maple and industrial-material glue. There are also decks made from artificial materials such as aluminum, plexiglass, composites, nylon, and fiberglass.

Different kinds of decks will have different purposes in skateboards and longboards. If you want to learn and do some tricks, your board should be thinner so it can have more flex. The flex of the board refers to the stiffness of it.

A board that is too “soft” may provide poor stability which can be challenging to nail tricks on. For a spring-like feel and performance-quality deck, skateboarders should select a board with soft to medium flex.

On the other hand, longboards are built to gain maximum speed as you run downhill. To keep the pace steady, they have thicker decks with little flex in order to support the rider.

3. Trucks and Wheels

Underneath the deck is the base where the wheels are attached and they are referred to as trucks. A skateboard and longboard’s trucks work and look differently from one another.

On a skateboard, the trucks are more rigid and narrower, which gives the riders an advantage in grinding and landing tricks. Additionally, they are the same size as the width of the skateboarder’s deck.

Longboards’ truck is more flexible which is perfect for a smoother cruise in long distances and faster ride downhill. The trucks of a longboard are wider, typically around 6 to 7 inches to accommodate more control in long-distance rides.

When it comes to the differences of their wheels, longboards have larger and softer wheels for a smoother and more coordinated ride. Meanwhile, skateboards have smaller and harder wheels to make it easier to shred rails and better landing after a jump trick.

4. Balance

Most beginners who want to master basic tricks on skateboard practice on a longboard to balance. Since a longboard is wider and more stable, practicing one of the most important skills on a skateboard is learned, balancing.

Once they are more confident with their balancing skill, it is time to transition to the skateboard and learn how to balance on a smaller board.

5. Purpose

Still cannot decide which board to choose? Ask yourself why you want to ride. Do you want to master impressive tricks or ride at exhilarating speeds? Here are more purposes of each board.

Skateboards are perfect for:

  • Learning new tricks
  • Grinding rails
  • Skating at mini ramps
  • Doing kickflips
  • Mastering ollies
  • Getting around town

 

Riders with longboards usually enjoy:

  • A stable riding experience
  • Cruising with friends
  • Zooming downhills
  • Riding the board to the beach

Conclusion

Knowing exactly what you want to achieve will give you a better decision-making process when buying a board.

If you want to race or cruise around town, then get a longboard. If you’re fascinated with doing tricks and want to show it off to others, then get a skateboard and explore the nearest skatepark in your area.

The important thing is you have the best-quality board that you can use for a long time. Check out our large collection of skateboards and longboards to start your riding journey!

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