subject: Choosing The Right Skateboarding Equipment [print this page] Improving your performance as a skater is a long and time consuming business, paved with bumps, bruises and wounded pride. Tony Hawks might be at the top of his game, but it took him a long time to get there and he suffered many setbacks on his way to fame and glory. Hours spent perfecting technique is the only sure way of success and if you do not put the time in, you simply will not progress. Of course, having the right kit helps, but even if you raided everything from your local skateboard shop, without the skill and time to perfect your abilities, you will not be going anywhere fast. That said, there is a big difference between having a good board sufficient to help you improve your technique, and cheap gear that will only hinder you. If you are just beginning as a skater, you do not want to be discouraged by having a cheap board that does not help you master the basics. So, if in doubt, head down to a skateboard shop and ask the staff what they recommend. Chances are, many of them will be semi-professional skaters and will have an in-depth knowledge of what"s a good balance between cost and quality.
However, if you are thinking of splashing out on a new board, wheels, or shoes, then bear in mind that the best prices are likely to be found online, and although it is a good idea to go to your local skateboard shop to see something for yourself, once you know what you want, compare prices online. The very best brands command a price which is not always wholly proportionate to the improvement in quality when compared to other manufacturers of similar quality.
So, whatever you are buying, make sure you are not simply paying for a name and a cool factor that might improve your street cred, but will do little for your skating ability. A good skateboard shop should have a wide variety of products in a number of different ranges to suit every budget, so do not be afraid to ask what"s most suitable for you. Things to take into account when buying skateboard accessories are factors such as the quality of the material, the care and attention paid to weak points such as joins or ball bearings, or the type of warrantee that the item comes with. If you are buying online, be careful to chose a reputable shop and make sure you check their returns policy to ensure you don"t caught out if what you"ve ordered turns out not to be right for you.
