Walmart Skateboard, Should You Buy One?

Keys

• Walmart offers a variety of skateboards for beginners and recreational use, featuring brands like Element and Zero.
• Prices are budget-friendly, but the quality of components might not be as high as those found in specialty skate shops.
• Decks may lack the durability and pop of higher-end options.
• Trucks, wheels, and bearings could be of lower quality, impacting performance and safety.
• For serious skateboarding or long-term use, investing in a higher-quality one from a skate shop is recommended.

Introduction

Buy a Walmart Skateboard? If you are new to skateboarding or want a cheaper choice, it might be a good idea to look at what they offer. But should you add one to your cart, or will it give you a bumpy ride? Let’s explore the good and bad sides of Walmart skateboards to help you decide.

Overview of Walmart Skateboards

Walmart has a variety of board brands for beginners and casual riders. You can find a complete skateboards that are ready to ride and longboards perfect for cruising. These boards are usually cheaper than those found in specialty skate shops.

While their choice looks good at first, you should think about the quality and what you need the skateboard for. If you are just starting out and want to try it before spending more money, a Walmart one might be fine. But, if you’re serious about skateboarding or plan to use it for a long time, you’ll find better options elsewhere.

Types Available at Walmart

Walmart usually sells two main types of skateboards:

• Complete Skateboards: These are ready-to-use boards that come all put together. They include the deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, and grip tape, so you don’t need to put anything together. Complete skateboards at Walmart are mainly for beginners and casual riding.
• Longboards: Longboards are made for cruising and getting around. They have a longer deck and bigger, softer wheels than regular skateboards. These parts give a smoother and more stable ride, making them good for longer distances or uneven roads.

When choosing between a complete board or a longboard, think about your skill level and how you plan to use it. Longboards work better for cruising and getting from one place to another, while complete skateboards let beginners try different skateboarding styles.

Price and Brands Offered

One of the main draws of Walmart boards is their affordability. You can find complete boards and longboards at significantly lower prices than those found at specialty skate shops. However, it’s important to note that the lower price often reflects the use of less expensive materials and components.

Here’s a general overview of Walmart’s skateboard pricing:

Type of Skateboard	Price Range
Complete Skateboard	$30 – $80
Longboard	$50 – $120

Some better board brands you might come across occasionally at Walmart include:

• Element
• Zero
• Birdhouse
• Santa Cruz

Comparison: Walmart vs. Specialty Skate Shops

When you look at skateboards from Walmart and those from specialty skate shops, you will see a clear difference. This difference comes from the materials, construction, and parts used in each. Walmart skateboards often have lower quality skate hardware, bearings, and overall durability because they cost less.

In specialty skate shops, they choose products from trusted skateboard brands that are known for good quality and performance, including those suitable for skate parks. These shops have more choices, so you can find the perfect board that fits your skill level and riding style.

Deck Quality Analysis

The quality of a skateboard deck affects how well it performs and how long it lasts. Walmart skateboards often use cheaper plywood for their decks. This can lead to decks that are not very responsive or strong. They may not hold up well during regular skateboarding.

Good quality decks come from well-known brands. These usually have seven or more layers of Canadian maple plywood. This type of wood is strong and flexible. The layers are stuck together with strong epoxy. This helps give the deck a better pop and makes it last.

Keep in mind, the deck is what your skateboard is built on. Choosing a good deck will improve your riding experience and make it last longer.

Trucks, Wheels, and Bearings Assessment

The trucks, wheels, and bearings are important parts of your skateboard. They impact how your board performs and handles. Walmart skateboards usually have basic or cheaper versions of these parts. This can affect how well you can ride.

The trucks may not be as quick to respond or easy to adjust as better quality ones. The wheels might be made of harder urethane, which can make your ride feel rougher. Also, the bearings might not work as smoothly or last long, which can slow you down and cause wear over time.

Buying high-quality trucks, wheels, and bearings can really boost your skateboard’s performance. This makes it more responsive, smoother, and last longer.

Quality and durability

The quality and durability of Walmart skateboards can vary. Some riders say their skateboards work well for casual use. However, others have faced problems with parts breaking or wearing out quickly. It’s good to have realistic expectations when looking at Walmart skateboards. They may not be as durable as more expensive ones.

Spending a little extra on a skateboard from a skate shop can give you better quality parts. This often leads to a more reliable and long-lasting setup. This is especially important if you plan to skateboard a lot or use your board more roughly.

Safety Concerns

When looking for a skateboard, it might be easy to focus on affordability. However, safety should be the main thing you care about. Cheap skateboards, like those at Walmart, may use lower-quality parts. This can make them less safe to ride. Using bad or cheap parts can lead to accidents. So, it’s really important to check how the skateboard is made and what parts it has before you start using it.

Risks of Cheap Components

Choosing a skateboard with less expensive parts might seem smart at first. However, it can create several problems:

• Less durability: Cheaper parts tend to break or wear out quickly. This raises the chances of accidents while riding.
• Worse performance: Low-quality parts can affect how the skateboard works. This makes it less responsive and hard to control.
• Higher injury risk: If you fall, a skateboard with cheap parts might not protect you well. This can lead to more injuries.

Always put your safety first. Spending money on a skateboard with good parts is a smart choice for your enjoyment and safety.

Investing in Quality Gear for Safety

Choosing a skateboard is about more than just a cool design. It is important to focus on quality for skateboarders. A good skateboard helps ensure a safer and more enjoyable ride. A well-made skateboard with dependable parts lowers the chances of accidents due to equipment breaking.

Buy skateboard : Key Features

When buying a skateboard, key features to consider include deck size and material, truck quality, wheel size and hardness, bearing type, and overall build quality. These factors contribute to the skateboard’s performance, durability, and suitability for different riding styles and skill levels.

Quality skateboards use strong materials. These materials can handle the pressures of skateboarding, which means your board will last longer. Investing in a quality skateboard brings long-term value.

Besides a good skateboard, getting essential safety gear is very important. This includes a helmet, wrist guards, and pads for your elbows and knees. Safety gear adds extra protection and helps reduce the risk of injuries.

Customizing and Building Your Own

Walmart sells complete skateboards, but you might want more options for customizing. By building your skateboard from scratch, you can pick parts that fit your style and needs. You can choose a deck with the right shape, trucks with the widths and turning you like, and wheels with the hardness and size you prefer.

Many online and local skate shops focus on selling individual skateboard parts, including skateboard hardware. They offer a great range of options from well-known brands. When you build your custom setup, you make a board that is truly yours and meets your quality and performance needs.

Conclusion

If you are thinking about Walmart skateboards, this review looks at the important features, quality, and safety to help you decide. Walmart has different skateboards at low prices. However, it’s important to think about the quality and durability compared to safety issues that can come with cheaper parts. Getting good gear not only improves your skating experience but also keeps you safe on the board. Whether you are just starting or have lots of experience, knowing the details of skateboard parts and how to customize can boost your skating performance. Be sure to make a smart choice based on what you need and prefer!

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