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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Skateboards

Classic skateboards are all about tricks and self-expression. We compared boards from complete beginner setups to blank decks, finding what gets you rolling.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall Our top recommendation
Best Overall
Golden Dragon Complete

Powell Peralta

Golden Dragon Complete

4.6 (5,678 reviews)

Powell Peralta put skateboarding on the map. Learn on what the pros trust.

Deck

8" width

Trucks

Mini Logo

Wheels

54mm

Bearings

ABEC-5

Pros

  • βœ“ Legendary brand quality
  • βœ“ Mini Logo components
  • βœ“ Ride-ready

Cons

  • βœ— Stock wheels are hard
  • βœ— Graphics fade
  • βœ— Heavy for tricks

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
Golden Dragon Complete
Golden Dragon Complete Best
Powell Peralta
4.6
$89 View
Whitey Panda Complete
Whitey Panda Complete Value
Enjoi
4.5
$79 View
Section Complete Skateboard
Section Complete Skateboard
Element
4.7
$120 View
Rookie Complete Skateboard
Rookie Complete Skateboard
Krown
4.2
$35 View
Classic Dot Full Complete
Classic Dot Full Complete
Santa Cruz
4.6
$100 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
Golden Dragon Complete

Powell Peralta

Golden Dragon Complete

4.6 (5,678 reviews)

Powell Peralta put skateboarding on the map. Learn on what the pros trust.

Deck

8" width

Trucks

Mini Logo

Wheels

54mm

Bearings

ABEC-5

Pros

  • βœ“ Legendary brand quality
  • βœ“ Mini Logo components
  • βœ“ Ride-ready

Cons

  • βœ— Stock wheels are hard
  • βœ— Graphics fade
  • βœ— Heavy for tricks
Best Value
Whitey Panda Complete

Enjoi

Whitey Panda Complete

4.5 (7,654 reviews)

Enjoi brings skateboarding's playful spirit. You'll be skating first.

Deck

8" resin

Trucks

Enjoi

Wheels

52mm

Bearings

ABEC-5

Pros

  • βœ“ Fun brand vibe
  • βœ“ Solid components
  • βœ“ Iconic panda graphic

Cons

  • βœ— Stock trucks basic
  • βœ— Bearings need upgrade
  • βœ— Concave is mild
Premium Pick
Section Complete Skateboard

Element

Section Complete Skateboard

4.7 (3,456 reviews)

Element's commitment to quality shows. Snappier pop, better response.

Deck

8" 7-ply maple

Trucks

Element

Wheels

52mm 95a

Construction

Resin epoxy

Pros

  • βœ“ Superior deck quality
  • βœ“ Better stock components
  • βœ“ Responsive concave

Cons

  • βœ— Premium pricing
  • βœ— Still may want upgrades
  • βœ— Limited graphics
Budget Pick
Rookie Complete Skateboard

Krown

Rookie Complete Skateboard

4.2 (12,345 reviews)

Find out if skateboarding is for you without financial commitment.

Deck

7.75" maple

Trucks

Krown

Wheels

52mm

Bearings

ABEC-5

Pros

  • βœ“ Incredibly affordable
  • βœ“ Maple deck
  • βœ“ Full-size setup

Cons

  • βœ— Basic everything
  • βœ— Will need upgrades
  • βœ— Heavy
Classic Dot Full Complete

Santa Cruz

Classic Dot Full Complete

4.6 (4,567 reviews)

The screaming hand is skateboarding's most recognized logo.

Deck

8" 7-ply

Trucks

Bullet

Wheels

54mm OJ

Bearings

ABEC-5

Pros

  • βœ“ Iconic screaming hand
  • βœ“ Quality deck construction
  • βœ“ Good component spec

Cons

  • βœ— Pricier for complete
  • βœ— Trucks could be better
  • βœ— Graphics wear

Buying Guide: How to Choose Skateboards

How to Choose a Skateboard

Deck Size
7.5-7.75": Technical street, smaller riders
7.875-8.0": Most versatile
8.0-8.25": Park skating, larger riders
8.25"+: Bowls, vert, cruising

Frequently Asked Questions About Skateboards

What size skateboard should I get?

Most do well with 7.75-8.0" width. Match to shoe size and personal preference.

How long to learn skateboarding?

Basic pushing: days. Comfortable riding: weeks. First ollie: 1-3 months.

Complete or build custom?

Beginners should buy a complete from a reputable brand.

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