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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

Best Overall Comparison All Products User Reviews Buying Guide FAQ

Best Overall Our top recommendation

Best Overall

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

✓ Legendary brand quality
✓ Mini Logo components
✓ Ride-ready

Cons

✗ Stock wheels are hard
✗ Graphics fade
✗ Heavy for tricks

$89

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Product	Rating	Price	Action
Golden Dragon Complete Best Powell Peralta	4.6	$89	View
Whitey Panda Complete Value Enjoi	4.5	$79	View
Section Complete Skateboard Element	4.7	$120	View
Rookie Complete Skateboard Krown	4.2	$35	View
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

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

✓ Legendary brand quality
✓ Mini Logo components
✓ Ride-ready

Cons

✗ Stock wheels are hard
✗ Graphics fade
✗ Heavy for tricks

$89

View on Amazon

Best Value

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

✓ Fun brand vibe
✓ Solid components
✓ Iconic panda graphic

Cons

✗ Stock trucks basic
✗ Bearings need upgrade
✗ Concave is mild

$79

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Premium Pick

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

✓ Superior deck quality
✓ Better stock components
✓ Responsive concave

Cons

✗ Premium pricing
✗ Still may want upgrades
✗ Limited graphics

$120

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Budget Pick

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

✓ Incredibly affordable
✓ Maple deck
✓ Full-size setup

Cons

✗ Basic everything
✗ Will need upgrades
✗ Heavy

$35

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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

✓ Iconic screaming hand
✓ Quality deck construction
✓ Good component spec

Cons

✗ Pricier for complete
✗ Trucks could be better
✗ Graphics wear

$100

View on Amazon

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.

Why Trust Our Recommendations?

We analyze thousands of real customer reviews, compare product specifications, and curate recommendations so you can make an informed decision without the research hassle.

Curated Recommendations

Real Customer Reviews

Specs Compared

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