12 Best Skateboard Under $100 – Updated 2023

Skateboard riding is fun and joyous. Sadly, many people can’t enjoy skateboarding just because of its unusual expensiveness. If you’re at this stage, know this: You can actually get good-quality, dependable, and stylish skateboards at an affordable price, even under $100.

Yes, that’s true. And today, we’re reviewing the best skateboard under 100 that still provides unbeatable performance and durability. You can cruise on the city streets, perform some tricks, even go for downhill rides with these budget skateboards. Things you’d expect only in a high-end longboard or skateboard.

The skateboards will add fun to your life. If you are a beginner in skateboarding, investing in one of these boards will reap good results. Plus, we have included a detailed buying guide so that you can do the cherry-picking yourself as well.

Let’s get into them real quick.

Why Are Skateboards So Expensive?

Anyone stepping on the skateboard for the first time asks one obvious question, “Why is skateboard so expensive?” The short answer for the skateboard expensiveness could be the time and dedication needed to manufacture and fine-tune a skateboard from scratch.

Skateboard manufacturing is a tough, robust, and time-consuming job. It requires a lot of effort and the best quality wood, which adds up to its cost.

Most skateboards are handmade. Each layer of maple or oak wood is the artistry of an experienced person with excellent detailing. Plus, its bearings and wheels are the best qualities in the market to ensure safe and secure riding.

On top of that, manufacturers choose the best wood for the board to don’t break quickly, adding up to your maintenance and repair costs. That’s why they prefer using expensive and high-quality wood, ball bearings, and wheels which ensures maximum durability.

Hence, the cost of maintenance becomes the least and thus justifies the initial cost.

To top that all, the worldwide demand for skateboards also adds up to its expensiveness.

So, the main reasons for skateboard costliness are-

• Its handmade and immaculate construction
• Use of the highest-quality wood in multiple layers
• Long production time with mostly manual labors
• Insane demands of skateboards worldwide
• Use of the highest-quality materials for durability

Nonetheless, you can still grab a good-quality skateboard on a budget if you are ready to consider a few things tightly. We will help you with the purpose of the reviews for the budget skateboard today.

Is Under $100 Skateboards the Right Choice For You?

This is an obvious question that most people will ask after seeing the high price tags of quality skateboards.

The good news is you can find some truly amazing skateboards under $100 without compromising their quality, performance, and durability. You just have to look at few things closely. Also, as a beginner, getting a skateboard on a budget can be groundbreaking for you.

Most people don’t know that many manufacturers provide well-built and dependable skateboards from $70 to $120, and they are the most sold skateboards. Also, costly and high-end skateboards are mainly for professionals and those who like showing tricks.

Unless you plan to take your skateboard for heavy riding and extreme sports, even a budget-friendly skateboard will offer premium performance. Also, when you begin your skateboarding, investing in a 100 dollar skateboard will be sincerely a great option as you might damage it due to a lack of your skills and confidence.

Also, the quality is often time uncompromised, and you rest assured of having a smooth riding experience with 3 to 5 ply wooden decks, 5 ball bearings, and PU wheels even for the skateboards under 100 bucks.

Comparison Chart:

The 12 Best Skateboard Under $100 2023

Finding a skateboard under $100 without compromising its quality and performance can be difficult. But we have done the job for you with this skateboard under $100 review. The following list includes 12 high-end yet pocket-friendly skateboards that you will love riding and moving around the neighborhood confidently.

1. Powell Golden Flying Dragon Complete Skateboard: Best Overall

Powell is so well known in the skateboard community that one of Powell’s products is bound to pop up in the list whenever you search for any skateboard. Our selection is no exception as we introduce to you Powell Golden Dragon Flying skateboard.  It combines affordability and high-end features with perfection.

To begin with, you get a 31.625-inch long deck. It is made with premium PVC that truly mimics the high-end wooden decks. Plus, its stylish flying dragon design elevates its look. It will be surprising if your fellow skateboarders won’t feel jealous of this excellent-looking skateboard.

The deck has a slightly concave shape for uphill rides and better controls. It also has strong grip tape. So, you will get an enhanced grip and stability on the deck. It is particularly suitable for beginners as they find it hard to grip the skateboard decks.

You can easily take it on bumpy or hard grounds, thanks to its 54mm diameter polyurethane wheels and 99A Durometer hardness level. Its wheels feature good rebound, ensuring stability on uneven and bumpy grounds. So, you will love its smooth riding experience.

The skateboard has been tested in extreme conditions, and it came out with flying colors every time. Long story short, The Powell Dragon Fly is the best skateboard under $100, both for pros and beginners, thanks to its brilliant construction, grip-tape featuring deck, and stability in every situation.

Technical Details

• Deck length: 31.625 inches
• Deck Width: 7.625 inches
• Wheel type: PU wheels
• Wheelbase: 13.75 inches
• Wheel Diameter: 54mm
• Durometer hardness: 99A

Summary

The Powell Flying Dragon skateboard goes through several testing to ensure maximum quality and durability. Also, its grip tape provides better grip and control. Beginners and pros will love this skateboard for regular rides and tricks alike.

2. Magneto SUV Skateboards: Best For Speed

With a 31” by 8.5” deck, 60mm wheels, and great load capacity, the Magneto skateboard could be one heck of an addition to your inventory. The SUV skateboards are the epitome of the highest quality construction and materials for a smooth riding experience.

The 31” deck length is ideal for riding. Also, the manufacturer has used 7 plies of Canadian maple wood for the deck that ensures maximum durability. It has a natural wood color that elevates the look. You will appreciate its design that ensures long-lasting performance with a stylish appearance.

For riding comfort, the skateboard is equipped with 60mm urethane wheels with 78A durometer hardness. The 78A wheel has high responsiveness. So, you can ride the skateboard comfortably at high speed, even on tough terrains. The wheels are soft, so you will feel fewer bumps even while riding through the toughest terrains.

Plus, the wheels are larger than the standard skateboard wheels. So, it boosts the riding experience and allows you to take the skateboard literally anywhere. Its trucks have gravity cast aluminum construction, ensuring strength and durability.

Also, it has enhanced stability that no skateboard can match. Its added stability and control make it a great choice for kids, adults, beginners, and pro skateboarders alike. You won’t feel disappointed as you ride on this premium SUV.

Next, it has a 275lbs weight limit. It is enough to accommodate a heavy person who’s passionate about skating. Therefore, you need not worry about the durability, performance, and riding comfort of this skateboard, even you love high speed.

Finally, with affordable pricing right below $100, this skateboard should fit anyone’s budget. It has great after-sales service and warranty that also brings peace of mind.

Technical Details

• Deck length: 31 inches
• Deck Width: 8.5 inches
• Wheel type: Urethane wheels
• Wheelbase: 13.75 inches
• Wheel Diameter: 60mm
• Durometer hardness: 78A
• Load capacity: 275lbs

Summary

The Skate Utility Vehicle (SUV) is an amazing skateboard under $100. It is equally good for kids and adults. The 7-ply deck, 140mm truck, and soft wheels make it a brilliant skateboard that will transform your riding experience forever.

3. Hiboy Alpha Skateboard: Best For Speed

Hiboy Alpha is a complete skateboard ready to go with a nice design, including an excellent deck, ball bearings, truck, and improved grip. Thanks to its stable deck and enhanced control, this skateboard is fun for all, from kids to adults and pro riders.

With 31” inches in length, its deck is slightly longer than standard skateboard decks. Its enhanced length ensures stability and control that beginners will find useful. Also, Hiboy has designed both sides of the deck with nice graphics, boosting it with great aesthetics and a pleasing feel.

The deck is made of Canadian maple wood with a 7-ply construction. So, it offers a nice feel to your feet along with extended durability. For greater grip, it uses 80AB high-density grip tape. It ensures your feet stay attached to the deck for a smooth and comfortable riding experience.

Its concave shape will help you make turns and show some basic tricks with the board. On top of that, its 95A PU wheels combine with its 11-ABEC ball bearings to provide you with the smoothest riding experience. The wheels are durable and harder for withstanding bad surfaces. But it lacks a bit of responsiveness on bumpy grounds.

However, those who like speed will love Hiboy Alpha. Its bigger wheels and high ball bearings offer perfect cruising and a quick run on any surface. The trucks are solid aluminum made. It features dual concave and double kick properties. So, you can use it for both casual rides and stunts, thanks to the stability and control it brings to your feet.

Technical Details

• Deck length: 31 inches
• Deck Width: 8 inches
• Wheel type: PU wheels
• Wheel Diameter: 52mm
• Durometer hardness: 95A
• Ball bearings: ABEC-11
• Load capacity: 220lbs

Summary

Hiboy Alpha is an excellent skateboard for all types of riders. It has a fun and engaging design, good acceleration, enhanced control, and grip for fun rides in all conditions. Plus, it is priced pretty reasonably that will fit your pocket at ease.

4. Enjoi Whitey Panda Complete Skateboard: Best For kids and Teenagers

Enjoi Whitey skateboard is designed for teenagers mainly, but adults and seniors can also use it, thanks to its unique design. To begin with, its deck has a beautiful white panda graphic that is the heart of this skateboard.

Its sleek white finish with the panda paint truly looks amazing and elevates its appearance. Teenagers and youngsters will like both the excellent performance as well as the aesthetic look.

The deck features 31.1” length, 7.75” width, and a 7-ply Canadian maple wood construction. So, it is a combo of durability, look, and excellent feel. Its longer length increases controllability, and the maple wood design offers an excellent feel to your feet.

Nonetheless, we found its 7.75” width narrower than most skateboards. So, you will need a few days to adjust to the narrow deck. But it still offers superior stability and smoothness on every ride.

It has 52mm wheels as the standard wheel size used for most skateboards. The bearings are shielded, and so they won’t catch dust and rust anytime soon. Although its bearings are a bit below par, it still does the job of acceleration and flexibility quite well.

The truck is a tensor one. It may not be the highest quality truck in the market. But still, it ensures excellent control and durability. Plus, it uses standard Phillips hardware that you can count on for lasting service for an excellent riding experience in most conditions.

Technical Details

• Deck length: 31.1 inches
• Deck Width: 7.75 inches
• Wheel Diameter: 52mm
• Wheelbase: 13.9 inches
• Durometer hardness: 92A
• Ball bearings: Shielded
• Load capacity: 220lbs

Summary

Enjoy Whitey Panda skateboard with a fully assembled design and is affordable than most people think. It would be a great skateboard to start as it ensures impressive control and grip for stability. Also, kids and teenagers will love its amazing design.

5.  Santa Cruz Screaming Hand Skateboard 8.0: Best For Quick and Sharp Turns

If you’re looking for the best skateboard below 100 for adults, then the Santa Cruz skateboard is a serious option to consider. With 31.25” length and 8” width, this skateboard features the perfect size for sharp turns if you’re up for that. Teenagers and youngsters can use it alongside adults as well.

The deck has a traditional construction featuring a 7-ply maple deck. The deck is meticulously designed to ensure excellent durability. Also, it consists of perfect softness and hardness to give the rider’s feet a smooth yet stable feel.

You’ll get a slightly concave shape nose on the deck. It suits casual rides and also enables you to practice a few basic tricks at ease. We also loved its grip, ensuring nice control and stability for riders who love sharp turning and quick movement.

The skateboard uses a 95A PU wheel and ABEC-5 ball bearings. Its combination of the ball bearings and harder wheels ensures good responsiveness and flexibility. So, you can ride the skateboard comfortably on any surface, including the bumpy grounds. Also, its 95A durometer hardness ensures long-lasting performance in the harshest condition.

On top of it, the wheelbase is purposefully made shorter. It supports an easy turning and cruising experience for riders. Plus, as we told you earlier, the medium concave shape supports some tricky runs with the skateboard for stunt lovers.

Long story short, this skateboard ensures superior performance at a reasonable price and is ready to deliver you an unbeatable riding experience for teenagers, adults, and seniors.

Technical Details

• Deck length: 31.25 inches
• Deck Width: 8 inches
• Wheel Diameter: 52mm
• Wheelbase: 13.9 inches
• Durometer hardness: 95A
• Ball bearings: 5-ABEC

Summary

The Santa Cruz Screaming is a basic skateboard without any fancy features. It ensures you prolong service with smooth rides while being able to make sharp turns. It may not suit professionals but works well for casual rides and basic tricks that most skateboarders love.

6. Magneto 44 inch Kicktail Cruiser Longboard: Best For Versatility and Cruising

The next board for our list of skateboards under $100 is a longboard made to impress riders with its quality, control, and smoothness on any surface. Yes, the Magneto longboard is a premium longboard that has been the favorite of many professionals for years now.

Its 44-inch deck is suitable for cruising and skating alike. Also, a longer deck ensures better stability on versatile rides. The deck has enough width for easy standing on it. It is made using high-quality bamboo veneer and maple wood for maximum durability on paper and reality.

You’ll get a sand grit finish to the board. It is at one end adds stability and grip for riders and, on the other end, portrays the beautiful bamboo finish. So, you will enjoy higher safety while cruising on this longboard.

The 7” aluminum truck is durable and standard for any longboard. So, you need not worry about its durability and performance. The truck combines perfectly with its 70mm wheels for the smoothest longboarding experience you will ever have.

For the wheels, you’ll have 78A durometer hardness. It means they are softer than most longboard wheels, and so feature improved responsiveness. You can depend on its responsiveness while riding on bumpy and hard grounds with the longboard.

On top of it, the wheels have a translucent appearance that looks cool, especially at nighttime.  Next, its kicktails enhance its versatility. From cruising to freestyle, carve and dancing, this longboard is ready for every style you love. Its improved control and smoothness ensure every ride is safe and fun for beginners to pros.

Technical Details

• Deck length: 44 inches
• Deck Width: 8 inches
• Wheel Diameter: 70mm
• Wheel material: Urethane
• Durometer hardness: 78A
• Truck length: 7 inches

Summary

The Magneto 44-inch longboard is a great choice for all-level riders. It is substantial and comes ready to ride fully assembled. Those who plan to upgrade their skateboard must consider it. It ensures great smoothness and safety in every ride.

7. Blind Complete Skateboards: Best For Beginners

Blind skateboards are famous for their unique and attractive design along with practical functionality. This skateboard is no exception. There’re no fancy features to fascinate you, but it includes some pretty practical design and user-oriented features that are perfect for beginners in particular.

First off, you will get the skateboard in several designs to choose from happily. Its vivid presentation is loved by teenagers, adults, and seniors alike. So, you can pick the skateboard for you or as a nice gift for your close and loved person.

The deck is well made with 7-ply Birch. It withstands extreme abuses on any condition despite coming well under $100. So, its quality is impressive compared to its price point. Plus, the deck has Stiff Glue Extra as part of gripping. It offers a firm grip that riders will appreciate. Our expert team tested it for damages, and it came out with flying colors every time.

You’ll get a concave shape to this board. So, it suits both cruising and tricks equally, which adds a bonus to its kitty bag. Plus, its 52mm wheels with 92A durometer hardness are a brilliant choice for speedy rides on any surface. The wheels are neither too soft nor too hard. Thus, you will enjoy the responsiveness and flexibility it brings in every ride, particularly on hard grounds.

Its bearings are made of carbon steel. Carbon steel is lighter than steel and more durable too. So, it boosts your riding comfort more. Thus, this skateboard is a perfect combo of comfy rides and affordable prices for people.

Technical Details

• Deck length: 31.25 inches
• Deck Width: 8.25 inches
• Wheel Diameter: 52mm
• Wheel material: PU
• Durometer hardness: 92A

Summary

The Blind Complete skateboard is a basic product without fancy features. It could be a great choice for you as a beginner, and later you can jump to high-end models. This skateboard also has a better grip to prevent slips from the deck, ensuring maximum protection.

8. Yocaher Pro Professional Complete Skateboard: Best For Professionals

Whenever you search for budget skateboards, one or two items from Yocaher are bound to pop up in the search list. This is the charisma of this well-known manufacturer, especially to the professionals. Yocaher has top-of-the-line skateboards in nearly every budget category, without skipping the $100 range.

In our list, we included their Pro skateboard that is designed with professionals in mind. From a sturdy deck to a responsive wheel and versatile uses, this skateboard meets every requirement of a professional rider.

The deck length is 31-inch ad features a concave and dual kicktail. So, you can depend on the skateboard for cruising, stunts, freestyle, dancing, and other riding styles. The mellow concave nose adds further stability that professionals love worldwide. It also has grip tape for enhanced gripping even if it gets wet accidentally. So, you won’t need to worry about falling off from it.

For durability, the manufacturer has used traditional 7-ply maple wood. It has a brilliant finish too for an attractive look. Next on the line is its heavy-duty aluminum allow truck. It ensures maximum durability even with the harshest uses.

The wheels have 99A durometer hardness and 54mm diameter. Although the wheels are standard for skateboards, their hardness level makes the skateboard a bit stiff. But you will be adept with it within a few rides as the wheels start loosening a bit.

The only setback of the skateboard is its 7.75 deck width. It is narrower than the standard 8” width. So, initially, you should be careful until you are familiar with the narrow deck.

Technical Details

• Deck length: 31 inches
• Deck Width: 7.75 inches
• Wheel Diameter: 54mm
• Wheel material: PU
• Durometer hardness: 99A
• Ball bearings: 7-ABEC chrome

Summary

If you are a professional and want a skateboard on budget, Yocaher Pro Complete Skateboard would be a great option for you. It comes fully assembled and ready to ride. Also, its purple checker finish elevates its look for stylish riders.

9. Almost Skateboards Complete Radiate Blue Skateboard: Best For Entry-level

Almost is a pretty new entry in the skateboard industry, but they have lived up to the expectations of the skateboard community pretty well. They launched this skateboard in March 2021, and it has received quite a few goods and positive reviews from customers.

But it’s the price point and amalgamation of high-quality material that inspired us to include this skateboard in our list above everything. With an 8.25-inch wide and 32-inch long deck, it sits right below any longboard. Its wider and longer deck promotes control and stability. At under $100, this is an excellent entry-level skateboard for beginners, without a doubt.

The deck has been meticulously designed with multi-layer maple wood. For the top, it has lamination to protect the graphic from water spillage. Plus, it has a good grip that you can trust for riding on uneven surfaces so that beginners don’t fall off

We also found the deck sturdy enough to carry heavy-weight persons with relative easiness. The wheels are of standard size at 52mm. So, you can expect it to deliver a good performance with a 92A durometer hardness rating. However, its ball bearing isn’t pretty satisfactory.

However, the skateboard is a bit heavy-weight at 5.4 pounds. So, you may not become a fan of its portability. Apart from this problem, the Almost Skateboard is a good consideration as a sub 100 board.

Technical Details

• Deck length: 32 inches
• Deck Width: 8.25 inches
• Wheel Diameter: 52mm
• Wheel material: PU
• Durometer hardness: 92A
• Weight: 5.4 pounds

Summary

Almost Skateboard could be a great choice for entry-level riders on a tight budget. Although it comes from a new manufacturer, it has promising features for an excellent entry-level skateboard.

10. Windrunner 41inch Freeride Longboard Skateboard: Best For Big Guys And Tight-Budget

If you’re a big person and want stable and fun rides, we recommend this one from Wind Runner longboard instead of a regular skateboard. Interestingly, it is also the lowest-priced longboard on our list. But it still offers good quality and performance compared to its great price point.

To begin with, its 41-inch deck features 8-ply maple wood construction. So, it has an additional layer on the top as part of its durability. Plus, the high-density maple wood ensures stiffness and makes it a good option even for a heavyweight person. It can hold up to 330 pounds of weight at ease thanks to such a robust build.

You will get a concave nose and tail for freestyle, cruising, and downhill rides. Also, its drop-through design improves stability and smoothness during downhill rides as well. So, you are never short of tricks and adventures with this longboard.

This longboard equips with 70mm 80A wheels to combine with its smooth deck functioning. The larger wheels bring stability and comfort on bumpy grounds. Also, its 80A durometer hardness is a bit softer and so ensures responsiveness.

The wheels are made of PU material and include 11-ABEC ball bearings. So, the deck becomes even more stable and easily controllable. It further offers flexibility and cushioning to make every ride as smooth as possible.

In short, this longboard is made to provide people with an amazing longboarding experience that you will never forget. Also, it is most affordably priced and so fits everyone’s budget without worrying about breaking the pocket.

Technical Details

• Deck length: 41 inches
• Deck Width: 8.75 inches
• Wheel type: PU wheels
• Wheel Diameter: 70mm
• Durometer hardness: 80A
• Weight Limit: 330 pounds

Summary

Windrunner 41inch Freeride Longboard is almost half the price of a high-end skateboard. Yet, it offers excellent performance and delivers unbeatable stability. Also, you can use it for freestyle, dancing, downhill, and other skateboarding styles.

11. Powell Peralta Ripper One Off Complete Skateboard: Best For Moderate and Intermediate Riders

The Powell Peralta skateboard is an ideal option for moderate riders with an amazing skull-printed deck design to blow everyone’s mind with uniqueness. Also, it is a pretty compact deck that is more suitable for kids and teenagers.

Its deck length is 28.75 inches, and its width is only 7.5 inches. A grown man may not find it suitable for their feet. Nonetheless, it still is a good option for kids and teenagers. Adults can use it with a bit of practice. So, there’s no harm in its compactness.

Also, the deck is made of hard yellow birch, and so it is as stable as you expect. What’s more, the birch-made deck is lighter than maple decks. It means maneuvering and transporting this skateboard is indeed easier than other skateboards of its class.

The skateboard comes completely assembled. So, it is ready to ride right out of the box. You won’t have to waste time assembling the skateboard at all. Plus, its neat packaging is praiseworthy.

Besides its deck and packaging, the wheels of this skateboard are also of high quality. You will get 53mm wheels with 101A durometer hardness. Therefore, it has the hardest wheels on our list and ensures maximum durability. Whether it is a bumpy ground or rocky surface, its strong wheels are ready to take the toll successfully.

However, the wheel’s hardness comes at a price of responsiveness. So, you may feel the skateboard a bit stiff at the first ride. So, be aware of it.

Technical Details

• Deck length: 28.75 inches
• Deck Width: 7.5 inches
• Wheel type: PU wheels
• Wheel Diameter: 53mm
• Durometer hardness: 101A

Summary

The Powell Peralta skateboard is a skateboard for beginners. Its unique appearance links with the 1980s skate culture. Finally, its sturdiness is unmatchable to be worth every penny you invest on this skateboard.

12. SereneLife Complete Standard Skateboard Mini Cruiser: Best For Cruising

Many people love a mini skateboard instead of a complete skateboard length. So, to feed their interest, we have included this Mini Cruiser in our list. It comes from Serene Life who is a leading mini skateboard manufacturer in the market.

They have used 6-ply maple wood to construct the deck. Plus, it includes a 5-inch aluminum truck to ensure a perfect combination for the smoothest riding experience. Also, its deck has been designed for several tricks. You can ride it for advanced tricks with ease, including street skating, pivots, and sharp turns.

Also, the mini cruiser is suitable for kids and adults alike. The deck is sturdy enough to withstand the weight of a full-grown rider. Plus, its double wrapping and anti-skid top provides stability and stops slippage for safe rides. The grip makes sure your feet find the perfect grip on its surface, and you remain stable every time.

Next, its wheels are also built from high-quality PU material. Its measurement is 60/45mm and has 85A durometer hardness. Thus, it has a perfect combo of softness and hardness that ensures maximum responsiveness. It is quite effective for those who will buy it to show tricks and stunts. Responsiveness is also necessary for a smooth riding experience.

Last but not least, the mini cruiser skateboard has a good design with a uniform deck and wheel color. So, it quickly grabs everyone’s attraction and will make others envious of you. Thus, as a rider, you will love this mini skateboard cruiser alongside its affordable price range.

Technical Details

• Truck Size: 5 inches
• Wheel type: PU wheels
• Wheel Diameter: 60mm
• Wheel thickness: 45mm
• Durometer hardness: 85A

Summary

This mini skateboard offers high-quality construction with the highest-grade materials. It has a double-wrapped deck for grip and durability. Also, the skateboard has an amazing design that kids and teenagers will love dearly.

What To Look For Before Buying The Best Skateboard Under 100?

Skateboards are an expensive investment. So, you need to be selective when you try to get a skateboard under $100 without compromising on quality, riding smoothness, control, and safety. It is crucial since the skateboard quality will control your skating and riding experience largely.

1. Your Skating Skill and Place

Not all skateboards are made for all skill level skaters. There are many types of skateboards made specifically for various skating skills. So, you need to know your skating skill and buy the product accordingly. It is even more important for newbies since you can’t ride any skateboard and longboard.

Also, determine where you want to ride the skateboard mostly. Do you want it for daily cruising or downhill rides? Once you are sure about your skill level and fix the skating location, your purchasing decision will be easier.

2. Pick the Right Deck

The deck is the next important factor to consider. It should match your riding skill, style and location perfectly. That’s why you must look at the deck length, width, style, and above, its construction.

For instance, a longer and wider skateboard is suitable for commuting mostly. The deck length needs to be longer for comfortable commuting, especially for long rides. Ideally, it should be more than 30-inch in length at least and 8-inch wide.

On the contrary, a shorter deck will help people to show tricks and perform stunts. Also, the deck must be flexible and durable. The key is to get maximum safety. On top of it, consider your height and feet length to match the deck size.

Next, check your weight. A sturdier and thicker deck is essential for big guys. So, be aware of it.

3. Deck construction

You also must look at the deck design and construction. A concave style deck is the most common one and promises stability for performing tricks. Look at the nose and tail shape and make sure it fits your necessity.

For construction, maple wood ensures the highest quality. Many manufacturers will also use birchwood for deck construction. You need to look at the wooden layers used in the deck. The more layers the deck has, the more durable it will be. Ideally, a high-quality and durable deck is made with 5 to 7-ply wood and bamboo.

The good thing is you can easily get a maple wood deck even under $100 for the skateboards. So, you mustn’t compromise with it.

4. Check the Wheel and Bearings

Although your target is to get the best budget skateboard, you mustn’t compromise with the wheel and bearing quality. The better the wheel and bearings, the smoother your riding experience will be on the skateboard.

Bearings

The bearings will determine the riding smoothness and speed of the skate mostly. Usually, people use ABEC ratings to determine the quality of the bearings. The higher the rating, the better the quality of the bearings will be.

For instance, ABEC1 bearings are of the lowest quality on the list. Skateboards use ABEC5 and ABEC7 ball bearings most frequently. Both these bearing qualities combine speed and smoothness properly. Choosing an ABEC9 and ABEC11 ball bearing will be the right option for high speed.

Wheel Diameter

The wheel diameter also controls the maneuverability and speed of the skateboard largely. If you need stability but are ready to compromise with speed, choosing a shorter diameter wheel will be the right choice.

On the contrary, bigger wheels account for more speed but lack stability. Therefore, beginners should grab a skateboard with shorter wheels as it ensures maximum stability. Experts and professionals will select larger wheels anyway.

The average size of a skateboard wheel varies from 53mm to 59mm. The standard wheel size is suitable for showing tricks as well. Wheels with less than 53mm diameters are shorter, and those with more than 60mm diameters are tagged as bigger wheels for skateboards.

So, decide what wheel diameter suits your riding skill, style, and comfort.

The Hardness Level of The Wheel

The hardness level or rating of a wheel is measured in a durometer. The measuring scale is Durometer A. The higher the Durometer A scale, the harder the wheel will be. For instance, a 90A wheel is harder than a 78A wheel.

Harder wheels are better for speed, and softer wheels ensure maximum grip on the surface. So, determine your riding style and surface to fix which type of wheel you would need for the skateboard.

Usually, 78A to 87A wheels are referred as softer wheels. It will be suitable for riding on bumpy surfaces and street skating.  Cruiser skateboard with optimal speed will have an 88A to 95A durometer hardness rating.

Experts in skating who prefer maximum speed should choose a skateboard with 101A or higher hardness level for the wheel.

5. Look at The Truck Quality

Although most people will ignore the size and quality of the skateboard truck, it is equally important for skaters. The truck determines the stability and control of the deck and the rider on it.

Low-height trucks have a low center of gravity. So, it brings improved stability. Trucks with higher heights will have less stability. Usually, higher trucks are the toughest to control due to their instability. So, we don’t recommend them for beginners.

On the contrary, low-height trucks will experience wheel bite and reduce smoothness in your riding experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best skateboard for newbies and beginners?

There’s no single skateboard that we can tag as the best for beginners. Firstly, you need to consider your riding style and confidence. A skateboard with lower speed and better stability will be suitable for beginners.  You can choose a penny board or skateboard with a sturdier deck and lower trucks for control and stability.

What is the average price of a decent and good skateboard?

Although many people perceive a skateboard as an expensive investment, you can mostly get a decent skateboard from $70 to $120. As a beginner getting a skateboard within 100 bucks will be a good investment. Advanced and professional riders may choose an expensive skateboard anyway.

What are the common qualities of a good skateboard?

A good-quality skateboard should feature a lightweight but sturdy deck. Also, its wheel needs to be high-quality with better ball bearings. Last but not least, the skateboard should be durable and easy to ride with improved smoothness.

Is a cheap skateboard good for riding?

If you can choose a cheap skateboard with a few selective considerations, it will still perform quite well in reality. Make sure its deck is sturdy and gives you a nice grip along with the feet. Plus, a cheaper skateboard with an improved wheel design will suit daily cruising at ease.

What is the best skateboard for the streets?

Any standard skateboard with stick-shaped decks would be a good choice for streets.  The wheel needs to be smaller, and the deck will be narrower for street skateboards.

Conclusion

Getting a skateboard within a tight budget is a tricky job. You need to be at your toes and consider its deck construction, wheel diameter, and overall sturdiness to find the best skateboard below 100. We have mopped out your job already with 12 fine skateboards above.

Nonetheless, if you want our editorial choice for the best skateboard under 100, that’d be the Powell Complete Skateboard. It comes with a long 31.625-inch deck and a 99A wheel for stability and sturdiness. The deck is made of PVC material but mimics the wooden construction successfully. So, it gives a good vibe despite having budget-friendly pricing. Plus, its concave deck is suitable for both cruising and regular rides.

Get on the streets riding this amazing skateboard. Good luck!