Checklist · 10 picks · 4 categories
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New skaters need a board, a helmet and something for their knees, and skaters who already ride always need small stuff.
For stocking stuffers, the Zeato tool is BestReviews' best bang for the buck skate tool, with a T-tool, L-tool and screwdriver in one, and the SkateTrainer is its top pick for practicing ollies at home. For safety, the TurboSke is BestReviews' best bang for the buck helmet, the Triple Eight is its top pick, and the 187 Killer Pads set covers knees, elbows and wrists in one buy. For boards, the CCS Blooming Streets is TechGearLab's best buy for beginners and longtime skaters alike, and the Globe Blazer is its top pick cruiser. The splurges are the Real Team Oval Classic, TechGearLab's editors' choice, and the Arbor Pilsner, its top pick hybrid. Every pick is already on my skateboard starter list with its source.
Who this is not for. Skip this if they ride a bike or scooter instead; the gifts for cyclists page has locks, lights and bike tools.
Top pickbudget pick · Pocket-sized
Best for tightening trucks and swapping wheels at the park
BestReviews' best bang for the buck skate tool: a T-tool, L-tool and Phillips screwdriver in your pocket.
Heads up. BestReviews notes reports of some units breaking on the first or second use
1 outlet. BestReviews best bang for the buck skate tool.
under $15
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budget pick · Fits most wheels
Best for practicing ollies at home before you hit the street
BestReviews' top pick for practicing ollies anywhere: ideal for newcomers who want to practice flips without the roll.
Heads up. BestReviews says it doesn't fit every wheel and isn't meant for experienced skaters
1 outlet. BestReviews top pick ollie trainer.
$15-25
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| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Triple Eight Dual Certified Sweatsaver Helmet | mid | $50-100 | the classic skate-shop helmet look | 1 outlet |
| TurboSke Multi-Sport Helmet | budget | $25-50 | a first helmet that also works for biking and scooters | 1 outlet |
| Pro-Tec Street Knee Pads | budget | $25-50 | knees first, if you're buying one piece at a time | Limited evidence |
| 187 Killer Pads Six Pack Pad Set | splurge | $50-100 | knees, elbows and wrists covered in one buy | 1 outlet |
Best skate helmetmid pick · Pick by head size
Best for the classic skate-shop helmet look
BestReviews' top pick skateboarding helmet: dual-certified for bike and skate, and practical for many sports.
Heads up. BestReviews flags that it can run small, so check the size chart
1 outlet. BestReviews top pick skateboarding helmet.
$50-100
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budget pick · Pick by head size
Best for a first helmet that also works for biking and scooters
BestReviews' best bang for the buck skateboarding helmet: an affordable multi-sport helmet with 11 vents and a dial to adjust the fit.
Heads up. BestReviews flags that the sizing can be off, so measure your head first
1 outlet. BestReviews best bang for the buck skateboarding helmet.
$25-50
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Best protective padsbudget pick · Check the size chart
Best for knees first, if you're buying one piece at a time
BestReviews calls them relatively affordable heavy-duty knee pads and a solid choice for new skaters.
Heads up. BestReviews says the strap stitching could be a little stronger
Limited evidence. No outlet has named this one yet. It is here as a reasonable option, not a reviewed one.
$25-50
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splurge pick · Junior to XL
Best for knees, elbows and wrists covered in one buy
BestReviews' top knee pads: a hard-shell set for skaters who like to go all out, with matching elbow pads and wrist guards.
Heads up. The pads stretch with use, so BestReviews suggests buying the smaller size
1 outlet. BestReviews top knee pads.
$50-100
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Top pickmid pick · 32 in long, 8.25 in wide
Best for a real skate-shop feel at a lower cost
TechGearLab's best buy: a bargain skateboard that works for people just starting to ride and for people who have been skating for years.
Heads up. TechGearLab found the deck's pop fades quicker than others
1 outlet. TechGearLab best Buy skateboard.
$50-100
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mid pick · 26 in long, 7.25 in wide
Best for rolling to class or around town instead of doing tricks
TechGearLab's top pick cruiser: an attractively designed cruiser that doesn't weigh you down when commuting.
Heads up. TechGearLab says the flat deck isn't ideal for street tricks
1 outlet. TechGearLab top Pick cruiser.
$100-150
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Top picksplurge pick · 32 in long, 8.25 in wide
Best for a board you won't outgrow as your tricks get better
TechGearLab's editors' choice: a premium street skateboard setup with a pro-level deck that can handle anything you throw at it.
Heads up. TechGearLab says it's heavier than most decks and the parts aren't as high quality as the deck
1 outlet. TechGearLab editors' Choice skateboard.
$100-150
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splurge pick · 28.75 in long, 8.25 in wide
Best for cruising and skatepark sessions on one board
TechGearLab's top pick hybrid: a versatile skateboard that can do everything from street skating to riding around concrete parks.
Heads up. TechGearLab says the soft wheels don't allow for slide tricks
1 outlet. TechGearLab top Pick hybrid skateboard.
$150-200
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means three independent outlets recommend a pick, means one, and limited evidence means none has yet. I research these picks. I have not tested them myself. How I pick · Broken link, wrong price range or an outdated pick? Tell me
Safety gear first: a helmet and knee pads. The Triple Eight Dual Certified helmet is BestReviews' top pick skateboarding helmet, and BestReviews calls the Pro-Tec Street knee pads a solid choice for new skaters. If they don't have a board yet, the CCS Blooming Streets Complete is TechGearLab's best buy.
A double-kick board is for learning tricks, and a cruiser is for rolling to class or around town. The Globe Blazer is TechGearLab's top pick cruiser, and the Arbor Pilsner is its top pick hybrid for both street skating and concrete parks.
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