Checklist · 12 picks · 6 categories
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Learning to skate is mostly falling, getting up and trying again, so your first setup is a board plus the gear that makes falling no big deal.
Start with a complete: it arrives with the deck, trucks, wheels and grip tape already put together. A popsicle-shaped board is for tricks and the skatepark; a cruiser with big soft wheels is for rolling around town. Our boards come from TechGearLab, which rode 10 completes for weeks at parks, on sidewalks and on asphalt. Helmet, pad and tool picks come from BestReviews guides, plus one helmet from Virginia Tech's impact reviews. Each card shows the drawback the reviewer found, like a deck that loses its pop fast, so you know the catch before you click.
Who this is not for. Skip this if you want to ride to class or work every day: the Bike Commuter list fits better.
Tell me what you can spend. I pick a tier for every item, essentials first, and show what is left. The first amount covers everything you need at the cheapest tier.
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Estimates based on typical prices, checked Oct 30, 2026. Prices change; see the store for today's price.
0 of 3 on your list · tap one to see your options
| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCS Blooming Streets Complete | mid | $50-100 | a real skate-shop feel at a lower cost | 1 outlet |
| WhiteFang Double Kick | budget | $25-50 | trying skating without spending much | 1 outlet |
| Real Team Oval Classic | splurge | $100-150 | a board you won't outgrow as your tricks get better | 1 outlet |
Best skateboardmid 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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budget pick · 31 in long, 7.88 in wide
Best for trying skating without spending much
TechGearLab's top pick for a budget-friendly board for kids: a decent option for beginners trying the basics and not looking to break the bank.
Heads up. TechGearLab found the deck prone to snapping and the trucks can bend from grinding
1 outlet. TechGearLab top Pick skateboard.
$25-50
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splurge 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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Best cruiser boardmid 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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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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| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TurboSke Multi-Sport Helmet | budget | $25-50 | a first helmet that also works for biking and scooters | 1 outlet |
| Triple Eight Dual Certified Sweatsaver Helmet | mid | $50-100 | the classic skate-shop helmet look | 1 outlet |
| Bern Macon 2.0 MIPS | splurge | $50-100 | a casual look that still tests well | 1 outlet |
Best skate helmetbudget 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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mid 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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splurge pick · Skate-style
Best for a casual look that still tests well
A skate-style commuter helmet that earned 4 stars in Virginia Tech and IIHS impact reviews, which recommends choosing 4 or 5 stars.
Heads up. Virginia Tech scores crash protection only, not fit, comfort or ventilation
1 outlet. Virginia Tech Helmet Lab 4-star bike helmet.
$50-100
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Best protective padssplurge 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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budget 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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Best skate toolbudget 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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Best ollie trainerbudget 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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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
Pick for how you'll ride. TechGearLab says the Globe Blazer Cruiser's flat deck isn't ideal for street tricks but its big wheels hold speed and roll over rough ground, so it suits getting around. For tricks and the skatepark, a popsicle-shaped complete like the CCS Blooming Streets Complete fits better.
Not for your first board. A complete comes with grip tape already on the deck, so it's ready to ride out of the box. Grip tape only matters later if you build your own setup from parts.
Yes. Falling is part of learning, so your head, knees, elbows and wrists need cover from day one. The 187 Killer Pads Six Pack Pad Set covers knees, elbows and wrists in one buy.