My First Taste of Freedom (and a Near-Disaster)

Let me set the scene: 13 years old, buzzing with excitement, and about to hit the streets on my very first skateboard. It wasn't some fancy, name-brand deck; it was a hand-me-down, slightly scuffed, but to me, it was pure gold. I'd saved up my allowance for months to get some basic gear – worn-out shoes and a helmet that was a little too big, but it was my helmet! My first ride is a blur of exhilaration and near-misses. I nearly took out a lamppost, scraped my knee, but by some miracle, I remained upright. It was exhilarating. That feeling of freedom, of gliding along effortlessly... that’s what made me fall in love with street skating. And that’s what this review’s all about – finding the best value complete skateboards for anyone just starting out.

So, what makes a great beginner board? What should you look out for when you're buying your first setup?

The Lowdown on Complete Skateboards

You could, of course, build a skateboard from scratch. Buy the deck, the trucks, the wheels... the whole shebang. That’s what experienced skaters often do; they pick and choose what suits their style. But as a beginner, it’s a whole lot simpler – and cheaper – to get a complete skateboard. These come fully assembled, ready to roll. You just need to tighten the bolts (and maybe make sure your wheels aren't wobbly) and you're good to go.

But not all completes are created equal. Some are absolute rubbish, while others are surprisingly awesome for the price. To figure out which are best, I put a bunch through their paces. Here's what I found:

• Deck Quality: Look for a deck made of solid 7-ply maple wood. It should be the appropriate size for your height and riding style. Avoid anything that feels flimsy or poorly constructed.
• Trucks: The trucks (the metal bits connecting the deck to the wheels) are super important. Make sure they're made of durable materials. They're the shock absorbers of your board, you need something solid!
• Wheels: The hardness of your wheels (measured in durometers) will affect how fast and smoothly you roll. Softer wheels are better for rougher terrain and absorb shocks, while harder wheels are better for smooth surfaces and speed. For beginners, a medium hardness around 99a is a good place to start.
• Bearings: Good bearings are like a key to a smooth ride, or like trying to ride your bike with a super sticky chain... yuck! Make sure the bearings are ABEC 7 or higher for a smooth, low-friction roll.

Top 3 Best Value Complete Skateboards (March 15, 2025 Update)

After testing various boards, here are my top three picks for the best value complete skateboards:

1. The Landyachtz Dinghy: (I know it sounds quirky, but trust me) This board is a favorite among beginners. Its smaller size makes it super maneuverable, which is perfect for learning tricks. The quality is surprisingly high for its price.
2. Cal 7 Complete: This board delivers a great balance of durability and value for money. Its classic shape is great for learning the basics. It's slightly larger than the Dinghy, giving you extra stability.
3. Almost Skateboards Complete: Almost offers solid quality at a price that won't break the bank. They often have awesome graphics to make it even better!. It's a great all-around board, suitable for beginners and even intermediate skaters.

Remember, these are just suggestions. Finding the right board often depends on your style and what feels right. Don’t hesitate to go to a skate shop and try out a few different sizes before you commit. It's worth it!

Beyond the Board: Safety First!

Before you hit the streets, let's talk safety. Seriously. I've seen too many near misses to stress this enough. A helmet is not optional! It's the single most important piece of safety equipment. Also, kneepads and elbow pads are a great idea, especially when you're learning. Trust me, falling is part of the learning process, and you'll want to protect yourself.

Start slow, practice on a smooth surface like a driveway or parking lot, and learn basic skills like pushing and turning before you attempt any fancy tricks. Find a friend to skate with – it’s way more fun and also safer. And most importantly, have fun! Street skating is an awesome sport; don't let fear hold you back.