Best Skateboards Under $100 – 2021 My Top Picks
If you are looking for some of the best skateboards under $100, then you are precisely in the right place. Skateboarding can be fun, but not all of us can sometimes enjoy it fully. Sometimes, people can’t afford to buy a good skateboard that can help them ride freely on the streets.
If you are one of those people, then you shouldn’t worry at all. I used to be the same guy back in the days when I was a college student. I wasn’t able to afford a single skateboard as I had a very tight budget.
However, it was a plus point because I had to find some great skateboards on a budget. After doing much research on the internet and checking different boards on the market, I could shortlist a few of them.
This article is mainly for those people who love skateboarding but can’t afford to buy one. I have selected some of the best skateboards under $100 for my list. Let’s not waste any more time here because I know you will wait to see the list.
Let’s cut the chit-chat and jump straight to my list of recommended cheap skateboards.
TOP 3 PICKS BEST SKATEBOARDS UNDER $100
List of Best Skateboards Under 100 In 2021
[table id=14 responsive=”stack” /]1. Retrospec Zed Bamboo Longboard Skateboard – Best Overall Option
The first option on my list of recommendations is from the Retrospec. During my research, I noticed that the Retrospec Zed proves to be one of the best skateboards under $100.
This skateboard features a longboard-ish style, featuring an oblong-shaped deck. The deck design provides better speed as it can do well against air resistance. Moreover, The 41-inch deck may not be suitable for kids because of its super-long size.
However, for adults, it is truly a masterpiece. The first thing that I love about this board is its super durable design. It consists of 8-ply maple wood which provides an excellent level of durability. Its durable design allows it to be quite useful even for heavy riders.
Moreover, The skateboard features quite tough yet lightweight aluminum trucks. These trucks are 7-inches high and can sustain weights without any issue at all. The height of the trucks may not be very comfortable for beginners.
Still, once you start riding it regularly, you won’t have any issues again. In addition to this, the skateboard features ABEC-7 bearings. You may have noticed I keep on talking about getting bearings with higher ABEC ratings.
That is because the higher this rating goes, the smoother the bearing gets. Smoother bearings provide stunning results when it comes to speed. The next thing that I love about this skateboard is its highly reliable wheels.
It comes with polyurethane casted wheels which have a durometer rating of 90A. If you don’t know about the wheels’ durometer rating, you might want to check out the durometer rating chart. The higher the rating, the harder the wheels and vice versa.
Anyways, these wheels are highly reliable for maintaining speed and gliding through the air swiftly. However, it would be best if you are careful on the road. Because harder wheels have a higher rebound, which means a small pebble can help you print your teeth on the road.
General Specifications
[table id=15 /] [i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-check-1″ cons_icon=”icon icon-ban-3″ show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Excellent deck designDurable
Better trucks
Suitable for heavy guys
[/i2pros][i2cons]The width of the wheels produce more friction [/i2cons][/i2pc]
Why Should I Buy It?
The Retrospec Zed is one of the best longboards styled skateboards that provides a better riding experience. It possesses an amazing deck that is super durable and is suitable for even heavy riders. Apart from that, the board comes at a very decent price which makes it quite interesting
2. RIMABLE Complete 22 Inches Skateboard – Best Portable Skateboard
Longboard style decks are not suitable for some people. If you are a college student, you may not be able to carry the skateboard with you. However, you shouldn’t worry as I am totally aware of this problem.
I was specifically looking for something smaller, something more compact and easy to carry due to this issue. After quite a bit of digging, I found the Rimable complete skateboard. It can be considered as one of the best skateboards under $100 because of its fantastic qualities.
The first thing that I love the most about this skateboard is its highly reliable deck. Although it consists of plastic, still the deck features a very durable design that seems to be quite long-lasting.
You can ride it without any issue at all and carry it with you whenever you want to. Apart from that, this skateboard comes in 8 different colors and designs, giving you a wide range of choices. This way you can select the one that you find suitable for your style.
The deck is 6 inches wide and 22 inches long, providing enough room for placing both feet on it comfortably. You can even ride it for long distances without any issue because of the super comfortable riding experience.
Oh! I almost forgot to mention that the board can carry a load capacity of 198 lbs which is great. It might not be an excellent choice for chubby guys, but it is one of the best options available on the market for students.
If you are worried about the trucks, let me tell you that the Rimable complete skateboard comes with 3 inches of aluminum trucks. To be honest, I don’t like these trucks because of their low height.
Especially when turning, you may sometimes face wheel bite issues because cruisers usually have bigger wheels. However, for most beginners, this is more than extraordinary. Because the lower the trucks, the stable they are, which makes the board very easy to ride.
General Specifications
[table id=16 /] [i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-check-1″ cons_icon=”icon icon-ban-3″ show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Plastic deck but still quite durableLightweight and super easy to carry
Faster speed
Superb handling experience
[/i2pros][i2cons]Lower trucks may cause wheel bite
Bearings needs to be improved
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Why Should I Buy It?
The Rumble Complete skateboard can be a good option if you are looking for something easy to carry. Apart from the lightweight design, the skateboard is quite durable and will last longer. It comes at a much better price to performance ratio which makes it a decent choice to buy in 2021.
3. Quest QT-NSC44C The Super Cruiser – Best Cruiser Option
If you haven’t heard about the Quest skateboards before then, this might be the right time to know them. It is among the top brands when it comes to skateboards, longboards, and cruisers. Quest is specialized in making great quality boards that are quite popular in different parts of the US.
During my research, I noticed some key points which made me include them in my list of the best skateboards under $100. The first thing that makes it the right option is its overall design. The board possesses a longboard-style structure which provides a comfortable riding experience and better handling.
The deck is 44 inches long, which may not be suitable for kids, but it is quite comfortable for adults. With its longer deck, you can easily use this skateboard for commuting without any issue.
Moreover, the deck possesses an 8-ply hardwood maple construction which makes it rough and tough. You will be quite amazed to hear that the deck can carry heavy loads like a pro without any problem.
Apart from that, the high-quality trucks that come with this skateboard add to its performance. They are quite sturdy and can sustain vigorous vibrations as you move from block to block while riding this board.
In addition to this, they are 7 inches high, which helps eliminate wheel bite issues. The excellent height of the trucks provides a better turning radius and fantastic maneuverability. Though it isn’t suitable for kickflips and ollies when it comes to speed, this skateboard has no near competition.
After the high-quality trucks, let’s talk about the bearings and wheels. These two are also some of the main factors that can make or ruin a skateboard. Quest has done a splendid job by adding the ABEC-7 bearings to their skateboard.
The high-quality bearings are super smooth, which provides more speed and a comfortable riding experience. This skateboard possesses 70mm PU wheels that are highly suitable for streets and rough surfaces. They are bigger in size, which makes them relatively easy to ride and reliable for longer distances.
General Specifications
[table id=17 /] [i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-check-1″ cons_icon=”icon icon-ban-3″ show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Amazing designVery good for long distances
Comfortable to ride
Very sturdy
Comes at a decent price
[/i2pros][i2cons]The deck is a bit stiffer rather than flexible[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Why Should I Buy It?
If you are looking for a great skateboard for long-distance riding then this can be the right choice. It is available at a very decent price which makes it quite affordable for everyone. Moreover, the board features a high-quality deck that provides a super comfortable riding experience.
4. ChromeWheels 31-inch Skateboard – Best Skateboard With Carrying Case
If you are looking for the best skateboard under $100, you should consider the Chrome wheels. It proves to be quite impressive due to a bunch of cool features that I will explain in a moment. The first thing that makes it the right option is the skateboard’s availability in so many different designs.
It gives you complete freedom to choose from such a wide range of available options. However, I haven’t selected this one for you because of the designs only. It possesses a 31 inches long deck which is suitable for a wide range of people.
Whether you are a professional or just starting out, this skateboard will provide you with peak performance. The deck consists of maple wood which is flexible and can sustain drops and jumps without breaking.
The adjustable deck design makes it one of the perfect options for tricks and stunts. You can show some excellent skills with this skateboard and be the center of attention in parks. The double kicktail design of the deck provides better handling, which makes tricks easier.
You can do ollies, kickflips, manuals, and other stunts without any issue at all. However, that’s not all because it possesses high-quality trucks that are 5 inches high. From the trucks’ height, I can easily say that this would be quite comfortable for those who are just starting out.
Another reason which makes it one of the perfect options available on the market is its wheels. The skateboard possesses durable wheels that are 50mm in size. Moreover, the wheels possess a durometer rating of 80A, which is perfect for streets and parks at the same time.
Moreover, faster ABEC-7 precision bearings provide a fantastic riding experience. They are smoother than butter which makes riding very easy, and you don’t need to keep pushing.
You can quickly gain enough momentum to conquer staircases and make everyone drop their jaws. I almost forgot to mention that this board is suitable for kids, too because of its comfortable riding style.
General Specifications
[table id=18 /] [i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-check-1″ cons_icon=”icon icon-ban-3″ show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Excellent build qualityDouble kicktail design
Comes with a cool carrying case
Amazing steering
Good for kids
[/i2pros][i2cons]As such no drawbacks[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Why Should I Buy It?
The Chrome wheels skateboard possesses a double kicktail design that makes it pretty good for tricks. Apart from that, the deck of the skateboard is quite durable which makes it last for longer. If you compare its price to its performance you will be completely amazed.
5. Powell Golden Dragon Flying Dragon – Best For Deck Art
The next one on my list of the best skateboards under $100 is from Powell. You may have already heard about the company before. If not, Powell is one of the most well-known brands for skateboards and their accessories.
The company manufactures high-quality skateboards that are durable and have much better designs. Perhaps it is their high-quality designs that have helped them earn a name on the market.
I have selected this one as my best overall option because of several reasons I will explain one by one. First of all, the skateboard possesses excellent deck art which gives it a splendid look. The red dragon design on the skateboard will surely make you look stylish and different on any skate park.
However, looks aren’t the only thing when choosing some of the best skateboards under $100. Apart from exceptional aesthetics, the board possesses a super high-quality deck. The deck consists of 7-ply Canadian maple, which is quite flexible.
It makes the deck quite durable and fit for riders of any style. Whether you are a hardcore skateboarder or a beginner, you can get the most out of it. Apart from that, the board isn’t that heavy, making it very easy to carry whenever you are not riding it.
The optimally lightweight design of the board makes it one of the perfect options for backpack lovers. By the way, the deck size is 7.6 inches which makes it quite ideal for doing tricks. The board provides a much better handling experience which makes riding it surprisingly easy.
In addition to a premium quality deck, the skateboard also possesses highly reliable trucks and wheels. The trucks are 5 inches high, which makes them suitable for beginners because of increased stability. Overall It is a perfect skateboard for streets, parks, and even rough surfaces sometimes.
General Specifications
[table id=19 /] [i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-check-1″ cons_icon=”icon icon-ban-3″ show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]High quality deck artSurprisingly easy to ride
Suitable for hardcore stunts due to increased durability
Good quality trucks
[/i2pros][i2cons]Not Suitable for cruising around [/i2cons][/i2pc]
Why Should I Buy It?
The Powell Golder Flying dragon is one of the finest quality skateboards out there. It can be the right choice because of its high-quality deck, decent trucks, and superb quality wheels. Apart from that, the skateboard is highly reliable for beginners because of increased stability.
Buying Guide
Before investing your hard-earned money on any of the available skateboards, you need to make sure whether it is the right one or not. Well, how to check that? Let me tell you. Basically, there are a few essential things that you need to consider while buying the best skateboard.
Keeping these points will not only help you select the right skateboard, but it will narrow down your search space.
When you have a specific goal in mind, you will save a lot of time, money, and effort. You won’t have to look through a wide range of available options on the market.
Long story short, the following are the main points that you need to keep in mind when looking for the best skateboards under $100.
Select The Right Deck
Of course, no one would ever select the wrong thing. However, by choosing the right deck, I mean you need to consider your usage first. If you are someone who wants to buy a skateboard just for commuting. Then you will need to choose a skateboard with a longer and wider deck.
You might be wondering why I should choose a broader and longer deck. Here is the thing, when you decide to travel long distances by skateboard then you will need to take frequent breaks from pushing the board.
The deck should be wide enough to let you place both of your feet on it. This way, it will provide a comfortable riding experience. However, there is one downside of more extended skateboard decks. They aren’t very portable, which means you won’t be able to carry them in your backpack.
However, if you are looking for a skateboard that can help you do some tricks and travel to college, then a cruiser or penny board can help. These skateboards usually have shorter decks, and apart from that, they are very lightweight.
Such features make them very easy to carry around, even in backpacks. In my opinion, penny boards and cruisers are suitable for college students.
Pick Trucks According to Your Skill Level
Another thing that you need to keep in mind while looking for the best skateboards under $100 is the truck size. Skateboard trucks are available in different heights, and each one has its own pros and cons. If you are a beginner, then I would suggest going for a lower height. It is because lower trucks have a lower center of gravity and are more stable than higher ones.
If you are a complete beginner, your goal should be buying a stable skateboard. Selecting a stable one will help you master skateboarding’s basic art and learn a trick or two. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t ride higher trucks in the beginning.
Of course, you can start with higher trucks right away but keep that in mind it will take a little longer. First, the higher trucks will naturally look scarier than the lowered ones. Apart from that, you will need to find the right balance on the board.
Having that said, there are some shortcomings of lower trucks as well. When you are riding lower trucks, then you will be more likely to face wheel bite issues. Wheel bite is when your skateboard wheel touches the deck during turns.
We all know what happens when we try to violate Newton’s first law. In simple words, if you experience wheel bite at a higher speed, the chances of losing your teeth increases. In order to avoid wheel bite issues, you will need to ride higher trucks. Therefore, you need to choose them according to your skill level.
Go For Smoother Bearings
Skateboard bearings are just as important as their wheels. Whenever you are looking for the best skateboards under $100, always ensure that they are equipped with high-quality bearings.
High-quality bearings mean the bearing should be smoother and easy to rotate. This will help in gaining speed quickly and riding the skateboard comfortably without pushing the board all the time.
Choose The Wheels Wisely
The Last thing that you need to consider while buying the best skateboards under $100 is the wheels. Wheels can also be proved as a game changer especially when you are looking for a skateboard for rough roads.
There are two things actually that you need to consider. The first thing is the wheel size while the other thing is the softness of the wheel. You need to pick the size and softness of the wheels wisely and according to your needs.
If you are a rough road rider then you should go for softer wheels. You might be thinking why should I select softer wheels for rough roads. Here is the thing, when you ride harder wheels on rough surfaces then chances are you may face issues due to the higher rebound of the wheels.
However, softer wheels are safe from such issues. The same is the case with the wheel size. You need to pick the right wheels for the right situations. For more information about wheels, I will post infographics that can help you understand things.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Get A Good Cheap Skateboard?
You can get a good and cheap skateboard from amazon, Walmart, warehouse skateboards, and Zumiez. However, you need to do a lot of research when it comes to getting the best and the cheapest skateboard. You don’t need to stress about that too much because I have already done solid research for you.
After an in-depth study, I found some amazing skateboards that are suitable for all kinds of riders. Whether you are a rough road rider, a commuter, a street skater, or a professional you can get the most out of my article.
Is It Cheaper To Build Or Buy A Skateboard?
To be honest, it really depends upon your needs and desires. If you are a professional skateboarder then you might be looking for a specific skateboard. Chances are the complete ones might not be suitable for you.
Therefore, you will need to build a custom one but in my opinion building, a skateboard will cost a bit extra. However, a complete skateboard may not cost that much and you can get a decent one as cheap as under 100 bucks.
What Is The Best Skateboard For A Beginner?
It depends on your riding style and what you are looking for. If you are a complete beginner and looking for something you can carry easily then I would suggest a penny board. However, for speed and cruising, there are cruiser boards available on the market.
Having that said, for those who are interested in learning tricks and stunts then you need to choose a standard skateboard. As for the setup, I would suggest a 7- 8 inches deck, 52mm wheels, 5 inches trucks, and some ABEC-5 or ABEC-7 bearings.
Final Thoughts
I hope after reading my article you will have selected the right skateboard for your needs. However, if you are still struggling with making the right choice then let me help you. According to my analysis and in-depth study on the best skateboards under $100 the Retrospec Zed Bamboo Longboard Skateboard proves to be quite amazing.
It is because the skateboard features a high-quality deck, reliable wheels, trucks, and superb quality bearing. However, if you are looking for the cheapest option then I would suggest the ChromeWheels 31-inch Skateboard. With that said, this was the end of my top 5 round-up for the best skateboards under $100.
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GOOD LUCK!
