Complete Skateboards vs Custom Skateboards: Ultimate Guide 2025

When you're ready to dive into skateboarding, one crucial decision stands between you and hitting the streets: Should you buy a complete skateboard or build a custom skateboard? This choice can significantly impact your skating experience, performance, and budget.

Whether you're a first-time rider wondering "should I buy a complete skateboard?" or an experienced skater considering a custom build, this comprehensive guide will help you make the right decision. We'll break down everything from costs and components to performance benefits, ensuring you choose the perfect setup for your skating journey.

What Are Complete Skateboards?

Complete skateboards are pre-assembled, ready-to-ride boards that include all essential components: deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, and hardware. These skateboard complete setups are professionally assembled and tested, making them an excellent choice for riders who want to start skating immediately without the complexity of building their own board.

Complete Skateboard Components Breakdown

When you purchase from a complete skateboards collection, here's what you get:

Skateboard Deck: The wooden platform that serves as your board's foundation, typically made from 7-9 layers of Canadian maple wood. Complete skateboard decks come in various sizes, usually 7.5" to 8.5" wide.

Trucks: These metal T-shaped components connect your wheels to the deck and control your turning ability. Complete skateboard kits typically include mid-range trucks that balance performance and affordability.

Wheels: Pre-selected wheels designed to complement the overall setup, usually in the 50-54mm range with medium durometer ratings suitable for various skating styles.

Bearings: The small metal components inside each wheel that allow smooth rotation. Complete setups include quality bearings that provide reliable performance.

Hardware: All necessary bolts, nuts, and screws to keep everything securely assembled.

Advantages of Complete Skateboards

1. Immediate Satisfaction and Convenience

The biggest advantage of complete skateboards is convenience. You can purchase your complete skateboard and start riding the same day. No assembly required, no compatibility concerns – just pure skating enjoyment.

2. Cost-Effective Solution

Complete skateboards typically cost 20-40% less than building an equivalent custom setup. This makes them perfect for budget-conscious skaters and parents buying their child's first board.

3. Quality Assurance and Compatibility

Professional skateboard companies carefully select components that work harmoniously together. This means better stability, smoother rides, and fewer mechanical issues compared to randomly assembled parts.

4. Perfect for Beginners

If you're new to skateboarding, complete skateboard kits eliminate the guesswork. You won't need to research truck heights, wheel durometers, or bearing ratings – everything is optimized for learning.

5. Great Starter Investment

Complete skateboards allow beginners to discover their preferences before investing in expensive custom components. You can always upgrade individual parts later as your skills develop.

Disadvantages of Complete Skateboards

1. Limited Customization Options

The main drawback of skateboard complete setups is the lack of personalization. You can't choose specific deck graphics, truck brands, or wheel hardness that match your exact preferences.

2. Generic Performance Characteristics

While complete skateboards offer good all-around performance, they may not excel in specific skating disciplines like street, vert, or downhill racing.

3. Lower-Grade Components

To maintain affordable pricing, some complete skateboard kits use entry-level components that experienced skaters might find limiting.

What Are Custom Skateboards?

Custom skateboards are personally assembled setups where you select each component individually. This approach gives you complete control over your board's performance characteristics, aesthetics, and quality level.

Building Your Custom Skateboard Setup

Creating custom skateboards involves selecting:

Custom Deck: Choose from hundreds of shapes, sizes, and graphics from top skateboard brands. Custom skateboard designs can reflect your personality and skating style.

Premium Trucks: Select trucks based on your preferred turning radius, stability, and grinding performance.

Specialized Wheels: Pick wheels optimized for your skating surface and style – from soft cruiser wheels to hard street skating wheels.

High-Performance Bearings: Invest in precision bearings for smoother, faster rides.

Quality Hardware: Choose durable bolts and hardware that match your aesthetic preferences.

Advantages of Custom Skateboards

1. Complete Personalization

Custom skateboards allow you to create a truly unique setup. From custom skateboard designs to performance specifications, every detail reflects your preferences.

2. Optimized Performance

By selecting components that complement your skating style, custom skateboards can significantly outperform generic complete setups in specific applications.

3. Premium Component Quality

Custom builds let you invest in high-end components that offer superior durability, performance, and feel compared to standard complete skateboard kits.

4. Educational Experience

Building custom skateboards teaches you about skateboard mechanics, helping you become a more knowledgeable skater and better at maintenance.

5. Upgrade Flexibility

With custom setups, you can upgrade individual components over time without replacing the entire board.

Disadvantages of Custom Skateboards

1. Higher Initial Cost

Custom skateboards typically cost 30-50% more than comparable complete setups due to premium components and individual pricing.

2. Time and Complexity

Researching components, ensuring compatibility, and assembly can be time-consuming, especially for beginners.

3. Potential for Mistakes

You might select incompatible components without proper knowledge or create an unbalanced setup.

Complete Skateboards vs Custom Skateboards: The Decision Matrix

Choose Complete Skateboards If:

• You're a beginner learning to skate

• Budget is a primary concern

• You want to start skating immediately

• You're unsure about your preferences

• You're buying for a child or a casual rider

• You prefer hassle-free shopping

Choose Custom Skateboards If:

• You're an intermediate to advanced skater

• You have specific performance requirements

• You want premium components

• You enjoy the building process

• You have strong aesthetic preferences

• You're willing to invest more for optimal performance

Custom Skateboards for Beginners: A Growing Trend

Interestingly, custom skateboards for beginners are becoming increasingly popular. Many skate shops now offer guided custom builds where beginners can learn about components while creating a personalized setup. This approach combines education with customization, creating a more engaging entry into skateboarding.

Cost Analysis: Complete vs Custom

Complete Skateboard Pricing:

• Entry-level: $60-$90

• Mid-range: $90-$130

• Premium: $130-$180

Custom Skateboard Pricing:

• Budget custom: $100-$150

• Mid-range custom: $150-$220

• Premium custom: $220-$350+

Making Your Decision: Should You Buy a Complete Skateboard?

The answer to "Should I buy a complete skateboard?" depends on several factors:

For First-Time Skaters: Absolutely yes. Complete skateboards provide the best value and learning experience for beginners.

For Returning Skaters: If you haven't skated in years, a complete setup helps you rediscover your preferences before investing in custom components.

For Gift Buyers: Complete skateboards make excellent gifts because they're ready to use and appropriately matched.

For Budget-Conscious Buyers: Complete setups offer the most skateboard for your money.

Expert Tips for Both Options

Maximizing Your Complete Skateboard:

1. Start with a reputable brand's complete setup

2. Learn on the complete board before upgrading

3. Replace components individually as they wear out

4. Use the complete setup to understand your preferences

Building the Perfect Custom Skateboard:

1. Start with a quality deck that matches your shoe size

2. Choose trucks that are slightly narrower than your deck

3. Select wheels based on your primary skating surface

4. Invest in quality bearings for long-term performance

5. Don't skimp on hardware – it keeps everything together

The Future of Skateboard Shopping

The line between complete skateboards and custom skateboards continues to blur. Many companies now offer "semi-custom" options where you can choose from pre-selected component combinations, giving you some customization without full complexity.

Additionally, online skateboard builders and configurators make custom builds more accessible to beginners, providing guided experiences that educate while you build.

Conclusion: Your Perfect Skateboard Awaits

Whether you choose a complete skateboard or decide to build a custom skateboard, the most important factor is getting out there and skating. Complete setups offer convenience, value, and reliability – perfect for beginners and casual riders. Custom builds provide personalization, premium performance, and the satisfaction of creating something uniquely yours.

For beginners and budget-conscious skaters, we recommend starting with a quality complete skateboard. You can always upgrade components or build a custom setup once you've developed your preferences and skills.

Remember, the best skateboard is the one that gets you excited to skate. Whether it's a convenient complete setup or a carefully crafted custom build, your perfect skateboard is waiting to help you progress your skills and enjoy this incredible sport.

Ready to find your perfect setup? Explore our extensive collection of complete skateboards and start your skating journey today!

FAQ: Complete vs Custom Skateboards

Q1: What's the main difference between complete and custom skateboards?

Complete skateboards come pre-assembled with all components included, while custom skateboards let you choose each part individually. Complete boards offer convenience and value, while custom builds provide personalization and premium performance options.

Q2: Should beginners buy complete or custom skateboards?

Beginners should start with complete skateboards. They're more affordable, ready to ride immediately, and have components that work well together. You can always upgrade to custom parts once you develop preferences and skills.

Q3: How much more expensive are custom skateboards?

Custom skateboards typically cost 30-50% more than complete setups. A quality complete skateboard ranges from $60-$180, while custom builds start around $100 and can exceed $350 for premium components.

Q4: Can I upgrade parts on a complete skateboard later?

Absolutely! Complete skateboards are perfect starting points for upgrades. You can replace individual components like wheels, bearings, or trucks as they wear out or as your preferences change, gradually building toward a custom setup.

Q5: What should I look for when buying a complete skateboard?

Look for reputable brands, proper deck size (7.75"-8.25" for most riders), quality trucks and wheels, and good customer reviews. Ensure the board matches your intended use - street, park, or cruising - and fits within your budget. Check out our complete skateboards collection for quality options.