How to Make a Skateboard Faster: Proven Tips for Speed Boost
If you love skateboarding, you know the thrill of going fast. The wind in your face, smooth pavement under your wheels, and the rush of a good ride make every push worth it. But what if your board feels slow?
Maybe you struggle to keep speed, or your friends always seem to go faster with less effort. The good news is, you can make your skateboard faster with the right changes and maintenance. This guide will help you understand what really matters, what to upgrade, and how to avoid common mistakes that waste money and time.
You don’t need to be a pro mechanic. With some simple tools and a bit of know-how, you can boost your board’s speed for cruising, commuting, or tricks. Let’s dive in and unlock your skateboard’s full potential.
Understanding What Makes A Skateboard Fast
Before you start changing parts, it helps to know what affects speed. A skateboard’s speed depends on wheels, bearings, trucks, deck shape, your own pushing, and even the ground you ride on.
- Wheels: Their size, shape, and hardness change how fast you can go.
- Bearings: These tiny rings help your wheels spin smoothly.
- Trucks: The metal parts that hold the wheels can cause drag if they’re too tight or loose.
- Deck: The board’s shape and weight play a smaller but still noticeable role.
- Riding Surface: Smooth pavement lets you go faster with less effort.
- Rider Technique: How you push and stand on your board also matters.
Beginners often focus only on bearings, but speed is about the whole system. A fast board is well-tuned in every part.
Choosing The Right Wheels For Speed
Wheels are where your skateboard meets the ground. If you want more speed, upgrading or adjusting your wheels can make a big difference.
Wheel Size
- Larger wheels (usually 54mm–60mm or more) roll over cracks and bumps better and hold speed longer. They’re perfect for cruising and downhill.
- Smaller wheels (48mm–53mm) accelerate quickly but lose speed faster, best for technical tricks.
Most street skaters use 52mm–54mm wheels. For speed, try 56mm or bigger if your board and trucks allow.
Wheel Hardness (durometer)
- Hard wheels (99A and above) roll faster on smooth pavement but can feel rough on bad roads.
- Softer wheels (78A–87A) grip better and absorb bumps but are a little slower on perfect concrete.
If you want speed, use harder wheels on smooth ground. For rough surfaces, slightly softer wheels keep you rolling without losing too much speed.
Wheel Shape And Width
- Slim wheels have less contact with the ground, so they’re faster but less stable.
- Wider wheels grip more and are better for downhill or carving.
Choose a shape that matches your style. For street speed, go slim but not too narrow. For hills or rougher rides, a bit wider is safer.
Urethane Quality
Not all urethane is the same. High-quality wheels last longer and stay fast. Cheap wheels can slow down quickly and wear out unevenly.
Example Wheel Size And Hardness Comparison
| Wheel Size (mm) | Hardness (A) | Best For | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52 | 99A | Technical Tricks | Moderate |
| 56 | 101A | Street Cruising | High |
| 60 | 78A | Rough Surfaces | Good (on rough) |
Non-obvious tip: Don’t pick the biggest wheel that fits. Your board can get “wheel bite” (wheels hitting the deck) if the wheels are too big. Use riser pads (small plastic spacers) if you want larger wheels.
Upgrading And Maintaining Bearings
Bearings are the small metal rings inside your wheels. High-quality, well-maintained bearings can make a huge difference in speed.
What To Look For In Bearings
- ABEC Rating: This rating (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) measures precision. Higher is not always better for skateboards. ABEC 5 or 7 is enough for most riders.
- Material: Most bearings are steel. Ceramic bearings are smoother and resist rust but cost more.
- Shields: Removable shields make cleaning easier.
How To Clean Bearings
Dirty bearings slow you down. Cleaning them can restore lost speed.
- Remove the wheels from your trucks.
- Pop out the bearings using a skate tool or screwdriver.
- Remove shields carefully with a pin.
- Soak bearings in isopropyl alcohol or a special bearing cleaner.
- Dry them completely—moisture causes rust.
- Lubricate with bearing oil (not WD-40).
- Reassemble and put them back in your wheels.
Lubrication Matters
The right lube keeps bearings fast. Use skate-specific bearing oil. Too much lube makes them sticky; too little leads to grinding.
When To Replace Bearings
If you clean and lube your bearings but they still feel slow, it’s time for new ones. Good bearings last months or even years with care.
Bearing Performance Comparison
| Bearing Type | Speed | Durability | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Steel | Good | 6–12 months | $10–$20 |
| Ceramic | Very High | 1+ years | $40–$100 |
| Precision Steel (ABEC 7+) | High | 8–18 months | $20–$50 |
Non-obvious tip: Sometimes, the problem is not the bearings but dirt trapped between the bearing and the wheel core. Clean both to maximize speed.
Adjusting Trucks For Less Drag
Trucks hold your wheels and let your board turn. If they’re too tight or loose, they can slow you down.
Truck Tightness
- Tight trucks: More stability at high speed, but can cause more friction if over-tightened.
- Loose trucks: Easier turns, but the wheels can “wobble” at speed, wasting energy.
Find a balance. For speed, tighten trucks enough to stop wheel wobble but not so much that the bushings (rubber rings) are crushed.
Bushing Quality
Upgrade to high-quality urethane bushings. Old, cracked bushings make your ride feel sluggish and unstable.
Pivot Cups And Kingpin
Lubricate the pivot cup (where the truck turns) with a bit of wax or skate lube. A dry pivot can add drag without you noticing.
Example: Many skaters never check their pivot cups. A dry, squeaky pivot can slow turning and waste energy, especially on long rides.
Credit: www.youtube.com
Deck Choices And Weight
The deck’s shape, flex, and weight have a small but real effect on speed.
- Heavier decks hold speed better but take more effort to push.
- Lighter decks are easier to accelerate but slow down faster.
- Stiffer decks transfer more energy from your push to the wheels.
For most riders, the difference is small compared to wheels and bearings. If you want the fastest ride, try a light, stiff deck designed for speed, but only if your current deck feels heavy or flexy.
Keeping Your Setup Clean
Dirt, sand, and water are the enemies of speed. They get in your wheels, bearings, and trucks, creating drag.
- Wipe your board after wet or dirty rides.
- Check bearings regularly for grit.
- Don’t ride through puddles if you want to keep your board fast.
A clean board always rolls better. Many slow boards are simply dirty.
Upgrading To Speed Parts: What’s Worth It?
If you want more speed, it’s tempting to buy all new parts. But not every upgrade gives the same results.
Wheels: Best Value For Speed
Upgrading wheels gives the biggest speed boost. Go for high-quality, larger, and harder wheels if your terrain allows.
Bearings: Essential But Don’t Overpay
Good bearings are important, but after a point, the gains are small. ABEC 5 or 7 steel bearings from a trusted brand are enough for most skaters. Ceramics are faster but expensive.
Trucks: Only Upgrade If Old Or Damaged
Unless your trucks are heavy, bent, or very old, new trucks don’t add much speed. Focus on tuning and cleaning.
Deck: Only For Specialized Needs
Racing or downhill? Invest in a stiff, light deck. For street or casual cruising, deck changes matter less for speed.
Risers And Hardware
If you want larger wheels, add riser pads (1/8″ to 1/4″) to prevent wheel bite. Make sure your hardware (bolts) are long enough to fit risers.
Part Upgrade Impact Table
| Part | Speed Boost | Average Cost | When to Upgrade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheels | High | $25–$50 | When old or slow |
| Bearings | Medium | $10–$40 | When gritty or rusty |
| Trucks | Low | $30–$60 | If bent or worn |
| Deck | Low | $40–$100 | If heavy/flexy |
Improving Your Riding Technique
A fast board is only half the story. How you push and ride affects speed even more.
Strong, Efficient Pushing
- Push with your back foot and keep your front foot steady.
- Long, smooth pushes waste less energy than lots of short, choppy ones.
- Bend your knees to absorb bumps and keep balance.
Tuck Position For Speed
When you want maximum speed (like downhill or racing), tuck down to lower your body and reduce wind resistance. Keep your arms in and head low.
Carving Vs. Straight Lines
Carving (making S-shaped turns) is fun but slows you down. For speed, ride in the straightest line possible.
Foot Placement
Keep your front foot near the front bolts and your back foot near the tail (for regular stance). This gives you control and lets you push hard without wobbling.
Non-obvious tip: Many riders waste energy by pushing with their toes pointed out. Keep your pushing foot straight behind the board for more power.
Credit: www.youtube.com
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Trying to make your skateboard faster can backfire if you don’t know the pitfalls.
- Over-tightening trucks: This can crush bushings and make the board stiff and slow.
- Using too much oil in bearings: Excess oil attracts dirt and makes bearings sticky.
- Ignoring wheel bite: Upgrading to large wheels without risers causes sudden stops and falls.
- Focusing only on ABEC ratings: Brand and build quality matter more than just a number.
- Riding on dirty or wet surfaces: This wears out your parts and slows you down long-term.
When To See A Pro
If your board still feels slow after cleaning, tuning, and upgrading, visit a skate shop. They can check if your trucks are bent, your deck is warped, or if you need a full rebuild. Sometimes, small cracks or hidden damage are hard to spot at home.
Real-world Examples: How Small Changes Made A Big Difference
- Case 1: A street skater switched from 52mm to 56mm wheels and cleaned his bearings. Result: He could skate longer distances with less effort and keep up with friends downhill.
- Case 2: A commuter replaced his rusty bearings and added risers for bigger wheels. Result: His morning ride to work was 20% faster, and he felt less tired.
- Case 3: A downhill racer upgraded to ceramic bearings and a stiff deck. Result: She reached higher speeds in races and felt more stable at top speed.
These changes may sound simple, but together, they add up.
Safety First: Speed And Control
Going faster is fun, but safety matters even more. Fast boards can be harder to control.
- Wear a helmet every time you ride.
- Use knee and elbow pads for downhill or high-speed cruising.
- Check your board before every ride for loose parts or cracks.
- Practice stopping: Learn to foot-brake or slide to slow down safely.
Remember, a small rock or bump at high speed can cause a big fall. Ride smart.
Credit: downhill254.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Clean My Bearings To Keep My Skateboard Fast?
Clean your bearings every few months or after riding in wet, dirty, or sandy conditions. Well-maintained bearings last longer and roll faster.
Are Ceramic Bearings Worth The Extra Money For Speed?
Ceramic bearings are faster and last longer, especially in wet conditions, but they’re expensive. For most riders, high-quality steel bearings are enough. Ceramics are best for downhill racers or those who want the absolute fastest setup.
What Is “wheel Bite,” And How Can I Prevent It?
Wheel bite happens when your wheels touch the deck during turns, causing sudden stops. Prevent it by using riser pads, choosing the right wheel size, and adjusting your trucks.
Does The Abec Rating Matter For Skateboard Speed?
ABEC ratings measure bearing precision, but for skateboarding, build quality and maintenance matter more. ABEC 5 or 7 is fine. Focus on clean, well-lubed bearings instead of chasing the highest number.
Can I Make A Cheap Skateboard Fast, Or Should I Buy A New One?
You can make a cheap skateboard faster by upgrading wheels and bearings and keeping it clean. If the deck or trucks are bent, cracked, or very heavy, a new board will help more. Always start with maintenance before buying a full replacement.
Making your skateboard faster is about smart upgrades, regular care, and good technique. With these steps, you’ll roll smoother, keep your speed, and enjoy every ride more. For more in-depth guides and technical details, check out resources like Wikipedia’s Skateboard page. Now get out there, tune your setup, and see how much faster you can go!
