A lot goes into a good skateboarding experience, and one of the most critical factors is your choice of the skateboard deck. A skateboard’s wheelbase is the distance between the two innermost points of its four wheels. It affects a number of aspects of how a skateboard rides, so it’s essential to know how to measure it!
This is the distance between the two innermost points of your skateboard’s wheels. You can buy new wheels or bearings that will fit your board perfectly by knowing this measurement. This article will show you how to measure skateboard wheelbase efficiently and accurately. Let’s get started!
What Is the Wheelbase of a Skateboard?
The wheelbase of a skateboard is the distance between the two innermost points of its four wheels. It affects a number of aspects of how a skateboard rides, so it’s important to know how to measure it!
A lot goes into a good skateboarding experience, and one of the most important factors is your choice of the skateboard deck. You can buy new wheels or bearings that will fit your board perfectly by knowing this measurement.
To measure the skateboard wheelbase, you will need a ruler or tape measure.
How to Measure Skateboard Wheelbase Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Determine
To measure your board’s wheelbase, you need to know how long it is. One of the most accurate ways to do this is with a tape measurer or yardstick. However, if you don’t have either of those things readily available, there are some easy tricks that will help you estimate it. First, know that the axle is thick, 8mm (or 0.3″) and stands 1″ tall.
Most deck manufacturers mark it with a small “L” on the underside of the deck near where it meets the wheels; this way, you can measure from where the trucks meet to this L, and you’ll be in business. A single deck comes in multiple widths. Therefore, if you are looking for the wheelbase on a deck, simply measure from where the truck mounts meet to the edge of the board closest to one of the middle wheels. Most boards have measurements listed for this reason!
Step 2: Deck Wheelbase
Lay your skateboard on its side and make sure that the bottom of the deck is facing up. You will want to measure from point to point, which is where the bolts attach the truck to the deck (the opposite end of where you stand). This distance can be found by measuring along the inside of each truck’s baseplate. Having someone help you is very useful for this step.
Step 3: Wheelbase
Now, turn the board around, so the top side is facing up. You will still measure from point to point by placing your tape measure along the inside edge of each truck’s baseplate (the same as before). The difference between these two measurements is your wheelbase. For example, if the distance from a point to point along the inside edge of your trucks is 14 inches, and from point to point along the inside edge of your other trucks, it measures 15 inches, then you have a wheelbase of 15″.
Step 4: Truck Wheelbase
Once you have your wheelbase, simply measure the width of the hanger between the kingpin nut and axle nut. For example, if your wheelbase is 14″, that means that there are 28″ of the exposed hanger on either side of the kingpin nut.
Note: The width of the truck’s axle is not included in this measurement, only the width from side to side on which you stand/lean.
In addition to the how-to measure skateboard wheelbase article, I also recommend checking out How To Choose Your First Skateboard. It’s a good guide for beginners looking to find a great entry-level board.
Step 5: Final Product
After measuring out your wheelbase and track width, the only other measurements you will need to take are the actual length of the board and its nose and tail. Remember that nose and tails should be measured from the tip of the nose or tail forward to where it begins to curve upward to form either end of your deck. Having a friend to help measure these dimensions is again very useful.
Step 6: Measure the Wheelbase, Length, and Nose/tail of Your New Deck
Now that you have these three measurements, it’s time to try out a few different decks. When you find one that you like, get ready for some shredding.
The main thing to take away from Measure Skateboard Wheelbase is that your deck’s wheelbase and truck axle affect the way you ride. For example, if you like quick, responsive turns, then a shorter wheelbase (13″ – 14″) will be good for you. Meanwhile, choose a longer wheelbase (14″ – 15″) if you like stability and balance while sliding. Measure Skateboard Wheelbase will help you find the perfect deck for your riding style! Keep reading for more information about how to measure skateboard wheelbase.
Step 7: Finish It Up!
Now that you have a measuring tape, you’re all set. Measuring your wheelbase is a great way to find a new board without having to ride it first! Of course, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when buying online, so next time you think about ordering a deck from Amazon or another retailer, use how to measure skateboard wheelbase to find the perfect size for you!
What Do You Need to Know About Skateboard Wheels?
1. General Info
A skateboard wheelbase is a distance between the two inner points of the skateboard truck’s baseplate. It is usually measured in inches.
The wheelbase affects the way a skateboard turns and, therefore, can affect your skating style. For example, a shorter wheelbase (13″ – 14″) will result in quicker, more responsive turns, while a longer wheelbase (14″ – 15″) will provide more stability and balance.
The width of the truck’s axle is not included in the wheelbase measurement.
2. Construction & Size
The Skateboard wheelbase is measured in inches, and the distance between the two inner points of the skateboard truck’s baseplate is what is measured. This measurement affects how a skateboard turns, so it is important to consider when choosing your next board. A shorter wheelbase (13″ – 14″) will result in quicker, more responsive turns, while a longer wheelbase (14″ – 15″) will provide more stability and balance.
3. Concave
The design on the underside of the skateboard deck you choose affects your ride. A deep concave (like on Powell-Peralta decks) provides more foot control and makes flipping tricks easier, while a milder concave is better for cruising and shredding.
4. Shape
A skateboard deck is usually symmetrical, with a slight concave. A deep concave provides more foot control and makes flipping tricks easier while a milder concave is better for cruising and shredding.
What Effects Does Wheelbase Have on Your Skating?
Turning Radius & Stance
The wheelbase affects the way a skateboard turns and, therefore, can affect your stance. A shorter wheelbase (13″ – 14″) will result in quicker, more responsive turns, while a longer wheelbase (14″ – 15″) will provide more stability and balance. How you ride depends on your preferences and past experiences with different boards.
The Lever Phenomenon
The lever phenomenon is a physical principle that states that a small force applied at one point of a lever can produce a large force at another point. This principle is often used in skateboarding to generate more speed and power when flipping tricks.
The best way to understand the lever phenomenon is by seeing it in action. Check out the video below to see how pro skater Tony Hawk uses it to his advantage while flipping his board.
Now that you know the lever phenomenon, you can use it to improve your skating skills! When flipping tricks, apply force to the board at the tail end to generate more power and speed.
Frequently Asked Question
What Is an Easy Way to Check if Your Measuring Tape Is Accurate or Not?
One easy way to check if your measuring tape is accurate or not is to measure a known object with it and compare the results. Another way to check the accuracy of your measuring tape is to use a ruler or another measuring device to measure the same object that you measured with your tape.
What Is the Best Way to Measure the Skateboard Wheelbase?
There are a few ways to measure skateboard wheelbase. The most accurate way to measure it is by using a ruler to measure the distance between the centers of the two trucks. Another way to measure the skateboard wheelbase is by using a measuring tape to measure the distance between the two farthest points of the wheels.
What Are the Most Accurate Ways to Measure a Skateboard Wheelbase?
There are a few ways to measure skateboard wheelbase. The most accurate way to measure it is by using a ruler to measure the distance between the centers of the two trucks. Another way to measure the skateboard wheelbase is by using a measuring tape to measure the distance between the two farthest points of the wheels.
How Do You Measure a Skateboard Wheelbase?
There are a few ways to measure skateboard wheelbase. The most accurate way to measure it is by using a ruler to measure the distance between the centers of the two trucks. Another way to measure the skateboard wheelbase is by using a measuring tape to measure the distance between the two farthest points of the wheels.
Conclusion
Measurement of skateboard wheelbase is important for understanding how the skateboard rides and performs. In addition, by knowing the wheelbase, you can determine what length board you need to purchase to have the correct ride feel. Thanks for reading our post about how to measure skateboard wheelbase.
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