How do you know when you need a new skateboard? Well, It’s a tough question that doesn’t have any straightforward answer. Basically, you can use a skateboard as long as you want it to, until it breaks.
However, you should replace your skateboard with a new one when its deck loses its structural integrity. The structural integrity will mean cracks, chips, sharp edges, and chips in the deck, which will make your skateboarding difficult.
When various flaws in the structural Integrity show up, you have to go for a new skateboard for your own safety. Let’s discuss when and why you have to get a new skateboard throughout this article as we get you through the bumps and lumps of this game.
What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Skateboard?
When it comes to the lifespan of a skateboard, it depends on several factors, such as the quality and proper care of the skateboard. The quality of your skateboard will significantly affect how long your skateboard lasts.
On the other hand, improper care will reduce the average lifespan of any good quality skateboard. However, if you are wondering what is the average lifespan of typical skateboards, it’s 1 to 2 years.
However, if you use a good quality skateboard like Darkstar, you can use it for 1 to 4 years. Darkstar A Good Skateboard Brand with a good reputation for making a complete skateboard and its spare parts. And you and anyone can increase the lifespan of a Darkstar skateboard by taking proper care of it.
How Do You Know When You Need A New Skateboard?
You may need to change your skateboard depending on how often you skate, where you skate, and what style you skate with. Several types of stunts or tricks put various types of impacts on skateboards and also cause damage. When your skateboard is poorly damaged, you will need to replace it.
Moreover, if the condition of your board is bad enough to prevent you from enjoying your skateboarding, it’s time to get a new board. Here is how do you know when you need a new skateboard briefly:
1. When You Notice Cracks on the Board-
Try to get a new deck when your skateboard deck is cracked badly, deaminating, or snapped in two parts. These conditions will make it difficult or impossible for you to perform tricks and make skating enjoyable.
2. Razor Tail
Razor tail is when the bottom tip of your board’s tail gets shaved down from popping tricks and scraping on the ground. It leaves a sharp edge that can hurt you and cause injuries. The razor tail reduces the rebound strength and makes it difficult to skate efficiently.
3. Chips on the Board
You may need to replace your skateboard with a new one when chips appear on it. Chips will appear on your skateboard when the nose and tails of your skateboard slam into things.
Moreover, slipping into walls, bailing tricks down gaps, and throwing the board out of frustration can cause chipping. The chips can badly impact and also reduce your skateboard’s pop. And then you’ll need a new skateboard.
4. Waterlogged Deck
If you ride the skateboard in the rain, the plies of it will start to be separated. This condition will lose the deck’s pop and make you unable to use the skateboard and enjoy it.
Alongside the deck, water also damages the trucks, bearings, and bolts, which will affect your skateboard’s controlling ability. So if you notice that your skateboard deck is waterlogged, then it’s time to get a new skateboard.
5. Pop Issues
If you notice that you cannot perform tricks and jump to the same height as before, you should get a new skateboard. It’s probably happening because of the reduced pop or your skateboard is losing the pop gradually.
6. Pressure Cracks
Pressure cracks are thin cracks that run along the length of the deck. The pressure cracks appear when you land on the board with a lot of impacts, skate gaps, and over-tighten your hardware.
These cracks can reduce the pop which will lead to uncomfortable skateboarding. So if you see a significant amount of pressure cracks, you should change your skateboard and get a new one.
Does A New Skateboard Make A Difference?
If you’re wondering whether a new skateboard can make a difference or not; then the answer is yes. You should get a new skateboard if you see your skateboard deck is losing its structural integrity. Structural integrity can significantly impact your skateboarding and also cause safety issues too.
If you notice problems with your skateboard wheels, tracks, it’s a good idea to replace the old skateboard with a new one. In short, it’s always a good thing for every skateboarder to get a new skateboard to perform skateboarding more efficiently.
Tips for Making Your Skateboard Last Longer
Skateboarding is a fancy sport, and riding it is a challenging and joyful activity. Once you buy a skateboard, you can ride it for a long time if you maintain it properly. In that case, you can follow the below tips to make your skateboard last longer:
Adjust the Hardware
You must adjust the hardware of your skateboard to increase its lifespan. Adjust the hardware like trucks, axle nuts, truck mounting bolts. However, you should be careful about over-tightening, because overtightening can cause pressure cracks.
Do Not Skid on the Tail
If you are taking a break or skidding on the tail, you should avoid doing it. That is because it will quickly destroy the tail of your skateboard and also can cause a razor tail.
Keep it Dry
Keep your skateboard dry because water is the biggest enemy of all types of skateboards. Since skateboard decks are made of maple layers, water can separate the layers and make it super uncomfortable for skateboarding.
Land Smoothly
It may seem complicated if you do a lot of tricks with your skateboard, but you should try to land it smoothly. Though landing significantly impacts the full body of your skateboard and damages it.
Do Not Throw Your Board
It is common to feel frustrated when you cannot perform your desired trick Swith your skateboard. Well, many people throw the board out of frustration which will cause chips and separate the board into two parts. So never throw your board.
Clean Bearings Regularly and Lubricate Them Often
Another maintenance tip you can follow is lubricating the bearings regularly. It will help to keep the bearing working smoothly and let you ride your skateboard smoothly without making any noise.
Grip Tape Cleaning & Replacement
When you notice an issue with your deck’s grip tape, then simply fix or replace it. You don’t need to replace the whole skateboard because of facing issues with the grip tape.
Conclusion
You can get a shiny new skateboard with excellent graphics and no chips, but regular use will weaken it. When you ride your skateboard regularly, it’s common to see pressure cracks, chips, and sharp edges of the deck. Lack of proper maintenance will also hamper the structural integrity of your skateboard.
When your skateboard confronts several damages, you have to replace it with a new one. That’s how do you know when you need a new skateboard and what differences a new skateboard will bring. So get a new skateboard when needed, and of course, maintain it the right way to help your ride last longer.
