Skateboarding grabs hearts around the world. You push off and feel the freedom. Millions join this sport each year. In 2022, over 9 million Americans took part in skateboarding, according to Statista. Additionally, 2020 saw a jump of 2 million new skaters, as reported in a PubMed Central study. This guide shows you how to build a pro skateboard setup. We focus on Independent trucks, Spitfire wheels, and Bones Reds bearings. These parts create a strong board for tricks and cruises. Let’s start the journey together.
Why Choose These Brands for Your Pro Setup
Skaters pick brands that last. Independent, Spitfire, and Bones stand out for good reasons. They offer quality without breaking rules. First, consider what makes a setup pro level. Pros need parts that handle flips, grinds, and speeds. These brands deliver that. Moreover, they suit beginners and experts alike. You get smooth rides and control. Now, think about your style. Street skating? Park runs? These components adapt well. For instance, many riders swear by them for daily sessions.
Brands like these build trust over years. Independent started in 1978. Spitfire joined in 1987. Bones came soon after. They innovate constantly. As a result, skaters rely on them. You avoid cheap knockoffs that fail fast. Instead, invest in proven gear. This choice boosts your skills. Furthermore, community feedback praises them. Reviews from sites like Reddit and Tactics highlight durability. So, why settle for less? These parts elevate your game.
Independent Trucks: The Foundation of Stability
Independent trucks form the base of any solid setup. Riders love them for strength. They grind rails smoothly. Plus, they turn sharp. Models like Stage 11 offer options. You find standard, hollow, or titanium versions. Hollow ones cut weight. Titanium adds lightness too. According to Board of the World, titanium trucks weigh 15% less than standards. This helps with flips. Yet, they stay tough.
Choose size based on deck width. For 8 inch decks, pick 139mm trucks. Wider boards need 149mm or more. This match prevents wheel bite. Also, bushings matter. Stock ones work fine. But swap for softer if you want loose turns. Skaters on Reddit note Independent turns better than some rivals. They feel stable yet responsive. Therefore, your setup gains balance.
Grinding feels natural with these. The hanger design slides easy. No sticking on ledges. Many pros ride them. Blake Johnson uses 149 standards, as seen on YouTube. He grinds down axles hard. Still, they hold up. Independent ranks top in Skatedeluxe polls. Rock solid, they say. So, build confidence with these trucks. Your board responds like a pro’s.
Spitfire Wheels: Grip and Speed Combined
Spitfire wheels roll fast and grip well. Formula Four urethane resists flat spots. You slide powerslides clean. Conical Full shape leads popularity. It offers wide contact. This boosts control on streets. Reviews on YouTube call them hype worthy. They last through rough spots. For example, 99a durometer suits smooth parks. Softer 93a handles cracks better.
Size impacts ride. 52mm to 54mm fits most setups. Smaller wheels flip quick. Larger ones speed up. Spitfire’s Reynolds line adds pro touch. They absorb shocks. Board of the World notes no flat spots even after weeks. Plus, they sound quiet. Skaters on Facebook praise 97a conicals. Grip to slide ratio shines. Therefore, your setup glides effortless.
Colors and graphics add style. But performance rules. Spitfire beats competitors in wear tests. Reddit users say they outlast others. No chunks missing. Instead, even wear. This saves time on swaps. Many call them best for street and park mix. So, pair them with Independent for synergy. Your board transforms.
Bones Reds Bearings: Smooth Rolls Every Time
Bones Reds bearings spin fast and last long. They cost less than premium but perform high. Skaters call them industry standard. Tactics and Skate Warehouse reviews agree. Easy cleaning keeps them fresh. Remove shields, soak in solvent, relube. Speed Cream works best. As a result, they roll smooth.
ABEC rating? Bones skips it. Skate Rated focuses on real use. Big Balls version adds larger balls. This pushes through dirt. Inline Warehouse notes quiet operation. Reddit threads recommend them for value. Outlast cheap ones by months. For instance, one user skated years on one set.
Pair with Spitfire wheels. Friction drops. You gain speed downhill. Bones leads polls on Facebook. Reliable, they say. No rust issues. Therefore, your setup accelerates quick. Pros trust them for contests. You should too.
Selecting the Right Deck for Your Setup
Decks shape your ride. Pick wood that pops well. Maple layers press strong. Seven plies standard. Brands like Girl or Plan B offer quality. Width matters most. 8 inches suits average feet. Wider for big shoes. Narrow for tech tricks. Length around 32 inches.
Concave affects control. Medium works versatile. Steep for flips. Mild for cruises. Nose and tail shape symmetric now. Popsicle style dominates. Check wheelbase. 14 inches common. This fits Independent trucks. Test flex. Stiff decks last longer. Soft ones forgive landings.
Graphics motivate. But function first. Match deck to trucks. Avoid overhang. Proper fit prevents bite. Reviews suggest 8.25 inch for all around. So, measure twice. Your setup balances perfect.
Essential Tools for Assembly
Gather tools before starting. Skate tool handles most. It fits nuts and bolts. Knife cuts grip tape. File smooths edges. Screwdriver helps too. Keep rag handy for cleaning.
Quality tools speed process. Cheap ones strip hardware. Invest once. YouTube guides show use. For example, tighten kingpin with socket. This secures trucks.
Organize workspace. Flat surface helps. Light up area. Safety first. Wear gloves if needed. Tools make assembly fun. No frustration.
Step-by-Step Assembly Guide
Follow steps for solid build. Start clean. Unbox parts. Check everything.
Applying Grip Tape
Peel backing slow. Align sheet on deck. Press from center out. Bubbles ruin grip. Use tool edge to push air. Trim excess with knife. Score first. File edges round. This prevents peels.
Grip provides traction. Jessup or Mob common. Coarse for control. Fine for comfort. Apply even. Your feet stick secure.
Mounting the Trucks
Poke holes in grip. Use hardware screws. Place trucks on deck. Nose and tail direction same. Insert bolts. Add nuts underneath. Tighten cross pattern. Even pressure avoids warps.
Independent mounts easy. Baseplate holes align. Torque to snug. Not too tight. Bushings compress right. Test turn. Adjust kingpin if needed.
Inserting Bearings into Wheels
Push bearings in wheels. Use truck axle. Press firm. Spacer between. This centers them. Bones Reds fit snug. No wobble.
Repeat for all. Eight bearings total. Clean wheels first. Dirt slows spin.
Mounting Wheels and Final Touches
Slide wheels on axles. Add washers. Tighten nuts. Spin free. No drag. Adjust if rubs.
Sticker your board. Personal touch. Ride test. Feel balance.
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Tuning Your Setup for Performance
Tune after assembly. Loosen trucks for turns. Tighten for stability. Bushings swap easy. Harder for speed. Softer for carve.
Wheel durometer matches terrain. Harder for parks. Softer for streets. Bearings lube regular. Speed increases.
Test ride. Adjust based feel. Friends advise. Pro setups evolve. Yours will too.
Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Board Pro-Ready
Clean board often. Wipe dirt. Bearings soak monthly. Wheels rotate even wear.
Trucks check loose. Tighten hardware. Grip replace worn. Deck inspect cracks.
Store dry. Moisture warps. These tips extend life. Ride longer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skip rushing assembly. Measure accurate. Wrong size frustrates.
Ignore cleaning. Dirt builds. Performance drops.
Over tighten. Strips threads. Gentle works.
Wrong bushings. Mismatch style. Test first.
Learn from others. Reddit shares stories. Avoid pitfalls.
Conclusion
This guide covers building a pro skateboard setup with Independent trucks, Spitfire wheels, and Bones Reds bearings. You learned components, assembly, and maintenance. These parts offer durability, speed, and control. Now, grab your tools and build. Hit the streets. Share your setup with friends. Start skating today.
FAQ
What makes Independent trucks ideal for a pro setup?
Independent trucks provide stability and smooth grinds. They last through heavy use. Skaters praise their turn response.
How do Spitfire wheels improve performance?
Spitfire wheels resist flat spots and slide well. Their urethane grips surfaces. This boosts control on tricks.
Why choose Bones Reds bearings?
Bones Reds spin fast and clean easy. They offer value with long life. Many call them reliable for daily rides.
What deck width pairs best with this setup?
An 8 to 8.5 inch deck fits well. It balances with truck sizes. This prevents wheel bite.
How often should I maintain my setup?
Clean bearings monthly. Check hardware weekly. Rotate wheels for even wear. This keeps rides smooth.
References