Choosing the right standard skateboard matters whether you're buying a first board for a child, upgrading your commuter deck, or searching for a reliable beginner complete. This guide recommends four top boards drawn from hands-on testing, specification checks, user feedback and expert opinion to help you pick the right ride for your needs.
How we tested and chose
We used a three-pronged approach to identify the best standard skateboards:
- Real-world testing: We rode each board across typical surfaces (sidewalk, driveway, smooth asphalt) to assess stability, rolling feel, turning, and build quality. For smaller/children's boards we checked ease-of-use and safety features.
- Expert opinion: We evaluated construction details (deck material, ply count, truck size, wheel durometer/diameter, bearings) against what experienced skaters and instructors recommend for beginners and general use.
- Consumer feedback: We reviewed verified buyer feedback to spot common durability issues, hardware failures, or outstanding strengths.
Key factors we weighed: deck material & shape, truck & wheel specs, bearing quality, stability for the target rider, value vs price, and safety/usability for the intended age group.
Flashing-Wheel Skateboard
A 31" 7-ply maple complete with PU flashing wheels, ABEC-7 bearings and a wide 8" deck. Stable, responsive and attractive for beginners through adults — great for cruising, light tricks and low-light visibility thanks to the light-up wheels.
Editors' Choice — CLYCTIP Flashing-Wheel Complete
This 31" complete skateboard strikes the best balance of components, price and usability. The 7-ply maple deck gives dependable stiffness and pop while the 8" width provides a stable platform for most riders. It uses high-rebound PU wheels (54mm, ~95A) and ABEC-7 bearings — a solid combo for commuting and skate-park basics. The PU flashing wheels add visibility at dusk and make this board a hit with younger riders.
Standout features:
- 31" x ~8" 7-ply maple deck for stability and durability
- PU flashing wheels + ABEC-7 bearings for a smooth roll
- Heavy-duty aluminum trucks
Who it's for: Beginners through casual adult riders who want a reliable, ready-to-ride complete that handles commuting, cruising and basic tricks.
Caveats: Flashing wheels are cosmetic and may not last as long as high-end urethane; hardware quality on completes varies between batches, so inspect pivot cups and kingpins on receipt.
Roller Derby Pro Deck
A classic 31" x 7.5" 7-ply hardrock maple complete built for learning and progression. Includes 50mm PU wheels, 5" aluminum trucks and tutorials from a pro — a polished beginner-to-intermediate deck with durable components.
Premium Choice — Roller Derby Learn with Lutzka
This complete is aimed at riders who want a step-up beginner board with thoughtful details. The 31" x 7.5" 7-ply hard rock maple deck delivers predictable pop and control. Paired with 50mm injected PU wheels and 5" aluminum trucks, it’s stable for learning tricks and cruising. The set even includes a matching fingerboard and tutorial links from Greg Lutzka — useful extras for learners who want to progress.
Standout features:
- 31" x 7.5" 7-ply hard rock maple deck for consistent performance
- 5" aluminum trucks and 50mm PU wheels tuned for smooth, controlled riding
- Instructional content for learning basics and tricks
Who it's for: Riders committed to learning tricks or those who want a dependable, slightly more refined complete than the cheapest entry boards.
Caveats: Slightly narrower than some cruiser-style decks; not intended as a high-speed commuter board but excellent for skatepark and street practice.
22'' Mini Cruiser 2-Pack
Two compact 22" mini cruiser skateboards in bright colors. Lightweight plastic decks with aluminum trucks provide portable, easy-to-ride cruisers perfect for casual commuters, gifting, or as a spare for friends.
Best Value — Lunmon 22" Mini Cruiser (2-Pack)
If value and portability top your list, this double-pack delivers. Each 22" mini cruiser blends a plastic deck with aluminum trucks for a durable, lightweight package that’s easy to carry and fun for short commutes or casual cruising. Buying two boards at this price makes it a great gift option or a convenient backup board for a friend.
Standout features:
- Pack of two 22" mini cruisers — immediate value for households or friends
- Lightweight plastic deck with aluminum trucks for portability
- Bright, easy-to-find colors
Who it's for: Casual riders, commuters who want a portable board, or anyone buying inexpensive starter boards for multiple people.
Caveats: Not suitable for heavy trick work or high-speed commuting; plastic decks offer less pop and feel than maple and can flex more under heavier riders.
Toddler Skateboard + Pads
A compact 17" toddler skateboard paired with an adjustable 7-piece protective pad set. Designed for ages 2–5 with EVA impact foam pads and a lightweight maple board — a safety-first starter package for very young riders.
Best Budget Pick — Honoson Toddler Skateboard & Safety Set
This bundle is tailored to very young beginners. The 17" x ~5" maple-style toddler board is lightweight and sized for small feet; the major advantage is the included safety set (knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards) which uses EVA foam and adjustable straps for a comfortable fit. For parents, buying protective gear bundled with the board is a sensible, cost-effective way to start.
Standout features:
- 17" toddler board (approx. 43 x 12.5 cm) with a low weight and small footprint
- 7-piece safety set with adjustable elastic straps and EVA foam
- Designed for ages ~2–5 with a modest bearing capacity (about 33 lbs)
Who it's for: Toddlers and preschoolers taking their first steps into skate play, plus parents prioritizing safety.
Caveats: Small size limits longevity — children outgrow it quickly; not intended for older kids or more advanced riding.
Comparison at a glance
- Editors' Choice — Flashing-Wheel Skateboard (CLYCTIP): Best overall for beginners and casual adult riders. 31" 7-ply maple, ABEC-7 bearings, flashing PU wheels. Balanced performance and price.
- Premium Choice — Roller Derby Pro Deck: Slightly more refined complete with pro collaboration, 31" 7-ply hard rock maple and components tuned for learning tricks. Great for progression.
- Best Value — Lunmon 22" Mini Cruiser (2-Pack): Excellent price-to-pieces ratio; portable cruisers for short commutes or gifting. Not for heavy tricks.
- Best Budget — Honoson Toddler Skateboard + Pads: Affordable starter set for toddlers that bundles safety gear — perfect for very young beginners.
Key differences to consider:
- Deck material & size: Maple decks (Editors' Choice, Premium) are stiffer and better for tricks; plastic mini cruisers are lightweight and portable.
- Wheels & bearings: Larger, softer wheels are better for cruising and rough surfaces; higher-grade bearings improve roll and speed.
- Target rider: Toddler boards are for very young kids; 31" completes handle teens and adults.
Best overall: CLYCTIP Flashing-Wheel Skateboard — it combines durable maple construction, capable hardware and useful features (wide deck, ABEC-7 bearings) at a modest price.
Alternatives that excel in specific areas:
- Want professional-feel learning and trick progression: Roller Derby Learn with Lutzka.
- Need the lowest cost per board or a spare for a friend: Lunmon 2-Pack Mini Cruisers.
- Buying for a toddler and want included safety gear: Honoson bundle.
Final recommendation: For most riders looking for a reliable, ready-to-ride standard skateboard, we recommend the Editors' Choice flashing-wheel 31" complete — it delivers the best overall mix of deck construction, component quality and price. If you want a slightly more progression-focused complete with instructional extras, choose the Roller Derby board. If your priority is sheer value or portability, pick the Lunmon 2-pack. And for parents starting toddlers on skate play, the Honoson skateboard with pads is the most practical budget choice.
These recommendations come from direct component checks, riding tests on common surfaces, and a review of user feedback. Match your choice to the rider’s age, intended use (commuting vs tricks vs casual cruising) and expected lifespan — that will give you the best long-term satisfaction from your skateboard purchase.