What is the skateboard wheelbase measurement, does it matter, and will adjusting the wheelbase impact the way that the board feels and performs?
Let’s take a look.
What is the Skateboard Wheelbase?
The term “skateboard wheelbase” is pretty vague and has been used to reference both the deck wheelbase and the truck wheelbase.
The wheelbase on a skateboard deck is the distance between the inside mounting holes on the board.
The truck wheelbase is the distance between the center of the wheels on a single side of the board.
Does Wheelbase Matter on a Skateboard?
The wheelbase doesn’t have a huge impact on the performance of a skateboard, but it certainly plays a role and there are a few things to consider:
Tall vs Short Riders
The skateboard changes your stance and if you’re a taller rider, you should look for a longer wheelbase.
Turning Radius
A shorter wheelbase may produce sharper turns, but this is mostly down to the skateboard deck length and width.
Shorter boards are usually sharper through turns while wider boards deliver a smoother ride.
The Pop
The “pop” of a skateboard will feel harder when the trucks are further apart.
You can still pop it, but you’ll have to work a little more to get the results that you’re looking for.
What is a Good Wheelbase for a Skateboard?
The average wheelbase is between 13 and 15 inches and many skateboard decks have multiple mounting holes for the trucks, allowing you to adjust them as needed.
These wheelbase options are ideal if you’re not sure which size is best for you.
What’s the Best Wheelbase for a Beginner?
As a complete beginner, you don’t need to worry too much about the wheelbase.
The skateboard deck width is more important, and it needs to be the right width for your height and your shoe size.
The type of board that you choose is also key.
If you’re street skating or park skating, you’ll need a traditional skateboard and not a longboard or cruiser board.
Other than that, just make sure you buy a complete maple wood board made by an established brand.
As you progress to more technical tricks, you can start worrying about all the improvements that could be made by adjusting the wheelbase.
But when you’re still learning to pop your first ollie and keep your balance on the board, it shouldn’t be a concern.
