Skateboarding is a favorite sport for millions of people all around the world. Are you one of them? You might have heard many things about maintaining balance, performing tricks, and other technical aspects of skateboarding. Is there a weight limit for skateboarding? If yes, what is the weight limit a skateboard can hold?
If you look at the scientific research studies, you can find that the maximum weight limit is 272.3 pounds in terms of ease of maneuver, speed, and thrust. The weight of a penny board can go up to 192 pounds. The weight limit of a longboard is 300 pounds.
A few things play a part in determining how much weight can a skateboard hold, including wheel quality, type of wood, and what exactly you want to do with a skateboard. If you want to know more specific information on skateboarding weight limits, keep reading.
What are the Weight Restrictions for Different Types of Skateboards?
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Your body weight is an important consideration when talking about the weight limit of skateboards. However, you should also look into the type of wood and the size of the deck. Leading manufacturers use maple or bamboo to make professional decks. These types of skateboards are highly flexible and can hold a lot of weight.
Generally speaking, skateboards can be categorized into four categories, standard skateboards, longboards, penny boards, and electric skateboards.
Let us check the weight limits of these four skateboard categories. The deck length of standard skateboards ranges between 18 and 33 inches. The weight limit of this type is 272 lbs.
Let us consider the longboard. You can find the deck length of longboards ranging between 32 and 58 inches. The weight limit of this category is 300 lbs.
What about penny board? The deck length of penny boards varies between 22 and 27 inches. The weight limit of this category is 192 lbs.
The deck length of electric skateboards is around 38 inches. The weight limit of these types of skateboards is 330 lbs.
The average length of skateboards is 32 inches long or under. Any skateboard above 32 inches is known as a longboard. The deck length is a vital aspect for taller skateboarders. However, the ultimate thing is the comfort level of each skateboarder.
The Importance of Deck Width
When choosing a skateboard, you must consider the deck width. It makes an impact on support and stability. The deck width of skateboards varies between 7 and 10 inches. You can find micro versions with a smaller width.
If you are a heavier individual, you can choose a skateboard with a deck width of around 8.25 inches or more. Bulky individuals need this width to help distribute their body weight. The disadvantage of using a skateboard with a more spacious deck is the increased difficulty of performing tricks.
Small children aged below 5 years should use micro skateboards. The deck width of these products ranges between 6.5 and 6.75 inches. The average weight of micro skateboards is 45 lbs.
The best option for children of 5 years old to 8 years old is mini skateboards. The deck width of these products is around 7 inches. The average weight of these skateboards is 59 lbs.
If you have children aged between 9 and 12 years, you need to choose small skateboards. The average deck width of these products is 7.3 inches. On average, these skateboards weigh around 89 lbs.
Mid-size skateboards are the best choice for children above 13 years of age. The deck width of these products varies between 7.5 and 7.6 inches. The average weight of mid-size skateboards ranges between 102 and 152 lbs.
Adults need to choose full-size skateboards. You can find the deck width of these skateboards varying between 7.7 and 10 inches. The average weight of these products is 195 lbs.
If you are interested in performing more technical tricks, you can opt for skateboards with concave boards. The length of longboards and flat boards is higher than concave skateboards. The tapered ends of these products make them more suitable for transportation than performing tricks.
Deck Construction is a Critical Factor in Determining the Weight Holding Capacity
Never undermine the importance of deck construction when searching for a convincing answer to the question, is there a weight limit for skateboarding.’ The board deck construction deck plays the most critical role in determining the board strength. The materials utilized to make the deck of skateboards include laminated maple wood, bamboo, carbon fiber, and plastic.
Maple Wood Skateboards
Laminated maple wood is the most common material used to make skateboard decks. The laying process of the grain of each wood layer is done in an alternating direction. It prevents the deck from splitting along the natural grain of the wood. The primary difference is between 7-ply boards and 9-ply boards.
A 7-ply skateboard refers to a product equipped with seven thin sheets of wood laminated together. You can find nine sheets in a 9-ply skateboard. As the number suggests, the thickness and heaviness of 9-ply decks are higher than 7-play decks. Manipulation of the board becomes a difficult task with 9-play skateboards.
You can come across a wide range of maple wood skateboards and longboards nowadays. Overall, a top-quality maple wood board can hold around 220 lbs. Leading brands use maple wood to construct skateboards for adults.
Carbon Fiber Skateboards
If you are searching for a sturdy yet lightweight skateboard, you can choose products made using carbon fiber. The limitation is that they may get shattered easily when snapping. Some manufacturers use a combination of maple and carbon fiber to prevent splintering.
You can find composite boards that come with a poppy wood core with epoxy resin coating, a birch wood outer rail, and a fiberglass spine. Some of these products use layers of both bamboo and maple. The maximum weight that carbon fiber and other composite skateboards can hold is 250 lbs.
Plastic Boards
Vinyl plastic is the material used for making plastic board decks. These products are available in various sizes to suit the varying needs of adults and children. The sturdiness of these boards can be termed as reasonable.
The primary purpose of plastic skateboards is transportation. You cannot use them for performing tricks. These boards can hold a weight of up to 220 lbs. The durability of these products is lower compared to wood and metal versions. The plastic may not withstand the rough use and frequent heavy landings.
Do Skateboard Trucks Make an Impact on Load-bearing Capacity?
You should check the durability of trucks when determining how much weight can a skateboard hold. When you use heavier skateboarders, it may cause some landing issues. The sturdiest trucks are made using 356.0-T6 aluminum. These kinds of products are good enough to hold a weight of up to 250 lbs.
When you land correctly, your weight distribution stays balanced on the trucks. If the weight exceeds 250 lbs, your vulnerability to landing risks will increase considerably. So, the skateboard trucks are a vital factor in deciding the weight. Heavier skaters need to use strong trucks with hard bushings.
What is the Relationship Between Skateboard Wheel and Weight Limit?
Skateboard wheels are essential components of the board. Many people buy wheels separately to get the desired hardness scale and diameter. You must check the stiffness and size when purchasing wheels. This approach helps you purchase suitable wheels that work perfectly with your skateboarding style and needs.
You must understand the fact that wheels come with their own weight restrictions. How many tricks do you want to perform with your skateboard? It should be the most critical consideration. The weight of the user mainly falls on wheels. When heavier people use their skateboards constantly, they may create flat spots on wheels. If you buy a top-quality product, you can solve this issue to a certain extent.
Skateboard wheels can hold more weight than the deck. The standard wheels can carry 220 labs comfortably. However, you can come across high-quality wheels that are good enough to hold 280 lbs.
Why are Skinny Skateboarders Higher in Number Compared to Bulky Skateboarders?
Every sport demands a certain level of fitness. Skateboarding is not an exception. If you are fit and agile, you can maneuver and perform tricks more efficiently. That is to say, improved fitness makes people more competent in this sport. If you are fit and lean, you will have better mobility and flexibility.
You can find many heavier people with optimal physical fitness nowadays. What about them? Can they maneuver and perform tricks like skinnier people? If you have a lot of muscle mass or fat in your body, you will have to spend more energy, even on simple movements. So, skateboarding is a better-suited sport for skinnier people to a certain extent.
It doesn’t suggest that all skaters are skinny. You can come across many people with different physiques who are good at skateboarding. Physical fitness and agility are the two critical things, irrespective of your size. The only thing is that being leaner will make things a lot easier for you.
How Does Weight Make an Impact on Skateboarding?
Various research studies show that heavier skateboards are quicker than lighter skateboards. The increased gravity push of heavier models lets them cut through friction more efficiently. Higher friction and air resistance make it difficult for lightweight skateboards to achieve higher speeds. You don’t need to worry about this problem if you use an electric skateboard.
Trucks are the heaviest component of a skateboard. These parts control the speed and turning of the board. Further, they create an impact on the tricks you perform. Overall, trucks play a prominent role in making a skateboard heavy or light. Heavier skateboards are known as longboards. Individuals with a large physique can choose these boards to make their rides safe and comfortable.
Many people feel disappointed when skating with a board smaller than their weight. Fat guys often break the board. Do you have to deal with this type of worse skating experience? If you are a big guy with a large, heavy body, you don’t need to worry about it unnecessarily. Everybody, including fat and lean people, breaks boards. It is a normal thing in skateboarding.
What are the Best Strategies to Prevent the Breakage of Skateboards?
Being overweight makes your skateboard vulnerable to breakage. Many people regularly break their skateboards. They have to keep changing decks constantly. How to prevent this problem? Firstly, you must choose the right skateboard that meets your unique needs. We have already mentioned the weight restrictions for different types of skateboards. You can follow those guidelines to make your skateboard adventure comfortable.
Another effective strategy is to learn how to land well. Skateboarders must learn how to land with their feet over the truck. If you are a beginner, you should practice hard to perfect your landing. It is necessary to bend your knees correctly to land with optimal safety.
What are the Things to Consider before Purchasing Skateboards for Fat Guys?
You can find skateboards in different sizes, styles, and shapes. The features and benefits of these products also vary. How to choose the best skateboard for a fat guy? Many people are searching for a convincing answer to this question.
If you are a fat guy, you must choose the right deck. The vital thing is to opt for a deck that has been designed to support your weight. There is no need to worry about breaking the deck or getting injured if you buy a sturdy deck that is good enough to hold your weight. The maximum weight limit for a standard skateboard is 272.3 lbs. If you use a longboard, the maximum weight restriction increases up to 300 lbs.
The most suitable wheel size for fat guys is around 70mm. You can choose a higher wheel size to get better support, balance, and speed. If you select a larger wheel size, you can move faster with improved support and precision.
Heavier or fat skateboarders must opt for heavy-duty trucks when choosing a skateboard. These people can rely on a 40-degree angle skateboard truck to enjoy high stability and improved speed.
The wheel durometer must be a vital consideration. If you are a fat guy, you can choose a skateboard with a wheel durometer of 78A. The larger and softer wheels provide a firm grip on the surface.
You must check the wheel bearing while searching for a suitable skateboard for fat people. The wheel bearing refers to the metal piece located inside the wheels. It has been used for mounting the wheels to the axle. ABEC ratings are the criteria employed to measure the wheel bearing of a skateboard. These ratings include ABEC 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9. The stability and accuracy improve with a higher ABEC rating. If you are a fat person, you can choose a bearing with an ABEC rating of 5 and 7.
What is the Weight of a Standard Skateboard?
The weight of a skateboard ranges between 8 and 11 pounds. Let us check the weight of different components. The decks of standard skateboards weigh between 4 and 4.5 lbs. The weight of trucks usually ranges from 1.5 to 2 lbs. The wheels, including the bearings, weigh between 2.25 and 2.5 lbs. The weight of the hardware is in the range between 0.1 and 0.25 lbs.
You can find many other extra parts in a skateboard, including rails, shock pads, and risers. These components are usually made using plastic. So, the weight of these parts is negligible.
How Much Does a Longboard Weigh?
The weight of longboards varies between 11 and 14 pounds. The longboard decks weigh between 6 and 10 pounds. The weight of the trucks ranges from 1.5 to 2 pounds. The weight of wheels varies from 2.25 to 2.5 pounds. The hardware parts weigh between 0.1 and 0.25 pounds. The additional components like risers and shock pads do not play a vital role in increasing the weight. The extended deck is the prime reason for making longboards heavier than skateboards.
What is the Weight of a Skateboard Deck?
The average weight of standard wood skateboard decks is 4 pounds. Generally speaking, the mass of the decks varies between 3 and 5 pounds depending on the material, build, and length. Minis and micros usually weigh around 2 pounds. The average weight of carbon fiber decks is also 2 pounds.
How Much does a Longboard Deck Weigh?
Longboard decks are a bit heavier than standard skateboard decks. The weight of these products ranges between 6 and 10 lbs. The most popular decks usually weigh around 7-8 pounds. If you want a longboard that holds more weight, you can select wooden decks with more piles.
How Much does a Griptape Weigh?
The effectiveness of a skateboard is determined by its grip tape. It comes with a glue-backed type that sticks to the board on one side. The opposite side of the grip tape resembles mid-grade sandpaper. It is pasted on the top of the deck.
The length of a skateboard grip tape varies between 9 and 33 inches. The average weight of this component is 29 lbs. The grip tapes are available in a wide variety of graphics and colors to meet the varying needs of different skating enthusiasts.
Why should you Consider the Weight Limit of an Electric Skateboard?
Is there a weight limit for skateboarding when you use an electric version? Like other skateboards, the weight limit is also a critical safety parameter for electric skateboards. If you undermine the importance of this vital aspect, you may get injured or meet with an accident at any time.
The performance of the board takes a backseat when ignoring the weight limits. When you add more weight, you will increase the braking and stopping distance. Consequently, the performance of the electric skateboard will come down. Extra weight on the board leads to unwanted drag.
It is hard to predict how much your skateboard will endure with additional weight. The speed will come down considerably. Further, the ability to tackle impediments or the efficiency to go uphill will be reduced substantially.
Understandably, increased load results in decreased performance and many other limitations. This situation forces the motor and batteries to work harder to meet the extra weight and speed needs. It lowers the range of your electric skateboard’s coverage.
Low-range electric skateboards can run 10 miles on a single charge. High-end models may run up to 50 miles at a stretch. That is to say, the mileage of electric skateboards ranges between 10 and 50 miles. Increased weight puts extra pressure on the battery to cause faster depletion.
Extra load makes an adverse impact on your safety. You will find it harder to apply brakes with additional weight on the skateboard. The wear and tear on brakes reduce its efficiency considerably. This situation increases the braking distance to create safety issues. Further, overload causes faster depreciation of other components of your electric skateboard.
Overall, the performance and battery life of your skateboard will deteriorate faster. It adversely affects your riding comfort and safety. What do these aspects indicate? You must focus on staying within the weight limit while using an electric skateboard.
Final Thoughts
Is there a weight limit for skateboarding? The answer is pretty simple. You need to follow some weight limit rules while using a skateboard to make your ride comfortable and safe. So, weight plays a critical role in riding or rolling a skateboard. The weight makes an impact on how you will do various skateboarding tricks. It also affects the speed of your riding on a slope or falling.
Trusted manufacturers provide clear-cut information about their skateboards. They also specify the exact weight-holding capacity of their boards clearly. It lets you make an informed buying decision after checking the product specifications and other relevant details. You can come across a wide variety of top-quality skateboards that meet the ever-evolving needs of various people. The best products offer a safe and comfortable riding experience for users.