Are you asking, “Why is my skateboard so heavy?” Or do you have a skateboard that feels like it’s dragging when you try to move it?
If so, you may be experiencing the weight effect of your skateboard.
Skateboards can weigh anywhere from 3-11 pounds, and the heavier the board, the more weight it will have when you’re skating.
This extra weight can make it difficult to move your board around and even cause injuries if you’re not careful.
I cover in detail possible reasons why your skateboard could be so heavy and how to fix the issue. Read on!
Why is My Skateboard So Heavy?
Why is my skateboard so heavy? Your skateboard can be so heavy because of the type of materials used in the hardware (deck, trucks, bearings, and wheels), the size and design of the skateboard, using the wrong technique, or the weak feet, legs, and ankles muscles.
I elaborate on these reasons in the rest of this guide!
1. The Type of Materials Used in the Hardware
The type of materials used for skateboard hardware plays a major role in determining the weight and feel of the board.
Skateboard decks are usually made from hardwood, softwood, or carbon fiber.
Hardwood decks are often heavier than softwood or carbon fiber.
Trucks are also made from steel, titanium, aluminum, or magnesium. Steel trucks are generally the heaviest.
Also, skateboard bearing quality is key. Low-quality bearings can make your skateboard feel heavy and stiff to ride.
Lastly, small wheels and narrow trucks add more weight to the board, giving it a heavier feel.
2. Size and Design of the Skateboard
The width and height of the skateboard can also affect how heavy it is. For instance, a wider board will be heavier than a narrower one.
Specific design features – such as kicktail angle and placement – can add weight to the skateboard.
To find the right size skateboard based on your weight and height, start by measuring your waist circumference (in inches) with a tape measure.
You may then need to go for a right skateboard at least two inches wider than your feet’ width or shorter if you’re taller than average.
Also, a simple kicktail-less skateboard might work best if you don’t require other specialized features like grinds or ollies.
3. Using the Wrong Technique
If you’re not using the proper grip and foot placement, your skateboard will be much heavier.
Plus, improper balancing can lead to falls and even injuries.
To make the most of your skating experience, learn the proper techniques from more experienced skaters or find a coach who can teach you how to balance correctly.
4. Weak Feet, Leg, and Ankle Muscles
If you find it hard to push your skateboard with the same power and speed as before, it might be because of weak feet, leg, and ankle muscles.
These muscles haven’t become used to skateboarding and don’t have the strength required for the task.
This can make skating a challenge; your board feels heavier than usual. And for you to improve your skating skills, you need strong legs and ankles – which means working on these muscles regularly!
Various exercises target these areas specifically – start by trying some out until you find ones that work best for you.
With regular practice, strengthening these muscles will go a long way in making skateboarding easier – both physically and mentally.
Standard Skateboard Weight
If you’re noticing that your skateboard is starting to feel heavier with each use, it might be time to check the weight of your board.
Standard skateboard weight typically falls between 7 and 11 pounds (3-5 kgs), depending on the design, size, and hardware.
- Skateboard Deck weighs approximately 1 up to 2.2 kg.
- Grip Tape weighs about 0.1 kg.
- Wheels weigh between 200 to 250g.
- Bearings weigh 12 to 14 grams each.
- Trucks weigh approximately 350 grams.
How to Make a Skateboard lighter
A heavy skateboard can be frustrating. It’s hard to keep up the momentum, and the board often gets stuck on the ground.
There are some things you can do to make your skateboard lighter.
- Remove excess hardware and accessories.
- Ensure the deck is level – an unlevel board will cause weight problems down the road.
- Use skateboards with light deck material like carbon fiber or composite material.
- Go for skateboards with large wheels and high-precision bearings like ABEC 7 plus.
Why is My Skateboard So Heavy? FAQs
What are the types of materials used in a skateboard?
The four most common materials are plastic, metal, wood, and glass.
Each material has pros and cons, and it’s important to choose the right one for your skateboard so that you don’t have to worry about it being too heavy.
For example, plastic is the lightest and most durable material but may not last as long as other materials.
Metal is a middleweight material that is strong but can be heavier than some of the other materials.
Wood is the heaviest and most durable of the four materials, but it may also be the most expensive.
Glass is the rarest of the four materials and is usually only used in high-end skateboards.
Why does it take so long for me to get used to riding a new skateboard, even though it’s lighter than before?
It takes some time for people to get used to new skateboards because they are heavier and more stable at the beginning.
Skateboards are designed so that the rider can get a better grip. Once the rider has a good grip, the board will become lighter and easier to control.
If you’re skating for the first time, you may want to add weight to your skateboard or invest in a harder skateboard.
How can I lighten my skateboard so it’s easier to ride?
You can do a few things to make your skateboard lighter and easier to ride.
- Remove all unnecessary parts: The wheels, trucks, bearings, and hardware. Doing this will reduce the skateboard’s overall weight and make it easier to move around.
- Find lighter materials that still perform as expected: Think outside the box and look for materials you may not have considered before. For example, using carbon fiber in skateboards makes them lighter while still maintaining the strength and performance you expect from a board made of wood or plastic.
- Lubricate and adjust your board regularly: Taking care of your skateboard by lubricating and adjusting it regularly will help to reduce the amount of resistance it encounters when riding. This will make the board run smoother overall, making the experience more enjoyable.
Can you be too heavy for a skateboard?
If you are overweight or obese, your weight will cause the skateboard to become unstable and difficult to control.
Additionally, your overweight body will struggle to generate enough energy needed to propel you along the board. As a result, skateboarding at a heavier weight may be unsafe for you.
How much weight can a skateboard handle?
A skateboard is typically meant to handle a weight of up to 272.3 lbs. (123.5 kg).
Make sure the dimensions of your board are long, wide, and deep – this will help handle heavier loads.
Additionally, ensure the nuts and bolts holding your skateboard together are properly secured so it won’t be unstable when carrying heavy objects.
Does skateboard deck weight matter?
Yes, skateboard deck weight does matter. It matters because it affects the stability of your board and can lead to injury.
Solutions to reduce or fix weight on your skateboard include changing parts (glue, hardware), upgrading bearings or wheels, or having the truck alignment set correctly by a professional skater.
There are five common causes of a heavy skateboard: too much glue, too much hardware, bad bearings, too many wheels, and improper alignment of the trucks.
When trying to identify which of these is causing your board to be heavy, start by checking the level of glue used, the quality of the hardware, the condition of the bearings, the number and size of the wheels, and the accuracy of the truck alignment.
How heavy is a good skateboard?
When it comes to skateboarding, the heavier the board, the better. This is because heavier boards are more stable and easier to control.
So what do you need to know to find a good skateboard right for you?
First of all, there are different weights of skateboards – lightweight, medium, and heavy.
Then there are five leading causes of a heavy board: too much adhesive, hardware not correctly tightened, screws not installed evenly or tight enough, excess waxes/lubricants on the deck or trucks, and bearings that are too old/worn.
To determine your skateboard’s weight, consider your weight and height.
Most skateboards should be weighted according to a person’s weight and height.
