5 Must-Know Components for Every Fingerboarder
Fingerboarding is like having a tiny skateboard park right at your fingertips. But what exactly goes into making a fingerboard? Let's break down the five main components: the deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, and grip tape. Each part has its own unique features and craftsmanship.
1. The Deck
Material and Construction:
- Material: The deck is usually made from plastic or wood. Wooden decks are often made from layers of maple, just like full-sized skateboards, which gives them better flex and durability.
- Construction: Decks are typically 96mm to 100mm long and 29mm to 34mm wide. They have a slight upward curve at the nose and tail, making it easier to perform tricks.
Features:
- Flexibility and Pop: High-quality wooden decks provide better flex and pop, allowing for more precise tricks.
- Customization: You can paint or sticker your deck to make it uniquely yours.
2. The Trucks
Material and Construction:
- Material: Trucks are made from metal or high-strength plastic. Metal trucks are usually more durable and stable.
- Construction: Like real skateboards, trucks have an axle and a baseplate. The baseplate attaches to the deck, and the axle connects to the wheels.
Features:
- Stability and Durability: High-quality metal trucks offer better stability, especially for trick-heavy use.
- Turning Ability: The design allows for some turning, mimicking the feel of a real skateboard.
3. The Wheels
Material and Construction:
- Material: Wheels are often made from polyurethane or plastic. Polyurethane wheels typically offer better grip and smoother rolling.
- Construction: Wheels have tiny bearing holes for installing bearings, ensuring smooth rotation.
Features:
- Smooth Ride and Grip: Quality polyurethane wheels provide a smooth ride and good grip on various surfaces.
- Variety: Wheels come in different colors and sizes, letting you personalize your board.
4. The Bearings
Material and Construction:
- Material: Bearings are made from metal or ceramic. Metal bearings are more common and offer good durability and smoothness.
- Construction: Bearings consist of an inner ring, outer ring, balls, and a cage to hold the balls in place, ensuring smooth wheel rotation.
Features:
- Smooth Rotation: High-quality bearings ensure smooth and fast wheel rotation, enhancing the riding experience.
- Durability: Good bearings can withstand frequent use and trick performance.
5. The Grip Tape
Material and Construction:
- Material: Grip tape is made from abrasive materials, giving it a rough surface for better grip.
- Construction: One side of the grip tape is sticky to adhere to the deck, while the other side has the rough, grippy surface.
Features:
- Grip and Control: Grip tape provides the necessary friction for your fingers to control the deck and perform tricks.
- Customization: You can cut the grip tape into different shapes or even print designs on it for a personalized look.
So, there you have it – the five key components that make up a fingerboard. Understanding these will not only help you choose the right parts but also get the most out of your fingerboarding experience. Now, grab your fingerboard, start customizing, and keep shredding!