Do you ever find yourself wondering why skateboards make so much noise when riding down the street? You may be surprised to learn that it’s not just about the type of wheels, but also has a lot to do with wheel design, contact, bearing type, deck design and material.
In this article, we’ll take a look at all these factors and how they contribute to the loudness of skateboards. We’ll then discuss ways to reduce the noise while still keeping your board in great condition.
So if you’re looking for solutions to keep your ride quieter while still maintaining its performance, read on!
Wheel Design
Wheel design plays a huge role in how loud skateboards can be. Different materials and sizes create vastly different levels of noise.
Wheel size affects the noise levels most drastically. Larger wheels create more friction on the ground, resulting in louder noises.
Grip tape also impacts sound output. Thicker grip tape causes more vibration when riding, thus creating a higher volume level.
Overall, it is important to consider wheel size and grip tape when selecting materials for a skateboard to ensure it doesn’t become too noisy.
Wheel Contact
When it comes to wheel contact, there are two key points: uneven surfaces and wheel bite.
Uneven surfaces, such as cracks in the pavement or small rocks, can cause your wheels to make more contact with the ground than intended. This increased contact can result in higher noise levels as you ride along.
On the other hand, wheel bite occurs when a skateboarder turns too sharply, causing one of their wheels to touch the board’s deck. This results in an abrupt stop and even louder noise.
Both of these issues, uneven surfaces and wheel bite, are important considerations to keep in mind when riding a skateboard.
Uneven Surfaces
Skating over uneven surfaces can really make your skateboard sound loud! Depending on the size of your wheels and the type of terrain you’re skating on, it’s not uncommon to hear a loud thumping sound as you ride. Here are three reasons why:
1) Uneven surfaces cause wheels to lose contact with the ground.
2) This loss of contact makes riding difficult.
3) When the wheels bounce off the terrain, it produces a loud sound.
Skateboarding has never been this noisy!
Wheel Bite
You’ll know when you’ve encountered wheel bite – it’s the annoying experience of your wheels getting stuck in a crack or groove.
This typically happens when your grip tape is too low or your truck size isn’t wide enough to span across the crack.
Wheel bite can cause a loud grinding sound as it catches on the surface and an abrupt stop, making skateboarding much louder than usual.
To avoid this issue, make sure your grip tape is high enough and that the width of your trucks match the board.
Bearing Type
The type of bearings you use can greatly affect the level of noise generated by your skateboard. Skateboard bearings come in different types, including ceramic, Abec rated, Swiss made, and Bones Reds.
Each bearing type offers its own benefits, but all require regular maintenance for optimal performance. This includes properly lubricating the bearings to help reduce friction that leads to noise.
To keep your skateboard running smoothly and quietly, it’s important to regularly inspect and maintain the bearings with proper lubrication.
Deck Design
Now, let’s take a look at how the deck design of a skateboard affects its noise level.
The trucks and bearing material play an important role in the sound that is produced when riding on it. The thinner the board, the more vibration it will create, thus making your ride louder.
On top of that, choosing loud bearing material can also increase the noise levels while skateboarding.
Deck Material
Many decks are made from wood, plastic, or composites such as fiberglass and carbon fiber. Each material has its own sound-producing capabilities.
Laminated decks have a higher density of wood that produces more noise when rolling on pavement.
Plastic boards can be heavier and produce a deeper thud.
Fiberglass and carbon fiber are lightweight materials that don’t absorb vibration as easily, creating a louder sound when riding.
Grip tape adds extra texture which increases the amount of noise produced while riding.
Reducing the Noise
No matter what type of deck material you choose, there are ways to reduce the noise when riding a skateboard.
Applying grip tape to the surface of your board can help absorb sound.
Additionally, using trucks with larger cushions will create less vibration and therefore less noise.
Larger wheels also have more cushion and can produce less sound than smaller wheels.
Lastly, adding risers between the baseplate and truck can help dampen the sound.
All these options are designed to make your ride smoother and quieter!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to learn to skateboard?
Learning to skateboard can be a fun and rewarding experience. The best way to get started is by familiarizing yourself with the basics. This includes finding an appropriate board and knowing the basic trick techniques.
You can practice these at home or take a lesson from an experienced skater. This will give you a solid foundation to build upon.
Skate parks are also great for practicing tricks in a safe environment. There, you can receive tips from other skaters and gain more confidence in your abilities.
With dedication and practice, you will soon be mastering those flip tricks!
How much does a skateboard typically cost?
Skateboards vary in cost depending on the board design and wheel type. A basic setup will usually cost around $50, but higher-end boards with premium components can run up to $200 or more.
When it comes to board designs, you’ll find a range of shapes and sizes as well as materials like wood, plastic, metal, carbon fiber, and bamboo. Some boards even have special features like a concave shape or flex for better control.
Wheels come in various sizes and durometers that affect speed and grip. With so many options available, it’s easy to find a skateboard that fits your budget and style.
What safety gear should I wear when skateboarding?
When skateboarding, it’s important to wear protective clothing and select a helmet that fits properly. Opt for clothing made of thick fabric such as denim or leather to protect your skin if you fall. Wearing long sleeves and pants will also help reduce friction should you take a tumble.
Additionally, choose a helmet with straps that can be adjusted for the best fit. Look for one with foam lining and an adjustable chin strap so that your head remains safe at all times while riding. Furthermore, make sure the helmet has ventilation holes in order to keep your head cool and comfortable while skating.
Are skateboards suitable for all ages?
Yes, skateboards are suitable for all ages.
Skateboarding is a great way for families to bond and have fun together.
It can be enjoyed by people of all age ranges, from children as young as five to adults in their fifties and beyond.
As long as safety gear is worn, it can be an enjoyable activity that the whole family can enjoy together.
Depending on experience level and family preferences, different types of skateboards may be available such as plastic boards or classic street decks.
All ages can benefit from the physical exercise involved with skateboarding while having fun at the same time.
What is the difference between a longboard and a regular skateboard?
You may have noticed that longboards and regular skateboards look quite different. In addition to their unique aesthetics, they also differ in terms of the tricks that can be done on each board.
Longboards are better suited for cruising at faster speeds, making them ideal for downhill and slalom riding.
Regular skateboards are more versatile and great for a wider variety of tricks such as ollies, kickflips, and grinds.
However, due to their larger size, longboards can accommodate bigger wheels which make it easier to perform certain tricks like slides or power slides.
Ultimately, both types of boards offer plenty of options when it comes to performing creative tricks and having fun!
I’m John Peterson, a passionate skater, blogger, and lifelong enthusiast. I’ve been skating for over 9 years and have gone on to write a blog dedicated to the sport of skating and its culture. Through my blog, I strive to share my knowledge and experience of the sport with all who are interested. From beginner tips, tricks, and equipment reviews to interviews and event coverage, I cover it all. So read my blog as I explore the wonderful world of skating!