Concave is the term used to describe the longitudinal curvature of the deck.

The higher this concave, the more pressure you can put on the edges, which improves the steering and flip behavior of the deck. Skateboard decks are generally divided into low, medium and high concave.

We recommend beginners to start with a medium concave skateboard deck.

Skateboard axles are metal T-shaped pieces that are mounted on the underside of the skateboard deck. When choosing skateboards, the width of the axle should match the width of the skateboard deck. Axle size can be measured on the widest part, called the hanger. It looks somewhat triangular. Each skateboard needs two axles.

Choose the right skateboard truck width

There are several parts. The pin that runs through the axle to which the wheels are attached. The kingpin is the large bolt that holds these parts together and fits into the baseplate.

When you buy you get both axles, which are necessary to mount your skateboard. Skateboard axles come in different sizes and colors, on TomCatSkate.com you will find a selection of axles to meet your personal taste.

Depending on the size of your skateboard deck you need a different size of axles. Here is a list of which axles fit which deck:

• 6"-7.25" truck axle - 6.5" to 7.25" inch skateboard decks

• 7.5" truck axle - 7.25 to 7.5" inch skateboard decks

• 7.75" truck axle - 7.5" to 8" inch skateboard decks

• 8.0" truck axle - 8" to 8.5" inch skateboard decks (medium size)

• 8.5" truck axle - 8.5" to 9" inch skateboard decks

• 9.0" truck axle - 9" to 10" inch skateboard decks

• 10.0" truck axle - 10" inch and above skateboard decks

What truck height do I need?

In general, a medium axle height works well for most skateboarders, but high or low axles may also be preferred for different styles of skateboarding.

LOW: For flip tricks, designed for small wheels (50-52mm wheel size recommended).

MID: Good all-around profile for street or park (52-56mm wheel size recommended)

HIGH: Suitable for cruising and carving, designed for large wheels (wheel size 57mm+ recommended )

Skateboard hardware, known as assembly hardware, is used to connect the skateboard trucks to the skateboard deck. Skateboard hardware refers to the nuts, bolts, locking nuts and screws used in the construction of a skateboard.

Each skateboard hardware set includes 8 bolts and 8 lockuts. The set is used to attach the skateboard axle to the skateboard deck.

What size screws do I need to assemble my skateboard?

• 7/8" to 1" hardware - no riser

• 1" to 1 1/8" hardware - 1/8" riser

• 1 1/4" hardware - 1/4" riser

• 1 1/2" hardware - 1/2" riser

What skateboard bearings do I need for my skateboard wheels?

The good news is that all skateboard ball bearings are the same size, so you don't have to worry about size when choosing bearings.

But. .. Although they do not vary in size, they vary in quality. The rule of thumb is that the more expensive the skateboard bearings, the higher the quality.

Cheaper bearings are typically made of inferior materials that can deform or break completely under the pressure of the skateboarder.

Inferior ball bearings may also not be sealed, resulting in dirt and dust in the bearings that will dramatically slow down your board.

The high quality skateboard ball bearings are sealed, with higher precision processing and higher quality metals. With proper handling, they will remain fast and accurate over time.

Wetness is the enemy of every ball bearing, so it is best never to drive in the rain or store in high humidity.

ABEC ratings

Most skateboard ball bearings are measured by an ABEC rating. The higher the ABEC rating, the more accurate and precise it will be. This rating system includes grades 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9.

The ABEC rating does not include significant factors such as bearing handling, ball precision, materials, hardness, ball polishing, noise, vibration and lubricant. Due to these factors, an ABEC 3 bearing could turn out better than an ABEC 7 bearing.

Many companies e.g. Bones Bearings do not use the ABEC rating scale. They use their own rating system which is known as Skate Rated.

These ball bearings do not follow ABEC ratings as they are superior in quality and the ABEC rating ignores many quality factors that Bones Bearings prides itself on.

What size and diameter do I need?

Skateboard wheels vary in color, size and durability. The skateboard wheels are mostly made of polyurethane. The diameter and durometer of the wheel affect the way the board rides and are a matter of personal preference and skate style.

Diameter is the size of the wheel when measured from top to bottom. All skateboard wheels are measured in millimeters (mm). The smaller the number, the smaller the wheel. Smaller wheels are slower, larger wheels are faster.

50-52mm small slow wheels for flip tricks, skateparks

53-59mm Average wheel size for beginners and advanced skaters, for skateparks, bowls, halfpipe and vert ramps.

60 mm + special types for longboards, old school boards, downhill and dirtboards made for high speeds and rough surfaces.

What Durometer skateboard wheels do I need?

Durometer measures the hardness of the roller. Hard rollers are faster, soft rollers are slower but have a better grip.

Skateboard wheel durometer is usually measured on a durometer A scale, ranging from 1 to 100 to hardness. Some companies use the B scale, which is 20 points lower, which allows the scale to be extended 20 points for harder wheels. For example, an 80b durometer is the same as 100 a durometer.

These skateboard wheels have greater and more accurate hardness. The average wheel durometer is 99a, 101a.

78a-95a Soft wheels good for rough surfaces, longboards or strett that need a lot of grip to roll over cracks and pebbles easily

96a-101a Beautiful speed and grip... a good wheel. Great for beginners, skate parks, ramps, pools and other smooth surfaces.

101a + Hardest and fastest wheel with the least grip. Ineffective on narrow and rough surfaces. These are professional wheels

83b-84b Wheels with the B scale are extremely hard, measuring 20 points below the A scale to allow the scale another 20 points for harder wheels