Choosing skateboard gear - Where do I start?

Selecting the proper gear is critical to safety, enjoyment and performance. Basic differences are obvious, such as length, shape, color and types of graphics; however, if you ask a veteran skateboarder, you will learn that there is a vast array of differences having a huge impact on the skateboarding experience you will have. So – how should you choose your gear? What products will work best for you? I would suggest determining what type of skateboarding you do, or think you will do, the most. For example: a “downhill” skateboard, which is built for stability, traction and turning at high speed, works great for bombing hills but would be rendered pretty much useless at a skatepark, where the type of skating is more technical and trick oriented, e.g. ollies, airs, grinds, slides, quick directional changes and so on. Of course you can ask your friends, talk to the more experienced skateboarders, or look for skaters who have a similar flow or style to your own and ask them what type of gear they prefer. You can get a ton of opinions – some more educated than others – but the bottom line is this: there are absolutely NO rules in skateboarding, and nobody can ultimately tell you what is best for you. You MUST try and test different products for yourself in order to determine what feels and works the best for the ride you’re looking for.