How to Choose the Right Pro Fingerboards for Your Style

You already know one thing, you can ride any board, but it doesn’t make a big difference. Everything works out as soon as you change to pro fingerboards. The pop is crisper, the flips are more solid and the landings are made more in control.

But choosing the right one? It is where a lot of riders are caught up.

It has various widths, shapes, concaves, trucks and wheels. At first it can be a daunting task. It is easy to understand the good news: the right board is a board that fits your manner and fits in your hands. We will make it down in an easy and practical manner.

Start with Your Riding Style

Consider the way you ride before considering sizes or parts.

Do you like technical tricks such as kickflips, tre flips and nollie combos?

Do you like straight edges and clean cuts?

Or prefer huge stair sets and strong pop tricks?

This is to be determined by your style of riding.

When you concentrate on the technical flip tricks, you can use a little narrower pro fingerboard that will rotate faster.

When you ride street and combine grinds with flips a medium width provides you with balance.

A broader deck would be more comfortable, should you like the stability and a soft landing.

Any size is not better than the other. It is based on what is natural.

Picking the Right Width

With width comes responsive reaction. A difference of 12mm can be experienced.

Majority of pro fingerboards are in the range of 32mm to 36mm.

32mm-33mm: More nimble, less heavy. Good for technical riders.

34mm: Balanced and versatile. Great for most styles.

35mm–36mm: Control and stability are increased, landings are smoother.

In case your tricks are unsteady, then widen them a little. A thin-ripper board can be of use in case the flips are slow and heavy.

Note your position of fingers. When your fingers ache, make them bigger. Should the board be so broad as to be controllable, reduce in size.

Concave and Shape Matter

The sideways curve of the deck is known as concave. It affects control and flick.

Minor concave: Feel flat, grind and flow.

Medium concave: Checked and easy to manage.

High concave: More technician tricks, more control.

When you have difficulty flicking every time a larger concave will assist in keeping your fingers in place. On the one hand, medium concave is normally the best on a relaxed feel.

Also, look at the nose and tail. There are also decks with a longer nose which are useful during nollie tricks. The rest are more shared to the same on both ends.

Trucks: Find Your Balance

Trucks alter the direction of your board as well as the feel of your board when doing tricks.

The pro fingerboards mostly have metal trucks that are more durable and perform better. However, the tightness of trucks does matter.

Tighter trucks: They are more controlled.

Loose trucks: Turning less effort and less grind.

When your board is wobbly, screw up the trucks. In case it is hard and difficult to rotate it, loosen it.

Even minor shifts are able to alter your session entirely.

Wheels and Surface Feel

Wheels are a different matter as they influence the speed and grip.

Pro fingerboards typically have urethane style wheels which roll easily. Their feel also varies as a result of hardness.

Lighter wheels: Smoother ride, more grips.

Harder wheels: Pop and roll.

Harder wheels can seem fast and agile if you are riding on smooth surfaces such as marble or metal rails. Softer wheels can be more beneficial, in case you are riding on wood obstacles.

Wheel shape also matters. Thinner tires are street-style. Broadened wheels provide greater stability.

Weight and Overall Feel

A few riders prefer a less weighted setup in order to make faster tricks. Some like a heavier board to land on when there is no wind.

Light boards: Easier flip tricks.

Greater density: Firmer control.

Neither is better. It is a matter of preference of your board.

Light should assist in case you are performing fast technical combos. Some more weight would be more comfortable, if you are into clean lines and control.

Don’t Ignore the Look

The graphic would not affect the performance; however, it does not go to waste.

You feel more associated with your pro fingerboards when you like the appearance of them. Such confidence can in fact enhance your riding.

Select something that is familiar. Simple, clean, bold, detailed - ride what you like to see every day.

When You are New, Keep It Simple.

When you are new to pro fingerboards, you can afford to think less about things.

A safe starting setup is:

34mm width

Medium concave

Slightly tight trucks

Balanced wheels

Most styles would work with this type of setup and will enable you to create consistency.

As you get better, you can help refine your setup depending on what is not working.

Avoid Following Trends

It is easy to imitate what riders of fame use. But their installation may not suit your hands or taste.

Do not follow trends but do what is comfortable. The top pro fingerboards are those that are fitted to your motion and tricks are natural.

Experiment and Adjust

Experience is the best way of discovering that ultimate configuration.

When something is not right, modify it one change at a time. Adjust truck tightness. Try different wheels. Test a different width.

With time, you will begin to know what really works best with you.

Final Thoughts

There is no need to make a complex choice of the pro fingerboards. Consider the type of riding that you do, select a width that feels comfortable, and consider concave, trucks, and wheels.

Above all, ride what you feel good in your hands.

When everything works with your style, tricks are easy to perform, lines are crisp and practice becomes enjoyable. Then your board becomes actually a part of you.