Shopping List
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What You Actually Need for Fingerboarding
Fingerboarding is an accessible and affordable hobby that mimics skateboarding at a miniature scale. Whether you’re looking to learn tricks, build a collection, or simply enjoy creative play, having the right equipment makes all the difference. This shopping list covers the essentials every beginner needs to get started with fingerboarding, from the board itself to protective gear and practice surfaces.
1. Fingerboard Deck
A fingerboard deck is the foundation of your setup—it’s the small board you’ll be performing tricks on with your fingers. Quality decks come in various designs and wood types, with maple being the most durable and responsive option. The deck typically measures around 100mm in length and mimics real skateboard shapes and graphics.
Why beginners need it: You can’t fingerboard without a deck, and starting with a quality one prevents frustration from poor trick responsiveness. A good deck will last through months of practice and maintain its pop and flick performance.
What to look for: Look for solid maple construction with a concave shape that provides natural foot placement for your fingers. Check reviews for consistency in quality and durability before purchasing.
2. Professional Fingerboard Trucks
Trucks are the metal components that connect your wheels to the deck and allow steering and tricks. High-quality fingerboard trucks are precisely engineered for smooth turning, responsive tricks, and durability during intense practice sessions. They’re available in various metals including aluminum and steel alloys.
Why beginners need it: Cheap trucks can feel sluggish and unresponsive, making it harder to land tricks and progress your skills. Professional-grade trucks provide consistent performance that helps you develop proper technique faster.
What to look for: Choose trucks with smooth bushings, quality bearings, and lightweight construction. Ensure they’re compatible with your deck’s mounting holes and read reviews about turning response.
3. Fingerboard Wheels
Wheels are crucial for smooth rolling and overall performance of your setup. Fingerboard wheels come in different materials and hardness levels, affecting speed and grip on various surfaces. Quality wheels roll smoothly and maintain their shape through extended use.
Why beginners need it: Good wheels make practicing tricks easier since you don’t have to fight against resistance or poor rolling. They also enable you to progress to new tricks that require smooth rolling transitions.
What to look for: Look for wheels with quality bearings that roll freely without wobbling. Consider the hardness rating—softer wheels grip better on rough surfaces while harder wheels are faster on smooth surfaces.
4. Grip Tape
Grip tape is the sandpaper-like surface applied to the top of your deck that keeps your fingers from slipping during tricks. Quality grip tape provides excellent traction and lasts through extensive practice without wearing smooth. It’s essential for maintaining control during complex maneuvers.
Why beginners need it: Without grip tape, your fingers will slide around on the deck, making even basic tricks nearly impossible to land consistently. It’s the difference between frustration and progress.
What to look for: Choose grip tape with fine grit that isn’t too aggressive on your fingers but provides excellent traction. Make sure it covers the entire top surface of your deck evenly.
5. Bearing Set for Smooth Rolling
Bearings are the small metal components inside your wheels that allow smooth rotation. Quality bearings reduce friction and enable faster, smoother rolling compared to basic wheels. They’re measured by ABEC ratings, with higher numbers indicating better precision and speed.
Why beginners need it: Good bearings transform your riding experience from sluggish and jerky to smooth and responsive. They make it easier to learn new tricks because you’re not fighting against resistance.
What to look for: Look for ABEC-7 or ABEC-9 rated bearings that fit your specific wheel size. Check that they spin freely and roll smoothly when tested before installation.
6. Practice Mat or Obstacle Set
A fingerboard practice mat or obstacle set provides a designated space and surface for trick practice. These sets often include ramps, rails, and ledges that help you develop different skills and keep your practice organized. They transform any flat surface into a mini skate park.
Why beginners need it: Having a dedicated practice space with obstacles prevents you from getting bored with basic tricks and helps you progress faster. It also protects your furniture and keeps your fingerboarding hobby contained.
What to look for: Choose sets that include multiple obstacle types like ramps, rails, and ledges. Ensure the materials are durable plastic or wood that won’t damage your grip tape or trucks.
7. Replacement Hardware Kit
A hardware kit includes bolts, screws, and bushings needed to assemble and maintain your fingerboard. These small components wear out over time from constant tricks and need periodic replacement to maintain optimal performance. Having spares on hand prevents downtime.
Why beginners need it: When your hardware eventually loosens or breaks, having replacements means you can keep practicing immediately rather than waiting for new parts to arrive. It’s an inexpensive investment that prevents frustration.
What to look for: Get a comprehensive kit with various bolt sizes, screws, and replacement bushings. Make sure the hardware is made from quality metal that won’t rust or break easily.
8. Fingerboard Tool and Allen Wrench Set
A specialized fingerboard tool and quality Allen wrench set allow you to adjust and maintain your setup without damaging small components. These tools are designed specifically for the tiny scale of fingerboards, making adjustments precise and easy. A good set includes various sizes for different hardware.
Why beginners need it: Proper tools prevent stripping bolts and damaging your deck or trucks during maintenance. Having the right tools makes tightening loose hardware quick and painless.
What to look for: Choose a set with precision-machined Allen wrenches in multiple sizes and a dedicated fingerboard tool for adjusting trucks. Look for ergonomic handles that are easier to grip with your fingers.
9. Bearing Cleaner and Lubricant
A bearing cleaner removes dirt and old lubricant from your wheels, while specialized lubricant keeps them rolling smoothly. Regular maintenance with these products extends bearing life and maintains optimal rolling performance. A small bottle lasts a very long time since you only need minimal amounts.
Why beginners need it: Clean, properly lubricated bearings roll faster and feel more responsive, dramatically improving your trick performance. Maintenance prevents bearings from seizing up and becoming unusable.
What to look for: Look for fingerboard-specific bearing cleaner and lubricant rather than skateboard products, as they’re formulated for the smaller scale. Choose products with clear instructions and good reviews for consistent results.
10. Display Case or Storage Box
A dedicated storage case or display box keeps your fingerboard safe from damage while not in use and looks great on a shelf or desk. Quality cases protect your board from dust, impact, and environmental damage while showcasing your setup. Many come with customizable interiors for organizing multiple boards and accessories.
Why beginners need it: Proper storage prevents your investment from getting damaged and keeps all your accessories organized in one place. A display case also motivates continued practice when you see your board proudly displayed.
What to look for: Choose a case with padded interior protection and secure latches that keep your board stable. Look for clear acrylic cases if you want to display your board, or solid cases if you prioritize maximum protection.
Budget-Friendly Tips
- Buy complete setups: Pre-assembled fingerboard complete sets often cost less than buying individual components separately, making them ideal for beginners on a tight budget while still maintaining quality standards.
- Start with one board: Focus on mastering tricks on a single quality board before investing in multiple setups, helping you develop better technique and spend less money overall during your learning phase.
- DIY obstacles: Create practice obstacles using everyday items like books, tape, and cardboard instead of buying expensive obstacle sets, allowing you to practice varied tricks without major expenses.
Beginner vs Advanced Gear
Beginners should focus on purchasing one quality complete setup with a solid deck, reliable trucks, and smooth wheels—the essentials for learning fundamental tricks. As you progress to advanced fingerboarding, you’ll invest in specialized components like premium bearing sets, multiple decks with different characteristics, professional-grade ramps and obstacles, and customized setups tailored to specific trick styles. Advanced riders also upgrade grip tape more frequently, experiment with different truck and wheel combinations, and build collections of boards for various purposes, but none of this is necessary when starting out.
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