This is my thinking behind what skate gear I bought. This is something I probably should have asked about before I bought stuff, but too late now. I’ll know next time.

Minilogo Deck 8″

Brand: I don’t really care about graphics, but I do care about quality. For those that don’t know, Minilogo is Powell’s attempt to compete with unbranded blank decks. They are effectively a blank deck, although coloured, but with a small Powell logo.

Size: simple, I’m big, with big feet. Strength is important. I’m not too concerned with the higher rotational mass of a bigger board; I’m not that good yet that the effect is significant.

Independent Trucks

I don’t know a lot about the truck market. It came down to a choice betwwen what I percieve as the big brands (Independent, Gring King and Gull Wing). They must be popular for a reason and the cost difference was negligible.

Bone Reds Bearings

I’m very pleased with my current Minilogo bearings. Bones Reds (another Powell brand) are the next step up.

Spitfire BlueTech Wheels (56mm)

Choosing wheels was my hardest decision. I think it may take a few more sets to really get to grips with what I like. They are a 97A durometer wheel; slightly softer than most modern wheels. I chose this because the New Zealand roads are a much larger chip than most others and the softer wheel gives slightly more grip and a less bone-jarring ride. For the same reason, I went for a wheel that’s slightly bigger than the normal 51-53mm.