Sportsmans Warehouse

Play safe
always wear protective gear
for action sports
Helmets significantly reduce
the chances of head injury
Knee and elbow pads protect vulnerable joints
Wrist guards help prevent sprains
check out our wide range
of branded protective gear for
skateboarding, inline skating
and scooter riding
Disclaimer: The information provided in this brochure is intended to serve
as a guideline only. Sportsmans Warehouse, its parent company and its staff
accept no liability for any injuries incurred during the action sports mentioned.
SportsmansW
For your nearest store call 0800 003 051 toll-free or visit www.sportsmanswarehouse.co.za
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www.zoomadvertising.co.za 48393/SPRT494
ACTION
SPORTS
your guide to quality equipment
skateboards • inline skates • scooters
SportsmansW
For your nearest store call 0800 003 051 toll-free or visit www.sportsmanswarehouse.co.za

sKaTeBOarD components
deck • grip tape • trucks • hardware • wheels • bearings
Deck
Material: Most decks are constructed from between 6- and 9-ply laminated wood -
chinese maple (for entry-level boards) or canadian maple (for high-end boards). Some are strengthened
with materials such as fibreglass, bamboo, resin, Kevlar, carbon fibre, aluminium and plastic.
Size: Modern decks vary in size, but most are 7 to 10,5 inches (17,78 to 26,67 cm) wide. Your choice will be
influenced by your foot size. Wider decks provide greater stability for transition or ramp skating. Narrower decks
allow for quick rotation. Length of board varies between 28 and 33 inches (71,12 and 83,82 cm).
The longboard, a common variant also called a cruiser, is mostly ridden down hills or on beachside pavements
or boardwalks to mimic wave-riding.
construction: A skateboard has an upturned nose and tail and a concave centre. The nose is usually longer and
thicker than the tail. Both are called ‘kicktails’ and they are vital in manoeuvring the board, particularly for street
skateboarding. They help with big tricks, pivots, slides, ollies (where rider and board leap into the air without the
rider using his hands) and more.
Wheelbase: The distance between the two sets of mounting holes drilled into the
deck for the trucks is usually about 13 to 15 inches (33 to 38 cm). Taller people
prefer a wider wheelbase, which lets them widen their stance while skating.
wheelbase
Grip tape
This is a rough material that enables your feet to grip the deck. It has a surface like fine sandpaper on one side and
adhesive on the other. Replacement grip tape is available in varying levels of coarseness. While it is usually black,
other colours, as well as clear, are available. You can get creative and cut shapes
into your grip tape, e.g. to show a graphic on the board underneath.
truckS
These connect the wheels to the deck and are usually made from aluminium alloy. Each skateboard has two trucks,
each with two wheels. Trucks have tough, adjustable bushings which help the rider steer the board, as he or she
applies more weight to one side of the deck.
The baseplate of each truck is screwed to the deck and underneath it is the hanger,
with the axle running through it. Between the two are bushings and rubbers or
grommets. A kingpin holds these together and by tightening or loosening the kingpin nut,
the trucks can either be loosened for better turning or tightened for increased stability.
A variety of axle widths is available. Wider axles are used for wider boards.
The special trucks for longboards have a kingpin at a more obtuse angle, which permits less turning for the same tilt
of the deck, thus allowing riders to go faster, with a wider carving motion, while still keeping stable and in control.
MountinG harDWare
Eight 10-32 UNC bolts, usually with an Allen or Phillips head, together with matching nylon locknuts, are used to
attach the trucks to the skateboard. Some sets may have one differently coloured bolt which indicates which side
must face the nose of the skateboard.
hanger
baseplate
kingpin
axle
grommet
WheelS
Size: The larger wheels (54 to 85 mm diameter) roll faster and cope
better with cracks in the pavement. Smaller wheels (48 to 54 mm)
keep the board closer to the ground, resulting in a lower centre of
gravity. They need less force to accelerate.
Material: Advanced polymers are used, usually polyurethane.
Degree of hardness: This is measured by a Durometer and is mostly
expressed as somewhere on the ‘A-scale’ which extends from 70 - 100.
The higher the A-scale number, the harder the wheel. An average street
skateboard wheel is 95A, and softer wheels can be 70A or even lower.
Which wheel for your purpose?
A good general choice is wheels between 52 and 54 mm, with 99A hardness.
For riding ramps (or ‘verts’/vertical ramps) you want to roll much faster, so choose
larger wheels (55 to 65 mm) with a hardness of 95-100A. (Start with 60 mm wheels.)
Slalom skating demands the highest possible speeds, so choose even larger wheels
of 60 to 75 mm, with a softer A rating. Longboarding/cruising and downhill
skateboarding require large wheels (65 to 100 mm), which are softer (78A to 85A)
for riding over rough terrain. For flip tricks many street/technical skateboarders prefer
smaller wheels, which are lighter and closer to the ground, such as those 50 to 55 mm,
with a hardness of 97A to 100A. A good all-terrain choice is a wheel size of
52 to 60 mm, with 95A to 100A hardness, which gives a balance between speed
and weight. In general 95A is an average wheel hardness for street skateboarding.
BearinGS
analyse
the action
A skateboard wheel is mounted on its axle by means of two bearings. These bearings are usually
the standard 608 size and are made from steel, with a bore of 8 mm, an outer diameter of 22 mm
and a width of 7 mm. Bearings enable the wheels to rotate freely at high speed and will have to be
replaced occasionally. Do not skate in wet conditions, as this will ruin bearings.
The ABEC scale for bearings:
This is an American 1 – 9 scale for rating the accuracy of tolerance of bearings. (It does not measure
how well a bearing will handle side-to-side loads, which can be severe with skateboard movement.)
ABEC 3 applies to most inexpensive complete skateboards
ABEC 5 is the norm for recreational skateboarding
ABEC 7 bearings are very fast and smooth
ABEC 9 bearings are extremely highly spec’d and are used in the most advanced boards
optional coMponentS
• risers increase the space between truck and deck, permitting the truck to twist further without causing the wheel
to ‘bite’ the deck and stop turning.
• rails or ribs are strips of plastic or metal affixed under the deck along its edges. Although rarely used today,
they can provide the experienced skater with extra grip for grabs, they can enhance sliding, plus they can
protect the graphics of the deck’s underside.
• Wedges can be used to alter a truck’s turning characteristics.
• Slip tape or ever-slick is a clear, self-adhesive plastic stuck to the deck’s underside for protection and easier sliding.
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inline sKaTes components
boot • frame/chassis • wheels • bearings • brakes
Boot
Material: Hard shell vs soft shell. Hard shell boots are not manufactured
often these days, although they offered good support for large skaters
and those with weak ankles. Soft boots are immediately comfortable
and help to encourage starter skaters.
liner: Before buying skates, check the liner by removing it and fitting
it to your foot. It must be comfortable and secure. Then replace it
and try on the whole boot. Superior liners are moisture-absorbent.
All liners are washable.
Foot bed: This is removable and washable and is placed inside the liner to cradle the foot.
You can replace the foot bed with an orthotic which has been custom-made for you, or another support
bought in-store.
laces: These are minutely adjustable, but they can loosen as you skate.
Buckles: These are permanently attached to the skate and offer good, consistent support.
Adjust them until they are right for you and they will be ready for a quick start, every time.
laces plus buckles: These are found in some recreational and fitness skates, with the buckle (or a Velcro strap)
surrounding the ankle area and the laces over the top of the foot.
FraMe or chaSSiS
Material:
Polypropylene: Many recreational skates have frames
made of this versatile thermoplastic.
Polyurethane is also used.
Aluminium: This is more expensive and sturdier
than polypropylene.
Other metals: Magnesium and titanium alloys are also used.
Other materials: Nylon/fibreglass and carbon.
Lighter materials reduce fatigue. Aluminium is lighter than plastic and carbon is even lighter.
important attributes:
The frame must be light, but strong and rigid. If a frame is too flexible, the energy of the stroke is dissipated
and much of it is wasted. In addition, the frame must be attached securely to the boot and its alignment must
be correct so that the wheels track properly. Certain frames allow for ‘rockering’, i.e. adjusting the two middle
wheels downward to facilitate quick turns and pivots. Some frames also allow you to adjust to larger wheels
as your skill increases.
brake
wheels frame
WheelS
Diameter size: This depends on skating style. Generally, the greater
the diameter, the faster the wheel can move. However, smaller wheels
provide faster acceleration and manoeuvrability, plus the stability
of a lower centre of gravity.
44 – 59 mm for aggressive skating
68 – 72 mm for artistic inline skating
47 – 80 mm for roller hockey skating
72 – 80 mm for freestyle slalom skating and downhill skating
72 – 90 mm for general recreational skating
84 – 110 mm for speed skating
Core: This varies from solid (i.e. no spokes) for aggressive wheels,
to extremely light spoke designs for racing wheels.
Profile: This means the shape of the wheel, which determines how much the wheel makes
contact with the ground. Elliptical profiles (taller, thinner, more tapered) cause less friction
and thus provide a faster ride. More rounded shapes are more stable and grip better, which
is good for hockey. Recreational wheels are of average height, with an average taper.
Number: Downhill skates normally have five or six wheels for stability at high speed.
Recreational skates usually have four wheels.
Material: Almost all are made from polyurethane, a durable plastic.
Degree of hardness: This is measured by a Durometer and is mostly expressed as somewhere on the ‘A-scale’ which
extends from 70 - 100. The higher the A-scale number, the harder the wheel. Harder wheels go faster and are more
durable, but a softer wheel material might be one of the factors contributing to a wheel’s grip. Most recreational skate
wheels vary from 78A to 82A. Wheels for aggressive skating may go up into the 90As.
BearinGS
The ABEC scale for bearings:
This is an American 1 – 9 scale for rating the accuracy of tolerance of bearings.
ABEC 5 is the norm for recreational skating
ABEC 7 bearings are very fast and smooth
ABEC 9 bearings are extremely highly spec’d
Rollerblade now use their own rating system, from SG-1 to SG-9.
Each wheel has two bearings, which fit into openings moulded into each side
of the wheel hub, where a flange holds them the correct distance apart.
BrakeS
enhance
the experience
profile core
Unlike the front brake of roller skates, the hard rubber brake on inline skates is attached
to the heel of the frame. The skater brakes by lifting the toe of the skate, and special lessons
in braking are required. A feature called ABT (Advanced Braking Technology) can be useful,
but tends to wear the brake pad down. (Most aggressive inline skates and racing skates have no heel brake.)
diameter
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KicK scOOTer components
deck • head tube • headset • grip tape • fork • handlebars • wheels • bearings • brakes • folding action
Deck
Material: Most of the modern, urban kick scooters have decks made from lightweight
aluminium or steel. Quality scooters are made from 100% aircraft-grade
aluminium. Some do, however, have wood laminate or wood-and-fibreglass
laminate decks. A urethane cushion might be placed between the deck and the frame for shock-absorption.
Size: Decks range in length between about 16 and 23 inches (40 and 58 cm) and the most common widths are
4½” and 4” (11,5 and 10 cm). Wider decks suit bigger riders with bigger feet, while narrower decks are easier
to handle for the smaller or inexperienced rider. Cruiser kick scooters are wider, offering more foot space and a
smooth ride. Some children’s scooters have wider decks for stability.
construction: Scooters used for tricks can have decks that are reinforced, thicker and double-welded to the
down-tube. All scooters are rated to carry up to certain maximum weights of rider.
heaD tuBe
This is the front part of the deck where the fork and bars are mounted. Head tubes are available in several
angles to provide a choice of feel when riding.
heaDSet
This component is fitted into the head tube and is designed to keep the fork on the scooter.
It can be threaded or threadless and the kind of headset you choose will determine the
kind of fork you can ride.
Grip tape
This rough material must be applied, just as on a skateboard, to help your feet grip the deck.
Fork
The fork fits into the head tube. Forks can be threaded or threadless. Aluminium forks are usually
fork
threadless, while steel forks are usually threadless but can be threaded. The handlebar piece is
fitted into the fork and kept in place with a collar clamp, which must be strong and solid, particularly
for tricks. Double, triple and quadruple clamps are available. The fork is compatible with the wheel size.
hanDleBarS
pieces: One-piece and three-piece bars are available. One-piece bars are usually made
from 4130 chromoly steel, but aluminium bars are beginning to appear.
headset
height adjustment: Many handlebars are adjustable from 22 up to 36 inches (56 to 91 cm) and can be moved
by means of a quick-release or push pin. Some scooters offer a choice of fixed-height (and width) handlebars.
The ideal height for handlebars is at the level of the rider’s navel.
Steering: Most scooters have T-style handlebars which you turn to steer the scooter. Some scooters have fixed
handlebars which only serve to balance the rider, who has to lean in order to turn the scooter. Others have ballstyle
handlebars with a simple rubber ball-grip, serving to balance the rider who rides the scooter surfer-style,
leaning side-to-side to turn.
Grips: These are usually soft rubber. Some have extra-thick foam padding, while other, high-end trick scooters
have low-profile grips to enhance mobility.
clamp
bar
head tube
grip
clamp
folding mechanism
deck
WheelS
Size: Diameters start at about 110 mm and
go up to just over 200 mm, depending on
the size and design of the scooter.
Smaller wheels go reasonably fast and smoothly and are
more suitable for tricks. Larger wheels will cope with uneven
pavements more easily, but are not recommended for tricks.
Material: Smaller (standard) wheels are usually made of
solid polyurethane with a small hub. Larger wheels generally
have a spoked metal construction covered by a thin, polyurethane tyre.
BearinGS
Each wheel has two bearings and a bearer spacer in the middle to prevent
damage from over-tightening.
Replacement bearings are available in sets of four. The American ABEC scale for
bearings applies, with higher ratings providing faster rolling with less friction.
ABEC 5 is the norm for many kick scooters
ABEC 7 bearings are used in some highly spec’d trick scooters
BrakeS
The most common is a very simple fender brake.
The rider steps on the rear fender which is mounted on a hinged spring,
then the fender presses against the wheel to stop it.
grip tape
FolDinG action
brake
Most scooters fold up quickly and easily. Simply unlock the joint
release lever, fold the scooter and re-lock the mechanism to hold
the scooter in the folded position. Compact folded size and light
weight make these scooters extremely portable.
Pro scooters used for tricks are typically not foldable.
three-WheeleD DeSiGn
wheel with bearings
smooth
your ride
These scooters are suitable for younger children, as they are more stable,
closer to the ground and have an easy stick steering mechanism.
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