Best Tony Hawk Old School Skateboard Picks for Beginners and Collectors
Looking for a Tony Hawk old school skateboard that blends classic style with modern reliability? This guide highlights five top options that balance nostalgia with practical riding performance. Best for beginners who want a ready-to-ride setup, collectors seeking authentic graphics, and riders craving durable maple decks for cruising. Below is a concise buying table and annotated product sections to help you choose quickly.
| Product | Best For | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| Tony Hawk Signature Series 1 (9-Ply Maple) | Beginners to Intermediates | Fully assembled, durable maple deck, smooth bearings. |
| Tony Hawk Signature Series 4 (9-Ply Maple) | Cruisers and Carvers | Same construction with slightly different graphics; reliable ride. |
| Tony Hawk Signature Series 1 (Another Color) | Beginner Friendly | Ready to ride, strong deck, consistent performance. |
| Tony Hawk Gargoyle Birdhouse Deck | Old School Aesthetic Fans | Classic 7-ply hard rock maple with retro shape. |
| Tony Hawk Signature Series 1 (Variant) | Value Oriented Shoppers | Clean setup with dependable components. |
Tony Hawk Signature Series 1 31-Inch Maple Deck — Voyager
Best for beginners who want a complete, ready-to-ride board with a reliable maple deck. The 9-ply Canadian maple construction adds strength and pop, while the included grip tape and aluminum trucks deliver a stable first ride. Why choose this if you want a straightforward, no-hussle setup that’s easy to learn on and portable for casual cruising.
Key features include a durable 9-ply deck, high-traction grip tape, smooth ABEC-5 bearings, and PU wheels designed for pavement and smooth surfaces. The main limitation is that this model is a standard size that may be less agile for very small riders or those seeking a trick-focused setup.
Tony Hawk Signature Series 1 (Another Color) — Voyager
Best for new skaters who want a ready-to-ride board with a classic Tony Hawk look. This version mirrors the 9-ply maple deck, ensuring durability and a confident feel as riders cruise, carve, and learn basic maneuvers. Choose this if you prefer a familiar Tony Hawk design with consistent performance.
Includes reliable components: ABEC-5 bearings and PU wheels for a smooth roll. A slight caveat is that ABEC-5 bearings may not be the fastest option for riders seeking high-speed downhill performance, but they balance cost and usability well for beginners.
Tony Hawk Signature Series 4 — 31 Inch Maple Deck
Best for riders who want a robust, all-around cruiser with the classic 31-inch length. The 9-ply maple deck provides rigidity and pop, and the setup includes grip tape, aluminum trucks, ABEC-5 bearings, and PU wheels. Choose this if you appreciate a consistent, stable ride for commuting and basic carving.
Best-for notes: This option is an excellent entry-level complete board. A potential limitation is that the ABEC-5 system may feel slower to riders who crave aggressive, high-speed action on rough surfaces.
Birdhouse Gargoyle Skateboard Deck — 9.75″ x 32″
Best for enthusiasts who want an old-school look with a sturdy 7-ply North American hard rock maple deck. This deck measures 9.75″ x 32″ with a 15.75″ wheelbase, making it suitable for cruising and basic street skating. Better for riders who prefer a classic Birdhouse aesthetic and a traditional shape over a modern complete setup.
Limitation: This product is just a deck. Riders must add their own trucks, wheels, and grip tape to complete the board, which may increase setup time for beginners.
Tony Hawk Signature Series 4 — Voyager (Alternate Variant)
Best for riders who want a complete, reliable setup with a proven maple deck for cruising and learning. The variant maintains the familiar 9-ply maple construction, grip tape, and components with a fresh graphic to suit different tastes. Choose this if you want a consistent ride with a new look while keeping familiar performance characteristics.
Limitation: As with other complete boards, the ABEC-5 bearings provide a balanced performance but may not satisfy riders seeking top-tier high-speed capabilities on rough terrain.
Buying Guide
What should you consider when shopping for a Tony Hawk old school skateboard?
- Deck material and size: Most options use 9-ply Canadian maple for durability. A 31-inch length is common for stable cruising, while deck width near 9.75–9.75 inches offers a classic feel for older school rides.
- Complete vs. deck-only: Complete boards come assembled with trucks, grip tape, and wheels, ideal for beginners. Deck-only options suit experienced skaters who want a personalized setup.
- Trucks and wheels: Aluminum trucks provide light yet sturdy support. PU wheels and ABEC-3 to ABEC-5 bearings balance speed and control for smooth riding on pavement.
- Aesthetics vs. practicality: Old school Tony Hawk graphics appeal to collectors and fans. Practical riders should prioritize deck durability and reliable components over artwork alone.
- Maintenance: Regularly check trucks for tightness and bearings for smooth rotation. Clean bearings if noise or rough rolling appears.
- Skill progression: Beginners benefit from a forgiving setup that prioritizes balance and stability. More advanced riders can explore different wheel hardness and bearing ratings for performance tweaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes a Tony Hawk old school skateboard different from modern tricks boards?
– Old school boards typically feature longer decks and traditional shapes that emphasize cruising and stability, with classic graphics appealing to fans of early skate culture. - Is a complete board better for beginners than a deck-only option?
– Yes, a complete board provides a ready-to-ride package with all essential components, reducing setup time for new skaters. - What should I look for in bearings for a beginner-friendly ride?
– ABEC-3 to ABEC-5 bearings offer a smooth, controllable roll suitable for learning and casual cruising, while higher ratings may suit advanced riders seeking speed. - How important is the deck material for an old school Tony Hawk board?
– Durability and pop are key; 9-ply maple decks are widely used for their strength and resilience in everyday street skating. - Can I upgrade the wheels later?
– Yes. Wheels can be swapped to alter grip, speed, and ride feel as you progress or as road conditions change.