The Bottom Line: On a budget, get this deck. But if child is big enough to handle a faster/heavier board, put out the $25-$35 dollars for a board with aluminum trucks.
jefhatfield's Full Review: Street Flyers Spider-Man SM3 28 Skateboard
I bought one of this series of decks which include the likes of Spider-man and Transformers, among others, and other popular kid's icons. And yes, some teens and adults love these cartoon characters, too.
Target has a great selection of these beginner skateboards.
Plywood construction:
Like more expensive professional boards starting over $40 dollars and up to $200 dollars, the skateboard deck itself is plywood.
This allows for both strength and flexibility. Only extremely poor quality decks or vintage decks use a solid piece of wood, which would be prone to cracking.
Spray on grip tape:
The grip tape on many of these models are used with spray on grip tape, which is similar to tape design grip tape, and really no better or worse than the other. Spray on grip tape allows artwork, if any, to show on the topside of the deck.
Of course, most decks, like this one, has screen printed artwork (mass produced) on the bottom side. The graphics of any of these decks are officially licensed products of the comic book and movie companies who benefit from the brand name.
Plastic Trucks:
The skateboard trucks, at this price, are typically plastic, and for lightweight riders this is suitable. Some slightly higher priced trucks on children's decks use aluminum trucks like the professional skateboard trucks which are largely aluminum. Aluminum, but also plastic, do not rust. However, don't keep any skateboard outside as moisture is not good for metal bolts, nuts, and kingpins. Wheels:
The wheels on these decks are semi-hard, around a 90a durometer hardness.While not too hard and overly dangerous with rocks and debris, I would have chosen a softer wheel in the 80a durometer range as they are both slower and less prone to tripping over rocks and debris.
On older children's decks and adult decks, wheels are typically 99-101a durometer in hardness, great for advanced tricks, but can easily be hindered by rocks and debris. Most skateboard riders today prefer the hardest 100 durometer wheels they can get their hands on, including the smallest of children. This isn't the wise choice, but peer pressure often makes a young person get a skateboard that is slightly too advanced for their abilities.
Overall:
At $17.99, this deck and complete skateboard setup is very hard to match or beat.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 17.99 Type of Toy: Sports
Age Range of Child: 6 to 8 Years
Strap On Your Helmets Young Web Slingers And Hop On For A Rippin Ride Aboard This Skateboard Tricked Out In Cool Spidey Graphics. Features Highperform...More at Target
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