Madd Gear complete skateboards arrive fully assembled and ready to ride, from $19.99. Every board is built on a pressed maple deck with printed graphics, non-abrasive grip tape and smooth polyurethane wheels, and is backed by a 2-year manufacturer's warranty with US-based support.
The range splits into a compact mini cruiser for short trips and carrying, and a longer drop-through cruiser for distance and stability. Both suit riders age 5 and up, to a 220 lb rider weight.
A 7-ply maple double kicktail deck on 3.75in composite trucks, with 50mm wheels and ABEC-5 bearings. At 4.2 lbs it fits a school locker or a backpack, which is what makes it the easiest first board to actually carry around.
An 8-ply maple deck mounted through 7in aluminium trucks, running 70mm wheels and ABEC-7 bearings. The drop-through mounting sits the deck lower than the trucks, so pushing is easier and the ride is steadier at speed - better for campus paths and boardwalks than for tricks.
Pick the 22in Locker Board for a first board, short rides and easy carrying. Pick the 31in Drop Through for longer distances, smoother cruising and more stability underfoot. Both come assembled, so there is nothing to build before the first ride.