Ultimate Pro Scooter Buying Guide for Parents and Teens

Pro Scooter Buying can be daunting, there are various elements to take into account in order to pick the ideal ride for your youngster or teen. In this comprehensive Pro Scooter Buying Guide, we will explore the various components of a high-quality pro scooter and provide helpful tips on selecting each part to suit individual needs.

We'll explore the eight essential elements to consider when Pro Scooter Buying, such as handlebars, forks, decks, headsets, clamps, wheels, compression systems and brakes. Additionally, we will discuss the differences between steel and aluminum bars as well as popular deck styles. Furthermore, you'll learn about threadless forks advantages and urethane compounds for wheels.

Lastly, our Pro Scooter Buying Guide will help you decide whether purchasing a complete pro scooter or building your own custom model is the best option for your young rider's unique requirements. By understanding all aspects of pro scooter buying thoroughly before making a decision can ensure an enjoyable experience while performing stunts at skate parks or simply cruising around town.

Don't forget to check out our Pro Scooter Selector for customized recommendations based on age, height and budget. Now let's drop in!

 

The Anatomy of a Pro Scooter

Before beginning the journey of Pro Scooter Buying, it's imperative to be familiar with the core components that make up its construction. This Pro Scooter Buying Guide will outline how each part contributes to the overall look, feel, and performance of your personal scooter. In this section, we will delve into the details of each component.

Pro Scooter Bars

The bars on your pro scooter are very personal and determine its feel. They can be made from steel tubing, aluminum tubing or even titanium and come in various styles such as T-bars or Y-bars.

Pro Scooter Forks

The fork serves as a direct link between your bars, deck, and front wheel; thus, selecting one that suits your needs is crucial. Threadless forks offer maximum strength and performance while coming in different weights, strengths, and styles like SCS/HIC compatible forks or IHC forks like the Madd Gear range.

The Deck

A pro scooter deck is arguably its most significant component since it affects everything from weight distribution to trick execution capabilities. Decks vary by length, width, and concave with aircraft-grade aluminum construction providing lightweight durability suitable for riders of all sizes. Check our the range of Madd Gear decks here.

Headset

An integrated headset allows smooth rotation within head tubes while ensuring perfect alignment necessary for smoother fork rotations during tricks or turns. They're preferred over non-integrated options due to their superior fitment, resulting in better performance.

 

Choosing the Right Bars for Your Scooter

The bars on your pro scooter are very personal and determine its feel. They can be made from steel tubing, aluminum tubing or titanium, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. To make an informed decision, we will help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of both steel tubing and aluminum tubing bars.

Steel vs Aluminum Bars

Steel bars are known for their durability and strength, making them a popular choice among riders who perform high-impact tricks. However, they tend to be heavier than aluminum bars, which could affect maneuverability. On the other hand, aluminum bars are lightweight but may not provide the same level of sturdiness as steel options. Titanium bars offer both strength and lightweight properties. These are the gold standard but also come at an extremly high price. When choosing between these materials, consider factors such as weight preference and riding style.

Different Bar Styles

• T-bars: A classic design that offers simplicity and stability; ideal for beginners or those looking for a minimalist look. Find this style on our Renegade Pro Model here.
• Batwing bars: Featuring an upward curve at the top center portion of the bar to create a wing-like shape; perfect for riders seeking additional flair in their setup while maintaining functionality. Find this style on our MGX P2 Pro Scooter here.
• Gusseted Y-bars: A more robust option due to added gussets (reinforcements) connecting vertical tubes to horizontal crossbars; suitable if you require extra support during intense rides. Find this style on our Origin Team Scooter here.

In addition to material selection and design aesthetics, proper bar sizing is crucial for optimal performance. Ensure that the height and width of your chosen bars align with your body measurements and personal preferences.

Check out our "Scooter Bar Height: Ultimate Guide for Comfort & Performance" here.

 

Selecting an Appropriate Fork for Your Needs

The fork serves as a direct link between your bars, deck, and front wheel so selecting one that suits your needs is crucial. Threadless forks offer maximum strength and performance during pro scooter tricks while coming in different weights, strengths, and styles.

Advantages of Threadless Forks

Threadless forks are preferred by many scooter riders due to their increased durability and ease of installation. They eliminate the need for threaded headsets or lock nuts which can wear out over time. Additionally, threadless forks provide better stability during tricks since they distribute stress more evenly across the fork's structure.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fork

• Material: Pro scooter forks are typically made from aluminum or steel alloys. Aluminum offers lighter weight but may be less durable than steel counterparts.
• Fork Offset: The distance between the centerline of the steerer tube and axle determines how responsive your scooter will feel when turning corners or performing tricks.
• Axle Compatibility: Ensure that your chosen fork is compatible with both your wheel size (100mm-120mm) and axle type (standard or integrated).
• Fork Style & Design: Some riders prefer sleek minimalist designs while others opt for unique cutouts or graphics on their pro scooter forks - choose one that matches your personal style.

 

Picking the Perfect Deck Size & Style

Pro Scooter Decks are arguably the most significant component of stunt scooters since they affect everything from weight distribution to trick execution capabilities. Like BMX riders bikes, the Pro Scooter Deck has a large impact on rider comfort. Decks vary by price range, length, width, and concave, with aircraft-grade aluminum construction providing lightweight durability suitable for riders of all sizes. Pro scooters don't have a folding mechanism unlike many electric scooters on the market. In this section, we will help you determine the ideal deck dimensions and explore popular deck styles.

Determining Ideal Deck Dimensions

Choosing the right size of your scooter's deck depends on your height, shoe size, and riding style. Longer and wider scooter decks offer more stability but may be harder to maneuver for young riders during tricks. On the other hand, shorter and narrower pro scooter decks allow for easier control during stunts but might feel less stable when cruising at high speeds or performing jumps. Here's a helpful guide to find out which dimensions suit you best:

• For young riders: 4" to 4.5" wide by 19" to 20" long
• For intermediate or park riders: 4.5" to 5" wide by 20" to 22" long
• For pro or street riders: 5" to 5.5" wide by 22" to 24" long

When selecting a deck, consider your riding style and preferences to ensure the best possible experience on your pro scooter. We offer a wide range trick scooters as well as decks to build up the ultimate smooth ride. If you're not ready to graduate to a pro scooter yet, we also have a large range of kids scooters with folding mechanism for general cruising around.

 

Familiarity with Integrated Headsets

Integrated headsets are an essential component of pro scooters as they allow the fork tube to rotate smoothly within the head tube. This rotation is crucial for steering your scooter and performing various maneuvers. Choosing the right integrated headset for your scooter is essential to maximizing performance, so we'll discuss its benefits here.

Benefits of Integrated Headsets

• Better fit: Integrated headsets offer a superior fit compared to non-integrated options, ensuring perfect alignment between your bars, forks, and deck.
• Smoother rotations: The precise fitment provided by integrated headsets results in smoother fork rotations during tricks or turns.
• Easier maintenance: Since integrated headset bearings sit directly inside the frame's cups without additional parts required, it makes them easier to clean and maintain.

How to Choose the Right Headset

To select an appropriate integrated headset for your kick scooters setup for the ultimate smooth ride.

1. Bearing type: The two most common bearing types found in integrated headsets are sealed cartridge bearings (SCB) and angular contact ball bearings (ACBB). SCBs provide better protection against dirt while ACBBs handle side loads more efficiently. 
2. Compatibility: Your chosen headset must be compatible with both your scooter's deck design (integrated vs non-integrated) as well as its compression system. Consult manufacturer specifications or seek advice from experts at reputable scooter shops to ensure compatibility.

 

 

Understanding Pro Scooter Clamps

The clamp is a crucial component of your pro scooter, as it's responsible for securely holding your bars and fork together. You can find Double and Triple Clamps on the various Madd Gear models. In this section, we'll help you choose the most suitable clamp for your scooter setup.

Different Types of Clamps

• Double Clamp: These clamps have two bolts that secure the bars to the fork. They are lightweight and ideal for beginners or riders who prefer less weight on their scooters.
• Triple Clamp: Featuring three bolts instead of two, these clamps provide extra strength and stability compared to double clamps. They're perfect for intermediate riders looking to perform more advanced tricks.

 

Wheels & Urethane Compounds Explained

Pro scooter wheels play a crucial role in the overall performance and feel of your ride and are one of the most replaced parts by scooter riders. Wheels are generally the first part to wear and for beginner riders, especially the rear wheel. There is no difference in size between the front and rear wheel of kick scooters. The core and urethane of wheels are integral to the ride experience, so understanding their differences is essential when selecting a set. Let's look at how wheels can influence the ride quality and aid you in deciding which wheels to get for your stunt scooters.

Wheel Core Designs

The wheel core is responsible for providing support during freestyle riding. There are several different designs available, each offering unique benefits:

• Metal-core wheels: These offer maximum strength and durability, making them ideal for riders who perform advanced tricks or put their scooters through rigorous use.
• Nylon-core wheels: A lighter alternative to metal cores, nylon cores still provide ample support but may not be as durable under extreme conditions. 
• Hollow-core wheels: These innovative designs reduce weight without sacrificing strength by utilizing hollowed-out sections within the core itself. 

Selecting the Right Urethane Compound

Besides choosing a suitable core design, it's essential to consider which urethane compound best suits your needs as well. Urethane compounds vary in hardness, grip, and durability:

• Harder urethane: Offers faster speeds and increased durability but may have less grip on certain surfaces.
• Softer urethane: Provides better grip and smoother rides at the expense of speed and longevity.

 

Compression Systems & Brakes

The compression system is a crucial component of your pro scooter, as it holds the bars, fork, and deck together while allowing you to fine-tune your headset for optimal performance. If you're at the park to perform stunts, you're going to want to have your compression system dialed.

Types of Compression Systems

• HIC (Hidden Internal Compression): HIC is a popular choice among riders due to its simplicity and effectiveness. It uses an oversized bar with a shim that fits over the fork's steerer tube.
• IHC (Internal Compression System) This is a version of the HIC but with standard sized bars to save weight. This is used across the Madd Gear Pro Scooter range.
• ICS (Inverted Compression System): ICS involves using a long bolt that runs through the fork's steerer tube and attaches to a star nut inside the bars. This system requires standard-sized bars with no slit cut into them.
• SCS (Standard Compression System): SCS combines both clamp and compression into one unit, making it highly reliable but slightly heavier than other options. 

Brake Options:

Your pro scooter's brake plays an essential role in controlling speed during tricks or descents down ramps. There are two main types of brakes:

• Flex Fender Brake: This brake type uses a flexible metal or composite fender that presses against the wheel to slow down your scooter. Flex fenders are quiet and require minimal maintenance.
• Spring Brake: Spring brakes use a coiled spring mechanism for increased stopping power. They can be louder than flex fenders and may need more frequent adjustments or replacements due to wear.

FAQs in Relation to Pro Scooter Buying

What is a pro scooters?

A pro scooter, also known as a stunt or trick scooter, is designed for performing tricks and stunts at skate parks. They feature durable construction with high-quality parts such as bars, forks, decks, headsets, clamps, wheels, and compression systems to withstand repeated impacts. Trick scooters are typically more expensive than regular scooters due to their specialized components but are less expensive than electric scooters.

Why are stunt scooters so expensive?

Pro scooters are more expensive because they use higher quality materials and components that can endure the stress of extreme stunts and tricks. These premium parts provide better performance and durability compared to standard recreational scooters. The cost of research & development for innovative designs also contributes to their price.

How much does the average pro scooter cost?

When Pro Scooter Buying, how much should you expect to pay? The average cost of a pro scooter ranges from $150-$400 depending on factors like build quality, materials and features offered. Entry-level models may be cheaper while professional-grade options can exceed this range significantly. While pricey, they are still often cheaper than electric scooters.

Is professional scootering a thing?

Yes, professional scootering is an established sport with dedicated athletes competing in events worldwide such as ISF World Scooter Championships. It has gained popularity over recent years thanks to social media platforms showcasing talented riders performing impressive tricks at skate parks globally.

Conclusion

Pro Scooter Buying can be intimidating, but with the proper understanding and the help of this Pro Scooter Buying Guide, you can select an ideal one that meets your requirements. From bars to wheels, every component plays an important role in creating a smooth ride and allowing riders to perform stunts.

Madd Gear is the perfect choice for those looking to take their riding skills to new heights, thanks to our expertise in designing top-notch scooters.

• Pro Scooter Parts: Bars, forks, decks, headset clamps, wheels, compression systems, and brakes are all crucial parts of any Pro Scooter.
• Choosing The Right Bars: Steel vs Aluminum bars and different bar styles should be considered before making a purchase.
• Selecting An Appropriate Fork: Advantages of threadless forks and factors that should be taken into account when choosing one.
• Picking The Perfect Deck Size and Style: Determining ideal deck dimensions and popular deck styles. Scooters with a folding mechanism are not for stunts.
• Familiar With Integrated Headsets: The benefits of integrated headsets and how to choose the right one.
• Understanding Pro Scooter Clamps: Different types of clamps and factors that should be taken into account when choosing one.

When it comes to pro scooter riders doing tricks, having the right equipment is crucial. Pro scooter riders decks and pro scooter wheels are designed to withstand the wear and tear of performing stunts. Madd Gear offers a huge range of pro scooters to suit every rider's needs.