Kryptonics skateboards are good. They are mid-quality, budget skateboards that are cool for beginners or anyone trying skateboarding on a budget.
The Kryptonics skateboarding company has revolutionized the multi-billion dollar skateboarding industry by creating an affordable line of skateboards with different wheels.
Kryptonics skateboards are affordable, so they are good for skating on a budget.
But are Kryptonics skateboards that good?
No, they are not as valuable as some people make them seem. There are several more high-quality boards you can invest in if you want to fully go into skateboarding. However, if you are a beginner or just trying out skateboarding on a whim, Kryptonics skateboards are an excellent buy.
In this article, we will examine whether you should invest in a Kryptonics skateboard or if you have better options.
Why Kryptonics Skateboards?
Kryptonics skateboards are easily one of the most affordable skateboard options out there. They have a good solid deck. They tend to be on the heavier side as they are made with nine plies of maple wood, so it’s harder to do flip tricks on them.
Their bearings are rated ABEC-3 and come with substantial wheels, making them great for road skateboarding.
You can get one for just $30, so they are often referred to as Walmart boards. This is because they aren’t professional-grade, and you can get them in Walmart, Target, Krogers, or on Amazon.
These boards are entry-level and suitable for children or people learning how to skate. Also, many people prefer Kryptonics boards because they usually come pre-assembled. So instead of figuring out assembling a custom board, you can get straight down to business.
While there are good reasons to be concerned about the quality, they are still a good investment for those who want to see how far your interest in skating will go.
Additionally, this can be the perfect ‘extra-skateboard.’ You can keep it in your trunk whenever you feel the urge to skateboard.
How Much Does a Kryptonics Skateboard Cost?
A Kryptonics skateboard can cost as low as $30. Most of the brand’s products are below $60. Customized sets like the Kryptonics Spongeboard board for kids cost between $70-$80, but there are a few, like the Kryptonics Locker Board set, which costs just $11 on Amazon.
These are all cheaper than you’ll typically find with other brands. Kryptonics was a high-end brand that single-handedly dominated the skateboard industry before changing strategy.
Their products are available on Amazon, eBay, and Walmart, and you can also get them directly from the Kryptonics store.
What to Look for in a Kryptonics Skateboard?
When purchasing a Kryptonics skateboard, you should consider a few factors to pick the best one for you.
Quality of Materials
The materials used to make up the components of a skateboard are important. You should consider the deck’s materials, wheels, trucks, bearings, and bushings.
Poor quality materials may cause the skateboard not to last or make it inefficient. For example, you can’t use the Kryptonics Locker Board with plastic wheels for most tricks.
Deck Type
A skateboard deck makes all the difference in performance. Most people favor 30-60-inch decks for cruising, while they prefer around 40 inches for commuting. The width size is usually between 7-8 inches.
Bearings
Kryptonics skateboards are known for their lowering bearings. While many brands use at least ABEC-7 bearings for smoother and faster rides, some of the best Kryptonics boards use just ABEC-5 bearings. Still, it’s best to go for Kryptonics with ABEC-5 rather than ABEC-3.
Level of Maintenance
Kryptonics are easy to maintain, especially since new wheels and parts are readily available on Amazon. Also, consider whether the bearings and bushings will be easy to clean and how often you’ll have to clean them.
Wheel Types
The wheels of a skateboard determine its capacity on different terrains. It also determines the speed and control of a board. Most mini boards have wheels in the 55-60mm range. Street board wheels start at 50mm-55mm, but cruiser wheels can be as large as 76mm.
Pros of a Kryptonics Skateboard
Here are some advantages Kryptonics skateboards offer.
- These boards are super affordable and highly available. You can find them in Walmart, Target, or even local grocery stores and buy them on a whim.
- Kryptonics has been around for a long time, so they have the brand name to make good quality but affordable options you can trust.
- It’s an excellent option for beginners, especially those trying to figure out their interests. It’s not a high commitment as it’s affordable, yet it’s solid enough for a new skateboarder to practice on.
- You can purchase Kryptonics wheels and part replacements on Amazon. Wheels are usually the parts that require constant change, so a readily available option puts skaters at ease.
- Kryptonics decks are mostly made from 9-ply marble wood (or 7-8 plies). This makes them flexible and strong and provides a smooth and grippy ride.
- The brand has some high-end vintage skateboards and wheels with advantages over their regular boards.
Cons of a Kryptonics Skateboard
Here are some of the cons of buying a Kryptonics skateboard.
- It has a weight capacity limitation of 110 to 220 pounds, so it’s unsuitable for heavier people.
- This board feels cheap, especially if you are an experienced rider who wants to go faster and perform tricks.
- The bearings available, like ABEC-3 and ABEC-5, are low-quality rating bearings. Most modern skateboards have at least ABEC-7 bearings, which makes them faster and smoother.
- The board is heavier because of the plywood material, so it’s harder to perform pop-off or flip tricks.
- The medium-hard wheels some Kryptonics skateboards offer are not suitable for rough terrains.
- Stock Kryptonics skateboards sometimes come with sub-par parts and wheels, and they get bad-quality control ratings.
Top Three Kryptonics Skateboard Picks
Here are some of our favorite Kryptonics skateboards
Kryptonics Drop-In Series 31-Inch Complete Skateboard
This Kryptonics skateboard is great for professional riders on a budget. It’s one of Kryptonics’ highest quality skateboards with excellent features.
The 31-inch deck material is made of wood, which is great for performing tricks.
In addition, it has a 5-inch aluminum truck and 52mm skateboard wheels, which gives it a decent speed. The maximum capacity is 220 pounds with an ABEC-3 carbon steel bearing.
Kryptonics Super Fat Cruiser
This is one of the indisputably best Kryptonics you can find. It’s great as a cruising board for beginners and intermediate skaters.
It is made of 8-ply maple wood, with 30.5 by 9.75 inches dimensions. The 65mm× 51mm polyurethane wheels are neither too hard or soft, so they guarantee a smooth ride. It comes with a riser pad and has a maximum load capacity of 220 pounds.
However, it has a carbon-steel ABEC-5 bearing rating, which is lower than most brands with the same skateboard features.
Kryptonics Locker Board Complete Skateboard Set
This is the best Kryptonics skateboard for lightweight newbies and children. It’s made with 9-plies pure Canadian maple wood, which gives it sufficient flexibility.
They are highly affordable, come with plastic trucks, and have high-quality PU-based wheels. It’s suitable for rough terrains, and the compact size makes it portable enough for a backpack or locker.
However, it only has a 110 pounds weight limit, and the plastic trucks are not remotely good for tricks like ollies. It also has a shorter deck.
Other Brands to Consider
As we’ve mentioned, Kryptonics is not as sought after as it once was. While the brand made the first color-coded line of wheels and the Star Trac wheels, more brands offer more at a relatively reasonable price.
Here are some brands you should consider
Mini Logo
Mini Logo is a great skateboarding brand that sells affordable yet quality boards. You can find decks and trucks for less than $40 each and wheels for less than $25.
You can get the entire Mini Logo skateboard setup for about $100. In addition, they offer several graphics and color options.
SkateXS
This is the perfect brand if you want to buy a skateboard for your kids. They sell complete high-quality skateboards on the pricier end of the spectrum.
Still, these are the best gift for a child who has shown considerable interest in skateboarding.
Element
Element Skateboards is easily one of the best skateboard companies out there. The founder has long-term skating experience, which reflects in their products’ quality.
The brand has partnered with big names in the media, like Star Wars, but they still have affordable skateboards in the $110-$120 range.
Final Thoughts
Kryptonics skateboards are good mid-quality boards for beginners and kids. So, if you are still trying to figure out your interest in skateboarding, you can easily pick up one of these entry-price skateboards before investing heavily in a professional setup.
These boards are great, have unique wheels, and can do the job. Still, they are not built for long-term skating, especially if you will often be practicing and performing tricks.