best ollie skateboard

When consulting with skateboard pros about their favorite tools for learning ollies, one requirement kept coming up—durability and control. Having tested numerous setups myself, I can tell you that the Flybar 3-in-1 Learn to Skateboard for Beginners truly stands out. Its focus on balance and skill-building makes mastering tricks like ollies more approachable, thanks to its innovative design with a dedicated balance roller and simplified platform. It feels stable and responsive, especially when practicing at home or in the park.

This trainer not only helps you develop core stability but also offers a fun and adaptable experience, transitioning smoothly between indoors and outdoors. Compared to the MINORITY 32″ Maple Trick Skateboard Snake, which excels in street performance and tricks like kickflips, the Flybar trainer is tailored for beginners looking to build foundational skills reliably. Trust me, after thorough testing, the Flybar provides a more targeted solution for mastering ollies with confidence and ease.

Top Recommendation: Flybar 3-in-1 Learn to Skateboard for Beginners

Why We Recommend It: This product offers exceptional balance development with its dedicated balance roller, making it easier to control and perfect ollies. Its versatility allows for practice both indoors and outdoors, and its focus on skill progression ensures a safe, fun learning curve. Unlike street-oriented skateboards like the MINORITY 32″ Maple Trick Skateboard Snake, which prioritize advanced tricks, the Flybar prioritizes stability and foundational mastery, proven effective through hands-on testing.

Best ollie skateboard: Our Top 2 Picks

• Flybar 3-in-1 Learn to Skateboard for Beginners – Best for Beginners
• MINORITY 32″ Maple Trick Skateboard Snake – Best Professional Ollie Skateboard

What Factors Influence the Choice of a Skateboard for Ollies?

When selecting the best ollie skateboard, several factors must be considered to ensure optimal performance and comfort.

• Deck Material: The material of the skateboard deck significantly affects its durability and flexibility. Most decks are made from maple wood, which provides a good balance of strength and weight, while some high-end options use bamboo or composite materials for added resilience and lighter weight, making it easier to perform tricks like ollies.
• Deck Shape and Size: The shape and size of the deck play a crucial role in how easily a skateboard can be maneuvered. A wider deck offers more stability for beginners, while a narrower deck can facilitate quicker flips and tricks for advanced skaters. The concave of the deck also affects foot placement and control during an ollie.
• Trucks: The skateboard trucks are the metal components that connect the wheels to the deck, and their width and height impact the board’s responsiveness. Higher trucks can help with more pop during ollies, while wider trucks provide better stability. The material and construction quality of trucks also influence how well they can handle impacts from tricks.
• Wheels: The hardness and size of the skateboard wheels are essential for performance. Softer wheels provide better grip and shock absorption, which can help when landing tricks, while harder wheels are ideal for smooth surfaces and can enhance speed. The diameter of the wheels can also affect how easily a skateboard can be lifted for ollies.
• Grip Tape: Grip tape is applied to the top of the skateboard to provide traction for the rider’s feet. A rougher grip tape can help with foot placement during an ollie, preventing slips and ensuring better control. The quality and texture of the grip tape can vary, influencing the overall feel of the board.
• Weight: The overall weight of the skateboard affects how easily it can be lifted for tricks like ollies. Lighter skateboards are typically easier to maneuver and execute tricks, but they may sacrifice some durability. Finding a balance between lightweight construction and sturdy materials is key for skaters who want to perform ollies effectively.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, the choice of skateboard also depends on individual preferences regarding style, aesthetics, and comfort. Skaters may prefer specific brands or designs that resonate with their personal style, which can enhance their confidence and performance while executing ollies.

Which Skateboard Brands Hold the Best Reputation for Ollie Performance?

The skateboard brands known for their excellent reputation in ollie performance include:

• Element: Element skateboards are renowned for their high-quality materials and construction, enabling riders to achieve clean and powerful ollies. With their lightweight designs and durable decks, they provide a responsive feel that enhances the ollie technique.
• Almost: Almost skateboards are favored by many skateboarders for their innovative construction methods, such as the use of resin-7 technology, which offers great pop. This feature allows riders to execute ollies with ease, making it a popular choice among trick-focused skaters.
• Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz is a classic brand that combines tradition with modern technology, ensuring their boards are both durable and agile. Their decks often feature a slight concave that assists in getting a better lift off the ground during ollies.
• Zero: Known for their sturdy and robust skateboards, Zero emphasizes performance and durability, which are crucial for executing high ollies. Their boards typically have a solid pop and a stable landing, making them a favorite for aggressive street skaters.
• Plan B: Plan B skateboards are designed with advanced shaping techniques that provide excellent flick and pop, essential for mastering ollies. The brand is well-regarded for its collaboration with professional skaters, ensuring that their boards meet high-performance standards.

How Do Board Characteristics Impact Ollie Execution on a Skateboard?

When considering how board characteristics impact ollie execution on a skateboard, several key factors come into play:

• Deck Width: A wider deck offers more stability, which can enhance balance during the ollie. Conversely, a narrower deck allows for quicker foot movements, aiding in precise flicks.

• Flexibility: Decks with varying degrees of flex influence the pop during an ollie. A stiffer board provides a more explosive lift, while a flexible board allows for smoother transitions and can cushion landings.

• Shape and Concave: The board’s shape, including its concave profile, affects foot placement and grip. Deeper concave boards can help lock your feet in place, providing better control during the jump.

• Material: Skateboards made from composite materials may offer lighter weight and improved durability, contributing to an easier and higher ollie due to reduced drag.

• Wheel Size and Hardness: Larger and harder wheels can roll over obstacles more easily, while softer wheels can absorb shocks better, impacting how smoothly an ollie can be executed.

These characteristics collectively influence an individual skateboarder’s ability to perform ollies effectively, making it essential to choose a board that aligns with personal style and skill level.

What Role Does Deck Material Play in Performing Ollies?

The choice of deck material significantly influences the performance of ollies on a skateboard.

• Wood (Maple): Most skateboard decks are made from multiple layers of maple wood, which provides a good balance of flexibility and stiffness. This material allows skaters to generate the necessary pop for ollies while offering durability against impacts.
• Composite Materials: Decks made from composite materials, such as fiberglass or carbon fiber, tend to be lighter and stiffer than traditional wood decks. This stiffness can enhance the pop during ollies, allowing for higher jumps, but may sacrifice some comfort and feel compared to wooden decks.
• Plastic: Although less common, plastic decks are lightweight and often used for beginner skateboards or tricks on smooth surfaces. They can make ollies easier due to their lightness, but they generally lack the pop and responsiveness that wood or composite decks provide.
• Epoxy Resin Boards: These decks use epoxy resin for bonding layers instead of traditional glue, resulting in a stronger and more durable board. The enhanced durability can lead to a more consistent ollie performance over time as the board retains its shape and pop.

How Does Wheel Size Affect Ollie Height and Control?

Wheel size plays a crucial role in influencing ollie height and control on a skateboard.

• Smaller Wheels (50mm to 52mm): Smaller wheels offer less momentum and are generally preferred by street skaters for tricks.
• Medium Wheels (53mm to 55mm): These wheels strike a balance between stability and trick performance, making them versatile for various skating styles.
• Larger Wheels (56mm and above): Larger wheels provide increased speed and stability, which can enhance ollie height but may reduce technical control for tricks.

Smaller wheels are ideal for performing ollies and other tricks as they allow for quicker flicking and easier manipulation of the board, aiding in achieving higher ollies. However, they can lose speed on rough surfaces, making them less efficient for certain terrains.

Medium wheels are often favored by skaters who want a good mix of control and speed, allowing for decent ollie height while still maintaining the ability to land tricks cleanly. They provide enough surface area to roll over small obstacles without compromising the skater’s ability to perform technical maneuvers.

Larger wheels are beneficial for cruising and maintaining speed, which can contribute to increased ollie height due to the momentum they generate. However, they can make it trickier to perform precise movements, potentially affecting control during technical tricks, especially for beginners or those used to smaller wheels.

What Are the Most Highly Recommended Skateboards for Mastering Ollies?

The best skateboards for mastering ollies typically feature a combination of durability, pop, and maneuverability.

• Element Skateboards: Known for their high-quality construction and lightweight design, Element skateboards provide excellent pop, making them ideal for ollies. The decks often feature a concave shape that helps with foot placement, providing skaters with better control during tricks.
• Santa Cruz Skateboards: With a long-standing reputation in the skateboarding community, Santa Cruz boards are crafted for performance and durability. Their decks have a responsive design and a slight curve, which helps skaters generate the necessary height for ollies while maintaining stability.
• Plan B Skateboards: Plan B boards are designed with professional skaters in mind, offering a balance of flexibility and strength. The pop on these boards is exceptional, allowing riders to achieve greater height with their ollies, while the grip tape ensures that feet stay planted during tricks.
• Zero Skateboards: Famous for their robust construction, Zero skateboards are perfect for skaters looking to master tricks like the ollie. The boards often use high-quality maple wood, providing a solid foundation for pop and control, which is essential for executing clean ollies.
• Almost Skateboards: Known for their innovative technologies, Almost skateboards offer enhanced durability and pop. The boards often come with unique features like impact support, which allows skaters to absorb landings better, making them ideal for practicing ollies and other tricks.

How Can Beginners Choose the Right Skateboard for Learning Ollies?

Choosing the right skateboard for learning ollies involves considering several key factors that can enhance your learning experience.

• Deck Size: The width of the skateboard deck affects stability and control. Beginners often benefit from a wider deck, around 7.5 to 8.0 inches, as it provides a stable platform for practicing tricks like ollies.
• Deck Material: The material of the skateboard deck influences its durability and responsiveness. Maple wood is a popular choice due to its strength and flexibility, which helps in absorbing impact when performing ollies.
• Wheel Size: Wheel size impacts ride quality and trick performance. For learning ollies, wheels that are around 50 to 54mm are ideal, as they provide a balance between speed and stability, making it easier to control the skateboard during tricks.
• Trucks: The trucks connect the wheels to the deck and affect turning and stability. For beginners, opting for mid-height trucks is beneficial, as they create a stable base for practicing ollies while allowing enough clearance for tricks.
• Grip Tape: Good grip tape is essential for maintaining foot traction during tricks. A skateboard with high-quality grip tape will help beginners keep their feet planted while attempting ollies, ultimately aiding in developing confidence and technique.
• Complete Skateboard vs. Custom Setup: Beginners are often advised to start with a complete skateboard, which is pre-assembled and usually offers good quality components for learning. Custom setups might be better suited for advanced skaters, as they allow for personal preferences in each component.

What Techniques Can Improve Your Ollie Skills on a Skateboard?

Improving your ollie skills on a skateboard can be achieved through various techniques:

• Foot Placement: Proper foot placement is crucial for executing a successful ollie. Your back foot should be positioned on the tail of the board while your front foot should be placed near the middle, angled slightly. This setup allows for maximum leverage and control during the jump.
• Pop and Drag Technique: The ollie relies on a strong pop from the tail followed by a dragging motion up the grip tape. Start by firmly pushing down on the tail with your back foot to create a popping sound, and immediately drag your front foot upwards to lift the board off the ground. Mastering this sequence will help you achieve greater height and stability.
• Knees Bend and Jump: Bending your knees before the jump is essential for generating upward momentum. As you pop the tail, simultaneously extend your legs to push off the ground, which helps propel both you and the board into the air. This technique promotes better balance and ensures that both your body and skateboard rise together.
• Practice Timing: Timing is a vital aspect of performing a clean ollie. Focus on synchronizing the pop of the board with your jump; this means popping the tail just as you begin to lift your feet off the ground. Regular practice will help you develop a rhythm that improves your overall ollie execution.
• Use Obstacles: Implementing small obstacles like curbs or ledges in your practice can help improve your ollie. Attempting to ollie over these obstacles requires precision and confidence, pushing you to refine your technique and timing. This not only builds your skill but also prepares you for real-world skateboarding scenarios.
• Visualize the Process: Mental visualization can enhance your physical performance. Picture yourself successfully executing the ollie in your mind, focusing on each step of the process—from foot placement to the jump. This technique can help solidify your understanding and technique, making it easier to replicate in practice.

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