If you're looking to get into skating, picking up a skate element complete is probably one of the smartest moves you can make. It takes the guesswork out of building a board from scratch, which, let's be honest, can be pretty overwhelming when you're just starting out. Instead of staring at a wall of individual decks, trucks, and wheels wondering if they'll even fit together, you just grab one box and you're ready to hit the pavement.
Element has been around since the early 90s, and they've basically become the gold standard for boards that balance quality with a reasonable price tag. You've probably seen their "Tree" logo everywhere—from local parks to X-Games highlights. There's a reason for that staying power. They make gear that actually lasts, even when you're repeatedly throwing it against a concrete ledge while trying to learn how to kickflip.
Why Element is Still a Big Deal
It's easy to get lost in the sea of skate brands today. Every week there's a new boutique company popping up on Instagram with flashy graphics. But Element is one of those "legacy" brands that hasn't really lost its soul. They started with a focus on being eco-conscious and staying connected to the "elements" (nature, wood, etc.), and that vibe still carries through their current lineups.
When you buy a skate element complete, you're getting a deck made from 7-ply maple. This isn't that flimsy, "toy store" wood that snaps the second you land a little too heavy on the nose. It's legitimate, professional-grade wood. Sure, their completes might use a slightly different construction than their top-tier $80 individual pro decks, but for most skaters—especially those just starting or coming back after a long break—the difference is negligible. You're getting plenty of "pop," which is that snappy feeling you need to get the board off the ground.
What Actually Comes in the Box?
One of the best things about going with a complete setup is that the components are matched to work together. If you buy a deck that's 8.0 inches wide, Element ensures the trucks are the perfect width for that specific board. You won't have wheels sticking out past the sides like a monster truck, and you won't have tiny trucks that make the board feel unstable.
Usually, a skate element complete comes with: * The Deck: High-quality maple with various graphic options. * The Trucks: Usually "raw" polished aluminum trucks that are sturdy but not overly heavy. * The Wheels: Typically a medium-hard wheel (around 95a to 99a durometer), which is great for all-around skating. * The Bearings: Element-branded ABEC 5 or ABEC 7 bearings that roll smooth right out of the gate. * Grip Tape & Hardware: Already applied and tightened so you don't have to mess with a skate tool immediately.
It's a "plug and play" situation. You pull it out of the box, check the kingpin to see if the trucks are as tight or loose as you like them, and then you're off.
Choosing the Right Size for Your Style
Size matters a lot in skating, but maybe not in the way you think. It's mostly about how the board feels under your feet. Most Element completes come in standard sizes ranging from 7.75 inches to 8.25 inches wide.
If you're a smaller person or you really want to focus on technical flip tricks, a 7.75 or an 8.0 is usually the way to go. These boards are lighter and easier to flip around quickly. On the flip side, if you have bigger feet or you want to spend more time in a bowl or a halfpipe, you might want to look for an 8.25. That extra bit of width gives you a more stable platform to land on, which is a lifesaver when you're coming down from a ramp.
Don't overthink it too much, though. Most people find that an 8.0-inch skate element complete is the "Goldilocks" size—just right for pretty much everything.
Performance on the Street vs. the Park
I've spent a lot of time on different setups, and I've found that Element completes handle transitions between the street and the park better than most. The wheels they include are usually a bit more forgiving than the rock-hard wheels the pros use. If you're skating on a crusty driveway or a slightly rough sidewalk, you won't feel every single pebble vibrating through your teeth.
In the skatepark, these boards really shine. The concave (the slight curve across the width of the deck) is usually pretty mellow. This is great because it doesn't feel like your feet are being forced into a specific spot, but you still have enough "flick" to get the board moving. Whether you're just learning to roll down a bank or trying to grind a flat bar, the board feels predictable. And in skating, predictability is your best friend.
Saving Money Without Sacrificing Quality
Let's talk money for a second. If you were to buy all the parts for a professional-grade skateboard separately, you'd easily be looking at spending $150 to $180. A skate element complete usually costs significantly less than that, often hovering around the $80 to $110 mark depending on the model and the shop.
You might wonder where that price difference comes from. Most of the time, it's the trucks and bearings. While they aren't the high-end $60 trucks you see sold individually, the components on an Element complete are miles better than any "no-name" board you'll find on a big-box retailer's shelf. They are designed by people who actually skate, for people who want to skate. It's the perfect middle ground where you get a "real" skateboard without having to empty your entire savings account.
How to Maintain Your New Setup
Even though your skate element complete is ready to go right away, a little bit of maintenance goes a long way. Skateboarding is inherently rough on gear. You're literally jumping on it and sliding it against metal and concrete.
Every couple of weeks, it's a good idea to check your hardware. Vibrations from skating can loosen the nuts that hold your trucks to the deck. If you hear a weird rattling sound when you roll, that's usually the culprit. Just give them a quick turn with a tool. Also, keep an eye on your bearings. If they start getting loud or stop spinning as long, a drop of bearing lubricant can bring them back to life. Just whatever you do, don't use WD-40—it actually attracts more dirt and will ruin your bearings in the long run.
Why This is the Right Choice for Beginners
The biggest hurdle for new skaters is often the gear. If you start on a bad board, you're going to have a bad time. Cheap boards don't roll well, they don't turn well, and they don't pop. It makes a difficult sport feel almost impossible.
When you start with a skate element complete, you're removing those barriers. You know the board is going to turn when you lean. You know the wheels are going to keep spinning after one push. Having that baseline of quality allows you to focus on the fun part: actually learning how to ride. Plus, Element graphics are iconic. There's a certain boost of confidence that comes from looking down and seeing a board that looks as good as it performs.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, skating is about getting outside and having a blast. Whether you're 8 years old or 38, there's something incredibly satisfying about the feeling of four wheels on concrete. Element has managed to stay relevant for decades because they understand that.
Picking up a skate element complete is a tribute to that history. It's a solid, reliable, and stylish way to join the community. You get a board that's built to take a beating, components that are designed to work in harmony, and a brand name that skaters actually respect. So, stop over-analyzing the specs and just get out there. The pavement is waiting, and honestly, that board isn't going to ride itself!