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FINDING YOUR PERFECT FIT: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FINGERBOARD WIDTH
a month ago
4 min read

FINDING YOUR PERFECT FIT: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FINGERBOARD WIDTH

Most users of a fingerboard system are interested in deck graphics, wheels, or trucks when creating a set up.

These all play a role but one of the most crucial choices is selecting a fingerboard width. The width of your fingerboard will have a direct impact on comfort, control, stability and performance.

If you are just getting started on the fingerboard or you just want to get the right one for you, it's important to know the width of the fingerboard. In this guide we'll explore how to choose the correct fingerboard width.

The width of the fingers on a fingerboard is important for many reasons.

The width of the fingers determines the feel of the board under your fingers and its performance in tricks. A wider deck will have a larger surface area and a narrower deck will respond faster. The right width can make learning tricks easier and help to have more consistency.

Although fingerboarders don't have to select the width of the board like skateboarders, it is a factor they should take into account when setting up their board.

Common Fingerboard Widths

29mm to 30mm

They are known as narrow decks and were more prevalent in previous generations of fingerboarding.

Benefits:

  • Lightweight feel

  • Faster flip tricks

  • Quick response

Drawbacks:

  • Less stability

  • Smaller landing area

These widths are typically favored by those who favor technical flips and a very responsive setup.

32mm Fingerboards

The 32mm size is regarded as the standard size and is still one of the most popular sizes available today.

Benefits:

  • Very good balance between stability and responsiveness.

  • Appropriate for all skill levels

  • Ideal for technical and street tricks

A 32mm fingerboard is popular for many riders as it is neither too wide nor too narrow.

34mm Fingerboards

34mm decks are one of the most popular sizes for the fingerboard amongst today's fingerboarders and offer greater stability and control.

Benefits:

  • Larger landing platform

  • Improved balance

  • Improved control of problems

Those who like fingerboarding tend to find themselves drawn to 34mm configurations because they are quite similar in proportions to today's skateboards.

36mm and Wider

Riders with a focus on stability and comfort are turning to extra-wide fingerboards.

Benefits:

  • Maximum control

  • Easier landings

  • Ideal for obstacle and transition riding.Perfect for transitions and obstacles.

But larger decks will take a little longer to do flip tricks on than smaller ones.

Consider Your Finger Size

A simple method for determining the width of the fingerboard is to take into account the size of fingers.

Smaller Fingers

A 32mm deck might be easier for smaller hands or fingers and make handling more comfortable.

Larger Fingers

The 34mm or wider decks are good for riders with larger fingers as they give more space and control while performing tricks.

The choice of your setup should always be based on comfort.

Match Width to Your Riding Style

The width you choose may depend on your preferred riding style.

Technical Riders

If you enjoy:

  • Kickflips

  • Heelflips

  • Tre flips

  • Technical combinations

If it's responsiveness you're after, a tighter configuration like 32mm might be the way to go.

Street and Realistic Riders

If you focus on:

  • Rails

  • Ledges

  • Realistic lines

  • Consistency

A 34mm setup is an all-to-catch-all setup that can provide the ideal mix of control and realism.

Smoothly transition between riding and walking, and park that bike.

If you have more time on your bike:

  • Bowls

  • Ramps

  • Quarter pipes

The wider the deck the more stable and confident it will be.

The width and compatibility with trucks.The width and applicability to trucks.

A crucial factor many new users tend to miss is the Truck-to-deck width ratio.

For optimal performance:

  • The 32mm deck is the most compatible with the 32mm trucks.

  • The best truck sizes to fit the 34mm decks are 34mm.

  • Different trucks are needed for wider decks.

Mixing and matching parts can have an adverse impact on balance, wheel alignment and performance.

Be sure to check compatibility when creating a full system.

So, which size is for the Beginners: 32mm or 34mm?

One of the most frequent questions of new fingerboarders.

Choose 32mm If:

  • You would like something to feel more 'light'.

  • You like tricks and techniques.

  • You have smaller fingers.

Choose 34mm If:

  • You prefer a more steady environment.

  • Learning hacks and want more space to land.

  • You'd like to stick to realistic skateboard proportions.

The larger platform makes tricks easier to practice on for many beginners and that's why 34mm is easier to get started on.

Experiment and Find Your Preference

The reality is there is no perfect width of fingerboard. Ideal for one rider may not be the best for another.

After a while, most expert fingerboarders will own multiple widths, depending on what kind of riding they wish to do. It is helpful to try various sizes to find out which is the most comfortable and natural.

In case you're in doubt, it is better to choose either a 32mm or a 34mm deck as they both provide excellent versatility and performance.

Final Thoughts

The width of your fingerboard can make a significant difference in the overall experience you will have while playing fingerboards. One of the most critical setup choices you'll make is width, which influences stability, control, comfort and trick performance.

The 32mm deck is responsive and versatile, and the 34mm deck is more stable and realistic. The ideal width will depend on how comfortable you find it to play with under your fingers, and how you prefer to ride.

Just take the time to experiment, make yourself familiar with what works for you, and have fun creating a setup that really fulfills your fingerboarding desires.

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