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7 Best Skate Shops In Portland, Oregon

7 Best Skate Shops In Portland, Oregon (Updated In 2023)

You might be a skilled skater, but when buying a new skateboard or any parts, expert assistance is something you cannot ignore. In such a case, if you get some honest suggestions about a product from the shop owner, it is more than great.

From a personal point of view, skating is not only a sport but a passion. And from sellers to users, everyone is part of a community, practicing a subculture. Well, if you are from Portland then consider yourself lucky. My fellow skaters and I in Portland know some of them and those shops.

If you are a new skater, a skilled one, new in Portland, or not that expert at selecting the right item, this article will help you substantially. Here, I’ve listed the 7 best skate shops in Portland, Oregon.

In Details of The Best Skate Shops In Portland

It’s nice to see that where in many cities skateboarding is illegal, Portland is here to embrace this community. Thus, numerous skate shops are present. Well, we are just going to talk about the ones we found to be most helpful. Here they are;

1. Tactics Portland

Tactics were founded in 1999 by a bunch of passionate skaters. With enriched knowledge and specialization in skating products, this shop knows your needs in advance offering every problem’s solution with expert guidance.

However, Tactics Portland has two other outlets: one in Eugene and one in Bend.

Tactics Portland sells every skating item, including skateboards, shoes, clothes, gear, accessories, etc. While asking a very competitive price for products, they educate the shoppers with valuable knowledge without charging a cent. You can purchase skating items from Tactics Portland online or offline.

Key information about the shop.

2. Cal Skate Skateboards (Cals Pharmacy)

Cals Pharmacy is a renowned skate shop in Portland for its friendly customer service. It was a pharmacy and was founded in 1985. After the establishment of the shop, it became familiar among skaters in Portland as a small-scale skate business.

Its journey with skate-specific products began in 2006. Cals Pharmacy’s product line is not limited to the boards and wheels. It offers nearly every single skate-related item, including books, training manuals, shoes, etc.

Amazingly, if you visit this shop, you will have a chance to experience “the Department of Skateboarding,” an indoor skatepark.

Key information about the shop.

3. Cal Skate

Many people believe that the old is better than the new. If you are one of them, I suggest not missing Cal Skate Skateboards in your next shopping in Portland, Oregon.

Cal Skate Skateboards was established in 1976, and they claim it’s the oldest skateboard shop in the world. So far, it is somewhere true, as per many aged locals, this shop is closely related to the orientation of the skating product business in this area.

Though they are profound with old-school solutions, the inventory is full of modern and updated decks, wheels, gears, accessories, stylish wardrobes, etc.

Key information about the shop.

4. Shrunken Head Skateboards

Shrunken Head Skateboards is another prominent destination for skateboard shoppers. Along with a wide variety of quality products, the business prioritizes customer satisfaction above all else.

They value every shopper; even the staff’s attitude toward children with zero knowledge of skating or products is impressive.

If you visit Shrunken Head Skateboards, the very first thing you will notice is the always-smiling staff. Here I am informing you that if you are a fan of designer skate items, this place is your first choice in Portland.

Another crucial observation is that Shrunken Head Skateboards never store low-quality products. And for this reason, the product prices might be a bit higher for you, but quality and durability are unquestionable.

Key information about the shop.

5. Commonwealth Skateboarding

It is always good to test the purchased skating items on the spot, and you can avail of this opportunity at Commonwealth Skateboarding. They are a high-stakes skateboarding business that sells quality decks, boards, apparel, etc., at a competitive price.

The Commonwealth Skateboarding’s retailer service was started in 2011 by Matt Collins.

Moreover, it also has a skatepark. This 4,500-square-foot park (with concrete flooring) is a popular destination for local skaters. If you are a new skater, the combination of Commonwealth Skateboarding’s shop and track can be crucial in helping you develop your skills.

Key information about the shop.

6. Daddies Board Shop

Daddies Board Shop is an award-winning physical skate outlet in Portland, Oregon. Daddies have been named the best online skate shop by Longboarders three times in a row, as well as the best online customer service by Bizrate.

Its journey began in 1995, and it remains a market leader today. Though Daddies Board Shop offers every skating item, including accessories, shoes, and clothing, it specializes in longboards.

Daddies Board Shop has considerable global domination in the skate items market. Its highly functional online sales department ensures customers’ satisfaction in terms of product quality, price, and shipping. 

Key information about the shop.

7. CCS

CCS is not only a shop but also a popular brand for skate items. The company started its journey in 1985 in California, and till now, it has successfully satisfied every skater’s needs.

This Portland store has Nike shoes, Quasi three-quarters, Obey T-shirts, and CSS skateboards. CSS sells not only skating items but also jeans, caps, chinos, etc.

Shopping at CSS is referred to as good value for money. Here, you can get branded products at a comparatively low price. // Skate shops in Los Angeles //

Key information about the shop.

In this section, some common questions and their answers are listed.

Is there any roller skate shop in Portland, Oregon?

Yes, there are several. Almost every skate shop sells roller skates.

Is skating well for weight loss?

Skating is substantially helpful for fat burn. The related activities are considered effective exercises for weight loss.

Final Thoughts

Certainly, the above list will help you decide on the best skate shops in Portland, Oregon. Here you can expect expert assistance in product selection and competitive product prices. Still, I would like to mention that this list is very much based on my personal experience and tales from others.

If you are staying long in Portland, I suggest you make a list of at least fifteen shops and narrow it down to three. Depending on only one shop is not logical, but being a regular customer at three shops will ensure the best and most favorable deals.

What Are The Important Factors While Purchasing the Best Longboard Bearings?

01. Size

8 mm bearings are commonly used. This size is perfect for the longboard bearing. You can choose the other sizes if they give you more comfort. But I will recommend you choose the 8mm bearing.

02. Type

You can get both the ball bearing and roller bearing around you. Most of the bearings are ball bearings. Ball bearings run faster and more smoothly than roller bearings. But ball bearings can not handle the load. In that case, the roller bearing performs well.

03. Durability

The bearing should be durable that can last a minimum of one year. You can increase its durability by cleaning regularly and running in dry places. Water and mud decrease their longevity quickly.

04. Performance

The performance of the bearings is the most important fact. If your longboard bearings are rough and run with less spin that will not satisfy you. Also, a smooth and fast bearing with noise will annoy you. So, check before buying if there is any defect in performance.

05. Precision

Precision is the exactness or correctness of the tolerance. The American manufacturers association uses ABEC to define precision. When the precision increases, the permissible range decreases. Precision is independent of bearing clearance. The higher the ABEC number, the tighter the bearing will be. Higher precision helps to move more smoothly and increase efficiency.

06. Lubrication Compatibility

Lubrication is a must before riding on your longboard. To convert your slow bearings into fast longboard bearings you have to clean them regularly and lubricate them. It will give a fast spinning movement.

07. ABEC rating

While buying bearings, you need to check whether it is ABEC-rated longboard bearings or not. ABEC rating stands for dimension. It only rates tolerances. Some ABEC classes are 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. ABEC rating 9 is tighter than ABEC rating 1. The more the ABEC rating, the more the precision will be.

08. Engraved seals

Engraved seals prevent entering dust and other material inside. It also holds the lubricant inside and prevents friction. Most of the brands use rubber material for easy cleaning and to prevent the entry of water inside. While buying, check all the seals properly.

09. Price

Price is a big factor when buying anything. If you get a bearing with better quality at less price, then that will attract you the most. People mainly buy this type of bearings the most. Also, you should not follow the misconception that more expensive things mean better. Most of the famous brands are budget-friendly and careful about quality.

10. Brand reputation

While buying high-quality longboard bearings, people follow reputed brands. If the reputation is good then people do not hesitate to buy from the brand.

11. Warranty/Guarantee

If the brand provides you with a warranty or guarantee, that will be a plus point for you. You can repair the bearings if any problem arises at no cost within the given time. Also, the refund policy is beneficial for the buyers. You can change the defective set or can return the set with a full refund.

FAQs About Longboard Bearings

These are some commonly asked questions by people about the best bearings for longboards.

Is it worth it to invest in more expensive longboard bearings?

No, it is not worth it to invest in more expensive longboard bearings. More expensive is not equal to best quality. You can get a high-quality bearing within a suitable budget.

How do I know if my longboard bearings need to be replaced?

If the bearings start producing noise and are rough to run after cleaning, then you need to replace your longboard bearings. Also, the bearing will not spin if it is worn out.

What is the difference between ceramic and steel bearings for longboards?

The difference between ceramic and steel bearings for Longboards is durability. Ceramic bearings are more durable, smooth, and corrosion-resistant. At the same time, steel bearings are easily damaged by corrosive substances and are less durable than ceramic ones.

Can I lubricate my longboard bearings myself, or do I need to take them to a professional?

You can lubricate your longboard bearings yourself. )r if you have no previous experience, then you need to take them to a professional. But choose the right lubricant for the bearings.

Can I mix and match different brands of bearings on my longboard?

You should not mix and match different brands of bearings on your longboard as they are different from each other in size, shape, durability, and performance. Mixing different brands is unable to balance your movement.

Can I use the same bearings for both my longboard and my skateboard?

Yes, you can use the same bearing for both your longboard and your skateboard. The only difference appears in the case of wheel size. Otherwise, there is no difference between the bearings. But you should be careful about the dimension of the spacer.

Conclusion

Now it will be easy for you to choose the best Bearings for Longboards. You can compare the bearings and choose according to your comfort. I will recommend you choose the bearings which are performing well and have good customer service. If you still can not choose a perfect one then you can select it by brand reputation.

Also, choosing the brands which are giving warranty is the safest to pick. You can get these ten best bearings within an affordable range. Do not choose the bearings which are rated below ABEC 3. Below 3 ABEC-rated bearings have less tolerance.

About the author

This is Kyle Spinks from Butte MT, USA. A skateboarding expert and lover since 2019. skateupdates.com is my blog where I share my skateboarding life experience daily or weekly. If you're a beginner skater, I'll advise you to follow my blog daily.

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