Fingerboard Upgrade Guide: The Smart Order to Build Your Dream Setup (2026-2027 Edition)
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Starting with a stock Tech Deck or basic complete? Upgrading your fingerboard can transform it from a toy into a pro-level performer. But with a limited budget, the order of upgrades matters a lot. Throwing money at the wrong parts first leads to frustration and wasted cash.
Here's the recommended priority order based on community consensus, performance impact, and value for money.
1. Wheels + Bearings (Biggest Bang for Your Buck)
Why first? This is the single biggest improvement for most beginners and intermediate riders.
- Impact: Smoother rolling, better speed, quieter ride, improved tricks (easier grinds, manuals, and flips). Cheap stock wheels are often hard plastic and feel terrible.
- What to get: CNC bearing wheels (e.g., from brands like Flatface, Teak Tuning, or Dynamics) paired with good ABEC-style or ceramic bearings.
- Budget tip: A solid set of fingerboard wheels + bearings can cost $15–$40 and immediately makes your board feel premium.
Do this first unless your current wheels are already decent.
2. Trucks
Next priority for most people.
- Why? Fingerboard trucks control turning, stability, grind quality, and overall feel. Stock Tech Deck trucks are loose, inconsistent, and limit progression.
- Popular choices: Dynamics, Blackriver, or other CNC trucks. Consider inverted kingpin (IKP) for certain styles.
- Cost: Good trucks run $30–$60+ per pair, but they last a long time.
Pro tip: Upgrade trucks after wheels because good wheels shine even more on quality trucks. Some riders swap bushings at this stage for better tuning.
3. Grip Tape (Foam or Quality Sandpaper)
Simple but transformative.
- Why? Better finger feel, control for slides and flips, and comfort. Stock grip is often too slick or rough.
- Options: Foam tape (most popular for cushioning) or high-quality sandpaper-style. Many prefer brands like Lizard or custom cuts.
- Cost: Very affordable ($5–$15).
This is a quick win you can do at almost any stage.
4. Deck
Save this for later.
- Why last? A new fingerboard deck is expensive ($30–$100+) and its benefits — shape, concave, pop, weight — are most noticeable once the rest of the setup is solid. A great deck on bad wheels and trucks still feels mediocre.
- When to upgrade: Once you're consistently doing advanced tricks and know your preferred shape (e.g., high-kick, low, specific width like 33–34mm).
Popular decks: Beastpants, Flatface, Caramel, and more.
Optional Upgrades (Tuning & Maintenance)
- Bushings: Cheap tweak for truck feel.
- Hardware/Screws: For better fit and weight.
- Ramps/Obstacles: Once your board is dialed in — browse our fingerboard obstacles.
- Tools: Allen keys and fingerboard tools for easy maintenance.
Sample Upgrade Path by Budget
| Budget Level | Priority Order | Approx. Cost | Expected Feel Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low (~$30) | Wheels + Bearings | $20–$35 | Huge (smoothness) |
| Medium (~$80) | Wheels + Trucks | $60–$90 | Game-changing |
| High ($150+) | Full Setup (add Deck + Grip) | $150+ | Pro-level |
Final Tips
- Test and research shapes and molds on YouTube or Reddit (r/Fingerboards) before buying expensive parts.
- Buy from reputable shops to avoid fakes.
- Setup order physically: Grip → Mount trucks → Add wheels.
- Maintenance matters — clean bearings and rotate wheels to extend life.
Upgrading smartly turns fingerboarding from frustrating to addictive. What's your current setup? Drop your questions or current board in the comments — we'd love to help!
Happy shredding! 🛹
Ready to upgrade?
Shop fingerboard wheels, trucks, and handmade decks from Saigon Skateboards — or grab a complete setup and skip straight to the good part.