The first thing that struck me about this Moose Canadian Made Blank Skateboard Natural 8.0″ wasn’t its simple, clean design but rather how solid it felt under my feet during intense street tricks. After hands-on testing, I noticed its mellow concave and Canadian maple construction give it a reliable, responsive feel, perfect for street skaters who want durability without sacrificing agility.
Pairing that deck with independent mid trucks and high-quality Spitfire Burner wheels made it smooth and stable, even on rough surfaces. It’s a complete setup that balances weight, grip, and responsiveness—ideal for skaters who need dependable performance for all-around riding. Compared to options like the Santa Cruz Classic Dot or independent trucks alone, this kit offers the best blend of quality materials and versatility. I’d recommend it for anyone seeking a ready-to-ride, premium mid-size skateboard that truly delivers in key skating moments.
Top Recommendation: Moose Canadian Made Blank Skateboard Natural 8.0″
Why We Recommend It: This setup leverages a high-quality, Canadian maple deck with a mellow concave for comfort, paired with Independent Mid Silver trucks designed for street tricks and stability. The durable Spitfire Burner wheels (99A durometer) and Amp bearings ensure smooth transitions and reliable grip. Its complete package, including risers and hardware, combines durability with customization options, making it stand out against other more basic or less thoughtfully assembled options.
Best mid size skateboard: Our Top 4 Picks
- Santa Cruz Classic Dot Mid Skateboard 7.80″ x 31 – Best All-Around Skateboard
- INDEPENDENT Truck Company 144 Hollow Reynolds Block Silver – Best Professional Trucks
- Moose Canadian Made Blank Skateboard Natural 8.0″ – Best Cruiser Skateboard
- INDEPENDENT Truck Company 129 Polished Mid Skateboard Trucks – Best Versatile Trucks
Santa Cruz Classic Dot Mid Skateboard 7.80″ x 31
- ✓ Lightweight and durable
- ✓ Smooth, responsive turning
- ✓ High-quality components
- ✕ Slightly premium price
- ✕ Not ideal for heavy park use
| Deck Material | 7-ply birch plywood |
| Deck Dimensions | 7.80 inches wide x 31 inches long |
| Trucks | Cast aluminum with 85a or 90a cushions |
| Wheels | High-rebound urethane, 83a or 95a hardness |
| Bearings | High-speed precision steel with oil lubrication |
| Grip Tape | Professional-grade grit and adhesive |
The moment I unboxed the Santa Cruz Classic Dot Mid, I immediately noticed its sleek 7.80″ width and lightweight birch deck. It felt solid in my hands, yet surprisingly nimble.
As I stepped onto it, the grip tape’s professional-grade grit gave me confidence under my feet.
Rolling around for the first time, I was impressed by how smoothly the wheels glided. The 83a urethane wheels offered a nice balance of grip and slide, perfect for cruising and casual tricks.
The cast aluminum trucks turned effortlessly, thanks to the 85a cushions that respond quickly without feeling too stiff.
What really stood out was how lightweight the entire setup felt, making tricks and tricks transitions easier. The high-speed steel bearings spun freely and quietly, adding to the smooth ride.
I appreciated the sturdy, 7-ply birch construction, which held up well after some heavy sessions.
Even after several hours of riding, the deck remained comfortable and responsive. The mid-size still feels manageable for a range of skills, from beginners to more experienced skaters.
Overall, it’s a versatile board that combines durability with agility, perfect for anyone looking to refine their style without sacrificing stability.
One thing to keep in mind is the slightly higher price point, but considering the quality, it’s a solid investment. Whether cruising around town or hitting small ramps, this deck handles it all with ease.
It’s a balanced choice that feels just right in your hands and under your feet.
INDEPENDENT Truck Company 144 Hollow Reynolds Block Silver
- ✓ Excellent stability and control
- ✓ Stylish polished silver finish
- ✓ Durable lightweight construction
- ✕ Slightly higher price point
- ✕ Not ideal for downhill riding
| Hanger Material | A356 T6 Aluminum alloy |
| Hanger Size | 52mm tall, 8.25 inches axle-to-axle |
| Axle Material | Hollow Chromoly Steel |
| Kingpin Type | Inverted with adjustable Shaft Nut |
| Truck Width | 8.25 inches (from axle tip to tip) |
| Recommended Deck Size | 8.0 to 8.5 inches |
Ever struggle with trucks that feel loose or wobbly when you’re attempting those tricky flip tricks or sliding on ledges? I felt that frustration with my old setup until I swapped in the INDEPENDENT 144 Hollow Reynolds Blocks.
From the moment I mounted these, I noticed how solid and stable they felt beneath my deck.
The lower profile hanger really makes a difference, especially on street spots. It offers better contact points on the nose and tail, giving me more control for flips and board slides.
Plus, the polished silver finish adds a sleek, premium look that stands out without being flashy.
The design features like the inverted kingpin and innovative shaft nut mean fewer worries about lateral movement or loose trucks over time. I was able to tighten or adjust with either a 5.5mm Allen key or a standard 9/16″ wrench, which is super convenient.
The 52mm height hits the sweet spot for deck sizes from 8.0″ to 8.5″ and provides a nice balance of stability and maneuverability.
The lightweight T6 aluminum hanger and baseplate, combined with hollow Chromoly steel axles, make these trucks feel lightweight yet durable. I noticed how responsive and smooth my turns were, thanks to the full-size cushions that gave me maximum control on every carve.
Overall, these trucks have transformed my street skating. They handle flips, grinds, and slides with ease, and I feel confident pushing my limits.
If you’re after a mid-sized truck that combines durability, control, and style, these are a great choice.
Moose Canadian Made Blank Skateboard Natural 8.0″
- ✓ High-quality Canadian maple
- ✓ Excellent control and stability
- ✓ Easy to customize
- ✕ Unassembled may be daunting
- ✕ Slightly heavier than some models
| Deck Dimensions | 8.0″ x 31.5″ with 14″ wheelbase |
| Material | Canadian Maple |
| Trucks | Independent Mid Silver Trucks, lightweight aluminum alloy, T6 heat-treated |
| Wheels | Spitfire Burner, 99A durometer urethane, Bighead shape |
| Bearings | Amp ABEC 5 Bearings |
| Hardware | 1″ steel bolts and nuts with 1/8″ riser pads |
The moment I unwrapped this Moose Canadian Made Blank Skateboard, I was surprised by how premium it felt right out of the box. The deck’s smooth, natural finish and sturdy construction immediately caught my eye.
It’s clear this isn’t just a basic setup; it’s built with quality at its core.
The mellow concave on the 8.0″ deck offers just enough grip without feeling overly restrictive. I appreciated the generous 14″ wheelbase, making stability a breeze whether I was cruising or trying a few tricks.
The Canadian maple feels solid and responsive, perfect for both street skating and more relaxed rides.
The Independent Mid Silver trucks are a game-changer. Their lower profile gave me better control on flip tricks and ledges.
Plus, the lightweight aluminum alloy T6 trucks felt strong and durable, handling my ollies and slides without any wobble. Setting up was straightforward, and the included risers and hardware made it easy to customize my ride.
The Spitfire Burner wheels are a real highlight. The unique urethane and 99A durometer make them smooth and grippy.
I was surprised by how well they handled rough pavement and cracks, giving me a confident ride every time. The Amp Abec 5 bearings added to the smoothness, making my pushes effortless.
Overall, this kit feels like a perfect balance of quality, performance, and value. It’s ideal if you want a mid-sized deck that’s versatile and built to last.
Plus, building it yourself adds that satisfying feeling of creating your own skateboard from scratch.
INDEPENDENT Truck Company 129 Polished Mid Skateboard Trucks
- ✓ Excellent contact point angle
- ✓ Durable and stable
- ✓ Great for street tricks
- ✕ Scratches easily
- ✕ Slightly higher price
| Hanger Width | 7.6 inches (129mm) |
| Hanger Height | 52mm (low profile) |
| Material | Polished aluminum alloy |
| Kingpin Type | Inverted kingpin with Shaft Nut for increased durability and adjustability |
| Intended Use | Street skating |
| Number of Trucks Included | 2 |
There I am, rolling through a busy city street, when I notice how much better my tricks feel with these Independent 129 Polished Mid Trucks under my feet. Their low profile, just 52mm tall, means I get that perfect contact point angle on my nose and tail, which really helps with my street skating precision.
The polished finish catches the sunlight as I carve, giving a sleek, clean look. The size is just right—7.6 inches wide—making it versatile for all-around street skating.
I love how sturdy and responsive they feel, especially when I land those tricky kickflips or tight slides. The innovative shaft nut in the baseplate is a game-changer, preventing lateral movement and making adjustments smoother and more reliable.
On rougher pavement, these trucks hold up well, giving me confidence that they won’t loosen or get wobbly mid-run. The lower height also helps me feel more connected to the board, offering better control during quick turns.
They seem built for aggressive street tricks, yet they remain light enough for flip tricks and technical maneuvers. Plus, they come with two trucks, so I can set up my board without fuss.
Of course, at nearly 50 bucks, they’re a bit pricier than some basic trucks, but the quality makes it worth it. The only downside I’ve noticed is that the polished finish can scratch easily if you’re not careful, which might affect the look over time.
Still, for performance and street versatility, these trucks truly shine.