TGM Skateboards Review: Is It a Good Brand?

TGM Skateboards is a legitimate, long-running skate shop that sells affordable, ready-to-ride complete skateboards, primarily using a mix of brand-name decks and their own house-brand components like Core trucks and Amp bearings.

Their prices are low partly because they buy closeout inventory and manufacture their own parts, which means you get a functional board for less, but with some trade-offs in component consistency and warranty support. For a first-time skater who just needs a board to start rolling, a TGM complete is a valid, budget-friendly option. For a skater who already knows their preferred deck shape and truck geometry, building a custom setup is still the better path. A TGM skateboards review will typically highlight this value proposition.

The real question isn’t just whether TGM is legit, their physical shop in Michigan and history since 1996 confirms that. It’s whether their specific package of parts and policies fits what you actually need from a first board. Most online reviews, unlike a thorough TGM skateboards review, stop at the legitimacy check. They miss the specifics that decide if your board lasts six months or six weeks: the 72-hour window to report a defect, the fact they don’t handle manufacturer warranties, and their unconventional advice on deck sizing.

Key Takeaways

• TGM’s 30-day return window starts from your purchase date, but you must report defective or incorrect items within 72 hours of delivery or risk losing support.
• The company does not administer manufacturer warranties; for any issue beyond the initial return period, you must contact the deck or component brand directly.
• Their house-brand Core trucks use grade 8 steel kingpins and USA-made bushings, while Amp bearings are rated ABEC 5, specs that are functional for beginners but not premium.
• TGM advises that deck “size is a preference,” contradicting the common industry practice of using shoe size or height as an initial guide for beginners.
• For international orders, TGM has no control over customs fees, which are unpredictable and the buyer’s responsibility.

Is TGM Skateboards a Legitimate Company?

Yes, TGM Skateboards is a legitimate business. They are not a fly-by-night online dropshipper. The company launched in 1996 from the bones of a former bicycle shop chain, and they operate a physical retail location in Michigan. You can call them at (586) 775-2760. That history matters because it means there’s a real entity behind the website, which is more than you can say for some marketplaces.

The low prices trigger suspicion, a complete skateboard for significantly less than a custom build feels too good to be true. Their own blog post addressing “Is TGM Skateboards Legit?” admits they get calls about this constantly. The price comes from their business model: they buy closeout inventory from brands and distributors, and they manufacture their own house-brand components (Core trucks, Krown wheels, Paradise decks, Dime Bag hardware). This business model allows them to sell a fully assembled skateboard for less money.

Common mistake: Assuming a low price always means counterfeit or toy-grade parts. In TGM’s case, the low price is a function of their inventory and vertical integration, not necessarily an indicator of fake goods.

The trade-off is availability. Because they buy closeouts, the exact deck graphic or component color you see today might be gone next week, replaced by a different closeout deal. They explicitly state they are not responsible for manufacturer-initiated color or component changes that differ from website images. If you have your heart set on a specific Baker deck or Spitfire wheel colorway, a dedicated skate shop with full-price inventory is a safer bet. If you just want a solid maple deck with functional trucks to learn on, TGM’s model works.

Breaking Down a TGM Complete: What Are You Actually Getting?

When you order a TGM complete, you’re typically getting a brand-name deck (like Real or Opera) paired with TGM’s own house-brand components. We will reference the Real Complete Classic Oval and the Opera Skateboard Complete, since their specifications are available.

The Decks: Real and Opera

TGM doesn’t just sell blank decks. They stock completes from reputable manufacturers.

• Real Skateboards Complete: Features Real’s “R1 Construction.” The listed model measures 8.25″ wide by 32″ long with a 14.38″ wheelbase. This is a standard, versatile street shape.
• Opera Skateboards Complete: Built with 7-ply 100% North American Maple and Epoxy Glue, described as “stronger than industry 7-ply.” It’s a larger board at 9.125″ wide by 32.6″ long, and it’s double-drilled for two wheelbase options (14.625″ or 15.125″), which is a nice touch for dialing in your feel.

These are real skateboard decks from established companies. You are not getting a department-store plank. The deck is usually the most expensive part of a setup, and here, it’s a known quantity.

The Core Component Breakdown: Trucks, Wheels, Bearings

This is where TGM’s value proposition lives, and where skaters have the most questions. The completes come equipped with TGM’s house brands: Core trucks, TGM wheels, and Amp bearings.

Core trucks are light weight and feature heavy duty aluminum with grade 8 steel kingpins and axles, as well as USA made bushings and pivot cups. Amp bearings… [feature] light synthetic oil, Delrin Crowns, and Rubber Serviceable Shields… Abec 5 rated.

Here’s what those specs mean in practice:

Component	Spec	What It Means for You
Core Trucks	Grade 8 steel kingpins/axles, USA bushings	The kingpin (the main bolt) is strong. Grade 8 is a good, industrial standard. USA-made bushings suggest a decent quality control. They won’t grind down instantly, but they aren’t as refined as Independent or Thunder trucks.
TGM Wheels	Typically 52mm, 99A durometer	A standard street/park wheel size and hardness. 99A is hard, good for smooth concrete but unforgiving on rough asphalt. They’ll roll fine.
Amp Bearings	ABEC 5 rating, Delrin crowns, rubber shields	ABEC 5 is a mid-tier speed tolerance rating—perfectly adequate for a beginner. Delrin crowns and rubber shields are about durability and keeping dirt out. They’re not Bones Reds, but they’re not junk.

The takeaway? These are functional, entry-level components. They will allow you to learn to ride, ollie, and kickflip. A common complaint in forum threads and the occasional TGM skateboards review is that “their wheels were shit” or the trucks feel generic. That’s the trade-off. You’re paying less, so you get TGM’s cost-effective versions of name-brand parts. They work, but they lack the pedigree and refined performance of the top-tier brands you’d pick for a custom build.

TGM’s Policies: The Fine Print That Matters

This is the section that most reviews gloss over, and it’s the most important for your buyer confidence. TGM’s policies are detailed and specific, with strict windows.

The Return Window: You have 30 days from your purchase date to request a return. However, all defective, damaged, and incorrect items must be reported to TGM Skateboards within 72 hours (3 days) of confirmed delivery. This is faster than many retailers, putting the onus on you to unbox and inspect immediately.

Who Handles Problems? TGM is very clear: they do not administer or honor manufacturer warranties. If your Real deck delaminates after 45 days, you don’t call TGM. You must contact Real Skateboards directly. TGM’s responsibility ends after the 30-day return period. This is a key difference from buying from a shop that acts as a full-service dealer for the brands they carry.

The Cost of Returns: Unless the product is defective or incorrect, the buyer is responsible for all return shipping costs. If you simply change your mind, you’re paying to ship it back to Michigan. Their customer service states they will respond to return requests within 2 business days, and process returns within 5 business days of receipt.

Where this goes sideways: Not inspecting your board the day it arrives. If you wait a week to unbox it and find a cracked deck or the wrong trucks, you’ve likely missed the 72-hour defect reporting window and are stuck with it.

For international customers, there’s another layer: TGM has no control over customs fees and cannot predict their amount. Those fees are your responsibility, and they can sometimes rival the cost of the board itself. They also recommend signature confirmation for high-value orders, a smart move that adds a small fee but prevents porch piracy headaches.

TGM’s Advice vs. The Standard Skate Shop Advice

TGM’s buyer guide has a notable section for parents and new skaters. It directly challenges a common industry rule of thumb. They write: “When buying a skateboard for a new skater, it doesn’t matter what size you go with… Size is a preference.” They recommend just buying any complete board to start. This contradicts the general industry/community practice of using a skater’s shoe size or height as an initial guide for deck size selection.

Most local skate shops will ask a beginner for their shoe size or height to suggest a starting deck width. This isn’t a rigid law, but it’s a helpful starting point to ensure the board feels controllable.

So who’s right? TGM’s stance lowers the barrier to entry, “just buy something and start skating.” It removes analysis paralysis. The shop method tries to prevent a bad first experience where a board feels wildly too big or too small. My stance, as a coach, leans toward the shop method. A board that’s way too wide for a small beginner is harder to flip and heavier to lift; one that’s too narrow for a larger skater feels twitchy and unstable. Starting with a deck width roughly proportional to your shoe size gives you one less variable to fight as you learn the basics.

TGM’s advice is pragmatic for their business model: they sell completes as packaged units. It’s not wrong, but it’s optimized for sales simplicity, not necessarily for the ideal beginner learning curve.

How TGM Completes Compare to Other Brands

Let’s get specific. How does a TGM complete stack up against competitors like CCS or a custom build?

TGM vs. CCS Completes: CCS is another large online retailer known for value completes. Both offer budget-friendly entry points. The difference is often in the deck selection. CCS might have different brand closeouts, and the specific policy details. TGM’s 72-hour defect report window is particularly strict. Regarding component quality, they are similar: you receive a functional but basic setup for the price.

TGM vs. Building Your Own Custom: This is the real comparison. For a similar total cost as a TGM complete, you could piece together a setup with hand-picked parts. You might buy a blank deck, pair it with budget but trusted trucks like Tensors, add Bones Reds bearings, and some Spitfire formula four wheels on sale. The custom build will almost always outperform the TGM complete in component feel and longevity. Why? Every part is chosen from a specialist brand. The bearings will spin faster and last longer. The trucks will turn more smoothly and grind more consistently.

But, and this is a big but, building a custom requires knowledge. A beginner doesn’t know if they want Thunder highs or Indy lows, 52mm or 54mm wheels, 99A or 101A durometer. The TGM complete eliminates that confusion. It’s a trade-off: convenience and a lower upfront cost versus superior components and a tailored feel.

The verdict: If you are an absolute beginner and your goal is to see if you even like skateboarding, a TGM complete is a financially low-risk way to start. If you already know you’re committed to skating and want gear that won’t hold you back as you progress, skip the complete and use that money toward a custom skateboard setup built with individual, quality parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is TGM skateboard trustworthy?

Yes, TGM Skateboards is a trustworthy retailer. They have operated a physical skate shop in Michigan since 1996 and are transparent about their business practices. The low prices are due to buying closeout inventory and manufacturing house-brand parts, not because they sell counterfeit goods.

What is the most reliable skateboard brand?

Reliability often depends on the component. For decks, brands like Santa Cruz, Baker, and Real have decades of quality consistency. For trucks, Independent and Thunder are industry standards. TGM sells completes that include reliable deck brands (like Real) but pairs them with their own, less-proven house-brand components.

Are TGM skateboard wheels good?

TGM wheels (commonly 52mm, 99A) are adequate for a beginner. The 99A durometer is a standard hardness for street and park skating. They will roll and allow you to learn. However, As you progress, upgrading your wheels will be one of the most noticeable improvements you can make to your setup.

How does TGM compare to buying from a local shop?

Buying from a local skate shop supports your community and gets you expert, personalized advice. The shop can help you pick a deck size, explain truck tightness, and stand behind the products they sell. TGM offers lower prices and convenience, but you lose that hands-on guidance and often pay for return shipping if there’s an issue. If you have a local shop, go there first. If you don’t, TGM is a legitimate online alternative.

The Bottom Line

TGM Skateboards sells real, functional skateboards at low prices. Their model is straightforward: pair brand-name closeout decks with their own value-oriented components. For a first board, it works.

The decision point comes down to two numbers: 72 hours and 30 days. You have 72 hours from delivery to report any problems to get full support. You have 30 days to return it if you change your mind. If you can live with that clock ticking and understand that the Core trucks and Amp bearings are entry-level, you’ll get a board that rolls.

For anyone past the absolute beginner stage, the calculus shifts. The small savings from a TGM complete are better put toward individual components from dedicated brands. A setup built around a solid street deck, even with budget-conscious choices for trucks and wheels, will outperform any pre-packaged complete in feel and durability. TGM gets you in the game cheaply. What you do after that first board is up to you.