Globe is a well-known skateboard brand you’ll often find at your local skateshop. Yet, despite its reputation as a top skateboard company, you may be curious about the actual quality and performance of Globe’s skateboards.
Globe Brand makes skateboards for new skateboarders and riders who are improving. People like Globe skateboards because they have lots of different designs and offer good value and quality for the money.
Globe’s products are priced affordably, making them accessible to beginners and intermediate skaters, and they come with a warranty that underlines the brand’s confidence in their quality.
Depending on your budget and performance level, you can pick from different levels of how well the skateboard is made and how it performs. Here’s a summary of Globe’s skateboard series:
| Globe Series | Target Audience | Available Options | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| G0 series | Beginners | Complete only | Most budget-friendly, good for first board, available in 3 sizes. 7-ply maple deck, black griptape, Slant Alloy Trucks, Abec 7 bearings, 52mm 99A wheels |
| Goodstock | Beginners to Intermediate | Complete or Deck | Next quality level from G0, basic design, cost-effective. 7-ply epoxy-infused maple, Tensor Alloy trucks, black grip, Abec 7 bearings, 52mm 99A wheels, wide range of widths |
| G1 series | Intermediate | Not specified | Technically similar to Goodstocks but with more sophisticated graphics |
| G2 series | Intermediate | Not specified | Refined finish, painted edges, stylish grip cutouts, improved wheel formula. Alloy painted trucks |
| G3 series | Advanced | Complete or Deck | Carbon fiber reinforced decks, Tensor Mag Light high-quality trucks, high-performance wheels |
Note: this article focuses only on street skateboards. Check out my other post for a deep five into Globe’s longboards and cruiser skateboards.
Who is Globe?
Globe is a leading global producer and distributor of skateboards and boardsports equipment, street fashion, and footwear. The company distributes and sells in over 100 countries. It is run by the same team of skateboarders, surfers, and snowboarders who created the brand back in the 90s – though it has grown into a multinational, multi-brand skateboarding empire.
Globe produces and/or distributes skateboards under the Globe name and many other owned or licensed brands including Enjoi, Blind, Almost, Darkstar, Girl, Flip, Chocolate, Thrasher, Andale, Pro-tec, M/SF/T.
In this post, we look at Globe skateboards and how they fare in terms of quality. We also look at 10 great completes in the Globe lineup.
How good are Globe skateboards?
Globe skateboards are well-regarded in the skateboarding community. Their completes are generally priced between $100 and $160 and offer very decent quality for the price. They are usable boards, not cheap “Walmart” type boards. Skaters appreciate the quality and looks of the Globe street decks.
Globe’s skateboard decks are made by DSM, a historical, leading skateboard factory. DSM has been building quality decks for years for World Industries, an early skate company created by skateboarding legend Rodney Mullen that later became Dwindle Distribution and is now part of the Globe group.
Most experienced skateboarders agree that decks made by DSM are strong and durable, and offer good performance.
Globe’s skateboard decks are pressed using epoxy resin glue which is superior to water-based glue (the industry standard), making the decks lighter, stronger, and less prone to delamination and warping.
Every deck is pressed individually, resulting in a consistent concave across the decks – in contrast, multiple deck pressing leads to varying concaves amongst decks. The single deck pressing process was pioneered by Rodney Mullen.
Globe’s decks are CNC precision shaped, which guarantees every single deck produced meets the exact specifications.
Globe’s skateboard completes are affordably priced yet offer very decent components including trucks, wheels, and bearings.
Globe completes come with Tensor (TKP) skateboard trucks – Globe’s own trucks brands. The Tensors – like their RKP sibling Slant Trucks – are built using premium aluminum and magnesium alloys and include Grade-8 kingpins and high-rebound bushings. They come with a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects and breakage on normal usage.
Are the Globe skateboard completes any good?
The completes are particularly well-suited for newer skateboarders looking to improve their riding skills and learn basic skateboard tricks before moving on to more hardcore tricks in the street and at the skatepark.
Based on skater feedback, high-impact jumps and kick tricks on a Globe stock skateboard setup can result in some curving in your trucks. Therefore, once you get to a more advanced level, you may want to upgrade to higher-performance trucks.
You may also swap your stock wheels for harder wheels, and upgrade your bearings. Your Globe deck, however, will likely continue to support your evolution.
Globe wheels are considered good enough for the completes. Skaters have no complaints, the wheels generally don’t chip and ride smooth and fast. While they aren’t premium, there’s nothing wrong with them either.
Some skaters think they are not good enough to buy them separately at full price, but they are almost good enough as part of a Globe complete. Some will only pay more for truly premium wheels from Orangatang, Seismic, Hawgs, etc, for a specific shape and slidiness level.
The Abec-7 Globe bearings that come with the completes roll very fast, some feel they’re just as fast as Bones Reds.
In short, Globe’s skateboard completes boast good-quality decks and decent entry-level components for beginner to intermediate level skaters. More advanced skaters can upgrade to higher-performance trucks, wheels and bearings for more harcore street and ramp riding.
Here’s an overview of the completes in Globe’s lineup.
Globe G2 Never Made “La Vie En Rose”
| Size & WB | 8.25″ x 32″ x 14.25″ WB |
| Construction | Resin-7 hard rock maple |
| Trucks | 5.25″ Tensor alloy hollow kingpin |
| Wheels | 53mm 101a |
| Price | $123 |
The G2 Never Made comes in two sizes, 8″ (red background) and 8.25″ (black background).
The artwork is signed by L.A. artist and lifelong skateboarder Francisco Reyes, Jr., featuring a white and blue skeleton hand holding a yellow or red (depending on the deck size) rose flower.
Globe G1 Digital Nurture
| Size & WB | 8.25″ x 32″ x 14.25″ WB |
| Construction | Resin-7 hard rock maple |
| Trucks | 6.0″ Tensor alloy trucks |
| Wheels | 53mm 99a |
| Price | $119 |
This G1 comes in two sizes and graphics. The 8.25″ version features a tech-inspired design of a rose with a digital and geometric influence. The central part of the rose has a pattern like a microchip or circuit board, suggesting the theme of technology blended with nature. The background color of the deck is a mint or teal hue.
The 8.0″ version has different artwork. It’s stylized and depicts two figures with a skeletal anatomy visible, within a rectangular frame. The background is orange. The design evokes the contrast between the digital and the natural, as well as between life and structure.
Globe Disaster 2 Bamboo
| Size & WB | 8.75″ x 31.5″ x 14.5″ WB |
| Shape | Medium concave with mellow nose and tail kick |
| Construction | Bamboo + Super Sap |
| Trucks | 6.0″ Tensor alloy trucks |
| Wheels | 55mm Conical 101a |
| Price | $155 |
This dual kick cruiser shape has a retro tapered waist, and a wide nose and tail for ample foot room and easy tricks.
The Disaster is part of Globe’s Low Velocity construction series. This construction approach represents a step forward in their sustainability goals, with products designed to have a lower impact on the environment.
“Low Velocity” refers to Globe’s decision to step away from the fast-paced fashion cycle, focusing instead on creating durable, long-lasting products.
Their Low Velocity decks offer a skate-worthy alternative designed with the idea of longevity in mind. They’re built to last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements and thus minimizing waste.
This is in line with Globe’s wider environmental efforts, which include using materials that promote regrowth, such as wood from trees that have been replanted to prevent deforestation, and incorporating solar power in their operations to reduce carbon emissions.
The cool design shows a stylized, tribal-like blue totem symbol next to a horizontal blue flower, on a wood background, which evokes the theme of nature and sustainability.
Globe Huntsman Bamboo
| Size & WB | 9.75″ x 31.6″ x 14.5″ WB |
| Shape | Flat side-to-side concave with steep nose & tail kick |
| Construction | Bamboo + Super Sap |
| Trucks | 6.5″ Tensor alloy trucks |
| Wheels | 55mm Conical 101a |
| Price | $173 |
The Huntsman also features the Low Velocity construction. It’s similar to the Disaster 2 both in size and bamboo construction. However, this board features steeper tail and nose kicks and a flatter concave.
The Huntsman also has similar graphics with a totem symbol and flower on a wood background on the bottom side, with an additional flying bird, all evoking the blend of nature and sustainability. A colored flower shows through the grip tape on the top side.
Globe Restless
| Size & WB | 8.75″ x 31.5″ x 14.5″ WB |
| Shape | Mellow side-to-side concave with steep nose & tail kick |
| Construction | Bamboo + Super Sap |
| Concave | Mellow side-to-side concave with steep nose & tail kick |
| Trucks | 6.5″ Tensor alloy trucks |
| Price | $178 |
The Restless deck has a unique shape with indented rails and super wide nose and tail kicks. It’s a stylish and comfortable cruiser for city slashing, cruising, and skatepark thanks to its wide platform and steep kicks.
The mellow concave stays out of your way when throwing tricks, yet the indentations in the rails contribute to a solid foothold when carving.
Globe Goodstock
| Size & WB | 8.25″ x 32″ x 14.25″ WB |
| Construction | Resin-7 hard rock maple |
| Trucks | 5.5″ Tensor alloy trucks |
| Wheels | 52mm 99a |
| Price | $120 |
A great value street complete with decent quality components. The Goodstock comes in the following sizes and colors:
| Size | Colors |
|---|---|
| 7.75″ | Red or Topaz |
| 8.0″ | Off White or Champagne |
| 8.25″ | Fatigue Green or Gunmetal |
| 8.5″ | Clay or Ruby |
Globe G3 Bar
| Size & WB | 8.0″ x 31.63″ x 14″ WB |
| Construction | Resin-7 hard rock maple + carbonfiber impact support discs |
| Trucks | 5.25″ Tensor Magnesium trucks |
| Wheels | 53mm Conical 101a |
| Price | $160 |
The G3 Bar is a premium complete skateboard featuring Resin-7 Canadian maple deck with full concave and carbon impact support for enhanced shock absorption. The premium deck construction results in more pop that lasts longer.
The 5.25″ Tensor Magnesium trucks are 20% lighter than Aluminum with the same smooth grind. The high-rebound 53mm Conical 101a wheels are abrasion resistant, smoother, faster, and provide excellent grip.
Overall a high quality street complete, great value for the money.
Globe Chisel/Shooter
| Size & WB | 8.6″ x 32.2″ x 14.5″ WB |
| Construction | Resin-7 Hard Rock Maple with Canadian maple cross plys |
| Trucks | 5.5″ Tensor alloy trucks |
| Wheels | 55mm Conical 101a |
| Price | $160 |
The Chisel 32″ Cruiserboard features deck with mellow concave, medium nose and tail kick, constructed from resin-7 hard rock maple and Canadian maple cross plies.
It ships with 5.5” Tensor Alloy trucks, 55mm Conical 95a wheels and split black and printed grip tape.
Matte finish art on glossy paint dipped deck and truck hangers match the grip tape art.
The Shooter is the larger, 8.6″ version of the Chisel. This version comes with 6.0” Tensor Alloy trucks (vs 5.5″ for the Chisel).
Globe G0 Fubar
| Size & WB | 8″ x 31.63″ x 14″ WB |
| Construction | Resin-7 hard rock maple |
| Trucks | 5.25” Slant trucks |
| Wheels | 52mm 99a |
| Price | $100 |
The G0 Fubar Complete 8.0″ is a basic logo board with a mellow concave and steep kick. It features a deck built from Resin-7 hard rock maple, 5.25″ Slant trucks, 52mm 99a wheels, and black grip tape.
The G0 comes in 3 sizes, 7.75″, 8″, and 8.25″. The 7.75″ width is usually a good fit for pre-teens and teens. Average-sized adults often choose the 8″ width, while larger adults or those looking for more stability may go for the 8.25″ width.
Globe Kids Environmentalist
| Size & WB | 7.0″ x 28″ x 12″ WB |
| Construction | Resin-7 hard rock maple |
| Trucks | 4.25″ Tensor alloy trucks |
| Wheels | 51mm 95a |
| Grip Tape | Recycled rubber grip tape |
| Price | $114 |
This is a kid’s complete skateboard featuring a resin-7 hard rock maple deck (same as the others but in smaller sizes for groms) with mellow concave.
The complete comes with 4.75” Tensor alloy trucks, and high rebound 51mm 95a wheels. It’s features recycled rubber grip to keep their stance secure and softer, and grom-friendly bushings for easy turns.
In addition to the 7″, the Kids Environmentalist also comes in a Micro Starfish version sized 6.5” x 27.25” x 11”WB, with the same component for the complete.
Globe G2 Sprawl
| Size & WB | 8.0″ x 31″ x 13.8″ WB |
| Construction | Resin-7 hard rock maple |
| Concave | Full concave |
| Trucks | 5.25″ Tensor alloy trucks hollow kingpins |
| Wheels | 53mm 101a |
| Grip Tape | Split Black griptape |
| Price | $110 |
The G2 Sprawl Complete 8.0″ in Metropolypse is constructed from Resin-7 hard rock maple with full concave.
It comes with 5.25″ Tensor hollow kingpins trucks, 53mm 101a wheels, and split black griptape.
Globe Hammer
| Size & WB | 8.625″ x 31.75″ x 14.25″ WB |
| Construction | Resin-7 Hard Rock Maple deck construction |
| Trucks | 6.5″ Tensor alloy trucks |
| Wheels | 55mm Conical 101a |
| Price | $165 |
The Hammer Cruiser is part of Globe’s Finished with ongoing collaboration with the iconic punk band The Ramones. The Hammer shows the band’s set-list artwork on the bottom. The Resin-7 hard rock maple deck comes with 6.5” Tensor alloy trucks and 55mm Conical 101a wheels.
Globe G2 Ramones
| Size & WB | 8.0″ x 31.63″ x 14″ WB |
| Construction | Resin-7 hard rock maple |
| Trucks | 5.25″ Tensor alloy trucks with hollow kingpins |
| Wheels | 53mm 101a |
| Price | $150 |
The G2 Ramones Complete 8.0″ features album cover artwork from ‘Rocket to Russia’, the band’s second studio album released in 1977. The complete features 5.25″ Tensor hollow kingpin trucks, 53mm and Conical 101a wheels.
Final words
Globe’s complete skateboards are a good option if you’re a beginner or intermediate skater looking to get back into the sport. Globe decks are quality pressed, lightweight, and durable. The components that come with the completes are great for mellow riding and simple tricks. Overall, most skaters agree Globe’s boards are reliable and good value for the money.
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Photo credits:
All product shots (incl. featured image) courtesy of Globe