Longboarding is an exciting and versatile activity, whether you’re cruising through the city streets, carving downhill, or mastering tricks at the skatepark. Choosing the right longboard skateboard can significantly impact your riding experience. With so many styles, shapes, and components available, the decision can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you understand the key factors to consider when choosing a longboard skateboard.
1. Longboard Skateboard Determine Your Riding Style
The first step in choosing a longboard is identifying your primary riding style. Longboards are designed for various purposes, and understanding your goals will narrow your options. Here are the main riding styles:
- Cruising and Commuting: Ideal for beginners and those looking for a smooth ride. These boards are usually longer and more stable, making them perfect for navigating city streets.
- Downhill Riding: If speed and adrenaline are your priorities, downhill longboards offer stability and control for steep descents.
- Freeriding: For riders interested in tricks and slides, freeride longboards are versatile and offer excellent maneuverability.
- Dancing and Freestyle: Longboards with longer decks and more flex are ideal for performing tricks, spins, and fluid movements.
2. Longboard Skateboard Choose the Right Deck Shape
Longboards come in various deck shapes, each suited to different riding styles:
- Directional: These boards have a distinct front and back, making them perfect for cruising and downhill riding.
- Symmetrical (Twin-Tip): Symmetrical decks are ideal for freeriding and freestyle, as they allow for riding in both directions.
- Drop-Through: The trucks are mounted through the deck, lowering the board’s center of gravity. This provides better stability and is great for beginners or downhill riders.
- Top-Mount: The trucks are mounted under the deck, offering better responsiveness and maneuverability, suitable for carving and freeriding.
3. Longboard Skateboard Consider Deck Size and Flex
The size and flex of the deck play crucial roles in the longboard’s performance:
Length: Short (28-34 inches): Good for tricks and portability. Medium (34-42 inches): Versatile and ideal for most riding styles. Long (42+ inches): Best for cruising, dancing, and downhill stability.
Width: Ensure the deck width matches your shoe size for optimal control and comfort.
Flex: Soft Flex: Provides a smooth ride, great for cruising and dancing. Medium Flex: Balanced flex for freestyle and commuting. Stiff Flex: Offers maximum stability, ideal for downhill and freeriding.
4. Longboard Skateboard Select the Right Trucks
Trucks are the metal components that attach the wheels to the deck. Their quality and setup affect how the board turns and performs:
Width: The truck’s width should match the deck width for balanced performance.
Baseplate Angle: Low Angle (40-50°): Provides stability for downhill and high-speed rides. High Angle (50°+): Enhances maneuverability for carving and freestyle.
5. Longboard Skateboard Choose the Right Wheels and Bearings
The wheels and bearings influence speed, grip, and overall performance:
Wheel Size: Smaller Wheels (65-70mm): Quicker acceleration, suitable for freestyle and tricks. Larger Wheels (70-75mm): Provide higher top speed and smoother rides, ideal for cruising and downhill.
Wheel Durometer: Soft Wheels (78A-87A): More grip and shock absorption, ideal for rough surfaces. Hard Wheels (88A+): Less grip but faster on smooth surfaces, suitable for sliding and tricks. Bearings: Opt for high-quality bearings (ABEC rating) for smoother and faster rides.
6. Longboard Skateboard Evaluate Material and Build Quality
A longboard’s material and construction determine its durability and performance:
- Wood: Maple, bamboo, or a combination offers strength and flex.
- Composite: Incorporates carbon fiber or fiberglass for lightweight and enhanced performance.
- Plastic: Affordable and lightweight, but less durable, often used in mini cruisers.
7. Longboard Skateboard Test for Comfort and Fit
Before making a purchase, test the longboard if possible. Check for:
- Comfort: Ensure the deck size and shape feel natural under your feet.
- Grip Tape: Provides traction to keep your feet securely on the board.
- Weight: Consider a lightweight option if portability is a priority.
8. Determine Your Longboard Skateboard Budget
Longboards vary significantly in price. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in a quality board ensures better performance and longevity. Decide on a budget that balances cost and features, especially if you’re a beginner.
9. Longboard Skateboard Brands and Reviews
Reputable brands like Sector 9, Landyachtz, Arbor, and Loaded offer high-quality boards. Reading customer reviews and expert opinions can help you make an informed decision.
Many longboard components are interchangeable, allowing you to customize your setup over time. Experiment with different wheels, trucks, and bushings to enhance your riding experience. Choosing the right longboard skateboard depends on understanding your riding style, preferences, and budget. By considering factors like deck shape, size, trucks, wheels, and material, you can find a board that perfectly suits your needs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, the right longboard can make all the difference in enjoying this thrilling sport.