If you're passionate about skateboarding, cruising, or downhill racing, you've likely come across the term "longboarding." While skateboards have been popular for decades, longboards have carved out their own niche in the skating world, offering versatility, stability, and a unique riding experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into all things longboarding, from the basics to more advanced topics. We'll cover different types of longboards, how they differ from skateboards, and tips for choosing the best board for your style of riding.
1. What is a Longboard?
At its core, a longboard is a type of skateboard that’s typically longer, wider, and has bigger wheels than traditional skateboards. Longboards are designed for different types of riding, including cruising, carving, downhill racing, and even tricks. The longer deck provides more stability at high speeds and makes longboards easier to maneuver, making them popular with riders of all skill levels.
Key Differences Between Longboards and Skateboards:
Length: Longboards are generally longer, ranging from 33 to 59 inches, compared to skateboards, which are typically 28 to 32 inches.
Shape: Longboards come in various shapes such as pintail, drop-through, and cruiser, whereas skateboards have a more standardized popsicle shape.
Wheels: Longboards feature larger and softer wheels, providing a smoother ride on rough surfaces. Skateboards typically have smaller, harder wheels for tricks and skate park riding.
Purpose: Longboards are built for cruising and downhill rides, while skateboards are designed for tricks and street performance.
2. The Drop-Down Longboard: A Special Category
Among the various types of longboards, the drop-down longboard stands out for its unique design, which is ideal for certain types of riding. The deck of a drop-down longboard is lower than the trucks, making it closer to the ground, which offers enhanced stability and control at higher speeds.
Why Choose a Drop-Down Longboard?
Lower Center of Gravity: The lowered deck provides a stable platform, perfect for downhill riding and long-distance cruising.
Comfort: Riders experience less fatigue, as the lower deck requires less effort to push off and brake.
Versatility: While ideal for downhill rides, drop-down longboards are versatile enough for cruising and carving.
Popular Drop-Down Longboard Styles:
Downhill Drop-Down Longboards: Built for speed and stability, these boards are perfect for downhill racers.
Freeride Drop-Down Longboards: With a lower center of gravity, these boards are excellent for sliding and drifting.
3. Skateboard vs. Longboard: What’s the Difference?
If you’re new to boarding, you might wonder what the key differences are between a skateboard and a longboard. While both boards serve as fun and eco-friendly ways to get around, they have different characteristics that make them suitable for various types of riders and activities.
Longboard Features:
Larger Deck: Longboards have a larger, often longer deck for improved stability and balance.
Softer Wheels: The larger, softer wheels of a longboard make for a smoother ride, especially on rough surfaces.
More Stability: The longer wheelbase provides better control, making longboards more suitable for beginners and those looking for a relaxed ride.
Skateboard Features:
Smaller Deck: Skateboards have smaller decks, making them more maneuverable and better suited for tricks.
Harder Wheels: Skateboards use smaller, harder wheels for smooth surfaces like skateparks or streets.
Better for Tricks: Skateboards are ideal for ollies, kickflips, and other technical tricks because of their lighter weight and shorter deck.
Which One Should You Choose?
If your main goal is performing tricks and hitting the skatepark, a traditional skateboard is the best option. However, if you're interested in cruising around town, riding downhill, or traveling long distances, a longboard is a better fit.
4. What is a Cruiser Longboard?
If you’re interested in a smooth, casual ride, cruiser longboards might be just what you need. Cruisers are designed primarily for navigating city streets and sidewalks with ease. They combine the stability of a longboard with the agility of a skateboard, making them a popular choice for riders who want to skate for transportation or leisure.
Features of Cruiser Longboards:
Compact Size: While not as long as downhill or freeride longboards, cruisers are still bigger than standard skateboards, offering balance and control.
Smooth Ride: Equipped with soft, large wheels, cruiser longboards provide a smooth ride over cracks and bumps.
Maneuverability: Cruisers often have longboard a kicktail (a raised tail at the back), making them easier to turn and maneuver through tight spaces.
When to Use a Cruiser Longboard:
Commuting: Many people use cruisers as a fun and eco-friendly mode of transportation.
Carving: The design of a cruiser longboard allows for smooth carving on flat terrain.
Beginners: Thanks to their easy-to-ride nature, cruisers are a good option for beginners learning how to balance and maneuver a longboard.
Popular Cruiser Longboard Models:
Pintail Cruisers: Shaped like a surfboard, pintail cruisers are perfect for smooth turns and carves.
Kicktail Cruisers: Featuring a tail similar to a skateboard, these are great for city rides and tight turns.
5. Longboard Shop: What to Look for When Buying a Longboard
If you’re ready to buy your first longboard or add another to your collection, visiting a longboard shop is the best place to start. However, not all longboards are created equal, and finding the right one requires understanding your specific riding style and needs. Here are some key factors to consider when browsing longboards at a shop:
1. Deck Shape and Size:
Shape: Longboards come in a variety of shapes, including pintail, drop-through, and twin-tip. Pintails are great for cruising, drop-through decks offer stability for downhill rides, and twin-tip boards are perfect for freestyle tricks.
Length: The length of the board impacts how it rides. Shorter boards (under 40 inches) are more maneuverable, while longer boards (over 40 inches) provide better stability.
2. Trucks:
Reverse Kingpin Trucks: These are the standard for longboards, offering more stability and turning radius for cruising and carving.
Standard Kingpin Trucks: These are typically used on skateboards and are better for tricks.
3. Wheels:
Size: Larger wheels (70mm or more) provide a smoother ride over rough terrain, while smaller wheels offer more agility.
Durometer: Softer wheels (78A-87A) provide better grip and smooth rides, while harder wheels (88A-101A) are better for sliding and tricks.
4. Bearings:
ABEC Rating: Bearings come with an ABEC rating that indicates precision. While high ABEC-rated bearings are smoother, most casual riders will do fine with ABEC 5 or ABEC 7 ratings.
5. Price and Quality:
Entry-level longboards typically cost around $80-$150. For high-end, performance-oriented boards, you can expect to pay $200 and up.
Popular Longboard Brands You’ll Find in a Longboard Shop:
Sector 9: Known for their durable and versatile boards, Sector 9 offers longboards for downhill racing, freeriding, and cruising.
Arbor Collective: A sustainable brand that uses eco-friendly materials, offering boards that are as stylish as they are functional.
Loaded Boards: A high-performance brand specializing in freestyle and downhill longboards.
6. Tips for Maintaining Your Longboard
Once you’ve purchased the perfect longboard, it’s important to take care of it to ensure it lasts for many rides to come. Proper maintenance will not only extend the life of your board but will also improve your riding experience.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips:
Clean Your Bearings: Bearings can accumulate dirt and dust, which can slow down your wheels. Regularly clean them using bearing cleaner and lubricate them for smooth performance.
Replace Worn-Out Wheels: Over time, wheels will wear down, especially if you're riding on rough terrain. Replace them when they start to feel uneven or flat.
Tighten the Trucks: Loose trucks can cause wobbles at high speeds. Make sure to check the tightness of your trucks periodically and adjust them based on your riding style.
Check the Grip Tape: Grip tape can wear down over time, affecting your ability to stay stable on the board. If the tape becomes smooth or slippery, it’s time to replace it.
Conclusion
Whether you're a seasoned skateboarder looking to switch things up or a complete newbie to the world of skating, longboarding offers an exciting and versatile way to ride. From cruising around town on a stylish pintail cruiser to racing downhill at high speeds on a drop-down longboard, there’s a board out there for everyone. By understanding the different types of boards, what features to look for, and how to maintain your longboard, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying countless hours of riding.
For more tips, reviews, and the latest gear, visit your local longboard shop or explore online stores like Longboards USA to find the perfect longboard for your riding style. Happy skating!