Longboards

Longboard Shopping Tips

Longboards, just like the namesake, are longer than skateboards. At first glance, the choices are overwhelming. Okay, even at second glance the options seem overwhelming. Don’t worry; we’ll try to make it easier for you. But first, let us discuss the reasons why you might want a longboard. Longboards are an absolutely great way for snowboarders to partake in board sports in the off-season. These boards can be ridden around the town as a cruiser or raced downhill for the adrenaline junkies. There are even longboards made for doing tricks if you so desire.

Types of Longboards

Cruiser : Cruiser longboards usually feature a similar shape to skateboards with kick tails. Cruiser longboards are going to offer the rider plenty of control with a forgiving flex. Cruisers will mostly have top mounted trucks. This is when the decks are mounted on top of the platform of the trucks.

Pintail : Pintail longboards are mainly shaped to avoid the dreaded “wheel bite”. This is when the wheel touches the board during turns. Pintail longboards are mostly going to be found with top mounted trucks.

Freeride : Freeride longboards generally features a symmetrical shape for switch riding ease. Well, ease if you’re good at it. Freeride longboards are for the aggressive, fast rider that likes to throw in tricks like drifting and sliding. The shape can best be described as resembling a fat bottle with necks on both ends. Well, that’s the best we can describe it at least. Freeride longboards come with either a top mount or drop-through mount. Drop-through mounts are when the deck has cutouts allowing the trucks’ platform to sit on top of the deck.

Hybrid : Hybrid longboards mix any combination of the above shapes and mounts. Hybrids are excellent for riders that are looking for versatility for a mix of longboarding styles. If you’re only interested in getting a single longboard, hybrids might very well be the best option for you.

Drop Decks: Longboards with Drop Decks feature a unique shape. Well, they do normally look like freeride longboards on the surface. Drop decks feature a mid-section that drops below the truck platform often with a concave design as well. The benefit of this shape is that it provides the longboards with superb grip for the rider. The dropped platform also offers superior stability. The downside of this shape is that it is pretty specialized. Put some loose trucks on these longboards and you’re going to experience rail bite which is when the platform scrapes on the ground as you turn. Any types of bumps such as speed bumps are going to rock your world on a dropped deck. However, if you’re goal is to fly down stretch of flat road, dropped decks are going to rock your world in a positive way.

Phew, there you go. Now you know a little more about longboards. Quick recommendation, if you’re a beginner, you should consider either hybrid longboards or cruiser longboards. Ignore the other types of longboards until you find your game. Happy land shredding!