To find the right longboard, identify your riding style and choose a deck with the appropriate shape and size. Longboarding is an excellent sport that requires proper tools and expertise.
It is crucial to find the right longboard to ensure an enjoyable ride, gain confidence, and avoid injuries. Longboards come in different shapes, sizes, and materials, and finding the right one can be confusing. Whether you are new to the sport or an experienced rider, choosing the perfect longboard board takes time and effort. In this article, we will guide you on how to find the right longboard that meets your needs and preferences.
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Understanding The Different Types Of Longboards
Longboarding is becoming increasingly popular as a leisure activity and a mode of transportation. Apart from being a fun way to get around town, longboarding can be a great way to keep fit. An essential factor to consider before purchasing your first longboard is understanding the different types available.
Below are the five major types of longboards that you should know before making your purchase.
Cruisers:
Cruisers are ideal for leisurely rides and commuting. They usually have soft wheels and a flexible deck, making them comfortable to ride. They are great for cruising on flat terrain, sidewalks, and bike paths, and are perfect for beginners.
- Comfortable to ride
- Excellent for beginners
- Ideal for short distances
- Not suitable for high speeds
- Good for cruising on sidewalks and bike paths
Carvers:
Carvers are designed to simulate surfing; in fact, many surfers use them to practice surfing maneuvers on land. They have a carving or turning mechanism that allows you to make sharp turns and maneuver around obstacles quickly.
- Excellent for carving and surfing-like maneuvers
- Good for urban environments
- Perfect for experienced riders
- Not suitable for downhill rides
- Outfitted with a special carving truck system
Downhill:
Built for high-speed descents and racing, downhill boards are typically the longest and most stable type of longboard. They have stiff decks, low profiles, and a straight truck system. These features help to keep the board stable and in control, even when speeds exceed 50mph.
- Built for high speeds and racing.
- Ideal for experienced riders.
- Have a stiff deck, low profile and straight truck system.
- Tend to be the longest and most stable type of longboard.
- Not suitable for cruising or carving.
Freeride:
Freeride longboards are a versatile type of longboard and are perfect for slides and spins. They are great for cruising, carving and for doing tricks, making them ideal for riders who want to experiment and have fun.
- Versatile and perfect for slides and spins.
- Great for cruising, carving and tricks.
- Suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
- Have a medium flex deck and soft wheels.
- Not ideal for high speeds.
Dancers:
Dancers are intended for dancing and performing tricks while riding, making them the perfect choice for riders who crave style and performative nuance. They have a large deck that can reach over 48 inches long, allowing ample room for the rider to move around.
- Perfect for performing tricks and dancing.
- Have a large deck that is usually over 48 inches long.
- Have a flexible deck that aids in maneuverability.
- Not suitable for speed or downhill rides.
- Good for a relaxed, freestyle riding experience.
Understanding the different types of longboards is an essential factor to consider before making a purchase. Doing so ensures that you choose the correct type of longboard suitable for your needs and intended use.
Considering The Deck Shape And Size
Longboarding is a popular activity that has gained a lot of attention for its various health benefits and the thrill it provides. However, choosing the right longboard can seem like a daunting task, with so many options available in the market.
One crucial factor to consider is the deck shape and size. By understanding the different deck shapes and sizes, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs. Let’s dive into the details of each factor below.
Deck Shape:
Deck shape affects the longboard’s performance, and various shapes suit different riding styles.
- pintail: this is a classic longboard shape, ideal for cruising and carving. It offers stability and control due to its narrow width in the middle.
- drop-through: this shape offers added stability and ease of pushing, making it suitable for easy cruising.
- kicktail: kicktail boards are perfect for those who love doing tricks and stunts. The design allows the rider to perform a variety of maneuvers, including ollies, kickflips, and slides.
Deck Size:
Choosing the right size for your longboard is essential for stability and comfortable riding.
- height: taller riders require a longer deck for stability and comfortable riding.
- weight: the weight of the rider determines the longboard’s capacity. A heavier rider needs a broader and more stable deck for comfortable riding.
- shoe size: consider the size of your shoes when choosing a deck. If your shoe size is bigger, you’ll need a wider deck for easy maneuvering and stability.
Choosing the right longboard is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable ride. Consider the deck shape and size when making your decision, and you’re guaranteed a smooth ride that meets your individual needs. Happy longboarding!
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Selecting The Right Longboard Trucks And Wheels
Longboarding is a thrilling and exhilarating sport. However, before you begin, you need to understand how to select the appropriate longboard wheels and trucks that suit your needs. It’s an essential aspect that determines your ride’s comfort, stability, and safety.
In this section, we’ll discuss the two key components of a longboard: trucks and wheels.
Trucks:
Trucks connect the deck to the wheels, allowing you to control the board’s maneuverability as you ride.
- Axle width: the trucks’ axle width should align with the width of the deck.
- Hanger width: generally, hanger width should match the deck’s width, but you can also choose a wider hanger for increased stability.
- Bushings: the bushings provide stability and control. Choose a softer bushing for tighter turns and a harder one for faster riding.
- Kingpins: the kingpin helps secure the wheels to the hanger. Choose a tighter kingpin for stability or a looser one for sharper turns.
Wheels:
Wheels are an essential aspect of a longboard, and they are responsible for determining the ride’s speed and smoothness.
- Size: the size determines the speed and maneuverability of the board. Larger wheels allow for faster riding, while smaller wheels provide better control.
- Durometer: the durometer measures the wheel’s hardness, which impacts the ride’s speed and smoothness. Softer wheels provide a smoother ride but are slower, while harder wheels are faster but offer less shock absorption.
- Contact patch: the contact patch is the surface area of the wheel that contacts the ground. A larger contact patch offers better grip and stability, while a smaller one provides better control and faster turns.
Selecting the right trucks and wheels for your longboard is crucial for a comfortable, stable, and safe ride. Take the time to understand your needs, preferences, and riding style before making your choice. Now that you understand these two critical components, you’re ready to hit the road and enjoy the thrill of longboarding.
Setting A Budget And Shopping Around
Longboarding is a thrilling and adventurous sport perfect for people who love to ride and glide on a longboard while enjoying the surroundings. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, choosing the right longboard is crucial to your longboarding experience.
Setting a budget and shopping around are two of the most important considerations when purchasing a longboard. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to set a budget and shop around for the perfect longboard that suits your needs and preferences.
Setting A Budget:
Before you purchase a longboard, it’s essential to determine how much you are willing to spend. Most longboards range from $100 to $300 or more, depending on the brand, quality, and features of the board. When setting a budget, consider any additional expenses such as protective gear and accessories like helmets, gloves, and knee pads.
These items are crucial to ensure your safety as you ride your longboard. Make sure to factor in these costs in your budget to ensure that you have everything you need.
When determining your budget, you also need to assess your skill level and longboarding goals. Beginners may want to start with a cheaper longboard as they learn and progress while advanced riders may want to invest in a more expensive board.
Once you have determined your budget, you can look for longboards that fit your budget and preferences.
Shopping Around:
Shopping around for a longboard is essential to ensure that you get the best value for your money. Visit different brick-and-mortar stores and online shops to compare prices, features, and customer reviews. Online shopping is more convenient as you can easily access numerous options and deals in one place.
When shopping online, check the longboard’s specifications, such as the length, width, weight capacity, and materials used to make the board. Also, read reviews from previous customers to get a sense of the longboard’s performance and the quality of the board.
Compare the prices of different longboards with the same features and choose the best option that fits your budget and preferences.
When shopping in-store, check if the board feels comfortable and stable. Test the longboard to see if it matches your skill level and riding style. Ask the staff for recommendations or advice, especially if you are a beginner.
By setting a budget and shopping around for the perfect longboard, you can ensure that you get the best value for your money and have an enjoyable longboarding experience.
Testing The Longboard Before Making A Purchase
Longboarding is an exhilarating way to explore the outdoors and keep fit. It’s great fun, but it can also be dangerous if you’re not careful. That’s why it’s important to find the right longboard that suits your riding style. In this post, we’ll look at how you can test out a longboard before making a purchase and ask for advice from experienced riders or the staff at the longboard shop.
Try Before You Buy
Testing out a longboard before buying can save you from future regrets. Here are some of the things you should look out for when testing a longboard.
- Comfort: ensure that the longboard feels comfortable under your feet. It should be easy to maneuver, and you shouldn’t feel any discomfort in your feet or ankles.
- Stability: a stable longboard feels more secure. If you plan on cruising, make sure it’s easy to balance and steer.
- Riding style: different longboards are designed for different styles of riding. It’s essential to test ride the board and ensure it meets your specific needs.
Ask For Advice
If you’re new to longboarding or unsure of what you need, don’t hesitate to ask for advice from experienced riders or the staff at the longboard shop. They can give you an idea of what type of longboard is best suited for your skill level, riding style and the terrain you will be riding on.
Here are some questions you should ask:
- What type of board is best suited for my skill level?
- Will this board suit the type of riding i intend to do?
- Is this the right size board for me?
- What type of wheels are best suited for the terrain i want to ride on?
By asking these questions and getting advice from experienced riders or staff, you’ll be better informed and able to make a more appropriate, safe, and satisfactory purchase.
Testing a longboard before making a purchase and seeking guidance from experienced riders or staff can ensure that you’re getting the most suitable board for your needs, and it can prevent you from making an incorrect, unsafe, and uncomfortable purchase.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to longboarding, so do your research and test a variety of boards before making a final decision.
Conclusion
Longboarding is an amazing outdoor activity that’s gaining more popularity among both teenagers and adults. Finding the right longboard is vital to make the most of this experience. It’s important to know the different types of longboards that cater to different needs, choose the appropriate deck shape and size, the right wheels, bearings, and trucks, and consider the skill level of the rider.
Also, don’t forget to set a budget and consider the long-term use of the board. Taking all these factors into account can help you find the right board for your needs and ensure a safe and enjoyable longboarding experience. So, do your research, compare the products, and choose wisely to make a worthy investment that you’ll enjoy and cherish for years to come.
Happy longboarding!
