For sliding, the best longboard to use are those that are specifically designed for freeriding and downhill techniques. Longboarding has become an increasingly popular sport, and each discipline requires a different setup of longboard decks, wheels, and trucks.
For those interested in sliding, finding the right longboard is essential. Sliding is a technique that involves intentionally breaking traction and sliding the board. It’s a challenging but fun skill to master. To do it right, you need a longboard that provides optimal stability at high speeds and is easy to control. But with the abundance of longboard options available, it can be challenging to know which one is the best for sliding. In this article, we will help you choose the perfect board that will give you the edge you need to slide like a pro.
Credit: lushlongboards.com
Introduction
Are you a longboard enthusiast looking for the ultimate experience in sliding? Look no further! Choosing the right longboard is crucial for achieving the perfect slide. In this guide, we will explore the basics of sliding and how to choose the best longboard for this style of riding.
Brief Explanation Of Sliding On A Longboard
Sliding is a technique in longboarding where riders intentionally cause the wheels of their board to lose traction, resulting in a controlled slide. The purpose of sliding is to control speed, change direction, and execute tricks. This style of riding demands a board that offers stability, control, and durability.
Importance Of Choosing The Right Longboard For Sliding
Choosing the wrong longboard can result in a frustrating and unsafe experience. A good sliding longboard will have features like a low center of gravity, a stiff deck, and sliding-friendly wheels. Failure to have these essential features may cause instability, unwanted speed, or worse, accidents.
How This Guide Will Help
In this guide, we will provide comprehensive information on the features to look for when shopping for the best longboard for sliding.
- Deck shape and size for stability
- Truck shape and tightness for control
- Wheel size, durometer, and shape for grip and slide
- Budget-friendly options
By the end of this guide, you will have gained valuable insight into the world of longboarding and the right choice for sliding.
Understanding Longboards
Longboarding is a popular sport that involves riding long, wide boards downhill or on flat terrain. While there are different styles of longboarding, one of the most thrilling is sliding, an advanced technique that involves drifting the board sideways while maintaining control.
To excel at sliding, choosing the right longboard is critical. Therefore, it is important to understand longboards and their key features. Here are some different types of longboards and their features to consider when selecting the best longboard for sliding.
Different Types Of Longboards And Their Features
- drop-through longboards: these longboards have cut-out sections on the deck, which lowers the board’s center of gravity. Drop-through longboards are more stable at high speeds and are easier to slide due to their low ride height.
- top-mount longboards: these longboards have a higher ride height and are more responsive than drop-through longboards. The rider’s feet are mounted directly on top of the trucks, enabling more leverage and control over the deck.
- drop-down longboards: these longboards have a concave deck that dips down between the trucks, providing a lower center of gravity and increased stability. The design makes them ideal for high-speed riding and long slides.
Benefits Of Each Type For Sliding Purposes
- drop-through longboards: these are perfect for those who are new to sliding and want to learn the techniques. They offer better stability and easier control, making it easier to slide.
- top-mount longboards: these are suitable for experienced riders who want more control over their board. The higher ride height provides more leverage, allowing for tighter turns and more precise sliding control.
- drop-down longboards: these are perfect for advanced riders who want to tackle more technical slides at higher speeds. They offer an exceptional level of stability and speed, which is required for longer slides.
Skateboard Vs. Longboard For Sliding
- skateboards: these are mostly used for street skating and are not ideal for sliding because of their small size and narrow deck. Skateboards are not stable enough and do not have the same control and slide capabilities of a longboard.
- longboards: these are ideal for sliding due to their larger size and wide deck. Longboards offer a stable platform that is perfect for practicing your slides on.
Understanding the different types of longboards and their features is important in selecting the best longboard for sliding. It is also important to choose the right type of longboard that aligns well with a rider’s skill level, riding style, and goals.
By taking the above factors into account, longboard riders can enjoy a more fulfilling and exciting sliding experience.
Best Longboard For Beginners? (Buyers Guide)
Key Features To Look For In A Longboard For Sliding
Longboarding is a thrilling and popular extreme sport that offers riders the ability to move at high speeds and perform impressive maneuvers. One of the most prominent skills required in longboarding is sliding, making it essential to have the right longboard that can perform this function efficiently.
In this blog post, we will look at the key features you should consider before purchasing a longboard that will be best for sliding.
Deck Shape And Size
The deck is the longboard’s primary component, made from sturdy materials like bamboo or maple.
- The deck should be symmetrical, with no nose or tail, making it easier to perform sliding maneuvers.
- Look for a deck length that ranges between 33 inches to 40 inches. A longer deck gives more stability while a shorter deck is more maneuverable.
- The deck’s width should be between 8 inches to 10 inches, providing adequate foot-space for the rider to execute sliding maneuvers.
Trucks And Wheels
The truck is the component that attaches the wheels to the deck, while the wheels allow the longboard to move.
- Choose trucks with a higher degree angle and a lower profile because they offer more stability when making turns.
- Wheels with a lower durometer rating of 78a to 82a tend to be softer and provide more grip, making them the best option for sliding.
- Larger wheels, approximately 70mm-75mm, work best for sliding because they provide more speed.
Durability And Flexibility
An ideal sliding longboard must be durable enough to withstand the rigors of sliding and other extreme maneuvers.
- The deck should be designed to handle constant pressure and stress from frequent sliding.
- Choose materials that are flexible enough to absorb shock or impact and prevent cracks or breakages.
- You can check product reviews to gain insight on a longboard’s durability and flexibility before making a purchase.
Weight And Portability
Sliding requires riders to use their bodies to shift the longboard’s weight and move in different directions. Thus, lightweight and portable longboards are crucial for sliding.
- Look for a lightweight longboard with a weight range of approximately 2. 5kg to 3. 5kg to ensure optimum sliding performance.
- Portable longboards are easier to carry and store when not in use. You can choose between a two-piece or foldable longboard to ease portability.
Selecting the perfect longboard for sliding requires careful consideration. The key features that make a longboard ideal for sliding include the deck shape and size, trucks and wheels, durability and flexibility, and weight and portability. By choosing a sliding longboard based on these features, you can maximize your longboarding experience and perform sliding maneuvers with ease.
Top Longboards For Sliding
Overview Of The Best Longboards For Sliding
Longboarding is fun, and sliding makes it even better. But what longboards are best for sliding? Well, there are many models out there, and we have carefully selected the top ones for you.
In-Depth Look At Each Recommended Longboard Model
- Loaded icarus – known for its stability and smooth slides, the loaded icarus is a dream come true for sliding enthusiasts. Its drop-through design, together with its concave shape, allows for deeper turns while reducing speed wobbles.
- Landyachtz evo – up next is the landyachtz evo. It is a great choice for sliding since it offers a comfortable foot platform and rock-solid stability. The evo’s beefy construction also makes it less prone to wear and tear.
- Bustin yoface – if you’re looking for a beginner-friendly longboard that is great for sliding, then the bustin yoface is an excellent choice. It has a symmetrical shape, ample concave, and a kicktail that make it both playful and functional.
Pro And Cons Of Each Longboard Option
- Loaded icarus – pros: stable and smooth slides, deep turns, reduces speed wobbles. Cons: expensive, not suitable for high-speed sliding.
- Landyachtz evo – pros: sturdy construction, comfortable foot platform, rock-solid stability. Cons: not ideal for tight turns, expensive.
- Bustin yoface – pros: reasonably priced, beginner-friendly, playful and functional. Cons: not as stable as other models, less suited for high-speed sliding.
Comparison Chart
| Longboard Model | Pros | Cons |
| — | — | — |
| loaded icarus | stable and smooth slides, deep turns, reduces speed wobbles. | expensive, not suitable for high-speed sliding.
| landyachtz evo | sturdy construction, comfortable foot platform, rock-solid stability. | not ideal for tight turns, expensive.
| bustin yoface | reasonably priced, beginner-friendly, playful and functional. | not as stable as other models, less suited for high-speed sliding.
Choosing the right longboard for sliding largely depends on your preferences, skill level, and budget. However, by selecting any of the above models, you should be on the right track towards a fun and exciting sliding experience.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Longboard For Sliding
Longboarding is one of the most thrilling and popular outdoor activities that young and old alike enjoy. If you are into longboarding, choosing the right longboard for sliding is essential. Sliding is a popular technique that involves skidding the board through turns; it is an advanced skill that requires a certain type of longboard.
Rider’S Skill Level And Experience
The skill level and experience of the rider should be the first consideration when choosing a longboard for sliding. New riders should look for a longboard that suits their level of experience to stay safe and avoid accidents. Beginner and intermediate riders need more stability and control in their longboards, whereas advanced riders need more agility, speed, and maneuverability.
Key points to keep in mind when choosing a longboard based on your experience level include:
- Board length and width
- Flexibility and stiffness
- Wheelbase
Riding Style And Personal Preference
The second most important factor to consider when choosing a longboard for sliding is your riding style and personal preference. A rider’s riding style and personal preference have a significant impact on the type of longboard they choose for sliding.
Every longboard is designed for different styles of riding, and each rider has their own preferences.
The following are the key points that you must consider when choosing a longboard based on your riding style and personal preference:
- Type of deck shape
- Type of trucks
- Type of wheels
Budget
Budget plays a significant role in choosing the right longboard for sliding. Longboards are available in different price ranges, so it’s essential to set a budget before heading to the shop. The price of the longboard often reflects its quality and durability.
Here are some key points to consider in choosing a good quality longboard based on your budget:
- Type of materials used
- Brand
- Customer reviews
Maintenance And Care Of The Longboard
Every longboard requires maintenance, and it’s essential to factor in the long-term maintenance needs of your longboard before making a final decision.
Here are some key points to consider in owning a longboard:
- How to clean and maintain the bearings
- Checking and replacing the wheels and trucks
- How to improve the lifespan of the board
Choosing the right longboard for sliding depends on the rider’s skill level and experience, riding style and personal preference, budget, and maintenance and care needs. By considering these factors, you’ll be able to enjoy a high-quality longboarding experience that’s both safe and fun.
Conclusion
Choosing a longboard for sliding involves many factors, including the deck’s shape, size, and material, wheel durometer and size, and truck style. You need a board that offers a stable platform, responsive turning, and predictable slide initiation and control. In this guide, we discussed some of the best longboards for sliding and what to consider when selecting a board for this type of riding.
Below is a recap of the key points discussed in this guide.
Recap Of The Key Points Discussed In The Guide
- To do sliding on a longboard, you need a board designed for freeriding or downhill skating, which typically features a drop deck or a directional shape.
- A low center of gravity makes it easier to push out slides and provides a stable platform for high-speed sliding.
- The durability, hardness, size, and shape of wheels affect slide initiation, control, and speed. Harder and smaller wheels initiate slides more readily, while larger and softer wheels offer more grip and control.
- Trucks play a critical role in sliding too. Reverse kingpin trucks are more stable and provide better turning ability, making them ideal for freeriding. Traditional kingpin trucks are more responsive and facilitate faster turn initiation, making them suitable for downhill racing.
- The construction and material of the deck also influence sliding performance.
Final Thoughts On Choosing The Best Longboard For Sliding
Choosing the best longboard for sliding depends on your skill level, riding style, personal preference, and budget. Consider the various factors that contribute to sliding performance, such as deck shape, size, and material, wheel durometer and size, and truck style.
Experiment with different setups and components to find what works best for you.
Additional Resources And Links For Readers Who Want To Learn More
Learning to slide takes time, practice, and patience, but with the right equipment and technique, you can master this thrilling aspect of longboarding. Here are some additional resources and links to help you learn more about sliding and longboarding in general.
- Longboarding for dummies: everything you need to know to get started on a longboard
- Beginner’s guide to longboarding: tips, tricks, and safety advice for new riders
- Sliding 101: how to do the basic slide and progress to advanced techniques
- Top 5 best longboards for sliding: the experts’ picks for the best boards for sliding
- Longboard setup for sliding: a comprehensive guide to building the perfect sliding setup
- The physics of longboarding: how various factors affect longboarding performance and safety
- Longboarding tricks and tips: tutorials and advice from pro riders and experts in the field.
Conclusion
Choosing the best longboard for sliding comes down to several factors: deck length, deck shape, wheel size and durometer, and truck tightness. Depending on your preferences and abilities, some boards may work better than others. For example, beginners may prefer longer and wider decks with softer wheels and looser trucks, while more experienced riders may prefer shorter and narrower decks with harder wheels and tighter trucks.
Additionally, it’s crucial to choose a board that fits your riding style and the terrain on which you plan to ride. By considering these factors and testing out different options, you can find the perfect longboard for sliding that suits your needs and helps you achieve your tricks and slides with ease.
Always remember to wear safety gear and practice responsible riding for a fun and successful longboarding experience.
