A longboard is a special type of skateboard that is mainly longer than a regular skateboard and has an inclusive variation in shapes. Longboarding refers to the use of longboards for cruising, traveling, and downhill racing. It is unbeatable in terms of ease of use and safety. Longboarding is significantly easier to learn than skateboarding because of all of the skills needed to skateboarding like pumping, turning, balance, strength, and so on. Because of wheel size, construction materials, and more precise hardware, a longboard is usually faster than a skateboard.
There are many types of longboards and each type of longboard has its own configuration, and shape. That means that if a rider wants a longboard for various purposes, he will need to purchase multiple types of longboards for each form of longboarding, such as carving, commuting, and so on. When purchasing a longboard, the deck is the most important consideration because it determines the overall performance as well as the riding style. Longboarding is now becoming the most preferred sport and unquestionably the fastest rising youth sport.
Here’s a rundown of the many longboard styles, as well as an overview of their designs and sorts.
Types of Longboards
- Downhill
Downhill longboards are all about their speed. Their speeds range from 50 to 65 mph. But extreme longboarders can easily reach speeds of 80-90 mph. Factors that determine your true speed, are your riding technique, your capacity to push and pump, gradient of the slope, body weight, your board’s design, your speed tuck, and braking abilities.
One of the best features of Downhill Longboards is that they are ideal for descending hills. These longboards ensure better quality since they are made of the higher quality materials. They can easily endure the tough ground, allowing you to experience longboarding in a completely unique and enchanting way. Longboarders will have complete control over their movement and increase their adaption to the surroundings while speeding down the hill with the help of high-quality downhill longboards. Because these longboards have a distinct rear as well as a defined front, you can simply move in the appropriate direction. All of this aids in moving down the hill smoothly and in a straight line.
- Drop Through
The Drop-Through longboard is a great choice. It looks like any other skateboard, but the deck has a cutout in it. Because of the cutout, the trucks fit well on the board. They’re fantastic for freeriding. If there is a board that is appropriate for all-around longboarding, it would have to be a drop-through, which has grown tremendously popular as the longboard of choice.
A Drop-Through longboard is commonly used for traveling at higher speeds. It has a narrow stand that improves it’s stability while riding at faster speeds. It is very simple and easy to use and the pace can be adjusted to suit your needs. Tops other skateboards in terms of flexibility, making it suitable for all types of skateboarders. It’s the best choice for carving at low speeds. The ideal choice for free riders is because the rider’s center of gravity is low, allowing them to slide over their boards.
It has some disadvantages as well. The drop-through longboard is very drifty because of its unique formation so it is not stable on varying platforms. You cannot attain sharp shots as the forward-facing deck design is lower.
- Carving Longboards
Carving is one of the most important skills that most longboarders want to master. Though mastering this great technique isn’t tough, you’ll need to practice on a daily basis to be able to swipe past any impediment with ease It is, however, a difficult task. It’s the closest thing to ocean surfing; it’s both mechanical and artistic, and it provides a wonderful sense of pleasure, motion, and freedom. Curves and speed are important in carving. Even on level ground, carvers maintain their speed without having to push.
- Cruising Longboards
A cruising longboard ensures that you may enjoy a pleasant journey to the local mall or shopping arcade. These Cruising Longboards are a true gem for congested situations. Another advantage of cruising boards is that they have broader trucks and decks, which not only makes living simpler but also ensures superior stability. When you know you have a longboard that is suitable for cruising, you can be assured that you will be in perfect balance. If you want to learn how to longboard or if you want your kids to learn how to longboard, you should start with cruising longboards.
For casual cruising, a pintail is the longboard of choice. For stability, 40” or longer is a good choice. For smooth cruising, the deck type is a flat deck with moderate flex. Flex provides a more pleasant ride while also reducing joint stress. For a balanced suspension feel, go for large wheels.
Long-distance cruising, commuter cruising, and boardwalk cruising are some of the various longboard-based activities that are distinct from our cool boardwalk cruise.
- Bamboo Longboards
Bamboo longboards undoubtedly are very flexible and featherweight. This feature is quite popular among the younger generation, they go gaga over it because it allows them to accomplish tougher and cooler stunts. This should be your first choice if you’re planning to go on picnic or any camping vacation and wish to take your longboard with you. Bamboo longboards are totally organic and stylish, in addition to being lightweight. Bamboo longboards of superior quality can help you experience a variety of tricks as well as extraordinary presentations.
Bamboo longboards have only one disadvantage and that is the difficulty you might face while replacing the wheels, although this is overlooked due to the low cost and good efficiency of these longboards.
- Pintail Longboards
The teardrop design of Pintail longboards allows for deep carving while minimizing the possibility of wheel bite. There are several options for cruising and carving on flat surfaces and hilltops. Because of the roomy platform for the rider’s feet and overall length, it is a suitable choice for beginners. Because of the top-mounted trucks, a pintail longboard is tall. They’re usually 38 to 46 inches long and 9 to 10 inches wide.
Because the sharper taper improves the turning radius, which allows the wheels to make a sharp turn, you can easily make sharp bends. Furthermore, these boards are frequently equipped with carved-out wheels, which lessen the chance of wheel bite. This type of longboard is ideal for drifting and directed riding. While picking the right longboard that suits you perfectly, your height is an important issue to consider. Since your feet is proportionate to your body height, your feet need to be properly implanted on the board without dangling. Your weight can be a disadvantage as well.
- Fishtail Longboards
These are very easily identifiable with the characteristic cleft in the tail; hence the name fishtails.
The wide base center of a Fishtail longboard and a Pintail longboard is very similar. The tail is the distinguishing characteristic that allows us to tell them apart. Fishtail Longboards have a split tail that gives them the appearance of a split tail surfboard while also allowing them to enjoy the classic surf style. A split tail also makes it easier to go for a long ride and make sharp turns. Because of the low flex and sharper concave, it provides better heel and toe control. This allows for intensive wide carving and simple speed checks. And you have to give it to them; their style is slick and traditional.
- Blunt Longboards
Blunt Longboards are the ideal alternative for beginners since they provide more stability, allowing the beginner to learn his skills faster. These boards have a broader round nose and tail, which contributes to their increased stability. A professional rider may not find this board acceptable for him due to its weak turning abilities, but a beginner will find it suitable because of its improved stability, which allows him to master basic longboard techniques quickly.
Blunt longboards are known for their durability and stability. The blunt design is the result of a Pintail’s nose and tail being blunted. They’re not designed for sharp turns and are therefore unsuitable for hill riding. In order to provide more stability, larger wheels are typically employed. These boards are suitable for longboarding. Regular people also find it more friendly to use.
- Mini Cruiser Short Longboards
The mini cruiser board is without a doubt the smallest longboard. Compact cruiser boards are another name for them. To give you a hint of their size, they’re 33 inches long, compared to 45 inches or more for other longboards.
A Mini cruiser Longboards are only for professional riders because of its shorter length, which allows for faster speed and better turning abilities. Because it lacks the stability of blunt longboards, it will be difficult for a beginner to enjoy a ride. Another benefit is that they are portable due to their lightweight. So, only get this board if you’ve perfected your talents and want to enjoy a faster and more adventurous ride.
- Twin Longboards
The twin skateboards were first released in the 1990s and were known for their ability to easily skate in many directions. Later on, twin longboards with broader sides were produced. Unlike twin skateboards, these boards allow longboarders to be more creative and accomplish stunts. Its design is very attractive and appealing along with its different nose and tail parts. Because of its excellent stability, professionals use it. It is now legal to make sharp curves and cuts, allowing it to be used for downhill riding.
These boards are ideal for freestyle riding since they have a higher level of stability, allowing the rider to develop new board techniques. So, if you’re looking to buy a twin longboard, make sure it has larger soft wheels since this will allow you to pull off some fantastic board feats. The board is also suitable for executing tricks.
- Cut Out Longboards
The cutout longboard is a cutting-edge design with plenty of wheel clearance. Due to extensive tears, the blueprint has a large base and entirely small sides. As a result, they’re known as Cut Out longboards.
When compared to other types of longboards, Cut Out Longboards have the most wheel clearance. Furthermore, these boards are bi-directional, allowing the rider to ride in either way without difficulty. Drop-through trucks are commonly included with Cut Out Longboards in order to lower the longboard and improve stability at high speeds. Because they have larger wheels and can perform deep turns without skidding, these boards are perfect for freestyle, downhill, and freeride riding.
- Drop Down Longboards
Longboards with a lower deck and nose provide more stability and allow the rider to have a more pleasant long ride as pushing becomes easier. To offer wheel clearance, Drop-Down Longboards are combined with cut-out shaped decks.
- Speed Board Longboards
The name of the speed board isn’t just to emphasize that it was well-known and accepted for its remarkable speed. The nice thing about these longboards is that they not only have a faster top speed but also a better top speed stability. The tail portion is kept sharp along with a blunt nose. You can get these high-performance boards in various and convenient widths.
- Topmount Longboards or Drop Through Longboards
Topmount or Drop Through longboards are reliant on the trucks being attached to the deck. The trucks on top mount longboards are mounted directly to the deck’s bottom. This allows the rider to make more aggressive turns because of the greater capability. They have a wobbling problem as a result of their height above the ground. Riders can add separate bushings, wheels, and trucks to increase stability. Obviously, it’s mainly a hit-and-trial endeavor.
- Double Drop Longboards
Hill rider’s all-time favorite is Double Drop Longboards. It’s a sophisticated design that combines drop-through and drop deck longboards. Due to the low center of gravity, these also speed machines with easily manipulable speeds.
- Dancer Longboards
This one is the coolest one. You can dance around on a longboard. Yes, you heard right. It takes a lot of practice and time to achieve a proper grip of it. Dancer Longboards was presented by Rodney Mullen.
When your balance improves, you’ll be able to go faster downhill or freeride. Any board, in fact, will suffice to get you off the mark.
On a serious note, dance longboards are long enough as you need some spacing space on the board. They are longer than downhill, cruiser or freeride board arrangements. In the board, there is a double kicktail that helps to pop the board up easily. For getting a better dancing experience on the board, a soft but not too soft flex is provided. Here, the main factor is weight. Dancing boards should be easily controllable. So, you should look for a board that is long enough, but light weight for it’s length.
- Freeride Longboards
They are mainly lone survivors. Fun at carving and cruising but they have a tendency to to be unforgiving and inactive sometimes. Freeriding is a hard sport that involves more sliding and speed than the other two. They are available in a variety of shapes, patterns, and sizes, but with smaller wheels. You’ll need smaller wheels for sliding, as you’ll want to allow the wheels to lose grip and slip sideways. The wheels are constructed of urethane and the lines behind them are known as ‘thanes.’ Drop through decks are common on freeride boards. As a result, they sit a lot closer to the ground and have more stability, which is ideal for sliding and momentum. They have different concaves and cambers for precise and proper foot positioning. Some are designed with a double drop, which lowers the board even more.
- Push / Commuter Longboards
The Push Board is one of a kind. It is mainly used for commuting and distance. They’re double drop with a drop-through truck mount. They ride incredibly low for easy pushing. The wheels are medium in size and also have narrow trucks.
- Electric Longboards
E-skateboarding doesn’t sound pretty good, but it is what it is. Everything that applies to typical skateboarding applies, with the exception that motive power is provided, therefore no pushing or kicking is required.
Important facts that you should know:
Payload – Electric skateboards can easily endure loads from 200-330 pounds. It depends on the structural factors. Go through your manual to see the “load-bearing capacity of the electric board.’’ Don’t even dare to overload for the reasons explained below:
- Safety reasons – Braking distance and load increase proportionately. By overloading, you will damage the braking system, putting yourself in severe risk.
- Performance and Range – The electronics, brakes, and gears have all been adjusted to provide the best riding experience possible. The performance will be hampered by a fully loaded board. It will restrict your range and slow you down. It will also hamper the hill-climbing ability and the exact stopping distance. So, don’t carry groceries and other heavy things.
How to Choose a Proper Longboard?
If you are a beginner, your main target should be to get a proper grip on the longboard. In order to understand the basics, you should start with Pintail longboard as it is a better one among other all-rounders. It is also important for a safe ride. After gathering proper momentum in your longboarding abilities, you can easily shift into a selected stream. A drop-through longboard can also be a better option for freshers.
The sport itself is enthralling, capturing the idea of freedom. If you haven’t started longboarding yet, it’s your time to dig in. Don’t care about your age. You just need to be fit to begin with. And never forget safety gear. Always wear a helmet and do not give up. You can also become a pro longboarder soon.