The longboard offers a smooth and enjoyable gliding experience, ideal for getting around town, hurtling down slopes at full speed or performing stylish tricks. Given the diversity of models, it can be difficult to find your way around. We will give you some analysis keys to help you see things more clearly!
1 - DEFINE YOUR USE
The choice of your longboard depends primarily on how you intend to use it. Here are the main longboard styles and their characteristics:
Cruising: For those who want to ride around the city or go for casual rides. Cruising boards are generally flexible, wide, and comfortable, perfect for effortless gliding.
Downhill: If you love speed and downhill riding, this style is for you. These longboards are stiff, stable, and equipped with trucks (axles) designed for tight turns at high speeds.
Freestyle: If you're into tricks and moves, a freestyle longboard will be shorter, lighter, and more maneuverable, making spins and jumps easier.
Freeride: For slide enthusiasts and technical downhill riders, stable and stiff boards, often with harder wheels, make sliding easier.
Each discipline requires specific board features, so this is the first question to consider before making a purchase.
2 - SHAPE OF THE DECK
The deck is the central part of the board where you place your feet. Its shape directly affects the board’s maneuverability and comfort.
Top-Mount: The deck is mounted directly on top of the trucks, offering better responsiveness and more height but less stability at high speeds. Ideal for freestyle or cruising.
Drop-Through: The trucks pass through the board, lowering the center of gravity. This increases stability and reduces the effort needed for pushing. This setup is suitable for freeride or downhill.
Drop Deck: The center of the board is lower than the ends, increasing stability. This type of longboard is often used for downhill.
Double Kick: Both ends of the board (nose and tail) are raised, making tricks and freestyle moves easier.
3 - DECK SIZE AND FLEXIBILITY
The length and flexibility of the board play an important role in the riding experience:
Size: Longboards generally range from 90 to 130 cm in length. A longer board offers more stability but is less maneuverable, while a shorter board is more responsive, ideal for tricks or tight spaces.
Flexibility: Flex refers to the board's softness. A flexible board absorbs vibrations better, ideal for cruising, while a stiff board is better suited for downhill, offering better control at high speeds. Bamboo boards are usually more flexible than maple ones.
4 - THE TRUCKS
Trucks are essential for the longboard’s maneuverability. They influence how you turn and slide.
Width: The trucks should match the width of your board. Trucks that are too wide make the board less responsive, while trucks that are too narrow affect stability.
Angle: The truck's angle affects responsiveness. A higher angle (50°, for example) makes turning easier, perfect for cruising and carving. A lower angle (around 40°) offers more stability, ideal for downhill.
5 - THE WHEELS
Longboard wheels are larger and softer than standard skateboard wheels, providing better grip and a smoother ride. Here are the key factors to consider:
Diameter: Larger wheels (between 70 mm and 75 mm) roll faster and absorb road bumps better, but are less responsive. Smaller wheels (60-70 mm) are more agile but slower.
Hardness: Wheel hardness is measured by the durometer. Softer wheels (78A-87A) provide more comfort and grip, ideal for cruising. Harder wheels (88A-101A) make sliding easier but are less comfortable on rough surfaces.
6 - GRIPTAPE
Grip tape is the rough surface applied to the deck that keeps your feet from slipping. A coarse grip is essential for disciplines like downhill and freeride, where maximum traction is needed. For cruising or carving, a lighter grip may be sufficient. Always choose a grip from a specialized skateboard/longboard brand rather than a cheap option.
7 - PRICE AND QUALITY
Longboards are available at various price points, but it's important to remember that quality often matches the price. A budget board might be sufficient for beginners or occasional use, but for regular riding or better performance, investing in a higher-quality longboard is recommended. Don’t hesitate to contact a custom shaper, who can provide a superior quality deck.
CONCLUSION
Choosing a longboard mainly depends on your riding style and personal preferences. A good longboard should offer a balance between stability, maneuverability, and comfort. Whether you just want to cruise around town or tackle steep hills, there’s a board that suits your needs. Take the time to determine your priorities and try out different models before making a final decision.