How to Choose the Right Longboard for You

Your Guide to buying the best Longboard

Overview

A longboard is a type of skateboard that is specifically designed for downhill and cruising. It is larger and typically has softer, larger wheels than a regular skateboard, making it more suitable for speed, distance, and carrying heavier riders. This buying guide provides a comprehensive overview of the different components of a longboard, from decks and trucks to wheels and bearings, and outlines the key considerations when selecting the right longboard for your needs.

Key features

  1. Purpose: What will you use the Longboard for? Cruising, downhill, freestyle, dancing, sliding, or free riding? Different Longboards are made for different riding styles, so it is important to know what you plan to use it for.
  2. Deck: The deck is the main component and is available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Wood and composite materials are common choices, and the shape of the deck influences the maneuverability of the board.
  3. Trucks: The trucks are the metal pieces that attach the wheels to the deck, consisting of the hanger, axle, kingpin nut, washers, and bushings. Different trucks offer different levels of stability, turning, and sliding potential.
  4. Wheels: Longboard wheels come in many shapes, sizes, and hardness levels. The harder the wheel, the faster it will roll, and the softer the wheel, the more grip it will have.
  5. Bearings: Bearings are found inside each wheel and are used to reduce friction and rolling resistance, allowing the board to move more quickly.
  6. Grip Tape: Grip tape is a gritty, abrasive material that is applied to the top of the deck for traction. It is available in a variety of colors and patterns.

See the most popular Longboard on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Portability: Longboards are much easier to carry and transport than a regular skateboard, making them ideal for commuting or riding around town.
  • Maneuverability: Longboards have a larger wheelbase than a regular skateboard, meaning they are much easier to turn and maneuver than a regular board.
  • Speed: Longboards are designed for speed, and many riders find that they are much faster than a regular skateboard.
  • Durability: Longboards are made of much sturdier materials than regular skateboards, and are therefore much more durable.
  • Variety: Longboards come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be used for downhill, carving, cruising, and more.

Cons

  • Price: Longboards can be more expensive than regular skateboards, as they usually cost more than $100.
  • Size: Longboards are much larger than traditional skateboards, which means they can be difficult to carry and store.
  • Learning Curve: Learning to ride a longboard can be difficult for a beginner, as it requires some coordination and balance.
  • Maintenance: Longboard decks and trucks require regular maintenance, such as regularly tightening the screws and replacing worn out parts.
  • Weight: Longboards are relatively heavy compared to traditional skateboards, which can make them difficult to carry around.

Best alternatives

  1. Skateboard – A traditional four-wheeled board used for transportation.
  2. Penny Board – A small plastic skateboard typically 22 inches long.
  3. Waveboard – A two-wheeled board that relies on the rider’s body shifts to move.
  4. Electric Skateboard – A skateboard with an electric motor and a battery to power it.
  5. Cruiser Board – A short-board style skateboard designed for cruising around.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Bearings - Wheels and axles for a longboard that enable it to roll smoothly.
  • Grip Tape - An adhesive material applied to the top of the longboard deck to allow for traction when riding.
  • Trucks - The metal parts that connect the wheels to the board’s deck.
  • Wheels - The rubber parts that are mounted to the trucks and provide the longboard with mobility.
  • Bushings - Small dampers placed between the trucks and deck of the longboard that provides stability and control.
  • Hardware - Screws, nuts, and bolts used to attach the trucks to the longboard deck.
  • Risers - Pads used to raise the trucks off the deck of the longboard for more stability.

Common questions

  1. What is a Longboard? A longboard is a type of skateboard with a longer, typically wider deck than a traditional skateboard. The longer wheelbase provides greater stability for high speeds and turns, while the wider deck allows for greater control when maneuvering.
  2. What types of Longboards are available? There are many different types of longboards available, including cruiser boards, downhill boards, freeride boards, and dance boards.
  3. What should I look for when buying a Longboard? When buying a longboard, you should consider various factors such as the type of riding you plan to do, the size and shape of the deck, the type of trucks, and the type of wheels.
  4. What is the difference between a Longboard and a Skateboard? The main difference between a longboard and a skateboard is the size and shape of the deck. Longboards are generally longer and wider than skateboards, which provides more stability and control when riding.
  5. What are the safety considerations when riding a Longboard? When riding a longboard, you should always wear proper safety gear, such as a helmet and knee pads. Additionally, you should check for obstacles and debris on the ground before riding and avoid riding in heavy traffic or high-speed areas.

Trivia

An interesting fact about longboarding is that it was first invented in the early 1950s by a group of surfers in Hawaii. These surfers were looking for a way to replicate the feeling of riding a wave on land. So they created a wooden plank with wheels and called it a longboard. Over time, the boards have evolved to include a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, but the original spirit of the activity remains the same: to replicate the thrill of surfing on land. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.