Choosing the right longboard for your riding style is essential to ensure an enjoyable and comfortable riding experience. Longboards come in various shapes and sizes, each designed for specific purposes. Here's a guide to help you choose the right longboard based on your riding style:
1. Identify Your Riding Style:
- Cruising/Transportation: If you plan to use your longboard primarily for commuting or cruising, a longer and more stable deck with softer wheels for a smoother ride is preferable.
- Carving: For those who enjoy making deep turns and manoeuvres, a flexible deck with a carver or pintail shape is ideal.
- Downhill: Downhill riders need a stable and sturdy board with features like a drop-through or top-mount design, along with larger, grippier wheels for speed control.
- Freestyle/Tricks: Riders interested in tricks and freestyle riding should look for a shorter, lighter, and more manoeuvrable deck with a kicktail and nose.
2. Deck Shape:
- Pintail: Ideal for cruising and carving, pintails have a distinctive teardrop shape that provides stability.
- Drop-Through: Offers a lower center of gravity for stability, making it suitable for cruising and downhill riding.
- Top-Mount: Provides more grip and control, making it suitable for downhill and free-riding.
- Double Kicktail: Great for tricks and freestyle riding, featuring kicktails on both ends for added manoeuvrability.
3. Deck Length:
- Shorter Decks (28"-34"): More manoeuvrable and suitable for tricks and freestyle riding.
- Medium-Length Decks (34"-42"): Versatile and suitable for a variety of riding styles, including cruising, carving, and moderate downhill.
- Long Decks (42"+): Provide stability and are suitable for cruising, carving, and long-distance pushing.
4. Flexibility:
- Stiff: Better for downhill riding as it provides stability at high speeds.
- Medium Flex: Suitable for all-around riding, offering a balance of stability and manoeuvrability.
- Flexible: Ideal for carving, cruising, and absorbing road vibrations.
5. Truck Type:
- Reverse Kingpin Trucks: Provide stability and are commonly used for cruising, carving, and downhill riding.
- Traditional Kingpin Trucks: Used in skateboards and some longboards, best for street-style riding and tricks.
6. Wheel Size and Durometer:
- Large Wheels (70mm+): Suitable for cruising and downhill riding, providing a smoother ride and better stability.
- Medium Wheels (60mm-70mm): Versatile and suitable for various riding styles.
- Small Wheels (50mm-60mm): Ideal for tricks and technical maneuvers.
7. Wheel Shape:
- Square-Edged: Offer more grip for carving and downhill riding.
- Round-Edged: Slide more easily, suitable for freestyle and tricks.
8. Bearings:
- ABEC Ratings: Higher ABEC ratings (e.g., ABEC 7 or 9) offer smoother and faster rides. For downhill riding, consider high-precision bearings.
9. Brands and Quality:
- Choose reputable brands known for producing high-quality longboards and components.
10. Test Before Buying:
- If possible, test ride different longboards to get a feel for the deck, trucks, and wheels before making a purchase.
By considering these factors and tailoring your choices to your specific riding style, you'll be better equipped to select the right longboard that enhances your overall experience on the board.
