The longboard is becoming increasingly popular as an intense version of skateboarding. Today, the longboard comes with more traction, stability and durability thanks to its best manufacturers. The construction and turning angle of longboards make them better for cruising and sailing long distances than skateboards. The concept of longboarding originated when Hawaiian surfers wanted to move their hobby ashore, especially at times when the waves were too small for good surfing.

Get familiar with longboards

Longboards are very similar to skateboards, but they are longer, with strong bodies and larger wheels, making them faster and easier to ride than normal skateboards. Longboards are fair as long as:

Cruising, downhill skating, sliding, transporting and also racing

Longboards come in many different sizes, shapes, styles of construction, and features, so naturally you will need to make a decision based on your personal preferences. Most longboards are 33 to 54 inches long, while widths can range from 7 to 10 inches. Users can choose between different forms of longboard such as:

Drop-through, Drop Down, Swallowtails, Pintails, Kicktail, etc.

Medium length boards tend to be the most versatile options because they provide a lot of momentum and flexibility to riders. The design of a longboard is such that it allows fast short carves or big turns and adequate maneuverability.

How to choose the best longboards for you

Choosing the best longboards for your personal use requires careful planning because the shape and size of different longboards can serve a different purpose. Here are some considerations when choosing the best longboards for your specific needs.

Longboard deck

Choosing a longboard deck is an important consideration when planning to use your longboard to commute to work, travel, or class when cutting through foot traffic. In this case, you may want a smaller to medium longboard (33 to 38 inches) as it will make it easier for you to navigate sidewalks and crowds. The deck material of a longboard is maple, bamboo, carbon fiber, maple-bamboo hybrid.

You will also need to consider what type of terrain you will be using with your longboard. Cruising generally occurs on mostly flat terrain, so a medium or small drop down longboard is ideal. If you plan to use the longboard downhill, you may want to look for free fall boards with a longer length because they provide better stability.

Longboard size

The size of the longboard you choose will depend entirely on the activities you plan. While longboards are typically 33-54 inches long, this gives you the opportunity to choose something that resonates with your personal performance and activities. They can be divided into medium, small and long length longboards.

Medium length longboards: Medium length longboards are typically 33-40 inches long and are ideal for most people for cruising and freestyle on flat terrain. Longboards for teenage boys are usually in this range, which also makes them the most popular choice among all types of longboards.

Small length longboards: You could go even smaller if you want. Some long boards start at 28 and go up to 32 inches. They are ideal for stunt riders with a smaller build. But if you’re just starting out, then staying in the higher 33-inch range will help you maintain more stability.

Long-lasting longboards: Longer longboards are typically 40-54 inches long and are ideal for relaxed rides, long-range trips, or when you want to climb downhill. These are great as long as you don’t mind lugging around a heavier longboard. Most professional or adult riders require these types of boards.

Longboard wheels

There is no particular wheel that is better than another because, once again, it is a simple matter of personal preference. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to longboard wheels:

Most longboard wheels are made of a material called high-rebound polyurethane.

Longboard wheels typically have a diameter of 2.5 to 4.2 inches.

The taller wheels have a faster acceleration speed, while the smaller wheels have the ability to roll faster.

The hardness of urethane is related to the durometer (A) of a wheel.

Softer wheels will be slower than harder wheels when used on flat surfaces. But while the surface is rough, the softer wheels will become faster and smoother. Softer wheels generally have better grip than harder wheels on most surfaces. Above all, longboards with longer decks are better for larger wheels, while smaller decks work better with smaller wheels.

Longboard trucks

The selection of longboard trucks is of particular importance because it allows turning while keeping the wheels anchored to the longboard. If you have just embarked on a long shipment, then you will want to choose a truck that is closer to the width of the bed. These types of trucks will allow for proper wheel selection while giving you a consistent, comfortable ride on flat or inclined surfaces and bent roads. This will help you understand the truck width you need:

If you have a thin cruiser deck under 8.5 inches, you will need a 150mm truck. If your platform is wider between 8.5 and 10.5 inches then you will probably need a 180mm truck for your needs. Plus, you should select soft hubs and RKP truck for essential carving and maneuverability.

Longboard bearings

Bearings are crucial when you want to maintain proper movement without continually pressing down. This is especially useful when your longboard is on icy roads. Capacity or a heading is measured by ABEC classification. Using only odd numbers, the ratings exist from 1 to 9. A higher rating means tighter tolerances.

Here are some important factors to consider when it comes to longboard bearings:

Smooth ride: Since they reduce unnecessary friction, they allow you a smoother ride on the longboard. The bearings also allow the wheel to turn smoothly. In this case, you need an ABEC 5 or 7 rated bearing.

Materials: Bearings are generally made from a variety of materials, including steel, ceramic, and titanium, etc. The most widely used bearing is the stainless steel bearing, but the ceramic bearing is the best for all kinds of environment and riding style. Titanium and steel bearings are relatively cheaper than ceramic ones. If you keep them dirt-free, you will likely wear them for a long time. ABEC 7 to 9 bearings are the best quality on the market. Those quality bearings can be used in all kinds of riding styles.

Longboard prices

Longboard prices vary drastically from small budgets to expensive, depending on the specific materials you are looking for. You generally have two options when it comes to buying the best longboard decks for yourself.

Not armed: If you are an expert and want to build your own longboard, you can buy each component individually to assemble it according to your use. This type of longboard would be a bit expensive.

Made or complete assembled: If you’re a newbie, it’s probably best to buy a pre-assembled or ready-made longboard. A ready-made longboard will save you time and money.

Before making a decision, take a look at the wide variety of models, sizes and styles available on the market and make a decision that suits your personal needs.

Choosing the best longboards for your needs is a simple matter of basic knowledge, along with the longboard activity you are planning. If you’re new to longboarding or just need help, this in-depth guide is designed to help you choose the best longboards, whether you’re buying the complete piece or just picking up a few parts to assemble your new downhill or cruiser. wrinkled.