Buying Guide for the Best Longboards
Choosing the right longboard can greatly enhance your riding experience, whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider. Longboards come in various shapes, sizes, and styles, each designed for different types of riding. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision and find the best longboard for your needs.Deck ShapeThe deck shape of a longboard affects its stability, maneuverability, and suitability for different riding styles. Common shapes include pintail, drop-through, and cruiser. Pintail decks are great for cruising and carving, offering a surf-like feel. Drop-through decks provide lower center of gravity, enhancing stability and making them ideal for downhill riding. Cruiser decks are versatile and good for commuting. Choose a deck shape based on your primary riding style and comfort preference.
Deck LengthDeck length influences the board's stability and turning radius. Longboards typically range from 33 to 60 inches. Shorter decks (33-40 inches) are more agile and easier to carry, suitable for tricks and tight turns. Medium decks (40-50 inches) offer a balance of stability and maneuverability, ideal for cruising and commuting. Longer decks (50-60 inches) provide maximum stability, perfect for downhill racing and long-distance rides. Consider your riding style and the terrain you'll be riding on when choosing the deck length.
Deck FlexDeck flex refers to how much the board bends under weight. Flexibility affects the ride's comfort and responsiveness. Stiff decks offer more stability at high speeds, making them suitable for downhill riding. Medium flex decks provide a balance of comfort and performance, ideal for cruising and carving. Soft flex decks offer a smooth, cushioned ride, perfect for beginners and long-distance rides. Choose the deck flex based on your weight, riding style, and the type of terrain you'll be riding on.
TrucksTrucks are the metal T-shaped pieces that attach the wheels to the deck. They play a crucial role in the board's turning ability and stability. Reverse kingpin trucks are common on longboards, offering better maneuverability and stability at high speeds. Standard kingpin trucks are more traditional and provide a tighter turning radius, suitable for tricks and technical riding. Consider the type of riding you'll be doing and choose trucks that complement your deck and riding style.
WheelsWheels affect the ride's smoothness, speed, and grip. Longboard wheels are typically larger and softer than skateboard wheels. Wheel diameter ranges from 60mm to 100mm. Larger wheels (70-100mm) roll faster and handle rough terrain better, ideal for cruising and downhill riding. Smaller wheels (60-70mm) offer quicker acceleration and are suitable for tricks and technical riding. Wheel hardness, measured in durometers, also matters. Softer wheels (75A-85A) provide better grip and a smoother ride, while harder wheels (85A-100A) are faster and more durable. Choose wheels based on your riding style and the surfaces you'll be riding on.
BearingsBearings are small metal pieces inside the wheels that allow them to spin. The quality of bearings affects the board's speed and smoothness. Bearings are rated using the ABEC scale, with higher numbers indicating greater precision and speed. ABEC ratings range from 1 to 9. For most riders, ABEC 5 or 7 bearings offer a good balance of speed and durability. Higher-rated bearings (ABEC 7-9) are suitable for high-speed downhill riding. Consider your need for speed and smoothness when choosing bearings.
