Longboarding has become a popular activity not only as a means of transportation but also as a thrilling and exhilarating sport. However, with the variety of longboards available in the market, it can be challenging to select the ideal board that suits your preferences, skills, and needs. Fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll help you choose the perfect longboard that will enable you to enjoy every ride to the fullest.
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Tip on How To Choose a Longboard
Following are the tips that will help in choosing the right longboard that will enable you to enjoy every ride.
Determine the Riding Style
Before you choose a longboard, you have to think about the style you want to ride. Some prefer cruising, carving, downhill, or freestyle. If you’re after speed, you need a board with larger, harder wheels and a sturdy deck for stability. If cruising and carving are what you prefer, soft wheels and a lighter board with a flexible deck are ideal.
Deck Size and Shape
Longboard decks come in different sizes, shapes, materials, and flex. The size of the deck affects speed, control, and stability. A wider, longer deck provides more stability in downhill riding, whereas a narrower, shorter deck is suitable for carving and cruising. The shape of the deck also affects the performance of the board, for instance, pintail shapes are highly maneuverable while drop-through decks are more comfortable to push.
Wheel Type
Longboard wheels also come in different durometers, sizes, shapes, and materials. The size of the wheel determines speed and acceleration, with larger wheels being faster. Durometer refers to the hardness of the wheel. Softer wheels (72a-80a) provide a comfortable ride on rough and uneven surfaces, whereas harder wheels (82a-99a) offer durability, speed, and grip on smooth surfaces.
Trucks
Trucks are responsible for turning, stability, and control. They come in different sizes, shapes, and materials. The width of the truck should match the width of the deck, and the degree of the truck (measured in the range of 40-55) determines the turning radius. Looser trucks provide more maneuverability, while tighter trucks offer more stability.
Budget
Lastly, it’s essential to think about your budget. Longboards can be expensive, but they’re also investments. The price ranges from as low as $50 to as much as $300. If you’re a beginner, buying an affordable board to learn with is ideal. However, if you’re already an experienced rider, investing in a high-quality board is worth it.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect longboard depends on several factors such as riding style, deck size and shape, wheel type, and trucks. It’s essential to think about these factors when purchasing a longboard to ensure that you’re getting the right board that caters to your preference, skill level, and budget. Remember, safety always comes first. Make sure you invest in protective gear such as a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads before hitting the road. Happy longboarding!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you choose the perfect longboard.
What style of riding are you planning on doing?
Longboards come in different shapes and sizes for different riding styles. If you’re looking to cruise around town, a pintail longboard will be a great choice for you. If you want to learn how to slide or carve, a drop-through or drop-down board will be more suitable. If you’re interested in downhill racing or freeride, a top mount with a stiff deck will be the way to go. Before you choose a longboard, think about what type of riding you want to do and choose a board designed for that style.
What is your experience level?
If you’re a beginner rider, you’ll want to choose a longboard with a more flexible deck. This will give you a more comfortable ride and make it easier to balance on the board. If you’re a more experienced rider, you can choose a stiffer deck for a more aggressive ride and better stability at higher speeds.
What size board do you need?
Longboards vary in length, and the right size board depends on your height and riding style. A general rule of thumb is that the board should come up to your waist height. If you’re taller, you’ll need a longer board to accommodate your stride. If you’re looking for a board to maneuver easily, a shorter board will be the way to go.
What type of trucks do you need?
Trucks are the part of the longboard that attaches the wheels to the board. They’re available in different sizes and styles and affect how the board steers and turns. If you’re looking for a more stable board, use wider trucks. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more responsive ride, use narrower trucks.
What kind of wheels do you need?
Longboard wheels come in different sizes and materials, depending on the ride you want. Smaller wheels offer more maneuverability, but larger wheels offer more speed and ground clearance. Harder wheels are great for freeride and downhill while softer wheels provide a smoother ride for cruising.
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