Wheel shape, width, height, and durometer is recommended as follows:Ĭruising and freestyle longboard wheels can be square or round with a durometer of 75a-80a. The speed and cornering ability of your longboard will largely be affected by the wheels since they provide grip between you and the road. Softer bushings absorb impact, making turning easier. Harder bushings yield a springier return to the center and better resistance for pumping. The bushings are the rubber pads between the kingpin, baseplate, and the hanger on a truck. Looser trucks are better for turns, while tighter trucks are better for stability at high speed.Ĭhanging the hardness of the bushings will also affect the truck pivot. They can be adjusted to suit your riding style. This makes for better stability and control. Different from regular skateboard trucks, longboards have an inverted kingpin. They allow for turning and pivoting on the axle. Longboard trucks attach the wheels to the deck. These boards are known for their rigidity and light weight, making them suitable for serious downhill riders. The most expensive materials for longboard construction are composites such as carbon fiber. The more veneers used, the heavier and stiffer the board is. The most common and inexpensive board construction uses multiple thin sheets (veneers), of maple or Baltic birch wood. They are best for speed, freeriding, and bombing hills. Stiff boards with less flex are more stable but less forgiving on bumpy rides. Medium flex maintains stability at speed, provides a slight spring, and offers shock absorption over bumps. Board flexīoard flex is determined by the board material, degree of concave, laminates, and board length. Boards with longer wheelbases provide more stability at speed, however, they can’t turn as fast or tight as shorter wheel-based boards. Wheelbase length influences turning and board stability. This allows a greater contact area with your shoe and more grip. With the edges of the longboard deck being slightly higher than the board’s center, your feet will contour to the shape. Concave decksĬoncave decks offer a better grip. Cut-outs allow you to turn harder because your wheels are less likely to make board contact, preventing you from being thrown off. Wheel cut-outs are designed to prevent wheel bites on your longboard. Kick tails are a necessity on freestyle longboards and are useful for last-second curb hops and pedestrian dodges on cruisers. Design Features Kicktail longboardsĭirectional longboards usually have kick tails on just one end while symmetrical boards feature the upcurve on both ends. They are also more likely to bottom out on tight turns. More stable, low-style designs such as drop through and drop deck boards, offer less leverage to toss quick carves. This results in less stability and more fatigue while pushing and foot-braking. top mount longboards), the higher the center of gravity will be. The higher the board is off the ground (e.g. The deck style of a longboard will influence its stability and how easy it is to foot-brake or push on flat ground. These boards are a good choice for freestyle and freeriding. They look and feel the same regardless of which way you are facing. Symmetrical longboards can maneuver both ways. They are mostly used for downhill and commuter riding. Longboard Design Directional longboardsĭirectional longboards are only designed to go forward. Starting with simpler movements is a good way to learn the tricks of riding and advance your skills and confidence on the board. Freestyleįreestyle longboarding is technical and involves board tricks, dancing, and good control skills. You need to have some basic skills to control the board and feel comfortable with high-speed descents. Freerideįreeride longboarding includes hills with speed, curb hops, and some sliding. If you are new to riding, this is not the best starting option. Mostly, you will be in a crouching position on your board to minimize wind resistance and increase stability. 4 Longboard Riding Styles CruisingĬruising and carving longboarding is about riding gradually sloped streets and long pushes on flat areas. To choose the most compatible longboard for your needs you need to consider the riding style, board design, construction, and components. This longboard buying guide will help you choose the perfect board whether you’re freestyling, flipping, or cruising through town. Longboards come with a range of different features depending on the type of riding the board is intended for. Every component of the longboard will affect your ride including the shape, length, wheel bearings, manufacturing material, and height. There is a lot more to a longboard than wheels and a deck.
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