How To Choose The Best Longboards: The Ultimate Buying Guide

Longboarding is becoming more and more popular as an intense version of skateboarding. Currently, the longboard arrives with more traction, stability and durability thanks to its best manufacturers. The construction and angle of turn of long boards make them better than skateboards for long distance riding. The concept of longboarding originated when Hawaiian surfers wanted to bring their hobby to land, especially at times when the waves were too small for good surfing.

Get familiar with longboards

Longboards are very similar to skateboards, but they come with longer, stronger bodies, and bigger wheels, making them faster and easier to ride than regular skateboards. Longboards are fair as long as:

Cruising, Alpine Skating, Gliding, Transportation and also Racing

Longboards come in many different sizes, shapes, build styles, and features, so naturally you’ll have to make your decision based on personal preference. Most longboards range from 33 to 54 inches in length, while widths can range from 7 to 10 inches. Users can choose between different longboard shapes such as:

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

Mid-length boards tend to be the most versatile options because they give riders a lot of momentum and flex. The design of a longboard is such that it allows for fast short turns 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 may 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 you plan to use your longboard to commute, travel, or get to class avoiding foot traffic. In this case, you may want a smaller to medium longboard (33 to 38 inches), as you’ll have an easier time navigating through 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 ground your longboard will use. Cruising generally occurs on mostly flat terrain, so a medium or small dropdown longboard is ideal. If you plan to use the longboard on the descents, you may want to look for drop boards with a longer length because they provide better stability.

longboard size

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

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

Small length longboards: You could go even smaller if you want. Some longboards start as low as 28 and go as high as 32 inches. These are great for smaller trick riders. But if you’re just starting out, staying in the higher 33-inch range will help you maintain more stability.

Longboards long: The longer length longboards are typically between 40 and 54 inches long and are ideal for leisurely rides, long distance rides, 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 cyclists require these types of boards.

longboard wheels

There is no particular wheel that is better than another because again, it is simply a 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 are typically between 2.5 and 4.2 inches in diameter.

Taller wheels have a higher rate of acceleration, while smaller wheels have the ability to roll faster.

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

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

longboard trucks

Truck selection for longboards is of particular importance because this allows for turning while keeping the wheels anchored to the longboard. If you’re just getting started on the long boarding, you’ll want to choose a truck that’s closer to the width of the bed. Such types of trucks will allow for proper wheel selection and give you a comfortable and steady ride on flat or sloping surfaces and curvy roads. This will help you understand the truck width you need:

If you have a skinny cruiser deck under 8.5 inches, you’ll need a 150mm truck. If your rig is wider between 8.5 and 10.5 inches, then you’ll probably need a 180mm truck for your needs. Also, you should select soft bushings and RKP truck for essential carving and maneuverability.

longboard bearings

Bearings are crucial when you want to maintain proper movement without continually pressing. This is especially useful when your longboarding on icy roads. The capacity or a bearing is measured by the ABEC classification. Using only odd numbers, the ratings exist from 1 to 9. 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 for 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 commonly used bearing is the stainless steel bearing, but the ceramic bearing is best for all types of riding conditions and styles. Titanium and steel bearings are relatively cheaper than ceramic ones. If you keep them free of dirt, you are likely to 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 dramatically, from small budget to expensive, depending on the specific materials you’re looking for. You usually have two options when it comes to buying the best longboards for you.

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

Ready or fully assembled: If you’re a newbie, you’re probably better off buying a pre-assembled or ready-made longboard. A ready-to-use longboard will save you money and time.

Before making a decision, take a look at the many models, sizes, and styles available on the market and make a decision that resonates with your personal needs.

Choosing the best longboards for your needs is a simple matter of basic knowledge, along with the longboarding activity you are planning. Whether you’re new to longboarding or just need help, this detailed guide is designed to help you choose the best longboards, whether you’re buying the whole piece or just picking up a few parts to put together your new downhill or cruising ride. wrinkled.