best longboard deck

What to Consider When Buying a Longboard

To choose the longboard that is best suited with your riding style, you must analyze the board's design, structure, and components.

 

4 Riding Styles for Longboards

 

Cruising

Cruising and carving longboarding entails riding progressively sloping streets and making long pushes on flat terrain.

Downhill

This is all about adrenaline and speed. You will spend the most of your time crouching on your board to reduce wind resistance and maximize stability. This is not the ideal place to begin if you are new to riding.

Freeride

Freeride longboarding involves accelerating downhills, curb jumps, and occasional sliding. To manage the board and feel comfortable on high-speed descents, you must possess certain fundamental abilities.

Freestyle

Freestyle longboarding is a technical sport that requires board stunts, dancing, and excellent control. Beginning with basic motions is an effective method to learn riding tricks and build your abilities and confidence on the board.

 

Longboard Design

Longboard Directional

Directional longboards are only intended to be used in a forward direction. They are mostly utilized for downhill riding and commuting.

Symmetrical 

Symmetrical longboards are maneuverable in both directions. They seem and feel same regardless of whatever direction you are gazing. These are excellent boards for freestyle and freeride.

Deck style

A longboard's deck type has an effect on its stability and how simple it is to foot-brake or push on flat terrain. The higher the board is lifted off the ground (for example, top mount longboards), the higher the center of gravity.

This leads in less stability and more fatigue while pushing and braking with the foot. Stable, low-style boards, such as drop through and drop deck, provide less leverage for rapid carves. Additionally, they are more prone to bottom out in tight turns.

 

Design Features

Wheel cut-outs

Wheel cut-outs on your longboard are intended to avoid wheel biting. Cut-outs enable you to turn more forcefully since your wheels are less likely to make contact with the board, keeping you from being pushed off.

Concave decks

Concave decks provide a more secure grip. Because the corners of the longboard deck are somewhat higher than the middle of the board, your feet will conform to the shape. This results in a larger contact area with your shoe and increased grip.

The length of the wheelbase has an effect on turning and board stability. While larger wheelbase boards give more stability at speed, they cannot turn as quickly or as tightly as shorter wheelbase boards.

Board flex

Board flex is determined by the board material, concave angle, laminates, and length of the board. The medium flex promotes stability at high speeds, gives a moderate spring, and absorbs shock over bumps. While stiffer boards with less flex provide more stability, they are also less forgiving on turbulent rides. They are ideal for speed, freeriding, and blasting slopes.

Trucks for longboards secure the wheels to the deck. They enable the axle to revolve and pivot. In contrast to conventional skateboard trucks, longboards use an inverted kingpin. This results in increased stability and control. They are adjustable to suit your riding style. Tighter trucks are better for turning, whereas looser trucks are better for high-speed stability.

Changing the bushings' hardness will also have an effect on the vehicle pivot. On a truck, bushings are the rubber pads that connect the kingpin, baseplate, and hanger. Harder bushings provide a more springy return to the center and increased pumping resistance. Softer bushings absorb impact, allowing easier turns.

Longboard wheels

Your longboard's speed and cornering abilities are mostly determined by the wheels, since they offer grip between you and the road. The following wheel shapes, widths, heights, and durometers are recommended:

Longboard wheels for cruising and freestyle may be square or round with a durometer of 75a-80a. A 75 mm diameter wheel is suggested for cruising and carving, while a 65-70 mm diameter wheel is ideal for freestyle longboards.

On downhill boards, longboard wheels should have square edges and a durometer of 78a-83a. The ideal wheel diameter for downhill cycling is 70-75 mm.

Longboard bearings

Bearings turn your wheels. Maintaining your bearings on a regular basis helps ensure their performance and longevity. After every 50 hours of riding, remove the bearings, clean, relube, and reinstall them (more often if you are riding in rain or wet conditions to prevent rust).

Never use household lubricants on bearings, since they will dry them out and reduce their performance and longevity. During installation, avoid overtightening your bearings. This may do them harm.

 

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What factors should I consider when choosing a longboard deck?

When selecting the best longboard deck, several factors come into play. First and foremost, consider your riding style and preferences. Different decks cater to various riding disciplines, such as cruising, downhill racing, freestyle tricks, or sliding. The deck's shape, length, and width also affect stability, maneuverability, and control. Additionally, the deck's construction material plays a vital role in its durability, flex, and overall performance.

 

Which construction material is the best for longboard decks?

Longboard decks are commonly made from a variety of materials, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Traditional wooden decks are popular for their natural flex, responsiveness, and classic feel. Maple, bamboo, and birch are common wood choices. Composite materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber offer enhanced stiffness, strength, and lighter weight, ideal for speed and downhill riding. Some decks also incorporate multiple layers of different materials for a balance of flex and stability.

 

What shape is suitable for my riding style?

The shape of a longboard deck significantly affects its performance and suitability for different riding styles. Drop-through decks, with lowered mounting points for the trucks, provide a lower center of gravity, making them stable for cruising and downhill riding. Top-mount decks have the trucks mounted on the top, offering more maneuverability and control for tricks and slides. Directional shapes, such as pintails or fishtails, are great for cruising and carving, while symmetrical shapes are versatile for freestyle and tricks.

 

How does the deck's flex impact the ride?

Flex refers to the deck's ability to bend under pressure, affecting its overall feel and performance. The flex level varies depending on the deck's construction and materials used. Stiffer decks offer more stability, control, and speed, making them suitable for downhill racing and high-speed riding. Softer flex decks provide a smoother and more responsive ride, absorbing vibrations and allowing for greater maneuverability and carving. The desired flex largely depends on your riding style and personal preference.

 

What are the recommended longboard deck brands?

Several reputable brands offer high-quality longboard decks, each with its own strengths and characteristics. Some popular options include Sector 9, Loaded Boards, Landyachtz, Arbor Collective, and Rayne Longboards. These brands have established themselves in the longboarding community through their commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and rider feedback. It's important to research and read reviews to find the brand that aligns with your specific needs and preferences.

 

Remember that finding the best longboard deck ultimately depends on your individual riding style, skill level, and personal preferences. Experimenting with different deck shapes, materials, and flex levels can help you discover the perfect board that enhances your overall longboarding experience.

 

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