An ideal Longboard
So you’ve made the decision that you’re getting a longboard, and you’ve run into an issue; which type of longboard inside event you buy? There is no perfect longboard, so you will have to decide on your own. The first thing to consider is what you would like to use the board for.
There are lots of uses for longboards - bombing hills, transportation, and performing tricks, to name a few. To make sure you are getting the right board especially for you, you have to decide on 2 things, what you want to do with the longboard in the near future, and what you want the entire potential of your it to become. An example is if you just would like to buy a board to cruise around, but eventually would like to learn tricks. In this situation, it is best to buy a board that may do both, instead of purchasing a cruising board now along with a freeriding board later.
The actual Downhiller
One kind of longboard is the DH (Downhill) decks. These are usually between thirty seven and 45 inches lengthy, to provide enough length with regard to stability but not enough in order to limit mobility at higher speeds. Most of them are built to look upwards of 40mph, and are very rigid. Some are drop-through, meaning that the trucks are connected into the deck of the decks instead of underneath it. This provides with regard to even more stability, as the decks is lower to the ground. The actual downhill board is good for individuals who want to use it for “bombing” hills, and can also dual as a vehicle of transport. The problem is that the amount of tips that can be done on it is limited because of the rigidity of the board along with the fact that downhill boards do not usually have tails.
Example: Landyachtz Drop Wedge, Rayne Vendetta, EarthwingSupermodel
The actual Cruiser
The next kind may be the cruiser. This type is usually the lowest priced. Cruisers come in a large range associated with sizes, ranging from a smaller-than-a-skateboard 28 to an over-sized fifty inches. These are used mainly for transportation, whether to get to class or just taking pleasure in a ride along the seaside. The shapes are quite generic, but if the main technique board isn’t going to be tips or down-hilling, then these types of boards are probably the best choice.
Good examples: Sector 9 soup bowl, Santa Cruz Large WaveRasta Cruzer, Arbor Waterman
The Freerider
The final kind of longboard is the freeriding board. These are the most flexible - they can cruise efficiently, reach some pretty higher speeds, and do tricks. They are (usually) lighter, have tail(s), and have more flex (the deck is flexible therefore carving is easier). The form is predominantly symmetrical so that you can ride the board each ways, unlike many cruising motorcycles which have a distinct front as well as back. The downside of freeriding boards is that they’re probably the most expensive kind, and do not necessarily have the longest life time.
Example: Loaded Tan Tien
