Understanding the Longboard Shapes – A Detailed Guide
Longboarding is a thrilling and exciting activity for all the adrenaline seekers out there. It’s a perfect combination of skateboarding and surfing that can take your experience to the next level. However, not all longboards are created equal; they come in various shapes and sizes designed for specific riding styles and preferences.
Hence, if you’re new to the longboarding world, choosing the right board can be a daunting task. In this blog post, we’ll explore different longboard shapes to help you understand which one suits your riding style the best.
Pintail
When it comes to longboard shapes, the pintail reigns supreme as one of the most iconic designs. Its unique shape was originally inspired by surfboards and has since become a classic in the longboarding world. Pintails are particularly popular for downhill racing and freeriding, as they offer a stable and predictable ride.
Its design is timeless and provides a smooth ride that longboard enthusiasts can’t get enough of.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the pintail longboard is a must-have for anyone looking for a true longboard experience.
Kicktail
This traditional shape is similar to a skateboard, with a curved edge at the tail of the board. Kicktail longboards are great for cruising around town and are perfect for last-second pedestrian dodges and curb hops, making them a necessity on many freestyle boards.
They also offer a bit more control over the board, as the kicktail allows riders to easily maneuver and change direction.
Overall, the kicktail shape is a great choice for those looking for a versatile and functional longboard.
Fishtail
Moving on from the kicktail shape, one can also consider the fishtail shape for a unique cruising experience. Similar to the pintail shape, the fishtail features a teardrop form, but with a split tail that resembles that of a fish.
This shape is especially popular at Lost Coast Longboarding for its classic appearance and smooth riding capabilities. Additionally, the custom fishtail shape is one of the most preferred options for those seeking a laid-back ride. While it shares similarities with the pintail and kicktail shapes, the fishtail adds a distinct feature to any longboard collection.
Overall, the fishtail shape is an excellent choice for beginners, urban commuters, and anyone looking to cruise and carve on flat surfaces.
Drop Through
One of the most popular longboard shapes is the drop-through design. This type of board features a cut-out in the deck, which allows the trucks to be mounted through the board rather than on top of it. By doing so, the rider’s center of gravity is lowered, making slides easier to initiate and control.
While it may provide less grip when cornering, drop-through longboards are perfect for cruising and carving.
Drop Down
When it comes to choosing a longboard, the shape is an important factor to consider. One popular option is the Drop Down longboard shape.
This shape lowers the deck beneath the truck baseplates so that the rider is closer to the ground. This design provides a lower center of gravity, which can increase stability and make the longboard easier to control.
Double Drop
One shape that combines two unique features is the double-drop longboard. With a deck design that features two drops – making it closer to the ground – and a drop-through truck mounting system, the double drop longboard offers riders stability and control at higher speeds.
It’s a great option for pushing, commuting, and even dedicated downhill riding. But for beginners, there’s always a debate between drop-through and drop-deck longboards.
Cruiser
When it comes to cruising down the streets on your longboard, nothing beats the classic cruiser shape. As mentioned before, city cruisers usually have a directional shape with a narrower nose than tail, and come equipped with a kicktail for quick turns and easy obstacle hops.
They are perfect for navigating through urban environments and weaving through crowded areas. However, cruisers aren’t only limited to city streets – they can also handle light downhill runs and carve on gentle slopes.
What makes the cruiser so versatile is its combination of stability and maneuverability, making it a great option for riders of any skill level.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider looking to explore new terrain, a good cruiser longboard like those offered by Sector 9 or Arbor could be the perfect fit for you.
Keep in mind that there are a variety of shapes and designs available, so it’s important to choose one that complements your riding style and preferences.
Skateboard
When it comes to longboards, the skateboard shape is one that holds a special place in the hearts of many riders. Skateboards have a classic symmetrical top mount design that makes them ideal for street tricks and riding ramps and bowls like on a classic skateboard.
They often have a kicktail on both ends, making it easy for riders to control the board’s movement and perform quick turns and even ollies.
This design is perfect for those who want to combine the freedom of riding a longboard with the technical capabilities of a skateboard.
Overall, the skateboard shape is a versatile and exciting option for riders of all levels.
Symmetrical Topmount
As the name suggests, a symmetrical top mount board features a deck with a symmetrical shape and trucks mounted directly underneath. This design creates a board that looks and feels the same regardless of which way it’s facing.
The Symmetrical Topmount provides riders with tons of leverage over their trucks, giving them a deeper carving, a surfy feel, and a lively ride underfoot. It’s a great option for those who enjoy freeride longboard skateboarding and prefer a board that feels balanced and versatile. Additionally, symmetrical top mount boards typically have a wide platform, making them comfortable for riders of all shoe sizes.
With its lightweight core construction, this is a great board shape for those who are going for speed and want an easy-to-use, high-performance board.
I am a longboarding enthusiast and a blogger. On this blog, I share tips, tricks, and advice based on my experience. I am dedicated to helping newbies improve their skills and enjoy this fun activity to the fullest.
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