10 Different Types Of Longboards That You Should Know
In the market different types of longboards are available and they all are in different shapes and configurations. By being different they have a reason as it is according to rider styles.
It means if a rider wants to try different techniques with their longboards he will need to buy different longboards for the specific style such as commuting and carving etc.
The deck of a longboard type should be your main interest as it determines the overall performance and also the riding style of a longboard.
Riding a longboard is the most favorite sport nowadays and it’s becoming popular among youth.
Different Types of longboards
Here we have given a brief overview of different types of longboards and their riding styles.
1. Downhill Longboards for speed
Downhill longboards are all about speed. A downhill longboard can hit speeds of 50–65 easily. And some longboards with extreme speed can hit 80–90 mph.
Longboard speed is affected by many factors, such as the riders’ style and technique of riding, the slope gradient, weight, how much a person can push and pull, the speed truck, and the design of the longboard. These factors all combine to generate the speed.
So basically speed is all about balance and turning potential. Your speed will lose on curves if you can not turn and it will lose its effectiveness overall.
Tucking is also a technique in which the body acquires a position to minimize the resistance of air and also helps in achieving maximum speed.
2. Drop through longboards
These longboards are highly recommended. Their shape is like a normal board but they have a cutout in their deck. This cutout helps in the fitting of the truck effectively on the longboard.
These longboards are perfect for all-around boarding techniques and are also impressive for freeriding.
Drop-through longboards provides a shallow platform, which makes them stable for high-speed riding. They are really easy to control, and their speed can be adjusted.
A good preference for low-speed carving. It is also the best choice for free riders because when the center of gravity is low, the rider can slide on the board easily.
3. Carving longboards
Carving is a technique that is more close to surfing on the ocean and it is pretty tough though, but most riders nowadays love to master this technique.
It is technical as well as artistic and you feel tremendous satisfaction of freedom, pleasure, and motion. It is about speed and curves.
However, this longboard type has curves that help in maintaining the speed of the longboard without pushing on the ground.
Carving a mid-size deck works well, the size range can be from 32-42. The wheels are large with wheel cutouts and wheel wells. These carving causes wheel bite and tight turns.
4. Cruising Longboards
Cruising is the least technical style and its style is leisurely, best fitted with beautiful places where you can look around and take in the fresh air.
Pintail is the best fit for cruising. A 40 inches long or longer longboard is the best choice for cruising. Its deck is flat with moderate flex which helps in easy cruising.
5. Pintail longboards
Pintail longboards have a teardrop shape, and with a minimum threat of wheel bites, they enable deep carving. These longboards are the best choice for carving and cruising on hilltops and flat surfaces.
These longboards, because of their large size and wide deck, are good choices for new learners. Their length is 38 to 46 inches and 8 to 10 inches wide.
The height of the rider also matters, as your feet should fit on the length of the board. And weight is another factor that affects the longboard choice, as it affects the flexibility of the board overall. A large board is a perfect choice for heavier riders.
6. Bamboo longboards
Bamboo longboards are lightweight and flexible. It is very popular with young people, they go gaga for these longboards.
You can easily go on a picnic or track with your bamboo longboards as they are so lightweight. And because they are organic you can make a statement with them.
They are cheap, and the only drawback is that you have to change the wheels, which is not a big problem.
7. Fishtail longboards
As is apparent from the name “fishtail,” it has a cleft in the tail. These pintail longboards are similar to other boards with the exception of the differences that allow for sharper turns.
They are better than kicktails because of their steeper radial concave. The flex is low, and the concave is sharper, which gives more heel and toe control. These boards provide classic surf style.
8. Mini cruiser longboards
These boards are short forms of skateboards. If the length is 33 inches or longer then these boards are considered short longboards.
A longboard that is smaller in size is called a mini longboard. They are also called compact longboards.
As a beginner, you can not use this board as it is not stable enough so only pro and advanced riders can use these boards.
The size is small so they are portable.
9. Twin longboards
Twin longboards are the traditional design of longboards. You can do multi-directional street skating on this board.
Their designs are quite attractive with curves and tail structures. Professionals used these boards because of their high stability.
Sharp cuts and turns are allowed because of the structure of this board so they are also suitable for downhill riding.
10. Blunt longboards
Blunt longboards are more stable and durable longboards. This longboard had a blunt nose and tail on a pintail board.
Sharp turns and downhill rides can not be performed on these boards. These boards have large wheels which are for stability. It is best for basic skateboarding learning that’s why beginners use them. It has flex and is also big enough for stability and comfort.
What are the different types of longboards?
Different types of longboards are:
- Drop through longboards
- Downhill longboards
- Carving longboards
- Cruising longboards
- Pintail longboards
- Bamboo longboards
- Fishtail longboards
- Blunt longboards
- Twin longboards
- Mini cruiser short longboards
- Dropdown longboards
- Speed board longboards
- Cut out longboards
- Top mount longboards
- Dancer longboards
- Freeride longboards
- Double drop longboards
- Electric longboards
- Push/ commuter longboards
What shape of a longboard is best for a beginner?
A beginner should get the cruiser board as it is easy to handle and comfortable to ride. Their deck is wider which helps in balancing and soft wheels help in stability of the board.
The beginner board should be at least 30 inches long and 8.5 inches wide. Which gives them a sense of stability and comfort.
What type of longboard is the most stable?
Drop double longboards are more stable longboards. They have the most stable deck style.
They are highly difficult to construct, which is also the reason they are more expensive and uncommon. The shape is only found on reliable downhill longboards.
Conclusion
Longboards are found in many different shapes and sizes. And their types also differ according to their ability. A rider decides what types of longboard will be best for them.
The longboards with high stability and a wider deck are perfect for beginners as well as advanced players, but longboards with a small deck and less stability are only good for professionals or advanced players.
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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