Longboarding has become an increasingly popular sport over the last few years, and with that have come new technologies, designs, and materials. With so many longboards on the market today, it can be hard to know what to look for when buying one. Before you go out and buy yourself a new longboard skateboard, consider these things:
Riding Style
The style of riding you want to do, whether it’s cruising, downhill, freeride, dancing or a combination of styles. This can also help you determine what length and wheelbase your board should be.
Cruising boards are meant for simply going from point A to point B as fast as possible with minimal effort and maximum style. They’re often low-to-the-ground with smaller trucks and wheels that allow for tighter turns at lower speeds but aren’t quite as stable at higher speeds when compared to other longboards. These boards are typically around 36″–40″ in length with cocktails, so the rider can easily pop ollies over obstacles on the way home from class or work (or whatever else they may be doing).
Downhill boards tend to have a lower center of gravity than cruising boards due to their larger size, which makes them more stable at speed while minimizing any unwanted wobble during high acceleration/deceleration maneuvers like hitting jumps while bombing down hillsides on steep inclines!
Consider Deck Shapes, Style & Features
The deck is the platform you stand on while riding, and it is also the most important component of your longboard. The shape of your board can determine how easy it is to ride and what type of tricks you’re able to perform. There are many different decks that come in different sizes, shapes, and features.
Shape: The most common shapes are pintail, drop-through, top mount, double kick, drop deck and mini boards.
Size: Longboards come in a variety of sizes ranging from small decks designed for cruising around town (28 inches) up to large downhill boards (40 inches). You’ll want to choose a size that suits your needs based on where you plan on riding and how big you are physical because bigger decks can be harder for smaller riders to manipulate due to their weight distribution being farther away from the ground.
Features: A variety of other features may also be included on some longboard decks, such as wheel wells which allow riders more control over their trucks by preventing wheel bite when turning sharply; nose guards which provide extra protection against accidental crashes with obstacles.
Length & Wheelbase
The length of a board determines its stability, while the wheelbase affects how responsive it is. The longer your board is, the more stable it will be. A short wheelbase makes for a more responsive ride but less stability, while a long wheelbase is less responsive but more stable.
Trucks
The trucks are the metal parts that connect your wheels to your deck, and they do a lot of work in that capacity. They have a kingpin that connects them to the skateboard’s tail and allows for smooth movement. The bushings are bearings that allow for free movement of your truck as you ride, so it works well if those are made from high-quality materials. Finally, hangers attach to wheels; these must be durable enough to withstand impacts when riding over bumps or rough terrain without breaking off from impact damage from repeated use over time (especially if you like going fast!).
Conclusion
A good longboard is like a good car. It should be customized to your needs and preferences. Find the right one for you by understanding what makes a skateboard great and using that as a guide when shopping around!
