You have arrived at the first step to becoming a pro!! Well, maybe I exceed myself, and I don´t want to play with your emotions. Let´s start again! You arrive at the place to find the perfect board for you; with this guide, you will be able to find the best board for your style of longboarding, and with it, you will feel more comfortable on it.
First things first, let’s start from the basics!
What is a longboard?
@tristanrespress Tips for buying a #longboard ♬ Forever - Labrinth
If we go to Wikipedia, it will say:
A longboard is a type of skateboard typified by more extended decks and wheelbases, larger-diameter and softer (lower-durometer) wheels, and often lower riding height compared to street skateboards, though there is wide variation in the geometry and construction of longboards. Among the earliest types of skateboards, longboards were inspired by surfing, with early longboards drawing from the design of surfboards, resembling and mimicking the motion of riding a surfboard but adapted to riding on streets in practice, known as sidewalk surfing.
Let´s scrap what it says there, making it much easier to understand.
A longboard is a board that is longer than a skateboard; this also means that to be a longboard, it has to have a bigger wheelbase as well; if it doesn’t have it, it can be considered a weird board. But you are probably wondering what a wheelbase is and why it is essential. Lets answer that!
What is a wheelbase?
The wheelbase of any skateboard is the distance between the center of the front wheels and the center of the rear wheels.
A common mistake is to think of the wheelbase as the space between the truck’s screws. It has been used for many years, and probably, if you buy a board, it can also be measured that way (which is essential to have in mind), but remember that the actual wheelbase is the space between the center of both axles.
How is a Wheelbase measured?
Let´s see how you can measure the wheelbase of your longboard, it is much easier than what you can expect. As we mentioned earlier, the wheelbase in the longboarding community is measured by the distance between the innermost mounting holes of the front and back trucks. It is considered the distance between the two sets of truck mounting holes on the deck. To measure the wheelbase, place a measuring tape or ruler between the innermost holes of the trucks and note the measurement in inches or centimeters. So, If you are going to buy a longboard remember, that the wheelbase will be most likely the distance Between the bolts.
What does a longer wheelbase do?
Skateboards with long wheelbases have better ride quality than those with short wheelbases. This is simply because there’s more time between the front and rear wheels hitting any bumps, so the board is less likely to become unsettled.
Is better a short or long wheelbase?
Choosing a wheelbase can be very personal, but as we mention priorly, a longer wheelbase will have more stability than a shorter one; on the other hand, a shorter wheelbase can be more reactive and more useful for skillful riders, which is why the last years, lot of riders are switching to shorter wheelbase for freestyle, freeride and downhill independently of their height.
Everything you have to consider before buying a longboard
Buying a longboard is quite an important event for a lot of people; it can be a significant invest or spend, depending on how you see it, that can change your life in a lot of different ways, so it is good to review all the options that you have before doing it!
Longboard Length
When you are thinking about choosing a board, you probably ask yourself, “What size longboard should I get?” one of the main things that come to mind is its size of it; you can select depending on what you are looking for:
- Shortboard/penny board: They are the most trim options; they usually are used for moving around and are helpful for people that don’t want to carry around something big.
- Skateboards: They are mainly used for tricks
- Longboards: The ones that we will focus on today can have several characteristics depending on what you want them for and can be very diverse, but all of the longboards have in common: they are longer than a skateboard.
If you want a longboard, keep reading because here you will have the perfect one!
The following table is a quick guide about choosing the perfect size for your board; remember that these are the generic standards and what people usually use; feel free to ride whatever makes you feel more comfortable.
| Longboard Style | Rider Height | Longboard Size |
| Cruising | Up to 5’10″(Up to 1.78m) | 32-40″ (82-102cm) |
| Cruising | 5’10″+ (1.78m+) | 40″+ (102cm+) |
| Downhill | Up to 5’10″(Up to 1.78m) | 35-42″ (89-107cm) |
| Downhill | 5’10″+1.78m+) | 42″+ (107cm+) |
| Freeride & Freestyle | Up to 5’10” (Up to 1.78m) | 38-42″ (97-107cm) |
| Freeride & Freestyle | 5’10″+1.78m+) | 38-42″(97-107cm) |
Longboard Flex
You probably heard it from the person who works in your local shop or maybe from other riders. But as much as you have listened to it, you still don’t get what it is. Don’t worry! We are here to solve all your doubts; as simple as it sounds, flex comes from the word flexibility, and it is called to the ability that some decks have to bend under the rider’s weight. Some companies even use this concept to define their boards’ flexibility: Flex 1, Flex 2, Flex 3, Etc. They are used to define that the bigger the number in the name, the more flexibility the longboard will have.
Why is Flex important on a longboard?
Having flex in a longboard will depend on the discipline that you are practicing. If you are freeriding or downhill, we would never recommend having flex on your board since it will be unstable at higher velocities. But on the other hand, if you are going to practice cruising, dancing, or carving, it will be recommended since it will absorb the vibrations of the floor, help you pump yourself while carving, and allow you to flow while doing tricks or spins.
Here is a little table that will guide you in choosing the perfect flex for your board
| Flex | Characteristics | Ideal Application |
| Soft | Excellent shock absorption on rough roads. Very unstable at medium to high speeds. | Fun for mellow cruising and certain board tricks. |
| Medium | Maintains stability at speed. It provides a spring-like feel that can add energy to pushes and carves. Provides good shock absorption over bumps. | Great for carving, moderate-speed cruising, and commuting. |
| Stiff | Most stable at moderate to high speeds. Least forgiving on bumpy or cracked pavement. | Best for bombing hills, going fast, and freeriding. |
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Longboard Kicktails
Choosing a Longboard with a kicktail can spice your longboarding experience a lot; having a kicktail, or probably two kickcktails, will let you do tricks, but if you are not used to them, it can be inconvenient. Having them can help you do tricks, but apart from that, it won´t be necessary for much more since you can do everything that you do with a kicktail with any other kind of board. Here we will talk about the different types of kicktails you can have on a board.
Kicktails by Shape
Wrapped Candy Kicktail
We haven´t found a defined name for this kind of kicktail, they seem not to be an established distinction yet, but we feel we have to develop it since they won´t feel like a normal kicktail.
This kicktail isn´t shaped like a skateboard tail; it tends to be later and narrower. These attributes make them harder to use, but not impossible, for ollies and other skate tricks, but they are helpful for no complies and manuals.
They also have this design because it prevents wheel bite, a common issue when using a wider deck with large wheels.
Rounded Kicktail
Rounded kicktails are more commendable on stiff boards and look more like the skateboard kicktail. They help a lot to do any tricks but remember that a longboard will always be heavier than a skateboard, so if you are used to a lighter board, it might be hard to get used to it.
There are two main cons to these kick-tails, they tend to make the board heavier and can mess up your feet placement for learning to go fast. Aside from that, they are the best option for practicing your tricks on a longboard.
Kicktails by Concave
Flat Kicktail
Flat Kicktails are primarily designed as an esthetic feature of the longboard; usually, the boards that have it are pintails; with this type, it will be hard to do any trick and will only be “easy” to make a one-foot manual on them.
3D Kicktail
This type of kicktails is more common in boards targeted for more advanced riders; they tend to have more concave and a shape that lets you pop ollies and other kind of tricks
Longboard Concave
The concave is the shape, curvature, and 3d the longboard has, and you can feel it with your hands and even whit your feet while you are wearing your shoes. Pressure makes it, and you will likely see it on stiff boards designed for downhill freeride and even freestyle, but it is not exclusive to them.
The concave is essential for two reasons; the first one is that it lets you feel the board and helps you know your stances; once you get used to a board, you will not need to know where to place your feet because you will feel where to put them. The second functionality that the concave has is to help you do tricks like flips or to keep your feet on the deck while sliding as well.
W-Concave: This concave feels like having two smaller concaves. The only notable mention of a longboard having a full w-concave is the Rayne Killswitch. Nowadays, most designs only have it in the back; it can be beneficial to lock your back foot while tucking and sliding.
Radial: It is probably the most common type of concave because it is the simplest to press and is comfortable for most riders. Sometimes the simplest things can work well, and its circular form seems to fit the description.
Progressive: It has a circular form too, which makes it similar to the radial, but unlike it, this one gets steeper the closer it gets to the edge. This concave is perfect for riders who love to keep their feet inside of the deck most of the time and don´t want them going around.
Flat Cave: This type has a flat base to lay your feet comfortable but still has a concave to help you curve, do tricks, or slide; the most iconic example of this board is the Original Apex.
Asymmetric: This board is mainly used for riders with different weight placements when they try to slide. We don´t usually recommend it because we prefer for you to practice to keep improving every day. But if you are used to it and don´t have time to try, go for it!
Convex: These types of boards are uncommon; they are designed to imitate the foot arch, which makes them more comfortable for cruising.
Longboard Types of Mount
When it comes to longboard setups, the type of truck mounting plays a crucial role in determining the board’s performance. The connection between the trucks and the board has a direct impact on how the board bends and responds to the rider’s movements. By understanding the different types of truck mounts, riders can fine-tune their longboards to achieve specific turning and carving characteristics.
In the following sections, we will explore various truck mount options and discuss their impact on a longboard’s performance. By gaining insight into these different setups, riders can make informed decisions about the type of truck mounting that best suits their riding style and preferences.
Top Mount
The top mount is the original and, by far, the most common truck mount type. The truck is bolted to the underside; the bolts penetrate the deck and are held in place by nuts. This keeps the truck always under the driver’s feet for maximum turning power. In addition, top-mounted decks provide more grip when cornering but tend to be less stable at high speeds. The trucks are mounted flush with the deck, with no fancy curves provided to accommodate their trucks. This way, the board stands “on top” of the trucks, and the rider has the most significant impact on the trucks. This setup is preferred by experienced riders and provides the most response and sensitivity. New riders may find this board to be cramped. Learn the technique and ride in control at all times.
Drop Through
Another perennial favorite, the drop-through, is the quickest and easiest way to put the rider closer to the ground by placing the truck on the standing platform of the board. This reduces the impact on the truck because the rider is not exerting much force against the truck’s pivot. Less leverage creates a more stable platform but with less recoil. This lowers the rider’s center of gravity and improves the overall stability of the forum. It also reduces the rider’s cornering force and, thus, the reaction force of the board. Now you know what is a what is a drop through longboard!
Drop Mount
A notch in the deck allows the loader to be placed inside the deck, making the platform slightly lower. This is somewhat less than the top attachment but marginally more than the direct attachment when it comes to the lever of the truck. This mounting method is sometimes called “flush mounting,” in which the mount is cut out, so there is no rocker in the truck, and the rocker is in the deck itself. This keeps the truck “flush” with the ground, and the lower rocker does not alter the geometry.
Dropped Deck
Lower the top attachment arm to lower the height of the vehicle. When lowering the deck, the hull is set the same way as the top mount, but the deck is curved so that the standing platform is lower than the ground. fullThe deck lowers the center of gravity without changing the loader’s power.
Drop Through Flush Mount
Open attachments are plug-in attachments specifically designed for a particular base plate. The latter is placed between the upper support and the walk-through beam, providing leverage for the trolley. The truck is mounted on the inside of the deck. This method is not very popular with most riders. This is because there is usually only one type of truck that can be mounted on a concealed mount, which significantly limits the versatility of the installation.
Best Board for Each Discipline
Every discipline has its type of board, and depending on which one you purchase, it can help you enjoy your ride or maybe make it a little more complicated. We want to make your ride way more accessible in Longboard Bible, so we just selected the best boards for each discipline. Remember that these options are chosen for guidance. If you find a similar product in your local store, it will probably work great too.
Best Longboard for Cruising
Cruising is one of the main activities practiced by longboarding; it is mainly used for people who use a board as a transportation method or want to enjoy the moment of feeling the wind on their face. With this board, you don´t need a particular requirement, but the most common board is a pintail like one of the ones below.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Truck Mounting – Drop-Through
- Length – 41” (91.5 cm)
- Width – 9.9” (22.25 cm)
- Wheelbase – 27.75” (67.3 cm)
Construction: 7 Ply Maple
Concave: Mellow Radial | Rocker | Slight Kicktail
Price: 189,95$
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Truck Mounting – Drop-Through / Dropped Platform
- Length – 41.125″ | 104.4575 cm
- Width – 9.625″ | 24.4475 cm
- Wheelbase – 31.5″ | 80.01 cm
Construction: Hybrid: 3 Plies of Maple | 2 Plies of Bamboo
Concave: No concave
Price: 199$
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Truck Mounting – Drop-Through
- Length – 36.5” (92.7 cm)
- Width – 10” (25.4 cm)
- Wheelbase – 27.25” (69.2 cm)
Construction: 8 Ply Maple
Concave: Radial | Flares Under Your Feet
Price: 218,95$
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Truck Mounting – Top Mount
- Length – 40″ | 101.6 cm
- Width – 9.25″ | 23.5 cm
- Wheelbase – 27.25″ | 69.2 cm
Construction: Maple
Concave: No concave
Price: 99,95$
Best Longboard Deck for Carving
Carving is an exercise that requires a lot of mobility; turning to both sides to pump yourself and keep moving without having to push requires some skill, and to make it easier, you should try to get a board that is shorter than your average longboard and if possible a double kingpin truck.
Best Longboard decks for Dancing
Dancing is flowing and letting your body be free while on a longboard. To achieve this, it is always recommended to have a longer board to help you walk over it; here are the best options in the market!
SPECIFICATIONS
- Truck Mounting: Top Mount
- Length: 44.5” (113 cm)
- Width: 9.25” (23.4 cm)
- Wheelbase: 27.25″ / 28.25″ / 29.25″ (69.2 / 71.8 / 74.3cm)
- Nose / Tail: Yes / Yes
- Rocker / Camber: Rocker
- Construction: Fiberglass and bamboo
- Weight: 4.6lbs (2.1KG)
- Flex: One flex fits all
Construction: Fiberglass and bamboo
Concave: Rocker
Price: 213$
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Truck Mounting – Top Mount
- Length – 47” (119 cm)
- Width – 9.5” (24 cm)
- Wheelbase – 31.25″ – 32.25” (79.4 – 81.9 cm)
- Weight – Flex 1: 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) | Flex 2: 5 lbs (2.3 kg)
Comes in 2 Flex Patterns:
- Flex 1: 140 – 270+ lbs | 63 – 123+ kg
- Flex 2: 80 – 190+ lbs | 36 – 86+ kg
Construction: Vertically Laminated Bamboo | Cork Topsheet | Basalt Core | UHMW Urethane Kicktails | UHMWPE Rails
Concave: Radial | Wheel Flares | Big Kicktails | Concaved Kicktails
Price: 299$
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Truck Mounting – Top Mount
- Length – 45.5” (115.5 cm)
- Width – 9.25” (23.5 cm)
- Wheelbase – 27.5 – 29.5” (70 – 75 cm)
- Weight: 4Lbs
Construction: Maple | Fiberglass | Epoxy
Concave: Radial | Wheel Flares | Big Kicktails | Concaved Kicktails
Grip: Design may be different than pictured. Landyachtz ships assorted grip designs.
Price: 299,95$
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Truck Mounting – Top Mount
- Length – 48” | 122 cm
- Width – 9.5” | 24 cm
- Wheelbase – 32” – 33″ | 81 cm – 84 cm
Comes in 2 Flex Patterns:
Soft: Under 180 lbs (41 – 82 kg)
Medium: 150 – 220+ lbs (68 – 120+ kg)
Construction: Vertically Laminated Bamboo, Fiberglass, and Polyurethane Rails
Concave: Flat | Slight Rocker | GIANT Kicktails
Price: 238,95$
F.A.Q. About longboard Decks
Do you still have more questions about longboard decks? Now we will include some of the questions that don´t appear in this guide but that you normally ask us! Remember, that you can send us your questions and we will answer it as soon as we can!
How much is a longboard?
If you ask yourself how much a longboard costs, it is quite a tricky question to ask. If you want to buy your first longboard, and you don´t want it to break the first time that it hits a curbside or a wall, you will have to spend around 150 $/€ to 250$/€, you can probably find cheaper options, but we don´t usually recommend them. You can pay over a thousand euros/dollars if you want to buy a professional longboard.
Where to buy a longboard?
There are hundreds of places to buy a longboard, but we always recommend going to your local store; the experience of going to the store can be more rewarding since they can help you find the best deck and help your community grow.
If you want to help us keep working on this project, you can buy on Stoked ride Shop; we are on their affiliate program and will get a commission for each purchase that will be reinvested in making this website better!
What is the difference between longboard and skateboard?
As its name suggests, a longboard is usually longer than a traditional one. Skateboards are generally 28–34 inches long and 7–10 inches wide, while longboards are generally 35–60 inches long and 9–10 inches wide. The longer and broader longboards make it easier to keep balanced, especially for beginners.
How to clean a longboard?
To clean your longboard deck, you must unscrew and detach the trucks. This will allow you to wipe down the deck much more accessible. Lightly scrub the grip tape with a brush in a circular motion to remove any excess dirt. Then, use a sponge to rinse the soap and grime off.
What is the best longboard brand?
It is hard to say since every brand creates different products, and they have the public that buys them. But from our perspective, the best brands are the ones that help the community the most. We believe that the best brands that have done more for it are Landaychtz and Loaded
What is the best longboard deck?
The best longboard deck depends on your personal preferences and riding style. It’s recommended to consider factors such as flexibility, shape, length, and construction materials to find the deck that suits you best.
What is a drop deck longboard?
A drop deck longboard refers to a deck design where the middle section of the deck is lowered or “dropped” between the trucks. This lowers the center of gravity, providing increased stability and making it ideal for downhill riding.
How can I make a longboard deck?
Making a longboard deck requires woodworking skills and specialized tools. You’ll need to shape, laminate, and press layers of wood veneers together. It’s a complex process that is best learned through detailed tutorials or workshops.
Building your own longboard deck involves shaping and pressing layers of wood veneers together. It’s recommended to follow comprehensive tutorials or consult experienced woodworkers to ensure a safe and successful build.
What kind of longboard deck wood has the most bend?
Generally, bamboo and maple are popular choices for longboard decks with good flexibility and bend. Bamboo offers natural flex and strength, while maple provides a balance of durability and flexibility.
What wood should I use for a longboard skateboard deck?
Maple wood is commonly used for longboard skateboard decks due to its strength and durability. It provides a solid foundation for riding and is widely available.
How much does a longboard deck weigh?
The weight of a longboard deck varies depending on its size, shape, and construction materials. On average, longboard decks typically weigh between 3 to 8 pounds.
How can I customize the deck of my longboard?
You can customize the deck of your longboard by applying grip tape with different designs, adding stickers or decals, or using paint and stencils to create unique graphics.