Wondering how to get your hands on the best longboard available in your area? You know the one. You can picture yourself riding it year-round, touring the hotspots with your friends for decades to come.
Unfortunately, buying the right longboard is almost impossible for new skaters. That is unless you acquire an expert’s help. And that’s exactly what you’ll find listed in the sections below.
When you’re ready to discover what experts have to say about picking the right skateboard, so you can find the perfect fit and avoid costly mistakes, read on.
Details That Determine the Best Longboard
When you buy a longboard, you need to consider a few details. Why? Because not all skateboards are created equal.
The shapes and styles vary as greatly as do the skaters who use them. As such, a new longboard might be the perfect fit for one person and a terrible fit for another. So, read more about the brands available on the market today and match them up with your riding style, keeping the following details in mind
Shape
Boards come in a variety of shapes, some made specifically for tricks while others are made for cruising. The first thing you need to determine is whether you want a directional board or a twin board.
If you were teaching longboarding for beginners, you might use a directional board. They’re larger, used to cruise or downhill, and they’re asymmetrical. They have a designated front and rear.
A twin board is used for longboard tricks. On the scale of longboard lengths, twin boards start at 33 inches, but directional boards can be as long as 60 inches. Here are a few of the most common shapes:
- Cruiser
- Pintail
- Drop through
- Snowboard style
- Freeride
- Downhill
Determine your riding goals, so you can match the shape of your board to the style of your riding. If you’re looking for slow and steady, choose a nice long cruiser when you learn how to longboard.
Flexibility
Flexibility, or “flex,” as it’s more often called in the world of skateboarding, refers to the elasticity of your board. You generally want more flex for cruising and carving, but you want a stiff board for freestyle. The more supple the wood, the more forgiving the board.
Goals
Why do you want to longboard? Is it just to hang out with your friends? If so, what type of boarding do they prefer?
Carving or Cruising: Longer boards offer greater stability at higher speeds. Shorter boards give quicker turns and are more nimble.
Freeride: Stability is a must. Shoot for a board between 39 to 41 inches. That’ll guarantee you won’t lose your board on sharp turns.
Freestyle: If you want to impress the crowd with your tricks, then pick a board for style and aesthetic, but don’t forget about the stability. You want a rigid board between 32 to 38 inches.
What’s Next?
Now that you better understand how to find the best longboard available in your area, it’s time to evaluate yourself. What type of ride will you use your new longboard for most often? What shape will best suit that type of ride and your ride style?
If you’d like to learn more about health and fitness-related topics, pop over and browse our vast digital library, today.
