Longboards are supposed to be stiff and not bend. This is because a longboard needs to have solid footing to provide a stable ride. Look for a board with softer materials if you want something simple to maneuver.
Are long boards supposed to bend? The short answer to this question is no because the longboard is flexible and is supposed to bend the longboard’s deck bends in the middle. This can happen because of weight, improper storage, or general wear and tear.
A flexible longboard is easier to control at high speeds and can be more forgiving if you make a mistake. However, a flexing longboard can also be dangerous as it can make the deck less stable.
Stopping the Longboard from Flexing
You can do a few things to stop your longboard from flexing. First, store your longboard in a cool, dry place. Second, avoid putting too much weight on the deck. Third, replace any damaged or old boards. So if the problem is severe, you may need a new longboard.
You can do a few things to stop your longboard.
- Store your longboard in a cool, dry place.
- Avoid putting too much weight on the deck.
- Replace any damaged or old boards.
- If the problem is severe, you may need a new longboard.
Causes of Longboard Deck Wrapping
Many things, including heat, humidity, and improper storage can cause a wrapping longboard deck. You can fix the problem by replacing the warped boards. However, if the warp is severe, you may need to get a new longboard.
Types of Longboard Flex
There are three different types of longboard flex, which are:
All-Around
All-around boards are the most versatile and can be used for various riding styles.
Freestyle
Freestyle boards are designed for tricks and technical riding.
Downhill
Downhill boards are made for speed and stability.
Changing the flex of the Longboard
Yes, you can change the flex of your longboard by adjusting the trucks. Softer trucks will result in a board with more flex, while harder trucks will make the board stiffer. You can also buy boards with adjustable trucks to fine-tune the flex to your liking.
Factors that Affect Longboard Flex
Aside from the trucks, a few other factors can affect longboard flex.
These include the deck material, the weight of the rider, and the type of wheels. Softer deck materials like bamboo usually result in a more flexible board, while heavier riders need a stiffer board. Spins also play a role in flex, with softer wheels providing more grip and easier turning, while harder wheels are better for speed and stability.
Making Longboard More Flexible
If you want to make your longboard more flexible, then you can try a few things. One option is to adjust the trucks to make them softer.
You can also use more delicate deck materials or lighter wheels. Finally, if you’re a heavier rider, you may need to get a board with more flex.
Advantages of Flexible Longboards
- A flexible longboard can offer several benefits, depending on your riding style.
- For starters, a more flexible board is often easier to manoeuvre and can be more forgiving if you make a mistake.
- A flexible board can offer better grip and traction, making it ideal for tricks and technical riding.
- A loose board can be more comfortable to ride, as it will absorb vibrations better than a stiffer board.
Drawbacks of a Flexible Longboard
There are also some potential drawbacks to riding a flexible longboard.
- One downside is that a flexible board can wear out more quickly than a stiffer one.
- Additionally, a loose board may be less stable at high speeds, making it less ideal for downhill riding.
- A flexible panel can be harder to control, so you must ensure you’re comfortable with the setup before you ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Flexible or Stiff Longboard Better for Me?
Your particular preferences will ultimately determine the kind of longboard you buy. If you’re just getting started, an all-purpose board will do. You might wish to move to a board with a more particular flex as you gain experience. For example, a freestyle board would be better if you’re interested in doing tricks. Ultimately, choosing the kind of board that suits your riding style is up to you.
How Much Flex Should a Longboard Have?
There is no universal solution to this problem because your riding style will determine how much flex you require. An all-purpose board will do if you’re just about to start this experience. You might wish to move to a board with a more targeted flex as you gain experience.
Final Verdict
In Conclusion, longboard flex is a personal preference, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The board you choose will ultimately come down to your riding style. If you’re starting, then an all-around board will be OK.
You should move to a board with a more targeted flex as you gain experience. For example, a freestyle board would be better if you’re interested in doing tricks. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what type of board is right for your riding style.
