It’s essential to keep your longboard in good condition, as it will prolong the life of the board and ensure you have maximum speed.
So if you want to know how to make a longboard faster, you can do it by essential steps like changing the wheels, getting the correct bearings, lubricating the wheels using wax, and adjusting your trucks.
The following extraordinary steps will provide a detailed guide on how to make your longboard faster:
1. Change Your Wheels
Your wheels’ type, size, and hardness can drastically affect speed. Using softer wheels with a larger diameter will increase grip on the ground and offer better roll-over ability.
In contrast, harder wheels made from polyurethane or urethane are great for speed and distance. Make sure they fit securely onto your axle nuts to prevent them from wobbling.
2. Get the Right Bearings
Your bearings ensure speed and smooth rides. For longboards, you’ll want to use ABEC-5 or higher-rated bearings.
These precision bearings reduce friction which helps your wheels move faster and smoother over any terrain. Inspect your bearings for dirt or damage, as this can decrease performance.
3. Use Proper Lubrication
To keep your board running smoothly and efficiently, it’s important to lubricate your bearings regularly. You can buy specific bearing lubricants from most skate shops or improvise with light motor oil or WD40 spray lubricant.
Spray onto each side of the bearing, making sure not to overfill them, as this can cause your board to slow down.
4. Adjust Your Trucks
The truck’s correct setup is critical for maintaining speed and turning ability. You should adjust the angle of your trucks so they align with your riding style, as this will provide a better experience when taking turns at high speeds.
Typically, you’ll want them at a lower angle if you plan on doing more cruising and higher angles for downhill and slalom riding.
5. Use Longboard Wax
If you plan to do any off-roading activities, it’s recommended that you apply longboard wax onto your deck. This provides an extra layer of protection from wear and tear while helping you to move faster and more efficiently over rough terrain.
6. Use a Deck Sweeper
A deck sweeper is an aerodynamic device that attaches to the nose of your longboard, helping you cut through the air more efficiently and achieve higher speeds. Sweeping the front of your board with a deck sweeper can significantly reduce drag, improving your overall speed.
7. Invest in a Low-Friction Grip Tape
Low-friction grip tape is designed to provide maximum traction while reducing any drag or resistance from wind or contact with other surfaces. It’s also generally lighter than traditional grip tape and provides better vibration dampening for smoother rides, making it an excellent investment for all serious longboarders.
8. Use Speed Rings
Speed rings are small, circular pieces of plastic that attach to your wheels and act as a shield, diffusing air around the axle for an additional speed boost. They’re great for downhill or freeriding runs, helping you maintain speed without pushing as hard.
How Fast Can a Longboard Go?
You can easily reach 30mph or more speeds with the proper setup and these tips. While it’s important to practice caution and good judgment, longboarding can be a fun and exhilarating activity that will leave you with lasting memories. Have fun out there.
Improving as a Longboard Rider
It’s important to remember that the above tips are only part of what it takes to become a great longboarder. You should also focus on improving as a rider to maximize your potential.
Work on perfecting turns and mastering advanced techniques like slides, brakes, and other tricks to master the sport of longboarding. You can achieve incredible speeds with practice, dedication, and commitment while having fun.
FAQs
Does carving make you go faster, longboard?
Yes, carving is a great way to increase your speed. Like with anything else in longboarding, practice makes perfect. The more you carve, the better you will get and the faster you will go.
However, it’s important to remember that carving involves a lot of weight shifting and takes time to master, so exercise caution when attempting this technique.
What are some tips for beginners on how to make their longboard faster?
Start by ensuring your board is in good condition and properly maintained. Ensure your bearings are well lubricated, and adjust your trucks according to your riding style.
Additionally, consider using low-friction grip tape or investing in a deck sweeper for increased aerodynamic performance and speed boosts. Finally, practice your technique and work on perfecting turns and other tricks to maximize your potential.
Can you use regular grip tape for speed?
Regular grip tape will provide traction but won’t help you achieve higher speeds since it tends to add drag or resistance from wind or contact with other surfaces. Low-friction grip tape is designed specifically for speed and should be used for the best results.
What do speed rings do?
Speed rings are small, circular pieces of plastic that attach to your wheels and act as a shield, diffusing air around the axle for an additional speed boost. They’re great for downhill or freeriding runs, helping you maintain speed without pushing as hard.
Conclusion
With these tips in mind, you should be able to make your longboard faster and more efficient while providing a better experience overall. Don’t forget to take regular breaks when riding and ensure all parts are properly maintained to keep everything running smoothly.
