Several types of longboards are available for different styles, so picking a super one that matches your needs is essential.
These include carving, cruising, downhill, electric, freestyle, drop-through, click tail, pintail, dancing, and many more. All of these kinds have their features, pros and cons.
Types of Longboards
So here are the most wanted longboard types.
Cruiser Longboards
Cruiser boards are suitable for casual riders looking for a more comfortable ride. They typically have more expansive decks and softer wheels, allowing them to absorb shock from the road and provide a smooth ride.
Carving Longboards
Carving boards are designed with maneuverability in mind. The wheelbase is shorter, and the deck is usually symmetrical or slightly asymmetrical, making them great for tight turns. These boards can be used anywhere, but they excel at carving up hills and carving through slalom courses.
Downhill Longboards
These boards are designed with speed in mind. They feature stiffer decks and wider trucks to provide stability at high speeds and are typically used for downhill racing or freeriding.
Freestyle Longboards
Freestyle boards are designed for tricks, trials, and the occasional race. These boards usually have flexible decks that allow easier turns and flips, shorter wheelbases, and softer wheels for better control at lower speeds.
Electric Longboards
Electric longboards use motors to propel riders forward, allowing them to go up steep hills without breaking a sweat. The motors can also cruise around town at higher speeds, making them great for commuters.
Pintail Longboards
Pintail longboards are shaped like an old-school surfboard and designed for cruising. They typically have expansive decks, larger wheels, and symmetrical shapes to provide a comfortable, stable ride.
Drop Through Longboards
Drop-through boards are designed to provide stability and comfort while riding. They feature a cutout on the deck that allows the board to sit lower than a regular longboard, providing better balance and control.
Dancer Longboards
These boards are made for dance moves and freestyle tricks. The decks tend to be longer with flexible wood construction, allowing them to absorb shock from flat ground landings. The wheelbase is usually shorter for tighter turns.
Kicktail Longboards
Kicktail boards feature a raised tail and a slightly curved nose, allowing riders to perform kick tricks efficiently. These boards may have wider decks for better balance but are usually shorter than other longboards. They are ideal for street riding.
Top Mount Longboards
Top mount boards feature a deck that is mounted higher, providing better control and stability. They are typically used for aggressive street riding, freeride tricks, and downhill racing. The decks tend to be stiffer than other longboards for added stability at high speeds.
Hybrid Longboards
Hybrid boards combine the best elements of different types of longboards into one. These boards can have more expansive decks with softer wheels or shorter decks with stiffer wheels – depending on what type of riding you plan to do.
However, the hybrid longboards are great for riders who want the versatility of multiple types of a longboard in one package.
Bamboo Longboards
Bamboo longboards feature a deck made of bamboo instead of the traditional plywood construction. This makes them lightweight, flexible, and strong. Bamboo boards are perfect for riders who want a board with a bit more “pop” when doing tricks.
Blunt Longboards
Blunt longboards feature a square-tipped nose and tail, providing extra riding stability. They are often used for freestyle tricks as well as cruising around town. These boards usually have shorter decks and softer wheels for better control at lower speeds.
Mini Longboards
Mini longboards are designed for smaller riders or those who want a compact board to ride in tight spaces. These boards typically have shorter decks, smaller wheels, and lighter trucks, making them more manoeuvrable than their larger counterparts.
Race Longboards
Race longboards are explicitly designed for racing down hills. They typically feature stiffer decks and wide trucks to provide maximum stability at high speeds. The wheelbase is adjustable so that you can choose the distance between your feet for optimal performance.
Atom Longboards
Atom longboards are designed for novice riders who want a board with more stability than regular longboards. They usually have more expansive decks, softer wheels, and smaller wheelbases – making them easier to balance at slower speeds.
These boards also tend to be less expensive than other types of a longboard, making them ideal for beginners on a budget.
Twin Longboards
Twin longboards feature two decks, one on top of the other, connected by a set of trucks. These boards are designed for more advanced riders who want to do tricks like slides and manuals with ease. They offer the stability of multiple decks and the agility of a single board in one package.
Electric Longboards
Electric longboards are powered by a motor, allowing riders to travel farther and faster than traditional boards. These boards come with an integrated battery or removable packs, providing extra power when needed.
They are great for experienced riders who want to take their skills to a super fantastic level.
Cut Out Longboards
Cutout longboards feature a centre-cut deck that allows the board to sit lower than regular longboards. This provides better balance and control while riding, making them great for beginner riders who want a more stable ride.
They also tend to be wider than other longboards, providing additional stability.
Double Drop Longboards
Double-drop longboards feature two sets of trucks that are mounted below the deck. This lowers the board’s centre of gravity, providing more stability when riding and making it easier to make sharp turns. These boards are often used for downhill racing and freeride tricks.
Commuter Longboards
Commuter longboards are designed for riders who want to get around quickly and efficiently. These boards typically feature expansive decks, softer wheels, and lighter trucks – making them perfect for a smooth ride on city streets.
They also tend to be more compact than other types of a longboard, allowing you to store them easily in your home or office.
A-Frame Longboards
A-frame boards are similar to top-mount longboards but have a slightly different design. The trucks are mounted on the board’s edge, creating an “a” shape. This design is excellent for aggressive street riding and slalom racing.
Split Tail Longboards
Split tail boards feature two tails that split away from the center of the deck. This allows riders to perform kick tricks and carve turns with ease.
These boards tend to be longer than regular longboards, making them perfect for cruising around town.
Different Types of Longboard Parts
Some of the common parts of a longboard are listed below:
Trucks – The metal components connect the wheels to the board and provide stability.
Wheels – Wheels come in various sizes, shapes, and durometers (hardness). The type of wheel you choose will depend on your riding style.
Bearings – Bearings are small metal parts inside each wheel to allow it to spin freely.
Bushings – The rubber rings between the trucks and the board act as shock absorbers for extra comfort while riding.
Deck – The deck is the central part of a longboard – it’s where you stand while riding. Decks come in many different shapes and sizes depending on the riding you want.
Grip Tape – Grip tape is an abrasive material applied to the top of the board to provide traction and prevent slipping.
These are the most common parts used in longboarding. Knowing these parts and how they work will help you decide which type of longboard is best for you and your riding style.
FAQs
What are long longboards called?
Long longboards are sometimes called “cruisers” or “commuter boards” – usually longer than traditional longboards and feature softer wheels. They are great for cruising around town and commuting to work or school.
Is it harder to ride a longboard than a skateboard?
Riding a longboard can be easier or more complex, depending on the terrain. Skateboards are typically more manoeuvrable and better suited for tricks, while longboards are usually easier to cruise around due to their more expansive decks and softer wheels. It comes down to personal preference!
Which type of longboard is easiest to ride?
Commute longboards are usually the easiest to ride as they have expansive decks, softer wheels, and lighter trucks – all of which makes them great for cruising around town. Freeride and downhill boards can be more challenging due to their larger size and stiffer components.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the type of longboard you choose will depend on your needs and preferences. It’s important to consider what type of terrain you will be riding on, how much control you need over your board, and whether or not speed is essential to you before deciding. You can learn how to ride like a pro with the right board.
