Guide to Longboard Skateboards

Kinds of Longboard Skateboards include the following:

Slalom Longboard Skateboards

• Slalom Longboard Skateboards are used in fast and competitive skateboarding.
• They are normally made of lightweight carbon fiber.
• They measure 25 to 35 inches long.
• They have narrow trucks connected to their ends.
• Their ends are narrower for making tight turns.
• The have wheels with greater traction due to their increased contact patch areas.
• They come in different designs and colors.

Transportation Longboard Skateboards

• Transportation Longboard Skateboards are used for ordinary cruising and general commuting.
• They are the most common types made of longboard skateboards.
• They are made of flexible wood.
• They measure 39 to 50 inches long. Because of their length, they usually need just one push to travel several feet.
• They have longer noses that make them look like surfboards.
• They have loosely set trucks that allow making tight turns.

Downhill Longboard Skateboards

• Downhill Longboard Skateboards are also known as speedboards.
• They are used for riding down hills and mountains at fast speeds.
• They are made with stiff boards 38 to 43 inches long.
• They have lowered platforms by at least an inch for decreased center of gravity.

Cruising longboards

• Cruising longboards are used for relaxed riding at slow speeds and for performing surfboarding tricks like drop-knee-turns, hanging ten, and cross-stepping.
• They look like surfboards.
• They measure 60 to 80 inches long.

Trick Longboard Skateboards

• Trick Longboard Skateboards are used in exhibition skateboarding.
• They are made of natural wood.
• They are longer and wider than traditional skateboards at 43 inches long.
• They have heavy six-inch trucks for stability.
• Griptape is placed all around the board for better board grip and increased trick performance.
• They are commonly used by experienced skaters because of their weight and length.

Hybrid Longboard Skateboards

• Hybrid Longboard Skateboards are innovative skateboards combining different truck, wheelboard, and deck designs.
• They are made of natural wood.
• They perform well when going downhill, allowing the skater to have control of their turning radius.
• However, they are heavier, slower, and harder to ride on flat surfaces.
  They are versatile enough to be used on rails and pools.
  

Skill level: Choose a longboard skateboard that matches your skill level. If you are a beginner, choose one between 40 and 55 inches long. This length allows you to practice your footing and stability as you ride your board. Choose a short longboard skateboard if you are into downhill or trick riding. The shorter length makes it lighter, allowing you to control your board better.

Trucks: Choose a longboard skateboard truck with soft springs or bushings for improved maneuverability when cruising or transportation riding. If you prefer riding at fast speeds or downhill, look for one with stiffer truck bushings or springs for increased stability at high speeds.

Decks: Choose a wooden longboard skateboard deck for leisure or recreational riding. For professional riders and exhibitionists, get a more expensive yet durable carbon fiber or fiberglass deck. These materials handle jumps and blows better than ordinary wood.
 
Griptape: For better board control, choose a longboard skateboard with griptape placed on strategic areas. Griptape allows your feet to “stick” to your board better especially when doing jumps or tricks.

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