Longboarding is a great sport to get into on the way into skateboarding, or as a sport by itself. There are many different types and features to a drop through longboard and this can make it confusing to know which board is the right one for you. In this article we have compiled together some of the best options, with a wide range of features, in order to help you make the decision as to which board is right for you.
Best Drop Through Longboards: Our top 5 Picks
1. Atom Drop Through Longboard (40 Inch)
Atom Long boards have a long-standing reputation for high quality boards no matter what the experience level of the rider. They have been designing and developing the most cutting edge boards for over ten years and the Atom Drop Through Longboard is no exception. Atom understands where they can reduce the costs of a board, but also where it is important to use the highest quality materials.
The Atom Drop Through Longboard deck is made from a hybrid of bamboo and maple, giving it an incredible flexibility without causing any damage to the board when the Atom Drop Through Board is used for heavier riders. The deck is 40” long and is reduced at the wheels, so there is no risk of pinching or biting of the wheels on the board. These slimmer parts of the board also give the Atom Board a better agility when turning corners and performing tricks, which is perfect for both beginner and more advanced riders.
The trucks are made in the design of a navigator drone, with a 40 degree base and 180mm hangers, and this gives the long board a much more stable ride, as well as a more durable design. The wheels have 78A degree of hardness, enhancing the stability of the Atom Board and providing a much more stable long board, perfect for any experience level. The bearings are an ABEC 9 design with a high-speed lubricant, making the Atom Board a great option for downhill and high-speed usage.
The Atom Board is a perfect option for beginner and experienced long boarders alike. There are many impressive details and features to make the Atom Drop Through Long Board as stable and durable as possible, yet it is still lightweight and agile enough to perform at a high speed or when performing tricks.
The main downfall of the Atom Drop Through Longboard is that the board can easily scuff and scratch due to the bamboo element of the board. This can be an issue for those who like to keep their board in pristine condition, especially since the Atom Board is slightly more expensive than other long boards on this list.
If you are looking for a quality long board for a reasonable price, then the Atom Board is definitely one to consider. It provides all of the necessary components for beginners to be able to progress and learn new tricks, but also performs well under more experienced users who are able to perform much more advanced tricks, as well as use the board for a much longer practice time.
Related: Best Atom Longboards
2. DB Longboards Urban Native Drop Through Longboard (40-inch)
If you are in it for the long run and want to get a longboard that will support distant cruises and freeriding, then this Urban Native 40” is the right choice. It is highlighted by an attractive greenish design set at 9 inches in width and 40 inches in length. Furthermore, it offers a load capacity of up to 225 pounds, which is better than most of its competitors.
This DB product stands out for its superb sturdiness. According to the manufacturer, it features a durometer hardness of 78a, which means that it will withstand the stress of downhill maneuvers and freerides. Its highlighting point is the low platform that adds to the stability and allows complete control over the longboard even if you are a beginner.
It is great to know that they included everything you need to skate on it, including a set of lighting bearings, 69mm cruiser wheels (Cloud Ride), and 180mm ultralight trucks that are manufactured by Atlas. With that in mind, you can be confident that you can use the Urban Native 40” in both beach and mountainous environments.
To top that off, it is incredibly fun to use and can last you for years if properly cared for. The only problem is that it comes at quite a high price, which can be understood when looking at the quality of the unit. Still, the versatile performance and sturdy design make it one of the best products on the market.
3. Gonex Drop Through Longboard (42-inch)
We understand that some people are on a limited budget but still do not want to miss out on the longboard fun. Fortunately, Gonex was able to manufacture an affordable and beginner-friendly product that can be enjoyed by teenagers and adults alike. It is available in two different colors — Ocean Blue and Sunset Glow.
The first thing that we want to discuss is the design. It is made out of aluminum and maple, which looks great and offers an anti-slip stance. Similar to the product above, it measures 9 inches in width, but this one is 42 inches in length. Also, the durometer hardness is set at 78a, which is an important factor when talking about durability.
This Gonex product offers an impressive load capacity of up to 330 pounds without sacrificing maneuverability or speed. One of the highlighting points is the ABEC-7 steel bearings that will allow you to achieve superb speed on downhill rides and long-distance cruises.
As for stability and overall control, you can rely on aluminum trucks and a polyurethane support platform. The coolest point is that it supports versatile performance and can be used to skate or engage in complex dance choreography.
Apart from the fact that the trucks can be rather squeaky, this is an affordable and reliable longboard that you should consider if you don’t want to break the bank but still have a good product.
4. Arbor Longboard Complete Townsend Photo Dropcruiser (38-inch)
If you have a more flexible budget and want to invest in a longboard that is manufactured by a leading brand, then this Arbor product is the way to go. It is one of the most attractive models on the market, highlighted by a beige platform and imprinted motifs of town cruises, beaches, and mountains. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, one thing is certain — people will notice you!
Talking about the design, this longboard is set at 38 inches in length and 9.75 inches in width, and it features a wheelbase of 29.25 inches. Given the dimensions, you can be confident that it is perfect for performing tricks at the local skate park or enjoying a long-distance cruise. Not only that, but we also found that this Arbor longboard is suitable for downhill rides as long as you aren’t going too fast.
Its highlighting point is the supreme maneuverability that is provided by 69” wheels, ABEC 7 high-speed bearings, and 50-degree 180mm premium aluminum tracks. Also, there is black grip tape that improves the sturdiness of this longboard.
It is safe to say that this Arbor product can take serious bumps and cracks without slowing down or losing stability. Our main issue is the fact that those on a limited budget can’t experience it due to the high price. On the other hand, if you do have the funds, it is a longboard to consider whether you are a beginner or an experienced enthusiast!
Related: Best Arbor Longboards
5. MINORITY Downhill Maple Longboard (40-inch)
At the end of our list, we want to mention a product that can be used by both youngsters and adults. It is available in a wide variety of colors, including Nature, Brown Bear, Galaxy, Mahakala, Seagull, Alps, Cliff, Geometry, Noifish, Leo, and Love! It is set at 9 inches in width and 40 inches in length, and it has a durometer hardness of 78a. The wheels are made out of premium polyurethane.
This board is made out of maple with aluminum trucks and alloy steel bearings. As mentioned above, it can be maneuvered by beginners and experienced adults who weigh up to 200 pounds. It is important to know that it is best used for high-speed downhill rides due to its low gravity structure and enhanced stability.
The trucks are reversible, and you can adjust them between 45 and 50 degrees depending on what kind of ride you are taking. As for the wheels, you are looking at 70 x 51mm polyurethane wheels that ensure smooth rides at high speeds. Most importantly, the design graphics are attractive, and you are sure to be one of the most noticeable riders in the group.
As for the downsides, we found the aluminum trucks to be quite squeaky. Still, this is an issue that can be fixed by applying a few coatings of soap shaving before each ride. Other than that, this is an extremely affordable and versatile longboard that you shouldn’t miss out on!
Buyer’s Guide
Now that we’ve reviewed the five best drop-through longboards, let’s discuss what you need to look for. This article looks at essential purchasing factors when shopping for a drop-through longboard.
Longboard Deck Shapes
Virtually all longboards feature one of two deck styles: directional and symmetrical, AKA twin. Directional boards are meant to go in a single direction. Downhill boards, cruisers, and carvers are usually directional.
However, if you are freeriding and freestyling, a twin board is the way to go. If you plan to ride in both directions, you need a symmetrical board. These look and ride the same on both sides.
Drop Through vs. Top Mount
As we are talking about drop-through longboards, it’s a good idea to define this. So, the term drop-through refers to how the trucks are mounted on the board. Generally speaking, there are two main types: drop through and top mount.
Top mounts are pretty standard, and they see the truck hardware mounted underneath the board. This sets the board fairly high off the ground. However, this allows for good responsiveness and maneuverability, especially in making turns.
And, there’s the drop-through longboard, where the trucks are mounted through the longboard from the top surface. This allows the board itself to ride lower to the ground.
This makes it much more stable due to a lower center of gravity. This design can be very beneficial for riding at high speeds. Therefore, you can choose between top mounts and drop-through truck mounts. Both have their advantages and drawbacks to consider.
Types of Drop Through Deck Styles
Another thing to consider when choosing a longboard is the deck style you want. It’s important to note that this drop-through style terminology applies to the truck mounts and the deck. Let’s look at the most common deck styles in this regard.
First, there’s the standard drop-through longboard. As mentioned above, the trucks are mounted higher through the board. This allows the deck to sit lower to the ground, making it more stable.
Next, there are drop-deck longboards. These are molded so that your feet sit on par with or even below the trucks. These are lower than average drop-through boards, and they’re very stable and cause less fatigue when pushing and braking.
Finally, we have double-drop deck longboards, the lowest-sitting longboards of all. They feature both drop-through trucks and drop-through decks. This is generally seen as a downhill board due to its fantastic stability at high speeds.
Wheelbase and Deck Size
Next, consider the overall wheelbase length and the overall size of the board. The longer the board and the wheelbase, the more stable the board is. This is particularly true at high speeds, and it also gives you more space to stand.
On the other hand, the shorter longboard is, the more maneuverable it is at high speeds. Moreover, the smaller the board, the less it weighs. So there are some trade-offs to consider.
Overall Deck Height
This is closely related to top mount vs. drop-through and deck styles. However, just to reiterate, the lower to the ground your board is, the more maneuverable it is. Lower boards tend to be best for going fast.
However, boards that are higher up may provide more leeway in your turns. They allow you to lean harder without the risk of the deck coming into contact with the ground.
Deck Profile and Flex
You also want to pay attention to how flexible the deck is. Hard and rigid decks are best for high speeds and provide excellent control and maintaining incredible speeds.
On the other hand, flexible decks are great for pumping and carving but not for speed. Flexible decks are also more comfortable because they can absorb some impact. However, decks with lots of flex become unstable at high speeds.
Also, keep in mind the differences between rocker and cambered deck profiles. A rocker profile sees the deck with a downward bend, thus making it very low to the ground.
A cambered profile has the deck bent upwards in the middle, thus making it much higher. The rocker is more stable, while the cambered profile has more flex.
Truck Angle
Pay attention to the angle of the trucks. Again, if you are going for quick turns and maneuverability, you want high-angle trucks.
However, if you are looking for stability at high speeds, then trucks with lower angles are better because they have a larger turning radius but are more stable.
The Wheels
The final thing to consider is what kinds of wheels to get. This is especially the case in terms of hardness. Remember that the higher the numerical rating, the harder the wheels.
Hard wheels are best for riding with stability at high speeds. Soft wheels are better for cruising, maneuverability, and for impact absorption.
FAQ
What Type of Longboard Is Best For Beginners?
A drop-through longboard is one of the best options for beginners. The high amount of stability allows for a high degree of safety while riding.
Is Flex Good On a Longboard?
If you plan on cruising and long-distance riding, a good deal of flex is beneficial. It helps absorb some impact for comfort, keeping you lower to the ground for stability. However, rigid longboards are the better option for high-speed riding.
What Size Longboard Is Best For Beginners?
Generally speaking, longer boards with longer wheelbases are more stable than shorter boards. Therefore, for a beginner, a longer board is best. Aim for something between 30 and 46 inches long.
How Much Money Do I Need to Spend On a Good Longboard?
Around $250 for a good longboard is more than enough for beginners. However, for more advanced riders, you can get a high-quality setup for no more than $500.
What Is the Best Material For a Longboard?
The two best materials for longboards are maple and bamboo. Maple is a bit more rigid and ideal for speed, whereas bamboo has more flex to it. Bamboo is also much lighter.
