Different Types of Longboards Explained
Longboarding is a favorite sport among youths. The sport involves many unique styles, each different from the other and different longboards have been designed to suit these styles. In essence, a fan of longboarding requires different boards to execute different styles as one board might be incapable of performing more than one longboard technique adequately. Longboards are available in different shapes, sizes, and designs and if you intend to purchase one, you have to be familiar with the different types of longboards and their various uses.
7 Different Types of Longboards
1. Downhill Longboard
One of the most popular kinds of longboards is the downhill longboard. As the name implies, it is the perfect type of longboard for the downhill riding style. The board is one of the stiffest boards available and is made from quality materials to enable it to endure harsh terrains. To ride downhill, you need a top-mount with a strong carve to ensure that you have more control of the board. The wheels on this board have a stronger grip enabling you to slide with more speed. The most popular build of the downhill board has an extra ridge in the middle to provide riders with more foot placement options and more control. The downhill board is more technologically advanced than other longboard types and are often designed with multiple layers of carbon fiber.
If you enjoy riding down steep hills or roads less travelled to avoid cars, then the downhill board is perfect for you. With quality downhill longboards, the issue of speed wobbling is eliminated as the well-defined rear and front of the board will allow you to move either downhill or in a straight direction quickly.
2. Drop Through Longboard
As the second on the list, the drop-through longboard is designed for riders who want to relax on the board. It is another popular choice among longboarders because it allows them to cruise around easily. One of the most important things to consider before buying a drop through longboard is stability. Bear in mind that you want to be entirely sure of your safety while riding the board. To ensure that your utmost safety is guaranteed, it is essential that the board you buy is made of quality materials. As mentioned earlier, the drop-through longboard is meant for those who want a relaxing ride. There are, however, some measures that need to be taken upon purchasing a drop-through board. Getting accessories such as wrist pads, arm pads, kneepads and a good quality helmet will go a long way to ensure that you are safe while longboarding. Safety gear is obviously important no matter what type of board you are looking for.
3. Pintail Longboard
The Pintail Longboard is constructed with a sharp nose and tail and a broader base center. Because of the pointed nose and rear of the pintail board, it is the best option for directional riding as it helps longboarders stay balanced while riding. With this type of board, the sharp taper improves the turning radius thereby allowing you to make sharp turns more easily. To reduce the risk of wheel bite, the pintail board also comes with carved out wheels. This feature makes this type of board perfect for taking sharp turns and directional riding.
4. Bamboo Longboard
The bamboo type of longboard is lighter and more flexible than other boards. This is probably what increases it’s appeal as it is trending among young longboarders. It offers more advantages as it is well suited for those who need to carry their board around. The bamboo longboard is not only organic but also lightweight. This means that you can take it with you on camping trips or a picnic without worrying about the extra weight. One major setback you might encounter when purchasing a Bamboo longboard is difficulty in replacing its wheels when they get damaged. Finding and buying a bamboo longboard of the best quality is worth it as you will be able to perform incredible techniques and tricks which will make your longboarding experience much more exciting.
5. Cruiser Longboard
The cruiser longboard is a must have for longboarders still at the beginner level. The starting point for every longboarder is cruising, and the type of longboard is ideally suited for rolling down the park or along concrete pavements is the cruiser longboard. This kind of longboard is usually top mounted. This means that the board sits on top of the trucks. Similar to surfboards, the cruiser board has a pintail shape and big wheels to ensure that your board doesn’t catch on bumps or cracks in the road.
6. Twin Longboard
The twin skateboards were initially designed for riders interested in multi-directional skating. In recent years, the twin skateboards have been redesigned and equipped with more full sides to suit longboarding. The twin longboards are probably the best type of longboards for the freestyle riding style. This is because they have more stability and allow the rider to practice new skills and techniques. If you are interested in getting twin longboards, ensure that you go for boards with large and softer wheels. This will enable you to perform longboard techniques without any drawbacks.
7. Fishtail Longboard
Quite similar to the pintail longboards, the fishtail longboards comes with a broader base center and a sharp nose. To differentiate between the two types of longboards – pintail and fishtail, the tails of the boards should be observed. The Fishtail longboard is designed with a split tail which makes it the right board for the surf style. Another advantage of the fishtail longboard’s split tail is the ease it gives the rider. With this type of board, you can perform sharp turns very easily.
Conclusion
Before going ahead to buy a longboard, it is important for you to be aware of the different types available and the riding styles they are suited for. Various longboard brands are available in the market, but only longboards of the best quality are recommended. This is to ensure your safety while enjoying your favorite sport.
