How to choose a longboard

Skateboarding is a popular activity with many people, but short boards are used for it. The longboard has earned high popularity, which is distinguished by the use of a long board for movement. With this device, you can develop high speed, do beautiful tricks, and also experience a lot of adrenaline and other sensations. The basic rule is knowing how to choose a longboard, because you need to focus on the desired results, including speed or maneuverability. Professionals can visually evaluate the board and understand what it is suitable for, but it is difficult for an amateur or a beginner to make a choice, to buy the right product. The article will allow you to understand in detail the boards and the parameters of their selection.

The principle of operation and the device of the longboard

A longboard is a kind of classic skateboard, the design includes similar elements:

• Deck - a board that is characterized by a longer length than a skateboard, which gives the main difference.
• Tracks or suspensions are special elements that are installed at the bottom of the board using special damping pads.
• Wheels running on bearings.

Skating on such a device is almost no different from a classic skateboard, but as a result of a long board, a person stands on it more confidently and holds the road better. This increases the level of comfort, so the option is often used as a means of transportation in the city and other conditions.

Types of longboards

To figure out how to choose a longboard for beginners, you need to determine the riding style. The shape of the board, its dimensions in length, the diameter of the wheels and the type of suspension directly depend on this. If a person has never stood on such a device, he is just starting to ride, then you should deal with the main types, their differences, pros and cons. It should be said that manufacturers of longboards offer ready-made designs that can be used immediately after purchase, as well as individual elements for replacing or independently collecting the board.

Beginners need to focus on ready-made boards, they are sold assembled, since it will have optimal speeds and maneuverability, will get rid of possible errors that will definitely appear during training. If we talk about driving style, then initially you need to try your own hand at cruising, the essence lies in the usual driving in the park or on city roads. After that, it will be possible to switch to slalom models, with which it is much easier to hone tricks and skills.

For cruising and carving

This type of longboard is considered the most comfortable and most stable on the road. The board in this case will be medium in hardness in the form of an oblong oval. The length of the deck varies between 70-130 cm. Wheels are often used soft with a diameter of up to 76 mm, which makes it possible to easily cross uneven road surfaces. The wheels are supplemented with bearings of the ABEC 7 model, which are considered very reliable and help to develop high speeds.

Devices 70-80 cm are more suitable for lovers of light tricks, carving, and long models with a wide board will be the best option for a beginner, as well as those who prefer to use a longboard as a replacement for a vehicle.

Pros:

• Optimum maneuverability for large sizes.
• Can be used for long distance driving.
• It is possible to develop up to 100 km / h.
• Shorter versions are great for tricks.
• The wheels, thanks to their width and soft base, easily extinguish all road bumps.

Minuses:

• Big sizes.
• There are problems with performing certain feints, because even with short models, the longboard will be longer than a regular skateboard.

Mini cruisers (plastboards)

The size of this type of longboard is 57 cm, so it is difficult to call them small. The option is suitable for young people who live in the city and prefer to travel by similar transport. With the help of a board, you can ride for hours, and if necessary, the structure is hidden in a backpack or attached to it from the back.

Many manufacturers have significantly expanded the size range, offering the client plastboards with a length of 115 cm. A characteristic difference is the curved rear, as well as wide tracks and wheels up to 70 mm, which are considered small. They are of medium hardness, so even with poor road surfaces, a fairly comfortable ride will be provided.

Pros:

• Lightweight and flexible for easy portability.
• The deck and wheels are made of plastic, so all vibrations from the road are perfectly dampened.
• Nice appearance.
• The model is recommended for normal driving and simple feints.
• Excellent maneuverability.
• Affordable pricing policy.

Minuses:

• Classic 22-inch models are not the most stable on the road.
• There are restrictions on the weight of the user with a plastboard.

Downhill Models

A characteristic feature of this type is considered to be a long deck of about 1 meter and its high degree of rigidity, as well as very strong tracks. It is recommended to buy this model for descents at high speed, due to which the model does not wobble on the track. The thickness of the deck wood is often large, including about 10 layers. Wheels are 70-75 m in size, the tracks fully correspond to the width of the deck, and to increase reliability, manufacturers twist them with bolts that completely pierce the board.

Pros:

• You can reach high speeds, up to about 140 km / h.
• High stability on a country road.
• Excellent durability.
• Reliable construction.
• Bearing type ABEC 7 is always installed.

Minuses:

• Poor maneuverability makes it difficult to turn.
• The longboard is not intended for performing feints.

Sliding Models

This option is used to perform various technical elements, including sliding, turning and other types of control, which are called slides in riders' slang. A plank with a length of 90 cm, with a rigid base and a large thickness, which can reach 1.3 cm. The wheels are small and solid, the ABEC 7 bearing is mandatory, and the tracks are completely identical to the size of the deck. Such structures are made in full symmetry, which makes it possible to control during a quick descent in any direction, as well as to perform quick turns.

Pros:

• Easily reach speeds of up to 100 km / h.
• It is permissible to make drifts that are amenable to control.
• High degree of stability and safety.
• Excellent maneuverability.
• Good strength, toughness.

Minuses:

• Large dimensions complicating storage.
• Narrow longboard focus.

Dancing models

Dance boards that are made exclusively for performing tricks. Their length is 80-150 cm, and the width of the deck is 8-10 cm. The surface is rather thin (up to 1 cm), but elastic, as a result of which there is a slight subsidence in the center during riding. The tracks are narrower than the board itself, which increases maneuverability. Wheels with dimensions 70-75 mm, low rigidity.As a result of the fact that the board is not used to develop speed, manufacturers save on bearings, but without prejudice to the user, and install a type 3 or 5.

Pros:

• You can do any tricks.
• Optimal level of stability.
• Good maneuverability.
• Nice appearance.

Minuses:

• Large dimensions complicate transportation and storage.
• The service life of the board is short.

Surf-style

This type stands out from the rest, because the length of the longboard is 1.5-3 meters. While moving on the board, you can walk, sit, lie down and even move in pairs. The deck is rigid, its thickness is about 2 cm, and the wheels are 100-120 mm. The tracks are characterized by high strength and reliability, fully match the board size.

Pros:

• The most stable and reliable, among other options
• You can ride 2 people.
• In motion, you can move around the board, lie down or sit on it.
• An excellent choice for long journeys.

Minuses:

• Very large size and weight.
• Poor maneuverability.
• You can only ride on a good road.

Slalom models

This option is designed to perform tricks and ride with different maneuvers. The length of the structure is no more than 60-70 cm, and the ends are significantly narrowed. Wheels are installed with a minimum or average rigidity of 69-72 mm. To avoid prolonged drift, straight edges are made, the tracks are narrow, so the deck does not affect them during sharp and sharp turns. Bearings of 5 or 7 types.

Pros:

• Good maneuverability
• You can do different tricks.
• It turns out to develop the optimal speed.
• For overclocking, there is no need to constantly push off the ground.

Minuses:

• Not suitable for long descents.
• In comparison with other models, the stability is rather weak.

Top longboard manufacturers

For everyone who does not want to study the main characteristics, cannot understand them, they can buy a longboard simply from trusted manufacturers. In this case, it is possible not to delve into the features and quality of materials, types of bearings, wheels and other nuances. Among the best manufacturers of longboards are:

• Rayne;
• Yocaher Products;
• Madrid;
• Beetle;
• Oxelo.

For everyone who plans to use boards for constant movement in the city, performing tricks or professional activities, you should familiarize yourself in more detail with the selection parameters that will allow you to choose the ideal option for yourself.

How much does a longboard cost

Having studied the main types and the best manufacturers, it is important to understand the cost, which plays an important role:

• You can buy good carving for about 5-10 thousand rubles. Almost the same price will be for the slalom, but the starting price starts at 7000 rubles.
• Downhill models cost a little more than 8-11 thousand rubles.
• Slide and Dancing boards are in the range of 5-13 thousand rubles.
• Surfboards with wheels are difficult to find on the free market, so you will have to look for a similar option, and its price will be about 10-20 thousand rubles.
• For adults who prefer a plastboard, you need to prepare the amount of 600-14000 rubles.

When choosing and buying a certain model, experts do not recommend taking the cheapest options, it is better to pay more, but get a really high-quality board.

Longboard selection options

Dealing with the question of which longboard to choose for a beginner is possible only if you understand the basic parameters of the board.

Deck material

Classic boards are made on the basis of glued wood, which includes 5-13 layers. The fewer layers, the higher the resilience and responsiveness of the deck, but the durability will be low. With an increase in thickness, the device becomes more reliable, but also heavier, tougher, and all this has a positive effect on speed, although it is difficult to make feints.

Most popular deck materials:

• Canadian maple is one of the finest and most expensive types of wood, with maximum durability.
• Chinese maple is 2 times cheaper than the Canadian maple, but slightly worse in quality.
• Bamboo is an elastic material that is recommended for maneuverable models, although it is not often found on the free market.
• Plastic - in the case of using an expensive and high-quality option, the deck will be able to withstand heavy loads, gives good elasticity. Cheap analogs serve no more than 2 seasons of skiing.

In addition to the materials described, boards can be made of combined materials. Often, manufacturers use different types of maple, which gives excellent technical characteristics and a more affordable price. There are also cheap materials, including birch veneer, but longboards will not be suitable for obese people, as well as performing complex feints.

Suspension

In longboards, the track links are responsible for the suspension, which are T-shaped elements of steel in lengths of 150 and 180 mm. Installation is carried out directly under the deck, and the angle of rotation depends on the specific type. The standard version will be 50 degrees, and for long boards, experts advise choosing models with 44 degrees, which decks can be used with an angle of 60 degrees.

In addition, when choosing, you need to look at the materials of the track:

• Steel - adds bulk to the longboard, but costs less than aluminum.
• Aluminum is the best choice in terms of strength and weight.
• Plastic or composite - a suspension made from this raw material is suitable for children, since the longboard will not receive heavy loads and pressure.

Deck length

Based on the length of the board, the maneuverability of the longboard is determined. The higher the value, the harder the steering and maneuverability for avoiding obstacles on the road. It is recommended to choose a product with an optimal ratio and taking into account the roads where the ride will be carried out.

To simplify the choice, experts suggest the following values:

• Fans of feints should choose models up to 80 cm, with the exception of the dancing-type, which have an extended front and rear.
• For the development of speed on descents, a size of up to 1.2 meters is chosen.
• Long trips are comfortable with a deck size of 1-1.5 meters.

Wheel dimensions and stiffness

Wheels are selected according to the degree of rigidity and diameter, which can be in the range of 40-150 mm, but 70 mm is considered standard. Small wheels give excellent maneuverability and quick acceleration, but they cannot get the highest travel speeds. Large models will have the opposite effect, the longboard is difficult to overclock, but peak speeds can be achieved.

When choosing, you need to pay attention to the fact that the wheels are of different sizes on longboards. Often, wide and large wheels are placed behind, and they will be smaller in front. This will provide an excellent balance of speed and handling.

The stiffness of the wheelset is important as this value influences the handling and behavior of the longboard on different road surfaces. When choosing, you should focus on the following values:

• 75A-87A - soft wheels, suitable for normal driving, allow to damp shocks, vibrations and give good traction, but it is impossible to achieve high speed.
• 88A-95A - medium rigidity, the models are characterized by a long service life and the ability to drive at high speed, but in the case of movement on unevenness, a person feels all the shocks and defects of the road.
• 96A and above - rigid elements that are used for slides and quick releases. They are characterized by weak grip; only experienced people can ride them or train on concrete.

Bearings

All wheels are put on bearings of model 608, there are 2 of them for each. Part marking ABEC and a number is written next to it, which indicates the accuracy class. Using this indicator, the possible speed of the longboard is determined:

• ABEC 3 are slow, inexpensive and short life bearings. Often put on cheap boards, the speed limit is 20-30 km / h.
• ABEC 5 is a popular type with the ability to accelerate to 60-70 km / h. The best choice in terms of value for money.
• ABEC 7 - professional models made for racing. They are distinguished by a long service life, reliability and the ability to drive fast, but the cost is high
• ABEC 9 and ABEC 11 are the fastest options at a very high price and low durability. They cannot work for a long time under heavy loads.

Which longboard to choose

Recommendations of experts will help to simplify the choice of a longboard. With the help of advice, it is much easier to make a choice:

• If the board is purchased for the purpose of being used as a personal vehicle, you should focus on cruise options. These may include mini-plastboards suitable for urban movement or wide, full-size models up to 1.3m in length for trail riding and long-distance travel. It is recommended to choose ABEC 7 as bearings, but ABEC 5 may be sufficient for urban conditions. Wheels should be of medium size and rigidity.
• For experienced people who are doing tricks, it is necessary to choose dancing models with a long board made on the basis of Canadian maple. Wheels must be bought wide and soft, and bearings will be optimal 3 or 5 models. You can also use a shortened slalom board as it has excellent maneuverability.
• For regular driving in the city or at special sites, you can buy slalom models. They are considered versatile, allow you to develop sufficient speed, as well as perform feints. Wheels are discretionary, but they must be wide.
• For anyone who loves speed and descents, choose downhill or slide with wide and stiff 70-75mm wheels. For a beginner, it is better to choose soft PU wheels. Use only type 7 as a bearing, pay special attention to the board, which should be at least 9 layers of Canadian maple.
• Anyone who is surfing and not without the sea in the city can choose Surf-style. When buying, you need to evaluate the deck, it must be very strong, since the supports are removed from each other.