Longboards
Longboards information
Longboards are a special version of the skateboard. The board is longer than a street skateboard. It also has a greater distance between the axles. The longboard rides on soft and large wheels. They ensure better handling on uneven ground. At high speeds, the board provides more stability when skating. It is available in different versions for different purposes. It depends on whether you want to hurtle down mountain roads on your board or cruise slowly along a boardwalk. Longboarding has become increasingly popular in recent years. Various disciplines such as downhill and freestyle are also coming back into fashion. There is a special boom for longboarding in the USA and Canada.
What is a longboard?
The longboard is a longer version of the classic skateboard. A complete longboard is usually between 90 and 120 centimetres long (35-47 inches). The board is used for racing, cruising and downhill riding, but the sports equipment also serves as a simple means of transportation. Typical of the long board is its agile and maneuverable riding style. Carving on the longboard is reminiscent of the motor skills required for surfing, just like with the special surfskates. This unique riding pleasure also gives longboarding the term "asphalt surfing".
What are the differences?
The different models are based on the intended use. The special features of the boards differ in terms of flex, the design of the complete longboard deck and the trucks.
What types are available
The cruiser longboard is ideal for cruising. The design of the deck resembles a surfboard. The board guarantees relaxed cruising and surfing. The carving longboard allows for hard-hitting pumps. The feeling of carving is similar to surfing or snowboarding on the street. With the dancer longboard, skaters can dance on the board. The special feature of these boards is the large decks. It is ideal for longer rides and artistic interludes. The Freestyle Longboard is perfect for tricky use. It also gives the rides a surf feel. Tricks and slides can be performed with the freeride longboard. It can be used both downhill and on a straight surface. The downhill longboard is ideal for fast rides on steep roads and hills. The board is particularly firm and durable and provides additional safety when longboarding.
Which longboard is the right one?
The longboard decks are comparatively long. They are made from maple or bamboo. Occasionally, the longboard decks are reinforced with fiberglass. The sports equipment is mainly used for cruising or for a surf-like riding style. The carving and cruiser boards are suitable for simple cruising. They are also suitable for beginners and are still very stable at high speeds. The two sports boards are very similar and enable a surfy ride. The stable and robust carving board is particularly suitable for hilly and curvy routes.
The downhill and freeride board
The board is designed for downhill rides on steep roads and curves. The slides are used to control speed. The freeride board is used on flat routes. Both boards have a firm and stable construction. In addition, the decks usually have so-called cut-outs, which prevent the wheels and board from touching to prevent an abrupt stop. Increasingly, boards for downhill use also have special "wings". However, downhill rides are not entirely safe, as speed can build up here, so always be careful. You can and should buy the necessary protective clothing such as protectors and helmets conveniently online in the longboard store.
The freestyle board
is for longboarders who enjoy tricky riding. The board is bidirectional and has kicks & cut-outs. The design of the board enables tricks and surfy rides. The deck of the Dancer complete longboard has a special length. The design of the board is reminiscent of a surfboard. Artistic tricks can be performed on the board. It is also suitable for balance training. The fast and robust dancer board can also be used to ride longer distances. Longboard trucks / axles The longboard trucks are also known as reverse kingpin trucks. The kingpin can be found on the other side of the longboard. The design of the truck is determined by its intended use. The design of the longboard truck is based on the design of the deck.
What are the options for mounting trucks on a longboard?
Top mount
The classic method is top mount. The axle is mounted under the deck. Typical top mount boards are carving, cruiser and dancer boards
.Drop-through mount
With this design, the baseplate is guided through a hole in the deck. The hanger is first removed and then reattached. This gives the robust deck a lower center of gravity. Drop-Through Mount is specially designed for freeride, freestyle and downhill boards. Longboard Wheels Longbpard Wheels are larger and softer longboard wheels. They enable a faster riding style and even minor obstructions are no longer a problem. The soft longboard wheels enable a more comfortable ride and provide more grip. The harder longboard wheels ensure a better slide. The degree of hardness is between 70 A and 90 A. Longboard wheels can be found in the Longboard Shop range.
The 10 types of longboard riders. Not to be taken entirely seriously ;-)