BoardsOnTop https://boardsontop.com Sun, 21 Apr 2024 19:40:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 generator https://boardsontop.com/generator/ https://boardsontop.com/generator/#respond Sun, 21 Apr 2024 19:40:01 +0000 https://boardsontop.com/?p=5066 Fancy Text Generator

Fancy Text Generator

]]>
https://boardsontop.com/generator/feed/ 0
Best Longboard Trucks for Downhill and Sliding Rides, Performance Update https://boardsontop.com/best-longboard-trucks/ https://boardsontop.com/best-longboard-trucks/#respond Thu, 23 Feb 2023 23:05:00 +0000 https://boardsontop.com/?p=2106 Read more]]> Trucks in a longboard play an essential role in providing stability on any terrain and keeping the rides in control when you opt for turns and twists.

There are numerous truck-selling brands, but not all of them promise quality. After testing them ourselves, we suggest the best longboard trucks widely accepted by skate aficionados.

After a stringent testing process, we have enlisted top longboard trucks according to the requirements of all types of enthusiasts.

Our list of recommended trucks consists of top-notch quality, high-performing, best-budget, and lively ones.

Dig deep through our buying guide if you want to know everything about trucks’ functionalities.


TOP 3 PICKS

Gullwing Sidewinder

WaterBorne Trucks

Jizmo Aluminum Trucks


11 Best Trucks for Longboards


1. Gullwing Sidewinder II – Longboard Trucks

best longboard trucks

Features Table:

Size(mm) 9.0 Axle 10.0 Axle
Hanger(in)9.5-10.59.75-10.75
Height(mm)7272
Weight(pounds)1.181.31

Description:

Gullwing trucks are designed for carve-specific rides and perform exceptionally well in carving scenarios.

There are two different axle sizes available with Gullwing i.e. 159mm and 185mm, and both rotate the wheel according to their abilities.

Make sure to go with the recommended axle width according to your board to get the maximum performance out of these trucks.

But remember that due to their build mechanics, do not utilize them for downhill rides.

Sidewinder supports deeper curves and turns when installed with the longboards and skateboards, thanks to dual pivot hangers.

You can treat the concrete roads as your playground once you get familiar with the working of Gullwing II.

There are limits to the design of these trucks, and that’s why their baseplate is not compatible with the Paris risers.

Finally, the dual kingpin technology of Sidewinder II is perfect for tight turns, biggest carves, and surf-like rides.

Performance Update:

I have rarely seen trucks that help longboards slide smoothly, and Gullwing is one of those perfect trucks. I’ve noticed that these trucks are better for drop-through longboards.

If you plan to use a double drop-through longboard, you should consider using 10-inch wide trucks.

These wider trucks will save the longboard wheels from bites during the ride. Another solution to prevent wheel bites is to use nylon riser pads.

Pros

Carving and Cruising ride style

Supports Deeper curves and tighter turns

Double turns in comparison to normal trucks

Perfect for new riders

Cons

Not compatible with Paris risers


2. WATERBORNE Trucks | Best for Longboards

best longboard trucks
  • Aluminum made product
  • Tested up to 1500 pounds
  • Two 14mm eco-friendly riser blocks
  • Weighs 0.8kg

Description:

Are you looking for trucks that can turn traditional longboards into carving and pumping boards without extra effort?

Look no further than Waterborne trucks, as they have magical powers to bend your skaters according to your will.

The universal design of these trucks fits perfectly with any cruiser and sports board.

Though waterborne is built specifically for surf skating, the rider can utilize it in any way for smooth turning, pumping, and speedy adventures.

Manufacturers tested the design under extreme conditions of 1500 pounds before launching the item into the online market.

Our school of thought prefers these trucks for any longboard and trips due to their maximum output and positive reviews.

Moreover, this surf adapter prevents wheel bites as it has a built-in limiter to separate the deck and the wheels.

All you need is to install this device under the deck of your beloved longboard and get ready to roll effortlessly down the lane.

Performance Update:

After a few weeks of testing, I felt the square bushings start squeaking.

With the help of a few lubricant drops of bearings, I managed to loosen the tighter bushings. This process helped me remove the squeaking problem.

Besides this issue, these trucks are undoubtedly the best option for pumping and carving riding styles. The suppliers should receive an update on how to install these trucks.

Pros

Works perfectly with any board

Free of wheel-bites

Sheer control over the ride

Recommended for carving and tricks

Cons

Not compatible with small penny boards

Need regular lubrication with bearings oil


3. Paris V2 Longboard Trucks | Best for Carving

best for cruising
  • 356.2 Aluminum quality
  • Grade 8 Steel Axles
  • Branded Kingpins
  • 6-hole Baseplate
  • 180mm width
  • 50-degree angle

Description:

Paris is one of the most successful boards-gear related brands available in the market.

It produces top-quality trucks suitable for longboards and skateboards equally, and V2 trucks are one of them.

V2 offers an unmatched level of carving and cruising for its users. Moreover, they are long-lasting, extremely strong, and durable.

Install these beasts in your longboards and start exploring the newer worlds of longboarding.

The most exciting thing about Paris V2 is the highly-responsive nature of its trucks. You can now turn at different angles effectively and not worry about technicalities.

In addition, the base plate design has different options for all kinds of mounting techniques.

Paris has manufactured the V2 trucks to withstand any kind of ride and therefore is often considered as a long-lasting gear.

Performance Update:

A few of my close teammates have used Paris V2 recently, and the comments turned out slightly negative.

The trucks turned out to be squeaky when they tried to carve down the street. The noise coming out from these trucks annoys riders during intense rides.

The pivot cup seemed to be the main problem. Moreover, the truck’s paint coat wasn’t very good. The wheels fit perfectly with the trucks, and you don’t need to worry about wheel bites.

Pros

Lifelong guarantee

Strong and Durable

Ultimate experience of Carving

Highly-responsive design

Cons

Supports longboard width greater than 9.5 inches

Not fully suitable for carving


4. Cal 7 180mm Cruising Trucks

best longboard trucks
  • ‎4x10x6″ dimensions
  • 1.77 Kg weight
  • Trucks fit 8.5-10″ decks

Description:

An impressive feature of Cal-7 is the wide base plate structure and a higher angle on the deck.

Experienced riders prefer higher angles, such as 50-degree when they want to engage in cruising, carving, and freestyle riding adventures.

This is why Cal 7 longboard trucks are designed with higher base plates for great performance at high speeds and carving quick turns.

Moreover, the axle and the hanger have reasonable sizes to assist the trucks in further smoothness and effortless pushes.

The whole Cal-7 package contains grippy PU wheels, fast and smooth ABEC bearings, and spacers.

Other important aspects of the Cal-7 trucks are explained below:

  • Grade-8 axle of 9.75 inches
  • 180mm wide hanger design
  • 50-degree base plate for longer longboards
  • Reverse kingpins

The package includes trucks, wheels, bearings, spacers, and two 1/4″ (8mm) riser pads. It is the most interesting feature of Cal 7, and you get all these widgets at a reasonable price.

Cal 7 Performance After Months:

Cal 7 trucks are specified for cruising, and I always recommend these trucks to newbies for smooth and better rides.

As the newbies don’t try tricks and turn on longboards, these trucks become essential hardware.

Besides that, professionals should only try Cal 7 only if they want to cruise without dancing moves. Moreover, it is pretty easy to install and detach for cleaning purposes.

Pros

Authenticated Cal-7 product

Complete skating package

Responsive RKP trucks

Tough, High-Quality Aluminum Axle

Cons

Doesn’t fit with less than 8.5 inches decks


5. Jizmo | Best Longboard Trucks

best for money

Accessories:

  • ‎2 x truck
  • 2 x riser pad
  • 1 x T-tool
  • 4 x wheels
  • 8 x bearings

Description:

The shape and structure of trucks define their compatibility with different dimensions of decks. Jizmo supports decks ranging from 7.75 inches to 8.25 inches.

The whole package contains wheels, trucks, and ABEC-11 bearings.

But for now, our concern is towards the functionality of Jizmo trucks.

Your cruiser will find these responsive pairs of trucks as the perfect companion during cruising and freestyle journeys.

Each part of the truck, i.e., hanger, axle, bushings, plat-holes, etc., guarantees infinite strength to your board. See the diagram below to understand the dimension properly;

Jizmo develops into the existing build of the deck slowly, but once it breaks completely into the design, that’s where the actual performance will come from.

Experienced riders trust these trucks without any worries and recommend them to newcomers to the skating community.

Other than the trucks, you can get maximum benefits from other items like wheels, bushings, and bearings that come along the box.

Jizmo Performance Update:

I was a little confused after buying Jizmo Trucks. But after trying them for weeks, they turned out to be pretty reliable.

The seller sent all the necessary parts, and the installation was easier than ever.

The sturdy structure of these trucks handled any type of shocks created during rough-terrain rides.

I also contacted customer support for some recommendations about the delivered product, and their response was impressive.

Pros

Responsive pair of trucks

Suitable for 7.75-8.25″ decks

Riser pads for adjusting trucks with decks

Suitable for cruising and tricks

Cost-effective product

Cons

Supports a smaller range of deck widths


6. CCS Raw | Cheap Longboard Trucks

best longboard trucks for sliding

There are four different sizes available in CCs trucks, explained below.

109mm fits7″ Decks
129mm for7.5 “-7.75 inches Decks
139mm fits8.0 “-8.25” Decks
149mm size for8.5+ inches Decks

Description:

It is a widely-known fact that the more you skate, the more your trucks will be compatible with your build.

CCS designed raw trucks to be reliable, lightweight, and durable so that they can compete with longboards of every level.

A decent pair of trucks will assist beginners in rolling and turning smoothly, no matter their ride type.

On the other hand, almost every skater, including pros, appreciates the trucks whose axle and hanger will take utmost pressure during sliding and down-the-track trips.

There is a reason why CCS stands high in view of its customers. CCS trucks perform decently compared to other trucks on the list, regardless of the user’s skill level.

Moreover, the economical price tag is a cherry on top. We believe that CCS offers a lot in quality and performance despite being so economical and affordable.

CCS Raw Trucks Performance Update:

The product is good according to the price. This is the update after using these trucks under my Magneto longboard for over one and a half months.

I recently realized that the bushing that comes with these trucks isn’t too good. That’s why I replaced the bushings with a better set; now, everything seems perfect.

These trucks have fewer squeaking issues than other products, and they turn the board around the street corners.

Pros

High rebound bushings

Smooth steering control

Sturdy steel base plate

No-slip kingpin design

Additional Phillips hardware

Cons

Softer bushings compared to competitors

Attached bushings are not perfect


7. Thunder Team | Best Cruiser Trucks

best carving longboard trucks

Description:

There are many variations in Thunder trucks depending upon the axle width.

But the one feature that stays put in all these trucks is the polished surface and which provides a swift turning response to the rider.

Team trucks are lightweight and reactive and grant unmatchable control and strength over the board. Use the gears with any line of sports board, and an immediate boost effect will be detected.

All the inner items of the Team trucks are backed by the manufacturer itself.

The responsive hangers, reasonable height baseplate, and Chromoly kingpin support the overall unit really well and hence put decent efforts to guarantee the longer life span of trucks.

Risers from some brands may be incompatible with the discussed trucks e.g. Independent, Loaded, Paris, Rayne, Sector 9, Girl, etc.

Also, specifications may vary on the basis of axle size. After extensive research on these best longboard trucks, we concluded some important points.

These points will let you know whether the trucks suit your riding style.

For further convenience, you can look for the best longboard brands with their high-quality products for starting a completely new journey in skating.

Important Information:

  • 1. Axle width ranging from 6.9 to 9.1 inches
  • 2. Supportable for different width decks
  • 3. Lightweight design with faster response
  • 4. Promises quick turns around edges
  • 5. Set of 2 trucks backed with 100% thunder

Thunder Trucks Performance Update:

The grinding power of these trucks emerged to be impressive. These trucks break in perfectly throughout the ride.

I have several longboards, and Thunder Team trucks are installed on my favorite one.

I have been riding on these trucks for over a year, and they have never let me down. They ignore the shocks on rough surfaces and ensure a smooth and steady ride.

Cons:

Lower stability than low-angle trucks


8. Independent Stage 11 | High-Quality Trucks

best for cruisers
  • 356 T6 Al-hanger
  • Weighs 2.01 pounds 
  • Supercush bushings

Description:

This design is unique in multiple factors. Firstly, these trucks are a little higher than other brands.

This height makes them heavy but allows them to grind well and last for a long time. Their weight is not as heavy as you might think.

Before opting these trucks, we used 139s and when we switched to IS 11, the weight difference was only 40gm, lighter than a baseball. 

Pure aluminum hangers and baseplate define the quality as they are durable, provide stability, maneuverability and ignore annoying shocks created on rough roads.

This pair of trucks, if attached to a matched wide longboard, ensure the wheels don’t get any bites.

When there are sharper turns to cover, the deck can touch the wheels if there is not enough distance between the wheels and the deck.

IS 11 provides long-enough trucks to overcome this problem. Ultimately, your rides will become smoother and you will be able to get quick response from these best trucks for longboards.

Why Stage 11 Trucks:

The utmost quality of these trucks is that you can use them for both skateboards and longboards.

Another extreme quality of these trucks is that they have got strong dual-action bushings that help the trucks turn well around road corners.

The kingpin is still strong after a couple of months, and I hope they will also stay stronger in the coming months.

The overall quality is impressive and is recommended.

Pros

Quality, durable trucks

Ensure bite-free wheels

Perfectly fit with deck of 7-9 inches width

Work more efficiently with spitfire wheels

Cons

Bushings are on the soft side


9. Atlas Truck Co | Best Trucks for Cruiser Boards

best trucks for cruiser boards
  • 8mm Steel Axle
  • 91a Cone 
  • 0.5 kg weight
  • Forged A-356 Aluminum baseplate
  • Set of 2 trucks

Description:

Riders and critiques wonder how Atlas can provide cruising adventures as smooth as trucks with humongous price tags.

The answer is the newest standard of reverse kingpin technology of trucks offered by the brand.

Not only the trucks remain strong and responsive, but the overall journey becomes soothing and entertaining.

Moreover, every single sub-item of the trucks is 100 percent original and lightweight than the traditional ones.

Atlas creates maximum opportunities for cruising, carving, and freerides because of its cone bushings.

These cones also provide higher rebound and anti-vibration mechanisms to make the rides energy-efficient.

You can compare this brand to many other famous trucks i.e. Paris, Caliber, Gullwing etc. and you will be amazed by the quality of Atlas.

Exponentially increase the responsive power of your longboard or skateboard by implanting these trucks as your primary ones.

Atlas Trucks Inspection Results:

The paint chips in the base are bizarre. Initially, I tried these trucks with my skateboard and found various issues.

These trucks kept pushing me towards the left and managing the board became out of control at a higher speed.

Then I used them with my Junli longboard, and the experience was the same. I recommend it for beginners who want to cruise and avoid tricks and turns.

Pros

High-performance kingpin

Open bushing Seat

Highly responsive and Durable

Perfect for Cruising and Carving

‎90 Day Manufacturer’s Warranty

Cons

Cone bushings quality needs improvements

Balancing the ride with Atlas trucks is not easy


10. Core Longboard Trucks | Best for Sliding

best trucks for longboarding
  • Set of 2 trucks
  • Item weighs 0.73kg
  • Al-alloy hangers
  • USA made bushings
  • Axle size from 4.75 to 7.365 inches

Description:

Core is among the most appreciated and trusted trucks brands as it has produced top-quality trucks for its customers for almost 20 years.

It provides the unprecedented gears but also in a very decent price range. The trucks are pre-assembled so you don’t need to worry about joining together all the pieces.

Moreover, there are multiple axle sizes available from 4.75 to 7.375 inches which fit deck sizes of 7-7.5 inches.

The lightweight aluminum hanger supports the axle really well, and the base plate offers maximum stability to the rider.

On the other hand, Cones and bushings work in conjunction with each other to make your ride further smooth and responsive.

Currently there are three different sizes available to suit decks with width between 7 to 8 inches.

Like the relation between deck width and truck length, trucks’ height relates to the diameter of wheels.

To meet the exact requirements, length from the tip of the axle to the hanger is about 1.30 inches.

This difference can work efficiently with wheels as wide as 70mm. For its overall cost, the quality you get is incredible.

Any extra stuff is kept away from the baseplates to lessen the overall weight of the trucks.

Performance Update

Core trucks aren’t as impressive as other trucks within Core’s price range. Their bushings are very hard and can not be tightened easily.

I had to replace the bushings with better ones because I broke the existing ones while trying to tighten them.

Once super special bushings are installed with Core Trucks, you will enjoy a great sliding experience during the downhill rides.

Pros

Lightweight design

60 days guarantee

Super high rebound Bushings

Recommended for smooth and responsive rides

Cons

Bushings need to be improved

Low-Quality Bushings


11. Gullwing Sidewinder Trucks

gullwing longboard trucks
  • 9 inches Axle
  • 159mm Hanger
  • 2.31 Pounds weight

Description:

Gullwing is the most positively reviewed truck brand and the reason is its premium quality and longevity.

We have personally used these trucks in our multiple longboards and after a rigorous process of testing, we concluded that this pair of trucks can fit any longboard design with ease and perfection.

When used in Pintail longboards, they outperformed every other pair we previously used. 

The fact that pintail boards don’t provide enough maneuverability, Gullwing trucks maximized this feature by providing stable, and smooth rides along with safer turns around the corners.

Another additional quality of these trucks is that they don’t let the board get unbalanced.

As the balance is natural, cruising and carving becomes natural and totally under control of the rider.

Feel free to adjust the kingpin according to your riding style as this pair is the most dependable one on the internet. 

Gullwing’s Users Review:

Many longboarders in our group have been using these trucks for a long time.

We decided to interview them and ask about how Gullwing trucks perform after months; their experience was great.

They mentioned that the rides are smooth, the trucks let you turn well, and they are built with high-quality materials if you wish to use them for a long time.

Pros

Excellent maneuverability

Fit any longboard easily

Stable, smooth, under-control ride

Cons

Comparatively low-quality bushings


Buying Guide for Longboard Trucks

All longboards and skateboards have a T-shaped tool inside their structure known as trucks. The trucks are crucial in making your rides comfortable, like the wheels, bearings, and deck shape.

Because two major parts ( deck and wheels ) remain in touch with the trucks from beginning to the end of your ride, that is to say; we suggest everyone not compromise on the quality of your T-shaped part.

Requirements

People have an unambiguous opinion about longboard trucks and skateboard trucks because both of them have different structures.

The requirement of a longboard is two trucks which will either be supported by the hanger material or axle material.

Moreover, you can know the trucks’ size by measuring the axle and hanger’s width. We use and recommend an altitude of around 170mm for the T-shaped tool.

Most importantly, it is not a good idea to use longboarding trucks in skateboarding as it will ruin the joy of the ride.

Kingpin Technology

You must have heard of the kingpin technology if you are a board rider for a while; if not, don’t worry. We will make everything crystal clear for you.

There are two main types of kingpin technology named “inverted” and “reversed.” Longboard manufacturers always prefer reverse technology, which is needed for the axle material.

In these settings, the axle will take place on the other side of the trucks. As a result, the bushings help riders intellectually take turns around the edges.

Bushings

No doubt, the combination of soft bushings and reverse kingpin trucks suits maneuverability and downhill riding.

But, for downhill riders, the bushings have to be hard as they assist wheels in having an excellent grasp of the ground.

Softer and Harder Bushings

Assembling

The exciting feature about the best longboard trucks is that you can easily change them. For example, essential gadgets like the axle, hanger, and bushings are replaceable.

You will find multiple sizes in trucks but need to choose one according to your requirements.

Keeping beginner riders in mind, we let you assemble your longboard with the help of some visuals.

Moreover, if you have not reached advanced level in longboarding, you should see the best longboard for beginners.

Best Size for Longboard Trucks

You will mostly see trucks’ sizes 160mm-180mm, which is impressive and meets all your needs.

People search longboards for specific purposes like cruising, carving, dancing, and downhill riding. Therefore you need to select the perfect size to achieve the goal.

Hanger Size

We will not let you get conflicted in several factors and make it simple to decide which size will work efficiently.

Let’s say the width of your deck is 8-9 inches, then, the hangar’s width should be around 170mm.

The changes in the width will happen when you have a specific purpose like dancing and cruising.

We discovered that less than 160mm spread was responsive and helped us cruise and carve very well.

The Baseplate

A high-quality baseplate is needed for every longboard rider. This part attaches your deck with the trucks from below.

From beginners to pro riders, everyone needs to take turns during their rides, which depends on the baseplate and its angles.

In this case, the higher the angle, the better turns around corners you will be able to take.

Less height will make it challenging for you to carve and rotate the longboard.

Baseplate’s higher angle of about 45 degrees supports multiple types of rides, which is the most impressive fact.

Most importantly, if you have chosen around 45 degrees higher grade for the plate, make sure to have a hanger size of about 170mm.

Like the axle and other materials, the alignment in baseplate settings is also doable.

Risers

The risers of the trucks set the height of the angles in the baseplate. In other words, when you try to set position higher or lower, risers do their job on that occasion.

But you don’t need to worry as tall baseplates never require risers. They are necessary if the default setting for the baseplate is at a lower mode.

The best longboards will never let you conflict in all these matters as they are designed accordingly.

If you mistakenly buy a board that does not give you what you were looking for, you will have to purchase separate trucks, bearings, or risers with the guide we mentioned above.

Rather than spending $50-60 on trucks, here are some top-rated longboards that will serve you properly at a reasonable price.


Frequently Asked Questions

The role of trucks is to respond to the deck and wheels throughout the ride.

If you are rolling at max speed or over uneven surfaces, their job is to support the deck by bearing some weight and keeping the board flexible.

Sometimes, you must make rotations or turns; the best longboard trucks will help you do so.

Furthermore, a competitive racer or tricky rider will never compromise on their quality because it is crucial for these rides.

The reason why skaters go with reverse kingpin trucks over inverted is that they are less problematic.

Their location remains the same as reverse kingpin along with the baseplate. Inverted ones are flexible, and you can try different angles to expand your riding experience.

On the other hand, you will not have to make changes often in the reverse kingpins.

The position of the reverse kingpin is kept lower to the ground, which is a need for cruising, carving, downhill riding, and other kinds of rides.

You may adjust them on the skateboard, but they will not be as responsive as on the longboard. Furthermore, there might be a delay in turns and can also cause a mishap.


Conclusion

In the buying guide about the trucks, we talked about the different sizes, shapes, and parts to let you choose one for a particular motive.

You must take care of every part of the truck in these cases. But, we made it effortless for you by discussing the ten best longboard trucks that will keep you away from misgivings.

As a result, these replaceable T-shaped materials will allow you to cruise, carve, dance, and commute simultaneously.

]]>
https://boardsontop.com/best-longboard-trucks/feed/ 0
List of Complete, Flexible, and Best Drop Through Longboards in 2023 https://boardsontop.com/best-drop-through-longboards/ https://boardsontop.com/best-drop-through-longboards/#respond Thu, 23 Feb 2023 22:49:00 +0000 https://boardsontop.com/?p=2269 Read more]]> Do you want to bring more stability to your ride? Are you eager to carve or commute without putting in more effort?

The only solution to these needs is to select the best drop-through longboard. As their deck is closer to the ground, you don’t have to put colossal force to let the boards move.

Instead, more minor pushes will bring pace to your rides. After using them for months, we have updated the review of each longboard mentioned below.

So, you must read the section on performance updates to select the most suitable and best drop-through longboard.

Our years of testing multiple longboard designs urged us to review and suggest some of the best drop through longboards available online.

We enlisted these boards after a rigorous process of testing and comprehensive search. The criteria to include a longboard in this list is its performance and acceptance of previous buyers.

Our buying guide helps newbies know what to look for in a drop-through board to select the best one they need.


Top 3 Drop Through Longboards

top pick 1

Playshion Longboard

best drop through longboard 2

Atom Drop Through

gonex longboard

Gonex 42″ Longboard


10 Best Drop Through Longboards


1. Playshion | Best Drop Through Longboard

best drop through longboard
  • 39 inches long deck
  • 9.1 inches deck width
  • Aluminum trucks
  • 70mm PU wheels
  • Holds 250lbs

About Playshion:

Both the beginners and experts will love this highly-rated and most positively reviewed board. What novices like most in Playshion is that it comes pre-assembled.

They only have to get it out of the box and start cruising. Experts, on the other hand, love the versatility of this sensation.

Professional riders recommend this board for sliding, carving, or cruising because of its quality deck, trucks, wheels, and bearings. You are free to showcase some freeride skills too. 

The deck shape is impressive as it is a little tilted on edges making it slightly concave. This tilted board at the borders allows you to stand firm over the deck.

This feature also assists you in turning the board with ease on curvy roads. To make the most out of this board, you need to learn some basics of trucks if you are a newcomer.

Experts know how to deal with trucks and make the board suitable for their preferred riding styles. 

As the drop-through technique features multiple facilities, riders get comfortable and have to put lesser effort into pushing.

When you have an effortless board under your feet, carving becomes inevitable. Wheels with this board suit all riding styles as they are of enough width.

The size of the wheels ensures riders can control the pace of the ride and move steadily over rocks and pebbles.

Bearings inside wheels are ABEC9 which quickly generates speed and sustains downhill slides. Read, Drop-Through vs Drop-Down for an in-depth discussion.

Why Plashion Longboard:

A perfect drop-through longboard includes an accurate deck cut, stiff deck, sturdy trucks, and an excellent grip. PlayStation has it all.

After riding Playshion for over a year, I believe this board is the best option for those who have recently started longboarding.

This board allows the rider to use less effort and achieve more distance comfortably. Moreover, the customer support is unbelievable. The supplier resolves any possible issue as soon as they can.

Pros

Beginner Friendly

Suitable for beginners due to ease of use

Sturdy Trucks

Strong trucks handle the shocks very well during rides

Versatility

Great option for multi purpose longboarding

Pre-assembled

Package arrives with fully assembled longboard

Faster Rides

Wheels achieve higher speeds very quickly

Cons

  • Bearings quality needs improvement

2. New Olym | Complete Drop-Through Longboard

 complete drop through
  • 41* x 9″ dimensions
  • Al & maple product
  • Polyurethane wheels
  • ABEC-9 bearings
  • Aluminum trucks
  • Weighs 3.08kg

About New Olym:

Drop-through longboards have found a lot of success in the skating community, and there are a lot of competitors in the market.

New Olym has emerged as a strong challenger because of its top quality deck and high-performance build. The unique feature of this board is its capability to fit all levels of skaters.

Pros and novices can consider it a genuine fit for their arsenal, which will help them in various rides. It is known that drop-through decks provide extra stability for their rider due to the lower centre of gravity.

However, New Olym doesn’t rely on it only and furnishes the board’s base with a non-slippery emery surface.

Not only does this method provide added grip on the longboard, but the extra weight-bearing ability is enhanced. The beast rollers installed under the build suck out vibrations and keep rider energy-efficient.

New Olym promises a responsive trip to its rider, and that’s why it comes with heavy-duty trucks. These trucks are fast and react accordingly during high-speed chases, bombshell rides, and freestyle journeys.

Consequently, the skater can achieve reasonable speed levels with easy pushing. Olym leaves the package pre-assembled at your doorstep, and you can start rolling once you receive it.

Why New Olym:

As an experienced longboard enthusiast, I have had a fantastic experience of downhill rides with this longboard.

I have been racing down the hills for over two months, and this longboard helped me achieve a great pace without much effort.

The wheels stay in good condition only if you keep oiling the bearings regularly. If you are looking for a decent and durable board for a reasonable amount, New Olym is a perfect choice.

Pros

Suitable

Design and size suits both advanced and pro riders

Quick turns

Responsive trucks and bearings

Stability

Drop-through deck provides maximum stability

Ease of use

Pre-assembled longboard

Smooth rides

Anti-shock wheels absorb shocks effortlessly

Cons

  • Avoid “fast-paced” downhill rides

3. B BAIJIAWEI with Drop Through Longboard Deck

drop through longboard deck
  • 41 inches longboard
  • 80a wheels’ hardness
  • 52mm PU wheels
  • Maple deck
  • Aluminum trucks
  • 220 pounds capacity

About B BAIJIAWEI:

Baijiawei is one of the best longboard selling brands, and the reason is their top-quality products assist skate enthusiasts to every extent possible. This drop-through longboard permits riders to cruise, carve, or freestyle.

Downhill riding is also possible but only recommended to professionals as they know how to control the board. The broader deck ensures a secure feel during pacy rides and riding on rough surfaces

80a hard wheels under this board coincide downhill riding for pacy rides and perform evenly well at pebble-full or rocky roads.

All wheels have two pieces of wrapped ABEC11 bearings which are mostly suitable for grabbing higher speed, especially during hill bombing.

Sliding becomes undeniable with the perfect help combo of wider and stiffer wheels. You can also perform basic to pro-level freestyle skills for amusement purposes. 

Multi-ply maple deck is the reason for the deck’s longevity, also permitting riders to control turns on curvy streets and do tricks for freerides.

As the freestyle and freeride tricks generate forged shocks, sturdy aluminum trucks with this longboard absorb these shocks comfortably, and make your tricks feel real.

Apart from the sturdy deck, the design on the board is also eye-catching and attracts everyone for its looks. 

Why B BAIJIAWEI:

The best use of a BB board is when you plan to carve or cruise. Because of the drop-through deck, I found this board suitable for long-distance cruising. There is a large cutout for the deck to keep the wheels away from bites.

The wider deck provides a lot more space to move your feet according to your desired position. Trucks are of impressive quality, but the bushings need to be tightened regularly.

Pros

Comfortable rides

Shock absorbing trucks

Versatile

Suits multiple riding styles

Control

Durable deck for balanced rides

High-speed

Wheels generate pace quickly

Cons

  • Like Playshion, bearings’ quality needs improvement

4. Backfire Short Drop-Through Longboard

best drop through board
  • 39″ long deck
  • 9 inches width
  • 70mm PU wheels
  • Bamboo rich product
  • 78A hardness
  • 10 pounds weight

About Backfire:

Backfire was established as an outdoor boards brand in 2009 and has delivered masterpieces since birth. The drop-through longboard in-discussion is a prime example of performance, reviews, and admirers.

Manufacturers of Backfire chose Bamboo as the critical element in its creation because of its strength and flexibility. Hence, scales of the durometer show a whooping 75% rebound ratio for this longboard.

Experienced skaters prefer gears that support the riders throughout the whole skating experience. As a result, Backfire makes this longboard flexible and anti-shock.

These core design techniques result in super smooth cruising, effortless freestyling, and secure down the slope rides.

Moreover, the wheels fall into a softer category and anchor properly to the ground. A top-quality longboard is boosted heavily due to these solid and giant rollers as its companion.

While manufacturing the drop-through complete, Backfire did not stop at sturdy deck design and high-rebound wheels.

To compete with the best drop-through longboards, gravity cast and heavy-duty trucks are mounted with the build.

Therefore, you can depend on them without any worries and cruise past your fellow pedestrian with adequate turns and speed.

Moreover, Backfire offers a 180 days warranty package and 24/7 customer care services for its buyers.

Why Backfire Longboard:

When I required a quality longboard with an attractive outlook, I found Backfire in the market.

This board has the most durable deck with a classy design suitable for high-speed carving and cruising. The cutout design at the deck sides keeps the board away from the wheels.

This way, the wheels don’t come in contact with any other board part. Backfire is a bit costlier than other suggested ones, but its performance justifies its price.

Pros

Load Capacity

It holds up to 275lbs

Responsiveness

Precise ABEC-9 bearings

Long-lasting

Eco-friendly material

Kingpin Technology

Stable and responsive kingpins

Rebounding

75% rebound rate

Cons

  • It is expensive than New Olym

5. OUDEW Longboards | Best for Speed

best drop through longboard
  • 41*9″ deck
  • 8 layers
  • 70mm PU wheels
  • 7″ Destructo trucks
  • 82A wheels stiffness

About OUDEW:

OUDEW resembles the New Olym longboard in many features and differs in only a few. It was discussed earlier that drop-through designs stay lower to the ground and are generally safer than traditional longboards.

Our under-debate item follows the same criteria with some enhancements. Oudew adds a unique shape and added balance for its riders within the deck shape for a swift yet safer experience.

You can perform like an artist on the board, and you will even amaze yourself with the relaxing experience.

There are many distinctive features of the Oudew, and we will dive deep into their effects on overall performance.

Smooth and responsive trucks control the tricks and turn in different scenarios. Moreover, these gears equip the board with further stability because of the abrasive 780 grip tape.

As a result, the board becomes an easy-to-operate machine for all levels of riders, adults and kids alike.

Many comrades at “boardsontop” tested the longboard under challenging situations and high-pressure journeys.

We have concluded that every single sub-unit of this longboard complies genuinely to magnify the performance.

Furthermore, the deck is built on the shock absorption mechanism to even out any bumps caused on the rocky paths.

OUDEW stands as a matchless longboard for this purpose if you are fond of less-pushing during a ride.

Why OUDEW Longboard

A relatively lower price and lower quality of OUDEW rank it lower than the Backfire.

Despite the heavier weight of one of my teammates, the deck of this board stood firm during multiple intense rides.

After he tightened the trucks, the experience was far better than the earlier rides. After a few rides, I found a crack inside the laminated area.

The board kept delaminating after successive passages. A little disappointed with the lamination quality, but a person with lighter weight can adjust to this board comfortably.

Pros

Easy to Ride

Preferred for all level skaters

Stability

Great Steering control

Long-lasting

Durable and flexible deck

Smooth Rides

Absorbs shocks very well

High-Quality Trucks

Responsive turns around edges

Load Capacity

Holds up to 250lbs

Cons

  • Low-speed levels

6. Atom 40 Inches | Wheel Cutout Longboard

best drop through longboard
  • ABEC-9 bearings for Blue-Geo & Bamboo
  • ABEC-5 bearings for Veneer
  • 50° RPK trucks for Veneer and Blue Geo
  • 40° RPK trucks for Bamboo
  • 62mm wheels for Veneer
  • 70mm wheels for Blue-Geo, Bamboo

About Atom:

There are three different variations in Atom drop-through 40-inches category, and we will explain them one by one.

Atom Purple-Veneer

The laminated drop-through deck design, along with cutouts for the wheels, guarantees a noiseless and smooth riding experience.

You’ll love this deck for its broader turning leverage while never worrying about wheel bites. Trucks follow reverse kingpin technology to support better turns around the tight edges.

Though the wheels have a low width diameter, they still roll with a solid grip to the ground and manage to suck out any vibrations generated during the rides.

Veneer provides all these exclusive features at a very decent price tag.

Atom Bamboo

Not only does Bamboo have a drop-through build, but also a slightly concave shape of the deck. As a result, the deeper and open deck gives better grip and maneuverability for advanced skating levels.

The trucks are mounted at an angle of 40-degree and offer further control over overturning and trick movements.

Extra-rebound wheels supply freedom to the rider of Bamboo by anchoring firmly to the ground. The price tag is slightly higher than Veneer, but performance increases exponentially.

Atom Blue-Geo

Blue-Geo offers a low ground profile, maximum stability, and ease of pushing. As a result, this Atom board is the optimal choice for bombhill riding and long-distance rides.

The wheels work in conjunction with the complete build to extend further riding adventures.

Moreover, different graphical design patterns are available for you to choose and decorate the board according to your taste.

The Atom longboard is up for grabs, so don’t be late to improve your skating experience with Blue-Geo.

Why Atom Longboard:

The good thing about this seller is that it allows you to choose 1 board out of 3 and the customer support also quickly responds if you want to change the one you already ordered.

I went for the Bamboo board straight away despite its highest price, but the board turned out to be better than my expectations.

I have ridden this board for over 4 months and used it for multiple riding styles, including cruising, carving, downhill riding, and pumping.

Pros

Designs

Drop-through and cutouts design

Graphic Work

Different graphic designs

Responsive Wheels

High-rebound super smooth wheels

Trucks

Responsive and heavy-duty trucks

Cons

  • The expensive Price tag for Bamboo Atom

7. BOCIN Drop-Through | Flexible Longboard

flexible drop through longboard
  • 41 inches length
  • 9.5 inches width
  • 80A durometer hardness
  • 7-inches alloy trucks
  • ABEC-9 bearings
  • 70mm wheels

About BOCIN:

Not many brands offer adjustable truck angles for your longboards, but BOCIN does, and that’s one primary feature about this 41-inches longboard.

Customize the track angle between 45 and 50 degrees according to your trip and start sailing.

Moreover, the package comes with extra support pads for better adjustment and control over the rides.

You will be able to navigate your longboard over the streets with sheer push and effortless steer. We suggest BOCIN as an obvious choice for your cruising and free-ride requirements.

The features provided by the deck are essential and never-ending. BOCIN has a water-proof and anti-skidding surface of the base (deck) to start with basic functionality.

Secondly, the deck is furnished with diamond emery paper that generates maximum friction and allows you to stand with a decent posture.

Last but not least, it can hold up to 400lbs and sucks out vibrations and shocks for super flexibility. Honestly, you won’t find such exclusive features in an affordable price range.

Wheels and bearings are the primary units to roll your longboard, and hence, their performance matters a lot.

Durable and rugged PU rollers convert your pushes to moving energy and speed up the board as much as they can.

The responsive and precise ABEC-9 bearings enhance further smoothness to your trips. In addition, you can adjust different settings of your board with the provided t-shaped tool.

As the package comes pre-assembled, you can gift it to your dear ones on any occasion.

Why BOCIN Longboard:

This board didn’t compete with the quality of Atom or Playshion because of the lower quality deck.

The deck requires a little improvement in terms of weight bearing ability as a few rides with 300lbs on the deck, it started to bend quickly.

I had reordered it from the customer service, which was comparatively better than others.

Pros

Quality Deck

Sturdy and Flexible deck

Multi-colors

Decent range of colors

Lighter Rollers

70mm wheels for Fast-rolling

Load Capacity

400lbs maximum weight capacity

Trucks

Responsive and adjustable trucks

Cons

  • Lesser control due to no concave design

8. M Merkapa Lowered Longboard

COMPLETE
  • 41” long deck
  • 9” wide deck
  • 8-Ply Super-Flex
  • 70*51mm PU wheels
  • 90a high-rebound wheel
  • ABEC-9 bearings

About M Merkapa:

You will be having an unparalleled experience when you ride Merkapa for the first time. The genuine longboard-specific build makes this sports board easier and fun to ride for newcomers and pros alike.

Like most competitors, Merkapa has an 8-layered deck design to support maximum weights and stability.

Furthermore, the furnished base holds the feet well and grants a stable stance during cruising, carving, and bomb hill adventures.


This best drop through longboard doesn’t install any components with its longboard but authentic ones.

The PU-casted strong wheels grant extra grasp to the ground and are therefore helpful in different variations of longboarding trips.

In order to create more chances for M to survive, there are smooth ABEC-9 bearings installed with the rollers, which provide added maneuverability.

The drop-through mounted trucks permit an easy-pushing experience besides the duo of wheels and bushings.

Merkapa longboards have artistic design patterns sketched on the deck and feel very pleasant to the eyes.

The package comes pre-assembled, and you need to worry about tagging all the pieces together. You can find further details about its specifications below.

Why M Merkapa:

After riding for over a month, I can proudly say that Merkapa is undoubtedly the one if you want to carve comfortably.

The cutout deck is designed perfectly to keep the wheels away from the wooden deck. This property increases the life of wheels when you carve regularly.

The attractive graphics on the grip tape make the rider feel better during the ride. Overall, it is an excellent board for the money spent on it.

Pros

Design

Vintage longboard design

Deck Life

Durable deck design lasts longer

Widgets

Authentic Merkapa components

Extra Tool

Additional t-tool for adjustments

High-Speed

High-rebound wheels generate speed quickly

Cons

  • Moderate flex

9. MINORITY Drop-Through Board

high-quality product
  • 9×40″ dimensions
  • 70mm PU wheels
  • Weighs 7.5 pounds
  • 78A hardness on wheels
  • 7-inches RKP trucks

About Minority:

The Minority has been one of the most notable brands in the sports boards community. Its decks, trucks, and complete builds are renowned among pros and beginners.

Therefore, we shortlisted the best drop-through longboard of Minority for you. It follows a classic downhill and drop-through model design with a lower gravity profile.

As a result, achieving different speed levels becomes more accessible with excellent steering control. Furthermore, the spacious base gives enough area to stand firmly.

Minority built this best drop through longboard specifically for bomb hill riding, and therefore the brand provides maximum stability to the boards.

The wheelbase of Minority is quite broad and redistributes the rider’s weight evenly throughout the whole longboard. Consequently, you are offered infinite control over manoeuvres and tricks.

However, make sure to keep the trucks at a reasonable height for your downhill rides.

Though Minority drop-through was built for down the track adventures, you can utilize it for freestyle, cruising, and carving purposes as well.

There are various color choices available for you to choose from. The deck is 100% natural maple wood, a fantastic eco-friendly product.

You don’t have to worry about breaking into the boards because the base can hold up to 200 pounds.

Overall, the design is very sophisticated and suitable for beginners looking for freestyle longboards.

Why Minority:

The minority longboard is similar to the Atom longboard having almost the same deck design and quality.

Besides the design, Minority is relatively cheaper than the ATOM while it provides perfect riding space for the riders of any category.

After 4 months of trials, I suggest you cruise, carve, or go for downhill rides on a Minority longboard. But, the board looks a little nervous when you try to pump it or do professional dancing tricks.

Pros

Material

100 maple deck for durability

Bearings

ABEC-9 bearings for helping trucks

Riding Style

Preferred for downhill journeys

Control

Stable posture on the deck

Cons

  • Lower weight-bearing capacity

10. Gonex Cheap Drop-Through Longboard

Gonex Longboard
  • 42 inches long
  • 9 inches wide
  • Maple made product
  • 78a durometer hardness
  • Aluminum Trucks
  • 70mm wheel size

About Gonex:

Gonex has brought a material selection to an incredible level by using a combo of original maple and gritty glue, ensuring the quality of the deck is not compromised.

Sticky glue and nine layers of maple make you go steady and achieve pace with ease. Professionals crafted the deck with sheer concentration, allowing you to stand comfortably on a broader deck. 

In drop-through designs, all deck shapes should have a smoother edge, reducing the wood splinter factor to almost zero.

A tip to increase the durability of this longboard is to keep it dry when it is not underused.

The board’s elasticity will improve after continuous use, grabbing more moisture. This feature of absorbing wetness makes the ride more amusing. 

On the other hand, trucks are 7-inches aluminum alloy and are issued after proper shock-testing. A little concave deck with trucks allows the rider to have complete control of the ride.

When the rider controls the ride, the user’s experience enhances exponentially. Trucks aside, wheels are also of relatable stiffness and sizes.

78a hardness and 70mm size allow riders to ride with pace. Moreover, the wheels grab the surface well with a strengthened grip. 

Why Gonex Longboard:

I have a massive collection of longboards and skateboards inside my store room, and I ride longboards daily according to my mood.

Whenever I have to travel for longer distances, I choose Gonex because of its ease of riding. It asks me to push with the lowest effort, producing enough spark to travel a big distance.

The larger deck space allows me to stand comfortably on the board. 

Pros

Trucks

Shock-tested trucks for stable rides

Grippy Wheels

Wheels grab surfaces well

Deck Type

Anti-slippery deck gives steady rides

Rider-Friendly

Elastic deck amuses riders the most

Cons

  • No t-tool comes along
  • Not recommended for heavy weight

Buying Guide for Drop Through Boards

If you are already a skater and have experience of at least six months, it is not difficult to select the best drop through longboard out of many.

Contrary to that, beginners find it hard as multiple factors affect these boards’ performance. Also, numerous drop-through deck boards are available online, which confuses newbies. 

In this extensive guide, newbies and experts will get first-hand knowledge of what needs to be considered before getting into the field of drop-through boards. 

Drop Through Longboard Deck Material

Here are the most used materials for drop-through boards;

Bamboo

Maple

Birch & Carbon Fiber

Bamboo

Longboard producing companies prefer two things most. Firstly, the sturdiness and durability of the board; secondly, an environment-friendly wood.

Bamboo comes first as decks made with it long for a considerable time and doesn’t get rust easily. Compared to maple, bamboo boards are lighter in weight, making them easier to transportable. 

Due to the lightweight bamboo decks, they also become suitable for multiple riding styles, especially freestyle. As freestyle requires pops and flips, it becomes easy with a lightweight board.

Maple

Maple material is the most accustomed to other types for multiple reasons. Firstly, boards with maple tiers provide more strength to bear heavy shocks on rough tracks.

Secondly, the density of maple is valuable for making decks slightly concave. This attribute enables users to stand firm on the deck and control the board efficiently. 

Depending on the aimed riding styles, manufacturers assemble multiple layers of maple to bring in the required flexibility.

Canadian maple is the best type, while others are comparatively inferior. One drawback of maple wood is that maple trees grow too slow, so some manufacturers go for bamboo instead of maple. 

Birch & Carbon Fiber

Birch’s sturdiness stands somewhere between maple and bamboo. Because birch is not costly, many low-budget brands opt for this material.

Though they are cheap, their flex seems to be pretty excellent. Compared to maple and bamboo, this material is thicker, varying between 10-12 piles of wood. 

Newly created brands have installed Carbon fiber in the deck of their boards. Carbon fiber is an additional material often used with bamboo to increase the deck’s flexibility.

Due to the production of higher flex decks, Carbon fiber can be found in longboards for pumping and carving

Drop-Through Longboard Pros and Cons

These longboards aim to reduce the central gravity. When the gravity decreases, it also decreases the effort of the rider.

In this design, the decks sit at the same level as the trucks. There are more advantages of these types of longboards than drawbacks. Here are some for a better explanation.

Pros

  • As the deck sits lower and closer to the ground, you, as a rider, need very little push to start and gain maximum pace. 
  • Lower deck design brings a lot more stability than top-mount longboards.
  • With top-mount decks, the longboard starts wobbling when the pace is higher; that is not the case in a drop-through longboard. 
  • With the reduced center of gravity, you have more control over your board while taking sharper turns during downhill races. 
  • Due to decreases human effort, these types of longboards become first-choice for commuting greater distances. 

Cons

  • A smoother ride with these designs becomes almost impossible on rough roads. 
  • Speed jumps on straight roads can come in contact with the deck, and if you are on a high speed, it may put cracks on your board.
  • Harder deck of these boards hardly turn unless and until they have cut out decks. 

Drop Through Longboard Trucks

Trucks in any longboard are responsible for multiple functions. If they are adjustable, you can turn safely on sharper turns and normal curves easily. These trucks are also responsible for bearing the weight of the rider.

Moreover, shocks and vibrations created during rides on rough tracks bring instability, and trucks aim to ignore or eliminate these shocks to enhance stability. 

Drop-through trucks must have a little longer width than the deck to manage the weight well.

You should get a longboard with adjustable trucks to meet the needs of multiple riding styles like carving, cruising, pumping, and freerides. 

Wheels & Bearings

Usually, in longboards, wheels size and durometer hardness vary. Drop-through longboards range between 51mm – 70mm, while the durometer hardness ranges 78a – 83a.

The hardness of any wheel specifies how fast it can go. If wheels’ hardness is greater, they will be faster, while lower hardness brings stability with lower speed. 

trucks and wheels

Bearings inside the wheels are responsible for speed optimization, and their ABEC ratings define how fast they can force wheels to roll. Higher the ABEC rating, fast the wheels and vice versa. 


FAQs

Longboard has a deck closer to the ground, at the same level as the trucks. Unlike top-mount boards with tiers higher than trucks, drop-through boards are more comfortable to ride and responsive. 

As the lower deck decreases central gravity, its brings stability and makes riders’ efforts minimum while pushing. This feature allows you to achieve maximum distance for smaller pushes, hence, they are best for commuting longer distances. 

Drop-through shape of a longboard promises maximum stability to both advanced and beginner riders. Another beneficial factor about the through boards is, they come up with multiple sizes from 38″ length to 40″ which helps novices to ride with safety.


Conclusion

With all our experience, we have found best drop-through longboards for multiple purposes. Firstly, these boards are first-choice if you have a hobby of traveling long distances.

If you need to do freestyle, bamboo deck drop through longboards will allow you to do tricks easier than other deck designs.

Try avoiding too rough roads with drop-through longboards as they have less resistance against road bumps. Here are our best picks to ease your searching process. 

]]>
https://boardsontop.com/best-drop-through-longboards/feed/ 0
Best Downhill Longboards to Ride in 2023 – Experts Overview https://boardsontop.com/best-downhill-longboards/ https://boardsontop.com/best-downhill-longboards/#comments Thu, 23 Feb 2023 22:43:00 +0000 https://boardsontop.com/?p=1179 Read more]]> Excess of longboard brands specify their products for better downhill rides, but not all meet the exact requirements.

Our extensive research and years of experience urged us to finalize a list of the best downhill longboards.

These shortlisted boards meet all the prerequisites, including a perfect-sized deck with ought to flex, quality of trucks, and wheels with verified ABEC ratings. 

We inspected all these accessories for months and added vital points to the review of each product. So, you can now easily understand how the product will react after constant use.
 
This directory includes boards for beginners and professionals depending on the stability, skill level, longevity, and ease of use.

Moreover, we also help you know the advantages and disadvantages of our reviewed products after using them for a long time. If downhill riding seems newer to you, read “What is Downhill Longboarding” first.


Our Top Picks

downhill longboard

Quest Zero Dark

magneto carbon longboard

Magneto Carbon

top longboard pick 3

Fish Longboard


8 Best Downhill Racing Longboards


1. ENKEEO Downhill Racing Longboard

best downhill longboard
  • 40″ Long deck
  • 70mm PU wheels
  • 9 Inches wide deck
  • 180mm Al-trucks
  • ABEC-11 bearings
  • Weighs 7.3lbs

About Item:

Durable and classic drop-through deck build grants the skater a lower center of gravity. This means that the rider can achieve faster speeds yet maintain much higher stability throughout the journey.

Besides the deck being closer to the ground, the board is furnished with an anti-slip black surface for an extraordinary grip.

These features make Enkeeo an ideal pick for downhill rides and cruising among the pro longboarders.

Different mounts of trucks support different types of rides and hence, are necessary for the complete design of the longboards.

As drop-through decks produce better stability during down-the-hill slides, Enkeeo installs the trucks through the deck.

Moreover, two additional rubber rings are chipped with trucks to absorb most shocks and vibrations.

You will be able to achieve further maneuverability during most of your rides. Consider these trucks as the driving force for the overall control of your ride. 

Downhill rides often are faster than many other riding styles. Enkeeo was built with this point in mind, and that’s why manufacturers delivered hard and fast-rolling wheels for the longboard.

The wheels are tolerant and can hold a lot of weight and pressure without inconvenience. There are instant rolling bearings fixed with the build to keep the user safer and the ride smoother and faster.

Comprehensively, Enkeeo is a master longboard for downhill rides, cruising, carving, and any terrain pushing.

Why ENKEEO | Updated

The longboard is furnished with a unique and fanatic design with beautiful color palettes. Maximum traction wheels and non-slippery deck work charm while riding the longboard down the steeper surfaces.

This board will prove its worth in the most challenging places and be your best companion in versatile situations.

As we all know, the wheels play an essential role in downhill longboarding. That’s why we must say that the rollers of ENKEOO are built with perfection and assist you in every critical situation while going down the hill.

Pros

Stays lower to the ground

The instant grip on the deck

Efficient for faster turns

Ideal for downhill gliding

Maximum maneuverability and stability

Cons

220+lbs weights are not recommended


2. Quest Zero Dark | Complete Downhill Longboard

downhill racing longboard
  • 40 Inches deck length
  • 70mm wheels
  • 10.3 Inches wide deck
  • 7-inches RKP trucks
  • 80A Hardness
  • Weighs around 8lbs

About Item:

When the wheels contact the deck during turning or stopping forward motions, this phenomenon is known as wheel bites and can result in mishaps.

So, Quest flooded the market with the open-wheel structure for the board, i.e., there is no deck portion above the wheels.

Therefore, chances of trouble drop to none, and safety rise to the maximum with open-wheel shape.

In addition, the wheels are wide and stiff, and rolling at good speed becomes comfortable. Most importantly, cruising down the steep road is not a problem anymore.

Zero Dark followed the build mentioned above, unlike most symmetrical deck designs that prevent wheel-bites.

Though there is no deck above the wheels, the remaining shape of the deck is symmetrical from both ends.

The board base comprises sturdy ply-maple wood, which generates infinite grit for the skater. Moreover, this healthy and flexible model is the crucial feature for top to bottom sliding journeys.

Highly-responsive trucks are genuinely important when it comes to impressive turns and tricks around the curves and edges.

These trickeries are often required for swift movement during various scenarios. Quest Zero Dark accomplishes these strategies by installing the famous reverse kingpin trucks.

Not only are these gears lightweight, but durable and efficient turners. Specifically, the board’s precise ABEC-7 bearings perform longer and sharper in frictionless drives.

Performance Update:

After a few weeks of riding the Quest Dark, I found that trucks’ kingpins had disrobed.

This is not the case with every Quest because longboards of my group-mates have been properly working Kingpins for months.

The only reason behind stripped-out kingpins could be that the longboard was not correctly delivered.

Why Quest:

This 40-inches boosted longboard has an eye-catching graphic design, open-wheel pattern, stealth foundation, and responsive truck technology.

Anyone who appreciates a premium skater will fall for this high-flying bird. Don’t be late getting your hands on DZ because you need this one to complete your profile.

Lastly, when you receive the package, ensure all the parts of this best downhill longboard are fully assembled, especially trucks.

Pros

Open-wheel pattern

Exclusive of wheel-bites

Ideal for turns and twists

Stable down the hill sliding

Flexible and Comfortable base

Cons

Minor Wobbles at high speed 


3. Magneto Bamboo Carbon | Best Downhill Longboard

best longboard for downhill riding
  • 38.5″ length of the deck
  • 70mm strong wheels
  • 9 Inches deck width
  • Bamboo-rich product
  • Shore 78A hardness
  • It weighs 8 pounds

About Item:

The Magneto brand was founded by the pro skaters and longboarders and inspired by longboarding, aka Southern California.

Having professionals is why their builds compile decently according to the choices and requirements of the community.

One good example of this is the longboard under-discussion. Carbon-Fibre has a drop-through manufacturing process and stands among the top-rated completes like most counterparts.

You can trip around the neighborhood, cruise down the road, carve, and trick effortlessly with this.

I used to weigh 220lbs and worried about this certified longboard’s strength. After continuous rides, I found that it is pretty strong and has a comfortable deck.

Now, I weigh less than 200lbs. The only issue I found after months of riding is that you need to tighten the trucks as soon as you get the package.

I rode it without tightening the trucks initially and realized my blunder quickly.

Another recommendation for a regular skater is “tighten the trucks when they get dry after being wet for any possible reason”.

Pro skaters believe that Magneto Bamboo has the perfect shape to suit your all-around adventure needs.

Do you need to turn at tighter angles?

Bamboo helps you with its more expansive deck.

Do you want to have fun and carve or freeride?

Carbon assists you with its symmetrical concave-shaped base.

In addition, a shallow deck finds it closer to the ground, and hence, standing with a stable and robust posture is flawless, and the ride becomes lively through and through.

Quality matters,” and that’s the motto Magento has been working on since its inception. Bamboo Carbon longboard has a performance boost built with micro details and structure.

Highly-responsive trucks, super anchoring, fast-rolling wheels, and precise bearings add extreme quality, safety, comfortability, and creativity to your daily routine rides, whether downhill gliding, campus riding, or leisurely ride freeride. 

Why Magneto:

Magneto has always offered premium quality decks, trucks, and completes, which is why the brand is equally famous among newbies and pros.

Bamboo Carbon-Fibre skater never fails to prove its worth with its unprecedented gears and parts. We suggest you keep this highly- applauded board in your arsenal and be ready to float on your way.

If you weigh around 220lbs, the deck will never disappoint you in bearing your weight. You may need to adjust the truck’s alignment often, especially when riding this longboard down the hill for hours.

Pros

Perfect cruiser for beginners and pros

Lower center of gravity for a stable stance

Versatile and multi-usage board

Holds around 250 pounds

Additional t-tool

Cons

Minor squeaks at a faster pace

Trucks require adjustment after longer rides


4. FISH Downhill Freeride Longboard

longboard for downhill
  • 40-inches long deck
  • 70mm PU wheels
  • 9 Inches deck width
  • ABEC-9 precise bearings
  • 7-inches aluminum trucks
  • 250 Pounds load capacity

About Item:

Wouldn’t it be perfect if there was a board suitable for every level of rider, i.e., beginners, pros, and casual riders?

Well, worry not because FISH brings an all-rounder longboard into the competition, perfect for freerides, stunts and tricks, and basic cruising and carving.

This skater and downhill riding is a match made in heaven. Comrades lookout for the deck’s strength alongside incredible grip if they want to enjoy their trip without any hazard.

Thus, the non-slippery emery surface and high-weight bearing capability of the deck allow kids and adults impartially.

Longboards require a pair of wheels that can generate reasonable speed levels and maximum hold to the ground.

This longboard is compiled with anti-shock, non-vibrant, and smooth anchor rollers.

The gigantic PU wheels will rotate rigorously without disappointing you, regardless of which surface you are trying to speed yourself upon.

Moreover, riders require dependable bearings to make the rider smooth.

Benefits After Riding:

More than 75% of the customers, including our teammates, got satisfied with the performance of the FISH longboard and praised the quality of this product. The wheels, trucks, and deck assist you evenly in downhill rides.

Only Drawback:

One of the customers reviewed that he couldn’t find a way to return the longboard and get his money back.

He wanted to return the longboard due to a technical fault in the building of the longboard’s deck.

There are few technicalities to pay attention to towards the quality of trucks because they are responsible for turning at effective speed and angles.

FISH has heavy-duty, highly responsive, and reliable trucks to remove any margin of error.

Therefore, you can hand your worries over to this mechanical masterpiece and flow through the road, hill, or college campus flawlessly.

Furthermore, the package comes pre-assembled, so you just need to take it out for the tour as soon as available on your doorstep.

Why and Why not Fish Longboard:

FISH always makes sure their riders feel at home with their products, and they have delivered this piece of art once again.

This good downhill longboard performs exceptionally well in other areas, which is another green signal to have this skater under your feet.

Many of the riders in our community have been riding FISH Downhill Longboard for months, and it is still going as the first ride.

Pros

Suitable for all kinds of riders

Highly durable and stable deck

Anti-shock wheels

It can hold 250lbs

Pre-assembled

Cons

Wheel-bites

Costumer support is not satisfying


5. Minority Beginner Downhill Longboard

best longboard for racing down the hill
  • 40 inches long deck
  • 9 Inches deck width
  • 70mm wheels’ width
  • 78a hard PU wheels
  • Aluminum trucks
  • Deck bears 200 Pounds

About Item:

Everything in a longboard should be pin perfect for bombing the hills well. The minority has taken care of all the essential requirements to let riders have an extraordinary ride down the mountain.

From exact deck design to required hardness of the wheels, from suitable deck length for novices and professionals to sturdy trucks, every hardware part defines quality to a great extent. 

The Minority Longboard is of drop-through design, which means the trucks and the board lay on the same level. Due to this technique, riders get two significant benefits.

Because the deck sits lower and nearer to the ground, we experienced effortless rides than the Top-mounted design. You will achieve considerable distance for a low-forced push.

Secondly, the drop-through method initiates pacy rides to make racing down the mountains thrilling and adventurous. 

Initially, I couldn’t detach the hanger, and when I disassembled it, I found a few flaws. Both the front and the rear pivot pins were not painted completely.

There was a clear hole on the pins, which could scratch the rubber inside pivot cups. This fault can come from the production machine. Lastly, Minority doesn’t use Volador trucks, as per my observation.

As a downhill rider, you must be aware of the importance of trucks. This longboard has accurately designed trucks responding quickly to develop room for safer turns.

The kingpin technology of these trucks welcomes freestylers to try out basic or pro-level skills flawlessly.

The deck-truck combo coincides and provides riders a unique experience of racing or cruising at any terrain. 

Like every other part, wheels are impressive and play an essential role in providing smooth, speedy, and comfortable rides.

The wheels have a Polyurethane build, which quickly grabs the field to ensure a shock-free experience.

Moreover, the wheels are stiff and specifically attached for downhill speeding. Our Best helmet guide & best slide gloves guide can significantly assist you in enjoying risk-free rides.

Why Minority:

The concave deck locks your feet in, the close-to-ground deck makes paddling easy, board’s flex ensures carving super-stable and speed-generating bushings in sturdy wheels.

These features make this board an obvious choice for bombing hills, cruising tracks, and freerides.

The noticeable point is that the pivots were not painted like the rest of the product. So, be careful as this issue can create minor errors when you ride down the hill.

Pros

8-ply Hardrock in the deck makes it durable

Reverse kingpin trucks provide safe turns

Rugged wheels to achieve stability and speed

ABEC9 bearings for high acceleration

Preferred for downhill race

Cons

Grip tape needs to be replaced

The deck should bear more weight

Received paint complaints recently


6. Waymax 31″ | Best Longboard for Speed

professional downhill longboard
  • 31 inches deck length
  • 8.3 Inches deck width
  • 63mm wide PU wheels
  • 80A hardness
  • Aluminum trucks
  • Weight Capacity 220lbs

About Item:

We liked Waymax because all of its components are chosen after rounds of testing before assembling them.

Waymax is a dependable brand these days, and they have launched this 31″ inches longboard by innovating their manufacturing process.

Thorough pressing of the deck and casting technique to enhance the shock reduction capability convinced us to suggest this best downhill longboard. 

Controlling the board is indispensable when racing down from a steep mountain. So, a slight concave deck and anti-slippery grip tape on the deck help you stabilize the board during crucial moments.

Moreover, the 8-layers of hard rock defines the board’s sturdiness, making it flexible for freestyle, tricks, and pops.

The deck can bear weight up to 220lbs, comparatively better than several other competitors. 

For many professional skaters, the board’s wheel is a decisive factor. Waymax has stiff and durable wheels for better rolling over rough terrain and flat tracks.

Because the ABEC rating of the bearings is kept high, you will quickly achieve suitable speed at any race; be it cruising or downhill riding.

Moreover, the maple build makes the whole board relatively lightweight, making portability possible.

Rider’s Review After Riding:

I bought this longboard for myself, but after weeks of riding it, I found that Waymax is also better for kids under 18.

The board can handle kids’ weight perfectly and provides enough space for teenagers to stand comfortably over the deck.

The deck grip seems to lose potential after a few months of riding. So, , you may need to buy a new grip tape to get rid of this issue.

We also tried this board on multiple surfaces to check the quality of trucks and how they behave in varying conditions.

While riding through a few cracks and bumpy roads, the trucks impressively absorbed annoying shocks due to their casting technology.

The seller also provides a T-tool to help you tighten or loosen the trucks according to your demand. 

Why Waymax | Updated

With this budget, you will hardly find a durable, flexible, speedy, and smooth longboard like Waymax. Portability is an extra feature if you want to take this board to hills, camping, or wherever you go.

We have to update the review as the deck of Waymax is evenly friendly to kids. Its deck will let the kids stand firmly and balance the ride perfectly.

Not entirely rejected by the old riders, the deck length is too short to ride downhill.

Pros

Lightweight product

Very Economical

Hardrock durable deck

ABEC( bearings for speed achievement

Quality Trucks

Cons

The length of the board is not for beginners

Deck is too short


7. QingAn 41-Inch Decent Longboard

longboard for downhill
  • 41 Inches length
  • 9.5 Inches width
  • 70mm soft PU wheels
  • 7″ Al-Alloy Trucks
  • Aluminum-maple product
  • 220lbs load capacity

About Item:

A squad of expert skaters specifically designed this longboard to achieve high-speed, stable, and effortless rides. The drop-through technique ensures effortless pushes to gain a desirable distance.

Multiple layers of cold-pressed maple in the deck make it sturdy and flexible enough to bear any weight up to 220lbs

When you are riding down a steep road or a hill, the importance of responsive trucks increases, QingAn provides a 7-inch wide Aluminum-based axle that is nimble and responds when needed.

The trucks attached to the axle are adjustable so that you can set them according to your riding style. Moreover, these trucks can bear considerable shocks created by road bumps or cracks. 

I have been longboarding for years now, and I know what the riders need from a perfect downhill longboard.

I rode QingAn for about 15 days and observed that professional skaters might not go with the total flow on this type of longboard.

On the other hand, newbies can quickly get their feet on to it by learning the basics of downhill longboarding.

Soft bushings and wider wheels of this longboard assist the overall structure in enjoying pacy rides.

Because there is a significant distance between the board ends and the wheels, there is hardly a chance of wheels getting bitten by covering curvy streets.

Harder wheels up to 80a can not resist well against the shocks, and this board’s wheels are soft and bear shocks. 

The deck length is worth mentioning as it is as long as 41 inches, attracting skilled and newcomers.

The broad area of this sturdy deck gives confidence, and its non-slippery surface grabs riders’ feet to let them enjoy a safer ride.

With all these exciting features, the price of this longboard will amuse you as this is one of the cheapest longboards available on the internet. 

Why and Why not QingAN:

Go with this longboard if you are tight on a budget and want something unique to cruise, freeride, or go down the hill at impressive speed.

You get 41 inches in length of the deck, giving you extra space to stand and stay safe. It would be great if you let newbies learn downhill longboarding on this cheapest downhill longboard.

After using it for months, I believe that my rides Magneto Bamboo Longboard were more good than this one. But it is my personal opinion and you will find many great features in this product.

You might also like: BoardsOnTop promises exceptional protection to all the longboard riders by reviewing longboard helmets and gloves

Pros

Cold-pressed Maple deck which is durable

Soft, Speed-generating wheels

ABEC7 bearings assist wheels to get high-speed

Broad deck suits both beginners and professionals

Cons

Flex is too high for kids


8. Lrfzhicg 42 Inches | Professional Downhill Longboard

best downhill longboards
  • 42 Inches lengthy deck
  • 9 Inches width of deck
  • 70mm PU wheels
  • 83a wheels hardness on the durometer
  • ABEC9 bearings
  • Load capacity 250-280lbs

About Item:

The low-density fibrous Bamboo build of the deck makes the longboard flexible enough to withstand any riding style.

The design is drop-through which perfectly suits cruisers and downhill riders. Panda pattern along with bamboo classifies the uniqueness of its drop-through design.

This brand is new in the market and trying to convince customers by producing significant-quality products while enhancing durability with the help of fiberglass. 

Bearings and wheels collectively define the speed achievement factor. Lrfzhicg provides ABEC9 bearings with high-acceleration oil to keep the ride speedy and smooth.

Wheels are stiff though, can not bear shocks, but their width generates desired pace with the help of high-ranked ABEC bearings.

Due to the super rebounding of the wheels, they last longer and do not make noise during the journey. 

Trucks are unique because they can bear a load of about 280lbs, which is way higher than many other longboards on our list. The kingpin is adjustable to make sharp or wider turns safe.

If you are a novice, you don’t need to set anything as it comes pre-assembled. Just get it out of the box, and start enjoying speedy downhill races, cruising, carving, or commuting

The deck dimensions are appealing too. From 42″ length to 9″ width, you can stand confidently on the board while the grip tape of the deck will grab your feet to give you a locked-in feel.

Moreover, multiple plies of bamboo make the deck sturdy and durable.

All the accessories of the board genuinely define quality, and the seller entertains you with 30-days money back or replacement warranty too.

Why Lrfzhicg | Updated

I bought this longboard 4 months ago, and I have to say that the board is one of the smoothest longboards available online. The smoothness comes from the quality of the deck installed in it.

The slicky nature of the deck and the required flex for downhill longboarding makes it a perfect option for newbies and professionals to go for downhill racing.

From harder wheels to speed-initiating bearings, from durable load-bearing decks to sturdy trucks, each accessory of this board is of premium quality.

It ensures the product will perform up to the mark in preferred riding style and last longer than numerous other longboards. 

Pros

Durable & weight-bearing deck

Lubricated bearings for high-speed achievement

Suitable for all styles of riding, especially downhill

A broad deck gives confident

Sturdy trucks for safer turns

Cons

You might dislike the graphic design


Buying Guide for Best Downhill Longboards

Let’s move on towards the utmost topic, what will take you to the product why you are here. There are multiple things to consider while selecting a longboard for downhill riding.

Let’s begin with an essential feature called deck’s dimensions.

Deck Length and Width

Downhill longboards in the market have lengths between 37 inches to 43 inches. Smaller-sized boards generate higher speed, but the control factor is slightly less than the broader ones.

This shows you have to decide whether you want more acceleration or stability.

If you are a newcomer, you should stand over a board around 40″ in length because you get more room to stand and stabilize yourself quickly.

In case you have been in touch with downhill riding for some time and want to change the deck, you stand a chance to choose a smaller deck.

Ensure to protect your sensitive parts with helmets, gloves and knee pads even if you are a pro rider. Larger decks allow maximum control on your ride while they result in lesser speed. 

Everyone suggests more extended decks for newcomers in longboarding because they provide more stability and confidence. Deck’s width can range between 8 inches to 11 inches

Measure the length and width like the image shows;

Best Downhill Longboard Decks

There are three standard designs of longboards circulating in the non-physical market. 

Top Mount

Drop-Through

Drop Deck

With our vast skating experience, we can easily suggest that top-mount longboards are not a good-to-go choice for downhill rides.

The most suitable one should be drop-through because it generates more speed than Top-mount and lesser speed than Drop-deck longboards.

With average speed, the stability is maximum because most drop-through designs have reverse kingpin trucks sitting at the same level as the deck. This feature reduces the chances of jumping off the board, ensuring safer rides.

It doesn’t matter if you are a newcomer or an expert; you need Best Longboard Helmets and Best Longboard Slide Gloves to meet all precautions. 

Trucks

Downhill riding is the most adventurous riding style, but there are always safety issues when riding at higher speeds. There are curvy paths and sharp corners in most hill rides.

Trucks take an essential responsibility of providing stability while taking turns.

Multiple truck techniques are available in numerous longboards, but reverse kingpin technology is the most suitable one for bombing the hills. 

measure gap between trucks and wheels

Reverse kingpin trucks can enhance stability greatly and are responsive as well. Another excellent capability of these trucks is that they are available with any of these two; drop-through & drop deck designs. 

Recommended: For more convenience, you can read about the complete and best longboard trucks.

Wheel guide

The makers of wheels mostly utilize polyurethane in their build. It helps in having a better grip on the ground to roll faster and achieve great acceleration. 

You will see a variety of wheels’ sizes and hardness. Each of them will have its capabilities in longboard riding. Some will grasp the ground better, whereas others will roll faster.

It depends on softness and stiffness, affecting how much speed you attain. The driver will gain less acceleration when the wheels are solid.

A Durometer scale can evaluate the softness and rigidness, which varies from 65a to 90a. If wheels are 70a, they tend to be soft, producing suitable speed.

In contrast, 85a wheels are harder, resulting in slow motion.

Harder wheels of more than 80a are recommended for downhill races because they grasp the roads well and generate the needed acceleration for a better experience. 

That is to say, if your purpose is to ride down the hill, average-sized hard wheels will do wonders.

Bearings

Bearings are responsible for better rolling of the wheels. More balls inside bearings and quality lubricant help wheels roll faster than usual.

You neither need too much pace nor very little speed for downhill riding. An average rate makes the race more natural and enjoyable too.

There are multiple bearings available, and we differentiate them based on their ABEC rating. The higher the ABEC, the more pace bearings will generate.

ABEC rankings vary between 3 to 11. So, for downhill riding, we recommend bearings of ABEC5 – ABEC7.

Recommended Post: To read the reviews of different bearings, read our extensive guide on lest longboard bearings


FAQs

Drop through decks are preferred because they introduce lower central gravity allowing riders to move quickly without putting in a lot of effort. Drop-deck designs also suit downhill riding, but top-mount longboards are the last choice for this type of riding. 

It all depends on the heights of the rider. If you are 5’10” or less, 36-42″ longboards will allow you to have safer and more adventurous downhill rides. If you are taller than that, go for a longboard with a length nothing less than 42″.  

It does not seem a good idea if you want to cruise on a downhill longboard. Because people search a longboard for a specific purpose like carving, commuting, and dancing, in short, you can ride any board for any purpose, but it will not do the trick. You will have to look for what the best downhill longboard that suits you in all conditions.


Conclusion

Get the best downhill longboard that has either drop-through deck design or drop-deck. Reverse kingpin trucks are preferred for downhill riders, as per the expert opinion.

AN average ranked ABEC bearings and sturdy wheels will double the joy of riding down the steep hills. Please don’t forget to wear safety gear as they are essential for such adventures.

]]>
https://boardsontop.com/best-downhill-longboards/feed/ 2
Longboard Vs Skateboard, Find the Major Differences & Similarities https://boardsontop.com/longboard-vs-skateboard/ https://boardsontop.com/longboard-vs-skateboard/#respond Thu, 23 Feb 2023 15:23:00 +0000 https://boardsontop.com/?p=3760 Read more]]> “Longboard vs Skateboard” is a topic that has been discussed for a long time, especially among newbies.

The answer to the difference between a longboard and a skateboard lies in the rider’s intent.

Skateboards are recommended if you want to practice some traditional tricks and perform them in the streets.

On the other hand, you should find a longboard if you plan to cruise or cover long distances.

The design and build of parts of longboard and skateboard make them different to achieve relative goals. 

Skateboard or longboard is not a new topic for experts. However, newbies want to clarify the confusion of “should I get a skateboard or longboard”?

We are a squad of professional skaters, and with our vast experience, we aim to illustrate every resemblance and dissimilarity between longboard and skateboard.


Features Difference – Skateboard vs. Longboard

Not one or two, there are multiple factors that can help you differentiate longboards and skateboards.

In this discussion, we will be highlighting some of the essential features that will define if you are holding a skateboard or longboard. 

Deck’s Flexibility

Longboard vs skateboard

For the novices, the deck of a board is where you stand to ride. The deck’s thickness usually defines whether it is a longboard or a skateboard.

Our discussion on “What are longboards made of” will help you understand a longboard’s sturdiness.

The thin deck provides more flex which is extremely helpful in executing tricks, a specialty of skateboarding.

Board’s flex is the stiffness and an important thing that should not be too soft.

In case, you love to do pops and tricks, you need flexibility at its average so that you can do jumps comfortably. 

The thicker the deck, the more flex softness decreases, giving you steadiness in your ride. This feature is common in every longboard you will see.

As the acceleration of your ride increases, you need a firm grip on the deck, and thick decks of longboards provide this feature. 


Deck Shape & Size

Show yourself a longboard and a skateboard; the difference in shape is clear from the front end and the tail.

A skateboard’s nose and back end are curvier than a longboard, making it easier for you to do pops and flips.

Most importantly, the shape is one of the best ways to differentiate a longboard and a skateboard.

The next feature that differs between longboards and skateboard is their length.

Longboards usually have a 40-50 inches deck, while skateboard has a smaller deck length of around 28-34 inches.

Longboard Shape

Longboard shape

Skateboard Shape

Skateboard shape

The confusion is still there because of the size, as some longboards have a deck with the same length as a skateboard.

The difference that makes them unique is that skateboards are curvy at the nose and the tails, while longboards are flat

Due to the increased deck length, longboard producers got to produce varying designs and shapes.

Each of these designs aims for a specific purpose. Here are the most common shapes that you will come across.

Blunt Shape

The wider nose and tail of a longboard make them blunt. It has a comparatively increased space for standing which is an exciting feature.

Moreover, this shape helps beginners adapt quickly. Increased space for standing brings stability to the rides, but we do not recommend this type of longboard for carving purposes.

If you try carving, the wheels will get scratched and bitten. 

Fishtail Deck

This skateboard’s central part has more space than the edges, especially the tail.

The tail is split into a heart shape. The wheels stay away from the deck, and you can easily opt for carving style.

The chances of wheel bites decrease, and you can also go for traditional surf-style longboarding. 

fishtail skateboard | longboard vs skateboard

Pintail Shape

Undoubtedly, the pintail is one of the most used shapes in manufacturing longboards.

A sharper front and back end with wider space in the center defines the Pintail style of the longboard.

In addition, these types are always directional, i.e., you can only move forward. Due to this feature, we recommend this longboard for cruising only. 

pintail deck design

Cruiser Shape

Cruisers are comparatively shorter than traditional longboards, and due to their small size, they become more responsive.

Only professionals choose this shape to perform their tricks and turn better.

We do not recommend this longboard for beginners because the smaller size of it doesn’t promise stability, and it may get out of control at a higher speed. 

In short, this shape requires more stability which newbies are not used to.

cruiser board shape to differentiate longboard vs skateboard

Among the different types of longboards, a drop-down is the design where the longboard and the deck trucks are exactly at the same level.

Due to this technique, the deck stays nearer to the skating surface, decreasing the center of gravity and increasing stability.

Newbies can easily learn basic longboarding skills with Drop-Down longboards as stability is promised. 

drop down deck shape | longboard vs skateboard

Stability & Balance

For beginner longboard riders, stability and balance matter a lot whether they want to ride a longboard or skateboard.

In this case, the extended deck of a longboard provides more stability. If you are a newbie, go for the longboard first, get your feet on it to have some confidence.

Longboards are more balancing than skateboards. When you have experience handling yourself on a longboard, you can do simple tricks and flips on a small, flexible skateboard. 

Here’s the complete guide on longboarding for beginners.

If there is still confusion about which to buy, these points will ease the understanding.

Longboards are perfect for riders who

  • Want a stable, smooth, and safe ride
  • Are keen to bomb hills
  • Want to commute for long distances
  • Love cruising with mates
  • Want to ride the board on beaches

Skateboards are preferable if you

  • Want pops, flips, and traditional tricks
  • Want to become a master of kickflips
  • Want to grind rails
  • Skate mini ramps
  • Love riding ollies

The difference in Trucks

Longboard Trucks

longboard trucks

Skateboard Trucks

longboard vs skateboard | Trucks

Trucks in both types of boards play a major role while you ride. Trucks are attached to the deck, and they must hold the wheels.

But the functionality of the trucks for each type of board differs. For example, the trucks on a skateboard are inflexible, rugged, and narrow.

This build allows riders to do flips and pops flawlessly. Moreover, the grinding becomes way more straightforward as compared to the boards with flexible trucks. 

Flexible trucks are essential for a smooth and stable ride to compete in a race down the hill or cruise for long distances.

That is why longboards have more comprehensive and flexible trucks. In addition, we can easily differentiate Trucks of longboards according to the mounting type. 

Drop-Mount Trucks:

This is a special design where trucks get attached to the deck of a longboard.

You enjoy more on these trucks as compared to drop-through trucks, but top-mount provides more enjoyment than Drop-Mount. 

Also, the longboard manufacturers look interested in using these trucks under the longboards.

Top-Mount Trucks:

During our experimentation on longboard vs skateboard, we learned that the most common truck shape in longboarding is top-mount.

Here, the deck stays above the trucks allowing newbies to ride comfortably without shocks. 

Drop-Through Trucks:

Our experienced riders (Andrew Norris and Matt Harper) have deeply analyzed these types of trucks.

As described in the shapes, trucks and the deck are at the same level, increasing stability. As stability is inevitable, we recommend these longboards for new entrants.   

Drop-Deck Trucks:

This is a unique design in the longboarding field, having trucks higher than the longboard deck.

As the deck almost touches the ground, it increases its stability, but there are many chances of the deck getting in touch with road bumps. 


Longboard vs Skateboard Wheels

Speed, riding style, braking, and other essential things matter to the quality of your longboard wheels.

As the wheels’ size and softness increase, the surety of a stable ride also increases.

Keeping this fact in view, manufacturers of the longboards provide extra-wide wheels with Polyurethane material to maintain softness.

Longboard Wheels
Longboard Wheels

Contrary to that, skateboards have hard wheels with minor diameters, making them suitable for shredding rails, gaps, and ledges. 

Harder wheels of skateboards allow skaters to perform tricks because the wheels are not bouncy at all, and it becomes easier to showcase some traditional skateboarding skills.

The size of skateboard wheels is also smaller than wheels on longboards. Most skateboard wheels lie in the range of 52-58 mm.

Skateboard Wheels
Skateboard Wheels

Similarly, the hardness on the durometer should be at least 80A. Anything less than that defined limit may increase the chances of injury. 

The size of longboard wheels should be large, and their hardness should be between 63A – 80A.

As we all know, most novices start their skating journey with longboards; larger wheels help them learn the basics.

In addition, wheels of size 70mm ensure stability, and their softness ignores rough patches on the street. 

The tip for both longboard and skateboard riders is that keeping them clean will let you ride smoothly.


Purpose of a Skateboard

If you are an experienced skater, you must have noticed that skateboards have front and back curves upwards while the central part stays concave.

Everyone suggests skateboarding for professionals only because they are used for tricks.

The unique shape helps experts perform basic to pro-level flips.

If you are a beginner and insist on riding a skateboard, you must make sure that the skateboard under your feet has harder wheels of smaller size.

You can simply cruise around but can not perform expert-level skills while being a starter. 

Here are the common riding styles riders aim for with the help of a skateboard;

  • Traditional skating
  • Vert
  • Bowl riding
  • Mini Ramp

Advantages of Skateboard

The biggest advantage of skateboards is that they are portable. You can carry them anywhere you want.

Even some American airlines allow you to travel with your favorite riding tool.

Moreover, skateboards are preferable for tricks and pops.

Their smaller size increases the board’s responsiveness, allowing you to perform dancing and freestyle skills anywhere. 

Disadvantages of Skateboard

If you want to be an expert skater, you need to dedicate more time to learning the basics. If you skip any basic instruction, the injury becomes inevitable.

Skateboards are comparatively cheaper than longboards, but maintenance costs increase when you use them regularly. 


Purpose of a Longboard

After a thorough discussion, you must know that longboards have larger decks than traditional skateboards.

The most useful purpose of longboarding is to bring starters into skateboarding. Longboards provide the opportunity of learning the basics of advanced-level skating.

You can make yourself an expert in balancing the longboard in multiple situations.  

There are some freestyle and dancing longboards available in the market. If you are interested in fancy skating, these longboards will help you learn everything about the aimed technique.

Here are the riding styles you can enjoy on longboards;

  • Carving
  • Dancing
  • Freeride
  • Cruising
  • Freestyle
  • Commuting

What are Longboards Good for

More space on the longboard brings utmost stability to your rides, and it becomes easier for novices to balance the board at any speed.

The softer and wider wheels under longboards almost neglect the shocks created by rough tracks.

Moreover, the maintenance cost of longboards is way less than skateboards.

Drawbacks of Longboards

At first, when you buy a longboard, it is expensive compared to buying a skateboard. As their size is bigger, it can be difficult to carry them from one place to another.

Furthermore, choosing the right one with the availability of dozens of brands and several shapes and designs can be complex. 


Longboard vs. Skateboard – Similarities

Creativity is the common cause of both these riding tools. Most people try it out in groups even when riding alone on a longboard.

Some enjoy downhill riding, and others take part in freestyle competitions. The longboards and skateboards have a deck, two trucks, four wheels, and eight bearings.

After putting on riser pads, you can use skateboard wheels on a longboard for better cruising. 

Easy to Learn?

Longboards are definitely easy to adapt to the situation. They provide more space than skateboards, and this vertical space brings in the stability every newbie is looking for.

Unfortunately, due to the smaller size of skateboard wheels, they usually get stuck in rails and need repairing over time. 

Which one is more Costly?

If you search for a skateboard and a longboard in an online market, you’ll see that longboards are a little more expensive than skateboards.

But, after you ride it for a month, you’ll see that the longboard you bought doesn’t need or hardly needs any repair charges.

While the skateboard will ask you to replace either the wheels or the bearings inside them. 

Which One Last Longer? Longboard or Skateboard

As the longboards need minimum repair, they surely have a longer life than skateboards. But it always depends on the brand you bought.

If you have spent a decent amount in the start and kept skateboards up-to-date, they also stay productive for longer. 


FAQs

How long is a longboard?

The length of longboards varies between 28-59 inches. Longer longboards are usually built for heavy-weight people to stand firm on the deck for a smooth ride. 

Is longboarding easier than skateboarding?

If I have to answer it with one word, it is yes. Longboards have more comprehensive and extended decks as compared to skateboards.

The longer decks provide a stable stance and firm grip on the longboard, making it comfortable for a smooth ride.

Contrary to that, skateboards have shorter decks with more flexibility, making it difficult for novices to cruise and commute.

For the same reason, the answer to “are longboards good for beginners” is also yes. 


Conclusion

All in all, if you are a newbie and want to learn basic skills, you should always go for a longboard.

Oppositely, if you are an expert and want to perform the skills you already know, like freestyles and tricks, skateboards are the best option for you.

Go for the best brand and invest in a decent product so you don’t have to spend much on maintenance later. 

]]>
https://boardsontop.com/longboard-vs-skateboard/feed/ 0
Longboard vs Cruiser – Detailed Comparison to Know Which One is Best https://boardsontop.com/longboard-vs-cruiser/ https://boardsontop.com/longboard-vs-cruiser/#respond Thu, 23 Feb 2023 12:14:00 +0000 https://boardsontop.com/?p=2478 Read more]]> Describing the difference between a longboard and a cruiser in a couple of sentences would not be a good approach.

Before concluding the longboard vs cruiser board discussion, there are multiple factors that need to be explained.

Most of the cruiser boards have a short length, and they weigh less.

On the other hand, longboards are usually more than 36 inches long.

The combo of the size and weight of a board is still not a pet rule in the skating field because some smaller longboards and long cruiser boards are available online. 


Longboard vs Cruiser Board – Everything Explained

Deck length is not the only factor that differentiates longboard and cruiser.

Apart from the deck, the difference comes in trucks, wheels, deck shape, board flexibility, and the overall sizes of longboard and cruiser.

Let’s skate into the definition and characteristics of both of them to understand what makes them different. 

What is a longboard?

A traditional skateboard with a comparatively more extended deck, wider wheels, and more space to stand comprehensively defines a longboard.

However, there are multiple longboards, e.g., for traveling, downhill racing, cruising, carving, and fast rides.

The similar features among all are deck length and its slight concaveness, which ensure stability to the rider in longboarding of any kind. 

What is a cruiser board?

A short, responsive, portable, agile, and lightweight longboard is termed a cruiser board.

Surfing the web, you will see multiple types of cruiser boards, and the widely used ones are mini-cruiser, simple cruiser, penny boards, and surf skate.

Because of the shorter length of the deck, cruisers mostly suit expert skaters who prefer to showcase their skating and dancing skills.

With small size comes portability and easy cruising in crowded streets and empty roads. 

Longboard vs Cruiser – Difference in Trucks

The internal parts of trucks are alike, like bushings, kingpins, baseplates, and hangers.

The difference between longboard and cruiser trucks comes in their build.

Compared to typical skateboards and cruisers, longboards have inversed technology in truck formations.

These reverse trucks are arranged in other ways to increase mobility to a considerable extent. 

Longboard Trucks

longboard vs cruiser, difference in trucks

Cruiser Board Trucks

longboard vs cruiser, cruiser trucks

Besides arrangement, the width of trucks also differs in cruiser and longboard.

As the longboards are wider than cruiser boards, the trucks have width according to the width of the deck.

Bushings are an essential part of trucks and are also distinct in both the cruiser and longboard.

In longboards, the bushings are way softer than usual cruiser boards, due to which there is a slight improvement in taking sharp turns.

But longboards for downhill have stiff bushings to keep the board stable at high speed. 

Shape Difference between a Cruiser and a Longboard

Almost all cruiser boards come with an acute design from the front, while the back end has a popped edge to help you do some flips or pops according to your skill level.

Some cruiser boards are flat from the back, but professionals don’t recommend that if you have some freestyle skills to perform regularly. 

Longboard Shape

longboard vs cruiser, longboard shape

Cruiser Shape

longboard vs cruiser, cruiser board shape

In most cases, longboards do not come with a nose and a tail. Instead, the deck is flat on both ends.

The extended deck attracts beginners because it gives them more space to stand firm.

Here are the two most common deck shapes in the longboarding field. 

Directional Longboards

directional longboard

Directional longboards go only in one direction like an arrow. The most popular directional longboard is Pintail, specified for carving or downhill riding. 

Twin Symmetrical Longboards

symmetrical longboard

Symmetrical longboards have the same design on both ends and can move in both forward and backward. Go with a twin symmetrical longboard if you have an interest in freestyle and freeride longboarding.

Difference in Flexibility of the Deck

The debate on longboard vs cruiser continues even when it comes to the flexibility of the deck.

In general, decks of longboards come with more flexibility which reduces after continuous use.

Flex helps the whole board to snub the shocks on rough surfaces and gives riders a smooth ride.

On the other hand, cruiser boards are stiff and have inconsiderable flexibility to help free-riding and freestyle lovers pop and flip consistently. 

Some longboards are definitely for speedy rides, and stiff deck boards are preferred more for commuting longboards.

As the stiffness of the deck increases, you will get more stability during downhill races and speedy rides. 

Which One is Easier to Ride, Cruiser or Longboard?

The availability of an extended wheelbase in longboards provides maximum stability during a high-speed ride.

Apart from the wheelbase, the deck length also gives enough space to eliminate the jinx of hesitation of novices. 

The cruiser is also comfortable but can not cross the stability that a longboard provides.

Slightly bigger and softer wheels of cruiser boards ensure a smooth ride, but the deck is not long enough for beginners to try it without hesitation. 

Cruiser Board vs Longboard – In the Streets

When skating through busy streets and crowded areas, the cruiser takes the lead because of its agility, responsiveness, and smaller size.

Longboards are more comfortable in open skateparks, downhill races, and asphalt roads.

A cruiser is primarily used for covering short distances, while longboards can help you cover considerable distances. 

Wheels Difference – Longboard and Cruiser

Cruiser wheels are usually 55-63mm wide because of relatively smaller trucks and axles.

Apart from the wheels size, their nature is pretty soft because of the need of the hour.

Cruiser boards need delicate wheels to roll perfectly over rough terrains, footpaths, and bumpy pavements. 

longboard vs cruiser, wheels difference

On the other hand, longboard wheels are stiff and have a width of about 70mm.

The stiffness of wheels is measured on a durometer ranging between 65a-90a, while 65a is the softest of all.

Softer wheels provide grip on the roads and will introduce maximum speed.

Harder wheels generate less speed but are sturdy.

Most longboards have harder wheels to present stability and a better experience of carving, commuting, and downhill riding. 


Why Buy a Cruiser board?

Professional skaters suggest cruiser boards to those who cover marginal distances by foot.

Cruiser board is specifically designed as a means of transportation for limited distances like going to a nearby school, college, or a tuck shop.

The portability of this board allows you to pick it up, walk into the shop, and go back while cruising. 

When to go for a longboard?

Longboards usually have deep through decks to minimize human effort and attain maximum distance per push.

As human effort decreases, there are more chances of easily covering considerable distances. 

Also, if you want to get into skateboarding, you should get some confidence by using a longboard.

Due to its vast standing surface, you will not hesitate, and once you start riding it regularly, you will love to go cruising and downhill to ride every time. 


Best Longboard in 2023

Specifications:

9.75 x 38 inches size

Bamboo and maple based deck

7-inches thick Al trucks

70mm Hooligan wheels

ABEC-9 Precise bearings

About White Wave:

Every single product of White Wave speaks for itself because of its notable features and hundreds of satisfied customers.

The Bamboo longboard from the brand breaks the ceiling of expectations with its trademark features.

Like most traditional boards, multi-layers of bamboo merged to manufacture a healthy, grippy deck.

Therefore, our expertise proposes this longboard as a perfect asset for any level of skater, no matter their experience.

Wave is among the best sports boards due to its unique design, which boosts its performance.

As the name suggests, the Bamboo Warrior supports easy pushing and behaves like a fanatic in any situation.

You can utilize this longboard for cruising, carving, downhill riding, and freerides, thanks to its symmetrical, mildly concave, and lower-gravity deck shape.

Moreover, riders can easily slide down the track and perform their shenanigans.

Not only does the Warrior survive in kicktail journeys and slower rides, but it can also achieve high acceleration during fast runs and swift turns.

There are high-precision bearings installed to maximize your quick adventures’ accuracy.

Experienced skaters agree that the WWW (White Wave Warrior) is an all-rounder board that makes your rides lively through and through.

But make sure to know the board well before kicking off your maneuvering and tricking expeditions.

One might ask how a warrior accomplishes such a high standard of achievement.

We think that drop-through truck mounting combined with a unique drop deck structure makes it possible to expand the domain of potential trips.

The heavy-duty responsive trucks and giant Hooligan wheels embellish the overall build further, and the board becomes genuine for dancing, bomb hill riding, cruising, and freestyling.

Moreover, it comes fully assembled in the package, and you can gift it to your loved ones.

Advantages

Suitable for all skaters

Sturdy and supportive deck

High-Speed Cruisers

All-rounder longboard

Disadvantage

The deck length is slightly undersized


Best Cruiser Board in 2023

Key Specifications:

7.5×27.5 inches

Shore 78A, 60mm wheels

Item weighs 6 pounds

Wheelbase 18.5″

55-degree reverse kingpin trucks

Description:

Magneto focuses on the expectations and requirements of its customers and builds newer boards based on these demands.

This is because the brand is founded by skaters from California and cares about the experience of the skateboarding community.

The Mini Cruiser is among the latest additions of the Magento brand to taste the heights of success.

Famous for its lightweight and portable design technique, Mini is suitable for cruising and simple riding wherever you go.

Two cocktails are available on top and bottom of the cruiser board; therefore, rolling the board requires little to no push.

Moreover, the smaller board size makes it possible to achieve tricks like ollies, mannies, flipping, and general freestyling.

Not only does the rider get infinite success doing these trickeries, but he also gains a decent performance boost due to the asymmetrical surf-style board design.

However, we recommend getting familiar with the mechanics of the board before embarking on such complex tricks.

The other top features of the Magneto Mini Cruiser don’t end with a kicktail and portable design.

Its deck is robust and provides maximum resistance between feet and surface because of the sand grit finish.

Hence, when the rider is maneuvering on the board, there are less chances he slips off the board.

Furthermore, Mini has fast, responsive trucks and super reliable wheels as well in order to complete the whole set.

We can’t stress enough about the board’s performance, but you can find a never-ending list of positive reviews in the online market.

Advantages

Reliable and sturdy trucks

Dual Kicktails

Portable and Lightweight

Holds around 275 pounds

Surf-board inspired design

Disadvantages

Chances of wheel-bites

Not suitable for longer rides


Winding up Longboard vs Cruiser

Every longboard and cruiser has a deck, two trucks, four wheels, and eight bearings. What makes them different is the way these parts are organized. The assembly of hardware parts depends on the purpose of the board.

For example, cruiser boards have a kicktail at both ends for tricks and flips, while wider trucks of a wide deck longboard provide stability during sharp turns.

]]>
https://boardsontop.com/longboard-vs-cruiser/feed/ 0
Best Longboard Wheels for Sliding in 2023 – Slider Longboarding FAQs https://boardsontop.com/best-longboard-wheels-for-sliding/ https://boardsontop.com/best-longboard-wheels-for-sliding/#respond Thu, 23 Feb 2023 02:51:00 +0000 https://boardsontop.com/?p=2800 Read more]]> Sliding on a longboard is the utmost joy, but finding the proper wheels is equally a headache.

Fear not. Our extensive research and personal skating experience have brought us some of the best longboard wheels for sliding.

Their inclusion in our suggested list depended on our personal use, quality, pricing, and customer reviews.

It comprises the best budget, all-terrain, off-the-road, and high-performing rollers.

A few factors collectively build the best sliding wheels, i.e., hardness on the durometer, overall diameter, material used, contact patch, and core placement.

Dive into our brief buying guide if you want to know the importance of each aspect mentioned above.

Moreover, our list has each type of sliding wheel worthy enough to try at least once.

If you are buying any products reviewed below, make sure to go through their performance update. It will help you purchase durable wheels for your regular longboard rides.


Top 3 Sliding Wheels

FREERADE Wheels

Orangatang Wheels

Orangatang Durian 75mm


7 Best Longboard Wheels for Sliding


Fireball Tinder Sliding Wheels

best longboard wheels for sliding
  • 60mm diameter
  • 81a durometer
  • Dump thane 
  • Multiple colors
  • 35mm contact patch

Description:

My first slide with this pair of wheels was a little grippier than I predicted.

After a week of regular sliding with Fireball, the wheels seem sugary, and the contact patch serves quickly when the rider tries out slides anytime.

Seeing the wheels leave their color on the ground when you drift at a considerable speed is pretty impressive. 

Generally, these wheels can fit perfectly with any longboard, but I noticed their behavior with a double-kick longboard was incredible during slides at any pace.

The smoothness of these wheels, combined with the centerset core, makes these wheels an obvious choice for drifting adventure.

I figured out a con that they wear down faster, but that is not a high price to pay for the fun you will have by doing slides or having pacy rides. 

The exact durometer hardness and smaller diameter coincide to ensure a shock-free ride over bumpy tracks or rough terrains.

For behaving well against debris, these wheels are a better choice for downhill, freeride, and dancing.

The Dump Thane makes this pair of wheels most suitable for sliding. The heels have Slide Prepped stuff to ensure the safety of outer material during harsh drifts. 

PERFORMANCE UPDATE

These fireball tinder longboard wheels have been tested multiple times by the pro longboarders of our community.

In 6 months of longboarding with these rollers, we found them perfect for longboard sliding.

The combo of 60mm diameter and 81a hardness allows the rider to ride comparatively faster and safer than the other longboard wheels.

Moreover, they roll smoothly over different kinds of surfaces. Cleaning them after the ride will let you use these wheels for a long time with the same smoothness.

Pros:

Designed explicitly for best sliding experience

Durable wheels last longer

Work efficiently with double kick longboards

Rollover cracks and pebbles comfortably

Cons:

  • Wear down quickly

Orangatang Stimulus | Best Sliding Wheels

best sliding wheels
  • 77a, 80a, 83a hardness
  • 70mm diameter
  • 49mm width 
  • 42mm contact patch

Description:

Orangatang provides versatile products helping everyone avail themselves of the advantages according to their riding styles.

This stimulus set of wheels comes in three different colors and hardness.

The rollers’ diameter remains the same with all the colors and durometer so that you can achieve maximum cruising ability, downhill, dancing, and freeride experience.

Along with all these capabilities, sliding with Stimulus is comfortable, safe, and consistent. 

As a thumb rule, wheels with a durometer above 80a roll with considerable pace.

The combo can easily move over rough surfaces when the diameter coincides with hardness.

The unique formula of thane in building these wheels makes them withstand shocks or forged forces created by debris or dancing rides.

The grip provided by thane improves the quality of sliding on slippery or non-slippery tracks. 

Even after the exact diameter and durometer availability, installing a supportive core in the wheels originates stability in the ride while absorbing annoying vibrations caused by slides.

The shape of these rollers is rounded from the edges allowing riders to drift appropriately, but it is only possible with sliding gloves

PERFORMANCE REPORT

Orangatang wheels have a ten extra mm diameter than the tinder wheels, which assures more grip when sliding and carving.

The bearing inside these rollers helps you ride faster down the hill, and its diameter lets you perfectly turn your speedy ride into a slide.

Since our first ride with these wheels, we have not noticed any cracks, even if we ride on bumpy surfaces.

Along with sliding, you can also cruise, carve, and freeride evenly when with Orangatang 70mm rollers.

Pros:

Withstand any terrain comfortably

Versatile in nature

Durability is the key here

Supportive core ensures stable rides

Cons:

  • Little expensive
  • The holes in the bearings are too small

FREEDARE Skateboard Wheels with Bearings

  • 60mm diameter
  • 83A hardness
  • 22mm * 8mm Bearings
  • Four wheels; 8 bearings

Description:

The most economical budget, 30-day return policy, and high acceptance rate among skaters convinced me to try it out.

In my eight years of skating experience, I have never seen such a low-price product with maximum features, including durability, up-to-the-mark performance, and agility to move faster than the fastest wheels. 

The smaller diameter and 83a hardness combined collectively install sliding ability at an average speed.

Moreover, the small width of only 60mm allows beginners to cruise around the streets comfortably.

The quality I noticed, later after multiple rides, is that these wheels carry out smooth rolling over concrete, ramps, and sidewalks.

Polyurethane in their build makes them highly durable, stable on rough terrains, and noise removers in any circumstances. 

It is hard to find a pair of wheels with LEDs at a reasonable price. Six different cores are available with Led lights wrapped inside the heavy-duty urethane.

These features can enhance your cruising and sliding experience during days and nights evenly.

After testing it out, I suggest this for novices interested in cruising and professionals interested in showcasing tricks, flips, or even slides. 

INSPECTION RESULTS

We tested FREEDARE wheels for sliding purposes, and they were supportive from start to end of the ride.

The most significant advantage of this product is that you can enhance your sliding experience.

A few of the skaters in our group complained about the quality of the bearings when they tried to ride faster.

Therefore, we will give this product 4 stars. If you are fond of riding your board at a higher speed, you must find suitable longboard bearings from a trusted brand.

Pros:

Best budget

Experts use them for even sliding

Long-lasting

Better for beginners to cruise skateparks

Led lights available

Cons:

  • For faster rides, you need a new set of bearings

Orangatang Durian | Slide Wheels for Longboards

slide wheels for longboards
  • 75mm diameter
  • 80a, 83a, 86a available
  • Weighs 2.07 Pounds
  • Four wheels
  • 8 bearings

Description:

When the review is about wheels and Orangatang is not on the list, that is a bit harsh as Orangatang leads the wheel-generating field by a margin.

Broader diameter Durian wheels ensure smooth passage over cracks and bumps.

This update is unique from other Orangatang products because of its flexibility and versatility for multiple purposes like commuting, sliding, or downhill riding. 

Circular edges and gripper contact-patch authorize you to try generalized sliding tricks.

Once you get used to these wheels, they put you on the rollers to think out of the box while drifting or sliding steep paths.

Thane formula used in the outer build of these rollers makes them roll smoothly with a confident grip on the road to keep riders safe from mishaps. 

The core of this pair is condensed, assisting skaters in working effectively and keeping the level of the smooth ride even.

Its core also braces the edges for better slides, and the outerwear protects itself against cracks and crashes during forced drifts.

The package includes multiple sets of bearings having pre-installed raceways.

These inner raceways keep the need for separate spacers away to lessen the extra cost you have to bear. 

INSPECTION RESULTS

These wheels cost more than the others on our list, but they are versatile. You can try out different riding styles with durian rollers.

I bought these wheels for sliding and downhill riding. Later, I used them for carving, freeriding, and commuting purposes.

All these longboarding styles are achievable when using Orangatang 75mm Durian wheels. So, if you have the budget, you must buy these versatile wheels for long-term use.

Pros:

Multi-purpose wheels for adventure

Cover rough roads impressively

High durability, high performance

Contact patch makes sliding comfortable

Cons:

  • Comparatively expensive

Fireball Tinder | Smoothest Longboard Wheels

smoothest longboard wheels
  • 70mm diameter
  • 81a hardness
  • Dump thane PU
  • Center set Core
  • Black and White colors

Description:

The first look at these tinder wheels increases expectations of continuous sliding because of their external shape and material.

When I tried that for the first time, they evenly held, dipping out of the heel, boosting their stability.

This set of four wheels is like a white eraser due to its intense slippery behavior. There is no way to hook up or be unable to slide.

This product, Fireball, nearly outperforms Orangatang products in a stable ride, smooth and consistent sliding, and longevity. 

Another crispy feature of these best longboard wheels for sliding is their rounded edges or lips, splitting in the rollers exponentially and making room for an incredible sliding adventure.

Once you avail of these rollers, their worth will highlight themselves at your favorite spot.

The first few slides may seem a bit honky, but later they execute slides smooth as butter.

Along with consistency, Tinder wheels are highly durable, especially on high-paced roads.

The contact patch is another reason for holding up improved drifting movement.

Though the seller claims they are sustainable on faster rides, better wheels are available for more pacy rides.

INSPECTION RESULTS

We have been interviewing many Fireball Tinder users, and most were happy with their performance.

Our inspection report says that these smoothest longboard wheels work more efficiently when you use them with Bones bearings.

This combo will make them multifunctional in terms of achieving higher speed levels, smoothness in the rides, and instant sliding.

The other achievable styles are cruising, freestyling, and dancing.

Pros:

Boosting stability

Perfect for novices to try out simple slides

Durable wheels

Suits professionals with expert sliding skills

Consistency

Cons:

  • Not suitable for faster rides

Sector 9 Butterballs | Downhill Slide Wheels

best longboard wheels for sliding
  • 65mm, 80a available
  • 75mm, 80a available
  • Weighs 14.4 Ounces
  • Set of 4 wheels

Description:

Versatility attracts everyone, but having the ability to do a specific thing better than all competitors is exceptional.

Sector 9 is a trusted brand with hundreds of trustworthy products like this set of Butterball wheels.

These rollers are designed for sliding purposes after keeping all the necessities in mind. 

The grip is the centerpiece of any sliding wheel, and butterballs grasp the ground well enough to manage sudden drifts on faster rides.

These wheels have a suitable grip that gives you stability while showcasing your sliding skills.

The drifting capability gets installed automatically when the wheels’ diameter is broad, and their hardness is above 80a.

Moreover, this combo of size and hardness ensures flexible movement over any terrain. 

Multiple diameters and hardness are additional features to opt for if you prefer any other riding style.

For cruising, Sector 9 provides 65mm wheels, and for pacy rides, there is an option of 75mm wheels.

If you prefer downhill riding and sliding from steep streets, 75mm and 80a wheels are the most suitable ones.

Don’t forget to cover yourself fully with sliding gloves and longboard helmets, as they are necessary for adventures like this.

INSPECTION RESULTS

The most prominent advantage of butterball rollers is the excellent sliding and gripping of the surface.

After using them for months, we must say that all these qualities may work for a limited time.

Moreover, the other users also had the same reviews. These wheels failed to prove their durability which is the priority for the longboard sliders.

Therefore, if you buy this product, look after it carefully by cleaning and using a lubricant on the roller’s body.

Pros:

Smaller core gives more flex

Recommended for sliding

Strong grip on sliding terrain

Unbreakable, and sturdy wheels

Cons:

  • Slides become decently long on the slippery surface

FREEDARE Longboard Wheels | Best for Sliding

  • 58mm diameter
  • ABEC7 bearings
  • 82a hardness
  • Set of 4
  • Spacers available

Description:

Another Freedare brand wheels make our list comfortably because of multiple qualities.

The prominent feature of these small-sized rollers is their economical price.

Secondly, the bearings involved in these best longboard wheels for sliding are of ABEC7 ratings, highlighting their strength of acquiring high speed.

Furthermore, the spacers that come along are pre-installed. The purpose of spacers is to keep the ball bearings at their specified place for less friction. 

As the price is low, this set of rollers also contains some flaws but is not related to sliding.

We used these wheels for the sole purpose of sliding for months, and their sturdiness proved their worth in the drifting field.

Besides sliding, they roll on skatepark surfaces pretty well and are unsuitable for all terrains. 

Professionals suggest these rollers for street cruising and freeride as well.

The material used in their build makes them stand against firm shocks and provides stability during flips and simple rides.

Durometer hardness and ABEC7 bearings combine, allowing the wheels to roll faster for pacy rides and downhill races. 

INSPECTION RESULTS

These FREEDARE wheels are entirely different from the previously reviewed wheels because of their dimensions.

You can go for your sliding rides with these wheels, but it will require more push, making you tired.

Because of this disadvantage, we had to put Bones bearings inside them and were satisfied with the results.

Also, the minor diameter makes rides uncomfortable when there are cracks on the road, and you must stop the ride quickly.

Pros:

Recommended for cruising and sliding

Speed gaining spacers, bearings, and rollers

Work efficient on smooth surfaces

Cons:

  • Not specified for off-road rides
  • The bearings are not of excellent quality

Best Longboard Slide Wheels | Buying Guide

Sliding is a unique adventure and requires practical wheels that withstand firm drifts without getting broken or any other problems.

Hundreds of wheel brands claim sliding rollers, but not all perform up to the mark.

Our guide will help novices know everything about the best longboard wheels for sliding to make it easy for them to choose the perfect pair. Also, learn how to clean longboard wheels.

Durable Outfit

The foremost thing to consider in any wheels is how long they last. Their longevity depends on the material used in their build.

One of the most usual and durable materials is polyurethane which is found in almost every other wheel. 

Orangatang leads the field of producing the best longboard rollers and has multiple thane formulas to increase the durability and sturdiness of the rollers.

When it comes to sliding, material matters the most.

With our experience in wheels and longboards, we can easily suggest Polyurethane or Orangatang thane formulas if you plan to slide continuously.

This thane will not break, give you calculated slides, and make your rides stable on all terrains. 

Durometer Hardness

A durometer is a scale that measures the hardness of longboard & skateboard wheels. This scale has measured numerous wheels resulting in a 60a-95a.

When the hardness is less than 75a, the wheels become sustainable for better cruising.

In contrast, when the durometer hardness increases, the wheels become most suitable for pacy rides and sliding on steep streets. 

If we have to define a range of durometer hardness for sliding wheels, it should lie between 77a and 90a.

We had the best sliding experience on Orangatang 83a wheels. They indeed proved their worth by providing predicted slides for a predicted distance. 

Core:

There are multiple responsibilities of a core in longboard wheels. These duties are essential to allow rollers to behave perfectly during freeriding and sliding sessions.

The availability of the core makes wheels roll quicker to generate the needed pace for better slides.

Another critical duty to perform is to stem rollers from deformation when the rider makes moves for drifting.

All this core discussion suggests that the wheels must include a core if you buy them for sliding purposes. 

Core Placement:

Mostly the core is at the exact center, but there are two other positions where the core can behave equally well.

When the core is at the center, wheels grab the skating surface confidently to ensure stability.

Offset cores have the advantage of reducing human effort when starting the ride.

The third position is the most unused one, called the side set. They are rarely used in the wheels, making it tricky to slide at a certain pace. 

Centerset Core

Offset Core

Sideset Core

We prefer center-set core wheels for sliding and downhill rides because of their immense sustainability on curves and drifts.

If you intend to go for downhill rides, find the best downhill longboards and wheels with offset cores for a better experience of bombing hills. 

Contact Patch:

A contact patch is part of the rollers that directly connects everything with the ground. The thinner pitch provides even friction during faster rides.

Hence, thin contact pitch rollers are mostly preferred for sliding purposes. The wider pitch gives easy cruising and freeride. 


Frequently Asked Questions

What are Longboard Wheels Made of?

Polyurethane is widely found in almost every other wheel. But other thane formulas are available in some branded wheels that prove their worth equally well compared to PU wheels. 

Can you slide on any longboard wheels?

Unfortunately, not all longboard wheels are suitable for sliding. Sliding requires sturdy, stable, heavy-duty, and durable wheels. If any quality is missing in any wheel, it is unsuitable for drifting. 

What durometer wheels are best for sliding?

Higher the hardness, the better the sliding experience you will get. Any wheel with a durometer value of more than 80a would perfectly suit sliding. 


Final Say

Finding a set of wheels that can sustain any riding style is nearly impossible.

It would help if you had softer wheels with smaller sizes for cruising, while downhill race requires stiff rollers with maximum diameter to roll faster.

Similarly, for sliding, you need a higher hardness value, center set core, thinner contact patch, and around 75mm diameter.

All these features collectively make the best longboard wheels for sliding. 

]]>
https://boardsontop.com/best-longboard-wheels-for-sliding/feed/ 0
Types of Longboards in 2023 | Top Deck Designs & Longboard Shapes https://boardsontop.com/types-of-longboards/ https://boardsontop.com/types-of-longboards/#comments Sat, 31 Dec 2022 21:39:00 +0000 https://boardsontop.com/?p=3320 Read more]]> If you are not familiar with all the available types of longboards, you will not be able to completely enjoy the adventure of longboarding. There are various types of longboards available in the market when it comes to longboarding. Each type has its specifications and limitations. For example, a downhill longboard won’t help cruise, and a freeride or freestyle board is not suitable for commuting purposes. This article enlists the most popular and frequently used longboard types.

In the past 5 years, our team has personally tested multiple longboards’ types from each type enlisted here. Our testing adventure emphasizes the purpose, application, integration, and economic aspects of all types of longboards. Also, to minimize your effort in searching, we have dropped two of the best longboards from each category. Feel free to read the product description from the seller’s point of view. Interestingly, you will come across our new findings as well which will help you find a more suitable longboard for you.


Longboard Types in 2023

In 2023, the longboard manufacturers are discovering newer types to inspire as much audience towards longboarding as they possibly can. Among the multiple types of longboards, we will be discussing the most common ones and which longboarding style they prefer the most. Let’s get into the classes and their suitable riding styles without further ado.


Downhill Longboard Styles

Although many different types of longboards are helpful in downhill riding, technically, the “downhill longboards” are the best and most obvious choices. Such longboards meet the requirements of riders that are fond of extreme sports and like to adventure at higher speeds. Therefore, longboards with the downhill tag let you enjoy your ride when going down the hill.

Downhill boards offer spacious and stable deck designs in addition to effective trucks. As the rider requires to turn and curve with various speed settings, that is why the manufacturers set the bare minimum standard for a quality downhill sports board.

Downhill Longboard Shape:

types of longboards

It is possible to achieve very high-speed levels with the help of the discussed type of longboard, such as over 55mph. We would never recommend beginner and even intermediate skaters to test these machines because one requires extreme proficiency and excellence in control of the board. Even the experienced riders don’t go for a downhill ride without the longboard protective gear.

Only the most experienced drivers are promoted to sit on these journeys, but not with top-quality downhill longboards since these mechanical masterpieces can complete the expectations of bomb hill ridings.


Drop-Through – Type of Longboard

Unquestionably, drop-through is one of the most famous types of longboards with endless features. Most importantly, this design is successful in numerous situations. When the baseplate of the trucks is mounted through the deck, we receive the drop-through longboards. Consequently, the overall structure sits lower to the ground and therefore, achieving maximum speed and unlimited stability becomes possible.

Drop-Through Design:

drop through design

These boards are helpful in various situations for the riders, such as long-distance rides, commuting rides, fast riding, and downhill trips. A decent pool of drop-through audiences utilizes them as a means of transportation because the boards grant effortless distant journeys. However, the field of applications doesn’t end here as riders roll these beasts for other purposes such as pumping, carving, etc.

An extensively asked question in boarding commuting is why the drop-through build is famous among beginners and pros? The answer lies in the fact that the longboard can set different speed areas and the absolute safety and comfortability of the rider. As a result, veteran skaters prefer drop-through outdoor boards for versatile situations.


Carving Longboard Styles

Due to our involvement in longboarding communities, we believe that the carving style has grown potentially in recent times. The carving process includes constant back and forth movements creating an S-shaped trajectory throughout the adventure. Carving longboards are built with enhanced precision and accuracy because these two features are required at any cost. Among the best carving cruisers, manufacturers use top mounts to achieve high responsiveness of the trucks. You will perform carving only if you have such builds under your feet.

Deck Shape for Carving:

carving types of longboards

Most riders can find help from carving longboards because they are relatively effortless to ride. The beginners especially require some practice on the down the track carving and become familiar with carving longboards. On the other hand, any successful skater with knowledge and experience will find it easy and fun to ride carving longboards.

The highly detailed design makes carving boards feasible for several situations such as carving, fast and quicker turns, and freerides. In short, carving longboards are successful because of their unique shape, infinite comfortability, and unlimited rider stability. But try to become familiar with the mechanical working of the machine before settings on carving rides. We must say that carving is one of the most technical riding styles to learn.


Cruising | Common Longboarding Style

Cruising is the initial style that every beginner has to go through when they enter the longboarding world. It refers to gentle and relaxed journeys on a longboard. In contrast to other meaningful adventures such as downhill riding, pumping, carving etc., cruising is merely a meaningless ride of roaming from one place to another.

These longboards are slightly different from traditional boards because they need to complete some tours and trips, and that’s it. No one would suggest you move down the hill quickly with cruising boards because this is not their purpose. Do you want a simple and easy riding trip? Cruising longboards are the most obvious choice.

Cruising Type Longboard:

cruising longboards

We will not specify cruising sports boards with beginners or experienced skaters. Whether you are a seasonal skipper, or movie rider, or professional roller, you can ride the board as long as you want. Most importantly, cruising boards have got a complete different shape than downhill, drop-through, and carving longboards.

The most beautiful part of simple cruising is that you don’t get bored with it, and you can roll for hours and hours. If you want effortless pushing at night or want to go with a decent pace on your campus turf, cruising longboards are the genuine choice with multiple other uses.


Bamboo | Longboard Deck Type

Those who wish to have a long-lasting longboards must explore the features of a longboard with Bamboo deck. As the name suggests, Bamboo boards are manufactured with Bamboo as their primary construction material. There is a possibility that Bamboo boards could be constructed with maple wood. But the focus is to provide a highly flexible and stable deck shape.

One might ask what Bamboo longboards achieve? These help with high weight-bearing capability as the deck is stable and flexes to an excellent depth without the chance of breaking into the board. Consequently, Bamboo supports heavy riders with a maximum output of performance.

The question arises whether Bamboo made longboard machines are good enough for newcomers and experienced skaters or not. To begin with, Bamboo provides extreme strength and stability as well as quickness. On the other hand, they are lightweight and easier to carry and even push. With the help of some pushes, you might achieve enough pace.

Critics of skateboards and longboards consider Bamboo longboards as very neutral and balanced devices. You will be able to handle high-end adventures as well as trouble-free push more miniature rides.

Moreover, they are reasonably affordable than the traditional longboards. A beginner should keep an eye on these to fulfil all the requirements. However, pros can find better options, but these boards will be an excellent sidekick in their skating arsenal.


Pintail | Common Longboard Design

Another unique and different design from the longboards to attain various purposes is pintail. The surfing boards inspire their deck design with symmetrical cutouts structure. In this way, the wheels don’t contact the deck. Therefore, there are slim chances of wheel bites. Ultimately, the overall effectiveness and responsiveness of the board are increased as wheels don’t scratch with the board during turns and rotating.

Pintail Deck Shape:

pintail design

Pintail installs decks on top of the trucks, and as a result, they are perfect for cruising and carving rides. We can also say that Pintail longboards are beneficial for any ride that stays under the speed of 25 miles per hour. However, most experienced skaters confirm not using these boards for downhill riding and technical sliding due to their less stable and higher from the ground design pattern.

We believe Pintail survives in fundamental to intermediate level situations and thus, are the optimal pick for new riders, somewhat trained skaters, and semi-professionals. Those new to the skating world will find them stepping stones for their future career while intermediate longboarders can improvise their existing skills. All in all, Pintail longboards are moderate machines that are helpful in versatile situations.


Drop-down longboards resemble and differ from drop-through longboards in different fields. Like drop-through, the former stays lower to the ground because of the design technique and hence, a more important centre of gravity. While inspecting this type of longboard, we tried to use it for long-distance rides, college use, and pumping rides. As a result, it supported us in an impressive way.

You can pace up your journeys and stay stable on the board without inconvenience. In contrast, the drop-down base is curved downwards for maximum stiffness. Consequently, trucks move accurately, wheels don’t cause scratches and kicking sideways becomes easier.

drop deck design

The driving applications of drop-down are complete with the following types of adventures: high-speed rides, downhill, sliding, and advanced freeriding. Moreover, you can cruise past your neighborhood with relaxation and no hesitation. Although the boards are lower to the ground and provide stability, tricking becomes a little trickier due to the curved design. Otherwise, the drop-down succeeds in many other adventure criteria.

At the start, the newbie might get stuck with the longboard, but once he gets familiar with the mechanism of the longboard, it improves after that. Due to utmost stability, this is the best device to start your career. Full-time riders can indeed find better longboards for themselves, but that doesn’t change the fact that drop-downs are still worthy for complex trips and rides, as explained above.


Top-Mount | Professional Longboard

Top-Mount longboards are made especially for those who have been in touch with longboarding for a long time. Understanding the anatomy of top-mount longboards is essential because it helps one analyze the different aspects of rides. Top mounts mean the trucks are installed directly to the bottom of the deck. Ultimately, the rider acquires unparalleled capabilities of effective and aggressive turning.

The only drawback is that such builds stay a bit higher from the ground and therefore have less stability than drop-through. Moreover, it is recommended not to go very fast as speed wobbles can also happen. There are many exciting longboarding styles that you can enjoy with a top-mount longboard.

Top Mount Deck:

The rider height technique of top-mounts makes its longboard a strong contender for versatile rides such as freestyling, downhill riding, cruising, carving, and other fast-paced adventures. You can utilize the board for any purpose where speed matters because the structure supports the criteria. Moreover, the trucks are highly-responsive to comply with the remaining build of the machine.

As the longboard finds its glory in all sorts of rides, we consider it a very genuine pick for almost all level skaters. The starter can cruise, carve, and freeride, while the professional can tricking, bomb hill riding, and freestyling. Even the intermediate level skate-artists can enjoy the board with casual rides. However, we inform beginners that don’t indulge in complex tricks too early because the board offers less stability than traditional ones.


Double-drop | Coolest Longboard Design

Next on our list is Double drop type of longboard which is unfamiliar among the longboarders till now. It refers to the two build designs combined into one. The first component is the “drop deck” of these longboards, which lay lower to the ground granting maximum stability and a lower center of gravity.

The second is the “drop-through” mount that explains that trucks are mounted across the deck. Consequently, double-drop longboards are very safe and multi-purpose mechanical machines that come in handy in various situations.

Double-Drop Design:

double drop deck

We discussed the mechanism of the double-drop technique but let’s justify the fields where the longboards are well-known. Due to the ability to achieve fast speeds and a lower centre of gravity, any rider out there can travel for longer rides, e.g. commuting without hard pushes.

Ultimately, double-drop longboards are energy efficient and feasible for newbies, seasonal riders, and experienced exercise enthusiasts. Moreover, very few longboards offer sliding adventures, but fortunately, the complete unit of double-drop allows the rider to do so.


Dancer | Pro Longboards

Dancing on a longboard has inspired many people towards longboarding. This style requires heavy footwork and coordinated movement of the body. Therefore, dancer longboards have a nose and a tail that make the board airborne with the pushes on the kicktail.

This helps achieve the true meaning of dancing because ollies and manuals don’t feel exhilarating if the board doesn’t fly in the air. Moreover, these longboards are more extended and broader than standard longboards because a dancer requires ample space to stay ideally on the board.

Longboard Deck for Dancing:

dancing deck

We have discussed how dance longboards are perfect for maneuvers and trickeries, but the list doesn’t stop here. Choose an excellent flat track, and you will be able to cruise and carve with dancer longboards as far as possible. Moreover, you can turn at a decent radius with a reasonable speed. However, the manufacturers don’t recommend using the dancer longboards for bomb hill and downhill riding. Girls can find their dancing longboards here ” Best Longboards for Girls “

Though dancer boards are built explicitly for dance-related stuff and tricks, new riders of the skating community can use the board for simple cruising and carving. But they will find it challenging to use the longboard to some extent. Our ideas say that dancer longboards suit the semi-pros and pros, ideal users of these skaters. There are endless possibilities to which experienced comrades can extend their stunts and tricks.


Freeride | Longboard Fishtail

Freeride is a sub-type of downhill longboarding, but it is more skill-oriented than downhill riding itself. Also, you need to know all the technical stuff about longboard parts to correctly display freeriding tricks. If we inspect freeriding for beginners, it is quite interesting and comparatively easy to learn than the other styles.

Freeriding is all about carving and sliding while having complete control over your longboard. The speed will be higher than average because you will be rolling down the slope; hence you ought to learn to control the board before attempting this style of longboarding. 

Deck Shape for Freerides:

freeride types of longboards

The most common technique inside freeriding is sliding. If we dig deep into sliding, there are multiple types of it. One of them is Stand-Up, and the other is a 180-degree slide. Stand-up is the traditional type, and neophytes can learn it by practicing continuously.

You need to push the longboard sideways without sitting or bending yourself in this style. On the other hand, 180-degree slides need a little more expertise because you ought to slide twice when riding at a high pace. You push the board to 90 degrees sideways and then slide again on the opposite side to complete the interval. 

A freeride longboard must contain a sturdy pair of trucks and a durable set of wheels that can withstand freeriding fashion. The deck length depends on the skater’s experience, while bamboo or maple decks can assist riders in showcasing sliding and freeride tricks with ease. 


Commuting Longboards Style

Commuting longboards are confined for long-distance travelling; hence there are multiple things to consider inside a commuter longboard. Firstly, as you intend to cover a significant distance, you require a board that doesn’t tire you and asks for effortless impulses to move.

Some efficient types of longboards collectively make a commuting longboard. Drop-through or drop-deck designs are helpful in terms of reducing the human effort to drive the longboard. Another essential point that we noted while the inspection of this style is that it is safe enough for the novices to try.

Commuter Deck Shape:

commuter longboard design

As described earlier, drop-through and drop-deck designs have decks higher to the ground, reducing central gravity. When there is a lower center of gravity, the longboard starts progressing quickly, and the rider doesn’t have to push by feet a lot. Moreover, a lightweight longboard is what all professional skaters recommend. The less weight makes portability possible and enables driving the board quickly. 


Electric Boards | One of the Best Longboard Types

As the name suggests, the battery-powered longboards consist of a durable battery under the deck, multiple board layers to make it last longer, and a sandy grip-tape to hold your feet well. Moreover, high ABEC ranking wheels for faster rides and sturdy trucks to tolerate bothersome vibrations are also crucial parts of Best Electric Longboards. The purpose of these longboards is to repeal the rider’s effort and let them travel the maximum distance per ride. 

All of these boards come with a hand-held remote to control the rides. Some of them allow you to move in both directions, while others only withstand one-way riding. Most of the highly-accepted motorized longboards provide multiple speed levels, and you can easily adjust them with the given remote. Besides speeding, there are braking options available with the handset. The remote control also notifies you about the remaining percentage of the battery. 

The timing of these boards varies, relying upon the battery attached. The longest time recorded after our years of testing was 3 hours when the board came utterly new. The average battery-timing is around 1hr and 20 minutes. We achieved the highest speed of 25 mph, while the par among multiple motorized longboards is 16-18mph. Also, you can cover around 20 miles easily with any of the top-rated electric longboards. Lastly, keep in mind that these kind of boards have a completely different riding style.


FAQs

What are the types of longboards?

Multiple types of longboards are suitable for various riding styles. Here is the list of the most common types and styles;

  • Downhill Longboards
  • Pintail
  • Freeride
  • Bamboo
  • Fishtail
  • Drop-Through
  • Drop-Deck
  • Top-Mount
  • Carving and Pumping
  • Cruising

What type of longboard is best?

It’s not as easy to tell as it looks. You have to specify your longboarding style first. This helps you in achieving the results you want to. Cruising, carving, sliding, and downhill longboards are among the best types of longboards.

Which kind of longboard is easiest to ride?

It will be great if you start your longboarding journey with a drop-through longboard. You get around a 38-44 inches area to stand easily and balance yourself nicely during rides. Moreover, these kinds of boards have wheels that grasp the ground perfectly even you roll over bumps and rough surfaces.

How important is longboard shape?

The significant difference you will notice among the longboards is concave. The concave defines your style of riding. Therefore, you must choose one according to your preferred riding way.


Conclusion

It is imperative to understand the types of longboards no matter you have just started riding or doing it for a while. This will help you decide which deck shape will suit your style of riding. There are numerous realities in decks, each of them has its specifications and preferences.

Make sure to go through the whole process to differentiate all these types. Most importantly, you will also find some new important points in each of the longboarding style and longboard shape that we observed during the inspection.

]]>
https://boardsontop.com/types-of-longboards/feed/ 1
Longboarding in Snow | Can you Longboard in the Winter? https://boardsontop.com/longboarding-in-snow/ https://boardsontop.com/longboarding-in-snow/#respond Sat, 31 Dec 2022 21:13:00 +0000 https://boardsontop.com/?p=4269 Read more]]> Whenever the snowy season comes, most skaters pack up their skateboards and longboards. They start looking for other extracurricular activities to amuse themselves in their free time. As soon as winter comes, most states have roads and streets full of snow. Hence, professional skaters receive questions about longboarding in the snow from numerous newbies. This article will discuss everything related to the hot question of longboarding in the snow. For other uses of longboards read, What are Longboards used for.

longboarding in snow

The most common alternative to longboarding in the winter season is snowboarding. If you do not have hills near your house or can not afford to go snowboarding. Moreover, if you are not interested in that alternative, we provide you with the simplest solutions to keep yourself safe while longboarding in the snow. It becomes comparatively easier to ride on a longboard during flurries than riding on ice-full roads. 


Riding a longboard on Snowy Road

There are multiple possibilities regarding the condition of the skating track during the winter season. Sometimes, it is snowing out there, but the temperature is not too cold. In this case, the roads will be a little wet, having no ice or snow coverage. This is the most suitable wintertime to ride a longboard in which you only need some hot clothes. It will keep you safe from winter. If you have slopes and steep streets to track on, you should use leather inside your jackets.

The most important thing to take care of during the ride on a snowy road is to use grippy wheels. If the wheels’ grip is good, you will stay safe from slides and injuries. Moreover, grippy wheels will keep other longboard parts safe from scratches.

Use of Waterproof Deck:

Riding a longboard on a watery track means there are 100% chances of water getting into the deck piles. As a result, the deck becomes heavier and non-functional quicker than expected. Make sure the deck you have is coated completely with any waterproof material or is itself a waterproof material like the following highly ranked waterproof grip tapes.

Chinese Waterproof Grip Tape

Grip tape for Longboarding in snow

Lixiaoyuzz Grip Tape

waterproof grip tape for longboarding in snow

If you are not interested in buying a grip tape, you can alternatively use polyurethane to coat the whole deck yourself. Most expert skaters use a separate deck to ride in wet and snowy seasons. You can simply make use of the best skate tool to detach the original deck from the original longboard and attach a rough but fully coated deck to use in snow. Once you finish your riding, you can clean the deck and reuse it again until the next summer comes.

Keeping Bearings Dry:

After the longboard deck, the second part that gets rusted due to wet or snowy skating surfaces is longboard bearings. Bearings are inside the wheels, and it doesn’t take much time for water to get into the bearings and spoil them. The most suitable solution to keep the bearings safe from outside water is to lubricate them with the best oil before going out for a longboard ride.

If you are short of lubricant and looking for another alternative to prevent the bearings from water, you should use duct tape to cover the wheels. After each ride on snowy roads, get the bearings out of the wheels, clean them properly, dry them along with the trucks, and use oil to lubricate the dried bearings and reinstall them. You are ready to go for another adventurous ride.

Snow Salt Rides:

The modern techniques in States these days spray salts on icy roads to melt the snow. If you are an expert skater, you must be familiar with performing nice and clear slides due to the salty roads. If your longboard deck contains a proper coating or waterproof grip tape, the salt of the road doesn’t rust the deck. On the other hand, the salt may affect trucks and baseplates due to their metal behavior.

So when you finish the ride on a snow salt road, make sure you wipe everything off the longboard parts to keep them safe from rusting. You will also need to re-oil the trucks if needed. The ice full of salt will stick to the wheels of your longboard, and you need to wipe it off too after you are done with the slides and longboarding rides.

Riding on Snowy Layer:

If the ice is not there on the road and the road is fully covered with a thin layer of snow, you can go for some daring slides by fitting the wheels according to the contact patch. You will also learn how to handle the longboard when you have some pace on a snowy riding track. Before you try out these daring rides, we recommend you to have grippy wheels like Shark, Orangatang, or any other best longboard wheels.

Choosing a wheel for better sliding is tricky as well. You need to get precisely-sized longboard wheels. It will make sure that the wheels don’t come in contact with your longboard deck. If there is not enough spacing between the wheels and the deck, the wheels will get bites. Do not forget to wear the best longboard helmet while riding or sliding at snowy tracks. Though wheels will give you enough grip, extra precautions during these adventurous rides are always appreciated.


Wrapping Up

It doesn’t matter if it is raining or snowing; longboarding doesn’t have any off-season for skate enthusiasts. Longboarding in snow becomes more adventurous when you know what you will face during the ride. Moreover, you need to have full control over your longboard to enjoy the adventure of riding in the snow completely. With the dare, injuries are inevitable if you become careless. That is why we recommend you to go for a ride after wearing proper knee and elbow pads and a longboarding helmet.

]]>
https://boardsontop.com/longboarding-in-snow/feed/ 0
Top-Rated Best Electric Longboards Under 500 | Best for Beginner and Pro Riders https://boardsontop.com/best-electric-longboards-under-500/ https://boardsontop.com/best-electric-longboards-under-500/#respond Sat, 31 Dec 2022 21:03:00 +0000 https://boardsontop.com/?p=3119 Read more]]> Motorized longboards are favorable for longer rides and commuting as the combination of powered motor and battery has the ability to cover distances. Generally, these boards put a lot of weight on your wallets as they are expensive. But that doesn’t mean best electric longboards under 500 don’t exist. Although the price tag lowers significantly, quality remains highest and meets customers’ expectations.  

We believe electric boards require rigorous testing and analysis before getting into the market. The manufacturers follow all the necessary standards, but we didn’t stop with these. Experienced skaters at BoardsOnTop went through several quality longboards before finalizing the list for best electric longboards under 500. We suggest newbies read the buying guide below to find the best-suited board for them.

5 Top-Rated Electric Longboards Under 500


Hiboy Electric Longboard | Best Overall

best electric longboard under 500

Key Features

  • Black/Red Color
  • Maximum speed of 18.5mph
  • Battery last 13miles
  • 9cm wheel size
  • Maple deck

This battery-powered longboard contains a brushless double hub battery which always performs at its peak. Speed is an important factor while selecting an electric longboard, and Hiboy provides a motor that can let you achieve a pace up to 18mph. The speed is inversely proportional to the weight of the rider. We could easily gain 16mph during testing this great motorized longboard. 

Most people use electric longboards for commuting purposes, and in this case, battery timing is another important factor to consider. Though the seller claims that Hiboy can last up to 13 miles on a single charge, we nearly achieved that mark on our first few test rides. After continuous usage, the timing decreased, and now it runs 10 miles every time we charge it fully.  

Besides powerful battery, speed, and timing, the last thing that matters in an electric longboard is the capability of its wireless remote. This longboard comes with a handheld controller, which allows you to opt for four multiple riding styles. If you want to cruise, the lowest speed mode is better, and to commute long distances, make use of the highest speed mode and its brake mode. 

Advantages

Suitable for multiple riding styles

Four multiple brake modes available

Powerful battery suits commuting

Easy to understand remote 

Disadvantage

Trucks are a little loose

Why Hiboy S22:

Undoubtedly, I decided to buy this electric longboard because it does not cost too much. Moreover, the users of this best electric longboard under 500 looked happy with its performance. During the inspection, I noticed that it could generate maximum speed with its 4 different speed modes. Furthermore, both the longboard and its remote get charged within 2 hours. Most importantly, Hiboy S22 is an excellent choice for long-term use.


Youth Electric Longboard | Best Under 300

Best electric longboard

Specifications

  • Battery 2200Ah Lithium-Ion
  • Polyurethane wheels
  • Maple deck
  • 250W motor
  • 220 pounds load capacity

Multiple layers of Canadian maple are congested together to make this longboard’s weight-bearing deck. The quality maple makes sure that the deck stays waterproof for a longer period. Wheels under this sturdy deck are of great quality and are responsible for ignoring annoying shocks created during rough terrain rides. Their shock-absorbing capability comes from sturdy urethane material used in their build. 

The controller that comes with this amazing motorized longboard is wireless, supplying an interface for you to speed up or break down easily. There are three different modes for pace, i.e., high, medium, and low. Moreover, you can easily connect the remote and the longboard. After weeks of testing the Youth battery-powered longboard, we can comfortably recommend this longboard for any age more than 10. 

About battery performance, the longboard could keep going for about 6 miles every time we charged it to full. And during the testing, the highest speed we gained was 11mph. Compared to other competitive electric longboards, the pace and battery timing of this longboard is a little less, but the board is budget-friendly as well. 

Pros

Durable wheels, deck, and power motor

Easy to understand remote settings

Budget-friendly product

3 multiple speed levels available

Cons

Gets bumps on rough skating surfaces

Users’ Review:

It is one of the best electric longboards under 500 with all the required features. The speed, dimensions of the deck, strong wheels to grab the surface, and responsive trucks are its most exciting features. We interviewed many users of the Youth Electric longboard, and they claimed it is a long-lasting longboard because of the 7 layers of maple on the deck.


Backfire G2 Remote Control Longboard

Backfire G2 Remote control board

Specifications

  • 38 inches deck length
  • 96mm fast-rolling wheels
  • 83a durometer hardness
  • Weighs only 17 pounds
  • Load capacity 240lbs

Its quality remote control is this longboard’s most attractive and worth spending feature. A very few electric longboard remotes come with an LED or LCD and Backfire is one of them. The LCD displays all the necessary information you need at a single sight. It shows the current pace, how long the battery will last, and the distance between the remote and the longboard itself. 

The controller assists you with three different modes named reverse gear, eco, and sport modes. As the name suggests, reverse gear introduces backward movement, which is rarely found in motorized longboards. Learn, How to Carry a Longboard.

Eco mode is specifically brought in for newbies to start cruising with ease and comfort. In this mode, novices can catch up to speed up to 12mph. Finally, the sports mode forces the longboard to move at its highest speed. The highest rate we achieved during testing went past 21mph comfortably. 

No other electric longboard under 500 has the qualities like Backfire. The seller welcomes you with a six months maintenance facility with some exemptions. The broader wheels and durable battery confirm smooth and steady rides even when you need to cross crowded streets. Trucks help in slight turning while moving at any pace less than eight mph. The battery lasts as long as 12 miles. 

Pros

Suitable for both beginners and experts

Impressive remote with classy attributes

Three-speed modes

The highest speed is above 20mph

Cons

Battery mileage decreases if it gets overcharged

Costs more than the other electric longboards on the list

Testing Results:

I bought this new addition for the testing purpose a few months ago. After riding it multiple times, I must say it is one of the best electric longboards for beginners. I could control the ride’s speed nicely and balance the ride at a higher speed. A little disadvantage is its price tag as it costs more than Youth Electric longboard and Hiboy S22.


Atom All-Terrain | Fastest Electric Longboard

Atom All-Terrain E-Board

Specifications

  • Wood material deck
  • 1000W brushless motor
  • 10cm wheels
  • Item weighs 14 pounds
  • FOC sine-wave speed & break controller

B10X achieves new heights of longboarding adventures with the help of its powerful brushless motor operating around 1KW. The motor’s real strength is displayed when the skater moves towards the hill at a reasonable speed. All these motor abilities succeed thanks to long-lasting and safe lithium batteries. Consequently, you can take the longboard for various types of rides such as downhill, cruising, carving, free-riding, and commuting.
 
Atom Electric follows all the standard design patterns of longboards but wouldn’t find so many accomplishments without fast, responsive control software. All required functionalities, such as acceleration, braking, etc., feel spontaneous because of foc-sin applications. The delay between the input from the app and output on the board feels immediate and timely. This pause strengthens the overall charisma of Atom among its regular users.
 
Generally, the electric longboards feel accurate for even tracks and straight roads, but Atom B10X allows its users to explore different surfaces. The wheels are robust and roll in any pathway, be they rocky pavements or campus roadway.

It is a universal fact that Atom e-boards can pace up to around 15mph and, therefore, install a highly-responsive brakes system. Overall, the rider’s safety stays at maximum without lowering the quality of adventures.

Pros

Regenerative brake system

Peak speed of 15mph

Rechargeable and reliable batteries

Best value for money

All-terrain roller

Cons

Low maximum speed 

Battery timings complaints

Why Atom All-Terrain:

Atom All-Terrain Electric Longboard can be your great companion for college use and transportation. A few members in our community have been using this motorized longboard campus use and long-distance riding. Also, they mentioned that its battery timing is less than the other top-rated electric longboards on the list.


Blitzart Electric Longboard | Top-Rated

Top rated Electric longboard

Specifications

  • 7×38 inches dimensions
  • Item weight 8.35kg
  • Maximum speed: 19mph
  • The distance range of 6-10km

This best electric longboard under 500 offers extreme quality grip tape to keep the rider’s feet stuck to the longboard even at higher speeds. The maple wood of the deck is sandwiched between two layers of bamboo, which supplies the necessary flexibility and strength of the board.

Moreover, the deck’s cutout and hollow design promise safer and quiet rides for novice and expert riders. Even for the riders weighing around a quarter of a Kip, Blitzart moves with unmatched power and accuracy.
 
The brand follows a hub motor pattern for powering up the skater as these motors are softer and quieter in addition to high-power operation. You can easily ride for almost six to ten kilometers with a fully charged Hurricane electric longboard. It is fairly easy to achieve a peak speed of 19 miles per hour without stuttering and glitches. However, the charging of the battery cells takes around three hours to charge fully.
 
 
This e-longboard has the latest edition portable remote control device easily held in hand. The basic figures monitored by the remote are speeding up the longboard and applying brakes. There are two different riding modes named basic and advanced for newbies and experienced riders. Furthermore, the controller assists in getting on and off the board with a simple switch. Lastly, the Hurricane comes completely assembled, and you need to get it out of the box for a ride.

Advantages

It holds 250 pounds

Flexible and Strong deck

Free of Wheel-bites

A fully functional remote control device

Pre-assembled

Disadvantage

Requires more power for uphill riding

Performance Update:

Blitzart 38 inches electric longboard has been used in our longboarding community for a long time. The regular users of this product have different opinions and ratings about the performance of Blitzart. Some complained about the responsiveness of the board with the remote. On the other hand, its fully charged battery lets you ride this E-longboard for more than 3 hours. Also, the battery gets fully charged within 2 hours.


Buying Guide

We have reviewed e-longboards before with an extensive buying guide. It remains the same but you need to make sure if its suits your budget or not. Click to move to the guide of best electric longboards.


FAQs

What is the best electric longboard?

The best e-longboard is the one that provides a powerful motor to spin wheels fast, a long-lasting battery, a sturdy deck, and multifunctional remote control. Beware of cheap electric longboards as they don’t meet riders’ expectations. 

What is the best electric longboard brand?

There are several e-longboard producing brands, and the competition is tough. Backfire, Blitzart, and Atom are the leading brands that produce perfect electric longboards that meet users’ requirements.

How much is a good electric longboard?

There are some best electric longboards available with prices exceeding $600. But, some of the low-priced e-longboards prove their worth, having a price range between $300 – $500. 


Final Words

A few critical factors you need to look for in an electric longboard. Firstly, a good motorized longboard provides dual or a single powerful motor. Then comes the battery life of the longboard. Top-rated electric longboards provide a mileage of 10-15 miles, and their battery gets fully charged within 2-3 hours. Finally, the remote control should be responsive and have user-friendly features. All these factors with a reasonable price will make the best electric longboard under 500.

]]>
https://boardsontop.com/best-electric-longboards-under-500/feed/ 0