Absolute Best Long Skateboards: Find Your Perfect Ride!

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Looking for the best long skateboards can feel like navigating a sea of options. From pintails to drop-throughs, the choices are endless, and understanding the nuances of each type is crucial for finding the perfect ride. Whether you're a beginner seeking a stable platform for cruising or an experienced rider craving a responsive board for carving, this guide will help you cut through the noise and pinpoint the ideal long skateboard for your needs. We'll explore essential features, spotlight top brands and models, discuss different riding styles, and provide practical tips for maintaining your board, so you can enjoy countless hours of smooth rolling fun.

1. Finding the Best Long Skateboards: Key Features to Consider

Deck Material: The Foundation of Your Ride

The deck is the heart and soul of any long skateboard, and the material it's made from significantly impacts its flex, durability, and overall feel. Most decks are constructed from multiple layers of hardwood, typically maple. The number of plies (layers) and the quality of the wood influence the deck's stiffness and responsiveness. Some decks incorporate bamboo or fiberglass for added flexibility and vibration dampening.

Consider your weight and riding style when choosing a deck material. Heavier riders or those who prefer a stiffer, more stable ride might opt for a deck with more plies or reinforced with fiberglass. Lighter riders or those seeking a more flexible board for carving and cruising may prefer a bamboo or maple deck with fewer plies.

Trucks: Steering and Stability

Trucks are the metal axles that attach the wheels to the deck. They play a vital role in steering and stability. The angle of the truck kingpin (the bolt that holds the truck together) affects the board's turning radius. Higher kingpin angles result in sharper turns, while lower angles provide more stability at higher speeds.

Truck width is another important factor. Wider trucks offer greater stability, while narrower trucks are more maneuverable. The best truck width depends on the width of your deck and your personal preferences. It's generally recommended to choose trucks that are slightly narrower than the deck to prevent wheel bite (when the wheels rub against the deck during turns).

Wheels: Grip, Speed, and Comfort

Longboard wheels come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and durometers (hardness). Larger wheels generally roll faster and smoother over rough surfaces, while smaller wheels offer quicker acceleration and better maneuverability. The durometer rating indicates the wheel's hardness – softer wheels (lower durometer) provide more grip and a smoother ride, while harder wheels (higher durometer) are faster and more durable.

For cruising and carving, softer wheels with a durometer of 78A-85A are a good choice. For downhill riding, harder wheels with a durometer of 86A or higher provide greater control and stability at high speeds. Wheel shape also affects performance – rounded-edge wheels offer smoother slides, while square-edge wheels provide more grip.

It's also important to consider the core of the wheel. A solid core provides more support and reduces deformation at high speeds, while a hollow core offers a lighter weight and more cushioning.

2. Top Long Skateboard Brands and Models: A Detailed Review

Loaded Boards: Performance and Innovation

Loaded Boards has carved a niche for itself by focusing on high-performance, eco-friendly longboards. Their decks are known for their lively flex, which is achieved through a combination of bamboo and fiberglass construction. The result is a board that's both responsive and comfortable, making it ideal for carving, cruising, and even some freestyle tricks. Loaded's commitment to sustainability is also noteworthy, as they use eco-friendly materials and production processes whenever possible. If you're looking for a board that's both fun to ride and environmentally conscious, Loaded is a great option.

One of their most popular models is the Dervish Sama, a versatile board that's perfect for carving and cruising. The Dervish Sama features a drop-through design, which lowers the center of gravity and makes it easier to push and maintain balance. The board's flex allows for deep carves and smooth transitions, while the symmetrical shape makes it easy to ride switch. Another standout model is the Tan Tien, a more compact board that's ideal for freestyle and urban riding. The Tan Tien features a kicktail and nose, allowing for ollies, manuals, and other tricks. It's also relatively lightweight and easy to carry around, making it a great choice for commuters.

Sector 9: Classic Designs and Versatile Performance

Sector 9 has been a staple in the longboarding community for decades, and for good reason. They offer a wide range of boards to suit different riding styles and skill levels. From classic pintails to drop-through cruisers, Sector 9 has something for everyone. Their decks are typically made from maple or bamboo, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Sector 9 is known for its durable construction and affordable prices, making it a great choice for beginners and experienced riders alike.

The Sector 9 Lookout is a popular choice for cruising and carving. It features a classic pintail shape and a mellow concave, providing a comfortable and stable ride. The Lookout is also relatively lightweight and easy to carry around, making it a great choice for commuting or exploring new areas. Another popular model is the Sector 9 Fault Line, a drop-through cruiser that's designed for speed and stability. The Fault Line features a low center of gravity and a stiff deck, providing a confident ride at high speeds. It's also equipped with high-quality trucks and wheels, ensuring smooth and predictable performance.

3. Long Skateboard Styles: Choosing the Right Board for Your Riding Style

The world of long skateboards isn't just about different brands; it's about different styles, each customized to a specific kind of riding. Think of it like cars: you wouldn't take a sports car off-roading, and you wouldn't try to haul lumber with a convertible. The same principle applies to longboards. Understanding the different styles will help you pick the board that best matches what you want to do.

Cruisers are your everyday go-to boards. They're designed for comfortable rides around town, campus, or boardwalk. They prioritize stability and ease of use, making them great for beginners or anyone who wants a relaxed ride. Carvers, on the other hand, are built for making smooth, surf-like turns. They have more responsive trucks and flexible decks, allowing you to lean into turns and generate speed. Downhill boards are all about speed and stability. They're designed to handle high speeds with confidence, featuring stiff decks, low centers of gravity, and specialized trucks.

Freeride boards are versatile boards that can handle a variety of riding styles, including sliding, carving, and some downhill. They typically have symmetrical shapes and mellow concaves, making them easy to control and slide. Freestyle boards are designed for tricks and creative riding. They often have kicktails and noses, allowing you to perform ollies, manuals, and other tricks. They're also typically shorter and lighter than other types of longboards, making them easier to maneuver.

4. Maintaining Your Long Skateboard: Tips for Longevity and Performance

Regular Cleaning: Keeping Your Board Fresh

Just like any other piece of equipment, your long skateboard needs regular cleaning to perform its best and last longer. Dirt, grime, and debris can accumulate on the deck, wheels, and bearings, affecting your board's speed, grip, and overall feel. A simple cleaning routine can make a big difference. Start by wiping down the deck with a damp cloth to remove any surface dirt. For stubborn stains, you can use a mild soap solution. Be sure to dry the deck thoroughly after cleaning to prevent warping or damage.

Pay special attention to your wheels and bearings. Over time, they can become clogged with dirt and debris, slowing you down and making your ride less smooth. To clean your wheels, remove them from the trucks and wipe them down with a clean cloth. For the bearings, you'll need to remove them from the wheels and clean them with a solvent or bearing cleaner. After cleaning, lubricate the bearings with a few drops of bearing oil or lubricant to keep them running smoothly. Reassemble the wheels and bearings, and you'll notice a significant improvement in your board's performance.

Hardware Checks: Ensuring Safety and Stability

Regularly inspecting and tightening the hardware on your long skateboard is crucial for safety and stability. Loose trucks or wheels can lead to wobbles, instability, and even accidents. Before each ride, take a few minutes to check the tightness of the truck mounting bolts, axle nuts, and kingpin nut. Use a skate tool or wrench to tighten any loose hardware. Be careful not to overtighten the nuts, as this can damage the threads or the components themselves.

In addition to checking the hardware, inspect your deck for any signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, or delamination. These issues can compromise the structural integrity of the deck and make it unsafe to ride. If you notice any significant damage, it's best to replace the deck before riding again. Also, check your wheels for wear and tear. If they're worn down unevenly or have large chunks missing, it's time to replace them. By performing these simple hardware checks regularly, you can ensure that your long skateboard is safe, stable, and ready for your next experience.

Final Thoughts on Selecting Your Long Skateboard

Ultimately, the best long skateboard is the one that best suits your individual riding style, preferences, and budget. By considering the factors we've discussed – deck material, truck type, wheel size and durometer, and overall board design – you can confidently choose a longboard that will provide years of enjoyment. Don't be afraid to experiment with different setups and find what feels right for you. With the right board and a little practice, you'll be carving up the streets and enjoying the unique thrill that longboarding offers. So, get out there, explore, and learn the freedom of the ride!