Longboarding is an interesting activity. People who live in the city tend to enjoy it a lot because of the roads and the overall infrastructure in the city. However, it can be difficult to choose a longboard that is right for you. Not every longboard will fit your techniques or the roads that you have been longboarding on. The distance you longboard also plays into the situation. Some people even purchase an electric longboard. If you want tips for buying a longboard which is perfect for you, you should read further.
Must Tips When Buying a Longboard:
If you want tips for buying a longboard which is perfect for you, you should read further.
Deck Length and Wheel Base
This is an important aspect of longboard which needs quite a bit of focus. The length of the deck and base of the wheels will determine the balance that you will be able to maintain while longboarding. If you are an amateur, it’s much more convenient if you choose a wider base. It won’t be as easy to direct, but it’ll be easier for you to balance yourself. Also, when the size of the board is relatively large, they have a higher turning radius. The wobbling will be limited, it is good board to practice on.
Type of Mount
Another aspect that you will have to pay attention to is the type of mount that the board is making use of. There are two distinct types of mounts. You should pick one depending upon your skill level and the experience that you have with longboarding. The top mount happens to have more wheel leverage. This means that it’ll be relatively easier for the boarder to make turns. However, the mounts that are drop-through are a lot more stable and perfect for people who are at an amateur level. This is one of the most important tips for buying a longboard.
Deck Profile
The profile and flexibility of the deck of the longboard will have a considerable effect on your longboarding. Decks that happen to be more flexible are more likely to create the desired curves and movements that are required by an experienced longboarder. However, these longboards aren’t ideal for people who want speed and stealth in their movements. An aspect of flex that has two divisions is the camber and the downward. These refer to the curves of the longboard. If your curve is towards the bottom then your flex will be different as compared to camber.
Wheel Diameter
This should be fairly obvious, but the diameter of the wheel does make some changes on the way that you ride and your balance. Apart from that the wheel size will also affect your speed and such. for starters, if your wheels are bigger in diameter, they are likely to go much faster, however, the bigger the wheel, the better the clearance of the deck should be. If the lips of the wheel are squared, they will have a better grip on the ground, while rounder lips will go much faster on the ground.
Bushings
The bushings of a longboard play an integral part in the way that the longboard will be turning. The hardness of the board should be chosen depending on the person’s weight and size. The bushings will affect the suspension as well and your board should be picked accordingly. There are two types of bushings which you have to pay attention to. A harder deck will be helpful; for tricks and such and it will also be able to sustain a larger person’s weight. If you pick a softer alternative, you’ll have more stealth and you will also be able to carve in a better way. It happens to be one of the best tips for buying a longboard. If your curve is towards the bottom then your flex will be different as compared to camber.
Style of Truck
The style of the truck is also determined by the way that you longboard. Not everyone, is able to ride on both, it is either one or the other. The two main distinctions between the trucks are, traditional kingpin and reverse kingpin. Traditional kingpin is good for racing downhill. They can also be used for freestyle tricks and such. The reverse kingpin is better for almost all riding styles. The truck is higher up which can be good for more control and better posture for your back. Both can be chosen depending on the way you ride.
Deck Concave and Kicks
This is also a type in longboards. When the deck of longboard is shaped concave from the sides, it allows for the rider to stick their feet in one position. This provides them with better balance and more control of the longboard. It also allows the rider to kick the ground with more balance. The concave shape is perfect for people who are just starting off. If you want there to be room for you to improve your skills without getting hurt, choose concave. This is one of the best tips for buying a longboard.
Bearings
The bearings are situated in the wheel, they make sure that your wheels run smoothly and without hindrance. If your wheels are rusty, they will be prone to more friction than what is normal for wheels. This can cause you to get hurt. The best type of bearing is ceramic, they run the most smoothly and do not get friction-prone too often. Apart from that, even if you choose regular bearings and clean them along with lubing them up every now and then, they should be fine, granted you maintain them to the best of your abilities.
Conclusion
These are some tips for buying a longboard that you can follow if you haven’t purchased a board before. Most of the tips pertain to the kind of skill level you are at and the kind of shape that you feel completely comfortable with. If you have been boarding for a while, these tips might help with you improving your skill level, by changing the shape of the board and challenging yourself. Remember to take precautions and reduce hurting yourself by choosing the right board.