Longboards VS Skateboards | A complete Comparison for 2023
Longboard vs skateboard? if you are curious to know which one is best, we will give you enough information to find out the best one. Untrained eyes may mistake skateboarding and longboarding for one another, but closer inspection reveals they are essentially very different sports.
These two types of sidewalk surfing are distinctly different from one another. The questions of which is superior, what is the main difference between longboard and skateboard, and which is more enjoyable are being discussed. Be aware that you need a special type of helmet whether you are riding.
If you’re at a loss and undecided about which path to take, you need to be aware of the critical distinctions and advantages of each. Now, Let’s take a look at Longboards vs Skateboards.
Longboard
Longboards are a specific type of Skateboard that are longer than regular skateboards. It is constructed from birch wood, bamboo, maple, oak, or koa.
The longboard is fantastic for longboarding, riding downhill, or cruising down the beach. It is also significant, ranging in longboard length from 84 to 150cm or 33 to 59 inches. It measures 9 to 10 inches in breadth.
Longboards come in a variety of forms. They include pintails, drop-through decks, swallowtails, and flat-nose riders. Also, they have decks that resemble those of classic skateboards.
Styles of longboards are:
- Dancing
- Cruising
- Carving
- Downhill
- Freeriding
- Slalom
Pros
If you are looking for what are longboards? , then Longboards are excellent for cruising with little exertion. On a longboard, balance is simple, and little objects like rocks won’t disturb you. As a result, longboarding is a fantastic choice for novices.
Compared to skateboards, longboards are more durable. The wheels are the only thing you need to change, and depending on where, how, and what you ride, even they can last a very long period.
Cons
At least when you want a soundboard with good parts, longboards are pricey. Longboards can be difficult to transport because they are heavy and inconvenient.
While a longboard may perform many feats, it is somewhat restricted compared to a standard skateboard.
Skateboard
A popsicle skateboard’s shape is characterized by its upward curving nose, tails, and inward curving deck surface. A skateboard is designed for tricks, and the form makes that possible.
The deck trucks and wheels are far more maneuverable than longboards and are built to withstand accidents. It isn’t easy to compare to longboarding because it’s an entirely separate sport.
Styles of skateboarding are:
- Bowl
- Vert
- Mini ramp
- Technical street skating
Pros
Skateboards are simple to transport, may be fastened to a backpack, and are even accepted as carry-on luggage by some airlines. Making new friends while landing tricks may be pretty gratifying.
It will alter how you view the world because they are incredibly elegant, built for impacts, and (stairs, rails, curbs). Longboards are more expensive; skateboards are more widely used (though longboarding is the faster-growing sport).
There are many skating parks and facilities, and after years of declining popularity, skateboarding is once again becoming more and more popular.
Cons
Skateboarding calls for a lot of commitment and dedication. You run the risk of hurting yourself if you skip the fundamentals. Skateboarding may seem less expensive initially, but as you ride more frequently and master more intricate tricks, the cost can increase depending on where you skate.
You may need to update your shoes, decks, and wheels frequently. Regarding equipment wear and tear and physical exertion, transition skateboarding is typically less demanding.
Longer rides on skateboards are challenging. The hard wheels can be unpleasant on bumpy roads, and maintaining speed requires a lot of effort. It is nearly impossible to carve.
Characteristics of Longboard vs Skateboard:
Although some skateboarders are sensitive about the topic, I believe it is reasonable to declare that longboards are a unique kind of Skateboard. But, for this discussion, I’ll refer to “Skateboard” to describe the traditional, 32-inch popsicle-shaped boards that children frequently use to skate in skateparks or jump off curbs.
The main difference between skateboards and longboards is that, Skateboards are typically smaller than longboards. Longboards come in a wide range of lengths, but even a short one will often be wider, have larger trucks, and have larger, softer wheels than a skateboard.
Nonetheless, exceptions exist, such as “hybrid” and “smaller cruiser” longboards. Longboard can be anything from 24 to 48 inches long, but most skateboard decks are a little over 30 inches long.
Difference between Longboard and Skateboard
The main difference between a longboard and a skateboard are given below in detail:
Wheel Difference
Beyond only size, hardness, and color, Skateboard and longboard wheels have numerous other characteristics. I’ll keep it simple and brief, focusing on the most significant changes.
More small and more demanding wheels are necessary for skateboards. Stunts can be landed more easily on harder and softer wheels because they don’t bounce as much.
The longboard wheels range from 2.6 inches to 4.2 inches, or 65 to 107 millimeters. Urethane is used in their construction.
Skateboard wheels range in diameter from 48 millimeters to 85 millimeters to 1.89 inches to 3.35 inches. They are made of durable plastic polyurethane.
There are countless options, but depending on your style, you generally require wheels that range in diameter from 52 to 58mm. While transition skaters benefit from larger wheels, street skaters need smaller wheels.
The hardness need to range from 85A to 84B. Long-distance riding on hard wheels is uncomfortable, but it differs from their intended use.
The Difference in Deck Shapes
Compared to skateboards, longboards are longer and broader. The stability of the decks increases with their width. At both of the Skateboard’s tails, some curves protrude upward.
The longboard comes in the many shapes indicated above. The longboard’s tail ends are relatively narrow, making them ideal for cruising.
Unlike small skateboards, you can balance more efficiently on a longboard because of its size. Also, the longboard is perfect for you if you have large feet.
| Fishtail | A shape with a split tail that is wider in the middle. Excellent for carving and the traditional surf technique. |
| Pintail | These longboards have a pointed nose and tails are wider in the middle. Pintails can only move in one direction because they are directional boards. |
| Blunt | These boards are excellent for longboarding beginners and have a wider, more rounded nose and tail. While being incredibly solid, these boards are not the best for carving. |
| Twin Cut-out | Excellent for freeride and has a two-way capability. Excellent stability and is suitable for beginners. |
| Cruise | Smaller boards called cruisers are darty, rapid, and sometimes less smooth for a complete beginner. Can do feats because of the higher tail and nose and steeper concave. |
| Cut-out | Bi directional boards and improved stability at high speeds are eliminated. Excellent for downhill, freeride, and freestyle. |
| Dropdown | Compared to the nose and tail, these boards have a lower deck. They provide better stability, making them excellent for novices. |
| Speed | They come in a variety of sizes and forms, but at faster speeds, they offer the best stability. |
Trucks
Longboards vs Skateboards trucks share the same components. They include the kingpin, axle, baseplate, hanger, and bushings.
The longboard’s kingpin, however, is now positioned at a border angle, between 38 and 50 degrees from the board. This increases the degree to which the deck turns. Moreover, some longboard kingpins face outward, the opposite of how a skateboard kingpin faces inward.
Longboards also accommodate wider trucks, with a typical range of 150 to 180 millimeters. A longboard has large, soft wheels for faster, smoother riding. Skateboards feature smaller, tougher wheels to make it simpler to shred rails, ledges, and gaps. Softer wheels provide a smoother and more coordinated ride if you intend to cruise along on your board.
In comparison to the skateboard truck, the longboard truck is more flexible due to this greater degree of turn. This makes riding the longboard on roadways more comfortable and smooth.
The style of trucks is available in a variety given below:
- Drop thru trucks
- Top Mount Trucks
- Dropped deck trucks
- Drop mount trucks
- Flush Mount trucks
Bearings
The good news is that skateboard bearings can be fitted into longboards and vice versa. Between, say, Zealous and Bones, there are a few distinctions. Downhill riders should look at bearings that can handle the heat from friction better. The typical thing to search for is ceramics, although they are expensive.
Reds’ standard bearings for bones, Zealous bearings take a little longer to pick up speed than skateboard bearings like Bones Reds do. Although Bones will cause your board to slow down more quickly, zealous bearings will continue to move.
Rapidity and Tricks
Ask yourself why you’re riding if you still have trouble picking which board to choose. Skateboards are perfect for riders who:
- Desire to gain new skills
- Rough rails
- Skateboard mini ramps
- Master Kickflips
- Conquer ollies
Riders with longboards usually enjoy:
- Using their board to go around town
- Traveling to the beach on a board
- Bombing hills
If you want to cruise or race pals, pick up a longboard and get skating. Go with a skateboard to experience some of the most renowned skate playgrounds.
Similarities of Longboarding vs Skateboarding
Both offer loads of creative fun and have their subcultures. Longboards vs Skateboards come from all walks of life and share a passion. Even though it’s a rather solitary sport, most people enjoy exchanging advice and encouraging one another to become better riders, so it’s a great way to meet new people.
Both boards have trucks, wheels, decks, bearings, and a few other interchangeable parts as far as the panels are concerned.
You commonly discover that skateboarders and longboarders share a passion for board sports such as snowboarding, surfing, or wakeboarding. Skaters often are imaginative individuals who are not particularly interested in mainstream sports.
Longboard vs Skateboard for Beginners
So, longboards or skateboards, which style is actually better for beginners? Longboards are generally regarded as the superior choice for beginners because of their increased stability and ease of use.
While traditional skateboards may be more suited for learning tricks, they can be more challenging for beginners to learn beginning skateboarding. Due to their smaller size and stiffer wheels, they have significant disadvantages for casual riding.
Longboards are typically more forgiving and simple to ride than other types of boards, which can help beginners feel more at ease and confident when using them.
Conclusion
Longboarding or skateboarding is a fun and thrilling sport to participate in. Whatever board you select, you will undoubtedly enjoy yourself.
Conversely, you can select whichever is better for you to use. You can decide which board is best for you using the information in this article about skateboards vs. longboards. Additionally, if you like, you can gather them both and put them to use for your preferred ends.
Hope this article helps you in getting enough information about Longboards vs Skateboards.
FAQ
Is longboarding easier than skateboarding?
Skateboards are easier to learn tricks on, but longboards are simpler to learn the fundamentals on. Longboards are more stable because they have larger wheels and boards. This demands less balance for the rider, making them excellent for beginners.
What is the main difference between skateboarding and longboarding?
Conventional skateboards are perfect for leaps and flips because of their light weight and ability to make tight turns and ramps. The same characteristics, however, make them less stable and uncomfortable. Nevertheless, longboards are constructed with transportation in mind, and riders may cruise comfortably for kilometers on any smooth surface.
Should a beginner start skateboarding or longboarding?
Start with a longboard if you want to learn and perfect new tricks but have never skateboarded before. They are more significant and more stable, making them simpler to balance. Once you feel more confident on a longboard, transfer to a skateboard, and teach yourself how to balance better on a smaller board.
Who Is Roy Harris
Hey there, I’m Roy Harris, and skateboarding is my life.
Growing up in sunny Southern California, I fell head over heels for skateboarding at an early age. From the moment I stepped on a skateboard, I knew it was my calling.
