Last updated on April 17th, 2023 at 10:45 am
Popular board sports like longboarding and skating both involve riding on a board with wheels. Longboarding and skateboarding are both referred to as “boarding.” There are a number of key distinctions to be made between the two, despite the fact that they could at first glance appear to be the same.
In this post, we’re going to take a deeper look at the fundamental differences between longboards and skateboards, and we’ll help you determine which one is ideal for you by comparing and contrasting the two.
Longboard vs Skateboard: Deck Size
One of the most important ways to tell a skateboard from a longboard is by the length of the board, or deck. Skateboards are usually shorter and have decks that are narrower, with lengths between 28 and 33 inches. Longboards, on the other hand, usually have decks that are wider and longer, with lengths between 36 and 60 inches. The difference in size has an effect on how the board feels as well as how well it performs.
Because longboards have wider decks, they are often more stable and make it easier to keep your balance while riding.
They are great for cruising, commuting, and riding for long periods of time because of this. Skateboards, on the other hand, are better suited for tricks and intricate moves because of their smaller size, which makes them more agile and sensitive.
Longboard vs Skateboard: Riding Style
When choosing between a longboard and a skateboard, the type of riding you want to do with the board is another important thing to think about. Longboards were made to be a way to get around and have fun at the same time.
This makes them a great choice for traveling long distances or commuting. They are also excellent for carving, freeriding, and mountain biking on downhill terrain.
On the other hand, skateboards are made for more advanced riding styles like street skating, vert skating, and freestyle skating. People often do flips and tricks on skateboards, such as ollies, kickflips, and heelflips, among others.
Longboard vs skateboard: Wheels
The fact that longboards have wheels is another big difference between them and skateboards. Skateboard wheels are often smaller and harder, whereas longboard wheels are typically bigger and softer. Because of this, they are able to roll over cracks and bumps with more ease, resulting in a smoother ride overall.
As a result of the increased grip and traction that longboard wheels offer, riding a longboard is well-suited for both cruising and carving.
Conversely, the wheels used for skateboards are far more compact and durable than those used for longboards. They become more responsive as a result, which gives them the opportunity for improved control when doing stunts. Skateboard wheels feature a smaller contact patch than wheels used for other types of boards, which makes sliding and turning much simpler.
Longboard vs skateboard: Trucks
Trucks are the metal components that join the wheels to the board, and there can be many trucks on a single board. Skateboard trucks are often narrower and less sturdy than the trucks used for longboards, which are typically larger. This gives you more control and stability when cruising and carving than you would be able to get any other way.
On the other hand, skateboard trucks are more responsive and have a thinner shape than longboard trucks. When it comes to doing feats and moves, this grants the ability to have greater agility and control.
Longboard vs skateboard: Price
Price is another important thing to think about when choosing between a longboard and a skateboard. Longboards are usually more expensive than their shorter counterparts, skateboards because they are longer and made of better materials. The price of a high-quality longboard may range anywhere from $100 to $500 or even more, whereas the price of a high-quality skateboard can range anywhere from $50 to $200 or even more.
Which of These Is Most Appropriate for You?
Which of these two boards—a skateboard or a longboard—do you think would be more suitable for you? In the end, the correct response is going to depend on your own tastes as well as the way you ride. It’s probable that a longboard would be a better option for you if you’re searching for a board that can be used for both cruising and transporting. Skateboards are the best option to consider if you want to learn new moves and tricks, especially if you want to perform such moves in public.
There is certainly nothing prohibiting you from purchasing both a longboard and a skateboard if that’s something you’re interested in doing. As a result of the fact that each form of the board offers a one-of-a-kind advantage and riding experience, a lot of riders find that it’s beneficial to have both kinds of boards in their collections.
Before making a purchase, you should give some thought to the way you ride and the characteristics you’re looking for in a board because each variety of board serves a distinct function in its construction. There is a skateboard out there that is ideal for you if your goals include carving down hills, performing tricks and flips, commuting to work or school or any combination of these three activities.
When choosing between a longboard and a skateboard, it is important to think about the overall quality of the parts. Cheap, low-quality boards may be appealing because of how cheap they are, but they often have bad trucks, wheels, and decks that can make riding them dangerous and uncomfortable. The lower price of these boards may be enticing.
Buying a snowboard with better quality than average may cost more money upfront, but in the long run, it will be more fun to ride and will keep its value for longer. Also, it’s important to choose a board made by a well-known company that uses high-quality parts and has a track record of making reliable, long-lasting boards.
In terms of brands, some of the greatest longboard brands on the market are Loaded, Sector 9, and Landyachtz, while some of the top skateboard brands include Powell-Peralta, Element, and Santa Cruz. Loaded, Sector 9, and Landyachtz are also among the best skateboard brands.
Because of their greater length and higher-quality construction, longboards often have a higher price tag than skateboards do. This is due to the fact that longboards are significantly larger than skateboards. However, there are inexpensive solutions available for both longboards and skateboards, and it is feasible to locate a high-quality board that fits within your budget. This is true for both longboards and skateboards.
The choice between a longboard and a skateboard comes down, in the end, to the rider’s individual inclination and the manner in which they ride. There is a skateboard out there that is ideal for you, no matter what your goals are—whether you want to cruise about town or execute precise feats. Therefore, I encourage you to go ahead and test out both kinds of boards so that you can figure out which one appeals to you the most. You’ll be able to shred the streets in no time at all if you have the correct board and put in a little bit of effort to practice.
Conclusion
The choice between a longboard and a skateboard comes down, in the end, to a matter of personal preference and the activities that are meant to be performed on the board. Both of these boards have their own distinct qualities, making them well-suited for a variety of riding styles as well as different kinds of uses.
Skateboards are fantastic for performing technical tricks and for riding on the street, but longboards are more suited for cruising, carving, and downhill riding. When deciding between the two, you should think about how you usually ride and any personal preferences you may have.
When selecting a board, it is also essential to make an investment in one of superior quality that comes from a well-known brand and features components of high quality. Even though this may have a higher initial cost, in the long term it will be more beneficial since it will give a more enjoyable riding experience and it will last longer.
Riding a skateboard, regardless of the model you decide to go with, is a fantastic way to maintain an active lifestyle, have a good time, and learn more about the area in which you live or visit. Consequently, get a skateboard, head out into the neighborhood, and have fun on the trip!
