If you are new, there are many things to keep in mind when buying a longboard as a beginner, especially its length, its width, its style, its shape, how flexible it is, and a couple of other features; mainly longboard sizes.
It depends on what work it will be used. There is a slight difference in the size of skateboards and longboards. Skateboards are commonly used for tricks where Longboards are used for everything from daily office trips to campus, even mountain climbing and performing tricks.
What size of longboard should I get?
However, it can be seen that the riders prefer 30 to 36-inch longboards.
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How to Choose the Right Longboard Size?
Things you have to keep in mind before fixing the size of the longboard:
Length
The first thing to keep in mind is the length, the bigger and longer it is, the more stable it will be. But if it’s smaller in size, maybe it’s a little less stable, but it’s better for tactics, and you can curve nicely in the streets. The larger the length of the longboard, the more stable it is, and the shorter the length, the less stable it is.
Deck Dimension
The formula for length also applies to decks; the wider it is, the more stable. Much of a longboards excellent performance depends on its deck.
Shape
Another vital thing to keep in mind is the shape. It is of two types:
- Directional
- Symmetrical
Directional is the best for those who like to do cruising, carving and downhill riding. On the other hand, for those who prefer freestyle and free riding longboarding, symmetrical will be best for them.
Also, the following points should always be considered:
First, you have to select what type of rider you are and what style you prefer. If you want to drive a little more comfortably, you’ll need a longer longboard, and if you want to drive a little faster, you’ll need another type of longboard.
Those who are a little shorter in height prefer a little smaller longboard, and those who are a little taller feel comfortable to ride on larger boards.
Those who prefer to travel regularly should buy longboards that are light in weight and easy to carry while travelling.
Board Flex
Another important factor when considering the size of a longboard is board flex. The ability to absorb shock depends on it, and this is why the rider feels comfort while riding.
It also plays a role in the stability of the board.
Style
There are four types of decks available:
- Top-mount
- Drop-through
- Drop deck
- Double drop
From here, you can select the one you like.
Why it is necessary to select the right size longboard??
Because it helps a lot to show tricks. Also
- You can manoeuvre perfectly
- You can easily control the speed of the longboard
Because a lot depends on the size,
Longer Boards
- Usually heavy
- Newcomers are comfortable because there is enough space
- More stable
Shorter Boards
- Short boards tend to be lighter
- Less stable
- More turns can be made
- The board tends to be a little more flexible
Wider Boards
- Usually heavy
- There is a lot of space on the board
Narrower Boards
- Narrower boards tend to be lighter
- Have less space on the board
The size of the longboard is generally measured in both length and width. So you have to take care of both when buying a longboard. It’s a lot like buying your shirt; you have to look at the length as well as the width. The size of the longboard means the size of this deck.
The smaller ones are usually between 29 and 34 inches, and the larger ones start at 50 and go up. The width is usually between 6 and 11 inches. However, riders usually prefer to ride a longboard that is 8 to 10 inches wide.
Longboard size chart for different longboarding styles
There are four types of longboards based on the type of longboarding:
- Cruising or carving
- Downhill
- Freeride
- Freestyle
It is made a little more comfortable in the chart below and also checks the details after this size chart:
Cruising
Length: 28-46 inches
If you want to use a longboard to travel far away, or to go to your office or campus, you need a board that is a little bigger, and that will give you comfort while riding.
Short boards are suitable for quick turns, and slightly larger boards are good for carving at high speeds because they have excellent stability. All in all, 26 to 46-inch boards are good.
26 to 32-inches is perfect for those who are a little shorter in height or prefer to run a little shorter board.
But here’s the thing, if you are a beginner, 32 to 42-inch boards will be right for you because a little bigger longboard makes it easier to keep balance in the beginning and the rider feels comfortable.
Downhill
Length: 36 inches and longer
The most exciting part of longboarding is downhill riding.
The speed of the longboard increases a lot during this time, above 45 km, so you have to pay attention to the size of the longboard for use in downhill riding.
Longboard with a drop-through deck of 36 inches or above is perfect to use for this riding.
But, if you are a beginner, then try to select 40 inches longboard or more in length as these will give you a little more safety.
Freeride
Length: 38 – 42 inches
During this ride, the rider has to run over the hill at a decent speed. As you have to go up the hill with high speeds, it is better if the longboard is of such a size that the rider will feel a lot of comforts.
Below 36 inches it will not feel as stable, and above 42 inches it will be much more burdensome for mountain riding.
So, you can use any stable board from 38 to 42 inches.
Freestyle
The freestyle ride depends on the skill of the rider.
So it depends on which board the rider gets more comfortable riding on and how that board is stable, not the size of the longboard.
Final Words
Finding the right size longboard for yourself, in the beginning, is tough work. But here we have highlighted the height of the rider and longboard size along with all the riding styles at the same time, hopefully, now you can easily find the perfect longboard size for you.
Choose carefully.
