| Longboards are essentially skateboards but are wider | | | | carving. Lowrider longboards also have trucks installed |
| and longer, used for transportation purposes and for | | | | nearly at the tips to achieve better control and |
| slalom, exhibition, and competitive riding. Typically, a | | | | stability. |
| longboard is made up of a deck, a set of wheels, | | | | Choosing longboards: some tips |
| bearings, and trucks in varying sizes depending on the | | | | If you're more of a recreational rider, go for decks |
| kind of riding to be done. They may also be made | | | | made from natural wood. They are inexpensive yet |
| from synthetic materials like carbon fiber and | | | | strong enough to handle the beating that |
| fiberglass or natural woods like maple or birch. | | | | accompanies general transportation. If you're more of |
| Kinds of longboards to choose from | | | | a competitive rider, look for decks made from |
| Pintail longboards are best for general transportation, | | | | synthetic materials for more durability, since |
| flatland cruising, and downhill bombing. They are very | | | | competitive riding is more punishing than recreational |
| narrow skateboards at just about nine inches in width | | | | riding. |
| and extending up to 48 inches in length. Along with | | | | Longboards with stiff bushing is ideal for downhill |
| trucks installed at the farther ends of each side, they | | | | bombing or adventure riding since they offer stability |
| also have semi-slanted riser pads, allowing the rider to | | | | at high speeds. Softer bushing offers more control so |
| make deeper turns. However, because of this, | | | | they're more suited for general transportation. |
| beginners might find that pintail longboards may be | | | | General recreational riding calls for steel ball bearings, |
| difficult to maneuver. Lowrider longboards, on the | | | | while downhill skating benefits from ceramic ball |
| other hand, are best meant for street riding. With | | | | bearings because they lessen thermal resistance and |
| decks made from durable laminated wood, lowrider | | | | friction. Ceramic ball bearings, though, are more |
| longboards also have low profiles ideal for pushing and | | | | expensive. |