It might be difficult to discern the difference between skateboards vs longboards if you do not know anything about them. Both boards, unbelievably, serve fundamentally distinct purposes.
Consider your major reason for wanting one while deciding which one to ride: do you want to shred half-pipes or fly downhill? To assist resolve the skateboards vs longboards controversy, we will look at the distinctions between the two.
History of Skateboards vs Longboards
Let us look at the history of skateboards vs longboards to better grasp the differences. Surfers in the early 1950s were so enamored with the sensation of catching waves that they wanted to recreate it on land on flat days.
The skateboard was created by taking a wooden plank, carving a board out of it, and gluing wheels below it. Skateboarders reduced the size of these boards after realizing they were too large and flat to do tricks on.
Surfers recognized board was far too tiny to cruise on by the 1990s, and it no longer rode like a surfboard. They changed the shape and size of the skateboard once again, resulting in what we now call a longboard.
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Top Differences between Skateboards vs Longboards
Here are the key differences between skateboards vs longboards
Size and Shape
When you compare skateboards vs longboards, you will note how flat the longboard’s nose and tail are. On a skateboard, the nose and tail have more of a curve to make landing tricks and flips simpler.
It should come as no surprise that longboards are longer than shortboards. They may be up to 59 inches long, although the average skateboard is roughly 36 inches long. Longboards are also available in sizes as tiny as 28 inches long, which might be perplexing.
If the length concerns you, keep in mind that the main difference between the two is that longboards are flat while skateboards curve. So, if you see a shorter, flat board, it’s most likely a short longboard.
Deck Flexibility
The deck is the foundation of your skateboard for any beginner skaters out there. If you want to learn new tricks, you’ll want a board that’s thinner and has some flex. The stiffness of your board is determined by its flex. Unless you’re driving at a leisurely pace, you don’t want the flex to be too mild. You want your flexibility to be soft to medium for tricks, since this offers you some stability and a springy sensation, making leaps simpler to nail.
Many longboards are designed to accelerate as you race downhill. Longboards often feature larger decks with little flex to keep you stable during the ride.
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Wheels and Trucks
Skateboards vs longboards both have wheels, but the foundation that connects them is referred to as the truck. Both boards have distinct aesthetics and functions. The trucks on a skateboard are stiff and thinner, making it simpler to grind and land tricks. They’re also the same width as the skateboard deck’s maximum width.
Longboards feature a more flexible truck, which provides a smoother ride for longboarders who prefer to cruise long distances or race downhill. Longboards may also accommodate trucks with a width of 150 millimeters to 180 millimeters.
Longboard wheels are big and soft for quicker and smoother rides. Skateboards feature smaller, tougher wheels that make shredding rails, ledges, and gaps easier. Softer wheels provide a smoother and more coordinated ride if you want to merely cruise on your board.
Moving the Board
The initial propulsion is generated by pushing off the ground with one leg on both skateboards and longboards.
Traditional skateboards are good for ramps and tight turns, as well as jumps and flips, due to their small weight. The same characteristics, however, make them less stable and unpleasant.
Longboards, on the other hand, are meant for transportation, and riders may cruise for kilometers on any flat surface. They’re ideal for both cross-country and downhill skiing.
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Balance
If you want to learn and master new tricks but have never ridden a skateboard before, start with a longboard. They are easier to balance since they are bigger and sturdier.
Transition to a skateboard once you’ve gained confidence on a longboard and teach yourself how to balance better on a smaller board.
1. Purpose of Longboards
Although there are many distinct types of longboards, they all differ in terms of width, length, form, and function. Some are fantastic for merely riding long distances, while others thrive at speed and downhill, while yet others are great for technical maneuvers (cruisers).
Longboards are ideal for cruising around town or for long-distance riding. It doesn’t take much work to get up to speed, and once you’ve mastered it, it’s a fun and healthful pastime.
Longboarders like a variety of styles, so decide what you want to accomplish before you buy one.
LONGBOARDS:
The lengths and widths of typical longboards are listed below.
Longboard Lengths: 34″ — 46″
Longboard Widths: 8.5″ — 10″
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PROS OF LONGBOARDS
Longboards are ideal for cruising with the least amount of effort. On a longboard, it’s simple to maintain balance and you won’t be troubled by rocks or other tiny items. As a result, a longboard is an excellent choice for novices.
In comparison to skateboards, longboards may endure a long period. The wheels are the only thing that has to be replaced, and they may last a long time depending on where, how, and what you ride.
CONS OF SKATEBOARDS
Longboards are pricey, especially if you want a good board with good parts. Longboards are big and inconvenient to transport, and they may be a pain to travel with. A longboard can accomplish a lot of tricks, but it’s limited compared to a standard skateboard.
2. Purpose of Skateboards
When you examine a popsicle skateboard attentively, you’ll see that the tip and tail curve upward, and the deck surface curls inwards (concave). A skateboard is designed to do tricks, and the shape aids in this endeavor.
Sure, you could just ride about and cruise for a while, but it would necessitate softer and larger wheels. Technical tricks like kickflips, ollies, and grinds are performed on skateboards. They are great at skate parks and on the street, but they take more work to move about.
The deck trucks and wheels are built to take a beating and are far more maneuverable than longboards. It’s a very different sport (or art, as some call it) than longboarding and difficult to compare.
The lengths and Widths of longboards are listed below.
Skateboard Lengths: 31″ — 33″
Skateboard Widths: 7.5″ — 8.5″
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PROS OF SKATEBOARDS
Skateboards are easy to transport, as they can be strapped to a bag and even carried on by some airlines. Landing tricks may be a lot of fun, and it is a terrific way to meet new people.
They are nimble and built for impact, and they’ll revolutionize the way you see the world (stairs, rails, curbs). Skateboards are less expensive and more popular than longboards (though longboarding is the faster-growing sport).
Skateboarding has a plethora of parks and facilities, and its popularity is on the rise again after years of decline.
CONS OF SKATEBOARDS
Skateboarding necessitates a high level of passion and devotion. You risk injuring yourself if you neglect the essential stages.
Skateboarding may appear to be less expensive at first, but it may quickly add up if you ride frequently and do several complex feats. Depending on where you skate, you should update your shoes, decks, and wheels on a regular basis.
Speed and Tricks
If you’re still having trouble determining which board to choose, consider why you’re riding in the first place. Do you like to wow your friends by performing stunning feats or zooming by at top speeds?
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Skateboards are ideal for riders who are able to:
+ Do you want to gain new skills?
+ Rails for grinding
+ Mini ramps for skating
+ Kickflips mastered
+ Defeat the ollies
Longboard riders typically enjoy:
+ An improved riding experience
+ Taking a cruise with friends
+ Hills are being bombed
+ Getting to the beach on a surfboard
+ Getting around town on their skateboard
Pick up a longboard and begin skating whether you want to cruise or race your pals. Skateboards are the best way to see some of the most famous skate parks.
If you’re new to skating, start with a longboard to get acclimated to the balance, then go on to a skateboard. You’ll be showing off your new stunts or defeating pals at downhill races in no time once you get the hang of it.
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Price
If you want a high-quality longboard, expect to pay extra. A good LONGBOARD will set you back between $100 and $150. This will provide you with a high-quality deck, fantastic wheels, and dependable trucks.
SKATEBOARDS are decent and cost between $40 and $90. At $90, you will not receive top-notch components, but they’ll suffice; at $150, you’ll get the greatest components available. Wheels and bearings of poor quality must be changed more frequently.
In general, buying a cheap longboard or skateboard is a terrible idea since you’ll receive inferior components and it won’t be pleasant to ride. If you’re on a limited budget, try purchasing a secondhand longboard or skateboard, but check it beforehand.
Check for chipping, delamination, and water damage on the deck. If the bearings produce a lot of noise, they probably need to be changed.
CONCLUSION:
Skateboarding and longboarding both make a strong argument for themselves and promise a lot of fun. All you have to do is think about what you require from the board. Are you more of a laid-back, cruising type? Or are you more into stunts and ramping?
Still, if you’re a novice, we recommend starting with longboarding because it’s easier to learn. It’s easy to get acclimated to the boards, find your balance, and learn your initial movements because of their shapes and sizes.
Longboards are less nimble than skateboards, but with the appropriate skill, they can perform flips, ramps, and barrel rolls.
I hope this post answers some of your questions about skateboards vs longboards.