If you’re looking to ride a longboard to get to work, class or the burger joint next door, good for you – riding a longboard can make the trip more exciting and fun. But if you’re new to the world of longboards, then there are a few things you need to consider in order to get the best purchase for your money’s value.
First and foremost, you need to consider the deck for your cruising carving longboard. Boards between 28 and 46inches are a great choice, but you can go shorter than that if you want to. If you’re looking to ride in crowded areas, perhaps a shorter deck between 28 and 32inches will suit you better. However, unless you’re smaller in size, you’ll have to be a pretty good rider to make the most out of it. But if you feel like you don’t want to deal with all these numbers, just get a deck that’s between 32 and 42inches – these are easy to control and will suit almost any rider.
Next, you have to consider the flex of the deck. If the cruising carving longboard has more flex, it will help you absorb shocks better when riding on rough terrain. Moreover, it will lower your centre of gravity, making balance easier and taking the strain off your ankles and knees. However, flex is also a matter of taste – some people like softer decks, while others prefer stiffer decks. There are decks that barely have any flex, which improves power transmission.
Furthermore, you have to consider the width of the truck. Typically, the width of the truck should correspond to the size of the deck. The two most common truck widths are 150 and 180mm. If your deck is less than 8.5inches wide, go for a 150mm truck. If it’s wider than 8.5inches, go for a 180mm truck. The position of the kingpin also plays an important role in how your board rides. Standard trucks are great for cruisers with kicktails, while reverse kingpins give you more control.
Lastly, consider the wheels. There are two basic factors you need to consider when choosing wheels – the hardness and the diameter. Generally, longer decks ride better with bigger wheels, while shorter decks ride better with smaller wheels. Decks that are 40inches or longer work best with wheels that are 70-75mm. Decks between 34 and 40inches work best with wheels between 68 and 70mm, and decks shorter than 34inches work best with 60-67mm wheels.
In terms of hardness, wheels are measured on the durometer scale. The scale ranges between 78 and 100, with 100 being the hardest possible wheels, while 78 being the softest. The ideal hardness for you will depend on personal preference and weight. Typically, soft wheels are better for longboards, as they provide a smoother ride.