Longboard vs Skateboard – Which One Should You Choose?

Skating’s rise from niche hobby to mainstream mobility has birthed an array of rolling rideables. With so many choices today between compact skateboards and long sweeping longboards, selecting your style sparks debates as fierce as any brand rivalry. Let’s examine the core differences, pros and cons of longboard vs traditional skateboard to determine the best fit for your needs.

Origins & Definition

Before diving into distinctions, what defines these decked rideables? Some key background:

Skateboards
Emerged in 1940s California as kids mounted roller skate wheels to wooden boards seeking surf-inspired thrills on land. Iconic sideways stance permits sharp kickturns atop relatively small decks.

Longboards
1990s skaters sought replicating surfing’s carving flow in skate form, spurring bigger boards with softer wheels dubbed “longboards” suiting cruising plus downhill racing.

While associated terms are used interchangeably, true longboards describe wider, longer decks optimized for stability and fluidity. Shorter boards with small hard wheels suit trick-friendly skating.

Deck Construction

A board’s deck forms the heart of the setup so compositions and shapes differ accordingly:

Skateboard Decks
Offer lightweight responsiveness for popping ollies and technical tricks. Sturdy maple plywood sandwich construction provides rigidity while permitting some flexibility. Symmetrical smaller shapes under 8 inches wide and 32 inches long rule, topped by grip tape for traction.

Longboard Decks
Prioritize smoothness by sizing up to 10 inches wide and 60 inches long for enhanced stability. Flexible bamboo or maple materials absorb vibration, with partial grip allowing free-flowing foot placement for carving. Specialized downhill shapes extend length further to hold higher speeds.

Wheels & Trucks

Supporting components like wheels and axle hardware also address distinct goals:

Skateboard Wheels
Hard polyurethane around 50-55mm diameter rolls fast with precision. Small contact patch requires careful balance when landing tricks.

Longboard Wheels
Softer durometer urethane measuring 65mm+ better absorbs inconsistencies for a smoother ride. Larger width adds stability for easy cruising, gripping better at speed. Some all-terrain varieties handle light off-roading.

Trucks/Axles
Skateboard trucks are tightly responsive to handle tricks. Longboard trucks have more flex and looser (but adjustable) steering for carving flow. Extended axles widen the turning radius.

Choose components meshing with deck dynamics – stability for cruising or agility to ollie.

Riding Style Comparison

Core distinctions ultimately boil down to riding dynamics attained by these design differences:

Skateboarding
Smaller decks, hard wheels and responsive trucks equate tight turns on a dime plus ability to pop tricks by transferring energy into the flexible deck. Ideal for technical street and vert/park terrain.

Longboarding
Wider turns sweep longer boards instead, channeled into smooth carved trajectories. Soft large wheels hold momentum once rolling thanks to extended wheelbase. Lower center of gravity creates stability perfect for easy cruising plus downhill racing.

So skills revolve around complex trick combos or flowing improvised lines accordingly. Both satisfy, but in very distinct ways.

Selecting Your Style

When choosing between compact controlled skating or sweeping surf-inspired carving, consider what motivates you plus expected usage patterns.

If seeking a convenient mobility device optimized for commuting moderate distances or enjoying laid-back weekend cruising, a versatile drop-down longboard offers the superior smooth ride and stability. Brands like Sector 9, Arbor and Loaded suit first-time hobbyists here.

But for technical trick riding, small-spaced obstacles, interacting with other skaters at a street park, or carrying your board routinely, traditional skateboard models like Almost, Enjoi or Anti Hero allow better ollie lifting and snap quick kickturns to thread spaces.

Costs & Maintenance

Affordability and upkeep requirements also help determine ideal first boards:

Completely setup basic skateboards start under $100, less than half a competent longboard’s $200+ cost. Tricks also degrade decks quicker over time from repetitive slamming impacts.

Bigger longboards do allow simpler repairs by replacing individual softer components as needed versus entire decks. And sealed bearings minimize rolling resistance so wheels last longer than skateboards’.

Weigh preferences alongside your budget constraints. Remember safety gear spans both riding types, quickly equaling board cost itself!

The Last Board You’ll Ever Need

While styles and ideal terrain differ, don’t think you must choose one ride permanently. Many skilled riders leverage each board’s strengths with quivers spanning both modes. Start wherever most appealing then try other forms once comfortable. This retains options for park tricks sessioning, distance commuting or just chilling curbside.

If the Longboard vs Skateboard comparative breakdown helped determine if compact controlled skating or sweeping smooth longboarding better suits your style today, fantastic! Whichever resonates first delivers a thrillride launching lifetime passions rolling on. Just respect safety measures at all stages while deciding if expanding quivers down the road.

Now gripped with clarity on these foundational factions of the modern skate scene, get out and roll on while fuels, funds and functional physiques permit! Because once bitten by boarding’s infectious freedom no distance traveled or trick landed will ever satisfy your hunger hankering those open-road horizons again. Just remember the journey forever remains more vital than any destination! I hope this Longboard Vs Skateboard post helps you.