Top Longboard Decks vs. Shortboard Decks: Key Differences Explained
When it comes to skateboarding, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to ride a longboard or a shortboard. These two types of skateboards are designed for different riding styles, terrains, and purposes. While both are incredibly fun and versatile, understanding the key differences between them can help you choose the board that best suits your needs, preferences, and experience level.
We’ll dive deep into the differences between longboard decks and shortboard decks, including factors like design, stability, maneuverability, and performance. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a beginner, understanding these key distinctions will allow you to make an informed decision about which type of board to go for.
What is a Longboard?
A longboard is a type of skateboard with a deck that’s typically over 33 inches long. Longboards are known for their smooth ride, stability, and suitability for cruising, downhill racing, carving, and even long-distance riding. They are the preferred choice for riders who want a relaxed, comfortable ride at moderate to high speeds. The long wheelbase and larger deck provide more space for your feet, making longboarding easier on your joints and providing better stability.
Types of Longboards
Longboards come in different shapes, each designed for specific types of riding:
- Cruiser Longboards: Ideal for casual cruising and commuting.
- Downhill Longboards: Built for speed and control on steep descents.
- Freestyle Longboards: Designed for tricks and technical riding.
- Carving Longboards: Best for riders looking to perform smooth, surf-like turns.
Pros of Longboards
- Smooth Ride: The long length of the board combined with larger wheels ensures a comfortable, smooth ride, especially on rough terrain.
- Stability: Longboards are great for beginners because they offer excellent stability at high speeds.
- Comfort: The wider, more stable deck offers more room for your feet, which is easier on your joints and more comfortable for long rides.
- Versatility: Longboards can be used for a variety of styles, including cruising, carving, downhill, and freestyle.
What is a Shortboard?
A shortboard (sometimes called a standard skateboard) is typically between 28 and 32 inches long. They are shorter and more compact than longboards, making them ideal for technical maneuvers, street skating, and performing tricks at the skatepark. The smaller size and more agile design of shortboards allow riders to quickly change direction, perform flips, and easily grind on rails and ledges.
Types of Shortboards
Shortboards are designed with specific skating styles in mind, such as:
- Street Skateboards: These are the most common type of shortboard, designed for technical tricks and street skating.
- Park Skateboards: Park boards are designed for use at skateparks, where ramps, bowls, and rails are common.
- Cruiser Skateboards: Although they are shortboards, cruiser skateboards are specifically designed for commuting and casual riding.
Pros of Shortboards
- Maneuverability: Shortboards are highly responsive and allow riders to make quick turns and perform tricks like flips, spins, and slides.
- Portability: The compact size of shortboards makes them easy to carry around, store, and transport.
- Trick-Friendly: Shortboards are the go-to choice for riders who want to focus on technical tricks, including grinds, flips, and aerial maneuvers.
- Lightweight: Shortboards are lighter than longboards, making them easier to control and carry.
Key Differences Between Longboard Decks and Shortboard Decks
1. Deck Length and Shape
Longboard Decks:
- Longboards generally have a longer deck, usually between 33 and 59 inches.
- The larger deck size provides more room for foot placement and offers a more stable platform.
- Longboards come in various shapes, including pintail, drop-through, and cruiser, each offering a unique ride experience.
Shortboard Decks:
- Shortboards typically have a deck length between 28 and 32 inches.
- The shorter deck makes the board more maneuverable, allowing skaters to perform tricks with ease.
- The shapes of shortboards vary, but they are generally more symmetrical and designed for technical tricks.
Read More: How to Choose an Eco-Friendly Skateboard Deck
2. Stability and Control
Longboard Decks:
- Longboards excel in stability, especially at higher speeds, due to their longer wheelbase and wider decks.
- They are less likely to wobble, making them the ideal choice for riders who prefer cruising or downhill riding.
Shortboard Decks:
- Shortboards are generally more agile but may feel less stable at high speeds due to their shorter wheelbase.
- Their smaller size makes them more suited for technical street skating and tricks, but they can feel twitchy or unstable when going at higher speeds, especially for beginners.
3. Wheelbase and Ride Comfort
Longboard Decks:
- Longboards typically have a longer wheelbase (distance between the front and rear wheels), providing a smoother, more stable ride.
- Longboards are also equipped with larger, softer wheels, which offer better shock absorption and smoother riding on rough surfaces.
Shortboard Decks:
- Shortboards have a shorter wheelbase, which allows for quick turns and easier maneuverability.
- The smaller wheels of shortboards are often harder, making them ideal for smooth pavement, but they can be rough on uneven surfaces.
4. Speed and Maneuverability
Longboard Decks:
- Longboards are ideal for cruising and downhill racing because of their stability at high speeds.
- While they may not be as quick to perform technical tricks, they excel in smooth carving and maintaining control at higher velocities.
Shortboard Decks:
- Shortboards are perfect for street skating and performing tricks.
- Their shorter length allows for quick turns, flips, and spins, making them the preferred choice for park skating and urban riding.
5. Riding Style and Terrain
Longboard Decks:
- Longboards are versatile and work well on downhill roads, smooth pavement, and cruising through the city. They are also great for long-distance rides, offering comfort and control for extended trips.
- Their design makes them ideal for riders who are interested in carving, commuting, and downhill racing.
Shortboard Decks:
- Shortboards are better suited for technical street skating, skatepark tricks, and manuals. Their compact design makes them highly responsive and capable of handling aggressive tricks.
- They are perfect for riders who want to learn tricks or compete in street skating competitions.
6. Comfort Level
Longboard Decks:
- Longboards provide a comfortable ride over long distances and rough surfaces. The deck’s larger size provides room to spread your feet, making it easier to maintain balance.
- They also allow for more relaxed carving and downhill riding.
Shortboard Decks:
- While shortboards are incredibly fun and agile, their smaller size can make the ride feel more aggressive, especially when cruising at higher speeds.
- Shortboards are designed more for performance than comfort, especially for trick-oriented riding.
7. Portability
Longboard Decks:
- Longboards, due to their larger size, can be more challenging to carry around, store, or transport, especially if you’re traveling by public transportation.
Shortboard Decks:
- Shortboards are much more portable, lightweight, and easy to carry. Whether you’re storing it in your backpack or walking through the city, shortboards are convenient for urban environments.
How to Choose Between a Longboard and a Shortboard
The right choice between a longboard and a shortboard comes down to personal preference and the kind of skating you plan to do. Consider the following factors when making your decision:
Choose a Longboard if:
- You enjoy smooth, long rides and downhill cruising.
- You prefer a more stable ride at high speeds.
- You want to carve or commute over long distances.
- You’re a beginner skater who wants to build confidence and control.
Choose a Shortboard if:
- You’re looking to perform street tricks and skatepark maneuvers.
- You prefer agility and quick turns.
- You’re interested in doing tricks like ollies, flips, and grinds.
- You want a lightweight board for easy portability and transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main difference between longboards and shortboards?
The main difference is in the length and shape. Longboards are longer, providing more stability, making them ideal for cruising and downhill racing, while shortboards are shorter and designed for technical tricks and street skating.
2. Can I use a longboard for tricks?
While longboards can handle some basic tricks, they are generally not as suitable for technical street tricks like flips or grinds. For tricks, shortboards are the better choice due to their smaller size and agility.
3. Which type of board is better for beginners?
Longboards are typically better for beginners because of their stability and smooth ride. They allow new riders to gain confidence before transitioning to a shortboard if desired.
4. Can you ride a longboard at skateparks?
Yes, longboards can be used at skateparks, especially for cruising and carving. However, for more technical maneuvers and tricks, shortboards are generally more effective.
5. Are longboards or shortboards faster?
Longboards tend to be faster when cruising downhill because of their size and stability. However, shortboards are designed for quick, responsive movements, making them better for short bursts of speed during tricks.
6. How do I choose the right size deck for my riding style?
For cruising and downhill riding, opt for a longer, wider deck. For street skating and tricks, a shorter, narrower deck will allow for better maneuverability and trick performance.
7. Can I use a longboard for commuting?
Yes, longboards are excellent for commuting due to their comfort, stability, and smooth ride over long distances. Their larger wheels make them ideal for uneven surfaces.
Conclusion
Both longboard decks and shortboard decks offer unique benefits depending on your riding style and preferences. Longboards provide stability, comfort, and smooth rides, while shortboards are perfect for trick-oriented skaters looking to perform quick, responsive moves. Ultimately, the decision depends on what kind of skating you want to do. Whether you’re cruising, carving, commuting, or performing technical tricks, there’s a skateboard deck that suits your needs.
Suggest Tools
