With so many similarities in construction, look, and functionality in skateboards and longboards, it’s easy to get confused as a beginner. So, you might be wondering whether should I get a skateboard or longboard?
Longboard and skateboard look pretty similar except for the length, but there have differences in everything from uses, style to techniques of riding.
It’s not easy to say in one sentence which board is better than the other. Knowing the similarities and differences between longboard and skateboard in detail will help to know which board is perfect for which aspect.
This guide is decorated with the comparison and difference between skateboard vs longboard. It will clear your doubts and help you to choose one of these sports gear. Let’s get into it.
Skateboard Vs Longboard: Comparison Chart
Differences Between a Longboard and A Skateboard
Longboard and skateboards look alike in general, but there are many differences between them. The main differences are in their size, flexibility, balance, and speed.
Shape and Size:
The longboard shape is flat from the nose to the tail. But a skateboard is designed with a curved shape from the nose to the tail.
In terms of size, a longboard is usually longer, and the average length is 35–60 inches, and the width is 9–10 inches. On the contrary, a skateboard is shorter, and the length is 28–34 inches, and the width is 7–10 inches.
Deck Flexibility:
Flexibility refers to the stiffness of a gear. The longboard has more flexibility than a skateboard. So, longboard provides a smoother ride in downhill racing and cruising. Do note that too much or too little flexibility is not recommended for skateboard or longboard decks.
Trucks and Wheels:
The truck is the basement of a board where the wheels are attached. Longboard and skateboard both are different in truck design. The Skateboard truck is narrower that is good for street and park skating. On the other hand, a longboard truck is wider and good for long-distance cruising.
When you look at the wheel, longboard wheels are larger and more flexible, but skateboard wheels are smaller and less flexible.
Balance:
The longboard is comparatively larger, wider, and stable. So, it is much easier to balance on a longboard deck. On the contrary, a skateboard is smaller, narrower, and less stable. That is why balancing on a skateboard deck is a bit tricky for beginners.
Speed:
Because of having larger wheels, a longboard is faster than a skateboard. So, it can reach up to 6 mph in cruising. However, the longboard can reach 50-65 mph in downhill riding.
On the other hand, a skateboard has a smaller wheelbase comparatively slower in speed than a longboard. A skateboard can provide around nine mph speed that depends on the rider’s skill and terrain.
Should I Get a Skateboard or A Longboard?
Skateboard or longboard what’s rider should choose is depends on some variables. It would be helpful in choosing one when you have proper knowledge about the features of each board.
Easy riding:
A longboard is suitable for easy riding because it is designed with a larger deck and larger wheels. It’s comfortable for long-distance and downhill racing, especially for beginners.
Conversely, a skateboard is tricky to ride because it is designed with a smaller deck and harder wheels. Besides, a skateboard can stop you at any little crack or bump in the terrain. Do note that skateboarding is good for park riding and city roaming.
Freestyle tricks:
Skateboard is the best choice for practicing freestyle tricks like full-length concave, hard wheels, and kicktails. Even there has a specific structure for freestyle tricks with skateboards. The Skate parks, half pipes, verts, bowls are some well-known structures for advanced level skateboarding.
However, you will get some freestyle versions of the longboard that allow you to practice freestyle tricks. The length of this type of longboard is much like that of a skateboard.
Dancing:
There has a specialized longboard for dancing that is notably big, flexible, mild concaved, and symmetrical. You will get enough room, stability, and maneuverability from this type of longboard for spinning and cross-stepping. But a skateboard is not designed for cross-stepping or spinning because the wheels and deck are smaller.
Urban commuting:
Skateboard is a better choice for crowded areas with obstacles of people and cars because a skateboard is more agile, maneuverable, and has a short turning radius. However, a mini-cruiser longboard is also good for urban commuting because it is smaller and has better maneuverability than the larger longboard.
Freeriding and downhill:
It is good to go with a bigger longboard if you are interested in fast racing and sliding. Keep in mind that the longboard is designed with better control for higher speeds.
Even you can get some reasonable price longboard under 100 Dollars which are best for free riding and downhill. But a standard skateboard will not provide enough control and comfort in downhill and freeriding.
Transportation:
Skateboards can go at a slower speed like bicycles. If you want to transport with your skateboard for long-distance, you’ll need to push. And in that case, you will get tired soon.
But a longboard with a larger wheelbase, deck, and proficient bearing will help push with less effort. So, a longboard would be good for long-distance transport.
Final Thoughts
It’s transparent by now that a longboard or skateboard that you should choose depends on your personal preferences and requirements. However, to recap, a skateboard is good for city riding, urban commuting, and park riding because it has less speed to roam around crowded areas.
On the other hand, a longboard comes with a larger wheelbase, deck, and fast speed with fewer risks compared to a skateboard, making it perfect for beginners in the game. So, whether for long-distance cruising or downhill racing and sliding, go for a longboard if you’re a beginner.
