Longboard Vs Skateboard – What Makes Them Different?
The differences between a skateboard and a longboard are obvious: longboards are wider and longer, while skateboards are shorter and more compact. But aside from their size, another key difference is the way they are balanced. Longboards have cruiser wheels, while skateboards have skateboard-style wheels. While both are popular for skateboarding, the longer, wider board is generally more stable for beginners.
Longboards are wider and longer
In addition to being wider and longer, longboards have other characteristics that make them better for carving, cruising, and foot-braking. The main difference between longboards and shortboards is the shape of the deck. A traditional top mount longboard has a straighter tail and a lower center of gravity. This style provides the best balance and stability on flat ground, but it also provides less leverage for quick carves and may bottom out when taking tight turns.
Longboards are typically wider and longer than electric skateboard, so they’re best for cruising on pavement and riding downhill. While there are many different types, most people choose a board between eight and 8.5 inches in width and a length of 84 to 150 centimeters. Compared to cruisers, longboards are more stable and have a wider turning radius. They are also suited for long distance travel, open roads, and bigger hills.
They have cruiser wheels
Both skateboards and longboards have cruiser wheels, and they have varying degrees of traction and durability. Cruiser wheels are less suited for carving, so they are best for flat or level terrain. Cruiser wheels are typically between 55 and 65 millimeters in diameter. There are also popsicle risers available for longer wheels. These wheels are more durable than their skateboard counterparts and offer a smoother ride than hard wheels.
Most skateboards and longboards have standard shaped wheels, whereas cruisers and longboards have different wheel sizes. Regular skateboard wheels are designed for skateparks and parks, while cruiser and longboard wheels are designed for speed skating on any type of pavement. The wheel sizes for both skateboards and longboards are measured in durometers. A harder wheel is better for street skating and skate parks, while a soft wheel is better for cruising.
They have a grip
The grip on a skateboard or longboard is the surface that a rider will use to hold onto the board while skating or longboarding. Grip tape is made of a sandpaper-like material that creates friction between the shoe and the board. It is important for controlling your board during riding and is highly recommended. Longboards need a grip tape that is long and wide enough to cover the whole board. Special longboard grip tape is generally coarser than skateboard grip tape.
The grip on a skateboard or longboard varies in coarseness. The higher the grit, the better the grip. Moreover, the amount of grip between the shoe and the board varies. Generally, 80 grit grips are better for skateboarding than 50-65 grit. The exterior coating on a skateboard or longboard varies but most are made of epoxy.
They are safer
Many people may wonder why longboards are safer than skateboards. In a skate park, skateboarders may have the advantage of riding over tram rails, but longboarders are more prone to hitting their heads or getting stuck in cracks or rocks. They also may not be wearing protective gear, like a helmet. However, longboarding is safe if proper safety precautions are taken. Here are some of the main reasons why longboards are safer than skateboards.
First of all, longboards are designed with the motion of a surfboard in mind. This allows them to perform tricks and jumps at the skatepark with ease. This motion is accomplished by pumping and gyrating. Pumping involves bending and pumping the board, while gyrating means turning the board to turn to the left and right while moving. Both of these techniques are effective at slowing down a beginning skateboarder and reducing the risk of injury in case of a fall.
