Longboard Skateboard: The Ultimate Guide to Distance and Commuting [2024] 🛹

Video: Longboard vs Skateboard vs Cruiser (Beginner Breakdown).







Quick Answer: Looking for a longboard skateboard that’s perfect for distance skating and commuting? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of longboard skateboards, exploring their history, features, and benefits. We’ll also provide expert insights and recommendations to help you find the perfect longboard skateboard for your needs. So, let’s get rolling!

Table of Contents

Quick Tips and Facts

  • Longboard skateboards are longer and wider than traditional skateboards, providing more stability and a smoother ride.
  • They are designed for cruising, carving, and long-distance skating.
  • Longboard skateboards come in various shapes, sizes, and setups to suit different riding styles and preferences.
  • They are often used for transportation, fitness, and recreational purposes.
  • Longboard skateboarding has gained popularity in recent years due to its accessibility and versatility.

Background: The Evolution of Longboard Skateboards

man playing skateboard on skateboard scope

Longboard skateboards have come a long way since their inception. Originally inspired by surfboards, longboards were created in the 1950s as a way for surfers to ride the streets when the waves were flat. These early longboards were made of wood and featured large, soft wheels for a smooth ride.

Over the years, longboard skateboards have evolved to cater to different riding styles and preferences. Today, you can find a wide range of longboard shapes, sizes, and setups, each designed to provide a unique riding experience.

Why Choose a Longboard Skateboard?

Video: Best Longboard For Beginners? (Buyers Guide).







If you’re looking for a skateboard that offers a smooth and stable ride, a longboard skateboard is the way to go. Here are a few reasons why you should consider choosing a longboard:

Stability: Longboard skateboards are longer and wider than traditional skateboards, providing more stability. This makes them ideal for beginners or riders who prefer a more relaxed and comfortable ride.

Smooth Ride: Longboard skateboards are designed to glide over rough surfaces, thanks to their larger and softer wheels. This makes them perfect for cruising and commuting, as they can handle bumps and cracks with ease.

Versatility: Longboard skateboards are incredibly versatile and can be used for various riding styles. Whether you’re into cruising, carving, downhill racing, or long-distance pushing, there’s a longboard skateboard that suits your needs.

Fitness and Fun: Longboard skateboarding is not only a fun activity but also a great way to stay fit. Pushing yourself on a longboard can provide an excellent cardiovascular workout while enjoying the outdoors.

The Benefits of Longboard Skateboarding

Longboard skateboarding offers a range of benefits that make it a popular choice among riders. Here are some of the key advantages of longboard skateboarding:

  1. Smooth and Stable Ride: Longboard skateboards are designed to provide a smooth and stable ride, making them perfect for beginners or riders who prefer a more relaxed and comfortable experience.

  2. Efficient Transportation: Longboard skateboards are an excellent mode of transportation, allowing you to cover long distances quickly and efficiently. They are particularly useful for commuting to work or school.

  3. Fitness and Health: Longboard skateboarding is a fantastic way to stay fit and active. Pushing yourself on a longboard can provide a great cardiovascular workout, helping you improve your overall fitness and endurance.

  4. Versatility: Longboard skateboards are incredibly versatile and can be used for various riding styles. Whether you’re into cruising, carving, downhill racing, or long-distance pushing, there’s a longboard skateboard that suits your needs.

  5. Community and Socializing: Longboard skateboarding has a vibrant and welcoming community. Joining local skate groups or attending skate events can help you meet like-minded individuals and make new friends.

Choosing the Right Longboard Skateboard

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When it comes to choosing the right longboard skateboard, there are a few key factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

  1. Riding Style: Determine your riding style and choose a longboard skateboard that suits your preferences. Whether you’re into cruising, carving, downhill racing, or long-distance pushing, there’s a longboard skateboard designed for your specific needs.

  2. Deck Shape and Size: Longboard skateboards come in various shapes and sizes, each offering a unique riding experience. Consider factors such as deck length, width, and concave to find a board that feels comfortable and suits your riding style.

  3. Trucks and Wheels: The trucks and wheels of a longboard skateboard play a crucial role in its performance. Choose trucks that provide stability and maneuverability, and wheels that offer a smooth and comfortable ride.

  4. Quality and Durability: Invest in a high-quality longboard skateboard that will last. Look for reputable brands known for their craftsmanship and durability.

  5. Budget: Set a budget for your longboard skateboard purchase and stick to it. While it’s tempting to go for the most expensive option, there are plenty of affordable longboard skateboards that offer excellent performance.

Longboard Skateboard Riding Experience

Video: HOW TO LONGBOARD/SKATEBOARD FOR BEGINNERS.







Riding a longboard skateboard is a unique and exhilarating experience. Whether you’re cruising along the beach or carving through city streets, here are some key aspects of the longboard skateboard riding experience:

  1. Stability and Balance: Longboard skateboards offer a stable and balanced ride, thanks to their longer and wider decks. This makes them perfect for riders who value comfort and control.

  2. Carving and Maneuverability: Longboard skateboards are designed for smooth and fluid turns. Their larger wheels and wider trucks allow for easy carving and maneuverability, making them ideal for riders who enjoy dynamic and agile movements.

  3. Speed and Control: Longboard skateboards are built for speed. Their larger wheels and lower ride height provide excellent stability and control, allowing riders to reach high speeds with confidence.

  4. Comfort and Long-Distance Riding: Longboard skateboards are known for their comfort, making them perfect for long-distance rides. The smooth ride and stability of a longboard make it easier to cover long distances without fatigue.

Longboard Skateboard Setups

Video: How to Assemble A Skateboard/Cruiser Component Run Through.







Longboard skateboards come in various setups, each offering a unique riding experience. Here are some popular longboard skateboard setups:

  1. Cruiser Setup: Cruiser setups are perfect for casual cruising and commuting. They typically feature a medium-length deck, soft wheels, and trucks that provide stability and maneuverability.

  2. Carving Setup: Carving setups are designed for riders who enjoy dynamic and agile movements. They feature a shorter deck, responsive trucks, and wheels that allow for quick turns and smooth carves.

  3. Downhill Setup: Downhill setups are built for speed and stability. They feature a longer deck, wide trucks, and large, grippy wheels that provide excellent control at high speeds.

  4. Long-Distance Setup: Long-distance setups are designed for riders who want to cover long distances comfortably. They typically feature a longer deck, soft wheels, and trucks that provide stability and control.

Distance Pumping Bracket Setups

Video: Basics of Longboard Pumping – How to Pump (LDP).







Distance pumping bracket setups are a specialized type of longboard skateboard setup designed for serious distance skating and commuting. These setups often feature unique bracket systems that enhance performance and efficiency.

One popular distance pumping bracket setup is the Loaded Fathom. The Loaded Fathom is a high-performance, double-drop longboard skateboard designed for distance skating and commuting. It features Loaded Zee Brackets, which provide ample clearance, accommodate large wheels, and offer improved flex distribution.

Fathom Pros & Cons

Here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons of the Loaded Fathom:

Pros:

  • Low ride height, great speed, and stability for long-distance pushing, commuting, and skogging.
  • Runs mega-wheels wheelbite-free without risers.
  • Great for fitness and travel skating, easy on the knees.
  • Compact, stowable, and modular for travel packing.

Cons:

  • Specialized bracket setup, not ideal for all-around city slashing.
  • No real kicks for tricks or quick turns.
  • May be too low for heavy riders on bumpy terrain.

Fathom Riding Experience

The Loaded Fathom offers a stable, nimble, and comfortable riding experience. Its low ride height and efficient bracket setup make it perfect for long-distance pushing and commuting. The Fathom’s stability and speed allow riders to cover long distances with ease, while its compact size makes it easy to stow and transport.

Fathom Specs & Features

Here are the specifications and features of the Loaded Fathom:

  • Shape: Symmetrical double-drop bracket setup.
  • Length & Width: 33″ x 9.25″.
  • Wheelbase: 26.5″ with brackets.
  • Weight: 3.1/8.4/9.6 lbs (deck only/Caguamas/Dad Bods).

The Loaded Fathom comes with 150mm Paris V2 trucks and a choice of 105mm Dad Bods or 85mm Caguamas wheels. These components work together to provide a smooth and comfortable ride, perfect for long-distance skating and commuting.

FAQ

person holding surfboard near body of water

Is it easy to ride a longboard?
Riding a longboard is relatively easy, especially for beginners. The stability and larger size of longboard skateboards make them more forgiving and easier to balance on compared to traditional skateboards.

Is a longboard better than a cruiser?
Longboards and cruisers serve different purposes. Longboards are designed for cruising, carving, and long-distance skating, while cruisers are more focused on short-distance transportation and maneuverability. Choose the one that suits your riding style and preferences.

Why are some longboards so expensive?
The price of a longboard can vary depending on factors such as brand reputation, quality of materials, and craftsmanship. Higher-end longboards often use premium materials and innovative technologies, resulting in a higher price tag.

What is the easiest type of longboard to learn?
For beginners, a cruiser or a carving longboard is often the easiest type to learn. These setups offer stability, maneuverability, and a forgiving ride, making them ideal for riders who are just starting.

Conclusion

man in blue shirt skateboarding on gray surface

Longboard skateboards are a fantastic choice for riders who value stability, comfort, and versatility. Whether you’re looking to cruise, carve, or commute, a longboard skateboard can provide an enjoyable and smooth ride. With various setups and styles to choose from, there’s a longboard skateboard that suits every rider’s needs.

Based on our expert insights, the Loaded Fathom is an excellent choice for distance skating and commuting. Its specialized bracket setup, stability, and compact design make it perfect for long-distance pushing and travel. However, keep in mind that the Fathom may not be ideal for all-around city slashing or heavy riders on bumpy terrain.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a longboard skateboard and hit the streets for an unforgettable ride!

Review Team
Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

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