How are longboards different? What is the difference between skateboards, longboards and cruiser skates? What is the difference between a penny board and a skateboard and longboard?

Hello friends! Active recreation is calling! The park figures are freezing, and the asphalt is frozen in anticipation of wide and soft wheels! For those who are concerned about choosing a new equipment, we will tell you what longboards are for, how they differ from the usual skateboards, and what does cruisers have to do with it.

If everyone has long been accustomed to skateboards, and many have tried and even become interested in this topic, then longboards are, although not new, but a fresh breath of four-wheeled boards. In fact, it’s difficult to surprise a metropolis resident with a long “surf” board. Those who visit hilly parks with paths and even more so. These residents are no longer surprised by anything. But in vain. Just imagine if everyone rode around the city on boards, and only switched to a car when they reached retirement age. Young skateboarders would storm the parks, and office workers, imposingly laying arcs, would go to work - they would hardly choose skateboards to move around the city. And that's why.

- This is primarily a stunt projectile. Its deck is made of durable, hard layers of wood. It is symmetrical, the nose and tail are curved upward, forming “kicktails” for performing jumps, there is sandpaper on top, and a pattern on the bottom, stained with the first blood. The suspensions and wheels are as stiff as a father after a parent-teacher conference. All this in order to make the projectile as effective as possible for tricks. Riding such a board around the city from point A to point B on our asphalt is a pain, and the further the destination, the worse the pain. But what technical tricks, what a click when performing an ollie! You could have high jump competitions on skateboards, and the champions would not be the Kennies.

What is the difference between a longboard and a skateboard?

Descended from a different evolutionary branch. He, like amphibians, came to land straight from the ocean and immediately acquired wheels. The ocean waves weren't enough for surfers and they found a new entertainment - riding long boards on the asphalt waves.
Cruising impressively, laying powerful turns or bombing steep hills at great speed - this is about a longboard. There are different deck shapes, complex concaves - curved, concave, convex-concave like bacon in a frying pan, and all this to achieve maximum results in certain disciplines and simply for comfortable and fast skating.

The suspension of longboards is wider than that of skateboards, and the bearings are high-speed. The wheels are larger and softer to absorb the unevenness of the asphalt without hitting your ankles with each bump. Longboarding is about long journeys, a marathon. Skateboard about sprint acceleration for amplitude tricks.

But if you need a longboard specifically for quickly moving around the city and you don’t want to carry a long board in the subway, then take a closer look at cruisers.

What is the difference between a penny board and a longboard?

Formally, “” is a plastic board from the company of the same name, the name of which has become a household name for many. But this is not fair. Penny boards are classified as cruisers, but besides plastic boards there are others - small, durable longboards made of layers of wood, with or without sandpaper, of different shapes and lengths, usually from 20 to 30 inches with a pronounced kicktail for simple tricks (ollies, jumping curbs, spins and flips – everything is possible). The suspension and wheels of cruisers are adapted for the urban landscape and not always good asphalt surfaces. It's a combination of skateboard and longboard - a little bit of everything.

Cruisers are durable, lightweight, maneuverable projectiles with excellent handling and speed characteristics that you can carry with you.

Choose your future friend, at least having a rough idea of what you need him for. If you ride in the park, slide along the railings and get wet on the ramp, then definitely a skateboard. It’s like riding on the waves, throwing the board into unimaginable slides and sooner or later growing up to downhill, then longboarding. Well, if you want to ride around the city comfortably, be mobile and be on time everywhere, then a cruiser! And don't forget about the right shoes!

Decided to learn how to skateboard, started searching for a good model and found yourself faced with a variety of manufacturers, types and models? Not everyone can immediately distinguish a skateboard from a longboard, a cruiser from a pennyboard, but riding styles can be studied endlessly. This article is dedicated to the differences between the boards!

What is a longboard and what is its purpose?

The very name “longboard” speaks for itself, which translated from English means “long board”. This is one of the main differences between a longboard and a skate: a longboard is a straight flat deck (board) with a length of 90-100 cm or more.

The main difference is the purpose of the longboard. This type of board is designed for long-term riding in the park or city streets.

A skateboard is much smaller in size and is suitable for performing tricks, all kinds of jumps and slides. Small, hard wheels are not able to accelerate the board to the required speed, so riding long distances will require a lot of effort and will not bring any pleasure.

Components of a longboard and its features

The components of a longboard are similar to a skateboard, but have their own differences:

The deck (board) is made of layers of Canadian or Chinese maple, as well as impact-resistant composite polyurethane. The length of the deck is much longer than a skateboard board and varies from 90 to 200 mm, soft and elastic.
The shape of the board is straight, in some models only the back part (“tail”) is bent.
The suspension (tracks) is also wider and softer than a classic skateboard. The size of the pendant depends on the parameters of the board itself.
The wheels are soft and large in diameter (approximately 70 mm) - they allow you to reach high speeds and quickly move around the city.
Bearings vary depending on the style of longboard. The standard class of this part is ABEC5 and ABEC7. This board is perfect for beginners to learn; it will be easy to operate. ABEC9 class bearings allow you to accelerate well and maintain speed longer.

What are the different styles of longboard riding?

When choosing a model, you need to clearly understand why you need a skateboard. After all, in addition to the characteristics, the boards differ in riding style.

Freeriding is riding at high speed while performing various tricks. The deck of these longboards is as short as possible.
Slalom is a style of skating to overcome obstacles on a board, using special cones, cups, barriers and much more.
Carving is a style reminiscent of snowboarding and surfing in its technique. Namely, moving the weight from the toe to the heel. Thus, the result is skating in peculiar arcs.
Speedboarding is a high-speed descent when a longboarder develops high speed on the board. This kind of skating brings a lot of emotions and adrenaline.
Dancing is practically a “dance” on the board. This style involves performing various artistic elements on a longboard.
Cruisers are classic boards, ideal for riding in the city for fun.

Our online store has a wide selection of both skateboards and longboards from the German company Powerslide in various colors and sizes, so everyone can find a model to their liking.

To answer the question: what is the difference between a longboard and a skateboard, let’s look at several technical differences between both types.

A skateboard is a structure made up of a small board and small wheels. In terms of design, the edges of the sports vehicle are curved upward, and the suspension and wheels are firmly connected to the base.

It is more compact in size and does not come in varieties in terms of length. Nuances are found only in the weight category: each model is designed for a certain weight, which is indicated on the label at the time of sale.

A longboard, unlike its brother, is based on the same thing as a surfer's board, only with the added bonus of length.

Longboard sizes usually come in different sizes: there is a short and a long board format. It is also worth noting that the design of the board depends on the riding style and the road surface on which it will be ridden. In the case of a skateboard, style and road also play a role - there is a wide variety of this sports tool.

Style differences

The technical characteristics discussed above, in the case of a skateboard, completely depend on the riding style. Based on the last specified parameter, there are several different types of this type of transport:

Freeboard is a six-wheeled board with the necessary footrest. Great for freestyle enthusiasts;
Flowboard is a variety that has 14 wheels. The presented design makes any skating virtuosic and shows how skillfully one can wield a regular board with wheels;
Snakeboard is a union of two halves. It is expected to overcome obstacles using a moving platform and increase the number;
Rollersurf - this type of popular board is intended for traveling in the mountains and in park areas;
Powersliding - resembles a regular longboard, if you do not take into account the unique design of the wheels: slightly rounded edges for “jogging” on the asphalt.

In addition to being unique in their kind, longboards have stylistic differences, which are intended for a specific purpose: cruising, carving.

Having indicated the technical and stylistic differences between a longboard and a skateboard, we will note the purpose of both boards.

Purpose

In terms of differences, we can note that a skateboard, unlike a longboard, is purchased by young people to perform all kinds of tricks and for various competitions. Classic skating on this board is considered last.

Longboarding, on the other hand, is considered a long-distance sport. Most often it is used when descending, since it is the safest option of the two proposed. However, tricks are also performed on them, but this is already given a secondary role.

So, to summarize, we can say that we have indicated the most visible differences between a skateboard and a longboard. We also noted that it is better to choose a longboard according to your taste, as it will meet your requirements better than a classic skateboard. We have indicated all the nuances, and decide for yourself whether a skateboard or a longboard is better.

Finally, we want to give advice: ride for your own pleasure and choose a board to your liking. I wish you success.

Skateboarding is an extreme sport that has remained a popular hobby among teenagers and young adults for many decades. It involves both riding a special board and performing tricks. What is the difference between skateboards, longboards and cruiser skates? The answer to this question is simply necessary for those who decide to take up this sport and go to the store to buy their first board.

Skateboarding has recently become very popular among young people.

Differences and features

Certain types of skateboarding boards are not developed by chance. Their purpose strictly determines their appearance, size, and set of accessories. Let's look at the main varieties and their distinctive features.

Skateboards

The most ordinary and familiar boards for any average person. They have edges curved on both sides, standard sizes (width - 7-9 inches (17.5-22.5 cm), length - 30-32 inches or 75-80 cm) and a clear purpose - performing tricks. Riding around the city on such boards is inconvenient and impractical: since skateboards are not intended for long-distance and long-term movement on heterogeneous and uneven city surfaces, they wear out too quickly with such use.

Skateboards are not designed for walking on city streets.

The design is designed to withstand constant jumping - special wheels and bearings take care of this. The skateboard board itself is most often made by gluing together several layers of Canadian or Chinese maple.

You can watch how to choose the right skateboard and what to pay attention to first in the following video.

Longboards

This type of skate is distinguished by its impressive length and completely straight board. Longboards have the ability to develop enormous speed and are incredibly stable. They allow you to move softly and feel confident. Longboards are not used for trick riding or spin jumping.

There are many varieties of such boards:

Freeride – for high-speed descents on steep slopes.
Carving - the appearance is reminiscent of a surf or snowboard, the board is suitable for going down slopes or for walking on good city surfaces.
Cruising is a long board with soft wheels, designed for long journeys.
Boardwalking (Dancing) - non-standard length (40-60 inches or 100-150 cm) makes riding on such a board very unique, it resembles a dance.
Downhill (Speedboard) – for descending from mountains at incredible speed.
Technical sliding is a variation of the previous model, which allows you to slide on one of the parts of the deck, which is not typical for longboards.
Long distance – a board for traveling the longest distances; the Long Distance Pumping variety allows you to swing a longboard on long gentle slopes.
Slalom is a variety characterized by special maneuverability; the length is average (30-36 inches or 75-90 cm), the suspension is narrow, the wheels are soft and of reduced size.

Longboards differ from skateboards in that their edges are not curved upward.

To choose a good longboard, you need to consider several nuances. You can see which ones exactly in the next video.

Skate cruisers and plastboards

A cruiser is a board that is bent at only one, the tail part. Essentially a cross between a skateboard and a longboard, this board is suitable for everyday use in the city. Cruisers range in length from 27 to 31 inches (67.5-77.5cm).

Since the surface in the modern city is heterogeneous, it is very problematic to ride skates or long bikes here. Cruisers are designed specifically taking into account the shortcomings of urban roads. They make riding on them more comfortable. The wheels here are of a larger shape, they are wider and softer. The boards themselves are very maneuverable and easy to control.

An experienced skater can not only ride a cruiser, but also perform various tricks. The convenient dimensions of the cruiser allow you to fasten it to the special straps of a backpack designed for a regular skate, or carry it in a standard skate case.

Almost all cruisers are also made from maple. The exception is plastboards, which got their name because they are made of plastic. But we’ll talk about such boards in detail below.

Plastboards got their name due to the fact that they are made of plastic.

Is a penny board a cruiser?

The answer to this question is: “Yes.” The plastboard mentioned above is a penny board. The boards got their second name from the material from which they are made. This plastic is not only durable, but also very flexible. Numerous experiments broadcast on the Internet (for example, placing a penny board under a car wheel) show how practical and durable these boards are.

Pennies differ from all other cruisers not only in material, but also in size. Their length is only 22 inches or 55 cm. There is a whole line of penny board models that differ from each other, mainly in color. There is a series designed specifically for evening and night riding; it is equipped with reflective elements.

What is better to choose for a child?

Summarizing all the models and varieties of skateboards that exist on sale, a skate cruiser would be the best option for active use in the city. Among the representatives of this type of skates, you can find a model for any age, even for a child from 4 years old - pennies are great for skating the little ones. Gradually gaining experience in riding, your child will even be able to perform tricks on cruisers. But it’s impossible to ride stunt boards around the city without reducing their service life several times. But it’s not just about the service life of the board.

If a skateboard is intended for a specific application and is used for other purposes, this increases the risk of injury.

For example, if someone really wants to perform a trick on a longboard, perhaps after a lot of training, he will be able to do something similar, but injury will certainly not be avoided. Because longboards are simply not designed for tricks. The same thing will happen if your child starts cutting across loose city asphalt on a stunt board - the number of falls and bruises will increase significantly, because such boards behave unstable when riding.

This is why it is so important to understand the types of skates and buy them in strict accordance with their intended purpose.

For those who have not yet decided on a model, we offer you to watch the following video, after watching which you will be able to make the right choice for your child.

It is difficult for a beginner or a person far from longboarding and skateboarding to understand the differences between a skateboard and a longboard. When you watch from afar how someone is jumping in a skate park, and someone is relaxing and skating through the streets, the differences are not entirely clear. It may seem that the boards are the same: deck, suspension, 4 wheels - however, this is not entirely true.

What to ride on and what to do tricks on?

If you buy a skateboard for long walks, you will get tired, putting a lot of effort into accelerating and still not getting the desired speed. There’s no need to talk about comfort at all - the vibrations from the asphalt will “grind” your teeth. A longboard is a completely different matter. And if you enter the skatepark on a longboard, you will probably be a black sheep. So what's the deal?

The difference is in the details

Skateboard designed for jumping, sliding along railings and other spectacular tricks. But you won’t be able to travel far on it. Why? The answer lies in the structural features of the skateboard:

Short board for lightness and maneuverability;

Raised nose and tail of the board - for jumping (clicking);

Stiff and narrow suspension, maneuverable, but not stable enough;

Small and rigid wheels that give the board maneuverability, but do not smooth out vibrations arising from asphalt unevenness due to their rigidity and relatively small diameter.

So, don’t make your life more difficult by choosing a skateboard for long-distance skating. Many parents who do not distinguish between a longboard and a skateboard mistakenly choose a skateboard for their young children, which is much more difficult to maintain balance on.

Every detail of the skate is designed to be lightweight. What can you say about a longboard? Longboards, in their original form, are long boards reminiscent of surfboards, which are intended for long and comfortable rides in parks and the city.

U longboard, unlike a skateboard:

Long deck (often reaching more than a meter), a little softer and more elastic;

A completely straight board, or with a raised tail - kicktail;

Wide suspension (because the deck itself is wider than the deck of a skateboard);

The wheels are wide and soft (not always, depending on the riding style), may have rounded edges, or may have straight edges.

As you can see, a skateboard and a longboard are similar only in appearance, but the characteristics are significantly different, which should already alert you - you need to clearly understand how you will ride and, in accordance with this, decide on the type of board.

In addition, longboards come in completely different shapes and sizes, which depend on the chosen riding style.