For a long time, there were significantly more skateboarders than longboard riders on the streets. Only a few years ago, the popularity of the larger longboards increased. Skateboarders usually stand on the board in their free time to perform tricks. On the other hand, longboards are primarily used to move comfortably from one destination to another. The Skateboard is more suitable for methods than the longboard. Besides, the longboard should not be viewed solely as a means of transportation. It can also be used for processes and, depending on the type of longboard, allows you to use different driving styles and areas of application. If you are still unsure whether you would be better advised with a longboard or Skateboard, you should read on. We will explain how the two types of boards differ.
Longboard vs Skateboard- The most relevant differences at a glance
At first glance, the components are identical: a deck, two axles, four rollers, and eight ball bearings. Add a little grip tape, and you’re ready to go. But what are the differences? First and foremost, the intended use distinguishes the Skateboard from the longboard.
A longboard cruiser is primarily a form of transportation. The wheels are more prominent and softer than a skateboard and therefore offer a lot more comfort when skating. Smaller stones and dirt up to tram rails or lowered curbs can be easily overcome depending on the choice of wheels. So if you want to get from point A to B quickly or just want to cruise a bit, you’re much better served with a longboard than with a skateboard. There are also longboard disciplines that go beyond this, but many beginners do not jump straight into dancing or freestyling. Besides, classic longboard cruising is not only more fun but also much more comfortable to learn. In addition to the large wheels, the axle geometry typical of longboards and the width of the axles ensures much safer driving. Depending on the design of the deck, the axles also ensure that the center of gravity is closer to the floor. Thus, stability is higher.
However, a skateboard is usually the better choice when it comes to tricks. Skate parks, skate halls, or ramps: a skateboard feels right there. They are often a lot more robust than longboards and, as the name suggests, also shorter. Also, there’s a different driving experience on the longboard. With it, even children can learn to balance very quickly on skateboards and have fun while moving.
So if it is more about rolling and getting around, you can confidently resort to the longboard. If you are more into tricks and skate parks, the classic Skateboard is the right choice.
Furthermore, below is a summary of the most critical differences between longboards and skateboards in a table. This is quite important, so you can have a more accessible overview of what differentiates the two board variants from each other:
| Longboard | Skateboard |
|---|---|
| Deck size: 90 to 150 centimeters | Smaller than longboards |
| Wheelbase larger than skateboards | The wheels are smaller and harder than on the longboard |
| More stable road holding | Slightly more unstable road holding than the longboard |
| Comfortable to drive even on long journeys | Instead designed for short distances |
| Bigger center distance | Smaller center distance compared to longboards |
| Unevenness on the surface is well compensated | Not ideal for uneven surfaces |
| Runs very stable even at high speeds | The maximum speed is lower than with longboards. |
| Not as good for tricks as the Skateboard | Very suitable for tricks |
| Slightly bulky during transport | Handy during transport |
When the snowboard and skateboarding are placed side by side, the most crucial difference is that the achievable top speed. With a skateboard, this is significantly lower than with a longboard. When comparing longboard vs. skateboard speed, you would be able to cover great distances in less time with a longboard. This can be up to 100 kilometers per hour because it has larger wheels than the Skateboard so that smaller stones on the street don’t slow it down as much. In contrast, when skateboarding, it often happens that the wheels suddenly stop because of a rock in the way. Of course, such unpredictable stops often lead to dangerous falls.
When it comes to the question of whether it should be a longboard or a skateboard, the driving experience also plays an important role. Longboarders often describe longboarding as surfing the street. With a longboard, you are more independent of the surfaces and can even overcome rough stretches without problems. When you move on a skateboard, you have to push more often to get enough momentum. That is why driving on a longboard is often described as less strenuous compared to skateboarding. Longboards are, therefore, usually a better choice for both children and older drivers.
Longboard vs. Skateboard: The main advantages and disadvantages of longboards
In comparison to cruiser skateboard vs. longboard, longboards have the edge when it comes to versatility. Numerous longboard types offer distinct advantages. These are also suitable for different areas of application. The classic is the cruising longboard, which is bought often and is the most widely used because it serves to move around the city in a relaxed manner. It is also the right choice for both beginners and advanced users.
A carving longboard is also perfect for beginners. With this board, top speeds are not possible, but it is more comfortable to ride through the city center. Due to the slightly curved decks and the recesses above the wheels, carving longboards offer excellent cornering and allow you to get a lot of momentum. That is why you can cover long distances with carving longboards without any problems.
For professionals who value high speeds, there are, for example, downhill longboards. With such a board, speeds of 100 kilometers per hour are no problem. The downhill longboard is used to safely drive down hills or mountains because it runs stable and safe even at high speed. This longboard type is only suitable for winding routes. Freeride longboards, mountain longboards, mini longboards, and mini cruisers are also offered.
All longboard types have a few things in stock because they are broader and more prolonged than conventional skateboards. The axles are usually more comprehensive and more flexible. Longboards also have more significant roles. Another difference to skateboards is that you can buy longboards with different flex levels. The flex level determines how elastic the board is. Depending on the flex level selected, the deck can be perfectly adapted to your body weight.
The main disadvantage that a longboard brings is that it is bulkier due to its size. It is not as easy to clamp under your arm or stowed in your backpack as the Skateboard. Children, in particular, sometimes have difficulties carrying the longboard from one place to the other. Also, the longboard is only suitable to a limited extent for drivers who desire to perform numerous tricks. The smaller and handier Skateboard is ideal for this purpose.
Longboard vs. Skateboard: what are the advantages and disadvantages of skateboards?
The regular Skateboard is significantly smaller than the longboard. Besides, it is quite hard, and the steering is also rather rigid. If you are looking for a board that allows you to move quickly from one place to another, the question “Should I buy a longboard or skateboard?” It can be answered with a “longboard.” However, if you plan to perform a variety of tricks with your board, you are well-advised to use a skateboard. Usually, several skateboarders meet in the afternoon or evening to show excellent skills. Others also meet to teach each other new tricks in braille skateboarding, skateboard skiing, amongst others.
The variety of skateboards is not as wide as that of longboards, as there are not many different types of skateboards. As a result, the areas of application are limited accordingly. In the comparison of longboard vs. Skateboard, the Skateboard emerges as the winner when it comes to portability. You simply clip the Skateboard under your arm or put it in your backpack if you want to take it to the skate park. In contrast to the longboard, it is not only much smaller but also significantly lighter. Assembling a skateboard parts works precisely like a longboard, though this is more advisable for advanced users.
Longboard vs. Skateboard for beginners
Longboards and skateboards are suitable for beginners. But from research, it has been observed that starting with a longboard is the best. Longboards are made for ballading or descent; they are longer and offer more stability in driving. By opting for the longboard first, you will learn to brake with less difficulty.
Without proper braking techniques, you will quickly injure yourself by falling on the asphalt. A longboard is perfect for anyone who needs to learn the basics of skateboarding. It’s also helpful if you want to switch to a classic skateboard or electric Skateboard later.
Longboard for beginners is also a great option because it has softer and slightly larger wheels than those of classic skates. This allows them to ride with more comfort. The harder and smaller wheels used in longboarding skateboarding are not ideal for riding on the road, on a rough path, or downhill. This is because they do not allow the rider to overcome bumps and gravels as effectively as softer wheels.
There is one important thing to know when buying a longboard: it is not a good idea to use it for tricks and jumps. Longboards have a distinct shape, and it is almost impossible to flip them. Skateboarders who want to do tricks with a longboard can succeed in the long run, but it will take them much longer than with a standard skateboard.
Longboard vs. Skateboard Q/A
1. Skateboard or longboard, which is better?
If you are looking to buy a skateboard or a longboard, you may have some difficulty in deciding. Very often, these names are mixed up, which can create a lot of confusion. Unlike skateboards, longboards appeared in the 1950s. They were longer and were supposed to give the impression of surfing on the street. In the late 1950s, longboards began to change the size for convenience, and modern skateboarding was born.
Skateboards and longboards may look similar, but in reality, the two have significant differences. It is essential to know what you are getting into when you buy one or the other. To decide on which is better between both would depend on your needs as earlier highlighted.
2. Is it more accessible to Skateboard or longboard?
The answer is, without hesitation, the longboard! More substantial and softer wheels will make it much easier for you to move around in an urban environment. On the other hand, the smaller and harder wheels on a skateboard can quickly stop and even eject you after riding over a crack or bump. This can make skateboarding very unpleasant as well.
» The advantages of the longboard, in this case, is that it is enough to focus on the crossing and that they can go quite quickly. The downside is that their large wheels make the board much more cumbersome and difficult to maneuver.
» The advantage of small skateboard wheels is that they are light and more maneuverable and, therefore, ideal for use in a skatepark.
Even if you intend to do tricks early, ensure you learn to use the longboard first. It will give you more self-confidence, and also allow you to have a maximum level of control when you decide to go skateboarding. It will further enable you to master the essential basics of skating: speed and braking.
When you have a board specialized only in these two unique characteristics, it will be much easier to adapt and learn. It is also safer. However, you should be careful about the speed at which you ride. Large wheels can quickly gain momentum, which is why it is recommended to learn to brake by driving slowly at the start.
3. Should I skateboard or longboard?
It all depends on personal preferences. People who like to travel in the city, in their neighborhood, and on the sidewalks prefer the longboard. It offers them excellent speed and saves them time on the move. Longboards are also less risky when they hit cracks or bumps and are therefore an excellent means of transport. It is also a great relaxing tool when you just want to get out in the fresh air and take a walk.
Standard skateboards are ideal for those who want to do tricks, jumps, and spend a lot of time at the skate park. A classic board can quickly become a very addictive pastime if that’s what you like. But it can soon become demotivating at first because you will fall a lot and the tricks are far from easy to perform. You risk having a lot more bruises while learning skateboarding, but you will also avoid having to switch from a longboard to a skateboard.
Ultimately, it’s up to the buyer to see what they prefer. These two types of boards can offer you great experiences, provided that you are committed to learning.
Skateboard vs. longboard for commuting
All in all, the longboard offers more advantages than Skateboard. If you don’t just want to perform tricks, but also want to use your board for commuting, you are better advised with a longboard. It runs more smoothly through the long wheelbase and offers a more comfortable ride than a skateboard.
Conclusion
Going around on longboards started becoming almost a trend in large cities a few years ago. Today, more and more kids are using the board as a means of locomotion. Those who do not know the longboard general mistakes it for a skateboard, but between the two, there are substantial differences.
Skateboarding, an old discipline that developed in California in the 1960s, differs a lot from a longboard. This is mainly in the length of the board and the wheels, which are shorter and smaller, respectively, than those of a longboard. Even the trucks, the metal parts to which the wheels are anchored, change, and in general, for skateboarding, they are narrower and higher.
These differences make the Skateboard much lighter, easier to handle, and more suitable for freestyle. On the other hand, it’s less stable and quick, therefore not ideal for long journeys. Generally, with skateboarding, you can turn in delimited areas. You can also move in places where there are structures on which to perform your maneuvers.
The longboard, on the other hand, is equipped with a longer board and broader and softer wheels, is more stable, and faster. Thus, it is also able to absorb the roughness of the asphalt better, but being more bulky and heavy, it is less suitable for freestyle use.
These are the main differences as earlier highlighted, though this does not mean that with a longboard, you cannot make evolution. Today, you can find good riders who can do the same things, both with a skateboard and a longboard.
In all, both longboarding and skateboarding are disciplines that have no rules. It is the skill of the rider and his needs and preferences that make the difference.
