Buying a second-hand longboard can be a great way to get quality gear without breaking the bank. This guide will explore where to find used longboards, what to look for, and what to avoid, ensuring you make a smart purchase.
With a used longboard, you can often find a high-quality setup for a similar price to a low-quality new board. This lets you skip the headaches that come with cheaper equipment and enjoy a better riding experience. This article will cover where to find second-hand boards, my own experiences with buying used gear, and what to look for when making your purchase.
Finding Second-Hand Longboard Gear
I’ve bought second-hand gear through various avenues, including friends, Facebook groups, Instagram, eBay, and Amazon. These transactions were usually smooth because I either had a trusted intermediary to protect my payment or I knew the seller personally. I also had the knowledge to determine if the gear was of good quality and fairly priced. While PayPal can protect your payment in most situations (always avoid using the friends and family option for purchases), beginners often lack the knowledge of gear and community connections that help navigate the used market.
For beginners, it’s especially important to take precautions to avoid getting ripped off. Always use PayPal for payment protection, or buy through a third-party mediator like Amazon or eBay. It’s also essential to seek advice from more experienced riders or use online resources to determine if the gear is worth buying.
Top Places to Find Second-Hand Longboards
Local Longboard Groups
People buying and selling second hand longboard gearLocal longboard groups are great places to find used gear. When I started, my local group, Leeds Longboarding, was invaluable. You can often find cruisers, wheels, and other gear for sale, sometimes stumbling upon some real gems. One of the best parts is that you can often avoid shipping costs by meeting the seller in person and paying cash. Similarly, groups like London Longboards offer a wider selection of used gear. To find your local group, search “[Your area] longboarding” on Google. If nothing comes up, try the name of your county, province, or a nearby large town.
Buy/Sell/Trade (BST) Facebook Groups
These groups are dedicated to selling used gear. Prices are often negotiable, and sellers typically accept PayPal or bank transfers. Always use PayPal to ensure your purchase is protected. While this method requires some knowledge of gear, you can easily research products online by checking specifications and prices to determine if something is worn out or unusable. If you’re unsure, you can always ask more advanced riders for their opinion, or post in groups like #WhatGearShouldIBuy. You can also use the articles on this site or Google to research any gear you’re unsure about.
Here are a few examples of BST groups:
- Precision trucks B/S/T
- Longboard UK Buy, Sell, Trade Group
- Second Hand Longboard Page (Buy/Sell/Trade)
- Colorado Longboarding Buy, Sell, Trade
- Sydney Longboard Buy/Sell/Trade
eBay
eBay was a great resource for me when I first started buying used gear. I would browse “Used” and “New other” listings to find good deals. Sometimes companies will sell blemished but functional products at a lower price. It was always exciting to find a good deal. Like with other platforms, if you are unsure of the quality of an item, be sure to do some research or ask an expert.
Amazon
Amazon sometimes offers a “Used” option for some products. While they can be more expensive and less common, it’s still worth checking.
The Reddit longboarding community often has a weekly B/S/T thread. While I’ve never purchased anything from there myself, it can be a good resource for used gear. Just be careful to check the location of the seller, as international shipping can be very expensive. Always remember to use PayPal for protection.
Friends & Strangers
Many longboarders have spare gear in good condition that they are willing to sell. Simply asking your friends might yield some good deals on wheels, pucks, trucks, etc. Likewise, don’t be afraid to approach skilled longboarders you see at parks or events. They might have some gear to sell. You can also do the same thing through social media platforms. While this method might not always be successful, it can sometimes lead to great deals. Remember, you’re under no obligation to buy something just because you inquired about it.
Gumtree
While I’ve never used Gumtree personally, there are often a few boards for sale in my area. It might be a good resource to check if you’re looking for used gear.
Second-Hand Gear to Buy (and Avoid)
Not all second-hand gear is worth buying. This is especially true of protective gear and items meant for single use.
Items to Avoid Second-Hand
Helmets: Buying a used helmet is risky because it’s often impossible to tell if it’s been damaged or compromised. A helmet that looks to be in good condition might not protect you in a crash. Therefore, it’s crucial to always buy a new helmet.
Generic Trucks, Decks, Slide Gloves and Griptape: These are usually low quality and not worth buying used. Even though they’ll be cheap, they’ll detract from your riding experience. Instead, focus on premium products that offer much better value when bought second-hand.
Quality Used Gear to Look For
Here are some premium brands that are worth considering when purchasing used gear.
Truck Brands
Longboard trucks are the metal parts underneath the board that affect your turning and board feel. Good trucks are essential for a good riding experience, while bad ones can cause discomfort.
Used Longboard Truck
Avoid trucks that look bent or excessively worn, as they will affect your board’s performance and cause uneven wheel wear. Look for trucks that are straight and have minimal wear on the hanger. Cast trucks are more prone to bending and wear, while forged and precision trucks are stronger and longer-lasting. If you find these high-quality trucks at a good price, they are worth buying. My first set of precision trucks were second hand because that’s what I could afford, and they performed like new. Always do some research or ask in a community forum if you are unsure about a specific brand or model.
Here are some reputable truck brands:
- Paris
- Caliber
- Bear
- Atlas
- Aera
- Rogue
- Ronin
- Gullwing
- PNL
- Randal
- Arsenal
- Bolzen
- Sabre
- Liquid trucks
Deck Brands
When looking at decks, avoid those that are water-damaged, chewed up, or heavily worn. Because damage is not always immediately visible, inspect the deck closely. If the deck looks in good condition, it is likely okay to buy. Always feel free to do additional research if you are unsure about a specific brand.
If you want to learn more about downhill decks, here are some brands to look out for:
- Rayne
- Loaded
- Arbor
- Alternative
- Landyachtz
- Kebbek
- Sector 9
- Lush
- Madrid
- Prism
- Long Island
- Oslon & Hekmati
- Moonshine
- Restless
- Pantheon
- Rocket
- Seismic
- Riviera
- Jet
- Original
Wheel Brands
Used Longboard WheelsWheels are an excellent option to buy second-hand. Many riders don’t use their wheels extensively, so you can often find wheels with plenty of life left. I often buy used wheels because new wheels can be expensive. When buying used wheels, avoid wheels that are coned, too small in diameter, or have chunks missing. A few small nicks are OK, but large missing chunks can affect performance.
If you want to learn more about wheels, here are some brands to keep an eye out for:
- Powell Peralta
- Seismic
- Venom
- Cadillac
- Sector 9
- Remember wheels
- Cult wheels
- Divine wheels
- Blood orange
- Orangatang
- Abec 11
- Slide Perfect
- Hawgs
Other Gear
For slide gloves, make sure they fit well and aren’t worn out at the fingertips or the pucks are too small. Research the brand to find out what materials the pucks are made of. UHMW-PE or Delrin pucks are the best, as they last the longest and slide the smoothest.
Is Buying Second-Hand Gear Worth It?
In my opinion, yes. For items like decks, forged or precision trucks, wheels, and slide gloves, it’s a great way to save money and get good gear. You can often find premium items for the same price as low-quality new gear. I once bought a set of precision trucks for half their retail price, and they performed like new.
The Drawbacks of Buying Used Gear
It is important to remember that buying used is not always straightforward. The selection of gear is often limited, so you may have to choose from what’s available or check regularly until you find what you want. Gear also often sells quickly, so you need to make decisions fast.
Conclusion
Buying second-hand longboard gear can be a stressful process, and it may take time to find what you’re looking for. However, it’s worthwhile when you find high-quality gear at a reduced price. Keep checking listings and remain patient, and you’ll find good deals.
