Many people mix up the terms skateboard vs. longboard because they look so similar. So, what makes a longboard different from a skateboard?
Let’s take a closer look at the similarities and differences between these two types of boards. If you want more details, keep reading this post!
What Is A Skateboard?
A skateboard shaped like a surfboard. It commonly comprises 7 to 9 layers of maple wood, has four wheels, and is thin and short.
This board gained popularity in the 1960s and is still popular today. Surfers desired a comparable feeling on land, so they invented skateboards.
The skateboard was created by taking a wooden board, cutting a board off it, and putting some wheels underneath it.
People use it to ride, roll, or do road feats by standing on it with one foot on the ground. It is available in various sizes, styles, and colors.
Skateboards are made up of three parts: a deck or board, two trucks, and four wheels. Its deck’s average length, breadth, and thickness are 32 inches (81.3 centimeters), 8 inches (20.3 centimeters), and 0.5 inches (1.3 cm).
What Is A Longboard?
Longboards are skateboards that are longer than the standard ones. It’s made of bamboo, maple, oak, birch, or koa wood.
This type of skateboard is quite huge, measuring from 33 and 59 inches (84 and 150 cm) in length. It measures 9 to 10 inches (22.8 to 25.4 cm) in width.
They also come in a variety of shapes to suit various needs. Longboards are utilized for long distances and more severe activities like downhill racing.
A longboard’s components are similar to those of a skateboard. Trucks, wheels, decks, and grips are all included.
The Differences Between Skateboard Vs. Longboard
Size
As the name suggests, a longboard is usually longer than a standard one.
Long skateboards are 35–60 inches long and 9–10 inches wide, whereas short versions are 28–34 inches long and 7–10 inches wide.
It is simpler to balance the larger and wider long table, especially for novices.
Shape
Regular skateboards have a popsicle form, with an angled nose and tail to burst the deck. Also, they include an indentation that enables technical maneuvers.
On the other hand, longboards do not have an angled nose and tail; instead, they are either slightly recessed or flat. They are longer than other boards, which gives them additional stability.
Wheels
Longboard and skateboard wheels differ in many ways, including size, toughness, and color.
First and foremost, a longboard’s wheel is larger than a skateboard. They also have softer wheels that are better for bumpy roads.
Aside from that, larger wheels can help your board go faster. With the smaller wheel, though, you may easily do acrobatics and stunts.
The diameter of longboard wheels ranges from 2.6 inches to 4.2 inches (65 to 107 mm). Meanwhile, skateboard ones are available in diameters ranging from 1.89 inches to 3.35 inches (48 mm to 85 mm).
Balance
Longboards are simpler to balance since they are slightly wider, whereas smaller boards require more balancing abilities.
Longboards provide greater room and comfort for people with larger feet.
They also allow you to assume a broader stance, resulting in better balance than a regular skateboard.
Cruising
Skateboards are typically intended to slide through parks or ramps where they may be readily jumped on. However, a shortboard will make you less stable and easy to move for extended distances.
Longboards are ideally suited for long distances and transportation. On most types of terrain, their length and shape offer a smooth ride for kilometers.
Bearings
The best part is that long bearings may be attached to skateboards and vice versa. Ceramics are frequently sought after, but they are prohibitively pricey.
Skateboard bearings like Bones Reds accelerate significantly more quickly, whereas Zealous Z bearings take a little longer.
This means Zealous bearings will keep running, and Bones will slow your board down further.
Speed
In comparison to skateboards, longboards are designed to provide better control at higher speeds. The long wheelbase, huge wheels, and efficient bearings allow you to ride low, push efficiently, and accelerate quickly.
As a result, keeping up with a long-distance skater will be extremely tough for a skateboarder. Getting up to speed and maintaining speed takes more effort on the skateboard.
Skateboards accelerate more quickly, but they require more thrust to maintain their momentum.
Safety
When riding a board on various surfaces, there’s always the chance of getting hurt. Longboards are meant for long distances and downhill runs, so it can be risky to utilize them for water slides, pitching, and kicks.
You can’t expect to be safe on the board if you’re doing a technique that’s not designed for it. Depending on your structure and skill choice, they may be more trustworthy than the other.
Ease Of Learning
Long tables are generally favored and are more comfortable for activities like flying long distances at fast speeds.
Furthermore, the longboard comes in handy when you need to ride downhill and need more control over your board.
Skateboards are also simple to handle. It will be easier if you plan to surf on a smooth surface and do a few kicks.
Skateboards are always more comfortable than longboards when walking on benches and minor curbs, as they are heavier and longer.
As a result, both types of boards have their unique characteristics, resulting in varying degrees of comfort.
Tricks
Skateboards are better at performing tricks than longboards. You can zigzag and play park activities thanks to the curved ends, smaller wheels, and length.
They are simple to transport wherever you go. A skateboard’s truck is also incredibly stiff and robust. As a result, you can use the skateboard to do extreme tricks or stunts.
Price
A nice longboard will set you back $150 to $250. This will provide you with a high-quality deck, excellent wheels, and a dependable truck.
The cost of a luxury skateboard ranges from $90 to $150. At $90, you’re not getting top-of-the-line parts, but they’re still usable.
At $150, you are getting the greatest components available. Wheels and bearings of poor quality must be replaced more frequently.
Comparison Table
| Criteria | Longboard | Skateboard |
| Size | Large, about 59 inches | Compact, about 36 inches |
| Shape | Various | Popsicle |
| Wheels | Large and soft | Smaller and harder |
| Balance | Stable, easier to balance | Hard to balance |
| Cruising | Long distances | Extended distances |
| Bearings | Accelerate much faster | Need time to speed up |
| Speed | Higher speeds | Lower speed |
| Easy of learning | Easy to learn | Have to put more effort |
| Tricks | Dancing, cruising, downhill, freeriding | Vert, street, bowl, mini ramp |
| Price | Pricey | Affordable |
Pros And Cons Of Skateboard And Longboard
Longboard
It is an excellent choice for longboard travel because it requires less effort.
A longboard is simple to balance, and you won’t be troubled by rocks or other little objects. As a result, it is an excellent alternative for beginners.
Compared to skateboards, longboards are more durable. The wheels are the only thing that needs to be replaced, and they can last a long time depending on where, how, and in what vehicle you ride.
The downside of longboards is that they are expensive, especially if you want a decent quality board with good parts.
Furthermore, it is rather big and awkward to carry, and it might not be easy to maneuver.
Skateboard
Skateboards are portable and may fit in your backpack. They’re also incredibly agile, made to withstand impacts, and you may use them to play with stairs, rails, and curbs.
Longboards are more expensive, whereas skateboards are less so. Moreover, they allow you to do more tricks.
They appear to be less expensive at first, but they can quickly add up if you ride frequently and perform many complex feats.
Depending on where you skate, you should change your shoes, floors, and wheels as often as feasible.
Another disadvantage of the skateboards is that they are not suitable for prolonged journeys. On bumpy roads, hard wheels can be aggravating and require much pushing to maintain speed.
If you want to know more about their wins and fails in more detail, check out this video:
What Should You Choose?
If you want to travel long distances or don’t want to do anything, choose the longboard.
Pick a good longboard if you enjoy speed. Otherwise, skateboards are suitable for those who want to challenge themselves with a range of stunts.
If you’re new to skateboarding, longboards with wide and softer wheels are far better at handling balance.
Conclusion
You have a better understanding of the two between skateboard vs. longboard. Both have advantages and disadvantages, but the decision is entirely yours.
If you choose the wrong board, you won’t be able to show off your surfing skills. We hope this post has helped you determine the appropriate type.
