Carving and pumping are essential longboarding techniques that enhance the riding experience. While carving is simply turning, the right board can make a world of difference. Pumping, a more advanced technique for generating speed, also requires a specific setup. This guide explores the best longboards for carving and pumping, offering insights for both beginners and seasoned riders.
Top Longboards for Carving
Loaded Icarus: The Premium All-Rounder
The Loaded Icarus is a top-tier option, known for its high-quality components and exceptional performance. It’s a versatile board, excelling in both carving and cruising.
Loaded Icarus longboard
The Icarus comes complete with Paris trucks, renowned for their quality and turning capabilities, and typically features 80mm Orangatang Kegel wheels and Loaded Jehu v2 bearings. The board’s flex is a standout feature, available in two options to accommodate different rider weights. This flex allows for dynamic turns and adds to the overall carving experience. The large wheels also provide excellent coasting ability. While the Icarus is an investment, its performance justifies the price. You can find it on Amazon.com or Stoked Ride Shop.
Landyachtz Ripper: Nimble and Reactive
The Landyachtz Ripper stands out with its nimble and reactive nature. Equipped with smaller wheels, it responds quickly to rider input, making it an excellent choice for carving.
Landyachtz Ripper longboard
This board features Bear tkp trucks, 63mm Fatty Hawgs wheels, and Bear Spaceball bearings, along with 1/4inch risers to prevent wheelbite. The Ripper’s top-mounted trucks enable aggressive and deep turns, which, combined with the board’s flex, make it a blast to ride. It also has some pumping potential but the smaller wheels do hinder its ability to hold speed. You can purchase the Landyachtz Ripper at Stoked Ride Shop or on the Landyachtz website using the code “AroniSkate&Explore15” for a 5% discount.
Comet Cruiser: The Ultimate Carving and Pumping Board
The Comet Cruiser is considered by many to be the best cruiser board on the market, and for good reason. Its exceptional components and custom setup make it a top performer for both carving and pumping.
Comet Cruiser longboard
This board comes with Paris TKP trucks, 69mm Powell Snakes wheels, aftermarket bushings, Zealous bearings, and Khiro wedge risers. The dewedged back provides excellent stability while allowing for aggressive turns. The Comet Cruiser’s nimbleness and tight turning circle make it ideal for pumping, allowing riders to generate speed from a slow start. While a premium option, the code “downhill254” can be used at checkout for a discount on the Comet website.
Landyachtz Drop Cat: Stable and Comfortable for Carving
The Landyachtz Drop Cat is an excellent board for cruising and carving, noted for its low profile, stability, and ease of pushing. It’s a great choice for longer rides.
Landyachtz Drop Cat longboard
Equipped with Bear RKP trucks, 72mm Plow King wheels, and Bear Spaceball bearings, the Drop Cat features a double-drop design with rocker and drop-through. The wedged truck mounts make the board very turny, though its low-to-the-ground design may limit turning depth. It’s still a solid carving board. You can find it at Stoked Ride Shop (the 33-inch version for riders under 5’9″ and the 38-inch for taller riders) or on the Landyachtz website with the code “AroniSkate&Explore15” for a 5% discount.
Magneto Cruiser: Budget-Friendly Option
The Magneto Cruiser is the most affordable board on this list. While it has a high-quality deck, its components are not as refined as those of other boards.
Magneto Cruiser longboard
Featuring a flexible, vertically laminated deck, it comes with knock-off Paris trucks and 70mm wheels. Although it will work for carving, the trucks do not offer the smoothest turns. This board is a good option if you are on a tight budget. The Magneto Cruiser can be found on Amazon.com.
Sector 9 Cruiser: Turny and Versatile
The Sector 9 Aina Striker Cruiser is an excellent option for both carving and pumping, primarily due to its unique Gullwing Sidewinder trucks, which have a double-kingpin system that doubles the turn of a normal TKP truck.
Sector 9 Aina Striker longboard
It also features 69mm wheels and a vertically laminated bamboo deck, making the board light and nimble. While it is great for carving and decent for pumping, its ultra-turny trucks can make it unstable at high speeds. It’s available on Amazon.com.
Other Boards to Consider:
- Landyachtz Battle Axe
- Zenit Catnip
- Landyachtz Surf Skate
- Sector 9 sidewinder series
- Carver boards
- Rocket Rambler
- Bossa boards
- Pantheon Ember
Longboard Buying Guide for Carving and Pumping
Understanding Carving
Carving, at its core, is simply turning on a longboard. However, the board’s characteristics significantly influence how well you can carve. The key is to find a board that turns smoothly and responsively.
The Importance of Turny Trucks
For carving, you’ll want a board that turns well. This is often achieved by using high-angle (50*) trucks. While most companies don’t always disclose this, the majority of trucks on the market are turny enough for most riders. Some, like the Gullwing Sidewinders, offer extra turn, making them great for carving. However, you also want your trucks to be controllable to avoid sudden and unpredictable turns.
Landyachtz Drop Cat trucks and wheels
Smooth and Controllable Turns
Trucks should turn in a smooth and controlled way. High-quality trucks have high-quality bushings and pivots that allow for a smooth lean. Cheaper trucks will not turn as smoothly due to low-quality bushings and pivots.
Understanding Pumping
Pumping is an aggressive turning technique that generates forward momentum without the need to push. Boards on this list can pump reasonably well. For the best pumping experience, a more specialized setup might be necessary, but the Comet Cruiser does stand out in this area.
Nimbleness for Pumping
For pumping, you need a board that can quickly change direction. A sluggish board will not allow you to generate enough momentum through pumping. Look for boards that can transition quickly from left to right.
Wheels for Speed and Momentum
Good wheels are crucial for maintaining speed. High-quality wheels roll fast and hold speed well, and larger wheels (70-80mm) also help in this regard. Avoid gummy, low-quality wheels, which will not coast for long.
Hawgs Plow King wheels
Comfortable Deck
A comfortable deck enhances the overall riding experience and allows for longer sessions. Flexible decks, especially, can make carving more enjoyable.
Do Bearings Matter?
Bearings don’t matter as much as you might think. As long as they are well-maintained and have the necessary accessories, such as speed rings and bearing spacers, you will be fine. There is also no significant difference in performance between ceramic and steel bearings, and free spin does not matter.
Final Thoughts
If you were to pick only one longboard from this list, the Comet Cruiser would be the best option. The Sector 9 Cruiser would also be a solid second choice, providing a different but enjoyable riding experience. Both of these boards stand out for their carving and pumping capabilities.
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