Having spent over two decades honing my skills on mini ramps, I’ve learned firsthand what makes a longboard setup truly shine. I’m not here to endorse specific products, but rather to offer a general roadmap for assembling a board that will let you ride mini ramps like a pro. Let’s dive into the essentials for creating the best longboard setup for mini ramps, ensuring you get the most out of every session.
Optimizing Your Longboard for Mini Ramp Performance
Mini ramp riding is all about balance, speed, and comfort. It’s a low-impact style of skateboarding, easier on your joints than street skating. While crashes are part of the learning process, a proper setup and technique can minimize their impact. If you’re new to the ramps, protective gear is always a smart idea. Let’s explore the specific components that will elevate your mini ramp experience.
Deck Size: Finding Your Sweet Spot (8.25″ to 9.0″)
While an 8.0″ or even 7.75″ longboard deck can function on mini ramps, a wider deck provides significantly enhanced stability. An 8.5″ deck is the ideal starting point. While it may require more effort to flip than a 7.75″, the added balance and control will pay off. Wider decks are more forgiving and offer more foot room for enhanced control, especially when performing tricks like axel stalls. Opt for a mellow concave for a balance of technical capability and stability.
Skateboard deck on mini ramp
Trucks: Prioritizing Height and Responsiveness
Longboard trucks designed for mini ramp skating should be higher than those used for street skating. High trucks offer sharper turns because they pivot further, allowing for precise angles when approaching the coping. They also allow for larger wheels without wheel bite. For stability, brands like Venture are a good choice, especially for beginners. Independent trucks offer durability and are another reliable choice. While titanium trucks are an option, standard hollow trucks offer similar performance without the added cost.
Wheels: Size and Hardness for Speed and Control (56mm-58mm)
Switching to larger wheels made a dramatic impact on my riding experience. Moving from smaller 53mm wheels to 56mm or 58mm wheels made getting around the mini ramp much easier and faster. Larger wheels provide more speed, allow for more momentum and time to focus on tricks. The size of the mini ramp can also influence your wheel choice: smaller wheels work fine in tiny ramps, but larger wheels excel in bigger ones. In terms of hardness, a durometer between 99a and 84B is suitable. Softer wheels (84B) offer more grip, while harder wheels (99a) are faster on smooth surfaces.
Bones SPF P5 wheels
Bearings: Investing in Reliability
When it comes to bearings, reliability is key. While expensive ceramic bearings are suitable for longboarding downhill, they’re unnecessary for mini ramps. Quality bearings like Bones Swiss Reds or Super Reds are an excellent choice. Cheap bearings can fail and cause you to hit a wall head first. Investing in good bearings enhances both performance and safety.
Transitioning from Mini Ramps to Vert
If you’re also into vert skating, a deck of 8.5″ or larger will provide necessary stability. Vert skating requires reliable grip, so choose wheels that won’t slide out from under you. Bones P5 wheels, for example, are favored for their grip. If you enjoy both mini ramps and vert, ensure that your setup is versatile enough to handle both styles.
Finding the Balance Between Ramps and Parks
Many skaters enjoy a variety of terrains, including both mini ramps and street parks. An 8.0″ or 8.25″ deck can offer a good middle ground for skaters who enjoy both. The 8.25″ performs better on ramps, while the 8.0″ is better suited for technical street skating. For wheels, a size between 53-54mm will allow for adequate ramp pumping and also tech street skating. Again, a hardness of 99A to 84B is a good middle ground for this setup. Remember, the ideal skateboard setup is the one that best suits your personal style, and no single setup excels in all disciplines.
| Deck width (Inches) | 8.0″ – 8.49″ | 8.5″ – 8.99″ |
|---|---|---|
| CCS Trucks | 139, 144 | 149, 159 |
| Independent Trucks | 139, 144 | 149, 159 |
| Thunder Trucks | 147, 148 | 149, 151 |
| Tensor Trucks | 5.35, 5.5 | 5.75 |
| Venture Trucks | 5.2 | 5.8 |
Final Thoughts: Assembling Your Mini Ramp Setup
For optimal mini ramp performance, choose a wide deck, large wheels, quality bearings, and high trucks. Prioritizing balance is key, and wider setups generally perform better. Make sure to purchase quality parts from reputable brands; this will save you time and money in the long run. Visiting a local skate shop can be beneficial; their expert advice can guide you towards the best setup for your specific needs. By investing in quality gear, you’ll make skateboarding both easier and safer.
Ruben vee
Ruben Vee
