Building a custom longboard setup can be an exciting yet daunting task. This guide will walk you through all the essential steps, from identifying your riding style to selecting the perfect components. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider, understanding the nuances of each part will help you create a board that perfectly suits your needs and preferences.
Understanding Your Needs: The First Step
Before diving into the specifics of decks, trucks, and wheels, it’s crucial to consider what kind of riding you’ll be doing. This is where our longboard configurator comes into play. It’s designed to offer recommendations based on your style, size, and environment. Remember, this is a guideline, not a strict formula. Feel free to experiment and find what works best for you.
Note: This guide contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Configuring Your Ideal Longboard Setup
Cruising
If you’re looking for a relaxing ride without worrying about technical tricks, cruising is your go-to style. You can opt for a complete cruiser or assemble one yourself. For trucks, brands like Venture, Ace, Independent, or Paris are excellent for a smooth, carvy feel. If you’re unsure, start by browsing complete cruiser options.
I Have No Idea
If you’re completely new to longboarding and not sure where to start, we recommend reading through this entire post carefully. This will help you make an informed decision. While buying a complete longboard is an option, selecting individual parts can provide you with a more tailored experience.
Bowl/Pool Setup
For bowl and pool riding, you’ll need a wider deck, generally around 8.5 inches, paired with large, hard wheels (56mm or 58mm at 99A). Turny trucks, like those from Independent, are also essential and should be tweaked for carving.
Vert Setup
Vert riding demands stability. Choose a deck of at least 8.5 inches, or even 8.75 inches. Combine this with fast bearings and large, hard 58mm wheels for optimal performance.
Mini Ramp Setup
Quality bearings and larger wheels are key for mini ramp setups. Opt for a deck between 8.25 and 8.5 inches. Venture and Independent trucks are a solid choice due to their turny yet stable nature.
Cruising & Tricks Setup
This setup requires a balance between soft wheels for cruising and harder wheels for tricks. You can add bigger, softer wheels to a standard setup, but you might need riser pads to avoid wheel bite if going over 59mm. Softer wheels will make your ride bouncier.
Skate Park Setup
For skate parks, an 8.0-inch wide deck is a good start. It balances the need for stability on transitions with the agility required for technical tricks.
Transition Skateboarding Setup
Transition or “tranny” skateboarding involves using curved objects in parks. A setup similar to a skate park setup, but with a slightly wider board, aids in balance and stability.
Street Skating Setup
Street skating is technical and often requires a smaller board for executing tricks like kickflips and heelflips. Durable trucks that can withstand impacts are crucial when grinding curbs and rails. Independent trucks are a great option for their durability, while Thunder, Venture, and Grind King also offer reliable options. Go with low trucks if available.
skateboard configurator beta
Step-by-Step Guide to Customizing Your Longboard
1. Picking the Right Style
Your preferred style dictates the type of longboard you need.
1.1 Street Skating
Street skating demands a deck around 8.0 inches with a mellow to steep concave. The wheelbase also plays a crucial role; a longer wheelbase enhances stability but reduces pop, while a shorter wheelbase offers more pop but less stability. You can opt for decks between 7.75 inches for smaller skaters and 8.25 inches for larger ones. Quality trucks and small, hard wheels are a must.
1.2 Cruising
Cruisers are great for navigating towns, campuses, or urban areas. You can either buy a complete or assemble your own with soft, large wheels (around 60mm) and quality bearings, like Bronson Raws. If you prefer a stable ride, use an 8.5-inch deck with Independent or Venture trucks and riser pads.
1.3 Cruising and Tricks
This style blends cruising with tricks like ollies and slappies. Consider a hybrid setup with smaller, harder wheels than dedicated cruiser wheels. Brands like OJ and Ricta Clouds are worth exploring. The ideal is a compromise between comfort and trick capability.
1.4 Skate Park Setup
Skate parks require hard wheels and a deck between 8.0 and 8.25 inches for a balance between stability and agility. Look for wheels between 99A and 104A in hardness and brands like Bones or Spitfire.
1.5 Bowl and Pool Skating
Wider boards (8.5 inches or more) and trucks that offer stability are vital for bowl and pool skating. You’ll need large, hard wheels, typically between 56mm and 58mm, and turny trucks like those from Venture, Independent, and Ace.
1.6 Transition Skating
This involves curved objects, from mini ramps to quarter pipes. A versatile setup with an 8.25 inch board paired with hard wheels (56mm or 54mm) and Independent, Venture, or Thunder trucks is ideal.
1.7 Mini Ramp
Mini ramps are a ton of fun when using a board that’s 8.25 or 8.5 inches wide and turny trucks like those from Independent, Ace, or Venture. Wheels around 56mm and 100A+ hardness are recommended.
1.8 Vert
For vert riding, prioritize stability with a board 8.5 inches or bigger, large wheels and tight trucks.
2. Picking the Right Deck Size
Contrary to common beliefs, deck size isn’t directly related to shoe size but rather personal preference.
2.1 Deck Size 7.75″
Smaller and responsive, but not ideal for beginners. It is designed for technical skaters who prefer a narrow board.
2.2 Deck Size 8.0″
The modern standard, suitable for all disciplines. This is the right size if you’re unsure of where to begin.
2.3 Deck Size 8.125″
A middle ground between 8.0″ and 8.25″, ideal for those who find the standard sizes too limiting.
2.4 Deck Size 8.25″
Great for transition, park, and mini ramp skating, providing a good mix of balance and agility.
2.5 Deck Size 8.375″
A popular choice for transition and cruising, offering more stability than an 8.25″ board.
2.6 Deck Size 8.5″
Perfect for vert, bowl, pool, mini ramp, and transition skateboarding. Also a good choice for older or heavy riders.
2.8 Deck Size 8.75″+
Ideal for bowls and custom cruisers. They provide a stable flowy feel.
3. Choosing the Right Trucks
Trucks play a significant role in your longboard’s performance. You need to focus on durability, turning capabilities, and stability.
3.1 Street Trucks
These trucks need to be durable enough to handle the abuse of grinding curbs and rails. Thunder, Venture, Grind King, and Independent trucks are all solid choices.
3.2 Transition Trucks
Look for trucks that provide smooth turning, such as Ace or Independent trucks. Venture and Thunder trucks are also reliable options.
3.3 Mini Ramp & Bowl/Pool Trucks
Independent and Venture trucks stand out for mini ramps, bowls, and pools. Indys offer durability while Venture trucks prioritize stability.
3.4 Vert Trucks
Independent and Venture trucks are again great options, but you’ll want them tight to maintain balance.
3.5 Trucks for Cruising
Choose trucks that snap back into position after a turn and are slightly wider. Ensure your bushings match your weight and add riser pads if using 60mm+ wheels.
3.6 Trucks for Cruising & Tricks
Go for top brands for reliability, consider Paris trucks.
4. Selecting Wheels
The type of wheels you select largely depends on the surface you skate, your skill level, and your style of riding.
4.1 Wheels for Rough Terrain
Street skaters riding rough surfaces should opt for wheels between 80A and 96A hardness. You should look for brands such as OJ, Bones All Terrain, or Ricta Clouds. Cruisers, on the other hand, should stick to big soft wheels around 60mm and 78A.
4. Wheels for Street Skating
Hard wheels of at least 99A durometer are essential. Brands like Bones and Spitfire are great options, and wheels should be between 52mm and 54mm.
4. Wheels for Mini Ramp/Bowl/Pool
For speed and grip, consider either Bones or Spitfire wheels. Bones SPF P5, 56mm or 58mm (84B hardness) are very suitable.
4. Wheels for Skate Parks
Hard wheels (at least 99A) between 52mm and 54mm from Spitfire or Bones are recommended.
4. Wheels for Cruising
You should select big, soft wheels, around 60mm+ and 78A, and use riser pads. Brands like OJ, Cloud Ride, or Orangatang are popular choices.
4. Wheels for Cruising and Tricks
Use wheels no bigger than 58mm with a hardness between 80A and 92A, which is a good trade-off between cruising and tricks.
5. Bearings
Standard Bones Reds are great for most longboard setups. Upgrade to Bronson Raws for cruising or ceramics for high speeds.
6. Bushings (Optional)
Your weight is a factor in choosing your bushings. If you are not a fan of your trucks’ stock bushings, check the weight guide below, and consider Bones Hardcore bushings.
| Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) | Flexible | Medium | Hard (stiff) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 – 100 | 22.5 – 45 | 65a | 78a | 81a |
| 75 – 125 | 34 – 56 | 80a | 83a | 85a |
| 100 – 145 | 45 – 66 | 85a | 87a | 88a |
| 125 – 175 | 56 – 79 | 88a | 90a | 93a |
| 145 – 195 | 66 – 88.5 | 90a | 93a | 94a |
| 175 – 220+ | 79 – 100+ | 91a | 93a | 100a |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Griptape Matter?
Not really. Just pick the one you like best; Jessup is a common brand.
Heavy Riders Over 230LBS
Wider boards are helpful if you are heavier. Choose reinforced decks, such as Powell Peralta Flight Decks, Dwindle Impact, or Santa Cruz VX, to avoid any snapping issues.
Does Shoe Size Matter?
No. It’s all about personal preference.
Does My Height Matter?
No. It’s all about personal preference and it will take time before you will find the ideal skateboard size and length.
High-Tier Woodshops
Consider decks made by:
- P.S. Stix
- BBS
- Pennswood
- South Central
- Chapman
- Watson
How Long Does it Take to Learn Skateboarding?
It depends on practice. Master the basics before trying ollies.
Do You Really Need a Kid-Sized Skateboard?
Not necessarily, but they can be easier for kids to control. Make sure it’s a safe option.
Conclusion
Let’s recap the main points:
- Cruising involves soft wheels, a wider deck, and carvy trucks.
- Street style uses smaller wheels and decks.
- Vert uses wide decks, tight trucks, and large hard wheels.
- Bowls and pools need wider decks and turny trucks.
- Mini ramps require wider decks and bigger wheels.
- Transition is a mix of park styles with 54mm wheels and a board between 8.0 and 8.5.
- Cruising and tricks need softer wheels that are not too bouncy.
- For skate parks, use a deck between 7.75 and 8.25 with 99A wheels.
- If you are unsure of where to start, use our configurator.
3 types of skateboard and styles
best mini cruiser skateboards
Stoked Ride Shop Cruising and tricks Skateboard
skateboard in a skatepark
Setup for heavy skateboarders
Thunder trucks
different types of skateboard wheels
bones hardcore bushings
CCS complete skateboard in a park
By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect longboard setup for your needs. Remember to experiment, have fun, and always ride safely!
Ruben Vee
I’m a seasoned skateboarder with 25 years of experience. I enjoy sharing my findings about skateboard gear.
By sharing you support this website
Our editorial process is dedicated to providing high-quality, fact-checked content, ensuring the best experience. If you spot any inaccuracies, please let us know (feedback@skateboardershq.com), and we will take immediate action.
SkateboardersHQ is an independent blog. We don’t accept paid product promotions or sponsored content. We are rebranding and moving to RippedLaces.
