The Best Standard Skateboards & Longboards

Deck Material and Construction

The core of any skateboard or longboard is its deck, with material composition significantly influencing durability, flex, and ride feel. Traditional standard skateboards, like the WhiteFang model, typically feature 7-layer Canadian maple, prized for its rigidity and pop essential for executing tricks. In contrast, many longboards, such as the Retrospec Zed and Magneto Kicktail Cruiser, incorporate a blend of Canadian maple and sustainable bamboo. This combination often yields a deck with a more responsive flex, absorbing road vibrations and providing a comfortable, lively ride that users report is ideal for cruising and carving.

Wheel Specifications and Ride Comfort

Wheel size and durometer (hardness) are critical factors determining the ride experience. Smaller, harder wheels, like the 52mm, 95A PU wheels found on the WhiteFang skateboard, are designed for quick turns and slides, often used in street and park skating. For longboards focused on commuting and cruising, larger and softer wheels are preferred. The Magneto Kicktail Cruiser, for example, features 70mm 78A urethane wheels, which are significantly softer and larger, allowing for effortless gliding over rougher surfaces and providing enhanced grip. Similarly, the Retrospec Zed utilizes 70mm polyurethane wheels for a buttery-smooth ride, demonstrating the importance of matching wheel specs to intended use.

Truck Design and Maneuverability

Trucks are responsible for steering and stability, with different designs catering to varied riding styles. Standard skateboards, including the ChromeWheels 31 inch model, typically use traditional kingpin trucks that offer quick turning response suitable for tricks and street riding. Longboards, particularly those designed for carving and downhill, often employ reverse kingpin trucks, as seen on the Retrospec Zed Longboard. These trucks provide a wider turning radius and increased stability at higher speeds, making carving feel more fluid and less twitchy. The choice of truck design directly impacts how responsive or stable the board feels underfoot, a key consideration for specific riding environments.

Deck Shape and Intended Use

The shape of the deck dictates its primary function. Standard skateboards, exemplified by the WhiteFang and ChromeWheels models, feature a double kick concave design, allowing for precise foot placement and leverage for ollies and kickflips. For longboards, shapes vary more widely. The Magneto Kicktail Cruiser, with its distinct kicktail, offers a blend of longboard stability with the ability to lift the nose for quick turns or manual tricks. Dedicated cruisers like the Retrospec Zed often have a more flowing, directional shape without a pronounced kicktail, optimizing for smooth, uninterrupted rides and carving paths. Understanding these design differences helps riders select a board that aligns with their preferred style of riding.

Overlooking Deck Length for Intended Use

A common pitfall is selecting a board without considering its length relative to desired activity. For instance, choosing a 31-inch board like the ChromeWheels or WhiteFang, which are closer to standard skateboards, when the primary goal is stable, long-distance cruising, can lead to dissatisfaction. Longer boards, such as the 44-inch Magneto Kicktail Cruiser or the Retrospec Zed Longboard, inherently offer greater stability and a smoother ride profile, which is typically preferred for commuting or sustained carving.

Misinterpreting Wheel Durometer

Riders often overlook the significance of wheel hardness (durometer). Opting for wheels with a high durometer, like the 95A PU wheels on the WhiteFang skateboard, is ideal for tricks and sliding but can result in a harsh, bumpy ride on uneven surfaces. Conversely, softer wheels, such as the 78A urethane wheels on the Magneto Kicktail Cruiser, excel at absorbing road vibrations and providing superior grip, making them the practical choice for comfortable cruising and navigating varied urban environments. Matching durometer to terrain is crucial for rider comfort and performance.

Ignoring Truck Type for Riding Style

The type of trucks significantly impacts how a board handles. A mistake is assuming all trucks offer the same turning characteristics. Boards like the Retrospec Zed Longboard feature reverse kingpin trucks, which are designed for deeper carves and increased stability at speed, typical for longboarding. Standard kingpin trucks, found on many smaller boards like the ChromeWheels, offer quicker, tighter turns more suited for street skating and tricks. Choosing the wrong truck type can hinder the desired riding experience, making carving feel stiff or high-speed stability feel precarious.