The answer depends on your riding style. If you are new to longboarding, you might want to start off by learning how to stand correctly. The stance used by skateboarders, snowboarders, surfers, and wakeboarders will likely be the same on a longboard. For those who do not skateboard, you will want to practice finding your natural stance and using it while riding a longboard. The person who extends their foot first will be on the back foot. Experiment and see what feels comfortable for you.
Concave helps with grip
If you’re looking to improve your grip on an electric longboard, you should consider adding W-concave to the deck. The process is fairly easy and requires only extra grip tape. Depending on the size of your board, you can add as little as two inches of grip tape or as much as a foot of grip tape. After cutting the grip tape into thin strips, lay them in a pyramid shape so they cover as much of the board as possible. Place these strips where you want them to be so you can get a good grip.
Generally, shorter wheelbases are better for downhill skating and freeriding than longboards with a longer wheelbase. This is because shorter wheelbases allow the rider to focus all of their weight over the trucks. Longboards also differ in the amount of concave on the deck. The concave on a longer longboard is the most important part of the board because it provides a foothold. There are six major types of concaves, and you can read about them in the images below.
Square lipped wheels provide better contact with the road
The shape of your wheels will have an effect on the performance of your longboard. If the wheels have a round lip, they tend to slide whereas square lips grip the road better. The shape of the lip can be beveled, sharp or square. Sharp lips are better for traction while square lips are more comfortable when sliding sideways. Here are some characteristics to consider when choosing a wheel:
The wider the contact patch, the better the traction. Wheels can be between 50 and 100 mm wide, but the most common size is between 60 and 70mm. The shape of the lip also affects grip and safety. A round wheel breaks loose and slides while a square wheel will break into a slide more smoothly. Choosing a wheel that will provide you with the best traction for your style of riding will make a big difference in your skating experience.
Drop-through mounts are less resistant to wheel bite
When compared to traditional bottom mounts, drop-through longboards are more prone to wheel bite. These mounts are attached to the board at the bottom rather than the top. Drop-through mounts are also more likely to wear down over time. Aside from that, they are not as resistant to wheel bite as top mounts. If you’re unsure which mounting system to buy, ask a pro.
The difference between a drop-through mount and a top-mount truck is that the latter has more leverage on the deck, so the board is less prone to wheel bite. However, drop-through mounts have a lower center of gravity and are less likely to suffer from wheel bite. Drop-through mounts are often used on longboards because they are more stable than top-mounted trucks.
Longboards have a slight curve
Wheels provide traction between the rider and the ground, which can be important for speed and cornering. These wheels come in different sizes and shapes. Conventional wisdom states that a small wheel is faster and easier to accelerate. In reality, this is not true. Wheels of a larger diameter tend to have more traction and increase road speed for the same rotational speed. The difference comes down to the design of the wheels. Larger wheels are easier to ride, because they provide more surface area to absorb road vibrations.
Longboards with a slight curve are better to ride, but they’re not for everyone. There are pros and cons to each type of longboard. The Wiggler, for example, is easier to ride due to its extra-long length. Longboards with a slight curve are easier to ride, and they have a more natural feeling. However, a longboard with a slight curve may be difficult to control.
Downhill boards have lower angled trucks
The lower angle of the trucks helps the board lean less when it is speeding up, which gives the rider more stability at speed. This is especially important for downhill riding, as there is less turning resistance with a low-angle setup. For example, a board with a 45-degree angle will lean less when leaning on its rail during a turn. However, the board may wobble more when it is speeding up, which will affect its steering.
Another important feature of downhill trucks is the bushings. Bushings are pads mounted on the trucks and are the cushions between the hanger and the board deck. The bushings can be changed to suit your riding style. Bushings also affect the overall feel of the board. The bushing seat should match the width of the board deck because a narrow truck may lead to wheel bite and a jerky ride.
Longboards are more stable at high speeds
In general, longboards are more stable at high speed because they are wider than penny boards. While all longboards have a longer Wheelbase, a twin longboard can offer better directional control and stability at high speed without compromising balance. They are ideal for beginners and intermediate riders, as they offer plenty of maneuverability. Freestylers will enjoy a twin longboard, as it is a versatile board.
Remarks
The deck style of a longboard will affect stability at high speed. A longboard with a great deck style will allow the rider to brake and push on flat ground without feeling wobbly. Beginners can start out with a lower-level board, which has better stability than a higher-level model. A high-quality board with a large, soft tire will be stable at high speed, but will have a more difficult time carving and making sharp turns.
