Best skateboards and longboards in 2024

Various extreme sports are popular in the world. But what will be called such in the city? You can often see thrill-seekers rushing down the street at a breakneck speed, "riding" a board, or doing unthinkable tricks on it in a local park.

Such extreme people look very impressive, it even seems that they are from another world. A passing teenager with his parents looks enviously and enthusiastically at the street racers and virtuosos. And then a request appears: "Mom, Dad, buy!" But before purchasing boards, you need to understand them, because the range of models on the market is large.

What you need to know about skateboards for the right choice

The first step is to decide what the board is for? There are two options: to ride it not only in a park with smooth asphalt, but also in the city; or do tricks. Whichever option the choice falls on, it is important to consider all types of boards, popular models. The choice will be much easier.

What is a skateboard

The first option is a classic skateboard. It consists of three main parts: deck, suspension, wheels. The deck is the basis of the skateboard. It is usually bent upwards on both sides and has a non-slip foot surface. Turning the board upside down, it's easy to see the small wheels, there are four of them, and the suspension attached to the deck.

Each board has its own personality. It is hidden in a unique pattern on one of its sides. The classic board is notable for its small size, small hard wheels. The entire structure is built so that you can easily maneuver and perform tricks.

The fashion for skateboards came from the United States of America in the fifties of the twentieth century. Surfers who miss the waves came up with them. When the water was calm, the athletes had no choice but to make a "ground" analogue of the boards. Since California became the birthplace of surfing, the first skateboarding competitions were held there. Gradually, the popularity of these skateboard models spread throughout the world.

What is a longboard

The second option is a longboard. The main differences between this type of board and skateboards: a longer deck, wider suspension, and larger wheels. In this case, the base at the long can be completely straight, and not bent. It's easy to guess that the functionality of the boards is different. They are not at all for tricks in the park, they are more similar in purpose to real surfboards. On them you can cut through the city streets, smoothly maneuvering, as if along the waves.The legs are much more comfortable on such a board due to its increased length. A softer, wider suspension and large, softened wheels provide room for maneuvering at speed.

The history of longboards began a little earlier than the history of skateboards, but then went parallel. At some point, "stunt" boards became more popular than "walking" ones. But the Longs retained their individuality, thanks to more mature admirers. At the end of the twentieth century, they could meet more and more young people who were "over thirty". At the beginning of the year 2000, a new wave of fashion for longboards began. They are still extremely popular all over the world.

Selection criteria for skateboards

How to choose a skate? To choose a good stunt board, it is important to pay attention to the characteristics of all its parts.

The basis

• Deck material. The base itself is about eighty centimeters long, from nineteen to twenty-one in width. For a beginner in skating, board width is not that important. A wooden deck is made from several layers of Canadian or Chinese maples. The first option is of higher quality and more durable, but at a higher price. The second is cheaper and wears out faster. There are boards that combine both breeds. Products made of high-strength plastic and bamboo make good competition for traditional decks. For a skateboard, a deck that can withstand high loads is important, because when jumping, the mass pressure increases.
• The number of layers in the base. The board consists of several layers of material that are very tightly glued together. Decks usually consist of 6-10 layers. The smaller, the lighter the board, but more fragile. A thick board is chosen by seasoned skaters who perform complex tricks that require increased strength. For beginners, it is better to choose a seven-layer base, because the value for money is the best here.

Suspension and bearings

• Skateboard harness. It is with its help that you can turn on the skateboard. It is made of aluminum and steel, but there are plastic ones on children's models. The thicker structure can carry more weight, however, the whole board becomes heavier, so keep that in mind. It is also important to make sure that the base and suspension fit together in width.
• A detail that no skateboard can do without - bearings. They are responsible for the maximum speed, for the duration of the rollers. The most common markings are ABEC-3, 5 or 7. The higher the number, the faster you can roll. It also turns out to meet the numbers 1 and 9 in the title. “One's” and “Three's” are more often placed on the children's board, because there are speed limits. For amateurs, semi-professionals, these are 5 and 7. Well, for professionals, ABEC-9 is designed with a minimum restriction.

Wheelbase

The wheel part of the board has three characteristics:

1. diameter;
2. material;
3. rigidity.

By diameter, the wheels are divided into 48, 52, 56 and 60 mm. The speed characteristics of the board depend on the size. Small wheels have a big plus when picking up speed, but they quickly drop it. The big ones have a strong side in the longer fast driving, but the acceleration is very long. Sales in Russia show that 52 and 56 millimeter wheels are better sold.

The undercarriage is made of polyurethane, which has proven to be a very reliable, wear-resistant material. In cheaper versions of skateboards, the wheels can be made of plastic. But these are quickly erased and withstand less stress.

Rigidity affects the speed and durability of the wheels. Durometer is a measure of the hardness of the wheelbase material. It starts at 72 (softest) and ends at 102 (hardest). Soft wheels are more used when riding on a not very flat surface, they better tolerate roughness of the surface, and the skate is easier to control. Hard ones are set for driving on flat asphalt, for parks. They pick up and maintain speed faster, but vibrations on uneven surfaces are felt strongly.

Selection criteria for longboards

When looking for a longboard, you need to take into account that there are a lot of varieties of these units.First of all, you need to decide on the driving style. It is clear that it is more difficult for beginners to tell how they will ride. But it's worth thinking about it, because the type of board depends on it. Boards are divided into several aspects.

By riding style

• Cruisers or carving are very agile "urban" means of transportation. The length of the base is from 75 to 130 centimeters.
• Downhill - Suitable for downhill runs. The deck of such boards is about one meter long, very rigid. The suspension is increased, the angle of rotation is small. This makes it possible to make speed maneuvers smoother. When rolling, such a board can "issue" a speed of about 140 kilometers per hour.
• Freeride and slide - such boards are similar to units for downhill slopes, but the shape and design of the wheels make it possible to enter a controlled drift.
• Slalom - boards with a short (60 - 70 centimeters), rigid, straight deck. They have good handling, but you can't ride them down the mountain for a long time.
• A hybrid is a cross between a cruiser and a slalom board. The base length of 70 - 80 centimeters means that the maneuverability is better than that of a carving board, and the speed is higher than that of a slalom.
• Surf-style longboards. Their length is from one and a half to three meters. It is difficult to confuse with other types of boards, perhaps with real ones, for surfing.
• Stunt boards. Longs have their own versions for tricks. The length of such a board is from 90 to 100 centimeters. It has a rigid base, like on a skateboard, bent on one side for jumping.

Differences in the basis of longboards

• By the shape of the deck, you can determine what the board is for. If there is a distinguishable "tail" and "nose", then these are boards for downhill, freeride, slide. If the back is folded, then it's a trick board.
• Longboards, like skateboards, also differ in the material of the deck. Chinese, Canadian maple is a traditional material for the foundations of all boards. Light boards are made from bamboo. A long plastic is not afraid of moisture, which makes it durable when riding in the city.
• As for the layering, here the structure is like a skateboard. The only difference is in the maximum number of layers, which can be up to thirteen. But you should always remember that the more, the heavier the unit.
• The undercarriage of longboards is different from that of skateboards. So if the width of the suspension on skateboards cannot be wider than the base, then for longs it is the norm. The smaller the suspension, the more agile the board. And the more, the worse the maneuverability.

Differences in the structure of the suspension and wheels

• The suspension is also tilted. Bigger means the board will turn better. The standard is 50 degrees. For fast descents, stable speed, you need to choose a smaller angle of rotation.
• There is a difference in shock absorbers. Hard ones are usually set for high-speed downhill, freeride and slide, because maneuverability and speed increase. The soft suspension is suitable for city riding.
• Longboard wheels are larger than skate wheels. You can find longs with wheels from 4 to 14.5 centimeters, but the standard is 7. Large wheels help to develop high speed, and smaller ones - acceleration.
• To measure the stiffness, the same "durometer" scale is used. The universal choice is 78A. For the slide, wheels with an index of 99A are used, and the hardest wheels are 101A for high-speed downhill.
• The round-edged wheels are suitable for all types of riding except downhill where traction and control are needed.
• Popular bearings for urban longboards are labeled ABEC-5 and 7. The best bearings for downhill slopes are ACEB 9, 11.

Skateboard ranking in 2024

There are a lot of boards on the market. Which company is better to buy a skateboard? Top Russian companies: Absurd, Union, Footwork, Athletic Skateboards, Gypsy. They have established themselves as the best manufacturers of quality boards with original images. Budget boards can be found from companies: SK (Sports Collection), MaxCity. Popular models of world brands are known not only in the CIS, but throughout the world.

5th place. Roller Derby Roller Street Series Skateboard - RDB-20

Deck made of 9 layers of laminated wood. Aluminum pendant. Wheels measuring 5 by 3 centimeters.

• Good value for money;
• Suitable for the very first ride;
• The maximum load is 102 kilograms.

• when choosing, you need to pay attention to the quality of the wheels;
• heavy.

Cost from 1300 rubles.

4th place. HELLO WOOD Castle

7-layer Canadian maple deck with steel suspension, ABEC-7 bearings and wheels 5.3 cm in diameter, 3.1 cm thick and 100A stiffness.

• easy;
• excellent handling;
• develops speed well;
• high-quality assembly;
• suitable for beginners.

• not the most budget option.

Average price: 3170 rubles.

3rd place. Ancheer 31 ″ Pro Skateboard Complete

9-layer Canadian maple deck. Aluminum suspension. Wheels 5.5 centimeters with a hardness of 85A. ABEC bearings - 7.

• you can ride from 7 years old;
• suitable for any basic tricks;
• stable base.

• picks up speed poorly;
• will not surprise experienced skaters.

Price: from 2000 rubles.

2nd place. carryBC 31 ″ Pro Complete Skateboard

7-layer Canadian maple deck. Aluminum pendant. Wheels 5.3 centimeters.

• suitable for both beginners and athletes with an average skill;
• good water resistance;
• withstands up to 300 kilograms of weight;
• drawing with reflective paint.

• not easy to buy for CIS residents.

Price from 3500 rubles.

1 place. Powell Golden Dragon Flying Dragon Complete Skateboard

The leader in positive reviews is a product of the American company Powell-Peralta.

• suitable for both beginners and advanced skaters;
• high-quality wheels with good factory bearing lubrication;
• branded suspension;
• original print;
• shockproof.

• you can stumble upon a fake.

Model price: from 3800 rubles.

Top longboards of 2024

Longs are popular with people of all ages, so a lot of them are produced. The boards differ in shape, color, material, weight and riding style. It's much easier to find your personality here than when choosing a classic skateboard. And not so much depends on how much the board costs.

5th place. Action PW-509

Longboard made of 9 layers of maple from China and Canada, with aluminum suspension, 7 x 4.2 cm wheels, ABEC - 5 bearings.

• lasting;
• good value for money;
• suitable for long walks.

• soft wheels wear out quickly.

Price: from 3000 rubles.

4th place. Z-Flex Street Rocket

7-ply Canadian maple base. The diameter of the wheels is 6 centimeters, the rigidity is 95A.

• high-quality wheelbase;
• comfortable deck shape;
• suitable for experienced and novice users.

• high price.

Average cost: 7,000 rubles.

3rd place. Atom Pintail Longboard

• strong build;
• a good choice for beginners;
• maneuverability.

• buying in the CIS is not easy.

Cost: from 8000 rubles.

2nd place. Quest 44-Inch Super Cruiser Artisan Bamboo Longboard

• made of bamboo, therefore lightweight;
• suitable for both cruising and downhill;
• just right for beginners and more experienced users.

• need to be ordered abroad.

Average price from 4000 rubles.

1 place. Penny original

• a very popular form - "fish";
• plastic deck;
• many colors;
• compact;
• for different riding styles;
• suitable for adults and children;
• several sizes;
• low price.

• suitable for riding only on good asphalt.

Cost: from 3000 rubles.

Top boards for kids and teens

You can teach children from 3 years old to ride long and skateboard. For them, manufacturers make boards with beautiful images and an emphasis on safety. Rating of quality longboards, skateboards for boys and girls:

MaxCity MC-PB22

• many colors: suitable for boys and girls;
• compact.

• more dust collects on the plastic.

Average price: 1400 rubles.

Novus NPB-18.18

• robust construction;
• universal: for any surface.

• dust accumulates on plastic better.

Price: from 1500 rubles.

PlayWheels Disney Frozen 21

• high-quality image;
• a deck of 9 layers of Canadian maple;
• high quality wheels and suspension;
• inexpensive.

• the picture is not suitable for boys.

Average price: from 1000 rubles.

PlayWheels Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 28 ″

• themed print for boys;
• sturdy deck made of 9 layers of Canadian maple;
• wheels and suspension "at height".

• the picture is not suitable for girls.

Price: from 1000 rubles.

Penny nickel

• suitable for children, teenagers and adults;
• high strength of the board;
• a large selection of colors.

• it is easy to "fall" for a fake.

Average price: 3000 rubles.

What to buy?

Which board should you buy? There is no definite answer. You need to choose a skateboard based on your skating goals and level. Newbie wants to learn tricks? A skateboard will do. Just want to ride around the city? This is where the longboard comes in. A good board will last a long time and will delight its owner with its convenience, beautiful design and personality. Each user will find a vehicle in a wide variety of models, and each parent will find the "right" board for their child.