There are numerous different longboard riding styles, which means, there are also many different types of longboards. There is no one best type of longboard. It all depends on what you want to use your longboard for. Longboard types can be categorized by shape or by use. We will break down all of the most popular longboard types:
Cruiser Longboards
Cruising in the most popular type of longboarding, so there are endless options for cruiser longboards. Cruiser longboards are usually used for cruising around or for transportation. These are great longboards for riding to the store, a coffee shop, or to work. Cruiser longboards are not necessarily confined to one riding style, so they are great longboards for beginners who want to test out what they like best.
Carving Longboards
Carving longboards makes you feel like you are surfing or snowboarding. Carving longboards can be either top mount or drop through. They use wheel cutouts or wheel wells to avoid wheelbite. Most carving longboards have a shorter wheelbase in order to allow for responsive turns. Carvers can be extremely fun on a slight incline.
Pintail Longboards
A pintail longboard has a pointed nose and tail. Pintails have a wider nose and finer tail. The center of the board is wider, allowing for a place to stand without having wheelbite. Pintail longboards are great for carving and cruising.
Drop Through Longboards
A drop through longboard has its truck mounts mounted through the deck of the board. This lowers the board closer to the ground, which increases stability. For this reason, drop through longboards are great for downhill longboarding.
Downhill Longboards
Downhill longboards are used for riding at high speeds down hills. These boards are stable and fast. Most downhill longboards are drop through because this type of truck mount is most stable.
Freeride Longboards
Freeride longboards are usually very similar to downhill longboards. Because freeride longboarding is done at high speeds, the best decks tend to be drop through. The main difference between the two styles are that freerider perform tricks and slides.
Kicktail Longboards
A kicktail longboard contains a lip angled upward at the rear end of the board. A kicktail allows for foot placement that is beneficial for tricks and jumps. Most kicktail longboards are on the shorter side, between 30” to 35”. Kicktail longboards are best for cruising and park riding.
Top Mount Longboards
A top mount longboard is any longboard with trucks mounted directly underneath the deck of the board. Top mount longboards have better turn capability so carving is much easier. Top mounts tend to be less stable, however.
These are just some of the most popular types of longboards. Make sure to check out all our high quality longboards sorted by the different types of longboards.