How to choose the longboard package that is right for you

Step 1 – Choose Deck

All LongJohns Longboards are made from Baltic Birch plywood and feature exotic wood veneers. Our decks are molded to be concave, side to side, and convex (camber), front to back,  for comfort, flex, and rebound. For more on LongJohns Longboard construction see About Us.

First Option – Shape

• Switchback – This classic pintail shape is time tested and great for cruising around town.
• Cascade – This shape is a variation on the classic pintail shape. We refer to it as a chubby pintail.
• Avalanche – This board is wide over the mid-section for turning leverage and has front and back cut-outs to eliminate wheel bite and the need for risers. It sits low to the ground for stability and reduced pushing fatigue. This shape, with an extra ply, is ideal for those who want to go fast.
• Fall Line – This board mirrors the attributes of the Avalance but with the classic pintail shape.

Second Option – Size/Length. Choose between 47 ½” and 39”.

• The 47 ½” longboard is very stable and smooth (great for long commutes and cruising).
• The 39″ longboard has some of the stability and smoothness of our longer board but is more responsive and agile for a livelier ride.

Step 2 – Choose Wheels

Wheel specifications are given as two numbers, i.e. 72/78a. The number 72 refers to the diameter of a wheel in millimeters and the 78a refers to the durometer, or hardness, of the wheel material. A 60 mm diameter wheel or greater is considered a longboard wheel. As a rule, skateboard wheels are small and hard. Longboard wheels are larger and softer. The standard wheel offered at LongJohns Longboards is 72 mm but we have larger sizes as well. As a courtesy, LongJohns Longboards will also include the wheel width measurement on our site although this is not generally specified.

The strategy for deciding wheel size is simple; the bigger the better. The taller the wheel the faster and smoother the ride. Of course the bigger wheels cost more. Let your pocketbook be your guide. Some things to consider when choosing a wheel durometer….

Characteristics of harder durometers (above 78a)

• Durable
• Faster
• Better for some advanced longboarding techniques like sliding and kicking out
• Less traction for high G turning
• Slightly rougher ride

Wheel brands we carry having a harder durometer are Sector 9 Nineballs, Tunnel, Abec 11, and 3DM/Avila.

Characteristics of a softer durometer (below 78a)

• Smoother ride
• Better traction for high G turning
• Not as durable
• Not quite as fast

Wheel brands we carry having a softer durometer are Sector 9, 3DM/Avila, and Retro.

Step 3 – Choose Trucks

Trucks support the deck on the wheels and also turn the wheels.  Trucks are designed with different geometries to make them better suited for all purpose riding, maneuverability, or for higher speeds.  For example, all purpose trucks turn sharper but are less stable at higher speeds.  Trucks designed for high speeds are more stable with a wider turning radius.

The trucks we carry are categorized as follows:

All purpose

• Bear
• Paris
• Randall II

Highly Maneuverable

• Gullwing Sidewinders (double articulated)
• Revenge (torsion)

Higher Speed *

• Seismic (springs)
• Tracker

*Best with 39″ board or 15 ply 47 1/2″ board.

The dynamics of most of our trucks can be changed in one of two ways, either by loosening or cranking down on the bushings, or by replacing the bushings with harder or softer bushings.  Generally, tighter bushings are prefered by the heavier rider or by the rider who wants more stability.   If cranking down on the bushings doesn’t stabilize the ride enough, harder bushings (or harder springs for Seismic trucks) can be installed.   Also, the ride can be stabilized without sacrificing much maneuverability by using one of these methods:

1.  Keep the bushings on the back trucks a little tighter than the front.
2.  Use an angled riser on the back truck to angle the truck towards the center of the board.
3.  For Seismic trucks only, use a lower degree truck on the back than what is used on the front, i.e…  45° on the front, 30° on the back.