How thick is a longboard – Facts and Useful Tips

Thin, thick, or somewhere in between? Board thickness is an essential factor to consider when choosing your next longboard. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each board thickness and help you determine which one is right for you. So, let’s get started.

Importance of board thickness

Board thickness is an essential factor in the longboard world. Most riders want a board that is not too thin and not too thick- just right, you could say! The perfect board will be neither too flexible nor too stiff but will fall between these two extremes.

Terms of board thickness

Let’s discuss each of these terms so you can better understand what they mean in terms of board thickness.

Thin boards

Also known as ‘pintail’ decks, they are very narrow. This type of deck is widely preferred by riders who want the feel and control of a thin board. They’re typically used for cruising/carving because they allow you to turn well at high speeds without any problem. In addition, they are best for riders who want their feet to be closer together while riding with the trucks mounted in a “regular” configuration.

Thick boards

Also known as ‘double drop’ decks, they come in different shapes and widths. Some still think that this type of board provides more foot space, but the consensus seems to be that they are not as comfortable as a pintail deck. They’re typically used for carving and cruising because of their wider waist width and good foot space.

Extra thick boards

Sometimes referred to as ‘downhill’ decks, they come in different shapes and sizes- just like their thinner counterparts! Some riders prefer this type of board because it has a lot of foot space. Unlike pintail decks, double drop decks are thicker in both the middle and near the trucks, making them more comfortable to stand on for longer periods.

Usage Preferences

People who like thin boards generally prefer them because they offer maximum control at high speeds. Because they are narrow, they are less likely to get caught up in cracks on the road or sidewalk, resulting in a nasty fall. This type of board is trendy with free riders because it can be used for sliding and has maximum control while turning quickly.

Thick boards are typically more common than thin ones. They provide more foot space- which is a perk for people who don’t want to have their feet close together. In addition, they’re less likely to get caught up in cracks on the road or sidewalk, although this cannot be guaranteed.

Extra thick boards are typically not as common as thin or thick decks. However, riders still like using them because of the additional foot space.

So, what is the perfect board thickness?

That’s up to you. I would recommend that most beginners start with a pintail deck or a double drop deck because of their increased stability when riding. However, once you become more comfortable on your longboard, you may prefer the feel of a thinner one with maximum control, or you could go with a thicker board for more stability.

Important Things to consider while buying a longboard?

Various things should come to mind when you’re buying a longboard. A few things that can consider are:

  • The board’s width (the wider, the better for stability).
  • The length of the board (if it is shorter than 36″, some people may feel like they won’t have enough room to gain stability)
  • Your weight (smaller and lighter people may feel uncomfortable with a heavy and wider board in the beginning)
  • The width of the trucks (some people prefer wide trucks to give them more stability when riding).
  • The length of the truck (you don’t want to be too low when trying to gain speed, so you should consider how tall your trucks are).
  • The height of the nose and tail (you want to have these higher than your waist height so you can be stable while trying to gain speed).

Thanks for reading our blog post on how thick a longboard is. We hope that this article was helpful, and if it was, please share it with your friends to benefit from this info. Have fun out there and happy boarding.

FAQS

How thick is a solid wood longboard?

A solid wood longboard will be a little bit thicker than a bamboo one. The material has been compressed and is dense to add strength. The standard size for a wooden longboard is around 38mm, but this will vary from board to board.

Some people have asked us what thickness they should get when purchasing a longboard. We hope this post helps answer your questions.

What is the width of a longboard?

The width of a longboard is commonly referred to as the deck’s waist width. It can be thought of as the deck’s midsection. The distance between the inner truck mounts (the closest points on opposite sides of the deck) will give you an approximation for what size your board should be.

For example, if you have trucks mounted with the inner truck mounts 9.25″ apart, you should be looking for a deck around 9.25″ wide (give or take half an inch).

Are 40 inches good for a longboard?

40 inches is typically not suggested for beginners. With trucks mounted to the inner truck mounts, a typical longboard will be around 38mm in width. It isn’t very wide, making it difficult for new riders to maintain their balance on the board when they’re trying to turn or stop.

The majority of longboards are either 36 or 38 inches in length. Even experienced riders sometimes choose these sizes because they are small enough to navigate tight areas and big enough to have fun.

What kind of wood is used for longboards?

Bamboo is mostly used for longboards. It’s another way to add strength while making the board flexible, which seems like the perfect combination for a fun ride.

Why does thickness matter?

Thickness matters because it gives you more stability when riding your board. Skateboard decks are generally around 1/4th of an inch thick. This amount of space between you and the ground may be too small for some people, so they opt for a thicker board instead.

What size longboard should I get for my weight?

A board around 36 or 38 inches in length should suit most people. This size will give them the stability they need while also fitting nicely on tight turns and navigating curbs without too much trouble.

Umair Ramzan

Umair Ramzan

Umair Ramzan is a writer who seamlessly navigates the worlds of automotive and skateboarding, combining technical expertise with a passion for these dynamic cultures.

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