Longboard Decks

The deck is the part on which you stand and which significantly determines the appearance of the longboard. Some people also call it a "board" without frills and almost stepmotherly. But the deck is much more than that

In order to offer you exactly the riding advantages you need, the decks of a longboard, unlike those of a skateboard, are precisely adapted to the different riding styles - regardless of whether you are a leisurely carver or a fast-paced downhill rider.

The decisive factor in choosing the right deck is the shape. Here you can find out which deck is the perfect one for you.

The different decks in our store

Freeride decks have a symmetrical shape, which is particularly determined by a narrow nose and a similarly shaped tail. These boards are suitable - the name suggests - for a very free and individual riding style. Slides, maneuvers, tricks - with a freeriding deck all no problem. This deck comes closest to the skateboard in terms of functionality and is therefore considered a good transitional model when you want to switch from skateboarding to longboarding.

If you want to develop an even more stubborn riding style, the Boardwalking deck is the one for you. In this variant, the tail is a bit wider than the nose and the transition to the middle part of the longboard is smoother than in a freeriding deck.

Cruising decks combine the best of the skateboard with the best of the longboard. The result is a visual heavyweight that is not only long, but also wide. Towards the back, the Cruising Deck tapers a bit. This board is perfect for casual rides on the flat road.

Longboarding is always a bit like surfing on the street - even more so if you choose a carving model. Carving is a term that many may already know from winter sports. It describes the very curvy, but at the same time extremely smooth ride on the slopes - or even on the road. A carving deck, which is strongly reminiscent of a surfboard in terms of its shape, is not designed for fast speeds, but rather ensures maximum riding fun while leisurely cornering with very tight radii.

If freeriding, cruising or carving is too boring for you, you're probably more the downhill type. Decks designed for this discipline have a very characteristic shape, remotely reminiscent of freeriding or boardwalking decks. The most important feature of downhill decks is that both front and rear wheels are exposed. This avoids wheelbites, which are a high risk of injury, especially on fast downhill longboards.
Materials and Flex Levels

In addition to the shapes, there are other factors that distinguish the decks from each other and that you should definitely consider when buying if you want to find the perfect model.

Classic longboard decks are usually made of seven to eight layers of maple wood. However, this formula is nowhere near as set in stone as it is for skateboards. Meanwhile, manufacturers such as Globe, Loaded and Solid are also experimenting more and more with other types of wood such as bamboo or poplar.

The result is so-called hybrid models, which are not only lighter, but also more flexible. In addition, many particularly high-quality longboards are combined with carbon or glass fibers. This means that the boards are virtually indestructible. This should make especially trick riders very happy. To hold all the layers and materials together, epoxy resin is usually used.

The different materials used in the construction of the decks ensure that different degrees of hardness or even flexibility are created. Professional lights speak of three different flex levels:

• Stiff (hard)
• Medium (medium)
• Flexy (soft)

The specifications don't just help you find the right board. While carving and cruising decks need to be very flexible, this can even be dangerous for a downhill deck. Riders of this discipline swear by very hard decks to improve control over the board. If you're going very fast and your deck suddenly starts swinging because it's too flexible, the risk of falling is very high.

There is nothing that does not exist

In addition to shape, flexibility and material, another factor is very important to many longboarders when choosing the right deck: design. In terms of deck design, there's really only one thing to say: there's almost nothing left that doesn't exist. Longboards are of course not only means of transport and sports equipment, but also style objects. It is self-explanatory that the appearance is also of crucial importance.

If you look around our longboard store, you will find many different designs and styles - from simple graphics to cool patterns to true works of art. It is important to us that you like your board not only from a functional but also from a visual point of view and that you present and ride it with pride and joy. After all, a little posing is always allowed and an important part of the longboard mentality.

So let's summarize once again: The most important criterion when choosing a deck is the shape. The material used and the flex level should also be chosen carefully. When it comes to the design, you can give free rein to your wishes. Now you can get started and find the perfect longboard.