The best skateboards and longboards in 2022

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 breakneck speed, "saddling" the board, or doing incredible tricks on it in the local park.

Such extreme people look very impressive, it even seems that they are from another world. A teenager passing by with his parents enviously and enthusiastically looks at street racers and virtuosos. And then a request appears: “Mom, dad, buy!”. But before you buy 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

First of all, you need to decide what the board is for? There are two options: to ride it not only in the park with smooth asphalt, but also in the city; or do tricks. Whatever option you choose, 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: decks, suspension, wheels. The deck is the backbone of the skateboard. It is usually folded up on both sides and has a non-slip surface for the feet. Turning the board over, it is 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 lies in a unique pattern on one of its sides. The classical board differs in the small sizes, small rigid wheels. The whole 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. They were invented by surfers who miss the waves. 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 models of skateboards spread throughout the world.

What is a longboard

The second option is a longboard. The main differences between this type of boards and skateboards are: a longer deck, wider suspension, and larger wheels. At the same time, the base of the long can be completely straight, and not bent. It is easy to guess that the functionality of the boards is different. They are not at all for tricks in the park, more like real surfboards. They can be cut through the city streets, smoothly tacking, as if on waves. The legs are much more comfortable on such a board due to its increased length. A softer wide suspension and large, softened wheels make it possible to maneuver at speed.

The history of longboards began a little earlier than the history of skateboards, but then went in parallel. At some point, "trick" boards became more popular than "walking" boards. But longs have retained their individuality, thanks to more mature admirers. At the end of the twentieth century, more and more young people who were "over thirty" could be found on them. At the beginning of the year 2000, a new wave of fashion for longboards began. Until now, they are extremely popular all over the world.

Selection criteria for skateboards

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

The foundation

• deck material.The base itself is about eighty centimeters long and nineteen to twenty-one wide. For a beginner in riding, the width of the board is not so important. The wooden deck is made from several layers of Canadian or Chinese maple. The first option is better and more durable, but more expensive. The second is cheaper and wears out faster. There are boards that combine both breeds. Good competition to traditional soundboards are products made of high-strength plastic and bamboo. For a skateboard, a deck that can withstand high loads is important, because when jumping, the pressure of the mass increases.
• The number of layers in the base. The board consists of several layers of material, 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 experienced skaters who perform complex tricks that require increased strength. For beginners, it is better to choose a seven-layer foundation, because the price-quality ratio here is the best.

Suspension and bearings

• Skateboard hanger. It is with its help that you can turn on the skateboard. It is made of aluminum and steel, but on children's models there are plastic ones. The thick construction will 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 each other in width.
• A part that no skateboard can do without is bearings. They are responsible for maximum speed, for the duration of the roller. The most popular marking is ABEC-3, 5 or 7. The larger the number, the faster you can roll. It also turns out to meet the numbers 1 and 9 in the title. “Ones” and “triples” are often put 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 intended with a minimum restriction.

Wheelbase

The wheel part of the board has three characteristics:

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

According to the diameter, the wheels are divided into 48, 52, 56 and 60 millimeters. The speed characteristics of the board depend on the size. Small wheels have a big advantage when picking up speed, but they quickly drop it. The big ones have a strong point in a longer fast ride, but the acceleration is very long. Sales in Russia show that 52 and 56 mm wheels go under the hammer better.

The undercarriage is made of polyurethane, which has proven itself 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 can withstand a smaller load.

Stiffness affects the speed, durability of the wheels. Durometer - this is the name of the measure of the hardness of the material of the wheelbase. 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 the roughness of the surface, and the skateboard is easier to control. Rigid ones are set for driving on smooth asphalt, for parks. They gain and maintain speed faster, but vibrations on bumps are felt strongly.

Selection criteria for longboards

When looking for a longboard, you need to consider that there are a lot of varieties of these units. First of all, you need to decide on your driving style. It is clear that it is more difficult for beginners to say 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 carvings are very nimble "urban" vehicles. The length of the base is from 75 to 130 centimeters.
• Downhill - suitable for high-speed descents. The deck of such boards is about one meter in length, very rigid. The suspension is increased, the turning angle is small. This makes it possible to make maneuvers at speed smoother. Under coasting, such a board can “give out” a speed of about 140 kilometers per hour.
• Freeride and slide - such boards are similar to downhill units, but the shape and design of the wheels make it possible to enter a controlled skid.
• Slalom boards with a short (60 - 70 centimeters), hard, straight deck. They have good handling, but you can’t ride them for a long time from the mountain.
• A hybrid is something 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, except perhaps with real ones, for surfing.
• Trick boards. Among the longs there are versions for tricks. The length of such a board is from 90 to 100 centimeters. She has a rigid base, like on a skateboard, bent on one side for jumping.

Differences in the basics 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 downhill, freeride, slide boards. If the back is bent, then it is a trick board.
• Longboards, like skateboards, also differ in deck material. Chinese, Canadian maple is a traditional material for the bases of all boards. Bamboo also makes light boards. A plastic long is not afraid of moisture, which makes it durable when riding in the city.
• As for layering, then the structure is like that of skateboards. The difference is only in the maximum layers, which can reach up to thirteen. But you must always remember that the more, the heavier the unit.
• The running gear of longboards is different from that of skateboards.So if for skates the width of the suspension cannot be wider than the base, then for longs this 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 angle is also different. More means the board will turn better. The default is 50 degrees. For fast descents, stable speed, you need to choose a smaller angle of rotation.
• There is a difference in shock absorbers. Rigid ones are usually set for high-speed downhill, freeride and slide, because maneuverability and speed are increased. Soft suspension is suitable for city riding.
• Longboards have larger wheels than skateboards. 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 help to accelerate.
• To measure the hardness, the same “durometer” scale is used. Universal choice - 78A. For the slide, wheels with an index of 99A are used, and the hardest ones are 101A for high-speed downhill.
• Wheels with round edges are suitable for all types of riding, except downhill, where traction and control are needed.
• Popular bearings for "urban" longboards are marked ABEC-5 and 7. The best bearings for downhill racing are ACEB 9, 11.

Skateboard rating in 2022

There are a lot of boards on the market. Which brand 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 at 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 of 9 layers of laminated wood. Aluminum pendant. Wheels are 5cm x 3cm.

• 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.

The cost is from 1300 rubles.

4th place. HELLO WOOD Castle

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

• light;
• excellent handling;
• develops speed well;
• quality assembly;
• suitable for beginners.

• not the most budget option.

Average price: 3170 rubles.

3rd place. Ancheer 31″ Pro Skateboard Complete

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

• you can ride from the age of 7;
• 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

Seven-ply Canadian maple body. Aluminum pendant. Wheels 5.3 cm.

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

• not easy to buy for residents of the CIS.

Price from 3500 rubles.

1 place. Powell Golden Dragon Flying Dragon Complete Skateboard

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

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

• you may find a fake.

Model price: from 3800 rubles.

Top longboards of 2022

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

5th place. Action PW-509

Longboard made of 9 ply maple from China and Canada, with aluminum suspension, wheels 7 by 4.2 centimeters, 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

Canadian maple base, 7 layers. Wheel diameter 6 cm, hardness - 95A.

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

• high price.

Average cost: 7000 rubles.

3rd place. Atom Pintail Longboard

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

• buy in the CIS is not easy.

Cost: from 8000 rubles.

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

• made of bamboo, so it is light;
• suitable for both cruising and downhill;
• just right for beginners, and more experienced users.

• must be ordered from abroad.

The average price is 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

Long and skateboarding can be taught to children from the age of 3. For them, manufacturers make boards with beautiful images and with an emphasis on safety. Rating of quality longboards, skateboards for boys and girls:

Max City MC-PB22

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

• plastic collects more dust.

Average price: 1400 rubles.

Novus NPB-18.18

• durable construction;
• universal: for any coating.

• dust on plastic accumulates better.

Price: from 1500 rubles.

PlayWheels Disney Frozen 21

• quality image;
• deck of 9 layers of Canadian maple;
• 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;
• strong soundboard from 9 layers of the Canadian maple;
• wheels and suspension "on top".

• The picture is not suitable for girls.

Price: from 1000 rubles.

Penny Nickel

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

• it is easy to "get" on a fake.

Average price: 3000 rubles.

What to buy?

Which board is better to buy? It is impossible to answer unambiguously. Skateboard should be chosen? Based on the goals of skating and the level. Newbie wants to learn tricks? A skateboard will do. Do you just want to ride around the city? This is where a longboard comes in handy.A good board will last a long time and will please the owner with convenience, beautiful design and individuality. Each user will find a vehicle in a wide variety of models, and each parent will find the “right” board for their child.