While the longboard and skateboard may appear similar, the two boards have significant differences. College students often utilize the longboard to commute from the dormitory to the classroom. The compact skateboard is designed for aerial maneuvers that involve flips and spins. Many skaters prefer to customize the longboard and skateboard components.
Terrain
One of the biggest differences between longboarding and skateboarding deals with the types of riding terrain. As opposed to the skateboard, the longboard can function fine on a rough asphalt terrain. Downhill longboarders prefer to hit breakneck speeds on downward sloping courses that are lined with bales of hay. Skateboarders utilize specialized training facilities that feature ramps and rails. According to "Thrasher" magazine, some skateboarders perform tricks on urban obstacles such as handrails and stair sets.
Boards
The wooden component of the longboard and skateboard is defined as the deck. Compared to the longboard, the skateboard features compact dimensions. According to the 2011 Transworld Skateboarding Buyer's Guide, the skateboard generally has a width of 7.25 to 8.5 inches. The skateboard has a standard length of 32 inches. Longboards are equipped with an elongated design that provides increased stability at high speeds. The length of the longboard ranges from 3 to 6 feet. Longboards commonly have a width of 8.5 to 9.5 inches.
Wheels
While both the longboard and skateboard wheel are made of urethane, the diameter is different. Street skateboarders prefer a wheel with a 49- to 54-mm diameter. Transition riders opt for a slightly larger wheel that has a diameter of 55 to 60 mm. According to Board Mag, the diameter of the longboard wheel often ranges from 60 to 90 mm. The upgraded dimensions of the longboard wheel provide increased traction at high speeds. Skateboard wheels often have a hollow body.
Bearings
The bearings used in longboarding and skateboarding allow riders to increase the speed of the board with just a few pushes. The skateboard bearing is often constructed with stainless steel. The durable design of the skateboard bearing can withstand high-impact tricks. Top-rated longboard bearings are made from ceramic materials. The lightweight ceramic bearings allow you to hit top speeds of over 35 mph. The Annular Bearing Engineers Committee rates skateboard and longboard bearings based on speed capabilities. Skate bearings have a speed rating of 5 or 7, while longboard bearings have a rating of 9 or 11.
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