In a way, the freeriding style of longboard skateboarding is what you get when you morph street skating with downhill boarding.
From the street side, freeriders pull off various tricks, including slashing driveways and spins. So the freeride design must be able to execute these skilled tricks, which is why the best longboards in this class are drop-throughs.
Drop-through decks are generally shorter in length—Muirskate recommends anything between 38 and 42 inches.
Boards running longer than that will feel too cumbersome to pull off intricate freeride moves. Deck width isn’t as critical to performance as length; however, some experts say to keep it between 8.5 and 10.5 inches.
Fortunately, most deck widths automatically are proportionate to the deck length, so when you’re shopping for a freeride board, you won’t have to worry about this aspect.
Also, executing tricks require trucks with sharp turning capabilities. Generally speaking, freeride boards should include a bushing suspension and turning system.
Size does matter in this case, and for ultimate performance, look for trucks that nearly match the width of the deck.
When you’re talking about trucks for tricks, you also have to discuss baseplate angles. This becomes more of a preference thing as you gain more freeriding experience, but to start with, the Muirskate guys say a range of 50-52 degrees will power you up with better break traction for slides.
Made for Speed
The downhill aspect of freeriding is all about speed; the faster, the better. But when you’re gathering extreme momentum, you have to also consider stability issues.
For this reason, the best longboards for freeriding feature a dropped board that brings you closer to the street surface.
In recent years, companies have offered a drop platform board, which is keenly suited for freeriding newbies.
The difference between a drop platform and a drop-through, is that the platform model is obviously lowered whereas the drop-through is usually a more consistent surface design, but also lighter.
Regardless of which board design you prefer, make sure there is very little flex to it. Unlike cruising when you want a little bounce to make for smoother rides over rough surfaces, in freeriding when doing tricks or speeding downhill, you have more control when there’s less flex in the board.
Get Wheeling
Wheel size is kind of up for debate in the freeride realm. Some say smaller is better, while others say medium is better.
Most everyone agrees larger wheels mean more wheelbite, and you definitely don’t want that. Anything between 68 and 72 mm is usually acceptable.
In terms of durometer, or hardness, it comes down to your own comfort level. If you’re new to freeride longboarding, follow the rule that the more a rider weighs, the harder the wheel should be:
Weight Durometer
Less than 150 pounds 78-73A
150-180 pounds 81-84A
More than 180 pounds 82-86A
Another element most freeriders agree on is that round lip wheels are the style of choice because they tend to ease into slides better.
Now that you know the specifics of freeride longboards, check out some top picks:
Landyachtz Longboard Complete Switch 35 Inch 2013
One of the reasons this board is a best seller is that the dropped deck offers stability and easy push-offs. What’s more, concave pockets in the board help riders maintain foot position, almost like locking into a snowboard.
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Atom Drop Deck Longboard (41-inch)
When racing or gathering speed, you want to keep your center of gravity low, and this board does that. Cutouts eliminate wheelbite as well as providing extra leverage on turns.
More experienced riders will value the durable materials, including a full maple laminate deck.
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Krown Krex 2 Bamboo Freestyle Complete Longboard, 9.25×41-Inch
This longboard, 41 inches in length, boasts the laidback bamboo look a cruiser, but the deck design is all about performance.
Dual layers of baked bamboo surround a maple core, which means ultimate strength and little flex. Wheel cutouts prevent wheelbite, but because the trucks are mounted flush to the board, boarders will have a higher turning radius.
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Best Longboards For Freeriding Review 2017 posted first on http://www.hopperwise.com
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