Skateboard vs Longboard: Differences and Comparison

May 24, 2023 by Brad Hanson

“Skateboard vs Longboard which one is better?”. It’s not that simple to just give a general answer. As you probably would know that the choice totally depends upon the riding style, Some riders might prefer doing tricks or just want to travel short distances, while some want to travel long distances or even go off-road.

Although skateboards and longboards look pretty much the same, they serve very different purposes. Hence, when picking between the two, think about the purpose for which you are getting one.

Therefore in this article, we are going to talk about the different aspects of both the boards and compare them so that it might be easier for you to choose between the two.

Skateboard vs Longboard: Seven Major Differences

First, let’s talk about the key differences between the two:

1. Riding

There is a difference between skateboarding and longboarding, and it is important to pick the right kind of board for the right kind of riding. Longboards are ideal for cruising along to your favorite music or for commuting to work and are larger than skateboards. Skateboards are better for tricks and racing, and they are usually smaller than longboards. Several different brands of longboards and skateboards can be found on the market. 

2. Shape

As far as appearances go, they look different. A skateboard has a distinct shape, curving upwards at both ends, while a longboard can be in various shapes, or similar to a skateboard. Despite not having curvings at each end, they have narrow strips at both ends, making them easier to cruise.

3. Size

Here is a chart showing the size difference between a skateboard and a longboard. Although some skateboards are designed to look like longboards, they are smaller and lighter. There may be slight variations in sizes across brands, which is why these sizes are approximate.

4. Wheels

Skateboard wheels are usually smaller than those on longboards. Generally, skateboard wheels are under 60mm, while longboard wheels are around 65mm or larger. Longboards are more about cruising, while skateboards are about tricks.

5. Trucks

The trucks on longboards are larger than those on skateboards. Trucks made for longboarding are typically stronger and can accommodate a person’s weight. Trucks on skateboards are smaller than those on longboards. Skateboard trucks can be made thinner and smaller so that they can easily fit into skateboard structures.

6. Tricks

Skateboarding has overtaken longboarding in this area. Due to their smaller size and lighter weight, skateboards are better at doing tricks than longboards.

Skateboard tricks are usually the basis of every skateboarder’s arsenal. The ability to T-spin, ollie, kickflip, and grind sets the good skaters apart from the great ones. Longboard’s tricks are a little more complicated. It takes more than a few attempts to learn longboard tricks successfully.

7. Popularity

Some people skate, some people longboard. While longboarding has grown in popularity over the past few years, skateboarding has begun to lose its luster. Skateboarding is seen as more of a hobby than a sport, while longboarding has been recognized as a sport with its own set of rules and a league for professional longboarders. Also, there are more places to longboard than skateboard parks. 

Here is a chart showing the popularity of Skateboard and Longboard over the years. (1990-2020)

Other Things to Consider

Skateboard: Pros and Cons

Skateboards are ideal for riding on the street. Skateboarding is a great way to get around. It’s faster than walking, more efficient than biking, and cheaper than driving. Skateboards, however, can be a bit challenging to control for someone new to them. 

Longboard: Pros and Cons

Longboards are also convenient because they can be ridden on footpaths and roads alike. They’re also great for commuting. As longboards are stronger and longer than skateboards, they allow you to take bigger steps, go faster, and are easier to control. However, they’re also much heavier and bulkier. In addition, they aren’t great for performing tricks.

What’s the Purpose?

Both longboards and skateboards kind of have the same feel – they’re made of plywood and have wheels on the bottom, but their functions are very different. Skateboarding is usually used for tricks and making it easier to travel short distances, while longboarding is designed for traveling and going off-road. Longboards are also excellent for commuting, especially if you live in an area where walking is too long, but taking the bus is too short. 

Longboards are heavier and longer than skateboards. Longboards are also much more durable and are better for people who are just learning to skate. For the experienced skateboarder, or those simply wanting to travel to class or work quickly, skateboards are best suited.

Which is Easier?

It’s a bit of both that I agree with. Learning to skateboard can be tough because it’s important to learn how to balance before you begin skating. Compared to skateboarding, longboarding seems to be easier to learn but requires more balance than a skateboard. 

Learning both take approximately the same amount of time, but skateboarding will be more difficult to master.

Which is Faster?

There is a common misconception that longboards are slower than skateboards. Highly skilled athletes can ride longboards and skateboards at high speeds. There is only one difference between the two rides: the configuration of the trucks and wheels. 

Due to their longer wheelbase, longboards can turn more quickly than skateboards. The longboard is also heavier, weighing between fifty and fifty-five pounds, while the skateboard weighs about fifteen pounds. Skateboards have more momentum when they accelerate, but longboards have faster turning speeds.

What’s my favorite?

Thinking of skateboard vs longboard, I think both are good choices, but it is hard to decide which is best. Both of them appeal to me for different reasons. In town, I mostly use skateboards, but when I go downhill, I use a longboard.

Both skateboards and longboards require knowing your bearings and a good setup. 

Skateboard vs Longboard: What’s best for you?

Skateboards are perfect for tricks and spins. As a result of their short length, they are more maneuverable and easier to transport. Longboarding is more of a long-distance ride. Despite gliding easier across the ground, it might be difficult to stop or turn without losing balance. If you want to do tricks, you should get a skateboard. If you want to travel from point A to point B in a fun way, get a longboard!

Regardless of which option you choose, there are a couple of key differences between longboards and skateboards that you should know in order to make an informed decision. 

Longboards are more suitable for beginners because of their stability. You can use longboards on a wide variety of terrains. Also, a longboard is more suitable for off-road use or in rough terrain. Skateboards can only be used on paved surfaces. Skateboards are more versatile in general. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to have fun!

Conclusion

Both skateboards and longboards are popular choices among people who like to travel quickly and stylishly on wheels. They’re so similar in what they do and how they do it that the decision usually comes down to what you’re most comfortable with. You might prefer one of these options over the other, despite the fact that they both have pros and cons. 

For example, if you’re not very experienced with skateboarding, a longboard may be better for you. Since they’re easier to learn, they are less likely to break or cause damage. An experienced skateboarder may enjoy the feeling of flying through the air on a skateboard!

If you have any queries feel free to contact us. Also if you looking for a skateboard as a beginner, check out this article. 

Happy skateboarding to you all!