Longboard vs. Skateboard – Which is Right for You?!
Nowadays, skateboarding and longboarding have developed into two very different coexisting cultures. However, the reality is that the origin of these boards come primarily from the same time period and similar groups of people. All the way back in the late 1950’s – early 60’s, surfers in Hawaii and California had already began bolting trucks and wheels onto various sizes of wood planks. While shorter planks offered more reactivity and response, longer planks offered increased stability and a “surf-like” ride. This period was simply the early development stages of what we now know as skateboarding and longboarding.
We’ve certainly come a very long way from the early days of longboards and skateboards. As you probably know, the skateboards and longboards of today now feature engineered, high-performance components. Years of development of urethane wheels, responsive trucks, high-speed bearings, and decks made from 7-plys of premium-quality maple, bamboo, and even fiberglass have created skateboards and longboards incomparable to the first boards. What do all these component developments and progression mean for you? Mainly, the “performance” skateboards and longboards of today are more fun than ever! But, this leads us to a very big question. Given the differences between these disciplines, which one is right for you?!
Skateboards and Skateboarding
Skateboard decks generally range from 7” x 28” (Children’s) to about 9” x 33” (large adult or pool/transition decks). The correct width for you is primarily determined by your foot size and personal preference. At the moment, it is generally agreed that a “standard” skateboard deck is around 8” x 32”. Wider decks offer more stability but are harder to flip, making them more ideal for ramp, pool, or skatepark skating. Thinner decks are more responsive and lighter, making them ideal for technical street skating, but they can feel too responsive or uncontrolled for skating transition/ramps. The size of skateboard trucks should generally be as close to the width of the deck they are mounted on as possible. Therefore, an 8” deck should have a truck with an 8” axle. Trucks are available in low, medium, or high sizes. Low trucks offer more stability and response, but high trucks offer a better turning radius and height for larger wheels. Skateboard wheels are generally between 50mm and 56mm. Smaller wheels are lighter and ideal for technical skating while larger wheels are faster and better for ramp/skatepark skating. Wheel hardness ranges from very soft (78A durometer) to very hard (101A to 84B durometer). Soft wheels offer a smooth ride on rough surfaces and are very sticky to the pavement while hard wheels are faster on smooth surfaces and offer slide-abilty for doing tricks like nose and tail slides.
The very first time you step on a skateboard, it’s nearly inevitable that you will feel very unstable. A standard skateboard is generally very responsive to turning movements (toe to heel pressure) as well as side to side movements (wheels rolling forward and backward). The result of this high-response is that it’s quite hard to learn to adjust for even the smallest body movements while on a skateboard. The general response from people when they first stand on a skateboard is that it’s “harder than it looks”. However, this difficulty and highly-responsive board creates a very unique experience. Skateboarding has an incredibly extensive number of tricks and styles the difficulty is why someone can practically spend a lifetime learning something new on it. As a rule, skateboarding is especially enjoyable for those who thrive on the act of progression and who like to continually practice to gain improvement.
Longboards and Longboarding
Longboard decks can differ in quite a lot of ways from “popsicle” style skateboard decks. One of the most obvious differences is the wide range of deck shapes and a generally larger size than a skateboard deck. There’s the classic “pintail” deck, decks with wheel wells, and decks designed with a “drop-thru” truck mounting system which allows the board to sit low with the wheels inside cut-out sections. In addition, longboards are made from different materials generally not found in standard skateboards such as bamboo or fiberglass. All these differences contribute greatly to ride performance, but we’ll try to sum it up. A traditional, stiff pintail deck offers a simple, entry-level ride that’s ideal for skating down the sidewalks and flat streets. Decks with a drop-thru system offer a more advanced and responsive turning system that allows for deep carves and high-speed turns while downhill skating. In addition, many longboard decks offer varying levels of flexibility. This flex allows the rider to lean into carves and turns for a more responsive ride. In general, Flex level 1 is for heavy riders 170 lbs. or more, flex 2 is between 100-170 lbs., and flex 3 is for smaller riders between 75-140lbs.
Next, longboard trucks are very different from skateboard trucks and are primarily made by different manufacturers. Again, the truck axle width should match the width of the board as close as possible and the baseplate of the trucks must be suited for your deck (standard or drop-thru style). Finally, longboard wheels are much different from skateboard wheels in that they are usually a very soft durometer and much larger. They are usually between a super soft 75A and soft-medium 88A durometer. In addition, sizes are generally between 56mm and 70mm. The large, soft wheels give the longboard the smooth and grippy ride they are known for which simulates a momentum-based, surfing-like ride. For those looking for a more “technological” approach to longboarding, it has become increasingly popular in recent years for skaters to ride an electric skateboard! This is a relatively new discipline that’s gaining great popularity as technological and design improvements are made. Electric skateboards usually have a pretty standard longboard design but with a high-performance motor attached to the wheels to eliminate pushing the board.
In general, the performance of longboards is not quite as reactive as a skateboard when first standing on them. The wide deck surface and large, soft wheels give longboards a much more comfortable ride. The increased overall weight means that longboards will not tend to “shoot out” from underneath you so quickly if your weight is slightly off-centered. However, there is one aspect that longboards undeniably reign superior to than skateboards: high-speed performance. The current world record speed on a longboard is 91 mph. Even if you don’t come near these speeds, longboards are great fun for those who are not so interested in tricks, but rather the intense adrenaline rush of racing down hills and carving through turns. If you’re looking to relax while cruising through town, just pack up your skateboard backpack with some essentials for the day, grab your longboard, and go out for some serious “sidewalk surfing”!
The Best Choice for Total Beginners
Whether a skateboard or longboard is best for you depends highly on your personal preferences and what you hope to get out of the experience. However, if you are purely concerned about getting outdoors and experiencing the feeling of riding on a board – longboarding is generally easier for complete beginners. A longboard will allow you to learn the feeling and motion of skating without the high reactivity of a skateboard that generally makes it difficult for beginners. After growing accustomed to the ride of a longboard, it will then also become much easier for you to adapt to a standard skateboard, should you decide later to try out skateboarding. Regardless of whether you choose a longboard or skateboard, there is one thing you can be sure to get with both – a whole lot of fun!
Who could possibly make a better skateboarding backpack than one of the oldest and most legendary skateboarding companies in the world – Santa Cruz Skateboards! It’s pretty simple to understand why this backpack made our list as it was basically built from the ground up for skateboarding! The SC guys know what they’re doing, which is why the Plaza backpack features breathable, padded sections on the back, comfortable shoulder straps, and quick-access Velcro board straps on the front. Notice how the Santa Cruz logo patch is found on the outside of the board straps, keeping it in view when your board is strapped up. It’s the details that count! At 17 liters, the Plaza backpack features a large main compartment as well as a smaller front zipper pocket for your skate tool and essentials. Excellent size for day trips without feeling too bulky. Plus, with this backpack you know you’re not only getting a super awesome bag, you’ll be supporting a truly skater-owned company that you can be proud of!
Simple, stylish, and durable Vans quality! If you’re looking for a classic skate backpack design, look no further than the Vans Skatepack Backpack. The name of this backpack alone tells you it was built for skateboarding! Like many great skate backpacks before it, the Skatepack features Velcro board straps on the front for quick access to your board. The Vans logo patch on the front stays visible even when your board is strapped up. Inside, you’ll find a large main compartment for your clothes, laptop, etc. It allows the perfect amount of space for a short weekend trip or a day trip. The front and sides of the bag offer you easy access to your skate tool, wax, phone and other small goods, thanks to the two spacious zip pockets and open side pockets. The Skatepack is an excellent choice for those searching for a minimalist design capable of fulfilling all the requirements for the perfect skateboard backpack.
The Nike SB Courthouse backpack is actually named after one of the most legendary skate spots in history – The Los Angeles Courthouse! Considering this backpack is named after a skate spot itself, it’s safe to assume it’s a pretty good skateboarding backpack! While it may not be the biggest option in terms of size on our list, the Courthouse is possibly the best backpack to wear while skating through the city and searching for spots. It features a padded, mesh back section with Nike SB logo stitching, thick shoulder straps, and a reinforced section on the bottom for durability when tossing it on the ground. It has a large main compartment with an integrated, net pocket with a zipper on the inside. The very front of the bag can be opened by a vertical zipper along the left side which tucks away neatly under the Velcro board straps. For those looking for a bag to wear while skating from spot to spot, the Courthouse is your best bet.
After proving themselves with the classic Mohave backpack, Element has seemingly outdone themselves again with the even more advanced Jaywalker skateboard backpack. Improving upon the successes of the Mohave, the Jaywalker ups the ante with an updated style and even more features. It still has a massive 30-liter storage space like the Mohave, but it comes with things like a RipStop 600 polyester bottom section which adds considerable strength and durability to the bag. In addition to the padded, breathable back section, a one really cool feature to note is the metal hooks attached to the thick shoulder straps. These hooks allow you to easily attach your keys or other objects to the straps so you can access them without taking off the bag. The top of the bag is fitted with a stylish, diagonal-cut zipper that opens to the large main compartment and the zip-able side pockets give you quick access to smaller goodies. The Jaywalker is the step up from the iconic Mohave backpack and is a premium-quality option for those who need a good size skateboard backpack to use on trips.
The Vans Planned Backpack is the mid-range option just between the original Vans skatepack and the Vans Authentic III skatepack. The Planned backpack is a super economical choice between the options from Vans as it offers improvements from the original skatepack at quite a lower price than the premium Authentic III backpack. Strap your board in with the Velcro straps, separate your gear with the two large main compartments, throw your skate tool and wax in the zip-able side pockets, and if you still need extra room, open up the smaller front pocket. Like other more premium skateboard backpack options, the Planned backpack also has a thick, reinforced bottom section to increase durability. A simple Vans logo patch is found on the front of the bag and there’s a classic Vans label flag on one of the shoulder straps for style. This backpack is probably the best mid-range option on our list and it offers ample space for weekend skate trips with all the features you could desire.
The Dakine Lid skateboard backpack breaks away from most of the other styles in our list with it’s large, “lid” style top opening. This style of the backpack has gained popularity in recent years for it’s practical, an easy-to-open design that can give the bag a bit more space inside. With 26 liters of overall storage space, the Lid backpack offers more than enough room for a weekend skate adventure with its spacious design. A cool feature of this bag is the padded, breathable mesh lining on the inside of the shoulder straps. You can kiss sweaty shoulders goodbye as you skate through the summer heat! The sides of the bag are fitted with large zip pockets capable of holding a small bottle and the bottom of the bag has a thick, reinforced section so you never have to worry about throwing the bag down on the ground. Of course, you can strap on your board with the durable board straps with clips. The Dakine Lid is the traveling skateboarder’s best companion!
As the old saying goes, “Ride the best, f**k the rest”! Independent Truck Company has been producing some of the best skateboarding trucks in the industry for over 40 years. With experience like that, they definitely know a thing or two about what skateboarders need! The Independent Transit backpack is one of the few bags on our list that features horizontal board straps. Therefore, your board will stay evenly horizontal with the weight evenly distributed across your back when it’s strapped in. In addition, it features a comfortably padded back section, wide padded shoulder straps, and the whole bag is made out of durable outer material for strength. If that wasn’t enough, any fan of Independent Trucks wouldn’t be caught dead without this backpack considering the sick Indy patches and logo details found throughout the whole design. You can bet that the skaters on the Independent team use this backpack when going on skate tours, and you can too!
The design of DC’s The Breed backpack is just as iconic as the Element Mohave. With years of experience under its belt, The Breed takes all the best features you could want in a skateboard backpack and combines them into one super stylish bag. Everything about the back and shoulder sections of this bag is designed for comfort and breathability while out skating. The thick shoulder straps are fully breathable and have no hard seams to irritate your shoulders and the breathable mesh continues throughout the whole back area. There are two spacious side pockets with zippers, a quick-access pocket for your skate tool on the front, and the bag opens up to a huge main compartment with inner zip pockets inside. The bag also proudly displays the DC shoe company brand with a large, embroidered DC logo on the front and a quality, rubberized logo patch at the top. The Breed skateboard backpack offers a super sleek design, performance features, and premium quality at a reasonable price.
If you’re not a fan of the Nike SB Courthouse backpack, perhaps the Embarca backpack is what you’re looking for! It’s yet to be known whether “Embarca” is referring to the famous San Francisco skate spot Embarcadero, but that’s reason enough to take this bag with you on your next skate trip to EMB! Speaking of skate trips, much like the Courthouse backpack, the Embarca is also an excellent choice to wear while skating through the city. The design has a comfortable and functional ergonomic fit with shoulder straps and back section that holds your back for ease of movement. The front of the bag features durable Velcro straps with a Nike SB logo patch on the top strap for style. The large main compartment offers ample space for your gear or laptop and a horizontal zipper is found on the front, a contrast from the vertical zipper design of the Courthouse bag. Overall, the Embarca is a step up from the Nike SB courthouse backpack and is a quality choice as a day trip or short weekend companion.
Who would have thought a snowboarding company could make an amazing skateboard backpack?! Well, Burton did! The Burton Kilo backpack is actually so well made that it’s earned an Amazon’s Choice award for all the high ratings it’s received online. The people have spoken and they’re saying this backpack is legit! The Kilo is loaded with every feature a skateboarder could possibly desire. From skate straps with buckles to four huge external accessory pockets, it certainly isn’t lacking in space. The giant main compartment features internal organization pockets including a 16.5” laptop pocket. The wide shoulder straps with center locking strap and the padded back section ensure comfortable wear. Burton didn’t spare on style though. The quality leather logo patch on the front of the bag gives it a truly premium look. Even though Burton may not be a truly skate-oriented company, they have done an exceptional job creating a backpack for their skateboard brothers with the Kilo backpack!
Welcome to the big leagues. Vans presents the Authentic III Skatepack Backpack – the top-of-the-line model in the Vans Skatepack series! The Authentic III skatepack features similar characteristics to its predecessors but with a few premium additions. Mainly, the Authentic III is designed for comfort as it has ergonomic shoulder straps and a soft, padded mesh back section that offers breathability to keep your back dry. Both of these features give the backpack a comfortable fit during movement such as ripping through the streets on your board. If you need to stow your board, strap it up with the durable Velcro board straps. It’s definitely not lacking on space either. The Authentic III features two large main compartments with top zippers. The main compartments also have inner organization pockets and some of the color options have a classic Vans checkerboard pattern on the interior fabric. This skateboard backpack offers more than enough room for weekend skate trips and the premium design is sure to offer you comfort and durability through many adventures.
The Nike SB RPM Backpack essentially sets the standard for high-end skateboard backpacks on the market today. The RPM is the cream of the crop when it comes to design, durability, functionality, and style. The feature list is long as it includes basically everything a skater could desire in a backpack. Something that especially sticks out is that the whole outer shell is made of water-resistant 600D polyester, meaning that even if you’re caught in a summer downpour, all your gear will stay perfectly dry. If you have to run from the cops at a skate spot with it, don’t worry about sweating as the whole back section and shoulder straps are lined with a breathable mesh fabric which features a style Nike SB stitching. Space is no issue, thanks to two huge main compartments with interior pockets including a net pocket with zipper. Finally, the bottom of the bag is covered with a textured polyester material that resists scratches or scuffing. This bag is a higher priced option on our list but it is a great example of “you get what you pay for”. The RPM backpack will undoubtedly last you through countless skate sessions and trips with its super durable design. We wouldn’t mind taking it on a trip ourselves!
The Dakine Ledge backpack has made our list primarily for its excellent versatility to be used for photographers or filmers. Many times, skate filmers and photographers must keep up with their crew while skating through the streets holding a camera bag. Ditch the satchel-style camera bag for this premium-quality Ledge backpack! The Ledge is also one of only two skateboard backpacks on our list with horizontal board straps. In addition, the section of the backpack that skateboard grip tape is touching when it’s strapped in has been covered in a durable, textured polyester section that won’t wear out from abrasion. The large front flap opens up to a huge, 25-liter main compartment and the flap itself has an easy-access, fleece lined phone or sunglass pocket. The left side pocket has an elastic band closure for drink bottles and the right side has a flap closure for protection. All-in-all, the Ledge backpack goes above and beyond with features not seen in other bags and is an especially good option for filmers and photographers to carry their gear as well.
By now, you may have scrolled to the bottom of our list to see the prized skateboard backpack with the highest price point we’ve selected. Well, honestly you might not have even heard of this brand but don’t worry, we hadn’t either. In addition, they seem to have little connection to skateboarding. So, what gives?! It turns out that this brand “Skunk Bags” has been absolutely killing it this whole time and they just happen to have possibly the most practical, performance skateboard backpack on the market. What’s so special? The Nomad skate backpack is actually constructed of anti-bacterial silver nylon fibers and it features an integrated carbon filter air flow system. Why does it matter? Because you can throw your filthy, sweaty shirt, knee pads, socks, or whatever other disgusting skate gear you have in this bad boy and you won’t smell a thing! This is particularly life-changing during skate trips where you have to keep your dirty clothes in your bag for several days. In addition, don’t worry about even the worst storms because the whole thing is waterproof, including the zippers to the front pocket and laptop pocket. Plus, if you really have something to hide, it even features a combination lock on the top, something we haven’t seen in any other skate backpack on the market. So, we’ve saved the best for last – and the best is the Nomad skateboard backpack from Skunk Bags!
