Longboarding has become a new sensation amongst youngsters today. Everyone is finding the fastest and newest thing to do, and professional downhill longboarding is just that, allowing some riders to reach the speed of more than 50 mph.
Whether you want to make it as a means of transport for busy city streets, for freestyle stunts, or as a recreation in a skating park, downhill longboarding is all about adrenaline pumping, and you get addicted to it immediately as long as you stay safe.
If you are a professional downhill longboarder, you will need a longboard that has a good mix of speed, stability, and control. Besides that, a professional downhill longboard is the one that can survive the wear and tear of downhill without compromising the speed and performance. Probably this is why you are here.
With greater emphasis on hitting higher speed with control and less technical focus, finding a quality professional downhill longboard can be a little tricky. We have gone through some of the best picks that are dominating the market today and can work as the epic downward ride. Take a look.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Professional Downhill Longboard
Deck Dimensions
The deck length of downhill longboards usually varies from 37-43 inches. The decks with shorter lengths have higher speed and less control, while the longer decks feature excellent control but relatively slower speed. For beginners, decks with longer lengths (40+ inches) are preferable. The width of a deck varies from 9-10.5 inches.
Types of Wheels
Wheels are considered the most vital component in a downhill longboard as the board hovers over the wheels and goes downhill. Generally, soft and large longboard wheels are preferred for downhill longboards. A good downhill wheelbase features some characteristics that render longboarding much easier and safer. Mostly wheels that are tall, feature a sharp lip profile, and have broad contact patches provide excellent traction for downhill riding.
Deck Style
The deck of a professional downhill longboard is something to be considered when buying downhill longboards. Generally, cut-out longboards include drop-through trucks for lowering the longboard that results in better stability when riding at high speeds. These longboards are ideal for freestyle, free ride, and downhill riding styles as they possess larger wheels and enable you to take deep turns with no skids.
Concave & Wheelbase
For a professional downhill longboard, the amount of concave it should possess is usually subjective. It must be there because it locks your feet in for better control when pre-drifting and riding around fast corners. Usually, it is recommended that if you are starting downhill and sliding, you should pick a longboard with a longer wheelbase. With that, you will find drifting much easier and will appreciate the extra stability that comes with a longer wheelbase. Mellow, W-concave, rocker profiles, taco shape are some of the common features.
Trucks
Trucks serve an important role in the overall performance of a downhill longboard. You should know that in the fastest downhill longboard setup, stability dictates everything. And reverse kingpin trucks are considered a standard for this. Their design gives stability and smoothness at high speed and also makes turning highly responsive.
Bearings
When you choose bearings, the best choice is to go for the reasonable ones that can be durable as well. Plus, get those that have an integrated spacer as these tend to preserve the life of the bearings by minimizing the damages of sliding sideways.
Best Professional Downhill Longboard
Now that we have learnt what things to keep in mind when buying downhill longboards, it is time to get started with some of the best professional downhill longboards available.
Minority Downhill Maple Longboard Skateboard
Minority Downhill Maple Longboard Skateboard is undeniably one of the stylish longboards present today. Apart from its fascinating design, this gives the rider a stable and smooth ride even at higher speeds. If you want to have a unique deck, then this longboard is ideal for laying your hands on. Moreover, it is created to cruise at high speeds. So if staying stylish and cruising is your thing, then you are in luck!
The deck has low gravity built that renders it durable at all speeds and also lowers the risk of board breaking or the rider falling off. The board is made from 100 percent 8-ply cold-pressed maple that is much more durable compared to others. Moreover, it boasts a 9-inches width, allowing you to easily shift your feet and have greater control during a downhill ride.
The Minority Downhill Maple Longboard Skateboard features a visible asymmetrical shape, that apart from adding a style, saves the rider from dreaded wheel bites as well! In addition to this, this asymmetrical longboard includes ABEC 9 bearings. With all these attributes, you can definitely expect a smoother yet safer ride.
Thinking about its maneuverability? Don’t worry, as this longboard features adjustable trucks of nearly 50 degrees. Besides that, it can accommodate riders weighing up to 250 pounds without compromising performance at all.
Testing the board and adjusting the trucks according to your style is all it needs, and you are good to go.
Atom Longboards Atom All-Terrain Longboard
When you are looking for a professional downhill longboard, you might want to shortlist the Atom All-Terrain Longboard by Atom Longboards for its outstanding features. It is a versatile and capable board that is an excellent pick for various kinds of skating.
While it may be on a little pricier side, the quality it delivers when you are speeding downhill over unpredictable, bumpy terrains is what sets it apart from others. Whether you want to hit your neighborhood hills or careen down rough mountain trails, the MBS 100 x 65 mm all-terrain wheels, crafted from high rebound urethane, provide you the ideal downhill ride. Or we can say the wheels offer the perfect blend of speed and traction.
When it comes to the deck, it is made from sturdy maple, and it lowers the center of gravity for greater stability. In a nutshell, the Atom All-Terrain Longboard is a great pick for all kinds of surfaces and all experience levels. It offers excellent downhill speed, and if it is within your budget, then you should definitely go for it.
Magneto Bamboo Carbon Fiber Longboards Skateboards for Cruising, Carving, Freestyle, Downhill and Dancing
When getting a professional downhill longboard, many of you may prefer a multipurpose longboard. There can be times when you just like cruising downtown or want the adrenaline pump from riding as fast as you can downhill. If this relates to you, then the Magneto Bamboo Carbon Fiber Longboards is the perfect one for you.
It’s going to please you with its bamboo, carbon fiber, and fiberglass hybrid deck. It may appear like too much, but each component adds up to the overall riding experience. Beginning with fiberglass and carbon fiber, these components make the deck sturdy yet lightweight, which is the correct balance for downhill riding. Couple that with the bamboo material, the deck becomes long-lasting and flexible.
Moreover, thanks to its 9 inches width and 37 inches length, your feet will fit snuggly on the board while bombing hills. The deck further has W-concavity that naturally stiffens it, making it perfect for a super stable downhill ride.
Besides, its wheels are of super-high rebound and are soft, having a 78A diameter that results in a good roll of speed. It also features 70 x 53 mm bearings that are created from stainless steel. Subsequently, it will go a long way while offering a speedy and smooth downhill race.
Loaded Boards Tan Tien Bamboo Longboard Skateboard Complete
If you have been longboarding for a while and want a lightweight board that responds quickly to every move of yours with no problems of carrying around, then the Loaded Boards Tan Tien Bamboo Longboard Skateboard is the one for you.
This trick-friendly longboard is ideal for practicing your skills. The deck of the Loaded Boards Tan Tien is wide enough to give you ample room for a successful exhibition of your tricks. Add the fact that this longboard has visible kick tails for advanced freestyle trickery and navigating city streets.
Despite these, the Loaded Boards Tan Tien remains versatile and lightweight. The drop-through truck mounting speaks for its stability during the performance. Coming to its wheel setup, its 70mm wheels roll speedily, and the 86A durometer makes sure that the board rolls without any error on the toughest of terrains.
This professional downhill longboard features the right blend to balance freeride and freestyle use. And on top of that, the Loaded Boards Tan Tien includes a 180mm Paris truck that makes every curve feel more smooth and controlled.
