As youll find out by gaining experience, longboarding is a sport that requires precise gear capabilities. Seemingly small details such as the size of the board, and the boards shape can make a big difference in a riders enjoyment. Since these details are largely up to personal preference, some companies such as Urban Blue Longboards give riders all they need to create a longboard thats uniquely tailored to their specifications.
Evaluating your Deck
In the longboarding world, the part that you stand on as you ride is called the deck. Usually, the deck is either completely flat, convex, or concave. The latter type is very common in longboarding, because it offers a mixture of support and turning ability, making it a smart choice for people who are using Urban Blue longboards as an efficient mode of transportation.
Often, youll see longboards offered that have a full grip type of deck, which means that they have a textured exterior to add stability. You should always wear proper footwear, such as shoes that are specially made for riding boards. They usually have a flexible sole and padded ankle areas so that you can enjoy comfort even when riding for long periods. The full grip deck, combined with carefully engineered shoes ensures that youll feel secure regardless of the type of deck that you choose.
Urban Blue Longboards with a Pintail Shape
If youve ever seen longboards with a sharp point at either end of the deck, that style is meant to reduce the amount that the wheels come in contact with the board when youre riding. This is also known as wheel bite and can cause riders to feel a sharp jolt and even fall off their board if theyre not expecting it. Many options in the Urban Blue collection feature this body type, and riders often prefer them because they have a low-profile design thats easy to carry, too.
Choosing your Trucks
If you look at the underside of any sort of Urban Blue longboards, youll have a clear view of the truck. This is the T-shaped axle that attaches the wheels to the board itself. If you select trucks that extend past the length of the board, youll reduce your chances of experiencing wheel bite, but wont be able to turn as sharply. Smaller trucks are not as stable, but they do offer a sharper turning radius, so youll need to think carefully about the ways that you plan to use your longboard. Perhaps ask someone whos experienced with the types of longboard features before you make any final decisions about your purchase.
As you can see by now, even the tiniest details can play a role in what your ride feels like, and how easily youre able to manoeuvre the board to your liking. Once you figure out your preferences, youll be able to shop with confidence as you buy Urban Blue longboards, or browse the offerings of another brand.
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