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Soft Top Longboards: The Ultimate Guide to Comfort and Performance

Soft top longboards have surged in popularity, offering a unique blend of comfort, stability, and performance that appeals to both beginners and experienced riders. These boards, characterized by their soft, grippy deck surfaces, provide a forgiving platform for learning and cruising, making them an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy the longboarding experience without sacrificing comfort. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of soft top longboards, exploring their benefits, key features, and how to choose the perfect one for your needs.

What are Soft Top Longboards?

Unlike traditional longboards with hard, often slick, wooden decks, soft top longboards feature a deck covered in a soft, textured material, typically EVA foam or a similar composite. This soft surface provides exceptional grip, reducing the risk of slipping and increasing overall comfort. The core of the board is usually still made of wood or a lightweight composite, ensuring structural integrity and performance. The combination of a soft top and a rigid core offers a balance between comfort and responsiveness.

Benefits of Soft Top Longboards

Enhanced Comfort: The soft deck surface provides a comfortable riding experience, especially during long cruises. This is particularly beneficial for beginners who are still developing their balance and footwork.
Improved Grip: The textured surface of the soft top offers excellent grip, even in wet conditions. This reduces the likelihood of slipping and enhances control, making soft top longboards safer and more enjoyable to ride.
Beginner-Friendly: Soft top longboards are incredibly forgiving, making them an ideal choice for beginners. The soft deck absorbs vibrations and provides a stable platform for learning.
Versatility: While often associated with cruising, soft top longboards are surprisingly versatile. Many models are capable of handling carving, downhill riding, and even some freestyle tricks.
Durability: The soft top material is often resistant to wear and tear, protecting the underlying deck from damage. This can extend the lifespan of the board, making it a worthwhile investment.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Soft Top Longboard

Deck Size and Shape

The size and shape of the deck play a crucial role in the board’s performance and suitability for different riding styles. Longer decks (40 inches or more) offer greater stability and are ideal for cruising and downhill riding. Shorter decks (36-40 inches) are more maneuverable and better suited for carving and freestyle. The shape of the deck, such as pintail, drop-through, or drop-down, also affects the board’s stability and turning radius. Consider what type of riding you intend to do most often when choosing the deck size and shape.

Trucks and Wheels

The trucks are the metal axles that attach the wheels to the deck. They play a significant role in the board’s turning ability and stability. Reverse kingpin trucks are commonly used on longboards, offering a smooth and responsive ride. The width of the trucks should match the width of the deck for optimal performance. The wheels also influence the ride quality. Larger wheels (70mm or more) roll faster and smoother over rough surfaces, while smaller wheels (65mm or less) provide better acceleration and maneuverability. The durometer of the wheels (a measure of their hardness) affects their grip and roll speed. Softer wheels (78A-85A) offer better grip and a smoother ride, while harder wheels (86A or more) roll faster but provide less grip.

Construction Materials

The materials used in the construction of a soft top longboard affect its weight, durability, and performance. The core of the board is typically made of wood (such as maple or bamboo) or a lightweight composite material. The soft top is usually made of EVA foam or a similar synthetic material. The trucks are typically made of aluminum or steel, and the wheels are made of polyurethane. Consider the quality and durability of the materials when choosing a soft top longboard.

Riding Style and Experience Level

Your riding style and experience level are important factors to consider when choosing a soft top longboard. If you’re a beginner, look for a board with a wide deck, soft wheels, and stable trucks. These features will make it easier to learn and maintain your balance. If you’re an experienced rider, you may prefer a more responsive board with harder wheels and adjustable trucks. Consider what type of riding you enjoy most (cruising, carving, downhill, freestyle) when choosing a soft top longboard. A soft top longboard designed for cruising may not be suitable for downhill racing, for example.

Top Soft Top Longboard Brands

Several brands offer high-quality soft top longboards, each with its unique features and designs. Some of the most popular brands include:

Wavestorm: Known for their affordable and durable soft top boards, Wavestorm is a popular choice for beginners.
California Board Company (CBC): CBC offers a range of soft top longboards for different riding styles and experience levels.
South Bay Board Co.: Specializing in soft top surfboards and longboards, South Bay Board Co. offers high-quality products with innovative designs.
Gold Coast: Gold Coast offers a variety of longboards, including soft top models, known for their stylish designs and performance.

Maintenance and Care for Your Soft Top Longboard

To ensure the longevity and performance of your soft top longboard, proper maintenance and care are essential. Here are some tips:

Clean the Deck Regularly: Use a mild soap and water solution to clean the soft top deck regularly. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the material.
Store Your Board Properly: Store your board in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the soft top material to fade and deteriorate.
Check and Tighten Hardware: Regularly check the trucks, wheels, and other hardware for looseness. Tighten any loose bolts or nuts to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Replace Worn Parts: Replace worn wheels, bearings, or bushings as needed. These parts can affect the board’s performance and ride quality.

Soft Top Longboards vs. Traditional Longboards

While both soft top and traditional longboards serve the same basic purpose, there are some key differences between them. Soft top longboards offer enhanced comfort and grip, making them a great choice for beginners and casual riders. Traditional longboards, with their hard wooden decks, offer greater responsiveness and control, making them better suited for experienced riders who enjoy carving, downhill riding, and freestyle tricks. The best choice depends on your riding style, experience level, and personal preferences.

The Future of Soft Top Longboards

The popularity of soft top longboards is expected to continue to grow as more people discover the benefits of this comfortable and versatile riding platform. Manufacturers are constantly innovating and improving their soft top longboard designs, incorporating new materials, technologies, and features. As soft top longboards become more advanced, they are likely to appeal to an even wider range of riders, from beginners to experienced professionals. It is also possible to see more hybrid boards that incorporate soft top elements with more traditional longboard materials to create a board that offers the best of both worlds. [See also: Best Longboards for Beginners] The future of soft top longboards looks bright, with exciting developments on the horizon.

Conclusion: Embracing the Comfort and Performance of Soft Top Longboards

Soft top longboards offer a unique and enjoyable riding experience, combining comfort, stability, and performance in a single package. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a forgiving platform to learn on or an experienced rider seeking a comfortable and versatile board for cruising, a soft top longboard may be the perfect choice for you. By considering the key features, brands, and maintenance tips outlined in this guide, you can choose the perfect soft top longboard and enjoy countless hours of fun on the road. The forgiving nature of a soft top longboard allows riders to progress more quickly and comfortably. So, embrace the comfort and performance of soft top longboards and discover a new way to experience the thrill of longboarding. Consider a soft top longboard if you value comfort and ease of use. Investing in a soft top longboard can open up a whole new world of longboarding possibilities. Remember to always wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet and pads, when riding your soft top longboard.