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Soft Top Longboards: The Ultimate Guide to Comfortable Cruising

Soft top longboards are rapidly gaining popularity among both beginner and experienced riders. These boards offer a unique blend of comfort, stability, and accessibility, making them an excellent choice for cruising, carving, and even some light downhill riding. This comprehensive guide will delve into what makes soft top longboards so appealing, their benefits, key features to consider when buying, and some of the best models currently available on the market.

What is a Soft Top Longboard?

A soft top longboard distinguishes itself from traditional hard-top longboards primarily through its deck construction. Instead of a typical wood veneer or fiberglass finish, a soft top longboard features a deck covered with a soft, grippy material, often made from EVA foam or similar compounds. This soft surface provides enhanced comfort underfoot, making long rides more enjoyable. The core of the board usually consists of wood, foam, or a composite material to provide structural integrity and ensure durability.

Why Choose a Soft Top Longboard?

There are several compelling reasons to opt for a soft top longboard:

Comfort: The soft deck material significantly reduces foot fatigue, allowing for longer and more comfortable riding sessions. This is particularly beneficial for beginners who are still developing their balance and technique.
Grip: The textured surface of a soft top provides excellent grip, even when wet. This enhanced grip increases stability and reduces the risk of slipping, making it a safer option for riders of all skill levels.
Forgiveness: Soft top longboards are more forgiving than their hard-top counterparts. The softer deck absorbs vibrations and bumps, providing a smoother and more controlled ride. This is especially useful on less-than-perfect surfaces.
Durability: While the soft top might seem delicate, many soft top longboards are surprisingly durable. The underlying core materials are often robust and designed to withstand regular use. The soft top itself can also help protect the board from minor dings and scratches.
Beginner-Friendly: The combination of comfort, grip, and forgiveness makes soft top longboards an ideal choice for beginners. They provide a confidence-boosting platform for learning the basics of longboarding.

Key Features to Consider When Buying a Soft Top Longboard

When shopping for a soft top longboard, consider the following features:

Deck Size and Shape

The size and shape of the deck significantly impact the board’s performance and suitability for different riding styles. Longer boards (over 40 inches) are generally more stable and better suited for cruising and downhill riding. Shorter boards (around 30-40 inches) are more maneuverable and ideal for carving and freestyle riding. Consider the deck shape as well; pintails are classic cruisers, drop-through decks offer increased stability, and kicktails provide added versatility for tricks and ollies.

Deck Material

The core material of the deck influences the board’s flex, strength, and overall performance. Common materials include:

Wood: Maple is a popular choice for its strength, durability, and responsiveness.
Foam: Foam cores are lightweight and offer excellent shock absorption.
Composite: Composite materials, such as fiberglass or carbon fiber, provide a balance of strength, stiffness, and lightweight performance.

Trucks and Wheels

The trucks and wheels are crucial components that affect the board’s handling and ride quality. Look for trucks made from durable materials like aluminum or steel. The width of the trucks should match the width of the deck to ensure stability. Wheel size and durometer (hardness) also play a significant role. Larger wheels roll faster and smoother, while softer wheels (lower durometer) provide better grip and shock absorption. [See also: Best Longboard Wheels for Cruising]

Soft Top Material

The quality of the soft top material is essential for comfort, grip, and durability. EVA foam is a common choice due to its excellent cushioning and water resistance. Look for a textured surface to enhance grip, especially in wet conditions. The thickness of the soft top also affects comfort; thicker materials provide more cushioning but may also reduce board feel.

Bearings

Bearings are small components that allow the wheels to spin freely. ABEC ratings indicate the precision of the bearings, with higher ratings generally indicating smoother and faster performance. However, for cruising and recreational riding, ABEC 5 or ABEC 7 bearings are typically sufficient. [See also: Longboard Maintenance Tips]

Top Soft Top Longboard Models

Here are some of the best soft top longboard models currently available, catering to different riding styles and budgets:

Wavestorm Cruiser: A popular and affordable option, the Wavestorm Cruiser is known for its durability and beginner-friendly design. It features a soft EVA deck, sturdy trucks, and smooth-rolling wheels, making it an excellent choice for casual cruising.
South Bay Board Co. Guppy Cruiser: The Guppy Cruiser from South Bay Board Co. offers a stylish design and comfortable ride. Its soft top deck, combined with a responsive flex, makes it ideal for carving and cruising.
California Board Company Soft Top Longboard: This board combines a durable wood core with a plush soft top, providing a comfortable and stable platform for riders of all skill levels. It’s well-suited for cruising, carving, and even some light downhill riding.
Gold Coast Infusion Series: While Gold Coast is known for their hardtop boards, their Infusion series offers a soft top option that blends performance and comfort. These boards typically feature a composite core for added responsiveness and durability.

Tips for Riding a Soft Top Longboard

To maximize your enjoyment and safety while riding a soft top longboard, consider these tips:

Start Slow: If you’re a beginner, start in a safe, open area with smooth pavement. Practice basic maneuvers like pushing, turning, and braking before attempting more advanced techniques.
Wear Protective Gear: Always wear a helmet, and consider using knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards, especially when learning new tricks or riding in potentially hazardous areas.
Maintain Your Board: Regularly inspect your board for any signs of damage or wear. Tighten loose trucks, clean your bearings, and replace worn-out wheels as needed.
Adjust Your Stance: Experiment with different stance positions to find what feels most comfortable and stable. A wider stance generally provides more stability, while a narrower stance allows for more maneuverability.
Learn to Brake Safely: Master different braking techniques, such as foot braking and sliding, to maintain control in various situations. [See also: Longboard Safety Tips]

The Future of Soft Top Longboards

Soft top longboards are not just a trend; they represent a shift towards more accessible and comfortable longboarding experiences. As technology advances, we can expect to see further innovations in soft top materials, deck designs, and overall performance. These boards are likely to become even more popular as more people discover the joy of cruising on a soft and forgiving deck. The future of longboarding is looking soft, comfortable, and incredibly fun, especially with the increasing availability and variety of soft top longboards.

In conclusion, soft top longboards offer a unique and enjoyable riding experience for beginners and experienced riders alike. Their comfort, grip, and forgiveness make them an excellent choice for cruising, carving, and exploring your surroundings. By considering the key features outlined in this guide and following the tips for safe riding, you can choose the perfect soft top longboard to suit your needs and embark on countless adventures. The popularity of soft top longboards is a testament to their versatility and accessibility, solidifying their place in the longboarding community. So, consider giving a soft top longboard a try and experience the difference for yourself!