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Soft Top Longboards: The Ultimate Guide to Comfortable Cruising

Soft top longboards are gaining immense popularity among both beginners and seasoned skaters for their comfortable riding experience and forgiving nature. Unlike traditional hard deck longboards, these boards feature a soft, textured foam surface that provides superior grip and cushioning. This makes them an excellent choice for leisurely cruising, learning the basics, or even practicing advanced tricks with a bit more give under your feet. This guide will delve into the world of soft top longboards, exploring their benefits, features, and how to choose the perfect one for your needs.

What are Soft Top Longboards?

A soft top longboard essentially combines the shape and functionality of a longboard with a softer, more comfortable deck material. The deck is typically constructed using a closed-cell foam, similar to what you might find on a surfboard or yoga mat. This foam layer is bonded to a traditional longboard core, often made of wood or composite materials. The result is a board that is durable, stable, and incredibly comfortable to ride.

Benefits of Riding a Soft Top Longboard

Soft top longboards offer several advantages over their hard-deck counterparts:

Enhanced Comfort: The soft deck material provides a cushioned ride, reducing fatigue and impact on your joints. This is particularly beneficial for longer rides or riders with sensitive feet.
Improved Grip: The textured foam surface offers excellent grip, even when wet. This reduces the risk of slipping and provides greater control.
Forgiving Nature: The soft deck is more forgiving than a hard deck, making it easier to learn the basics and recover from mistakes.
Durability: While the soft top might seem delicate, it’s actually quite durable and resistant to scratches and dents.
Versatility: Soft top longboards are suitable for a variety of riding styles, from cruising and carving to downhill and freestyle.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Soft Top Longboard

When selecting a soft top longboard, consider the following features:

Deck Size and Shape

The size and shape of the deck will influence the board’s stability and maneuverability. Longer decks offer greater stability, while shorter decks are more responsive. Common shapes include:

Pintail: A classic longboard shape with a pointed nose and tail, ideal for cruising.
Drop-Through: Decks with truck mounting points that pass through the deck, lowering the center of gravity for increased stability.
Drop-Down: Decks with a lowered platform, providing even greater stability and ease of pushing.
Kicktail: Decks with a raised tail, allowing for ollies and other tricks.

Deck Material

The core of the soft top longboard is typically made of wood (maple, bamboo) or composite materials (fiberglass, carbon fiber). Wood decks offer a classic feel and are relatively inexpensive, while composite decks are lighter and more durable. The soft top layer is usually made of EVA foam or similar closed-cell foam.

Trucks and Wheels

The trucks and wheels are crucial components that affect the board’s handling and performance. Wider trucks provide greater stability, while narrower trucks are more responsive. Softer wheels offer a smoother ride, while harder wheels are faster and more durable. Consider the following:

Truck Size: Match the truck width to the deck width for optimal performance.
Truck Angle: Higher truck angles provide greater turning ability, while lower angles offer more stability.
Wheel Diameter: Larger wheels roll over obstacles more easily, while smaller wheels are lighter and more maneuverable.
Wheel Durometer: Softer wheels (lower durometer) provide a smoother ride and better grip, while harder wheels (higher durometer) are faster and more durable.

Riding Style

Your intended riding style will also influence your choice of soft top longboard. If you’re primarily interested in cruising, a longer, more stable board with softer wheels is ideal. If you want to perform tricks, a shorter board with a kicktail and harder wheels might be a better option.

Top Soft Top Longboard Brands

Several brands specialize in producing high-quality soft top longboards. Some popular options include:

Wavestorm
California Board Company (CBC)
South Bay Board Co.
Gold Coast

These brands offer a range of models to suit different riding styles and budgets. Do your research and read reviews to find the best option for you.

Maintaining Your Soft Top Longboard

Proper maintenance will help extend the life of your soft top longboard. Here are a few tips:

Rinse with fresh water: After each use, rinse the board with fresh water to remove salt, sand, and dirt.
Store in a cool, dry place: Avoid storing the board in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, as this can damage the foam.
Inspect regularly: Check the board for any signs of damage, such as cracks or tears in the foam.
Tighten hardware: Periodically tighten the trucks and wheel nuts to ensure they are secure.

Who are Soft Top Longboards For?

Soft top longboards are a fantastic choice for a wide range of riders:

Beginners: The forgiving nature and comfortable ride make them ideal for learning the basics.
Casual Cruisers: Perfect for leisurely rides along the boardwalk or through the park.
Commuters: A comfortable and convenient way to get around town.
Experienced Riders: Even experienced riders can appreciate the comfort and versatility of a soft top longboard.

Are Soft Top Longboards Good for Tricks?

While not specifically designed for advanced tricks, soft top longboards can be used for basic tricks like ollies and kickflips, especially those models with kicktails. The soft deck provides a more forgiving landing, which can be helpful for learning new tricks. However, for serious trick riding, a traditional hard deck skateboard is generally preferred. It really depends on the specific soft top longboard, some are built with a robust core capable of handling tricks, while others are more suited to cruising. [See also: Best Longboards for Beginners]

Soft Top Longboards vs. Traditional Longboards

The main difference between soft top longboards and traditional longboards lies in the deck material. Traditional longboards have hard decks made of wood or composite materials, while soft top longboards have a soft foam deck. This difference in material affects the ride quality, grip, and overall feel of the board. Soft tops offer more comfort and grip, while hard decks offer more responsiveness and control.

Finding the Right Soft Top Longboard for You

Choosing the right soft top longboard depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your riding style, budget, and desired level of performance. Read reviews, compare models, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice from experienced riders or shop staff. With a little research, you can find the perfect soft top longboard to enjoy countless hours of comfortable cruising. Remember to factor in the deck length. A longer deck provides greater stability, making it easier to balance, especially for beginners. Conversely, a shorter deck is more maneuverable, allowing for quicker turns and easier transport. The ideal deck length depends on your height, weight, and riding style. A good starting point for beginners is a deck length between 38 and 42 inches. Consider the wheels as well. Larger, softer wheels provide a smoother ride over rough surfaces, while smaller, harder wheels are faster and more responsive. Softer wheels also offer better grip, making them ideal for carving and cruising. Harder wheels are more durable and suitable for sliding and tricks. The durometer rating of the wheels indicates their hardness, with lower numbers indicating softer wheels and higher numbers indicating harder wheels. A durometer rating of 78A to 85A is ideal for cruising, while a rating of 86A and above is better for tricks. [See also: Longboard Wheel Guide]

Conclusion: Embrace the Comfort of Soft Top Longboards

Soft top longboards offer a unique and enjoyable riding experience that combines the best of both worlds: the stability and functionality of a longboard with the comfort and grip of a soft deck. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the ropes or an experienced rider seeking a more comfortable ride, a soft top longboard is an excellent choice. So, get out there and experience the joy of cruising on a soft top longboard!