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Soft Top Longboards: The Ultimate Guide to Cruising Comfort and Performance

Soft top longboards are gaining immense popularity among both beginners and experienced riders, and for good reason. These boards offer a unique blend of comfort, stability, and performance, making them an excellent choice for cruising, carving, and even light downhill riding. This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about soft top longboards, from their construction and benefits to choosing the right one for your needs.

What are Soft Top Longboards?

Unlike traditional hard-top longboards made of wood and fiberglass, soft top longboards feature a deck covered in a soft, textured material, typically EVA foam. This foam provides a comfortable and grippy surface, enhancing the overall riding experience. The core of the board is usually made of EPS foam, which is lightweight and buoyant. This construction results in a board that is forgiving, stable, and easy to ride. The popularity of soft top longboards stems from their accessibility and comfort, attracting a wide range of riders.

Benefits of Riding Soft Top Longboards

Enhanced Comfort: The soft deck material provides a cushioned feel underfoot, reducing fatigue and making long rides more enjoyable.
Improved Grip: The textured surface offers excellent traction, even when wet, minimizing the risk of slipping.
Increased Stability: The wider decks and forgiving nature of soft top longboards make them incredibly stable, ideal for beginners and those seeking a relaxed ride.
Durability: While the soft top might seem delicate, these boards are surprisingly durable and can withstand everyday wear and tear.
Beginner-Friendly: The ease of use and stability make soft top longboards a perfect starting point for new riders.
Versatility: Suitable for cruising, carving, and light downhill riding, offering a versatile riding experience.

Construction and Materials

Understanding the construction of a soft top longboard will help you appreciate its unique characteristics:

Deck: The deck is the main body of the board and is typically constructed with an EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam core for lightweight and buoyancy. The top layer consists of EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) foam, which provides the soft, comfortable, and grippy surface.
Bottom: The bottom of the board is often made of HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), a durable and water-resistant plastic that protects the core from damage.
Trucks: The trucks are the metal axles that connect the wheels to the deck. They are responsible for steering and turning. Soft top longboards typically use standard longboard trucks, allowing for easy customization and replacement.
Wheels: The wheels are made of polyurethane (PU) and come in various sizes and durometers (hardness). Softer wheels provide a smoother ride, while harder wheels offer more speed and grip.
Bearings: The bearings are small metal rings that allow the wheels to spin freely on the axles. High-quality bearings can significantly improve the board’s speed and roll.

Choosing the Right Soft Top Longboard

Selecting the perfect soft top longboard depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the following factors:

Riding Style

Determine how you plan to use your longboard. Are you primarily interested in cruising along the boardwalk, carving through gentle hills, or trying some light downhill riding? Different riding styles require different board characteristics.

Board Length

Longboards range in length from around 36 inches to over 48 inches. Longer boards are generally more stable and better suited for cruising, while shorter boards are more maneuverable and ideal for carving. For soft top longboards, a length between 40 and 44 inches is a good starting point for most riders.

Deck Shape

The deck shape affects the board’s performance and feel. Common deck shapes include:

Pintail: A classic longboard shape with a pointed nose and tail. Pintails are known for their smooth cruising and carving capabilities.
Drop-Through: Drop-through boards have trucks mounted through the deck, lowering the center of gravity and increasing stability.
Drop-Down: Drop-down boards have a lowered platform, making them even more stable and easier to push.
Kicktail: Kicktail boards have a raised tail, allowing for ollies and other tricks.

Wheel Size and Durometer

The wheel size and durometer affect the board’s speed, grip, and smoothness. Larger wheels roll faster and smoother, while softer wheels provide more grip and absorb bumps better. For soft top longboards, wheels with a diameter of 70-75mm and a durometer of 78A-82A are a good choice for cruising and carving. Softer wheels enhance the comfort that soft top longboards provide.

Truck Type

Reverse kingpin trucks are the most common type of truck used on longboards. They offer a good balance of stability and maneuverability. Look for trucks with a wide hanger width for increased stability.

Popular Soft Top Longboard Brands

Several reputable brands offer high-quality soft top longboards. Some popular options include:

Wavestorm: Known for their affordable and durable soft top surfboards, Wavestorm also offers a range of soft top longboards that are perfect for beginners.
California Board Company (CBC): CBC offers a variety of longboards, including soft top longboards designed for cruising and carving.
Gold Coast: Gold Coast specializes in stylish and high-performance longboards, including some models with soft top decks.
South Bay Board Co.: Offers a range of soft top boards, including longboards, designed for comfort and performance.

Maintenance and Care

To keep your soft top longboard in top condition, follow these maintenance tips:

Rinse after use: Rinse your board with fresh water after each use, especially if you ride in saltwater.
Store properly: Store your board in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Check for damage: Regularly inspect your board for any signs of damage, such as cracks or tears in the foam.
Clean the bearings: Clean and lubricate your bearings regularly to ensure smooth rolling.
Tighten the hardware: Check and tighten the trucks and wheel nuts regularly to prevent loosening.

Safety Tips for Riding Soft Top Longboards

Safety should always be a top priority when riding a longboard. Follow these safety tips to minimize the risk of injury:

Wear a helmet: Always wear a helmet when riding a longboard.
Use protective gear: Consider wearing knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards for added protection.
Choose a safe riding location: Ride in areas with smooth surfaces and minimal traffic.
Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to pedestrians, cars, and other obstacles.
Learn to brake: Practice braking techniques before riding in more challenging environments.
Start slow: Begin with slow speeds and gradually increase your speed as you gain confidence.

Soft Top Longboards vs. Traditional Longboards

While both types of longboards serve the same basic purpose, there are key differences between soft top longboards and traditional hard-top longboards:

Comfort: Soft top longboards offer superior comfort due to the soft deck material.
Grip: The textured surface of soft top longboards provides excellent grip, especially when wet.
Stability: Soft top longboards are generally more stable due to their wider decks and forgiving nature.
Performance: Traditional longboards offer more precise control and are better suited for advanced riding styles like downhill and freestyle.
Durability: Traditional longboards are generally more durable and can withstand more abuse.
Price: Soft top longboards are often more affordable than traditional longboards.

The Future of Soft Top Longboards

The popularity of soft top longboards is likely to continue to grow as more riders discover their comfort, stability, and versatility. Manufacturers are constantly innovating and developing new designs and technologies to improve the performance and durability of these boards. We can expect to see more advanced soft top longboards with features like integrated lighting, Bluetooth connectivity, and even electric motors. The evolution of soft top longboards promises a more accessible and enjoyable riding experience for everyone.

In conclusion, soft top longboards are an excellent choice for riders of all skill levels who are looking for a comfortable, stable, and versatile riding experience. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or an experienced rider seeking a more relaxed ride, a soft top longboard can provide hours of fun and enjoyment. [See also: Longboard Wheel Guide] [See also: Best Longboard Trucks] [See also: Longboard Maintenance Tips]