Soft Top Longboards: The Ultimate Guide to Cruising Comfort and Performance
Soft top longboards have surged in popularity, offering a unique blend of comfort, stability, and fun. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy entry into longboarding or an experienced rider seeking a more relaxed and forgiving ride, a soft top longboard might be the perfect choice. This comprehensive guide will delve into the features, benefits, and considerations when choosing a soft top longboard, ensuring you make an informed decision and find the ideal board for your needs.
What is a Soft Top Longboard?
Unlike traditional longboards with hard maple decks, soft top longboards feature a deck covered in a soft, grippy material, typically EVA foam or a similar synthetic compound. This soft surface provides superior comfort underfoot, making longer rides more enjoyable. The core of the board is usually still constructed from wood or composite materials to maintain structural integrity and performance.
The combination of a soft top and a rigid core creates a board that is both comfortable and responsive. This makes soft top longboards particularly appealing to beginners who may be hesitant about the feel of a traditional hard deck. The added cushioning also helps to absorb vibrations, providing a smoother ride over rough surfaces.
Benefits of Soft Top Longboards
Enhanced Comfort
The primary advantage of a soft top longboard is its exceptional comfort. The soft deck material cushions your feet, reducing fatigue and allowing you to ride for longer periods without discomfort. This is especially beneficial for cruising and long-distance riding.
Improved Grip
The textured surface of the soft top provides excellent grip, even when wet. This enhanced grip gives you more control and stability, reducing the risk of slipping off the board. This is particularly useful for beginners who are still developing their balance and coordination. Soft top longboards offer a safer experience for new riders.
Forgiving Ride
The soft deck material also acts as a shock absorber, smoothing out bumps and vibrations. This creates a more forgiving ride, making it easier to maintain your balance and control, even on uneven surfaces. This feature is invaluable for riders of all skill levels, especially those who frequently ride on less-than-perfect roads or sidewalks.
Durability
While the soft top material might seem delicate, it is surprisingly durable and resistant to wear and tear. High-quality soft top longboards are designed to withstand the rigors of regular use, and the soft top material is often UV-resistant to prevent fading and cracking from sun exposure. The underlying core provides structural integrity, ensuring the board can handle a variety of riding conditions. With proper care, a soft top longboard can last for years.
Beginner-Friendly
Soft top longboards are an excellent choice for beginners due to their comfort, stability, and forgiving ride. The soft deck provides a more secure and comfortable platform for learning the basics of longboarding. The added grip and shock absorption make it easier to maintain balance and control, reducing the risk of falls. Many beginners find that they progress more quickly on a soft top longboard compared to a traditional hard deck board. It’s a great way to get into the sport.
Considerations When Choosing a Soft Top Longboard
Deck Size and Shape
The size and shape of the deck are crucial factors to consider when choosing a soft top longboard. Longer decks provide more stability and are better suited for cruising and downhill riding. Shorter decks are more maneuverable and are ideal for carving and freestyle riding. The shape of the deck also affects the board’s performance. Pintail decks are known for their smooth turning, while drop-through decks offer a lower center of gravity for increased stability.
Trucks and Wheels
The trucks and wheels play a significant role in the board’s handling and performance. Wider trucks provide more stability, while narrower trucks offer greater maneuverability. Softer wheels provide a smoother ride and better grip, while harder wheels are faster and more durable. The size of the wheels also affects the board’s speed and acceleration. Larger wheels are faster, while smaller wheels accelerate more quickly. Consider the type of riding you plan to do when selecting the trucks and wheels for your soft top longboard.
Core Material
The core of a soft top longboard is typically made from wood or composite materials. Wood cores provide a natural flex and feel, while composite cores are more durable and resistant to water damage. The type of core material affects the board’s weight, strength, and performance. Consider your riding style and the conditions you will be riding in when choosing a board with a specific core material.
Soft Top Material
The most common soft top material is EVA foam. EVA foam is lightweight, durable, and provides excellent cushioning. Other soft top materials include synthetic rubber and textured foam. The quality of the soft top material affects the board’s comfort, grip, and durability. Look for a soft top longboard with a high-quality soft top material that is resistant to wear and tear.
Weight Capacity
It’s essential to check the weight capacity of the soft top longboard before purchasing it. Exceeding the weight limit can damage the board and compromise its performance. Choose a board that can comfortably support your weight and any additional gear you may be carrying.
Types of Soft Top Longboards
Cruiser Longboards
Cruiser longboards are designed for comfortable and relaxed riding. They typically have longer decks, wider trucks, and softer wheels. Soft top longboard cruisers are perfect for leisurely rides around town or along the boardwalk. The soft top provides extra comfort for longer journeys.
Carving Longboards
Carving longboards are designed for making smooth, flowing turns. They typically have shorter decks, narrower trucks, and harder wheels. Soft top longboard carvers offer a unique blend of comfort and performance, allowing you to carve up the streets in style.
Downhill Longboards
Downhill longboards are designed for high-speed riding. They typically have longer decks, wider trucks, and harder wheels. While not as common, soft top longboard downhill models can provide a more forgiving ride at high speeds, but are generally reserved for experienced riders.
Freestyle Longboards
Freestyle longboards are designed for performing tricks and maneuvers. They typically have shorter decks, narrower trucks, and smaller wheels. Soft top longboard freestyle boards offer a comfortable and forgiving platform for learning new tricks. The added grip of the soft top can be beneficial for maintaining control during complex maneuvers.
Maintaining Your Soft Top Longboard
Proper maintenance is essential for keeping your soft top longboard in good condition. Here are some tips for maintaining your board:
- Rinse the board with fresh water after each use, especially if you have been riding in saltwater.
- Clean the soft top with a mild soap and water solution.
- Store the board in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Check the trucks and wheels regularly and tighten any loose hardware.
- Replace the wheels when they become worn or damaged.
Where to Buy Soft Top Longboards
Soft top longboards are available at many sporting goods stores, surf shops, and online retailers. When shopping for a board, be sure to compare prices and read reviews to find the best deal. Consider purchasing from a reputable dealer who offers a warranty and good customer service. Looking online can also provide a wider selection.
Conclusion
Soft top longboards offer a unique and enjoyable riding experience. Their comfort, stability, and forgiving ride make them an excellent choice for beginners and experienced riders alike. By considering the factors outlined in this guide, you can choose the perfect soft top longboard for your needs and enjoy countless hours of cruising comfort and performance. With proper care and maintenance, your soft top longboard will provide years of fun and adventure. Consider a soft top longboard for your next ride. [See also: Longboard Wheel Guide] and [See also: Best Longboard Trucks]
