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The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Used Longboard: Everything You Need to Know

Are you looking to cruise down the boardwalk, carve through city streets, or simply experience the thrill of longboarding without breaking the bank? Buying a used longboard can be an excellent way to enter the world of longboarding or expand your quiver without the hefty price tag of a brand-new board. However, navigating the used longboard market requires careful consideration to ensure you’re getting a quality board that meets your needs. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know before purchasing a used longboard, from assessing its condition to understanding different longboard types and finding the best deals.

Why Choose a Used Longboard?

There are several compelling reasons to consider buying a used longboard:

Cost Savings: This is the most obvious benefit. Used longboards are typically significantly cheaper than new ones, allowing you to save money or invest in higher-quality components.
Experimentation: Buying a used longboard allows you to experiment with different shapes, sizes, and riding styles without committing to a significant investment. You can try out a drop-through for cruising or a pintail for carving without worrying about buyer’s remorse.
Sustainability: Purchasing a used longboard is an environmentally conscious choice, as it reduces demand for new manufacturing and helps extend the lifespan of existing products.
Availability: Sometimes, you can find unique or vintage used longboards that are no longer available new. This opens up possibilities for owning a piece of longboarding history or finding a board with specific characteristics that suit your preferences.

Types of Longboards to Consider

Before you start your search for a used longboard, it’s essential to understand the different types available. Each type is designed for specific riding styles and terrain:

Pintail Longboards: These are classic longboard shapes, often used for cruising and carving. They typically have a distinctive pintail shape and offer a smooth, mellow ride.
Drop-Through Longboards: These boards have trucks mounted through the deck, lowering the center of gravity and providing increased stability. They are ideal for long-distance riding, commuting, and freeriding.
Drop Deck Longboards: Similar to drop-throughs, drop deck boards have a lowered platform for even greater stability. They are often used for downhill riding and speedboarding.
Cruiser Longboards: Shorter and more maneuverable than traditional longboards, cruisers are perfect for navigating city streets and sidewalks. They often feature kicktails for added versatility.
Freeride Longboards: Designed for sliding and performing tricks, freeride boards typically have symmetrical shapes and features that facilitate controlled drifts.
Downhill Longboards: Built for speed, downhill boards are stiff, stable, and designed to handle high speeds. They often feature concave shapes and wheel wells to prevent wheelbite.

Assessing the Condition of a Used Longboard

Thoroughly inspecting a used longboard is crucial to ensure its safety and functionality. Here’s what to look for:

The Deck

Cracks: Carefully examine the deck for any cracks, especially around the truck mounting points. Cracks can weaken the board and compromise its integrity.
Delamination: Check for delamination, which is the separation of the layers of wood that make up the deck. Delamination can lead to structural failure.
Warpage: Place the board on a flat surface to check for warpage or bending. A warped deck can affect the board’s handling and stability.
Scratches and Dings: Minor scratches and dings are normal wear and tear, but excessive damage can indicate abuse or neglect.

The Trucks

Bent Axles: Inspect the axles for any signs of bending or damage. Bent axles can affect the board’s tracking and stability.
Worn Bushings: Check the bushings (the rubber or urethane pieces that allow the trucks to turn) for wear and tear. Worn bushings can make the board feel loose and unstable.
Loose Hardware: Ensure that all nuts and bolts are tight and secure. Loose hardware can cause the board to wobble or even fall apart.
Rusted Components: Look for rust on the trucks, axles, and hardware. Rust can weaken the components and make them more prone to failure.

The Wheels

Flat Spots: Check the wheels for flat spots, which are caused by sliding or braking. Flat spots can create a bumpy ride and affect the board’s speed.
Cracks and Chunks: Inspect the wheels for any cracks or chunks missing from the urethane. Damaged wheels can compromise the board’s grip and handling.
Bearing Condition: Spin the wheels to check the condition of the bearings. Smooth, quiet spinning indicates good bearings, while noisy or sluggish spinning suggests that the bearings need to be cleaned or replaced.
Wheel Size and Durometer: Consider the wheel size and durometer (hardness) based on your riding style. Softer wheels provide more grip, while harder wheels are faster.

The Bearings

Bearings are crucial for a smooth ride. Check them by spinning the wheels. If they sound rough or don’t spin freely, they likely need cleaning or replacement. Replacing bearings is a relatively inexpensive upgrade that can significantly improve the performance of a used longboard.

Where to Find Used Longboards

There are several places to find used longboards for sale:

Online Marketplaces: Websites like Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace are popular platforms for buying and selling used longboards.
Local Skate Shops: Some skate shops may sell used longboards on consignment or trade-in programs.
Online Forums and Communities: Longboarding forums and online communities often have classifieds sections where members can buy and sell gear.
Thrift Stores and Pawn Shops: While less common, you may occasionally find used longboards at thrift stores or pawn shops.
Friends and Family: Ask around to see if any friends or family members have a used longboard they’re willing to sell.

Negotiating the Price

Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price of a used longboard. Consider the following factors when making an offer:

Condition: The condition of the board is the most important factor. A board with significant damage or wear and tear should be priced lower than a board in good condition.
Age: Older boards are typically worth less than newer boards.
Original Price: Research the original price of the board to get an idea of its value.
Market Demand: If the board is a popular model or in high demand, the seller may be less willing to negotiate.
Your Budget: Set a budget before you start shopping and stick to it.

Safety Considerations

Safety should always be your top priority when longboarding. Before riding a used longboard, make sure it’s in good working condition and that you have the necessary safety gear:

Helmet: Always wear a helmet when longboarding. A helmet can protect your head from serious injury in the event of a fall.
Pads: Consider wearing knee and elbow pads to protect your joints from scrapes and bruises.
Gloves: If you plan on sliding or performing tricks, wear gloves to protect your hands.
Proper Footwear: Wear shoes with good grip and ankle support.
Inspect Before Each Ride: Before each ride, inspect the board for any loose hardware, cracks, or other damage.

Upgrading Your Used Longboard

Once you’ve purchased a used longboard, you may want to upgrade certain components to improve its performance or customize it to your liking. Common upgrades include:

Bearings: Replacing the bearings can significantly improve the board’s speed and smoothness.
Bushings: Upgrading the bushings can improve the board’s turning and stability.
Wheels: Swapping out the wheels can change the board’s grip, speed, and overall feel.
Grip Tape: Replacing the grip tape can improve your footing and control.

The Bottom Line

Buying a used longboard can be a smart and economical way to enjoy the sport of longboarding. By carefully assessing the condition of the board, understanding different longboard types, and negotiating the price, you can find a quality used longboard that meets your needs and budget. Remember to prioritize safety and consider upgrading components to personalize your ride. Happy longboarding!

[See also: Longboard Maintenance Tips]

[See also: Choosing the Right Longboard for Your Riding Style]