Table of Contents

The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Used Longboard: Save Money and Ride On

Longboarding is a fantastic way to get around, enjoy the outdoors, and even improve your fitness. However, new longboards can be expensive, often costing hundreds of dollars. That’s where the used market comes in. Buying a used longboard can be a smart way to save money and still get a quality board that meets your needs. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect used longboard, from where to look to what to inspect before making a purchase.

Why Buy a Used Longboard?

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

Cost Savings: This is the most obvious benefit. You can often find a used longboard for significantly less than a new one.
Depreciation: Like cars, longboards depreciate in value quickly. Letting someone else take the initial depreciation hit can save you a substantial amount of money.
Sustainability: Buying used longboard is a more sustainable choice than buying new. It reduces the demand for new resources and helps keep perfectly good boards out of landfills.
Experimentation: If you’re new to longboarding, buying a used longboard allows you to experiment with different styles and setups without a major financial commitment. You might find you prefer a different deck shape or truck configuration than you initially thought.

Where to Find Used Longboards

Several options are available when searching for a used longboard:

Online Marketplaces: Platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay are popular places to find used longboards. These sites offer a wide selection and often allow you to negotiate prices.
Local Skate Shops: Some skate shops may have a consignment program or sell used longboards that have been traded in. This can be a good option because you can inspect the board in person and get advice from experienced staff.
Online Forums and Communities: Online longboarding forums and communities often have classifieds sections where members sell their used longboards. These communities can be a great resource for finding deals and getting information about specific boards.
Yard Sales and Flea Markets: Keep an eye out for yard sales and flea markets in your area. You might get lucky and find a hidden gem at a bargain price.

What to Look for When Buying a Used Longboard

Before you hand over your money, carefully inspect the used longboard for any signs of damage or wear. Here’s what to look for:

The Deck

The deck is the most critical part of the longboard. Inspect it for:

Cracks: Pay close attention to the edges and mounting holes for the trucks. Cracks can weaken the deck and make it unsafe to ride. Hairline cracks might be acceptable if they are very minor and don’t affect the structural integrity of the deck, but larger cracks are a definite no-go.
Delamination: This is when the layers of wood in the deck start to separate. Delamination can significantly weaken the deck and make it prone to breaking. Look for bubbles or areas where the layers are peeling apart.
Warping: A warped deck can make it difficult to control the board. Place the board on a flat surface and check for any noticeable warping.
Wear and Tear: Scratches and cosmetic damage are normal, but excessive wear and tear can indicate that the board has been heavily used and may be nearing the end of its lifespan.

The Trucks

The trucks are responsible for steering and stability. Check them for:

Bent Axles: Bent axles can affect the board’s handling and make it difficult to ride straight. Inspect the axles for any signs of bending or damage.
Worn Bushings: Bushings are the rubber or urethane pieces that allow the trucks to turn. Worn bushings can make the board feel unstable and unresponsive. Look for cracks, tears, or excessive wear on the bushings. Replacement bushings are relatively inexpensive.
Stripped Threads: Check the threads on the kingpin and axle nuts to make sure they are not stripped. Stripped threads can make it difficult to tighten the nuts and can cause the trucks to come loose while riding.
Rust and Corrosion: Rust and corrosion can weaken the trucks and make them more prone to failure. Inspect the trucks for any signs of rust or corrosion, especially around the axles and kingpin.

The Wheels

The wheels affect the board’s speed and grip. Check them for:

Flat Spots: Flat spots are areas on the wheel that have been worn down. Flat spots can make the board vibrate and reduce its grip. Spin the wheels and look for any noticeable flat spots.
Cracks and Chips: Cracks and chips can weaken the wheels and make them more prone to failure. Inspect the wheels for any signs of damage.
Uneven Wear: Uneven wear can indicate that the bearings are not properly aligned or that the rider has been sliding the board excessively.
Wheel Size and Hardness: Consider the wheel size and hardness. Smaller, harder wheels are better for sliding and tricks, while larger, softer wheels are better for cruising and commuting.

The Bearings

The bearings allow the wheels to spin smoothly. Check them for:

Smoothness: Spin each wheel and listen for any grinding or squeaking noises. Rough or noisy bearings can indicate that they are dirty or damaged.
Play: Check for any play in the bearings by wiggling the wheels from side to side. Excessive play can indicate that the bearings are worn or loose.

Questions to Ask the Seller

Before you commit to buying a used longboard, ask the seller some questions to get a better understanding of its history and condition:

How long have you owned the board?
How often did you ride it?
What kind of riding did you do (e.g., cruising, downhill, freestyle)?
Has the board ever been damaged or repaired?
Why are you selling the board?
Are you the original owner?
What is the reason for selling this used longboard?
Can I test ride the board?

Negotiating the Price

Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price of a used longboard. Research the value of similar boards online to get an idea of what a fair price would be. Point out any flaws or issues you find during your inspection to justify a lower price. Be polite and respectful, but don’t be afraid to walk away if the seller is unwilling to negotiate.

Safety Considerations

Safety should always be your top priority when longboarding. Before you ride a used longboard, make sure it is in good working condition and that you have the proper safety gear, including a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads. Start slowly and practice in a safe area until you are comfortable with the board’s handling.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Once you’ve purchased your used longboard, give it a thorough cleaning and perform any necessary maintenance. This will help to extend the life of the board and ensure that it performs optimally.

Clean the Deck: Wipe down the deck with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or grime.
Clean the Wheels: Clean the wheels with a brush and soapy water to remove any dirt or debris.
Clean the Bearings: Remove the bearings from the wheels and clean them with a solvent. Lubricate the bearings with a bearing lubricant before reinstalling them.
Tighten the Hardware: Check all the nuts and bolts on the board and tighten them as needed.

By following these tips, you can find a great used longboard at a fraction of the cost of a new one. Happy riding!

[See also: Longboard Maintenance Tips]

[See also: Choosing the Right Longboard for Beginners]