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The Ultimate Guide to Longboard Soft Tops: Comfort, Performance, and Durability

Longboarding has evolved beyond traditional hard decks, with longboard soft tops gaining immense popularity. These boards offer a unique blend of comfort, performance, and durability, making them an excellent choice for beginners and experienced riders alike. This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about longboard soft tops, from their construction and benefits to choosing the right one for your needs.

What is a Longboard Soft Top?

A longboard soft top, as the name suggests, features a deck made with a soft, textured material, typically EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) foam or a similar closed-cell foam. This contrasts with traditional longboards that have hard decks made of wood, fiberglass, or carbon fiber. The soft top provides a more forgiving and comfortable riding experience, especially for beginners. The core of the longboard soft top is often still constructed from a rigid material like wood or composite to provide the necessary structure and stability.

Benefits of Choosing a Longboard Soft Top

There are several compelling reasons to choose a longboard soft top over a traditional hard deck longboard:

Comfort: The soft deck is much more comfortable underfoot, especially for longer rides. It reduces fatigue and makes cruising more enjoyable.
Forgiveness: The softer surface is more forgiving when landing tricks or recovering from wobbles. This makes longboard soft tops ideal for beginners who are still learning the ropes.
Durability: While it might seem counterintuitive, longboard soft tops can be surprisingly durable. The foam deck is resistant to dings and scratches, and it can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
Safety: The soft surface provides better grip, reducing the risk of slipping. This is especially important for beginners and riders who are prone to falls.
Versatility: Many longboard soft tops are designed for various riding styles, including cruising, carving, and even some light downhill.

Construction and Materials

Understanding the construction of a longboard soft top will help you appreciate its unique properties. Here’s a breakdown of the typical components:

Soft Top Deck: Usually made of EVA foam or a similar closed-cell foam. This provides the comfort and grip.
Core: The core provides the structural integrity of the board. It’s typically made of wood (such as maple or bamboo) or a composite material.
Base: The base is the bottom layer of the board, often made of a durable material like HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) or fiberglass.
Trucks and Wheels: These are the same components found on traditional longboards. The trucks determine the board’s turning radius and stability, while the wheels affect the speed and smoothness of the ride.

Choosing the Right Longboard Soft Top

With so many longboard soft tops on the market, it’s essential to choose one that suits your needs and riding style. Here are some factors to consider:

Riding Style

What kind of riding do you plan to do? Are you primarily interested in cruising, carving, or something else? Different longboard soft tops are designed for different riding styles. For example, a longer board with a flexible deck is ideal for cruising, while a shorter board with a stiffer deck is better for carving.

Size and Shape

The size and shape of the board will affect its stability and maneuverability. A longer board will be more stable, while a shorter board will be more maneuverable. The shape of the board will also affect its turning radius and how it feels to ride.

Deck Flex

The deck flex refers to how much the board bends when you stand on it. A more flexible deck will provide a smoother ride, while a stiffer deck will be more responsive. Beginners often prefer a more flexible deck, while experienced riders may prefer a stiffer deck.

Trucks and Wheels

The trucks and wheels are just as important as the deck. Make sure the trucks are the right size for the board and that the wheels are appropriate for the type of riding you plan to do. Softer wheels will provide a smoother ride, while harder wheels will be faster. Consider also the quality of the bearings within the wheels for optimal performance. [See also: Best Longboard Wheels for Cruising]

Budget

Longboard soft tops range in price from around $100 to $400 or more. Consider your budget when choosing a board. Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily need to buy the most expensive board to get a good quality product. However, investing in a reputable brand can often ensure better durability and performance.

Top Longboard Soft Top Brands

Several brands specialize in producing high-quality longboard soft tops. Some of the most popular include:

Wavestorm: Known for their affordable and durable soft top surfboards, Wavestorm also offers a range of longboard soft tops that are perfect for beginners.
California Board Company (CBC): CBC offers a variety of longboard soft tops designed for different riding styles.
South Bay Board Co.: This company focuses on creating high-performance longboard soft tops with innovative designs.
Gold Coast: Gold Coast produces a range of stylish and functional longboard soft tops that are popular among experienced riders.

Maintenance and Care

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

Rinse the board after each use: This will remove any dirt, sand, or salt water that could damage the deck.
Store the board in a cool, dry place: Avoid storing the board in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, as this can cause the foam to degrade.
Check the trucks and wheels regularly: Make sure the trucks are properly tightened and that the wheels are spinning freely.
Replace worn parts: Replace any worn parts, such as the wheels or bearings, as needed.

Longboard Soft Tops vs. Traditional Longboards

While both longboard soft tops and traditional longboards offer a fun and engaging riding experience, they cater to different preferences and skill levels. Traditional longboards, typically constructed from wood or composite materials, provide a stiffer and more responsive ride, favored by experienced riders for complex maneuvers and higher speeds. They often require more skill to control, especially at faster speeds. In contrast, the longboard soft top’s forgiving nature and comfortable deck make it an excellent choice for beginners or those seeking a more relaxed cruising experience. The soft top absorbs vibrations and provides better grip, enhancing safety and confidence, especially for new riders. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual riding style, skill level, and desired level of comfort.

The Future of Longboard Soft Tops

The popularity of longboard soft tops is likely to continue to grow as more people discover their benefits. Manufacturers are constantly innovating and developing new technologies to improve the performance and durability of these boards. We can expect to see even more advanced longboard soft tops in the future, with features like enhanced grip, improved shock absorption, and lighter weight materials.

Conclusion

Longboard soft tops offer a unique and enjoyable riding experience that is perfect for beginners and experienced riders alike. With their comfortable decks, forgiving nature, and surprising durability, these boards are an excellent choice for anyone looking to get into longboarding. By understanding the different types of longboard soft tops available and considering your riding style and budget, you can choose the perfect board for your needs. Remember to prioritize safety and maintenance to enjoy your longboard soft top for years to come. Investing in a longboard soft top is an investment in fun, fitness, and a fantastic way to explore your surroundings.