Are longboards supposed to bend? Yes, longboards are supposed to bend as it’s different from normal skateboards.
Longboards are made particularly for long rides, travelling and curving at higher speed. A good control and stability are required for speedy and long rides. The bending feature in a longboard is given for providing stability, balance and control.
If you are unaware of ‘are longboards are supposed to flex’ I would highly recommend you to continue reading the article. I have answered all the possible questions related to this and the types of flex as well. You will no longer have any confusion regarding longboards bend after you finish the article!
What Is Longboard Flex?
Longboard flex is for determining the stiffness of a longboard deck which influences the stability, flexibility and shock absorbency of a longboard. There are 3 types of longboard flex which are longitudinal flex, lateral flex and torsional flex. Depending on how one likes to ride the longboard, he/ she selects the bend type because the bend of the longboard influences the whole ride. So, while buying a longboard the flex features is something very important to consider.
Read: How many calories can you burn longboarding?
Why Do Longboards Flex?
Longboards flex because of many reasons which influence the riders ride. Longboards bend to give better control, stability while cruising and carving on different surfaces. Different levels of flex have different purposes to make the riding experience comfortable. Like when you cruise or carve using a longboard, to make things happen in a smoother way the flex plays a great role.
It also gives a bouncy feel while you ride the board which gives the ride a great push. Different flex types play different roles on different surfaces so that the rider can easily control the longboard.
Read: How to Make Longboard Wheels Spin Longer?
Longboard Flex Types
Longboard flex is mainly 3 types which are longitudinal flex, lateral flex and torsional flex. Let’s get to know about the flex types in short,
A. Longitudinal Flex
Longitudinal flex has flexibility and bends the board deck from nose to tail. It digs deeper into the centre of the deck as well. Most of the flex rating is given based on the longitudinal flex by professionals.
B. Lateral Flex
The bend from the left side to the right side of the deck is called lateral flex.
C. Torsional Flex
Torsional flex is the combination of both longitudinal and lateral flex.
Longboard Flex Level
Longboards come in different flex levels which are soft, medium and stiff.
A. Soft
The soft flex level has excellent shock absorption in rough and tough roads. However, it is not that stable at medium to high speed.
B. Medium
This flex level gives a bouncy feeling which adds energy to pushes while riding. It also provides good shock absorption in rough routes.
c. Stiff
The stiff flex level is the most stable when it comes to high speed. It is best for bombing hills and free riding at high speed.
Are Longboards Supposed To Bend?
Yes, longboards are supposed to bend which makes a longboard different from the other types of skateboards. Many people who ride longboards are not fully aware of why longboards bend. It is supposed to bend to make long rides comfortable.
Moreover, to give the rider full control of the longboard while carving or cruising. Flexible longboards absorb shocks while keeping the rider’s feet from cramping. The balance of the body the riders get in a longboard is all because of the bend. This is why longboards are supposed to bend which is common for every type of longboard.
We already came to know longboards have three types of flex level and you have to choose the flex level depending on your riding style. Longboards bend so that riders can easily ride the longboard whichever style they prefer. As longboards for the length of it tend to be faster, the bend gives enough stability and control on this case.
It was made in such a way to bend so that the rider gets a comfortable ride. Longboards are generally used for travelling, race downhill, and cruise for long distances. This is why, to give control, enough stability and control of the board longboards are supposed to bend. May it be a cheap longboard or expensive all are meant to bend depending on the flex type.
How Much Flex Should A Longboard Have?
How much flex should a longboard have will depend on your riding style. For high speed riding you will require a stiff flex level to continue riding in the best way with enough stability. On the other hand if you are doing freestyle the longboard should have a soft to medium flex level.
Again, if you want to cruise around you will require a soft flex level because that flex level will give enough support to you than the other levels. So, how much bend should a longboard have will fully depend on your riding style and where you are riding the longboard.
Longboard Stiff Vs Flex
There are a couple of differences between a longboard stiff and flex. The main difference is that when it comes to high speed, a stiff longboard is very stable but the flex longboard is not so stable. Again, when it comes to freestyle riding flex is better than a stiff longboard.
Flex helps you with some bounces and pushes but a stiff longboard will not do anything. Another difference between a stiff longboard and flex is that stiff ones do not have much shock absorption but flex have excellent shock absorption in rough and tough roads.
Conclusion
I hope now you know that every longboard is supposed to bend. The reasons why longboards bend are also described throughout the whole article. If you also have a longboard and was wondering why does it bend, now you know why! Depending on the riding style one can choose whichever flex level and type they want to enjoy their longboarding to the fullest.
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