LONGBOARDINGBy: Slone Smith and Andrew Fassl

NEW VS. Old LONGBOARDS

Long boards styles have evolved since there initial production. The Old boards were mainly made out of a heavy maple when now the newer long boards are usually constructed using a Bamboo polymer or some sort of fiber glass and maple hybrid. The graphics on the boards have also become more detailed due to advancements on the production line that have occurred over time.

NEW VS OLD WHEELS

From the beginning of long boarding the wheel scheme has been ever evolving and changing as the sport grows. The wheel on the left shows a “retro” wheel which was used when long boarding was in its less mature phases. The wheel on the right shows a modern day long boarding wheel, the design has changed from its original it now is fatter with a greater surface area to improve the grip that comes with the wheel. The wheel has also changed material, modern day long boarding uses a softer material for their wheel to improve grip. The harder wheels on the left would have slid more.

NEW VS OLD GLOVES

Gloves are a commonly used long boarding accessory that enable the rider to get lower to the cement and put their weight on that hand to effortlessly glide around corners in a controlled manner. Gloves have also reformed tremendously as Longboarding has aged and become more popular. The obsolete pair of gloves on the left were commonly used in the late 90s. Now gloves have more padding, including finger padding, that allow the rider to make contact with the cement at many angles, the extra padding reduces friction and allows the rider to slide better and more safely.

NEW VS OLD HELMETS

Long boarding helmets have also changed with the ever expanding sport. The helmet on the left in a classical styled helmet that you would commonly see riders wear, their main function was to protect the user. The Helmet on the right shows a new helmet that serious riders wear. The Helmet has evolved, becoming more aerodynamic and safe, unlike the outdated helmet the helmet on the right not only protects the rider but also makes him/her more aerodynamic allowing the rider to more easily reach top speed.

NEW VS OLD TRUCKS.

Trucks have also changed with the sport. Trucks in the earlier days of long boarding didn’t really have a different look or design than the classic skateboarding trucks. Now in modern long boarding trucks have different looks, feels, and a capabilities. The most significant change in trucks in their increased turning radius that results from the new design apparent on the trucks to the right. The trucks allow the rider to more quickly weave in and out, and also help the rider obtain a greater speed due to the increased stability that stems from its new design.