| Best Choice |
|
Junli 41-Inch Freeride Longboard | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Best Value |
|
Whome 31-Inch Longboard | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Premium Pick |
|
Magneto Bamboo Longboard | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
You may have seen expert riders make “S” patterns or carving lines with their longboard, making it seem like they are surfing or snowboarding. This technique is called carving, and it is an advanced version of cruising that adds more fun to the ride and allows the rider to gain better control of their board. It may seem fun and easy, but it takes quite some training and the right carving longboard to maintain the curvy rhythm.
While most experts can use any longboard for carving, it’s much better and safer to use one specifically designed for carving, so you don’t have to exert yourself trying to make a carve. If you are a longboarding newbie, carving may not be a technique that you may master on the first try, but a little practice on the best carving longboard can get you where you need to be.
The Best Carving Longboards
This carving longboard has a versatile design that can be used for carving, cruising, freestyling, and downhill riding. The 41-inch deck is made of eight layers of maple wood to make it strong and flexible. While most longboards have an anti-slip grip tape on the deck, this option has a longer-lasting brushed surface to help keep your feet steady. Because of the deck’s sturdiness and flex, it can support riders weighing up to 330 pounds. The deck rests on 9.5-inch aluminum alloy trucks that are fitted with soft polyurethane wheels. High-speed bearings on the wheels make it easy to accelerate and achieve top speeds when cruising. The wheels also include a shock-absorbing ring, so it rolls over bumps and cracks easily.
However, the brushed surface doesn’t provide a stronger grip than grip tape, so you may still want to invest in some grip tape. Also, the deck isn’t waterproof.
- 330-pound maximum load capacity
- 8-ply maple wood
- Aluminum alloy trucks
- Brand Junli
- Model N/A
- Weight N/A
Comes pre-assembled
Can absorb impact on rough rides
Provides long-lasting grip
Comes with a free T-tool
Deck isn’t waterproof
Grip tape could make the deck more slip-resistant
Too bulky for high-speed riding
This versatile longboard can accommodate riders weighing up to 198 pounds and can be used for cruising, carving, freestyling, or freeriding. The deck is 31 inches long and is made of eight layers of alpine maple wood. It’s then layered with a non-slip grip tape to provide sufficient foot traction. Soft PU wheels with high-precision, chrome steel, ABEC-9 bearings offer a smooth ride and better control when riding at fast speeds. High-rebound PU bushings provide great turnability on the 8.25-inch trucks.
While this longboard comes fully assembled, the trucks may be a bit too tight on arrival. You may have to loosen the trucks with the T-tool provided. The board might also ship with a few missing pieces, so be sure to inspect your product upon its arrival.
- Measures 31 x 8.25 inches
- 198-pound maximum weight capacity
- 8-ply alpine maple wood
- Brand Whome
- Model N/A
- Weight 5.5 pounds
Commendable control at fast speeds
Dependable traction
Provides optimal stability to beginners and intermediate riders
Backed with a 12-month warranty
May not be a comfortable size for adults
Trucks may be a bit too tight on arrival
Might ship with a few missing pieces
Experience an energetic ride with the Magneto Bamboo Longboard, an all-rounded longboard that can support any riding style, including carving, cruising, dancing, and downhill riding. The deck is 38.5 inches long and comprises three layers of bamboo to provide energetic flex for hard carving and fiberglass for added strength. It features a shallow concave shape to support your feet and a nice arched camber to provide responsiveness and control when hard carving. The higher flex provided by the board makes it ideal for lighter riders weighing up to 250 pounds. For smooth and controlled cruising, the board comes with 9-inch Paris-style trucks with aluminum construction.
However, the bearings aren’t the sturdiest and may need to be upgraded, especially if you also use the board for dancing. Also, this carving longboard is one of the most expensive boards on our list.
- Measures 38.5 x 9 inches
- 250-pound maximum load capacity
- Paris-style trucks
- Brand Magneto
- Model N/A
- Weight 6.65 pounds
Suitable for different riding styles
Provides sufficient flex for lighter riders
Compact size that’s ideal for transportation
Offers optimal stability
Expensive
Doesn’t come with the sturdiest bearings
Might break or crack when dropped on the ground
The Hana Twin longboard is part of Magneto’s Hana longboard collection of carving, cruising, dancing, and freestyling longboards. The deck is 42 inches long and sits on 9.5-inch trucks. The deck features a W concave to help keep your feet steady, but it’s not so deep that it feels uncomfortable. To give the deck both strength and flex, it’s designed with an eight-layer laminate with a hard maple core that provides durability and flexibility for freestyle riding. To ensure that your foot doesn’t slip off the deck, it’s topped off with a waterproof grip tape with a clear sand grit finish. Generally, this longboard is great for intermediate riders to improve their control and balance.
However, the bearings are a bit tight and make the longboard somewhat slow, so you may have to consider loosening or replacing them. The board also doesn’t come with shock absorbers.
- W concave deck
- 9.5-inch Paris-style trucks
- Waterproof grip tape
- Brand Magneto
- Model N/A
- Weight N/A
Flexible deck
Anti-slip finish
Accommodates different riding styles
Includes smooth PU wheels for a smooth ride
Bearings could be better
Doesn't come with shock absorbers
Leans on the expensive side
The Seething 42-inch longboard is another budget-priced longboard for beginners weighing up to 330 pounds. It features a long, 42-inch deck made of nine layers of Canadian maple wood. The deck is lightweight but flexible enough to accommodate any riding style, including cruising, carving, and dancing. The grip tape used on the deck is waterproof and slip-resistant to increase your foot traction. The deck’s underbody features an elegant design, and there are multiple patterns to choose from. Seven-inch aluminum alloy trucks and ABEC-11 bearings provide sufficient stability for a smooth ride, even on rough surfaces. What’s more, this longboard comes fully assembled.
The bearings may make a rattling noise with prolonged riding, but the manufacturer includes a free T-tool so you can tighten them. And while the graphics on the board are cool, they tend to wear out easily.
- 330-pound maximum load capacity
- 9-ply Canadian maple wood
- Aluminum alloy trucks
- Brand Seething
- Model N/A
- Weight N/A
Anti-slip surface
Can support heavier riders
Comes fully assembled
Available in multiple colors
Not the best for professionals
Bearings may make a rattling noise
Graphics wear out easily
The HawkEye 41-Inch Freeride Longboard is made of high strength material that can support riders weighing up to 330 pounds. This includes a deck made of eight layers of high-density maple wood and is reinforced with grip tape to provide sufficient foot traction. Despite the heavy-duty construction, the deck remains flexible enough to support different riding styles, including carving, cruising, freestyling, and downhill riding. Smooth anti-shock PU wheels with ABEC-7 chrome steel bearings help deliver great speeds even when carrying heavy loads. And lastly, seven inch, heavy-duty aluminum alloy trucks provide reliable riding for both professionals and beginners. As an extra perk, the board comes fully assembled, and you also get a T-tool to tighten the bearings.
While it may be a decent board offered at an affordable price, the grip tape rips easily. It also doesn’t offer as much flex as most professional carving longboards.
- Measures 41 x 9 inches
- 330-pound maximum load capacity
- 8-ply high-density maple wood
- Brand HawkEye
- Model N/A
- Weight 7.7 pounds
Reasonable priced
Durable construction
Offers a smooth and shock-free ride
Reliable and safe for longboarding newbies
The grip tape isn't long-lasting
The plastic film on the graphics peels easily
Offers intermediate flex
This carving longboard measures 41 x 9.5 inches, so it’s large enough for carving and downhill riding. The deck is made of eight layers of natural maple wood and can accommodate a maximum weight of 330 pounds. The deck is also slightly concave to help you position your foot correctly so you can lean safely. It rolls on high-elastic PU wheels with a shock-absorbing ring to cushion you from road vibrations and add comfort to your riding experience. Eight-inch aluminum trucks help control the ride’s quality so you can turn easily while the board maintains low ground clearance to improve stability during such maneuvers.
The main drawback is that it might arrive with a few quality issues, including misaligned trucks or scratches on the underbody or grip tape. The board is also not as long-lasting as more professional models.
- Measures 41 x 9.5 inches
- 8-ply natural maple wood
- 330-pound maximum load capacity
- Brand PineSky
- Model N/A
- Weight N/A
Easy to learn for beginners
Can make safe hard turns
Includes an anti-slip deck
T-tool included
Might arrive with misaligned trucks
Might ship with a few scratches
Not as long-lasting as professional longboards
The Nattork 42-Inch longboard is a retro-style board used for carving, cruising, freestyling, and high-speed downhill riding. The deck is 42 inches long and is made of a combination of five layers of maple wood and epoxy for added strength. The deck is also designed with a slightly concave shape for leaning stability and includes an anti-slip grip tape featuring cool graphics available in four different patterns. Soft PU wheels with a 2.7-inch diameter help you roll smoothly on almost any surface while still maintaining sufficient grip. They are then fitted with high-speed, ABEC-7 bearings and heavy-duty aluminum trucks for optimal control when switching between different riding styles.
However, the deck can only accommodate a maximum weight of 220 pounds, so it’s better to be used by teens to preserve the deck’s quality.
- Measures 42 x 9.2 inches
- 220-pound maximum load capacity
- 5-ply maple wood
- Brand Nattork
- Model N/A
- Weight N/A
No assembly required
Delivers a smooth ride
Suitable for kids and teens
Sturdy and flexible deck
Low carrying capacity
Graphics fade out easily
Best Carving Longboards Buying Guide & FAQs
A carving longboard is typically designed to offer moderate flex, that is, the springy effect of the board that absorbs vibrations and allows you to turn or carve safely. If you are more interested in learning about carving than other riding techniques, then it’s prudent to pick a longboard that works well for the job.
The size, design, and other minor details of a carving longboard may differ from brand to brand, but this shouldn’t worry you—this guide is meant to make it easier for you to choose the best carving longboard on the market that will suit your performance needs.
Do You Need a Carving Longboard?
Unlike other types of longboards, a carving longboard is more flexible to provide an optimal response and maintain top speed even when turning. It also includes sufficient wheel space, so the wheels don’t get caught on the deck when you are carving.
A carving longboard can help you control your speed when you need to slow down or when going downhill. You can make successive turns to reduce the speed and gain better control of the board.
Most carving longboards are flexible and can be used for other riding styles. Therefore, it should be the next step after your beginner skateboard to improve your skating skills.
- You can make wavy turns and make your ride more enjoyable.
- It helps you ride for long distances while avoiding traffic in the city.
- You needn’t worry about damaging it when learning new stunts since most of the parts are replaceable.
Different Kinds of Carving Longboards
As longboarding has grown in popularity, designers have come up with different designs to help riders commute, cruise through the city, or enjoy a fun ride with friends. The type you choose will depend on what you are looking for in a longboard. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of carving longboards available on the market.
Drop-Through
This is a traditional type of skateboard that has the trucks going through (dropped through) the board to be at the same height as the decks. This helps lower the rider’s center of gravity to improve balance and reduce the amount of power needed to push the board. Also, having the trucks on the deck helps to make the wheels less wobbly so you can avoid crashing.
Since the truck is on the deck, it’s typically fitted with a dampening system to reduce vibrations on the deck. And due to the stability, this longboard is best for beginners or riders who typically commute for long distances.
Pintail
The pintail longboard has the deck mounted on top of the trucks to help increase the ground clearance so you can carve more deeply. It also helps to prevent wheel bite when making hard turns. The board typically flexes as you lean, which reduces the strain on your ankles, so you don’t exert yourself when pushing.
It also offers a sharp turning radius, so it can help you when navigating through traffic. Pintail longboards are recommended for advanced riders who know how to control the flexing board while riding at top speeds.
Commuter Style
A commuter style, top-mounted, or twin longboard has the trucks mounted below the deck and the wheels placed at the end of the deck to improve the stability. Most have a bi-direction shape, so you don’t have to lift the longboard or do anything complicated with your feet if you need to change direction.
While beginners can also use this board, it’s recommended for professional riders who have mastered other advanced skills and techniques besides carving.
The Most Important Features of Carving Longboards
Before buying a longboard, there are key features you need to look at when it comes to construction. The features below will help you find a durable board that is the right size for you.
Deck Length
Carving longboards typically range from 30 to 42 inches in length. For balanced carving, you need a longboard that’s about 40 inches long. The size of the board deck allows you to spread your feet wide enough to promote supple movements with minimal stress on your knees.
However, if you need a faster longboard, a shorter deck of about 35 inches will do. Kids and teenagers can also opt for shorter deck sizes and still ride safely at a comfortable speed due to their weight and size.
Wheels and Bearings
The wheels and the bearings also determine the speed of the longboard. As a standard, choose longboards with a wheel diameter that ranges around 2.9 inches (75 mm). It will provide a decent enough speed for a fun ride. However, if you want your longboard to generate more speed, then you can choose a larger wheel than the standard size.
Also, the wheels should be soft to absorb shock on rough grounds. As for the bearings, choose longboards with ABEC 7 or 9 bearings for a smooth roll at a decent speed.
Stability
Since you will be consistently shifting your weight from your heel to your toes, you need a longboard that can offer primal stability and responsiveness so you don’t end up falling—a safe bet would be to get a longboard with wide trucks since that’s where most of the motion is obtained from. A board with a truck width of about nine inches can provide enough stability for any kind of riding.
Additionally, prioritize longboards with a concave deck for comfortable foot placement when carving. Soft bushings on the trucks also help with stability. Soft bushings are compressible, making it easier to sway between your heels and toes without removing your feet from the deck.
Durability
You should check the board’s strength to ensure that it can accommodate your weight and riding style. If the board material is not up to the mark, it may end up with cracks and scratches in less than a year. Ideally, the best longboards are made of multiple layers of maple wood or bamboo. These materials are more durable (and provide more flex) than plastic and low-quality fiberglass boards.
Best Carving Longboards FAQs:
It’s expected that you may still need further information on finding the best longboard so you can end up with a perfect model that’s fun and also keep you safe on the roads. This is why we have provided some answers to a few questions asked by other skateboarders.
Cruising on a longboard means that you are riding it ordinarily by just pushing it with no tricks or stunts. Carving on a longboard is an advanced trick where you ride the longboard by creating a wave-like motion.
Ideally, you need to shift your weight to your toes, then to your heels and back so you can exert some force on the edge of the board. This forces the board to move back and forth as you ride and creates a wavy pattern.
The shape along the deck’s length should be camber or slightly arching so it can provide a spring-like feel (flex). The shape of the width should be concave to allow correct foot placement on the edges so you can control the board’s motion.
Our Top Pick
The Junli 41-Inch Freeride Longboard earns our top spot because it’s a well-designed board that will help you master the art of carving and other longboarding tricks. It offers optimal control and includes a unique ring that absorbs impact so you can have a smooth ride.
Final Thoughts
While the Junli 41-Inch Freeride Longboard is an excellent pick if you are looking for flawless control, you can also choose the Whome 31-Inch Longboard if you are looking for a more pocket-friendly option—it’s a decent size for kids and teens and will help them improve their balance, control, and riding strength before they advance to a longer board.
Sources:
- Carveboarding – Wikipedia
