How to Choose a Skateboard and a Longboard

 

Discover skateboards and longboards for beginners and advanced riders alike.

In this guide, we’ll quickly show you how to choose the right type based on your riding style and what features to look for to ensure your board is stable, durable, and comfortable.

 

 

 

Quick Selection by Use

1) I'm mainly interested in tricks and the skatepark (classic skateboarding)

Look for: double kick (raised toe and heel), concave shape, narrower deck (~20 cm), harder/smaller wheels.
Recommendations from our selection:

 

2) I want a relaxed ride around town + the occasional surf session (cruiser/shortboard)

Look for: larger, softer wheels (typically 78A) = better at smoothing out pavement and minor bumps.
Recommendations from our selection:

 

3) I want longer rides / stability / carving (longboard)

Look for: a longer deck (approx. 97 cm), drop-through setup, large soft wheels (78A).
Recommendations from our selection:

 

4) I want to be visible at night (glow-in-the-dark rings / effect)

Search for: LED wheels without batteries (dynamo) + feel free to choose drop-through for stability.
Recommendations from our selection:

 


 

Skateboard vs. Longboard: What's the Biggest Difference?

  • Skateboard: shorter, more maneuverable, good for tricks; a rougher ride on poor-quality asphalt (smaller wheels).
  • Longboard: longer and more stable, often with softer and larger wheels (comfort), great for cruising and carving (smooth turning in arcs (“S-curves”) by shifting weight from edge to edge, without having to constantly push off)

 

6 Parameters to Address

1) Deck length and width

  • about 79×20 cm = typical “skate” size (versatile for both learning and fun)
  • about 97×23 cm = a stable longboard for riding

2) Shape (kick / concave / cutouts)

  • double kick + concave = better control and tricks (e.g., KING/ROCKET)
  • cutouts + drop-through = stability, lower center of gravity, comfortable push-off (longboards/compacts)

3) Wheels (size and hardness)

  • 78A (softer) = comfort on asphalt/pavement (NoRules/longboards)
  • smaller wheels (e.g., 50×30 / 50×36 mm) = more agile, but harsher on uneven surfaces

4) Bearings (ABEC)

ABEC 5 is sufficient for everyday riding; ABEC 7 often provides a “smoother” feel (both options are available).

5) Trucks (width)

Wider trucks and a longer wheelbase = stability; shorter = maneuverability. (For selected models, the listed widths are 5" / 5.5" / 7".)

6) Weight Capacity

Pay special attention to this, especially with children’s or lower-priced models (e.g., 50–80 kg vs. 100 kg for muuwmi).

 

 

 

Recommended Models

Beginner / Indoor Riding (Simple Board)

Skateboard “for learning” (if you want better components)

Note: Models “with anti-slip” are not designed for jumps

City and comfort (cruiser/shortboard)

Cruising and stability (longboard)

Night riding (light-up wheels / effects)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the best type to start with?
If you mainly want to cruise and have a relaxed time, start with a cruiser/shortboard or a longboard (larger/softer wheels = comfort). For tricks and the skatepark, a classic skateboard with a kick is better.

✔ Is ABEC the most important factor?
No. ABEC gives you some idea about the bearings, but the ride feel also depends on the hardness and size of the wheels, the truck setup, and the surface you’re riding on.

✔ Which board in the lineup isn’t suitable for jumps?
For the ACRA S3 models with “anti-slip” features, this is stated directly in the description (not designed for jumps).

✔ What is “drop-through” on a longboard?
A setup where the truck is “threaded” through the deck—the board sits lower, is more stable, and offers better push-off (typically 97×23 cm longboards and 83×22 cm compact boards).

✔ What do “kick,” “concave,” and “cutouts” on a deck mean?

  • Kick (kicktail/nose) = a raised end of the board (makes it easier to lift the board, perform tricks, and ride over curbs).
  • Concave = the board’s “bowl-like” curvature (better foot support and control while riding).
  • Cutouts (cutouts/wheel wells) = recesses above the wheels (lower risk of the wheel scraping against the board when turning).

✔ I want something compact to carry by hand or on public transit—what should I choose?
Check out the 43×22 cm shortboard or the NoRules 57×15 cm (smaller, easier to carry).

✔ Light-up wheels—do I need to worry about batteries?
Selected models are listed as battery-free (dynamo/LED).

✔ What should I do if the board squeaks or the wheels are hard to turn?
It’s usually the bearings—avoid water and moisture. Cleaning the bearings (to remove dust/dirt) and lightly lubricating them can help; this often noticeably improves the ride.

 

Skateboards and Longboards

Acra is a purely Czech brand that has been providing a full range of sports equipment for homes and rural playgrounds since 1991.

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