Skateboarding is a sport that’s all about freedom, creativity, and personal expression. And what better way to express yourself than with a custom longboard skateboard? Whether you’re a beginner just getting into the sport or an experienced rider looking for something unique, a custom longboard allows you to design a board that fits your style, needs, and personality perfectly.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about creating a custom longboard skateboard. From the benefits of customizing your board to the materials, shapes, and features you can choose from, this guide will walk you through the entire process of designing and building a custom longboard that will give you a one-of-a-kind ride.
What is a Custom Longboard Skateboard?
A custom longboard skateboard is a board that’s tailored to your specific preferences, rather than a pre-manufactured model. Customizing your longboard allows you to choose the deck shape, material, size, trucks, wheels, bearings, and graphics that suit your personal style and riding style.
Unlike off-the-shelf boards, custom longboards are made to reflect your unique tastes and performance requirements. Whether you’re into cruising, downhill racing, freestyle tricks, or carving, a custom longboard gives you complete control over the features and design of your board.
Why Choose a Custom Longboard?
While you can always buy a ready-made longboard from a store, customizing your own board comes with several key benefits:
Personalization: The main draw of a custom longboard is that it’s designed specifically for you. You get to choose the deck shape, size, graphics, and even the color scheme, making it a true reflection of your personality and style.
Improved Performance: Customizing your longboard allows you to select the best components for your specific riding style. Whether you need a stiffer deck for downhill speed or a more flexible board for carving, customization ensures that your board performs at its best.
Quality Components: When you build a custom longboard, you can hand-pick the best components—wheels, trucks, bearings, and grip tape. This ensures that you’re not stuck with low-quality parts that may come with factory-made boards.
Creative Expression: Building a custom longboard is a great way to express your creativity. From hand-painted graphics to unique deck designs, a custom board can be as artistic and unique as you want it to be.
Perfect Fit: Custom longboards are designed to fit your specific needs. Whether you're a beginner, an experienced rider, or someone with particular preferences, you can create a board that fits your height, weight, and riding style perfectly.
Components of a custom longboard skateboard
When designing your custom longboard, you'll want to focus on the following components:
Deck: The Foundation of Your Ride
Shape: Longboard decks come in many shapes, including pintail, drop-through, top-mount, and kicktail. Each shape has a specific feel and performance characteristic. For instance, pintail decks are great for carving, while drop-through decks lower your center of gravity for greater stability at high speeds.
Material: Decks can be made from various materials, including maple, bamboo, and carbon fiber. Maple is sturdy and ideal for downhill riding, while bamboo offers flexibility and a smoother ride for carving. Carbon fiber is lightweight and strong, making it great for performance-oriented riders.
Length and Width: The size of the deck will affect your ride. Longer boards provide more stability, while shorter boards are more maneuverable. Choose the size that suits your riding style—longboards typically range from 33 to 59 inches.
Trucks: The Steering Mechanism
Width: The width of the trucks should match the width of your deck. Wider trucks provide more stability, while narrower trucks offer more responsive turns.
Angle: The angle of the trucks affects how your board turns. Lower-angle trucks are more stable and suited for downhill riding, while higher-angle trucks allow for more responsive carving and maneuvering.
Wheels: Grip and Ride
Size: Longboard wheels come in a range of sizes, usually from 50mm to 60mm or larger. Larger wheels offer a smoother ride and are ideal for rough terrain, while smaller wheels are perfect for speed and technical tricks.
Hardness: The durometer, or hardness, of the wheels will affect how the board rides. Softer wheels (78A to 87A) offer more grip and absorb shock, making them ideal for downhill and rougher terrain. Harder wheels (above 88A) are faster and slide more easily, making them better suited for smoother surfaces and technical riding.
Shape: The shape of the wheels also matters. Square-edged wheels provide more grip, while round-edged wheels are better for sliding.
Bearings: The Heart of the Ride
ABEC Rating: The ABEC rating is a measure of the precision and tolerances of the bearings. Higher ABEC ratings (ABEC 7 or ABEC 9) mean faster and smoother rides, but bearings with lower ratings can still perform well depending on the style of riding you prefer.
Material: Bearings can be made from materials such as steel, ceramic, or polymer. Ceramic bearings are lightweight and offer smooth performance, while steel bearings are more durable and resistant to wear.
Grip Tape: Stability and Control
Texture: The grip tape on your longboard ensures that your feet stay in place while riding. Most longboards come with a standard abrasive grip tape, but you can also find grip tape with designs, patterns, or custom logos.
Design: Many longboarders like to personalize their grip tape with custom designs, either by cutting shapes into it or using special colors or patterns to reflect their style.
Designing the Aesthetic of Your Custom Longboard
Aside from choosing the performance aspects of your longboard, designing the visual elements can be a fun and creative part of the process. Here are some ideas for personalizing the look of your board:
Graphics and Artwork: Whether you’re an artist or just want to show off your personality, customizing the graphic design on your deck is a great way to make it uniquely yours. You can paint or stencil your deck, or even commission a graphic designer to create something truly special.
Color Scheme: Choose a color scheme that reflects your style—whether that’s bright and bold or minimalist and sleek. Many longboarders also use stickers and decals to add a personal touch to their boards.
Custom Engravings or Logos: Some longboard brands allow you to add custom engravings, such as your name, a quote, or a unique logo. This adds a personal touch that makes your board stand out from the crowd.
Where to Get a Custom Longboard Skateboard
Many companies specialize in creating custom longboards, allowing you to choose every component and design. Some popular options include:
Custom Longboard Makers: Brands like Bustin Boards, Landyachtz, and Santa Cruz offer custom longboard services where you can choose your deck, trucks, wheels, and other components.
Online Retailers: Websites like Skate Warehouse and The Longboard Shop allow you to mix and match components to build your custom longboard.
Local Skate Shops: Many local skate shops offer custom longboard services, allowing you to work with experts who can guide you through the customization process.
Conclusion: Build Your Perfect Ride
Creating a custom longboard skateboard is a rewarding experience that allows you to craft a board that’s perfect for your unique style and riding needs. Whether you’re after a smooth cruising experience, high-speed downhill runs, or technical freestyle tricks, a custom longboard gives you the freedom to build a board that matches your personality and performance requirements.
By carefully selecting the components that suit your riding style, choosing the right deck material and size, and adding your personal touch with custom graphics or designs, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind longboard that’s not only functional but also a true reflection of who you are as a rider. Ready to design your dream board? Let your creativity and love for skating shine through with a custom longboard that will make every ride an adventure.