There are many different types and shapes of boards and each board has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Check below to see our analysis of the four basic board shapes: pintail, top mounted, drop through, and penny boards.
Pintail
The pintail longboard is a classic longboard shape. Commonly seen and used for cruising, this is a directional board meaning that it is only meant to go forward and is hard to ride switch. If you want to slide, this is not the ideal board for you. This shape is ideal for carving, commuting, and slow downhill riding.
Check out our review of a classic pintail!
Top Mount Boards
Top mount boards are boards that have the deck mounted above the trucks. These are some of the least expensive longboards and they also come with their unique advantages and disadvantages. Since the trucks are beneath the deck there is a high center of gravity so these boards are slightly less stable but also more nimble. With the right top mount board, you can dance down hills easily. These boards are ideal for carving, downhill, sliding, and cruising.
A classic top mount: The Loaded Vanguard
Drop Through Boards
Drop through boards have the truck mounted above and through the deck. This lowers the center of gravity by the thickness of the board. These boards make pushing easy because your foot is closer to the ground and has less distance to travel. The low center of gravity also makes these boards very stable which is good for sliding and beginners just starting longboarding. Drop through boards are especially good at long distance riding, downhill, sliding, and freestyle.
The Yocaher Dropthrough Longboard
Penny Board
The penny board almost belongs with the skateboards but with the rise of longboards came the penny board so here it is. Penny boards have a small deck length and are ideal for commuting. They are the perfect size to carry around if you need something to just get you short distances in short times.
