Types of Longboards: A Complete Guide (2026)
Longboards come in many shapes and mounting styles. Here's what each type does and how to choose the one that fits how you ride.
Longboard Types at a Glance
| Type | Feel | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Pintail | Surfy, carvy, higher | Cruising and carving |
| Drop-through | Low, stable, easy pushing | Commuting, beginners, freeride |
| Top mount | Responsive, more grip | Carving, downhill |
| Drop deck | Very low, stable | Long-distance pushing, freeride |
| Double drop | Lowest | Long-distance pushing, freeride |
| Dancer | Long, roomy | Cross-stepping and tricks |
| Kicktail | Like a long skateboard | Cruising, curbs and kickturns |
| Fishtail | Surf-inspired tail, deep concave | Carving and pumping |
| Mini cruiser | Short, portable | Short trips |
| Downhill race | Stiff, low, locked in | High speed |
Pintail
The classic teardrop shape. Top-mounted and usually flexible, pintails feel like surfing on land. Great for relaxed carving.
Drop-Through
The trucks mount through cutouts in the deck, lowering the ride height. That makes pushing easier and adds stability. See drop-through vs top mount.
Kicktail Longboards
Kicktail longboards add a skateboard-style tail (sometimes a nose too), so you can kickturn, hop curbs and maneuver in tight spaces. They're a versatile choice for cruising around town.
Top Mount
Trucks attach under the deck. You sit higher, with more leverage over the trucks for responsive turns and grip.
Drop Deck
The standing platform is dropped below the truck mounts. Very low and stable, good for long pushes and sliding.
Landyachtz Drop Cat 38
A Landyachtz board with a low ride. Check the listing for its construction.
Check Price on AmazonDouble Drop
Double drops combine drop-through mounting with a dropped platform, giving the lowest ride height. They're stable and easy to push for long distances, and popular for freeride sliding.
Dancer
Long boards with room to walk and spin. See longboard dancing.
Downhill
Stiff, low boards with locked-in foot positions for speed. See downhill longboards.
Flex and Concave
Flex is how much the deck bends under you. Flexy boards feel springy and comfortable for carving and cruising; stiff boards feel stable and predictable at speed, which is why downhill boards are stiff. Concave is the side-to-side curve. More concave locks your feet in for sliding and speed; mellow concave feels relaxed for cruising and dancing.
Wheelbase
The wheelbase is the distance between the trucks. A longer wheelbase feels more stable and turns wider; a shorter one turns tighter. Many decks have several mounting holes so you can adjust it.
Match the Type to Your Riding
| You Want To... | Consider |
|---|---|
| Learn and cruise | Drop-through or pintail |
| Commute | Drop-through, double drop or kicktail |
| Carve and pump | Pintail, fishtail or surfskate |
| Learn to slide | Drop-through, drop deck or double drop |
| Dance and cross-step | Long dancer deck |
| Ride fast | Stiff top mount or drop deck with locked-in foot positions |
Choosing
Match the type to your riding, then pick size with the longboard size guide. Browse best longboards, beginner longboards and longboard vs cruiser.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of longboards?
Pintails, drop-throughs, top mounts, drop decks, dancers, cruisers and downhill boards.
Which longboard type is best for beginners?
Drop-through or drop-deck boards are popular for beginners because they sit lower and feel stable.
What is a pintail longboard?
A teardrop-shaped top-mount board with a narrow tail, popular for cruising and carving.
What's the difference between drop-through and top mount?
Drop-through trucks mount through the deck, lowering it; top-mount trucks attach under the deck, sitting higher.
What longboard is best for dancing?
Long, flat-ish dancer decks with kicktails, often around 42 inches and up.