Sunday 18 December 2016

Longboard Versus Ripstik Skateboarding

A longboard and a Ripstik are both similar to a skateboard. Although they have some features in common, they are totally different. Learn as much as you can before deciding which one to buy. Some important factors to consider: What you'll be using it for and how safe it is to use.

Longboard Description
A longboard is a longer version of a skateboard and is available in different shapes, including pintails and flat nose riders. Longboards are made of wood or composite materials, have four wheels and are available in different sizes, with most measuring between 35 and 59 inches. Longboards are commonly used for downhill racing, racing through courses or transportation, and are often compared to surfing, or in longboard lingo, "cruising on concrete." Quality longboards cost about $130 but less expensive models are available.

Ripstik Description
A Ripstik, or caster board, has two wheels and is designed for anyone at least eight years old. It is a cross between a skateboard and a snowboard, but the main difference is its pivoting deck and 360-degree inclined caster trucks, which helps with the Ripstik's maneuverability. Other features include spiked traction pads, a kick tail and kick nose and a concave deck platform. Ripstiks cost between $100 and $140.

Longboard Pros and Cons
A longboard is stable, giving you a comfortable ride. The longboard's weight means more momentum, enabling you to roll farther with a single push. Depending on the kind of longboard that you use, you can race around cones on courses, ride down mountain roads and perform tricks similar to ones that you can do on a short skateboard.

Although the weight of a longboard gives you more momentum, it also makes a longboard less suitable for many tricks. Likewise, its large size requires that the rider posses more skill and strength to maneuver the longboard. Additionally, less experienced riders may have difficulty riding down hills at high speeds and mistakes could lead to serious injury or even death. The greatest danger to any rider is a "speed wobble," wherein the longboard starts to swerve rapidly from side to side. Finally, longboards are banned in many public areas due to the risk of injuring pedestrians or damaging property.

Ripstik Pros and Cons
A Ripstik, which has a 220-pound rider weight capacity, allows you to turn or accelerate without pushing by simply transferring your weight. You can move forward using a twisting motion instead of pushing off the ground. A Ripstik's wheels and bearing casters create a smooth ride on almost any type of surface and its 360-degree inclined caster trucks offer a carving ability, or way of turning, much like a snowboard.

The downside to a Ripstik is that it may be difficult to master. Likewise, a Ripstik is not suitable if you want to perform tricks. Ripstik wheels quickly wear out and you can't ride it on wet or rocky surfaces.

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