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In my mind, there’s nothing quite like sliding on a longboard. I love that feeling once you initially break traction and start sliding whether or not it’s for a simple speed check or you want to show off to some bystanders.
There are a number of factors that can affect the sliding technique such as what kind of longboard you’re using, what kind of wheels are mounted, what is the size of the wheels and etc. so, it is very important to choose the perfect longboard in order to do sliding.
Our Picks
| Product | Our Comments | More Information |
|---|---|---|
| Landyachtz Switch 40″ Longboard Complete Skateboard. Dropped deck freeriding exceptionally staple symmetrical design | A combination of affordable price point, high quality components, and lowered deck make this one a popular choice. | Check Price Now! |
| Rayne Nemesis Longboard Skateboard Deck | A large platform to adjust foot position with flush trucks to lower the center of gravity puts this board at the top of the list. | Check Price Now! |
| Landyachtz Longboard Complete Tomahawk 39″ | Coming as a complete with high quality components, the Landyachtz Tomahawk provides the perfect mix for a great sliding setup. | Check Price Now! |
| Rayne Killswitch Longboard Skateboard Deck | A drop deck and a W concave cement your feet in the middle of this longboard making slides especially easy. | Check Price Now! |
Top Tips for Choosing a Good Sliding Longboard
Sliding is basically a freeride move and an especially effective technique for braking during downhill longboarding. There are different techniques for braking but what makes sliding the most effective one is that it lets the skater decrease his/her speed faster than any other technique.
For example, people use the ‘foot-braking’ technique usually but sliding often results in a more drastic loss of speed and is better suited for slowing down at higher speeds. Most riders who are just starting to learn to slide use slide gloves (see our top recommendations). These gloves typically have pucks on them which allow you to easily touch the ground providing another contact point for balance.
While you can slide on every longboard, there are certain characteristics that make it easier with certain types. Of course, the most important characteristic in the best sliding longboards is the type of wheels.
Softer wheels offer smoother slide with less break traction ability while the harder ones offer a less smooth slide yet it is easy to break traction with harder wheels. Also, the softer wheels tend to wear off easily meaning that they would have to be replaced more often.
Usually, the best sliding longboards also feature drop down decks. Not only does this provide a lower center of gravity for the board but the drop down from the ends provides places to brace your legs during a slide.
Top 4 Longboards for Sliding
We found the best longboards for sliding based on the criteria described above. Each one of these longboards is guaranteed to provide you with a great sliding experience at an even greater price point.
Rayne Killswitch
One of the most sought after best sliding longboards in the market. It comes with the pleasure dome feature that allows you to perform hands-down and stand-up slides comfortably.
One of the other cool things about this longboard is that it’s pretty lightweight so you can easily carry it around and it is really durable as well.
Measurements: 38-inch length, 10-inch width with 31/32 inch wheelbase.
Landyachtz Tomahawk
Arguably one of the coolest looking longboards out of our picks for the best sliding longboards. Anyway, it’s not just the looks this board has to offer, the bends in it work amazingly well to provide a comfortable pocket for the front foot.
With the drops, you’ll feel comfortable performing standup slides. While this longboard is perfect for smaller and medium riders and it can handle speed, heavier riders might want to look towards our other picks such as the Comet Grease Hammer.
Measurements: 39-inch length, 9.75-inch width with 22.7-inch wheelbase.
Comet Grease Hammer
The Comet Grease Hammer comes with a super amazing rocker and a smooth concave. Certainly, one of the best as it can handle high speeds through corners and for sliding as well as the 9 ply maple makes it really stiff. One feels pretty comfortable and secure while riding and performing different tricks on this longboard.
Measurements: 36-inch length 9.8 width with 26/27 inch wheelbase.
Rayne Nemesis
Rayne Nemesis comes with the company’s famous “deep tub” concave and an awesome platform with 1” drop. These features make you feel locked while performing slides during downhill longboarding.
You can use it for freeriding while sliding through a treacherous path, for downhill racing as well and can achieve super high speeds by using different caliber trucks and wheels with this longboard.
Measurements: 39.5-inch length, 10-inch width with 32/33 inch wheelbase.
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