Why is longboard so expensive
Longboarding is a sport that is hard on the wallet. For example, a new Landyachtz complete can run you up anywhere from $200 to $300. Yeah, it’s expensive. And the worse part? These completes have parts that will wear and break. A good freeride based longboarder can wreak a new set of wheels in a week. There goes $50. And your bearings? Gotta replace em. Don’t want your roll speed to slow down. There’s $15. That is $65 replacements and we haven’t even mentioned trucks, decks, bushings, or other accessories. But fortunately there are some cheaper alternatives to the parts we desire. This is what I will be covering today.
Longboard decks
Longboard decks don’t come cheap. But thankfully, not every deck will cost you a week’s pay. Over at Churchill MFG, they are doing it right. Their decks are only $60, and are a great quality. I personally own one and love it. They make amazing freeride decks and the only downside (in my opinion) is their weight, although this also lends itself to better durability. This a fantastic deck for a good price and just about the only great deck for less than $75.
Wheels for your longboard will wear down. It is inevitable. Therefore, a lot of people can’t afford to buy an expensive set every couple of weeks. For freeride based riding, there is only one set of wheels that really sticks out to be a great, cheap alternative. Sector 9 Butterballs. Butterballs come in 65mm or 70mm, and are always in 80a. They advertise that their wheels are made with “Slide Formula” and I don’t know if that means anything, but boy do these babies slide. Butterballs on a hot day will leave thane on the road that looks like sidewalk chalk. They go into slides smooth and buttery; hence the “Butterballs”. They cost a mere $35 and compete with the best of em’. If you are looking for a cheap set of freeride wheels, look no further. Go get a set of Butterballs. Seriously.
Trucks
Trucks. Those things that hold your board to your wheels. For $20, a set of Churchill’s RKP trucks work well for what they are. They are a simple truck that allow your wheels to be in the spotlight without getting in your way. I love these trucks if I need a cheap fix for a homemade board. Get some for cheap. For TKP trucks, I like Indy’s. I bought a pair of Independent 159’s for $40, a darn good price for a pair of really great truck. Independent makes cast trucks that will last for years no matter how you abuse them, and I believe they have a lifetime warranty. For TKP trucks, I almost always purchase Independent’s and haven’t looked back.
Now the accessories for longboarding. Bushing-wise, most are cheap. Invest $6 in a pair of Riptides or Venoms. They are fantastic bushings. Bearings I tend to get China Reds from Churchill which are very cheap and easy to replace. They do their job and don’t empty your wallet. For hardware, I go to my local hardware store. Really, I do. Do not, I repeat DO NOT buy “longboarding-specific hardware”. That’s a bunch of bologna. There is literally no difference between their hardware and some basic steel screws and nuts from a hardware store. Look up the measurements and purchase your hardware where it should be bought; a hardware store. For helmets and pads, I go to Triple Eight. A helmet costs you $30-$40 and is certified, and the pads cost even less. I have never had mine break and it does it’s job, it keeps you safe.
Longboarding can be an expensive hobby. Use these tips I have shown you and keep some money in your wallet!
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