What Are Kicktail Longboards Good For

Kicktail longboards are good for various purposes, including cruising, commuting, and performing tricks. The kicktail design allows for easy maneuverability and control, making it ideal for navigating busy streets and crowded areas.

Additionally, the kicktail enables riders to perform tricks such as ollies, kickflips, and manuals, making it a popular choice among skateboarders and trick enthusiasts.

Types of longboard with kicktails

Kicktail longboards are a popular choice among experienced riders who want a versatile board that allows for smooth rides and the performance of freestyle tricks. These boards are also a great option for riders transitioning from traditional skateboards to longboards. Here are some types of longboards with kicktails and their unique features:

1. Mini Cruisers: Mini cruisers are surf-shaped boards with a deck length of under 30 inches. These boards typically have a short but wide kicktail, providing good leverage for ollies and obstacle hopping during urban riding. They are perfect for those who want nimble city navigation and fun trickery.
2. Cruisers: Similar to mini cruisers, cruisers have a functional kicktail and are usually shaped like surfboards. They often feature a significant kick for easy maneuverability and playful tricks. Some cruisers even have a small nose kick, adding to the board’s versatility and ability to perform flip tricks.
3. Hybrid Longboards: Hybrid longboards combine features of traditional street skateboards and longboards. These boards come with double kicks, allowing riders to perform street-like tricks and ride in skateparks. They are designed with larger longboard trucks and wheels for a smoother ride.
4. Symmetrical Cutouts: Symmetrical cutout longboards are designed for cruising, distance pushing, and fast freeride. They often have a drop-through design and offer stability and control. Some models also come with small double kicks at the tips for freestyle tricks.
5. Directional Cutouts: Directional cutout longboards also have a drop-through design and are primarily meant for efficient carving and easy commuting. These boards have a kicktail to facilitate quick turns and maneuverability when navigating the streets or carving down moderate hills.
6. Dancing & Freestyle Longboards: Dancer/freestyle longboards are characterized by their large top-mount platforms with symmetrical kicktails and nose kicks. These boards have mellow angled double kicks, providing ample room for board walking and cross-stepping. They are ideal for longboard dancing and performing kick and flip freestyle tricks.

Longboards without kicktails

Longboards without kicks are primarily designed for specific riding styles and purposes. While most longboards have at least one kick, there are certain types of boards that do not have any kicks at all. Here are some examples:

• Pure Pintails: Pintail longboards have a classic shape and are designed for mellow cruising and carving. They have a traditional longboard shape with no kicks, providing a stable and smooth riding experience.
• Drop-through Longboards: Drop-through longboards have a lowered platform that enhances stability and makes them ideal for downhill riding. These boards typically do not have any kicks as their focus is on speed and control.
• Drop-down (Drop Deck) Longboards: Drop-down longboards have a deck that is lower in the middle, resulting in a lower center of gravity. The lack of kicks allows for more stability at higher speeds, making them popular for downhill racing.
• Dedicated Bullet-shaped Downhill Longboards: These longboards are specifically designed for high-speed downhill racing. They have a sleek, bullet-shaped design that minimizes wind resistance and does not feature any kicks.
• Dedicated Pumping Setups: Some longboards are designed specifically for pumping, which is a technique used to generate momentum without pushing off the ground. These boards typically do not have kicks and have features that maximize energy transfer for efficient pumping.

Longboards without kicks are specialized boards that cater to specific riding styles and capabilities, focusing on stability, speed, and control. Whether you’re looking to cruise, carve, race, or pump, there is a longboard without kicks that suits your needs.

Riding Style

When it comes to riding style, kicktail longboards offer a versatile and dynamic experience for riders. The kicktail design allows for greater maneuverability, making them ideal for various types of riding.

Whether you prefer cruising through the streets, performing freestyle tricks, or downhill riding, kicktail longboards have got you covered. With their smooth ride and stable deck, kicktail longboards are a popular choice among experienced riders looking to push the boundaries of their skills.

Smooth Ride

The Kicktail longboard is revered for delivering a smooth ride, making it an ideal choice for riders looking for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The design of the board plays a crucial role in providing this smooth ride by incorporating specific features and characteristics.

One of the key factors contributing to the smooth ride of a Kicktail longboard is its riding style. Kicktail boards are designed to excel in various riding styles, including freestyle tricks, carving, and cruising, providing riders with versatility and adaptability on different terrains. This flexibility allows for a seamless transition between various riding techniques and ensures a consistent and smooth ride.

Experienced Riders

Experienced riders can truly appreciate the benefits of kicktail longboards due to their advanced skills and ability to take full advantage of the maneuverability and control that kicktails provide. With their expertise, these riders can explore and push the limits of their riding style on a kicktail board.

The kicktail design offers experienced riders the opportunity to execute advanced techniques and tricks with ease. Whether it’s ollies, kickflips, or manuals, the kicktail allows for quick and precise movements, providing the rider with the necessary leverage and stability to perform these tricks flawlessly. The added control provided by the kicktail gives experienced riders the freedom to experiment and showcase their skills in a variety of creative ways.

Downhill Riding

Downhill riding in longboarding is an exhilarating and challenging discipline that involves descending slopes at high speeds. It requires a specialized type of longboard designed to provide stability, control, and the ability to reach maximum velocity.

One popular choice for downhill riding is the drop-through longboard. These boards are designed with cutouts where the trucks are mounted, allowing the deck to sit lower to the ground. This lower center of gravity provides enhanced stability and reduces the likelihood of speed wobbles, which can be dangerous at high velocities.

Another option for downhill riding is the drop-down longboard. These boards have a deck that is lower in the center, with the platform slightly dropped down between the trucks. This design allows for better stability and control, as well as improved maneuverability.

Freestyle Tricks

Kicktail longboards are not only great for cruising and commuting, but they also provide an excellent platform for freestyle tricks. With their twin kicktails, these longboards allow riders to perform a wide variety of tricks, such as popping, flipping, and scooping.

Popping involves using the kicktail to lift the front or back wheels off the ground. This trick is essential for executing ollies, where the rider jumps and takes the board into the air. Kicktail longboards offer a responsive and snappy pop, making it easier to perform ollies and other similar tricks.

Flipping tricks, such as kickflips and heelflips, involve using the kicktail to flip the board while in mid-air. The twin kicktails on these longboards allow for excellent control and maneuverability, enhancing the execution of complex flipping tricks.

Features of Kicktail Longboards

Kicktail longboards are a popular choice among riders looking to perform freestyle tricks and longboard dancing. With their responsive and snappy pop, kicktail longboards make it easier to execute tricks like ollies, kickflips, and heelflips.

The twin kicktails on these boards provide excellent control and maneuverability, enhancing the execution of complex flipping tricks. Additionally, kicktail longboards are ideal for scooping tricks, where riders use the kicktail to scoop the board off the ground while performing slides or spins.

With a stable base and the ability to maintain control and balance throughout the maneuver, kicktail longboards are perfect for riders who enjoy freestyle tricks and want to take their skills to the next level.

Pintail Shape and Deck

Pintail longboards are known for their distinctive pintail shape, which sets them apart from other types of longboards. The pintail shape is characterized by a pointed nose and tail, giving the board a sleek and streamlined appearance. This design is highly functional and offers several advantages for riders.

One of the main benefits of the pintail shape is its stability, particularly at high speeds. The pointed nose and tail help to distribute the weight evenly along the board, making it easier to maintain control and stability while cruising downhill. This makes pintail longboards a popular choice for experienced riders who enjoy the thrill of downhill riding.

However, the pintail shape is not just limited to advanced riders. In fact, it can also be ideal for beginners. The stability provided by the pintail shape makes it easier for novice riders to gain confidence and control, especially when learning basic riding techniques.

Longboard Shapes and Decks

There are various longboard shapes and decks available, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Understanding these shapes and decks can help riders choose the right board for their preferred riding style and skill level.

One popular shape is the kicktail longboard. As the name suggests, these boards have a raised tail at the back, allowing riders to perform tricks and maneuvers easily. Kicktail boards are perfect for freestyle tricks and navigating tight spaces.

Pintail boards, on the other hand, feature a pointed nose and tail, providing stability and control. They are great for cruising and carving through winding roads. Pintail longboards are suitable for riders of all skill levels, providing stability for beginners and maneuverability for experienced riders.

Wheel Bases and Rear Wheels

When it comes to kicktail longboards, wheelbases, and rear wheels play a crucial role in determining the performance and ride quality of the board. The wheelbase refers to the length between the front and rear wheels, and it can greatly affect the stability and maneuverability of the board.

A shorter wheelbase offers a more maneuverable ride, making it easier to perform tricks and navigate tight spaces. This is because the shorter distance between the front and rear wheels allows for quicker turns and a more responsive ride. On the other hand, a longer wheelbase provides more stability, making it ideal for high-speed downhill riding and carving through long sweeping turns.

Choosing the right rear wheels is equally important. Factors such as size, hardness, and material all play a role in determining the ride characteristics of the board. Larger wheels provide a smoother ride by rolling over cracks and bumps more easily. Harder wheels offer a faster and more responsive ride, but they can also be less forgiving on rough terrains. Softer wheels, on the other hand, provide better grip and shock absorption but may sacrifice some speed.

Wheel Bite Prevention

Wheel bite refers to the situation where the wheels of a kicktail longboard come into contact with the board during a turn or maneuver. This unexpected contact can cause the wheels to stop abruptly, leading to a loss of balance, potential injury, and damage to the board.

To prevent wheel bite on kicktail longboards, there are several effective strategies you can employ. First, adjusting the tightness of your trucks can make a difference. Tighter trucks provide more stability and reduce the chances of wheel bite, while looser trucks offer a more maneuverable ride. Finding the right balance for your riding style and preferences is essential.

Deep Carves

Deep carves on a kicktail longboard can be performed by utilizing the kicktail to pivot and initiate the carve. This technique involves leaning into the turns and shifting your weight towards the rail or edge of the board.

To execute a deep carve, begin by approaching a turn at a moderate speed. As you reach the apex of the turn, transfer your weight towards the front foot and lean slightly towards the rail on which you want to carve. Simultaneously, use your rear foot on the kicktail to apply pressure and initiate the pivot.

The kicktail acts as a lever, allowing you to create a tighter turn radius by maximizing the board’s agility and maneuverability. As you lean into the carve, maintain a low center of gravity and keep your knees slightly bent for better stability and control.

FAQs

Conclusion:

Kicktail longboards are not just a fun and trendy mode of transportation, they are a gateway to a whole new world of adventure and excitement. Whether you’re cruising down the boardwalk, mastering tricks at the skate park, or simply using it as a convenient means of getting around town, kicktail longboards offer endless possibilities.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a kicktail longboard and let the good times roll!