Longboarding is an enjoyable activity that everyone can get into regardless of age or gender. Younger riders such as students generally like longboarding as a means of commuting because it saves money and doubles as a recreational activity.
Older riders find longboarding enjoyable because it helps build stamina and can be used as a fun family activity. Drop through decks are the most popular decks used for longboarding. For you to be able to fully enjoy your longboarding, it is essential that you are equipped with the best drop through deck for you.
Our Top Picks On Best Drop Through Longboard Deck
Loaded Tan Tien Longboard Skateboard Deck
The Loaded Tan Tien is a longboard that can be used for freerides, downhills and freestyles. Its versatility is the primary reason for its popularity. Because the Loaded Tan Tien can be used for many riding styles, this is also a preferred longboard for beginners who are still trying to find their longboarding niche.
The Loaded Tan Tien is a fully symmetrical freestyle drop through longboard which gives its riders the liberty to ride it forward or backward. Its symmetrical shape also allows riders to use it for practicing their combinations. The deck is cambered but flexes into a rockered platform when a rider stands on it. The construction of its deck makes the Loaded Tan Tien ideal for pumping and carving.
This longboard is also equipped with kicktails making it easy to maneuver. And because of its drop through design, it has a lower center of gravity that makes it more stable and easier on the knees.
The wheel cutouts let customers customize the board with larger wheels or looser trucks. The Loaded Tan Tien also comes in 3 flexes. Riders can get the stiffest flex for added stability; while the flexiest option makes the longboard very responsive and maneuverable. The middle flex is the most popular because it offers the best of both worlds.
Yocaher Aluminum Drop Through Longboard – Gold Black – 36-inch Boards
Yocaher Aluminum Drop Through Longboard is a welcome alternative for those who want a drop through longboard that is not made of wood. With its aluminum construction, this Yocaher longboard is light yet durable.
Aluminum is also an alloy that is known for being corrosion resistant so you need not worry about any damage to your deck even if it gets exposed to the elements.
You can expect a stable but responsive longboard when you get this Yocaher deck. The length of this 36-inch longboard makes it long enough for comfortable rides but short enough for easy turning and carving.
The top of the deck is covered by Black grip tape for added stability during rides. If you are not a fan of black, you also have the option of getting this deck in Gold.
Eastside Blazer V2 Drop-Through Longboard Deck
Long rides can get tiring and an Eastside Blazer V2 can help make this less of an issue. Its symmetrical shape and drop-down platform make it easier to push to help you conserve your energy.
The Eastside Blazer V2 is low profile so you can reach the ground with ease and push your board without having to exert too much effort.
It has good wheel clearance to eliminate wheel bite and help extend the life of your board. The Eastside Blazer V2 also features a more streamlined design to make it more aerodynamic, this helps you to attain the speed required for downhill rides.
Arbor Skateboards Photo Collection Dropcruiser Longboard Skateboard Deck – 9.75″ x 38″
Arbor Skateboards Dropcruiser is an ideal longboard for riders who love cruising at high speeds. The drop through shape of this longboard is intended for technical freestyle and cruiser tricks. This doesn’t mean though that only trickers can enjoy this longboard.
Those who love relaxing downhill speed runs should also enjoy this longboard.This deck is made with 9-ply premium maple wood. Arbor only uses wood that comes from sustainable sources. In line with the company’s environmentally friendly practices, the wood by-products are reclaimed for use in other products to minimize wastage.
Not only are you getting a great longboard, but you are also helping to reduce deforestation . In addition, Arbor produces their decks using only eco-friendly water-based sanding sealers. Instead of grip tapes, they use Lucid Grip clear spray-on grips that are made from recycled crushed glass.
Loaded Dervish Sama Longboard Skateboard Deck
At 42.8”, the Loaded Dervish Sama is the most extended deck in this list. Its length makes it flexible and an ideal board for those who love to cruise and slide. On top of that, Loaded Dervish Sama comes in three flex options so you have the freedom to choose how flexible you want your board to be.
Due to its flex, this board is not recommended for high speeds. However, riders who want moderate speeds may appreciate how well this longboard performs. The Loaded Dervish Sama also feature kick tails that can help you make turns or pop shuvits without any problems.
The deck is made from a combination of bamboo and fiberglass to improve its durability. Fiberglass is also a very light material so you should be able to carry your longboard without any difficulties.
Roundup Conclusion
Among the drop through longboard decks listed above, the one that stood out for me is the Loaded Tan Tien. It is a versatile board that will appeal to many riders. The Loaded Tan Tien is also a practical choice.
If you want to practice several riding styles, you won’t need to get different longboards since the Loaded Tan Tien is a great practice longboard. Once you have decided to concentrate and specialize on one specific skill or style, then you can just switch to a longboard made specifically for your chosen style.
The lower center of gravity because of its drop through design is also useful. You are always stable when you ride. It also relieves some of the stress on the knees during long rides. And if you’re someone who loves customizing their longboards, the Loaded Tan Tien allows you to do that. It is designed to work well with any wheel or trucks that you fancy.
On top of all these, you get to choose from 3 different flexes. Personally, I love the flexiest one. It is very responsive and easy to steer.
Guide For Buying Drop Through Longboard Deck
What is the ideal length of a drop through longboard?
Longboards are usually between 28 and 46 inches in length. Each size will have its intended riders and it is also important to consider how you want to use your longboard. Longboards that range between 28 to 32 inches are ideal for beginners. They are easier to control and steer.
If you are not yet adept at steering, short decks are great to practice on. They have a tighter turning radius so you don’t have to exert as much effort to steer your longboard.
Mid-sized decks fall between 32 to 42 inches in length. Longboards of this size are safe to use in almost any style of longboarding. Most riders prefer this size for urban cruising.
Full-size decks are those that range between 43 to 49 inches in length. These are ideal for long distance cruises because they have enough room to allow riders to get comfortable. The length also gives riders space to adjust their stance when riding for long periods.
Full-size longboards can be quite heavy so you should be prepared to deal with the difficulty in carrying them. They can also be challenging to carry around crowds. Their length can make full-size decks tricky to ride in crowded streets because they are difficult to navigate and have the tendency of accidentally bumping into people.
Are kick tails essential to a drop through longboard?
Kick tails are essential when you want to try doing tricks on your longboard. The kicktail lets riders perform tricks that are difficult to attempt with flat boards.
If you are not keen on trying tricks but mainly uses your longboard as a means of transportation, kick tails may still be useful for you. Kicktails make turning easier. You’ll find that maneuvering and navigating curbs are made easier by kick tails.
On the other hand, longboards without kick tails are more stable. If you are a beginner and still mastering balancing, a board without kick tails may be ideal for you. Intermediate riders may prefer decks without kick tails if they want to attempt more complicated tricks.
How flexible should a deck be?
The flex of your drop through longboard is something that needs careful consideration when choosing a deck. If you are into long rides, a board that flexes can be beneficial. Flexy boards are also ideal if you live in an area where you’ll have to ride through rough terrain.
When your board flexes, it helps diffuse some of the shock and vibration your board receives so you end up with a smoother and more relaxed ride. This shock-absorbent property can also be good for your health as it helps free your knees and ankles from the stress caused by bumpy rides.
A more flexible board should keep your center of gravity low. This makes balancing easier especially for those who are just starting out with longboarding and are still unsure on their feet. Flex also means that the board is closer to the ground.
This will make it easier for you to reach the ground with your foot so you can effortlessly push your board. Not only will it help you conserve stamina, but it can also help prevent muscle fatigue and cramps often caused by rigorous leg activities.
For freestyling, a longboard with a little bit of flex is recommended because you won’t feel every jump that you make. Stiff longboards, on the other hand, are preferred by the more seasoned riders. Stiff longboards give riders a more accurate response whenever they sway or lean.
Stiff boards are also ideal for high-speed rides. If you are a rider who loves racing downhill, you will need the stability that stiff boards offer. Stiff longboards are sturdier compared to flexy longboards.
If you are into carving, a stiff board will do you wonders because flexy boards might make your turns or tricks more challenging to execute. However, the downside of stiff boards is that they are more prone to breaking if you are on the tall and heavy side.
Overall Conclusion
Longboarding is an activity that I immensely enjoy. And I feel that more people should get the chance to enjoy it because it is a great recreational activity and an alternative means of transportation.
With the right equipment, more and more people will be able to join the longboarding community! It is a fun activity for all types of people that can also help to build stamina. That said, beginner longboarders may not enjoy themselves if they are ill-equipped.
The Loaded Tan Tien is the best drop through longboard deck available right now and it can help encourage more people to try longboarding and stick at it. Because it is easy to use for different riding styles, beginners can use it to try and find the style that they can easily master.
The lower center of gravity will also benefit beginners who are still unsure of their balance. The Loaded Tan Tien is a great gateway longboard and can pave the way for more riders getting into longboarding.
