Posted by Yocaher Skateboards on Mar 11th 2019
Yocaher Longboard Shape Guide
LOWRIDER
Our lowrider shape is perfect for high-speed, downhill longboarding. It combines the lowered platform of a drop-down deck with the truck mounting of a drop through. Yocaher lowrider decks are 9 plies of maple with medium concave and only a slight flex. The result is the lowest possible ride with incredible stability at the fastest of speeds.
While the lowrider is intended for experienced downhill riders, it is also a capable freeride shape. Placing the rider’s weight more inline with the axles allows the lowrider shape to break into slides easier than most top-mounted decks. Its ample cutaways also eliminate the possibility of wheel bite. If you are looking to lay down some thane, or you just like to predrift into the apex, the lowrider is the shape for you.
DROP DOWN
The drop-down shape utilizes a downward curve between the trucks to lower the rider’s platform. However, unlike drop-through longboards, a drop down is top-mounted truck design. This combination of features makes our drop-down shapes equally adept at downhill and freeride longboarding.
The reason drop-down longboards work well for downhill lies in their inherent stability. The lowered platform enables the rider’s own weight to stabilize the longboard at high speeds. Top mounting the trucks allows for sharp turns at low speed and adds to the shape’s stability when going fast. However, its slightly higher platform (than the lowrider shape) allows freeride longboarders to kick out into slides with relative ease.
DROP THROUGH
Drop through longboards have cutouts on the nose and tail ends of the board. The trucks pass through these cutouts, mounting on the top side of the deck. This configuration places the rider closer to the pavement than does a deck that mounts on top the trucks. However, there is no downward curve to the deck shape like there is with the drop down.
Drop throughs are suitable for experienced freeride longboarders, though they also work well as transportation. There is less dive when turning, so drop throughs have a more stable feel, but they break into slides easier than top-mounted designs. Coupled with mild concave and stiff flex, the drop through is the most stable ride available in a platform without a downward curve..
Check out our Drop Throughs HERE
FISHTAIL
The fishtail is a classic, surf-inspired shape. It is perfect for carving out wide lines. Thanks to its mild concave and flex, Yocaher fishtail shapes offer the rider superb control over their carves, be they heelside or toeside. Top mounting the trucks also results in a more pronounced dive into turns than any dropped deck can offer.
Yocaher’s fishtail shape has small cutaway wheel wells to help prevent wheel bite. It is a great shape for riders used to carving, but who are looking to get into freeride longboarding. They also work well for transportation, as well as being a reasonable substitute when the surf is flat.
Check out our Fishtail boards HERE
PINTAIL
The pintail is the original longboard shape. Before there were kicktails and drop downs, there were pintails. The shape owes its design to the surfing origins of longboarding. It is great for producing slashing carves, just like a short surfboard – minus the fins, of course.
The pintail’s riding platform is wide enough to let the rider move around a bit, but it thins out considerably at the trucks. The result is a deck that dives into turns, without much less risk of wheel bite than many other cruising shapes. Yocaher pintails also include ground wheel wells to further reduce the chance of wheel bite. Thanks to their multidiscipline capabilities, Yocaher pintails are the perfect beginner’s longboard.
KICKTAIL
The kicktail shape is similar in most respects to the pintail shape. The main difference being that the kicktail has raised tail, not unlike those of trick skateboards. Kicktails offer all the benefits of a pintail – free turning, tight carving, no wheel bite – with the additional maneuverability that only a raised tail can offer.
Yocaher kicktail longboards have mild concave and medium flex, both of which give the rider extra control when it matters most. They are great for beginners and expert carvers alike, and they also make for perfect urban or campus transportation.
Slim KickSLIM KICK
Yocaher SlimKick boards offer our thinnest and flattest full-size longboard decks. With little concave on the tail end and zero flex, they are stable to the extreme, while still allowing the rider to move freely on the riding surface. Ten-ply maple construction provides remarkable stiffness and longevity.
The SlimKick is just as at home cruising around town it is negotiating foot traffic on campus. At just 8 inches in width, it is supremely maneuverable compared to most other full-length longboards. The raised kick tail allows for sharper turns and easier negotiating of debris and cracks in cement when the front wheels are raised. The SlimKick is a great beginner’s board.
OLD SCHOOL
Our old school decks are the perfect solution for skaters looking to relive the glory days of 1980s skateboarding. Whether you’ll be carving a snake run or slashing some pool coping, the old school shape is just the ticket. At 10 inches wide and 33 inches long, it is reminiscent of the best-selling boards skaters were thrashing before there was a street style of skating.
Skateboarders of a certain age will instantly recognize the upturned kicktail and (slightly smaller) nose on the old school shape. This design lets you skate switch or fakie, without having to wonder which side is the tail. Carves, grinds, ollies, flip tricks – everything gnarly is possible on a Yocaher old school deck.
Check out our Old Schools HERE
MINI CRUISER
When space is at a premium, the mini cruiser is the way to go. These little powerhouses pack a lot of uses into a small design. At 27 inches in length and 8 inches in width, the mini cruiser is compact and maneuverable. That small stature allows you to negotiate foot traffic on campus, while stowing away easily once you get to class. That’s what earned these boards their “Campus Cruiser” nickname.
Despite their smaller size, Yocaher mini cruisers are capable trick boards. Their upturned nose and generous kicktail enable them to be ridden switch, fakie or regular. The mini cruiser’s medium concave helps keep the rider’s feet locked in for stability, and the stiff flex breeds confidence in even the greenest of beginners. If you’re looking for transportation that gets the adrenaline flowing, a Yocaher mini cruiser is your ride.
Check out our Mini Cruisers HERE
MICRO CRUISER
Anyone who remembers the plastic “banana” boards of the 1970s will instantly recognize a Yocaher micro cruiser. Slalom-like carving is easy to achieve with these little slashers, and experienced riders will have a blast pushing a micro cruiser to the edge of their prodigious maneuverability. With a 25-inch length and 7-inch width, they also pack away easily and discreetly.
The littlest beginners will also appreciate the micro cruiser’s diminutive size. Kids’ tiny feet are at home on these decks, and the little ones will feel like their micro cruiser was made just for them. There are no more-maneuverable decks in our lineup.
Check out our Micro Cruisers HERE
Thanks for reading our blog. We hope this give you perspective on which Longboard shape works best for you! Stay tuned for more and keep us posted for any questions.