Getting a Longboard: Complete vs. Custom Setup

When it comes to buying a skateboard, most people go for the longboard variety. Its overall appeal lies in offering greater stability and decreased turbulence over uneven surfaces. The long deck not only imitates board design meant for surfing waves, but also provides good support so you can have well-anchored footing, allowing you to ride smoothly.

However, choosing a longboard isn’t the end of the decision-making process. You will also need to make up your mind on whether you want a complete setup or have it custom made to fit your unique wishes.

Pros of Getting a Complete

If you visit a well-stocked Australian longboard shop, you’ll find a variety of complete boards. Some skaters prefer this option to tedious compiling of different parts. This is a good option if you want to have a board immediately, with no time to waste. Shopping for a complete offers instant gratification. You grab one, you pay for it and it is yours then and there. You can even leave the shop with one foot on the deck and the other kicking past the storefront.

Also, if you are a beginner, buying a complete is common sense. You get a basic skateboard setup that is set for riding. You can practice on it and find out what your individual needs are. It’s also great for learning how to balance.

Another benefit of a complete is that it’s generally cheaper. Wait a minute? Aren’t longboards more expensive? Well, yes. Longboards generally cost more than other types of skateboards, but complete longboards cost less than do-it-yourself longboards.

Cons of a Complete Longboard

Buying a complete board bears the risk of getting a set that includes a feature you really don’t. It might be something trivial like a grip tape. Or it might be something big, like the wrong design of wheels. So, after using the board for some time, you may be inclined to make some changes. If that is so, how can getting a complete be cheaper when you end up changing several pieces?

Pros of a Custom-Built Longboard

If you build your own longboard, you are able to customize it from the ground up. You can put your priorities where you deem appropriate, be it performance, comfort or looks. It will simply reflect what you truly value in a skateboard.

This feels definitely more rewarding than simply buying one off-the-shelf. Plus, you’ll feel proud of yourself once you build your own board.

You may be able to save some money too if you take the time to look for great deals on parts.

Cons of a Custom-Built Longboard

Building your own longboard isn’t easy. If you’re a beginner, expect to put a lot of research into it. Even if you are familiar with the basic details pertaining to measurements, you will still have to make an effort to ensure compatibility between all those parts and their specifications.

And this can take up a lot of your time. Completing the project might take months if you have busy schedule. Additionally, the decision to make your own longboard can easily end up not only wasting your time, but your hard-earned money as well. If you aren’t careful, you may buy parts that aren’t compatible with each other.

Longboard of Your Choosing

If you take a good look at the market you will notice that the same shops that sell the parts also sell the completes. This can allow you to compare the different setups and make a compromise. For instance, you may like the way a complete board is built with the exception of its wheels. In this case, you can compare whether getting the complete board in addition to separate wheels is cheaper than getting all the parts separately to build a custom-made board. Remember this when you enter any Australian longboard shop.

Additionally, I’d also suggest paying attention to the board’s flex. This feature isn’t immediately apparent. You may need to consult with the seller. Anyway, boards that can flex easily are more shock absorbent and stable than those that don’t. That being said, if you’re a beginner or simply need a board suitable for commuting, the soft flex can reduce the strain on your knees and ankles and make longer rides more comfortable.

On the other hand, longboard decks with more flex don’t reach high speeds. If you want to get into freeriding, then a longboard with a stiffer deck will be a more suitable choice.

Take your time to really study your options. After all, you want something that will suit your skill levels while also allowing you to have fun and stay safe in the process.