The Difference Between Freeride VS Downhill Longboards

Published on: May 26, 2022
Written by Camila Avery / Fact-checked by David Rowan

Freeride and downhill are the popular forms of longboarding. Some people misunderstood the differences between freeride and downhill longboarding. But these are two different forms of longboarding. Tough freeride is similar to downhill longboarding. But It is trickier and requires techniques to do this.

You can use a free longboard for downhill longboarding but it is only recommended for beginner level. To ride a longboard like an intermediate rider whether in freeride style and for downhill You have to consider some important longboard choosing factors.

Most of these factors are the variation of design, styles, and components. Keep reading as I am going to tell you about the key differences between freeride longboarding and downhill longboarding. You will also get the idea How to choose the components for these two longboards.

Difference in Styles

The styles on downhill longboarding are pretty easier than the freeride longboarding styles. Some of the styles of downhill longboarding are slide, drift, air brake. Without knowing these tricks, you will not be able to do downhill longboarding. You must have the proper skill of quick stop while necessary. Because most of the accidents of downhill loan boarding happen from not being able to stop the longboard in the loop.

Some of the longboards are perfect for downhill longboarding which are Drop-through, drop-platform, and top-mount longboards. To ride a longboard downhill you have to know the complete balancing techniques. Otherwise, downhill longboarding is risky for the rider who has less balance on them.

While downhill longboarding requires only three two for techniques. But to ride a longboard in freeride style you have to add more critical techniques in sliding. Generally, sliding style differentiates between downhill longboarding and freeride longboarding.

Some of the sliding techniques which are must for freeride longboarding are stand-up slides, hands down slides, and foot braking. Longboard riders apply these techniques while they ride for downhill longboarding.

The longboard choosing guide for freeride longboarding is the same as the downhill longboarding. But you have to consider the use of components and design to buy the freeride and downhill longboards which are below.

Difference in Choosing Decks for Downhill Longboard

The deck dimension of a downhill longboard is different from freeride longboard. The length of the deck of a downhill longboard should range from 37-43”. Choose a longer deck because a shorter deck increases the speed which is too much risk for the downhill ride. The width of the downhill longboard should not be less than 9”. If you got larger shoes then you can go for 10.5”.

Most of the top racers prefer Top through longboarding for the downhill ride. And drop through longboards are preferable by most beginner longboard riders.

Difference in Choosing Decks for Freeride Longboard

While the top through longboards are faster than drop through longboard. So, you should definitely choose a drop through longboard for freeride longboarding. Because freeride longboarding requires more sliding techniques. While you are doing more sliding techniques then you have to make sure the longboard is running a little slow on the downhill ride. That’s why choose a drop through longboard for freeride longboarding.

While choosing a longboard for freeride longboarding then the length of the longboard should range from 38-42″. And the width of the longboard should range from 8.5-10.5”.

Difference in Choosing Wheels

The ideal diameter for downhill longboarding ranges from 70-75mm. And the ideal diameter for freeride longboards ranges from 68-72mm. Generally larger wheels are faster than the smaller wheels. But too large wheels will cause the wheel bite and smaller wheels will cause the wiring out of the wheels. So always choose a medium size wheel that is perfect for both of the longboarding styles.

Difference in Choosing Truck

Most downhill riders prefer a reverse kingpin truck that is good for handling speed and the bushing suspension makes the ride more comfortable. You can use this truck for both drop through longboard and top through longboard. While choosing the trucks for downhill longboard make sure the truck width is close to the deck width. Ideal truck for downhill longboarding is 10″ or 180m.

 As the downhill longboarding and the freeride longboarding are similar. So, the truck choosing guide is also the same for freeride longboarding.

So these are all the differences between the freeride longboarding and downhill longboarding. Though both of the longboarding styles are for downhill riding. But while choosing the longboard for any of these longboarding styles always consider the above choosing guides.

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