Longboard parts explained

From deck to bearing: how a longboard fits together

A longboard is more than a plank on wheels. Deck, trucks, wheels, bearings and bushings work together and decide how your board carves, cruises or dances. Below you will find every part explained in plain language — each time with how we apply it at Hammond.

The deck

Deck

The deck is the board you stand on. Hammond decks are made of 8 plies of pressed Canadian maple — stiff enough to push into your turns, with just enough flex for comfort.

Nose & tail

The nose is the front of the deck, the tail the back. On the Hammond models both nose and tail are lifted slightly, so you can land manuals, shove-its and kickflips.

Wheelbase

The wheelbase is the distance between the two trucks. A longer wheelbase steers calmer and more stable, a shorter one turns more nimbly. Hammond ranges from 28¾" (B-35) to 33¼" (B-40).

Concave

Concave is the lengthwise-to-edge curve of the deck. It forms a slight pocket your feet settle into, for more grip and control in turns and slides. Every Hammond deck has a soft concave.

Flex

Flex is how much the deck bends under your weight. Lots of flex rides soft and springs back (a trampoline effect); little flex is direct and stable. Hammond aims for a light flex with enough stiffness for any rider weight.

Kicktail

A kicktail is a raised end of the deck. You use it to pop the nose up, turn sharply or hop a curb.

Deck shapes & mounting

Pintail

A pintail is the classic, surf-inspired longboard shape with a pointed tail. Built for relaxed cruising, not for tricks.

Drop-through mount

With drop-through mounting the trucks pass through the deck. That drops the board closer to the ground — a low centre of gravity that rides extra stable and forgiving. The B-35, B-40 and Ding Dong are drop-through.

Top-mount

With top-mount the trucks sit under the deck, like a classic skateboard. That gives more turning power and grip — ideal for tight carving. The Piper 40 is top-mount.

Trucks, wheels & bearings

Trucks

Trucks are the metal axles that connect the wheels to the deck and let the board turn. Longboards use reverse-kingpin (RKP) trucks: they steer smoothly at low speed and stay stable at high speed.

Bushings

Bushings are the polyurethane rubbers around the truck kingpin. Softer bushings turn more easily, harder ones give more stability. Lighter riders want softer, heavier riders harder.

Wheels

Longboard wheels are polyurethane and much larger than skateboard wheels — usually 65–76 mm. Big wheels roll long and soak up rough ground easily. Hammond rides on custom 70 mm Surf Highway wheels.

Durometer (hardness)

Durometer is the hardness of the wheels, given as an A value. Lower (≈78A) is softer: more grip and comfort, ideal for cruising and carving. Higher (≈88A and up) is harder and faster, with more slide. Hammond chooses a soft ≈78A for grip and comfort.

Bearings

Bearings sit inside the wheels and decide how smoothly they spin. The ABEC scale rates their precision. Hammond uses ABEC-5 608ZZ bearings — smooth and low-maintenance.

Wheelbite

Wheelbite is when a wheel touches the deck in a sharp turn, making the board stop dead. Drop-through mounting and wheel cut-outs prevent it — which is why the Hammond decks ride without you having to think about it.

Grip tape

Grip tape is the sandpaper-like layer on top of the deck that grips your shoes, so your feet do not slip while carving, dancing or doing tricks.

What size and wheels do I need?

Start with your riding style, not with individual specs. For cruising and carving, 38–40 inches with soft 70 mm wheels rides best; for dancing you want the longest deck and the widest wheelbase. Because every Hammond ships complete and ride-ready — deck, trucks, wheels and bearings matched to each other — you do not have to pick or assemble anything yourself. Unsure which model? Take the finder quiz or compare the four models side by side.

Frequently asked questions about longboard parts