These boards are on opposite ends of the spectrum, which tells me you don’t quite know what you like yet. I’d suggest something like a top cat or free dive reef because they will sit somewhere in between these two boards (top cat is closer to the evo and free dive reef is closer to the dipper).

If you want to get more used to a traditional board while having all the benefits of a long board, buy a 38 or 40 inch double kick instead. The Tony Danza is an option, but it doesn’t feel really street boardy, but a lot of the boards that you can order from Europe feel more like skateboards. Some of the short loaded boards double kicks probably achieve that feel too.

I wonder why so many people buy these wheels....

I wouldnt do downhill on the dipper as a beginner. Pintails or any flexy board isnt great for hill bombs. Go with the Evo or pick another board from the lineup 🤙🏻

Shark wheels jump scare (it's a skate crime to put those on an evo)

To add to the current discussion: I wouldn't jump straight to a small wheelbase topmount if you are new. They can be squirrely if you don't know what you're doing and often are built around narrow trucks. Aim for something a bit longer and wider, with a wheelbase that isn't under 23". Top mount is fine, just steer clear of the little guys unless you already know how to slide, are a very small rider, or are coming to DH from street skating.

You're seeing the difference between a race setup and a straight line speed setup. Anything will go straight and fast, but stiff drop or dropthrough decks with a long wheelbase and low center of gravity are easier for that purpose. These little topmount decks on split angle trucks and massive wheels are for racing in a grip and rip style, and really are only good for high level riders trying to do that sort of thing. They are occasionally adapted for freeride, but again by high level riders who are used to the little wheelbase and all that.

Most advanced riders use directional top mounts with a short wheelbase, which I think is what you are describing.

They have a more lively feel and more grip than drop-throughs.

But in the end of the day, it all comes down to preference.

those are directional top mounts, if you haven’t hit 25mph yet I say stay away from those, just because the pros use it doesn’t mean they’re necessarily good yk? Try the drop throughs then move up to a top mount, check my account you’ll see I used to have a drop through now I have a top mount, top mounts are less stable, and grippier, they’re nothing like cruisers, stiff, symmetrical, and meant to hold you in a tuck as comfortably as possible, smaller wheelbase or just a smaller board is less stable, more grippy, and more demanding in ankle strength if that makes sense, another thing you’ll see is slalom trucks, don’t get them if you’re starting out, the pros also use them a TON but for beginners I say stick to calibers or something like that. Hope this helps somewhat

I have a feeling you're associating all topmounts with cruisers. Yes, cruisers like Landyachtz dinghies or tugboat or whatever are top mounted, but they are very different from downhill decks. The vast majority of downhill boards these days are topmounts and not drop throughs - the reason being that they offer more precision, grip, and control. This does not mean that they are easier to skate - quite the opposite, actually. A small topmount is much more demanding to take down a hill than a larger, lower board.

Cruisers have mellow concave, more flex, and a smaller standing platform. They also have shorter wheelbases and often run TKP trucks. Downhill topmounts typically have longer wheelbases, use RKP trucks, are much stiffer and more substantial in their construction, and have a shape designed to lock your feet in at high speeds and g forces. If you're looking for a good downhill deck, browse Muirskate's selection of downhill/freeride boards to get some ideas. Everything they have is quality. It wouldn't be a bad idea to consult the DGT on this sub before purchasing, however, because not all downhill decks are appropriate for a beginner.

Can’t comment on the others but I’ve only ever owned the switchblade and I absolutely love it.

Sector 9 is a fine beginner board brand, the pintail shape (3rd picture) would be fine for cruising but would not recommend for downhill or freeriding. Second pic might be better for these but, honestly not familiar with the model.

The first pic (landyachtz switchblade) will be great for downhill, free ride and cruising.

When you get into dancing you may need to get an entirely different board built for that, generally these will be long - flat and high flex.

You can even do long distance skating on the switchblade if you get it with big wheels

The switchblade is miles better than the others

Don't be surprised when your bf steals it

LY all day

I mean they could be. They do make some pintails as high flex, which would be fine for dancing.

I don't actually own the switchblade specifically, but I do own a landyachtz board and can only speak highly of the quality. I also really love what they do for community events and they plant a tree for every board they sell!

https://preview.redd.it/kl2i0vjjftue1.jpeg?width=184&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=72c5afccb9929c9ed7ab76df169ce3b926f6f5c2

It only needs a torque block, multiple footstops, and some grip tape. Then it will be exactly the same as any other modern board.

Pretty much what people are skating these days anyways lol.

That is someone's best friend you know

You are looking for a stiff board, with a steep concave and topmount, low degree trucks (45º or less) and grippy wheels, for example: Rayne vandal with 44 calibers and venom cannibals.

Also tune your bushings for stability, it helps a lot.

Kinda need more info about what type of riding you want to do/ are actually going to do

pantheon gaia, it comes with a sick build. Snakes for sliding or krimers for Dh.

Ask in /r/LongBoarding on their Daily General Thread too. You’ll get some good feedback. Learn to slide first, then pick up speed.

Pantheon or rolling tree. Support the homies. Rolling is amazing and makes good shit. Pantheon is the same dealio. If you want race decks. Chroma is the move

I bought the Prism hindsight a couple years ago right when it came out. Favorite board of all time to date. I’d imagine the other prism boards in the lineup are pretty good too, and not too expensive compared to some of the other brands

i love rayne boards, best concave in my opinion and i ride paris trucks but i hope to get valks soon

I’ve been trying out different decks for a few years. I don’t think I’ll ride anything but Rocket in the future.

Favorite board depends on the situation and style of riding I'm doing...

But if I had to go the rest of my life with ONE board, it would be my top-mounted Landyachtz Switchblade on Munkae Trucks, Venom bushings, and some of those people Otangs.

I'm by no means a pro or a good dh skater so look out for other replies, but I think a large aspect is the responsiveness of short top mounted boards. You can set up any kinda foot stop without having to worry about a wedge in the deck.

I feel u tho, the only longboard I've ever truly been comfortable on is a 40in evo lol

More grippy, and more responsive.

Rider skill is very high these days, and trucks got really good. Back in the day people compensated for worse skill and underdeveloped technique by making setups that don't turn, aka long wheelbase dropthroughs, EVOs and stuff like that. So necessarily you had to drift a lot in racing, which is slower than gripping the entire time. With the advent of specialized split angle setups, really great trucks and insane rider skill, you can run these highly stable and maneuverable setups that allow you to grip way more.

Direct control over the trucks with your feet

Read this: https://www.maxdubler.com/blog/2021/9/28/some-thoughts-on-the-little-boarddownhill-slalom-setup-thing

Best explanation out there.

That middle one hits the spot

Outside of what you said why else are you hesitant to recommend a bracket?

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Love my Ballona on split RKPs. I tried some Paris Street trucks, but couldn't get the same vibe, and had some wheelbite with my Stims. I want to try it again before summer ends with spacers and see how much it changes it.

great that you are ahout to hit the 100 mark.

the tangent unfortunately isn't a good LDP recommdation. Don't sucker new riders into buying bad setups, seriously.

without adjustability, brackets are pretty worthless. a good old doubledrop does the same.

Dadbods are slow thane in a too wide package at too high a price.

Pantheon has the beginner LDP market cornered. No real way around recommending the prana, trip or supersonic on either hokus or karmas

Fellow Tangent owner here. Got it for my birthday last year and love it. Enjoy the weather, homie!

Hi, I am quite impressed by the expertise all of you are demonstrating and really learned a lot! Many thanks! // Just from a different point of view: Reading your post, FootBoyForHire, and seeing those pics, actually made me feel quite happy, because I really could relate to the joy you obiously had during these rides! Glad, you love the Tangent and wish you many more of these fun experiences!