What's better for sliding and freeride? a shorter board or a longer board? I'm looking to get either the new landyachtz switchblade 36 or 40, and I think I'll be into mostly freeride and sliding. Also I'm looking at getting cloud ride wheels, either the ozones or slides in 80A, I won't be going super fast yet. Cheers! P.S. I've skated for awhile and this is my first longboard.
Generally speaking, the shorter your board is, the easier it’s going to be to turn. That goes for regular turning as well as for turning the board to slide. I’d recommend the 36 for what you’re looking to do as long as you’re comfortable with the foot room. And since you’ve been riding a regular skateboard, that shouldn’t be an issue.
As for the wheels, I’m looking at them, and they’ve both got some advantages.
I think the Ozone is going to be easier to get sliding. It’s got a smaller contact patch, so there’s less wheel touching the road to grind when you turn the board. They’re also center-set, with bearings evenly spaced in the wheel. So the wheel will wear mostly even, no coning. It just detracts from the slidability a bit.
The Slide has a bigger contact patch, but it’s bearings will be side-set, pushed toward the inside of the wheel. That’ll help them loosen up and slide a little easier, but not terribly much. It also means they’re going to cone more than the Ozone would as you ride them because of the way the wheels will press against the road.
From what I’m seeing of the hardware, and what other people are saying online, I’m going to say the Ozone is probably the better choice. Seems like a sounder wheel for freeriding, and it should last you longer than the Slide would.
Good luck with your sliding, man.