There has been some recent (and heated) debate regarding why different style boards respond in different ways. I wanted to start this thread to clear up some misconceptions. This will help the community (read: New people who are looking to learn the science behind boards.
I'll assume that, since you're here, you already know what designates a Topmount (TM), Drop-Through (DT), and Drop-Deck (DD) boards. (But if you don't, definitely check out the "Hi! I'm a board!" thread.)
There are many variables in how a board setup will react while turning. Anything from wheels, to hanger-width, to bushing shape/durometer, etc... For the sake of this conversation, however, we're going to assume that all the boards we talk about have the exact same truck, bushing, and wheel setups. The only different will be the board it is attached to.
The way a board rides/turns/feels (I'll use the word "respond" from now on) can be boiled down into one word:
Leverage.
To expound, the way a board (TM vs. DT vs. DD) responds in a turn is entirely based on how the energy you (the rider) put into one side of the board is transferred to the trucks.
This brings us back to leverage: The amount of leverage you have over the board is largely determined by where your standing platform is, in relation to where your trucks are mounted.
For example:
On a topmount board, your standing platform is above the point in which your trucks meet your board. When you push down on one side while riding, a majority of your leverage is going straight down onto the truck, with a small amount of your leverage getting pushed out of the turn. In fast turn, this means that most of your leverage is being forced into the wheels/ground.
This is a good thing. Why? Well, let's look at the alternative as an example:
On a drop-deck, your...
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