Cruising around on a longboard is a fun pastime for some and a means of short-distance travel for others. If you want to go to work or the beach, longboards can provide a smooth and comfortable ride. And you won’t get the thrill of riding a longboard with any other means of transportation!
As you probably already know, a longboard is more or less just like a skateboard, but with a few differences and modifications. The wheels of longboards are somewhat larger and softer than those of the skateboard and the decks are much longer and wider. This makes the ride of longboard much easier and adaptable when traveling over bumpy roads and sidewalks.
There are a lot of factors that go into choosing the right longboard for your needs and preferences from both a style and performance perspective
The last thing you want to do is waste your money or get a longboard that is difficult to control and maneuver. Maybe you already know a little bit about safety knowledge, but there is much more to understand. This article is a complete guide that can provide you the complete knowledge that you need to buy the right longboard the first time, so you can enjoy it without stress or worry for many months (or even years) to come.
Top Longboard for Cruising Comparison Chart
| Picture | Name | Board Shape | Price | Where to Buy? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | 1. Quest Skateboards Super Cruiser Longboard | Pintail | $$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | 2. Atom Pintail Long board | Pintail | $$$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | 3. Yocaher Professional Speed Drop Down Stained Complete Longboard | Drop Through | $$$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | 4. Sector 9 Fractal Complete Skateboard | Drop Through | $$$$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | 5. SCSK8 Natural Blank Complete Longboard | Pintail | $ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | 6. Rimable Drop-through Longboard | Drop Through | $$$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | 7. Ten Toes Board Emporium Zed Bamboo Longboard Skateboard Cruiser | Pintail | $$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | 8. Volador 42inch Freeride Long Board | Drop Through | $$ | Check Price on Amazon |
  | 9. Krown Maple Pintail Longboard | Pin Tail | $$ | Check Price on Amazon |
Longboard Buyer’s Guide
Deck Type
The deck is the wooden part of the longboard on which you stand. It’s one of the most important parts of a longboard to understand as it is the piece that will be in contact with your feet the most and directly impact your riding experience. There are plenty of deck styles available in the market that can suit anyone’s style and needs, but we will try to keep it simple for the purpose of this guide. Here we will be discussing the main longboard deck styles including pintail, drop-through, and classic cruising decks.
Pintail Deck
Pintail decks are a no-frills board that will help you to go from one point of destination to the other. These are perfect for those who do not want to have any complex designs or intricate shapes on their decks. This board is not suitable for those who like some colors and designs and see their longboard as a work of art, rather than just a means to get from one location to another. This board is also not for those who like learning complicated tricks. This longboard is perfect for all those who wish to go from one place to another in a classic way.
Pintail decks can be taken high up from the ground and are very easy to handle and control. They are loaded with a camber that can easily absorb all the vibrations that you may feel in your way and give you a smooth ride without any issues even on a very rough road.
Drop Through
Drop-through decks tend to have a little lower center of gravity than a pintail. This variation in the center of gravity makes them suitable for riding as they become more stable and easy to ride on, however, it is slightly more difficult to turn due to a lack of leverage. These longboards are perfect for going on long-distance rides, free rides, and high-speed downhill rides. The riders, who compete in racing downhill use drop through as it provides more stability at high speeds and doesn’t allow for the dreaded and potentially dangerous “speed wobbles”.
Classic cruising deck
The classic cruising type deck is the one that has the design which we see in everyday longboards. The difference between the regular skateboard and the longboard is that the longboard is a bit longer than the conventional skateboard. It still does not get the same shape as that of the skateboard.
There are two variations of the classic cruising deck, depending on the number of raised edges the longboard has. A board with raised tails on both sides is usually made for tricks and is closely related to skateboards, rather than large longboards with only one raised side this is designed for speed and cruising.
Deck Length
The length of most of the longboards is between 42 to 46 inches. However, there is a great variation in the sizes. Some of the boards are shorter than 40 inches while some of them exceed the length of 57 inches.
The deck style and length are designed according to one another. Cruising decks are of smaller size while the drop-through is longer usually exceeding 46 inches. The larger decks are usually a drop-through style that is built for stability during high-speed races, and the smaller decks tend to make great cruisers and can easily be carried into buildings or around campus.
Deck Width
The width of the deck board is another important factor to consider when choosing a longboard. The size typically varies between 8 ½ to 9 ½ inches. In general, the wide the longboard is the more stability it offers. You also need to consider that if you have a wider foot, then you need to choose a wider deck to accommodate proper foot placement. Many rides like to have a stance that is slightly larger than the width of their shoulders, but it really comes down to personal preference.
Longboard Trucks for Cruising
Trucks are commonly neglected by beginners as they are hidden under the deck and all look very similar, however, they are actually the most important part to look at for cruising. Trucks are T-shaped metals that are under the board and are fixed to the wheels. In general, you should focus on the width of the trucks.
The width of the truck
In an ideal situation, the width of the truck should match the width of the deck. In case, you do not find the board perfect to the truck width then you can go for other options. For a much better longboard, go for the width of the truck larger than the deck. For example, if you choose a 10 inches’ deck, then go for 11 inches truck. With a 10 inch deck, a 9-inch truck is not going to be suitable. Usually, if you buy a complete longboard you don’t have to worry about finding the right size as the trucks are already matched and installed properly to the deck for you.
You Should Consider Larger Trucks if…
- You need stability.
- You want to go for freeride or downhill racing.
- You want to take sharp turns at fast speeds.
You Should Go With Smaller Trucks if…
- You want to have exceptional responsiveness.
- You want a freestyle ride.
- You want to go for transportation with the aid of a longboard.
Choosing The Right Wheels
The wheels on a longboard are larger, softer, and can be controlled much better than those of regular street skateboards. Just as you can find a variety in the deck widths, there is variation in the size of the wheel as well. The variation in the diameter is between 64 to 80mm for longboards. The most common among them is 70mm.
The wheel contact patch is the surface of the wheel that touches the ground. You can choose a board contact patch if
- You want better control with high speed.
- You like to go downhill racing.
- You often go to rougher areas with debris/stones.
- You like to cruise.
- You choose a longboard with a narrow contact patch.
- You like to have fast acceleration.
- You use a longboard as basic transportation.
General Longboard Riding tips
There is a lot of fun associated with riding a longboard, but like any other means of transportation, you need to be careful. Here’s a list of tips for riding a longboard safely to maximize the life of your board and your enjoyment while riding.
Pay Attention To Your Truck Looseness
Trucks that are too loose can make your longboard swerve wildly with even a slight shifting of body weight. This sounds very nice and fun if you have good control over your balance. However, this can cause trouble for a beginner who may have trouble controlling the longboard and even up falling due to lack of control.
However, at the other end, a truck that is too tight will greatly restrict your ability to turn and cruise the streets freely. When you start to ride your longboard, experts suggest that keep doing the loosening and tightening of your trucks until you find the right balance of the truck tightening. It is suggested to get the right balance so that you do not get yourself injured while riding, and you can still maintain a level of control and turn with ease.
Concentrate on the front
It is very crucial to understand the importance of a single pebble that can be in your way as it can lead to a very abrupt stop and propel you forward off the board and onto the pavement. Always look where you are going and try to avoid pebble and rocks in your path. In general, softer and larger wheels are better at handling stones and pebbles, so that might be something to consider as you determine which board is best for you.
It is very important to understand the need for safety. It doesn’t matter if you are an expert rider, you will need to take safety precautions under consideration.
Think Before You Act
It’s important to use the same common sense and level of awareness as you do when you drive. You must be wary of all traffic signals and patterns and pay attention to where you are going and the road conditions.
Wear Protective Safety Equipment
Always wear safety gear. It is necessary to wear the safety pad to prevent any sort of scratches on the knees and elbows.
Bend the knees
It is necessary that you keep your body relaxed while riding. The distance between the feet of the rider should be the same as that of the width of the shoulders. While riding consider yourself a tree. Imagine your feet as the roots of this tree and your body should be in complete harmony with everything surrounding you. The aim of the riding is to have fun and get you to your destination safely.
The longboard cruiser is a lot of fun. It is necessary that you ride with style and safety without any show-off. They are made for cruising and to enjoy. You can easily cruise to school or the grocery store. Some of the features that are important in cruising longboard are truck, wheel, tail shape, flexibility level, wheels, bearing,s and deck length.
Best Longboards for Cruising Reviews
1. Quest Skateboards Super Cruiser Longboard
This is my recommendation for beginners or even intermediate/advanced longboarders who are looking for something simple to cruise around on as a casual method of transportation. This longboard is made from bamboo so it has additional deck stability and performance that many other wooden longboards don’t offer. The wheels, trucks, and bearings, not a name brand, however, they are high-quality generics that shouldn’t give you any issue and are a great place to start when choosing a first longboard. The price of this complete longboard is very reasonable and it is very hard to find a longboard of similar quality at a comparable price.
Pros
- High-Quality Bamboo Deck
- Affordable Price
- Very versatile and Stable Deck Shape
2. Atom Pintail Longboard
This Atom longboard features a similar “pintail” shape as the Quest complete, and offers a much more colorful and artistic graphic. This longboard is complete with high-quality wheels, trucks, bearings, and grip tape making it really skate right out of the box. The wide trucks and deck design decrease the potential for getting wheel bite and this is a great option for a smooth and comfortable ride. The wheels are also quite soft and large, which helps that coast over small pebbles and sidewalk cracks better than smaller and harder wheels. The price of this longboard is also very low making it a great option for kids, beginners, or college students.
Pros
- Great Size and Size
- Cool Logo and Graphic
- Wide Trucks and Soft Wheels to Eliminate Wheel bite
Cons
- Soft wheel may not last as long as other, harder options.
3. Yocaher Professional Speed Drop Down Stained Complete Longboard
This longboard is made to go fast, no question about it. It features a “drop-down” shape for maximum stability and a lower profile to the ground for additional speed capabilities. This setup features a ton of different options for deck design and comes with high-quality ABEC 7 bearings for increased speed. The trucks and wheels are standard for professional quality longboards, making this an attractive option for intermediate and advanced downhill skaters. Depending on the design you prefer, this longboard is priced higher than the Atom and Quest options, but this is a definite upgrade if you are looking for something faster and more advanced than the previous options.
Pros
- Professional Quality Trucks, Wheels, and Bearings,
- Many Different Deck Graphics Available
Cons
- Maybe Too Fast for Very Young Children or Beginners
4. Sector 9 Fractal Complete Skateboard
Sector 9 is an old-school skateboard and longboard company known for making high-end and premium longboards. This model is no exception. The fractal complete is an absolute beast that features 9 Sidewinder trucks and a drop-down deck shape for the optimal amount of speed and performance. This longboard stays very sturdy even when reaching very high speeds and the wide wheelbase allows for seamless carving and cruising. Definitely a great premium longboard for an avid rider or someone who appreciates having the top-of-the-line equipment.
Pros
- Perfect Deck and Truck Width for High Speeds
- Designed for Easy Controlling, Even When Reaching High Speeds
Cons
- High Price
5. SCSK8 Natural Blank Complete Longboard
SCSK8 is known for offering great skateboards and longboards for the money, and are loved by many skaters on a budget. This pricing model makes it a favorite among students and this brand of longboard is commonly spotted around college campuses. This longboard is available in a variety of colors, but they are all pretty plain and are dipped to stained a single color. This provides a great opportunity for artists who want to create their own designs or those who are not concerned much with graphics but just want a smooth and dependable ride at a great price.
Pros
- Sturdy Canadian Maple Construction
- High Speed ABEC 9 Bearings
- Smaller and More Portable Deck Design
- Very Low Price
Cons
- Only Very Simple Graphics and Colors Available
6. Rimable Drop-through Longboard
A great option for a low-priced cruiser longboard that is small and portable enough to be used safely in cities and college campuses. This longboard is equipped with super high-speed ABEC 11 bearings, with additional lube added for a smooth ride. This is a drop-through style longboard meant for downhill cruising and the old school grip tape pattern added to the style of this board. There are many graphics and colors available, so anyone can find something they like and the price is lower than most comparable longboard brands.
Pros
- High-Quality Deck Construction
- Stylish Grip Tape Pattern
- Comes with premium ABEC 9 bearings and high-speed lubricant
Cons
- Not Very Durable
7. Ten Toes Board Emporium Zed Bamboo Longboard Skateboard Cruiser
This bamboo longboard has a minimalist look with a simple and sleek design and offers a very high level of performance and functionally at a very reasonable price. This longboard is 44 inches, so it is a moderate size and easily portable. It comes with 7in trucks and ABEC 7 bearings which are very manageable, even for beginners or city skaters. The ten toes longboard has a California surfing root and has a kicktail that allows for additional mobility and control within very short time periods. The bamboo construction is not only more environmentally friendly but also stronger than traditional wood. Overall this is a solid option and I would recommend it to nature lovers and surfers who want to try longboarding.
Pros
- Heavy Bamboo Construction
- Sleek Minimalist Design
- High-Quality Bearings, Trucks, and Hardware
- Low Cost
Cons
- Relatively New and Unknown Brand
8. Volador 42inch Freeride Long Board
The Volador complete longboard is drop through style for maximum stability and speed and also features a simplistic, but modern design. The unique aspect of this longboard is the graphic on the grip tape that adds to the look of the board. The bearings are top-of-the-line ABEC 9 and the wheels are large and soft to provide a smooth ride over bumpy roads and sidewalk cracks. Both tails of this longboard are sloped to allow for easy maneuverability and the potential for tricks. Overall I think these are a very sleek-looking option at a great price, and I don’t have many negative things to say about it.
Pros
- Strong and Lightweight Aluminum Trucks
- High Speed Lubricated ABEC 9 Bearings
- Very Affordable and Reasonable Price
9. Krown Maple Pintail Longboard
The Krown maple longboard is a solid longboard with a classic pintail design and shape. It portrays a very scenic beach scene on the decks and features a high-quality unbranded truck, wheels, and bearings. This longboard is 45 inches long which is a great length for speed, while still being portable enough to ride to work or school. This one complaint of this longboard is that the deck wood quality is lacking and is prone to warping or defects overtime and if exposed to water. Overall this longboard is decent, but I think there are other better options for cruising on the market (and on this list!).
Pros
- Affordably priced
- High-Quality Generic Parts
Cons
- Reports of the deck warping due to contact with moisture
