In this guide we’ll look at the best longboards for cruising.
We’ve compared design, construction, material quality and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
What Is The Best Longboard?
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More Detailed Longboard Reviews
Loaded Boards Icarus Bamboo Longboard Skateboard
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Loaded Boards Icarus Bamboo Longboard Skateboard Review
The Loaded Boards Icarus longboard is specially designed for carving on smooth surfaces and commuting. It offers a seriously fun and comfortable ride that’s easy for beginners and perfect if you need to be somewhere – fast. This has drop-through truck mounting for unrivaled stability, and flared wheel wells to allow deep carves and tight turns.
This longboard is strong and light. It’s inspired by snowboards so will give you a similar feeling to being out on the slopes, while the laminated bamboo and fiberglass layers are both durable and stable. The cork bottom layer provides vibration damping.
Finally, this board has 180mm Paris trucks. This allows it to take on corners easily at speed, while keeping you stable on the board. It’s extremely user-friendly and perfect for beginners, commuters and those who want a fuss-free and relaxing ride!
Specifications:
- Length: 38.4”
- Width: 8.6”
- Wheels: Orangatang 80mm
- Deck materials: Laminated bamboo and fiberglass
- Weight limit: 250lbs
Magneto Bamboo Longboard
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Magneto Bamboo Longboard Review
The Magneto Bamboo Longboard is a high quality board that’s perfect for both carving and aggressive riding. This model is made from high tech carbon fiber which is both durable and lightweight, and the bamboo layers give it extra stability.
This longboard has great food traction and the 7” high angle gravity cast trucks make carving a breeze. It’s relaxing to ride and easy to figure out if you’re a beginner, one of the best longboards for cruising downhill at speed!
Available in a range of awesome designs at great prices, this durable longboard is the perfect option for both beginners and seasoned riders!
Specifications:
- Length: 37”
- Width: 9”
- Wheels: 73mm high rebound
- Weight: 7.72lbs
- Deck materials: Bamboo and fiberglass
- Weight limit: 275lbs
Jucker Hawaii Original Longboard
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Jucker Hawaii Original Longboard Review
The 33” Jucker Hawaii is made from natural bamboo and has a beautifully unique design. It’s designed in Maui for an authentic Hawaiian look and comes in a range of different styles.
This board is comprised of bamboo layers which give the board a stunning look while also allowing the deck to flex under your weight. This ensures a smooth and comfortable ride across a range of terrains.
The trucks are made from solid 7” aluminum in a modern matt black. Meanwhile, the wheels are soft 78A which makes your ride as smooth as possible even on rougher roads. This makes it ideal for cruising as well as tackling different terrains! Finally, this board is very durable, made with only high quality materials and supporting up to 200lbs.
This longboard arrives fully assembled, ready to go out and have fun on!
Specifications:
- Length: 33”
- Width: 9”
- Wheels: Soft 78A wheels
- Weight: 6.8lbs
- Deck materials: Canadian maple and bamboo
- Weight limit: 250lbs
Sector 9 Lookout Complete
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Sector 9 Lookout Complete Review
The Sector 9 Lookout longboard is another that’s well deserving on the list of the best longboards. This awesome board has top quality wheels complete with PDP Abec 5 bearings. For those less clued up with longboard lingo, this means the ride is as smooth as possible, making it perfect for cruising downhill and tackling commutes.
This board is exceptionally versatile, able to tackle a range of terrains. It’s created from solid and durable 5 ply vertically laminated bamboo, and it’s great for carving. Kids and adults alike will love finding a downhill stretch and cruising down at speed.
Easy for beginners to master and able to withstand up to 200lbs, this longboard is one of the best on the market.
Specifications:
- Length: 42”
- Width: 9.6”
- Wheels: 74mm 78 duro
- Weight: 7lbs
- Deck materials: 5 ply vertically laminated bamboo
- Weight limit: 275lbs
Playshion 39 Inch Drop Through Freestyle Longboard Cruiser
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Playshion 39 Inch Drop Through Freestyle Longboard Cruiser Review
The Playshion 39” Drop is a longboard that’ll get both you and your kids some serious street cred. First of all, the design is awesome. It’s available in a range of colors, each sporting the unique Playshion look and logo on the bottom.
This longboard is fantastic for both beginners and adults. It has a max weight limit of 250lbs, meaning heavier riders can still get in on the fun, and it’s extremely durable. Made from 8 ply flex hardwood maple, coupled with durable and soft PU wheels, the quality is as good as they come. The lightweight 7” aluminum trucks ensures a smooth and stable ride whether cruising, carving or practising freestyle.
Finally, the slightly concave deck will secure your feet on the board and help you keep your balance. It’ll also make turning a total breeze, making it great for commutes. Riders can adjust the trucks, loosening for better turns or tightening for high speed stability.
Specifications:
- Length: 39”
- Width: 9.1”
- Wheels: 70m polyurethane
- Weight: 7lbs
- Deck materials: Hardwood maple deck
- Weight limit: 250lbs
White Wave Bamboo Longboard
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White Wave Bamboo Longboard Review
The White Wave Bamboo longboard is one of the best longboards on the market. It’s made from multiple layers of bamboo and Canadian maple, and has a stunning rustic design. This board comes complete with grip tape to keep you stable on the deck, and the 5” aluminum trucks with a polished finish ensures a durable board that not only feels good, it also looks good!
These wheels are fantastic quality and a great size, at 60mm x 45mm. They’re made from high rebound urethane which offer great stability on a variety of terrains. It’s ideal for cruising at high speed, and easy for beginners to control.
This longboard is available for a range of styles of riding. The Cruiser is perfect for commutes or fun downhill stretches, while the Warrior is fantastic for beginners. Other options are the Bandit, Drifter and super speedy Rocket.
Specifications (based on Drifter model):
- Length: 40”
- Width: 9.5”
- Wheels: 60mm high rebound urethane
- Weight: 10lbs
- Deck materials: Bamboo and Canadian maple
- Weight limit: 250lbs
WiiSHAM Complete Drop Down Through Deck Cruiser
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WiiSHAM Complete Drop Down Through Deck Cruiser Review
The WiiSHAM longboard is another awesome longboard that’ll provide hours of fun. This longboard is made from high quality materials, comprised of 9 plies of Canadian maple. This allows for ample flexibility on the board ensuring a comfortable and smooth ride. It’s also very lightweight so easy to carry with you while you’re not riding.
This board is designed with durability and quality in mind. The wheels are 70mm thick and made from soft PU. The surface is well trimmed, grinded and painted to allow for a comfortable ride. It comes with a range of awesome designs on the bottom, while the top of the board has the classic matt black finish.
Supporting a weight of up to 250lbs, this board is great for kids and adults. It’s good for beginners but best used on smooth surfaces. You may need to adjust the wheels slightly prior to riding.
Specifications:
- Length: 42”
- Width: 9.5”
- Wheels: 85A PU wheels
- Weight: 9lbs
- Deck materials: Canadian maple
- Weight limit: 250lbs
Longboard Buyer’s Guide
Longboarding is loved by both kids and adults all over the world, and can provide hours of fun. Plus, it’ll get you active, into the fresh air and provide an often needed rush of adrenaline! Many people love commuting to work on their longboards.
Choosing the best longboard is one way to ensure you get the most from the hobby. The wrong size, style or design will not only make the hobby far less fun, it might also lead to a few injuries! Follow this buyer’s guide to help you find the best longboard for anyone – from young kids to seasoned longboard users!
Size
Longboards do not have a ‘one size fits all’ approach. While skateboards usually measure up to 30 inches in length, longboards are a lot, well, longer. A 46” deck will give you a good amount of stability on long straight roads, while a shorter 40” deck will give you good control around corners. These will suit people of average height.
Longer boards are heavier and have more space to stand on which makes them better for beginners. They are harder to control around turns, but they are great for straight, downhill roads. You will also have to work hard to do any tricks!
Shorter boards are lighter, and have less room to stand on which makes them better for intermediate to advanced skaters. They have slightly less stability, but are easier to turn and comfortable to ride. Tricks are far easier on a shorter longboard!
When it comes to the width, you’ll need to know whether your feet are big or small! Small feet will benefit from a narrow deck to help them steer, while wider feet will need more space to increase stability on the board.
Durability
Your longboard should be durable and good quality to not only save you money, but also ensure your safety! Every component should be high quality, from the deck to the wheels to the trucks. Most common materials for the deck are layers of bamboo and Canadian maple, but other strong materials are available. Wheels are usually made from soft PU, and the size of the wheels will determine the comfort of the ride on different terrains.
Buying from a reputable brand will ensure your longboard is durable, but make sure you look after your board as best you can. While beginners will likely have a few tumbles, your longboard should stand the test of time if taken care of properly. See the tips below for how to keep your longboard in tip top condition.
Weight
A heavy longboard will be difficult to carry around. They’ll be harder to do tricks on but can make for a smooth and stable ride around town! If you’re planning on carrying your board round with you during the day, opt for something lightweight. The deck material, size of board and type of wheels will impact the weight of your board.
Deck Materials
Longboard decks are made from a range of materials. The most popular are maple, bamboo and carbon fiber. Maple is sturdy and durable, but lacks the flexibility of bamboo. Bamboo is very lightweight making it perfect for riding while also making your longboard more portable.
Carbon fiber is the most expensive material thanks to its foam core. Boards with a carbon fiber or fiberglass deck are very lightweight; designed for fast acceleration and easy turns. Beginners don’t need to worry too much about the deck material.
Wheel Quality
It goes without saying that your wheels should be good quality. Longboard wheels are usually made from softer materials than the wheels on skateboards, as they’re not used so often for tricks.
Most longboard wheels are around 70mm in diameter. Larger wheels will accelerate slower but have a faster top speed, while smaller wheels will have a slower top speed but more acceleration. Try not to worry too much about your wheels if you are new to the hobby. Instead buy yourself a longboard that’s stable and designed for beginners.
Weight Capacity
If you are a heavier rider, make sure you are not exceeding the max weight limit. You may need to buy a longboard specifically designed for heavier riders. Buying from a reputable brand will ensure your longboard is good quality and long-lasting.
Grip Tape
Grip tape can be bought separately if your longboard doesn’t already have it. This will help keep your feet in the same position on the board, and is great for making your ride more comfortable – as well as safer. Where possible, buy a pre-gripped board as putting on your own grip tape can be a little fiddly if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Safety
While longboarding isn’t necessarily a dangerous hobby, it can still cause a few minor injuries if you’re not careful. Longboarding at high speeds will carry a higher risk. If you’re a beginner, learn to control the board and your speed before you venture out or attempt any downhill stretches!
With longboarding, the biggest risk is being taken out by a pebble. There’s little you can do to avoid this (other than only riding on smooth surfaces), but wearing wrist guards, knee pads and elbow pads can prevent injury. Ensure you stay on top of any signs of wear and tear, a longboard in tip top condition is far less likely to run out of control.
If you are longboarding on your commute amongst other cars, a helmet is essential. Make sure you are confident and competent on the board and have mastered braking before heading out onto the roads. Stay alert, and follow road signs as if you are driving a car.
In terms of what to look for when it comes to buying the safest longboard, choose one that fits the size of your feet, that you can easily control and is comfortable to ride. Reputable brands will have longboards that stand the test of time, making them safer for longer.
FAQs
What is the difference between a longboard and a skateboard?
Longboards are very similar to skateboards, but they are not the same. Longboards generally have much bigger decks, as well as longer wheelbases. This makes them easier to get used to, making them a great option for beginners .
Longboards are specially designed for turning and cruising at higher speeds over long distances, while skateboards are great for mastering tricks. Longboards are usually easier to balance on.
How do you ride a longboard?
Find a smooth, flat surface (with no cars!) and place your longboard on the ground. If you’re a total beginner, I recommend you have someone there to hold onto until you find your balance. Place your standing foot just past the halfway point on the board.
Push off gently with your other foot trying to keep the movement smooth. As the longboard moves, place your pushing foot onto the board shoulder width apart from the front foot. Keep your knees bent to maintain control and your centre of gravity low. When you start to slow down, give the board another push, hovering over the surface of the road before smoothly pushing off.
Turn by leaning your body gently in the direction you want to go, while keeping your knees bent and your core strong. Longboards are very responsive so won’t require much to make them turn. You’ll eventually find turning very intuitive, but it may take a little practice.
How do you stop a longboard?
To brake, leave your standing foot on the board and bring your pushing foot in contact with the ground very slowly. Don’t slam your foot down or you will fall off! Gently hover your pushing foot over the ground, increasing the pressure as your start to slow down gradually.
How do you maintain your longboard?
Provided you buy from a reputable brand, your longboard should last for a while. Extend its life by maintaining the deck and wheels, and you’ll save money long term. Too much water and sun will break the deck and cause it to crack. Do not leave your longboard outside in the sun for too long or anywhere that it might get wet.
Clean your longboard by detaching the trucks, then using a brush and soapy water to brush in small circles. Then rinse off the board, using a water and sponge to rinse the bottom. Dry the longboard thoroughly with a towel, and leave to dry for another 3-4 hours before use.
Longboard wheels will eventually start to show signs of wear and tear, and these should be replaced for your own safety. Your wheels will deteriorate more on one side than another, so rotate your wheels around the board to keep their use even. Wheels are very easily replaced and should be done as soon as you notice your longboard performing differently.