If you’re interested in trying longboarding, you’re in the right place. Use this handy guide to help you find the best longboard for you, so that you can enjoy the sport and get the most out of its benefits at the same time.
Best Longboards in Each Category
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Best Overall: VOLADOR 42-inch Freeride Longboard Complete Cruiser
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Best for Beginners: Playshion 39-inch Longboard Skateboard Cruiser
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Best Electric Longboard: Blitzart Hurricane 38-inch Electric Longboard
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Best for Cruising: Restrospec Zed Longboard Pintail
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Best for Carving: PINESKY 41-inch Longboard
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Best Budget: Fish Skateboards Complete Cruiser Freestyle Longboard
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Best for Drop Through: M Merkapa 41-inch Drop Through Longboard
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Best for Downhill: Atom Drop Through 41 Inch
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Best Freestyle Longboard: Krown Freestyle Elite
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Best Longboard for Tricks: Landyachtz ATV Longboard
Best Overall: VOLADOR 42-inch Freeride Longboard Complete Cruiser
DECK: 42 inches long, 9 inches wide, made from 8-ply Hard Rock maple.
TRUCKS: 7-inch reverse kingpin trucks.
WHEELS: 78A PU wheels.
BEARINGS: ABEC-9. bearings
The wide deck and lightweight materials make this the overall best longboard for beginners and experts.
It’s durable, but easy to maneuver and the large wheels provide a comfortable ride and are ideal for cruising.
The concave shape of the board minimizes wheel bite and the precision bearings are ideal for turning and carving.
This longboard gets its rank as best overall because it’s suited to a variety of riding styles, is affordable and has several options for graphics so you can customize it to your preferences.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, the smooth ride offered by the VOLADOR 42-inch Freeride Longboard Complete Cruiser is sure to please.
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Best for Beginners: Playshion 39-inch Longboard Skateboard Cruiser
DECK: 39 inches long, 9 inches wide, maple hardwood.
TRUCKS: 7-inch aluminum trucks.
WHEELS: 70 x 51mm PU wheels.
BEARINGS: ABEC-9 bearings.
Because its length is closer to that of a traditional skateboard, this is an ideal choice for anyone who is new to the sport of longboarding.
It’s designed for cruising with its low height, which offers more stability.
The compact design also makes it easy to take along on the go and provides optimal stability for new riders.
Because it’s designed for beginner longboarders, the board isn’t a good choice for downhill skating or for speed skating.
It’s created to be durable so new skaters can count on it as they master the skills and learn to balance and perform tricks.
looking for more options as a beginner longboarder? See our best longboards for beginners list.
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Best Electric Longboard: Blitzart Hurricane 38-inch Electric Longboard
RANGE: 6-10 miles
SPEED: A max speed of up to 19 MPH
BATTERY: Secured 36V, 4.0AH and 144Wh Lithium-Ion battery, which can be fully charged within 3 hours.
DECK: 38 inches long, 7 inches wide, bamboo and maple.
TRUCKS: Reverse kingpin trucks.
WHEELS: 3.5-inch wheels.
Made from bamboo and maple materials, the Blitzart Hurricane 38-inch electric longboard is a solid choice for anyone who wants to try an electric longboard.
Capable of reaching speeds of 19 mph and with a load capacity of 250 pounds, it can accommodate riders of many ages and sizes.
The hub motor is attached and comes with a wireless remote control for easy operation.
A fully charged battery offers 10 hours of riding time and the concave shape allows for easy movement during a ride.
There are also two-speed modes, so this option is great for beginners and experts alike.
Looking for more options? Check out our best electric longboards list.
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Best for Cruising: Restrospec Zed Longboard Pintail
DECK: 44 inches long, 9.5 inches wide, Canadian maple and bamboo
TRUCKS: 7-inch aluminum trucks.
WHEELS: 85 PU wheels with a rock finish.
BEARINGS: ABEC-7 bearings
This is a great board for cruising, with its length and width making it easy to control as you ride.
The wider deck is ideal for comfort and stability as you go long distances and the durable materials are designed for any kind of weather.
The pintail makes it easy to steer, no matter where you’re riding and gives the board a cool retro feel.
The wheels and trucks make for a smooth ride, making this a great board for cruising and commuting.
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Best for Carving: PINESKY 41-inch Longboard
DECK: 41 inches long, 9.5 inches wide, natural maple.
TRUCKS: 8-inch aluminum truck.
WHEELS: 70x51mm high elastic PU wheels with 80a hardness
BEARINGS: ABEC-11 chrome steel bearings
With a lower center, this longboard allows for a more secure grip and a lower center of gravity. That results in a more stable and consistent ride.
The drop-down shape also maximizes push power without wheel bite.
The grip tape improves traction, making it ideal for carving.
With the wider than average deck, you have optimal balance and control.
Because carving requires turning, the board also features large, soft wheels as well as responsive trucks for optimal control.
This board was built for speed so it’s a great option for carving but is also ideal for riding downhills and speed skating. The durable maple materials can withstand daily use and will hold up in all kinds of weather.
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Best Budget: Fish Skateboards Complete Cruiser Freestyle Longboard
DECK: 41 inches long, 9 inches wide, Canadian maple.
TRUCKS: 7-inch aluminum trucks.
WHEELS: HR82A anti-shock PU wheels.
BEARINGS: ABEC-9 chrome bearings.
Whether you’re new to longboarding or not, it’s always nice to find a quality board at an affordable price.
The Fish Longboard is durable so you ride it for years, but it’s also lightweight so it’s easy to take with you on the go.
The drop-through design offers a smooth ride that is enhanced by the shot-absorbing wheels and high-speed bearings.
This board is built for freestyle and speed riding and is a great choice for hills and skateparks, as well as cruising and commuting.
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Best for Drop Through: M Merkapa 41-inch Drop Through Longboard
DECK: 41 inches long, 9 inches wide, Hard Rock maple.
TRUCKS: 7-inch drop-through trucks.
WHEELS: 70mm PU wheels.
BEARINGS: ABEC-9 stainless steel bearings
Drop through mounting on a longboard helps lower your center of gravity so you have more stability as you ride.
It’s great for beginners, but it’s also ideal for anyone who wants to ride.
This board was designed for cruising and for newbies learning the techniques for riding. But because it’s so stable, it’s also the ideal choice for downhill skating.
It’s made from Hard Rock maple so it’s also sturdy and reliable.
If you want to get some speed and learn the tricks of longboarding, this drop-through version is the perfect way to do so.
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Best for Downhill: Atom Drop Through 41 Inch
DECK: 41 inches long, 9.5 inches wide, maple
TRUCKS: Reverse kingpin trucks
WHEELS: 78A wheels.
BEARINGS: ABEC – 9 bearings
As the name implies, downhill skating is simply riding your board down a hill at the highest speed you can reach.
For that to be done effectively (and as safely as possible), you need the right board.
This option offers you plenty of control and since it’s a drop-through board, you also get additional stability on hills.
The grip on the deck offers extra hold so you can stay in control at high speeds.
The larger cutouts cut back on wheel bite and the high rebound wheels are ideal for a smooth ride. This board is also designed for tricks, carving and cruising.
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Best Freestyle Longboard: Krown Freestyle Elite
DECK: 36 inches long, 9 inches wide, Canadian maple
TRUCKS: Kingpin trucks
WHEELS: 78A polyurethane wheels
BEARINGS: Krow bearings
Freestyle longboarding is what you might see at a skatepark.
It’s mainly done on flat ground and involves dodging obstacles or using them for tricks. That might be a railing or street curb.
The soft bushings and sturdy trucks combine to create a board that’s also ideal for cruising.
The shorter board length makes it easy to make tight turns and move in small areas.
Drop through mounting offers more stability and makes it easier to push the board.
This one is ideal for beginners but is also a top choice for expert riders.
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Best Longboard for Tricks: Landyachtz ATV Longboard
DECK: 32 inches long, 9 inches wide, Canadian maple
TRUCKS: 155mm Bear trucks
WHEELS: 78A wheels
BEARINGS: Bones Red
Because this longboard is shorter than the average board and has a slightly tapered design, it’s ideal for trick skating.
While it may look closer to a traditional street board, the bearings are what set it apart. They make it easy to maneuver for a huge array of tricks, including ollies, handrails and flips.
In addition, the board is the ideal choice for cruising and commuting, offering a smooth ride and fast speeds. Lightweight materials also make this board easy to use for tricks and the board is easy to take on the go.
It’s durable and attractive so you’ll always love hitting the skatepark with this board.
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Helmet and Protective Gear for Longboarding
You’ve got your board, but that’s not all you need for a good ride. For safety sake, you should also have the right protective gear to help reduce the risk of injury while you skate. Make sure you have the following gear:
- Helmet – If you fall, this can prevent a devastating head injury.
A half shell or bucket helmet is ideal for basic protection during cruising, street skating and freestyle skating.
A full-face helmet covers the entire head and face and has a removable visor. This option is best for downhill skating and longboard events. Look for those with EPS foam and ABS molding. Some great brands include Triple 8 and Fox Head. - Knee and elbow pads – can help keep you from getting scraped up if you fall, but also help prevent the risk of breaks, sprains and fractures.
- Sliding gloves – many styles of longboarding involve sliding and having a pair of sliding gloves is a simple way to protect yourself from road rash and other injuries.
- Wrist guards – a pair of wrist guards does double duty. They’ll help keep you from getting scraped up while you skate, but they can also protect you from broken bones, sprains and strains if you fall and catch yourself with your hands.
- Hip pads – nothing will stop you from longboarding faster than a hip injury. Hip pads offer cushioning when you fall, helping reduce the risk of getting hurt. They also make for a softer landing purely for comfort reasons.
- The right shoes – They’ll give you control over your board and stabilize your feet and ankles as you ride. Look for a pair of dedicated skater shoes for the best ride.
Board Shapes
When you choose your longboard, you have a range of shapes to choose from. The one you decide upon should be based on what you plan to do with the board – cruise, downhill skate or do tricks, for example. Consider your personal preferences as well, which ensures that you get a board that you enjoy riding. As you get into the sport, you may build up a collection of boards of different shapes and styles but you should know the basics of each type when you first begin.
- Pintail boards – this is the most popular choice for beginners and features a tapered design that gets narrower at the back end. It’s ideal for cruising and learning basic tricks.
- Kicktail boards – similar to the pintail, a kicktail board has a bit of a concave design that gives the rider more control and makes it easier to kick up without bending over. taper at the ends for tricks and for lifting one end, while concave decks are ideal for more grip, such as for speed skating. Wheel cutouts help prevent your wheels from touching the deck, making them ideal for carving and turning.
- Fishtail – The back end of this board is notched like a fishtail, hence the name. It has a steeper concave than the fishtail, allowing for a greater level of control. This one is ideal for speed and carving.
- Drop Through – With cutouts at both ends, the trucks can be mounted on top of the board so it’s closer to the ground. This offers more stability and control, even at high speeds.
- Drop Down – This style lowers the center of gravity even more than a drop-through board, making it the best choice for downhill skating.
- Double Drop – A combination of drop through and drop down, this board offers the most stability and is usually dedicated solely to downhill skating.
- Cruiser – As the name implies, this board is your best choice for cruising. It features a shorter length and can also be used for carving.
- Skateboard – this is the best board for skateparks and features a flip kick at both ends and is shorter than the average longboard.
- Symmetrical top mount – the design of this board is great for precise steering and can go in either direction without turning the board around. These boards have a concave design and are a bit higher than a drop-through board.
Board Size and Length
This refers to the width and length of the longboard. The traditional measurements are 42 inches long and 9 inches wide. However, your height plays a big role in the size you choose. For example, someone who is under 5’10” will be better off with a shorter board than someone who is taller. The length of the board plays a part in turning and control of the board so be sure you try out a few options to find the longboard size best suited to your riding style.
Board Styles
Directional longboards are designed primarily for forward movement, while twin longboards are symmetrical on both sides and can go in either direction.
Top mount boards are the most common and are very easy to find. The deck on these is mounted above the trucks, which makes them higher than other longboards. That makes top mount boards the most versatile and you can choose them for cruising, tricks, commuting, carving, freestyle and downhill skating.
Drop through boards are designed for extra stability and have a lower deck height.
Drop deck boards are those where your feet are lower than the trucks and double drop boards take that even lower.
Longboard Wheels
Your wheels are pretty important when you’re longboarding. After all, they offer control, speed and safety. Choosing the right wheels depends on the board you choose. In most cases, you should always choose your board before you decide which wheels it needs. The most common size is 70mm, though longboard wheels range in size from 64 – 80mm.
Whatever wheel size you choose, make sure you pay attention to wheel bite so they don’t get snagged on your deck. Smaller wheels have more acceleration, but lower top speeds, while larger wheels are a bit slower to get going but are great for speed skating. Wider wheels offer more grip but aren’t as ideal for carving and abrupt turns. Narrower wheels are a good choice for freestyle skating.
Longboard Trucks
Many times, a longboard comes with the trucks, but as you advance in the sport or try various aspects of it, you’ll likely find that you prefer certain trucks over others. The trucks are made of metal and attach to the underside of the board and the wheels.
Most longboard trucks are 150mm or 180mm.
They are not the same size as the trucks found on traditional skateboards and can’t be used interchangeably. Longboards that are 9 inches wide should have trucks that are 180mm.
Our Top 5 Most Popular Longboard Brands
Landyachtz
This is the most widely known brand of longboards across the world. Since 2007, the brand has been offering riders top-quality boards, while also evolving as the sport changes, providing innovation with each longboard they sell. They offer boards for any rider, from beginner to pro. Their range of boards can be used for everything from cruising to downhill skating. Their boards feature top-name wheels and trucks and are the choice of many expert skaters. Landyachtz appears at many skating events and sponsors some of the biggest names in longboarding. If you want a board you can rely on, this is the best longboard brand to choose.
Rayne
Rayne decks are primarily made from bamboo and fiberglass so you know you’re getting something sturdy that also looks great. Their unique design style sets them apart from the rest and you’ll likely recognize a Rayne longboard because of the personality they lend to the sport. Pro skaters will often say they can tell a Rayne board simply by standing on it. The brand focuses on freeride and downhill skating, but they also offer other boards for tricks and cruising. Rayne is also the brand you want for rare boards and one-of-a-kind designs.
Loaded
This brand works with many pro skaters and their longboards are ideal for dancing and freestyle. If you’re looking for a trick board, Loaded is the best option for most riders. The brand is great at matching the perfect board to each skater and you’re sure to find the specs and look that you want for the street or the skatepark. As one of the biggest names in the industry, you can count on Loaded for exactly what you want.
Earthwing
You may not have heard of this small brand, but they are known for offering the best products for the price. Since the 1990s, Earthwing has prided itself on selling affordable longboards for riders of all types and skill levels. With a slogan that states, “you deserve more,” you can expect to find top-quality decks, trucks and wheels, as well as boards that look awesome and ride well. Earthwing boards are ideal for downhill or freeride skating and are durable and fun to ride.
Comet
If you’re looking for one of the most durable skateboards out there, a Comet should top your list. Comet uses top-notch presses to create decks that withstand whatever kind of skating you like best. Not only do they make their own wood glue, but the brand is also committed to putting outboards made in an environmentally friendly manner. When it comes to the little details that set a longboard apart from what else is out there, you can’t go wrong with a Comet.
Which Type of Longboards is Best for Beginners?
With so many longboards on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one, especially if you’re new to the sport. The best advice we can offer is to try out a variety of boards. Most skate shops will allow you to test their boards so you can get a feel for what different sizes and types of longboards feel like when you ride.
Cruiser boards are a great place to start because you can learn the techniques for staying stable and moving around on the board. You might want to start with a lower-priced board and then upgrade when you are more comfortable with riding a longboard.
What do Beginner Longboarders Need to Know?
We’ve already discussed having the right board if you’re a beginner longboarder. But there’s more to it than that. Practicing your stance and learning to balance are key to being a successful longboarder. This will take patience and practice so don’t expect to grab your board and start doing tricks right off the bat.
Before you go to the skatepark, take some time to become familiar with your board and what you can make it do. This reduces the risk of getting hurt, but it also increases the likelihood that you’ll enjoy riding.
Remember to wear your protective gear to keep you safe if you fall off your board.
Benefits of Longboards
Longboards are great for the many reasons discussed here – they are fun to ride, they offer lots of chances to skate in a variety of styles, and they’re a great way for beginners to get started. That’s not all they’re good for though. Longboarding offers a wealth of benefits that you can take advantage of every time you ride, including:
- It burns calories and works the muscles in your core and lower body.
- Cardio and strength training supports a healthy heart and brain and helps you stay physically active to prevent a wide range of health problems.
- You’ll enhance your balance.
- Longboarding may even help you get more and better sleep. If you’ve been looking for a fun way to get active, longboarding is certainly a great choice.
Riding Styles of Longboards
You’ve read a bit about the many styles of riding a longboard, but this section will provide a bit more information on each.
- Cruising is the most common and the name describes it well. It’s simply moving around on the board, usually on flat ground, from place to place.
- Freestyle involves doing tricks with the board and is a matter of trying new things, based on your skills and comfort level.
- Freeride refers to downhill skating, but involves tricks, carving and turning along the way.
- Downhill boarding, also called bombing, is for expert skaters and involves lots of speed, combined with carving and drifting. It can be dangerous and isn’t recommended for beginners or anyone who isn’t wearing proper protective gear.
- Transportation purposes allow you to get around on your longboard. It’s often faster than biking and keeps you from getting stuck in traffic.
- Carving is a riding technique that allows you to slow down, pump and turn. It’s often combined with cruising.
- Dancing refers to the art of doing tricks on your longboard. This takes some practice as balancing will be important to getting it right.
- Slalom is a riding style that focuses on speed. You’ll carve between cones or other obstacles as you ride downhill. Sometimes it involves dodging obstacles while cruising on your longboard.
What’s the Difference Between Longboarding and Skateboarding
Besides the obvious difference of board size, there’s a bit of difference between longboards and skateboards.
- Longboards often have softer wheels conducive to cruising, while skateboards have harder wheels designed for doing tricks and grinding.
- Longboards are great for higher speeds since their trucks are created for stability.
- Go with a skateboard if you want to perform technical and advanced tricks.
- Longboards are better for distance riding, while skateboards are better for short-distance rides.
- In general, learning to ride a longboard is easier so that’s something to keep in mind too.
Other Boards Worth Considering
- Magneto Bamboo Longboard – If you’re looking to splurge on a really great longboard, this is the one for you. It has a concave deck, cut-out wheels, soft wheels and a great look. It’s ideal for long rides and offers lots of stability.
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Kryptonics Mini Cutaway Cruiser Board – This board is a great choice for kids. Its compact design is perfect for smaller bodies and offers the chance to learn the sport with a size-appropriate board. It features soft wheels, sturdy grip tape and riser pads.
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Junli Freeride Skateboard – This one is ideal for anyone planning to use their longboard for commuting. It’s designed with long rides in mind and boasts a grippy deck, cutout wheels, smooth wheels and a long wheelbase so you can count on the stability you need to ride long distances.
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Globe the All-Time – Despite its lower than average price, this brand offers top-quality longboard parts to create a durable and good-looking board for every rider. They’ve been around since 1985 and have been producing top-notch boards since then. This one features a shorter length that optimizes maneuverability and speed.
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Landyachtz Ripper Postcard – In addition to its cool name, this is the board you want if speed is your ultimate goal. The flexible and lightweight construction brings to mind a surfboard and features responsive trucks and soft wheels. It’s great for cruising and downhill skating.
Final Words
Longboarding is a fun sport that also offers great fun, a challenge and health benefits. It appeals to skaters of all ages, there are loads of places to do it and it’s an activity that can be done alone or in a social group. The boarding community is a special group to be part of.
With so many boards to choose from it’s not hard to find the perfect one for your needs. Longboarding is a fantastic hobby since it provides hours of entertainment, the opportunity to improve all the time, and the added benefit of exercise and fresh air. Combined, you can count on this sport to help you stay active and healthy, boost your mental wellness and simply enjoy yourself.
If you’re a beginner, finding the right longboard is essential to your success. Not only will it help you develop the skills necessary to become adept at longboarding, but the right board also keeps you safe as you practice.
Of utmost importance is learning about the sport. That allows you to have an understanding of what your body will need to do during a ride. This influences the longboard you choose. The first thing you should know is longboarding is a type of skateboarding, but it uses a longer, narrower board. They tend to be flatter than traditional skateboards and feature softer wheels.
Longboards come in a wide range of sizes, styles and shapes and most experts will suggest trying out several before making a selection. Another factor to consider is whether you’ll be using the longboard for cruising, curving or doing tricks (or all three if you prefer). Many experts will suggest a cruiser board for beginners to the sport. Again, the trick is to test out a few options to find what is best suited to your needs and your style of riding. The sooner you pick out a board, the sooner you can get started. Get ready to have some fun!