The Best Longboard Skateboards
These days, it seems that skateboards demand almost as much road space as bikes and cars do. For this, we can thank longboards - the longer and more stable cousin to original skateboards. For speed demons looking for that perfect downhill ride, dancers looking to master the latest tricks, or anyone just trying to get to work a bit faster without breaking a sweat, longboards are the future of cool cruising capabilities. While it may seem difficult to carve your way into this world, here we've done the research to help you choose the best boards for all your shreddin' needs.
Magneto 44″ Kicktail Cruiser Longboard
A Smooth and Stable Classic.
Carving and cruising around town is a breeze on this extremely sturdy, concave board. With soft wheels for extra grip on windy roads or unexpected moments, the Magneto Kicktail Cruiser makes sure that every ride is a smooth one. At the same time, the classic kicktail shape makes the longboard easy to maneuver for pivots and simple tricks. The gritted wood top offers further stability compared to traditional grip tape options while still showing off the beauty of the natural bamboo design. Fully assembled in the box upon arrival, the Magneto 44″ Kicktail Cruiser Longboard will quickly become your go-to travel companion.
Pros:
- Sand grit finish
- 78A soft urethane wheels
- Durable, aluminum trucks
- Great cost value
Cons:
- Board is slightly stiff so it offers less flexibility
- Bearings may need to be eventually replaced or upgraded
VOLADOR 42″ Freeride Longboard
Made for More Movement.
A maneuverable longboard means many things. It means that beginners can enjoy stability (and with a length of 42″, this is one stable board) while more seasoned boarders can still dance and freestyle to their heart’s content. The Volador Freeride offers a symmetrical design that’s perfect for mastering slides and curb hops. And freeriding enthusiasts will love the board control and speed that this option offers. The maneuverability extends even further, too, as the board is lightweight and easy to carry on all your shreddin’ adventures.
Pros:
- Extremely grippy grip tape
- Adjustable aluminum trucks
- Great turn radius
- Available in a wide selection of graphics
Cons:
- Bearings may need tightening or greasing
White Wave Bamboo Longboard
Your Board, Your Choice.
White Wave Longboards are all about style – your style, that is. Choose from 12 different board designs like the Cruiser, the Shocker, or the Warrior. Each board design offers a slightly different ride style. But no matter which model you go with, each board from White Wave is constructed from a mixed combo of Bamboo and Canadian Maple. These sturdy boards offer just enough flex to ensure a smooth ride. Their clear spray grip tape promises you’ll never lose your stance while still letting you show off the natural look of the board. Each board is designed to give you what you need, whether you’re looking for a stable board for an occasional comfortable cruise or you want a lean, mean carving machine.
Pros:
- Heat-pressed graphics for longer life
- Wide aluminum trucks
- 70 mm x 50 mm larger wheel size
Cons:
- Squeaky bushings on some models may need silicone lubricant
WHOME 31″ Pro Small Longboard
Start Small and Safe.
While a shorter board usually means less stability for inexperienced longboarders, we’ve found that kids or teenagers often try to get their footing on boards that are much too big for them. As a result, transitioning to smaller, more maneuverable boards later becomes a challenge. For this reason, we recommend the WHOME 31″ Pro Small Longboard for younger beginners who will benefit from a board size more akin to their own small statures. And as their experience and skills grow, the board size remains the same, offering them more versatility for tricks and more advanced moves.
Pros:
- Choice of three board graphics
- 80A wheels for tighter control of grip and speed
- Comes with a T-tool for truck adjustment
- Relatively affordable first-time board
Cons:
- Higher than usual pressure needs to be applied to carve the board
MBS All-Terrain Longboard
No Regrets for Rough Riding.
As free and careless as longboarders may appear when they’re cruising past you on a warm afternoon, any seasoned rider knows that underneath that cool exterior is a deep awareness of the best friend and also worst enemy of any rider: the ground. It’s extraordinary the effect that tiny rocks and debris can have when your whole body is being supported by a small slab of wood on wheels. MBS Europe considered this when designing their All-Terrain Longboard. With large treaded wheels and a drop deck for added stability on rough roads, this sturdy monster of a board is well worth the premium price.
Pros:
- 100mm treaded wheels made of 78A soft urethane
- Rubber shielded bearings
- Easy to turn and carve
Cons:
- Grip tape can chip off over time
- Heavier board
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I choose a longboard over a skateboard? What’s the difference between the two?
Longboards may offer a smoother and more comfortable ride when compared to regular skateboards. Here are some of the main differences between the two: Longboards tend to have an average length of 33-60 inches, while skateboards are generally 28-32 inches in length. And while skateboards have a standard shape, longboards come in all shapes and sizes. Longboard wheels also tend to be softer and bigger and sit on wider trucks to allow for more stable, longer riding.
What protective gear should I invest in before I ride and slide?
As with biking and skateboarding, a helmet and elbow/knee pads are imperative to protect your noggin and joints for those first few days of practice. Once you loosen up a bit and start exploring more advanced techniques such as sliding, drifting, dancing, and going faster downhill, slide gloves will be your best friend – protecting your hands and enabling more controlled movement.
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