The Best Longboards for Cruising

The longboard is an entirely different beast than your everyday street board or mini cruiser. They’re wider, longer, and capable of picking up speeds much faster than either of the previously mentioned boards. That’s why they continue to be so popular among the skating and curious masses. If you’re in the market for a brand new longboard, here are a few options that we recommend.

What to Look for in Your Longboard

Consider these factors when making your longboard purchase:

• Board Span: As its name would suggest, a longboard is long—shocker. Of course, there are varying degrees of length you as a rider can appreciate. There are “short” longboards that youth and beginners would benefit from learning with. Then there are your full-sized standards, which typically run just under 4 feet long. Consider your experience and which size will play to your skills on a cruise.
• Operations: A good longboard should be ready to ride from the jump. That means looking to trusted side features to keep your board’s overall operation close to its peak. You can always modify it to your liking if you’re up to it, but it’s important to buy with immediate greatness in mind. Look into boards with perks like above-standard bearings, lightweight trucks, and a sturdy deck.
• Design: There’s a big market out there for longboards, so you can search assured knowing that there are plenty of design choices to choose from. After all, it’s your deck. Find the board that speaks to your skating style.

Best Overall: Retrospec Zed Bamboo Longboard

Offering an evocation of classic, makeshift longboards that once sped through the streets of Hawaii, Retrospec Zed’s Bamboo Longboard nails the homage and quality. This is a 44-Inch artisan longboard made from trusted materials, like sustainably sourced bamboo and 8-ply Canadian maple. This hardened construction is strong and sturdy yet flexible when necessary. It also features a lightweight pair of 7-inch aluminum trucks, precision ABEC-7 bearings, and smooth 70-mm wheels. If you’re looking for a board that captures the Californian feel, look no further.

Best for Beginners: WHOME Longboard

While other longboards appreciate the simplicity of a blank slate, this youth-friendly longboard from WHOME offers an easy cruise with three wildly bold design options. Roughly a foot shorter than most adult-sized longboards, this is a 31-inch maple deck, eight-layer alpine board that’s perfect for beginners to learn how to cruise, commute, and freestyle. It features a speedy set of chrome steel ABEC-9 bearings and premium OS780 Grip Tape for a better ride each time you step onto the board.

Best Electric Option: Hiboy S22 Electric Skateboard

For the modern skater, there’s something far more exciting than top-of-the-line bearings or clear acrylic boards. With Hiboy’s S22 Electric Skateboard, you can ride for miles at a time without having to kick once. This longboard features a 350-watt dual hub motor that can achieve speeds up to 18.5 mph before needing a recharge within a range of 13 miles. In addition to its unique cruise control setting, this board also offers riders the ability to swap motors as they please; however, each motor has immense lasting power, so you’re more likely to change into a new set of polyurethane wheels before the motor gives out.

Also Great: Quest ‘Super Cruiser’

Another classic, full-sized design from a brand that ensures 100% ingenuity, the Quest ‘Super Cruiser’ offers users an authentic Californian cruise. All 44 inches of this highly detailed, carefully shaped longboard are constructed from multi-ply hardwood maple and artisan bamboo. It features ABEC-7 speed bearings, 7-inch aluminum trucks, and a promise: its better components, exciting art, and hands-on design approach will ensure the optimal riding experience.