Ever felt the urge to glide down a hill, wind in your hair, with a smooth, effortless ride? That feeling is exactly what a longboard skateboard promises. But stepping into the world of longboarding can feel a bit overwhelming. So many shapes, sizes, and brands – it’s easy to get lost in all the choices and wonder which one is truly right for you.
Choosing the perfect longboard isn’t just about picking the coolest looking board. It’s about finding one that fits your riding style, whether you dream of cruising around town, dancing on your board, or even tackling some downhill speed. The wrong board can make your ride bumpy and frustrating, turning that dream of gliding into a wobbly mess.
But don’t worry! This guide is here to make your longboard journey smooth and enjoyable. We’ll break down the basics, explore different types of longboards, and help you understand what makes each one special. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to pick a longboard that feels like an extension of yourself, ready for all your adventures. Let’s dive in and find your perfect ride!
Our Top 5 Longboard Skateboards Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Longboard Skateboards Detailed Reviews
1. Magneto Kicktail Cruiser Longboard Skateboard – Adult Skate for Commuting & Carving – Smooth 78A Wheels for Cruiser Skateboard – Bamboo Longboard Construction with Maple Core – 44″ x 9″
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready for some serious fun with the Magneto Kicktail Cruiser Longboard Skateboard! This board is inspired by the cool, relaxed vibe of California skaters. It’s perfect for cruising around town, hitting the beach paths, or just enjoying a smooth ride. The blue color and stylish design make it look as good as it rides. It’s built for both beginners and experienced riders, offering a versatile and enjoyable skateboarding experience for everyone.
What We Like:
- The California skater vibe brings a cool, laid-back style to your rides.
- Smooth 70mm soft urethane wheels glide over bumps, making for a super comfortable ride.
- The versatile kicktail design works for all skill levels, from beginners to pros.
- The stylish bamboo and maple deck looks great and is built to last.
- It’s an awesome alternative to biking or roller skating for all your adventures.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the sand grit finish offers grip, some riders might prefer a more aggressive grip tape for intense tricks.
- The 44″ length is great for cruising, but might feel a bit long for very tight, technical carving.
This Magneto Kicktail Cruiser is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fun, stylish, and smooth ride. It’s ready for your next adventure, whether you’re commuting or just cruising.
2. Customizable Patterns Supported， Professional-Grade All-Round Longboard，42-Inch Longboard Skateboard
Rating: 8.8/10
Ready to hit the streets with style and performance? This 42-inch all-round longboard is built for fun. Its strong, 8-layer maple deck provides a solid foundation. You can choose from cool artistic designs, like the fiery Phoenix, to make it your own. This board is great for cruising around town or carving some smooth turns.
What We Like:
- This longboard is built tough with an 8-layer maple deck and strong aluminum parts.
- The 42-inch size and 31-inch wheelbase make it easy to ride and steer.
- ABEC-11 bearings and big 70mm PU wheels give you a fast, smooth, and quiet ride.
- The non-slip surface keeps your feet planted securely for better control.
- You can pick from awesome artistic designs with waterproof prints that last.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “customizable patterns” might be limited to pre-set designs rather than fully custom options.
- While durable, it’s still a wooden deck, so care is needed to avoid excessive moisture.
This longboard offers a fantastic blend of durability, smooth riding, and personal style. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and eye-catching ride.
3. Magneto Kicktail Longboard Skateboard – 70mm 78A Wheels for Rough Road Longboard – High Profile Skateboard Deck for Stable Carving – Cruiser Board for City Commutes – 44 in x 9 in
Rating: 8.5/10
Get ready to cruise in style with the Magneto Kicktail Longboard Skateboard! This board brings the California vibe right to your feet, making it perfect for cruising and even some longboard dancing. Its cool translucent wheels and sturdy wooden deck are designed for fun and smooth rides, no matter where you go.
What We Like:
- It’s perfect for cruising and longboard dancing.
- The 70mm 78A wheels make riding over rough roads super smooth.
- The 44-inch size is great for both teens and adults.
- It has a strong wooden build with gravity cast aluminum trucks for durability.
- The sand grit finish gives you good grip.
- It’s ideal for city commutes and park adventures.
- The kicktail makes it easy to maneuver and pop tricks.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the translucent wheels look cool, they might show scratches more easily on rough surfaces.
- The “high profile deck” might take a little getting used to for riders accustomed to flatter boards.
This Magneto longboard is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a fun, versatile, and durable ride. It’s ready to take you on many adventures, from the city streets to the skate park.
4. Magneto Bamboo Pintail Longboard Skateboard – Cruiser Skateboard with 70mm 78A Wheels – Stable 8-Ply Maple Core Longboard Deck – Skate Tool for On-The-Go Adjustments – 42 in x 9 in
Rating: 8.7/10
The Magneto Hana Pintail Longboard is your ticket to California vibes and smooth cruising. This 42-inch longboard is built for fun, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skater. It looks cool with its bamboo finish and strong maple core. Get ready to roll!
What We Like:
- It gives you a relaxed, surf-like feel, perfect for cruising.
- The 42-inch board looks awesome with its bamboo and maple layers. Laser-etched graphics add to its cool style.
- The classic pintail shape has wheel wells to stop the wheels from rubbing. It’s a comfy 9.5 inches wide, and the subtle curve keeps your feet in place.
- The 70mm 78A wheels roll super smooth over bumps and cracks. You’ll have a buttery ride everywhere you go.
- This longboard is ready for any adventure. It’s great for riding on bike paths or along the beach.
- It comes with a skate tool so you can make adjustments easily while you’re out and about.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s designed for beginners, some advanced riders might want a deck with more aggressive concave or features for tricks.
The Magneto Hana Pintail Longboard offers a fantastic ride for enjoying sunny days and exploring your surroundings. Grab yours and start your next adventure!
5. Magneto Drop-Through Longboard Skateboard – 8-Ply Maple Deck Adult Longboard – 100mm All-Terrain Wheels Off-Road Skateboard – Low-Rider Deck Cruiser Board Maneuverability – 40 in x 9.25 in
Rating: 9.1/10
The Magneto Drop-Through Longboard Skateboard is built for fun and adventure. Skaters in California designed it. It’s made for both relaxed rides and exciting downhill trips. This board offers a smooth ride on many different surfaces.
What We Like:
- The 40-inch drop-through deck makes riding easy and stable.
- Big 100mm all-terrain wheels handle sidewalks and off-road paths smoothly.
- It gives a surf-like feeling, making it exciting to ride.
- The board is ready for land paddling, adding more ways to have fun.
- It has a strong 8-ply maple wood deck with a good grip.
- A skate tool is included for easy adjustments.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for general cruising, advanced downhill riders might want more specialized features.
- The natural wood finish, while attractive, might show scratches over time with heavy use.
This longboard is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a versatile and enjoyable ride. Get ready to cruise, carve, and explore with the Magneto Glider.
Choosing Your Perfect Longboard: A Beginner’s Guide
Longboards are awesome! They are like skateboards but longer and smoother. You can cruise around town, ride down hills, or even do some cool tricks. Picking the right longboard can seem tricky at first, but this guide will help you find the perfect one.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at longboards, notice these important parts:
Deck Shape
- Pintail: This shape is like a surfboard. It’s wide at the front and tapers to a point at the back. Pintails are great for cruising and carving (making smooth turns).
- Drop-Through: The trucks (the metal parts that hold the wheels) are mounted through the deck. This makes the board lower to the ground, which is easier for pushing and more stable for downhill riding.
- Symmetrical: These boards look the same front to back. They are good for freestyle riding and tricks because you can ride them switch (with your other foot forward).
- Kicktail: Some longboards have a curved-up tail, like a regular skateboard. This helps you pop the board and do tricks like manuals (riding on the back wheels).
Deck Size
- Longer decks (40 inches and up) are more stable and great for cruising and downhill.
- Shorter decks (around 35-40 inches) are more nimble and easier to maneuver for carving and tricks.
Flex
- Stiff decks are better for downhill and speed. They don’t wobble much.
- Flexible decks are more comfortable for cruising and carving. They absorb bumps and feel more like surfing on land.
Important Materials
The materials used in a longboard affect how it rides.
Deck Materials
- Maple Wood: This is the most common material. It’s strong and gives a good feel. Most longboards use multiple layers of maple pressed together.
- Bamboo: Bamboo is lighter and more flexible than maple. Boards made with bamboo often have a nice “pop” and a springy feel.
- Fiberglass or Carbon Fiber: These materials are often added to decks to make them stronger and lighter, or to give them a specific flex.
Trucks
- Trucks are usually made of strong aluminum.
- Look for reverse kingpin (RKP) trucks. They are wider and allow for deeper turns, perfect for longboards.
Wheels
- Wheels are made of polyurethane.
- Size: Bigger wheels roll over cracks and bumps easier, making them good for cruising. Smaller wheels are lighter and better for tricks.
- Hardness (Durometer): Softer wheels (78a-85a) grip the road better and provide a smoother ride. Harder wheels (90a and up) slide easier, which is good for tricks.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good longboards are built with care.
What Makes a Longboard Great?
- Solid Construction: The deck should be well-made with no cracks or weak spots.
- Smooth Bearings: Bearings are inside the wheels and make them spin. Good bearings spin fast and long.
- Responsive Trucks: Trucks that turn smoothly and predictably make riding fun.
- Quality Wheels: Wheels that match your riding style will make a big difference.
What Can Lower Quality?
- Cheap Materials: Using weaker wood or plastic can make a board break easily.
- Poor Bearings: Bearings that don’t spin well make the board feel slow and sluggish.
- Wobbly Trucks: Trucks that are too loose or poorly made can feel unstable.
- Cracked Deck: A deck with cracks is unsafe.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who rides longboards and why?
Cruising
Many people use longboards just to get around. They are great for riding to the park, to a friend’s house, or just for a relaxing ride. The long wheelbase makes them stable, and the bigger, softer wheels handle rough pavement well.
Downhill
Some longboarders love speed! They ride down hills, reaching high speeds. For this, stiff, stable decks and good brakes (on the rider!) are important. Drop-through decks are popular here because they lower the center of gravity.
Carving
Carving is like surfing on pavement. You make smooth, flowing turns. Long, flexible decks with responsive trucks are perfect for this. Pintail shapes are also excellent for carving.
Freestyle and Tricks
While not as common as with regular skateboards, some longboards are designed for tricks. Symmetrical decks with kicktails allow riders to do ollies, manuals, and other flip tricks.
Longboard FAQs
Q: What is the best longboard for beginners?
A: For beginners, a long pintail or a drop-through longboard around 38-42 inches long is a great choice. These are stable and easy to push. Look for softer wheels (around 78a) for a smooth ride.
Q: How do I choose the right wheel size and hardness?
A: For cruising and rough roads, choose larger (65mm+) and softer (78a-85a) wheels. For tricks and smooth surfaces, smaller (54-60mm) and harder (90a+) wheels are better.
Q: How important is the flex of the deck?
A: Flex is important for comfort and riding style. Stiffer decks are better for speed and downhill. More flexible decks are more comfortable for cruising and carving because they absorb vibrations.
Q: Can I use a longboard for transportation?
A: Yes! Longboards are excellent for transportation. They are stable and can cover distances easily. Just make sure to follow local laws about skateboarding.
Q: What’s the difference between a longboard and a regular skateboard?
A: Longboards are longer and wider than regular skateboards. They have different deck shapes and truck setups. Longboards are generally used for cruising, carving, and downhill, while regular skateboards are for tricks.
Q: How do I maintain my longboard?
A: Keep your bearings clean and lubricated. Check your trucks and tighten or loosen them as needed. Keep the deck clean and dry. Inspect your wheels for wear and tear.
Q: Are longboards safe?
A: Like any wheeled sport, longboarding has risks. Always wear protective gear like a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads. Start slow and practice in safe areas.
Q: What does “durometer” mean for wheels?
A: Durometer is a measure of how hard a wheel is. It’s usually shown as a number followed by an “a” (like 78a or 99a). Lower numbers mean softer wheels, and higher numbers mean harder wheels.
Q: Can I change the trucks on my longboard?
A: Yes, you can change the trucks. Different trucks will change how your longboard turns and feels. Make sure the new trucks fit the bolt pattern on your deck.
Q: What should I do if my longboard feels wobbly?
A: If your longboard feels wobbly, you can tighten the kingpin nut on your trucks. This adjusts how easily the board turns. Make small adjustments and test ride until it feels right.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.