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Ultimate Review of the Best Longboard For Commuting In 2023

Best Longboard For Commuting

With a world looking to make commutes more environmentally-friendly, people are increasingly turning to non-traditional ways of moving around.

Nowadays, Personal Mobility Devices (PMD) are a popular way to get around town or even commute to work.

Bicycles are by far the most popular PMDs in the market. But if you value portability and convenience, you may need something more compact and efficient such as a longboard, skateboard, or hoverboard.

Today, we’re going to focus our attention on longboards.

Traditionally, longboards were seen as a fun way to cruise around town and simply enjoy the moment.

But today, it’s no longer about sports and fun as many people now use longboards to commute to and from work.

Fun, fast, and convenient, longboard’s smaller traffic-avoiding size lets you circumvent traffic gridlock and get you from point A to point B quickly.

This is not to mention they’re far easier to store as opposed to all that time spent trying to find a good parking spot for your car.

In addition to other numerous benefits, using a longboard for commuting helps you work the core muscles of your lower body as a form of exercise, improving your overall balance.

Of course, you only get the full benefits of the best longboard for commuting when you choose the right ride.

For instance, a carving or dancing longboard might not be the best pick for your daily commutes.

In addition, you also have to think of the specific longboard-commute components such as wheels, trucks, bearings, deck, and so much more!

But you don’t have to worry.

We’ve prepared a comprehensive guide outlining everything you need to know about selecting the best longboard for commuting.

We’ve also thrown in five of our popular models, which you think you might be interested in.

Quick Comparison Table!

Loaded Boards Tan Tien

4.8

4.8/5
Landyachtz Dinghy 28″

4.6

4.6/5
Volador 40inch Maple Longboard

4.5

4.5/5
Loaded Boards Icarus Bamboo Longboard Skateboard

4.3

4.3/5
Sector 9 Mini Lookout

4.0

4/5

Top 5 Longboards for Commuting For The Money

Top 5 Longboards for Commuting For The Money

#1 Loaded Boards Tan Tien - All-around Option

4.7/5
4.2/5
4.8/5

Loaded Boards have proven time and time again that their primary concern is providing their customers with a longboard that allows them to push their limits to new levels.

Proof of this can be seen when you look at the Loaded Tan Tien.

The Loaded Tien is a high quality and fantastic option that lets riders explore new riding styles.

It’s an all-around performance longboard created for different riding styles.

Features and Benefits

Design

The first impression of the Tien is WOW.

It’s an amazing looking longboard, with a nice touch.

The visually stand-out feature is the parquetry pattern on the bottom, which is great to look at.

We can also not fail to notice the quality craftsmanship that has gone into constructing this deck. Every component looks great and is hard wearing enough to survive the commuting woes.

Another thing we love is the grip tape pattern that keeps your feet on the deck yet allowing some movement, and you won’t feel like you’re super glued onto the deck.

I would say the grip tape is more hardwearing and long-lasting than the spray grip on the Dervish, a nice compromise between grip tape and natural bamboo.

Deck

Tan Tien’s deck isn’t flimsy either, and it has plenty to offer.

Let’s start with the design.

Sporting a drop-through deck design, the Tien sits lower to the ground, a huge plus for long-distance commuters.

First, it lowers the center of gravity, thus promoting greater stability. Beginners will love the design as it inspires more confidence in them when riding fast downhill.

The other benefit beginners will love with the drop-through is the nicer and effortless push. Their feet won’t need to travel long distances to push the board, so they’re less likely to fatigue when pushing for long distances.

Moving on, we love bamboo and fiberglass deck construction. It’s not only solid but sturdy, too, and will take on a beating like a champ.

The deck has plenty of flex, which might take some time to get used to. For most commuters, it’s a good thing as the deck absorbs the shock and vibrations on the road, promoting a comfortable ride.

But for the downhill commuters, the setup may result in speed wobbles and may get challenging to control the longboard.

But this isn’t to mean Tan can’t go downhill! Just that it’ll be harder for riders to control than other longboards made for downhill.

Commuting Performance

Tan Tien, with a 39” deck length, feels just right for commuting and cruising.

It’s long enough to feel like a “regular” longboard and is extremely comfortable. It offers a smooth cruise, right out of the box-as if already broken in.

When pushing the board uphill, Tien feels like it can pump up the hill just by carving.

The maneuverability is also awesome, almost like a slash slide.

Wheels and Trucks

Tan Tien’s Orangatang Stimulus 70mm/80a Wheels are large and soft, providing a mix of comfort and performance.

The large wheels will roll just about over anything, while their softness ensures they absorb the shock and vibrations on the road, without compromising on the rolling speeds.

My personal experience with the Paris V2 reverse kingpin trucks has been awesome, and I love how responsive and super smooth they make my ride.

Finally, the ABEC-5 bearings roll smooth and nice and will keep you in control of the longboard.

Pros

Cons

#2 Landyachtz Dinghy 28" - Best for City Commutes

4.6/5
4.3/5
4.6/5

If you need a compact board for city commuting and cruising, you can’t go wrong with the Dinghy.

The board has been in existence for more than two decades and still remains uber-popular.

Why?

Because of aesthetics, quality build, and high performance.

But how does it fare as a commuting board?

Let’s find out.

Features and Benefits

Design

From the first look, you can tell Landyachtz took their time to nail down the visuals.

Everything on this board is an art, from the graphic accents to the color matching deck, and I don’t know how else to say it. Like I almost didn’t want to ride once I unboxed the longboard.

Moving on, the Landyachtz is a compact option, more like a mini-longboard.

It feels like a regular skateboard with a modest dimension of 28.5 by 8.6 inches and weighing 5.5 pounds. It’s just slightly heavier, but it’s hard to tell the difference.

If portability is a priority, the Landyachtz is a must.

But is it a great option for beginners?

In my opinion, not the best pick for beginners.

Let me explain.

Beginners are better off with longer commuter boards, as more deck space translates to more stability and more room to place your feet for better balance.

Landyachtz, on the other hand, is on the smaller side and reacts a lot to your input, and has a steep learning curve.

But I don’t blame Landychtz- after all, the Dinghy is a mini-cruiser.

If you need a more newbie-friendly option with the same design ethos as the Dinghy, I would recommend spending a little more for the Loaded Tugboat series.

Deck

Another thing I love about this longboard is the deck.

The 7-ply maple wood deck is solid and makes for stable performance on the trail.

The Canadian maple wood deck has stiff flex compared to the bamboo deck, and while it may sacrifice comfort, it gives the board good stability.

Unfortunately, the Dinghy’s deck isn’t larger and doesn’t have the most room to stand on.

I’ve medium feet, and I’m at the borderline comfort on the Dinghy’s deck, but thankfully, the mellow cave doesn’t get in my way.

Commuting Performance

Dinghy’s small size reacts quickly to your input and changes direction on a dime.

It has greater maneuverability than most longboards and would make the perfect choice for weaving through the crowded city and working your way through human traffic.

While I love Dinghy’s portability, I don’t see myself riding this board for longer distances.

Here’s why;

As with all mini longboards, Landyachtz requires commuters to work hard to keep them balanced and going straight. Eventually, the longboard starts to wear you out.

So, unless you’re commuting for short distances, I wouldn’t recommend this option.

Wheels and Trucks

It’s hard to express my love for the Dinghy’s Chubby Haws wheels.

The wheels are larger (63 mm) and soft (78 a), so they roll fast and pick up speed quickly.

I love how they roll over pebbles and cracks with ease. Larger obstacles may stop you, but if you got enough speed/momentum, you could ride just over anything.

When it comes to the trucks, I can’t say enough good things about the bear trucks.

The bear trucks feature high-quality bushings and pivots- which aid in the smooth, controllable feeling. They don’t suddenly twitch or fight you to stay straight.

Finally, the bearings are great and roll smoothly and quietly. Starting, you may experience a bit of oil leak, but this is just the excess lubricant leaking out. I recommend wiping them down when this happens.

Pros

Cons

#3 Volador 40inch Maple Longboard - Budget Pick

4.4/5
4.5/5
4.5/5

Volador is among the few eye-catching budget longboard brands, and they remain popular up to date.

And it’s easy to see why.

Volador’s lineup is full of quality longboards with timeless graphics-with the theme being clean lines and exposed Canadian maple wood.

And today, we look at one of its popular models, the Volador 40-inch Maple Longboard.

Is it any good, or simply an eye- candy? And how does it perform as a commuter longboard?

Let’s find out.

Features and Benefits

Design

As with all Volador’s longboards, this 41” longboard will allure you with its artfulness.

This commuter longboard stands out from the crowd because of its art, and even better, it still leaves some space for the owner to get creative.

And, of course, the longboard doesn’t fail to deliver on quality.

Deck

Volador’s deck is 100% Canadian maple.

The brand uses the same 8-ply Hardrock maple wood with epoxy glue for the construction of the longboard. As a result, a rider benefits from the solidity and durability of the deck.

Despite the sturdiness, the maple deck has a bit of give/flex, which will make you a bit uncomfortable at first out of fear the longboard will break. But the fear goes away the more comfortable you get with it.

The 40″ deck length is neither incredibly long nor short, just at the sweet spot for comfortable riding performance.

The deck is designed with cruising and longboard commuting in mind, and there’re features to facilitate that.

For instance, it has a drop-through deck set up, and it does two things for the commuters.

First, it lowers the center of gravity of the longboard, and by doing this, it enhances the overall stability.

Secondly, it improves the overall Volador’s pushability, making it easier for a rider to rack up miles without leg fatigue.

Commuting Performance

This longboard is designed with commuters in mind.

It lies low to the ground, and users love how easy it is to push the longboard.

It also prioritizes stability and will let you go for speeds without fear of wiping out.

Wheels & Trucks

My favorite features on the Volador 41 inch are the wheels.

The 70mm wheels, with a hardness of 80a, are perfect for rolling over obstacles while offering fast acceleration and nimble turning.

In particular, the larger than normal size wheel provides great momentum and will go over the large cracks and pebbles.

The main weak points of the Volador are the trucks and bearings. It’s not a surprise considering what you’re paying for the longboard.

I would recommend upgrading the trucks with high-quality accessories and replacing the bearings with aftermarket options.

While the upgrades may seem like much and beyond your budget as the decks are cheap, the upgrades won’t cost as much as other top-quality options.

Pros

Cons

#4 Loaded Boards Icarus Bamboo Longboard Skateboard - Best for Long-Distance Commuting

4.3/5
4.5/5
4.3/5

The Loaded Icarus Longboard Skateboard Cruiser is a high-end board suited for the professionals looking for a quality drop-through board with serious flex.

It’s a versatile board, too, and beyond longboard commuting, it’ll let you do some sliding, freestyle, and even dancing.

But we’re here to see how it performs as a commuting board.

Features and Benefits

Design

A work of art becomes a masterpiece when it’s so complex, dynamic, and outstanding that it can’t be ignored- the Loaded Icarus is a masterpiece for what it’s created for.

See, pictures don’t do this Icarus Longboard Skateboard justice; it looks incredible.

From the choice of materials, colors to design hues, you’ll love the overall aesthetics of this board.

And that’s not even the best part!

The build quality and products on this board are professionally made.

For example, with some creative movements, the wheels will roll over any obstacle while the trucks turn on a dime.

The bushings are nice and soft for responsive turns, and the deck is as durable as it gets.

Overall, this longboard is worth every penny.

Deck

The Icarus’s deck is what the brand dubs as the “Icarus Composite construction,” combining laminates from different materials.

Specifically, Icarus’ deck combined laminated bamboo sandwiched between cork, fiberglass, and epoxy.

An interesting material is cork, which is at the base of the deck. It creates a layer that absorbs shock and reduces maximum vibration. It means users can commute over uneven roads and rugged terrain and won’t feel the effects of the road.

When it comes to the size, the 38.4” length makes this Icarus a compact longboard between a typical city cruiser longboard and classic drop-through commuter. It has sufficient amounts of stability and is efficient for the commutes.

My only quibble was with the 8.6” width, which is shorter than most boards of similar length. Some riders say the width is a bit too narrow for their feet, but the advanced concave somewhat makes up for the smaller width.

The final deck aspect we love is the drop-through truck mounting.

It’s a wonderful addition for commuters for several reasons.

First, it lets you ride closer to the ground, automatically promoting stability and increasing the rider’s confidence.

Secondly, commuters will enjoy pushing the board with minimal effort and maintain their balance throughout their ride.

Commuting Performance

Icarus makes commuting fun in numerous ways.

While it sits rather high off the ground than other drop-throughs, it has sufficient flex that lets you dig in when pushing.

Pushing the longboard feels like digging your feet into deep, loose soil.

The board also makes it easy to pump and will take no time getting the hang of it.

Wheels and Trucks

One of Icarus’ notable features is the huge flared wheel wells.

They provide clearance for big wheels while allowing high turnability without the risk of a wheel bite.

Specifically, this board can accommodate large 75mm wheels, and with their large contact patch, they will roll just over any obstacle on the road.

The wheels, with a softness of 83A, also absorb shock and vibrations on the road.

Loaded’s choice of aluminum trucks is also interesting as it comes with Paris V2 trucks. They’re loose, reverse 180mm kingpin trucks that offer wonderful turnability and maneuverability.

When combining with the forgiving bushing seats, longboarders will enjoy deep, stable runs at lower and higher speeds.

Pros

Cons

#5 Sector 9 Mini Lookout - Best for Commuting and Carving

4.2/5
4.6/5
4/5

Our final pick, the Sector 9 Mini Lookout, is the perfect board for riders who need a fast and easy mode of transport.

As its name suggests, it’s a mini, so it isn’t overly big, making it easy to pick up and move around.

At the same time, it isn’t one of those tiny boards that are difficult to balance on and don’t allow for a comfortable ride.

It’s an ideal commuter board and the ultimate hill carver, too.

Features and Benefits

Design

Sector 9 mini is designed with commuters in mind and a prime pick for riders who enjoy carving.

One reason it plays the double roles so effectively is because of the bamboo deck.

The material has plenty of flex and pop, so riders can generate a lot of energy and speed when longboarding and carving.

Additionally, the “mini” tag means it’s smaller, a step down to the original version, so it’s easy to transport and store.

Deck

As with most commuter longboards, Sector 9 features a drop-through design, resulting in a lower ride height which enhances the overall stability and makes pushing easier.

The board’s dimensions are also excellent, and at a length of 41+” and 9.6” in width, the board has lots of moving space.

It’s an excellent option for beginners to learn and for long-distance skaters to push on.

The board’s dimensions are close enough to the size of a dancer deck, typically 42″-47″, so dancing and cross-stepping are also possible.

Some users, however, claim the board is too bulky for all-around commuting and cruising. In my opinion, I don’t think it’s true because it only weighs 7.8 pounds, which is relatively lightweight for its size.

Commuting Performance

Sector 9 is everything you ever wanted for a commute longboarding.

When you step at it for the first time, you’ll get an instant feel of comfort.

You want to give the board an instant and big push immediately.

Balancing on the longboard is super easy, and you’ll love the smooth-rolling.

The bamboo’s flex and big wheels dampen your ride, while the stability makes you feel safe, so you want to keep on pushing.

Wheels & Trucks

Sector 9 uses Gullwing Charger trucks, which are worth up to $60 on their own.

The Gullwing Charger has every reason to be expensive as they’re known for their comfort, stability, and responsiveness.

On the other hand, the 74mm Nine-ball wheels are constructed from hind-end urethane and help in promoting a smoother ride and pushing for even longer distances.

Pros

Cons

Best Longboards for Commuting Buying Guide

Best Longboards for Commuting Buying Guide

Finding the best longboard for commuting may feel a bit challenging, especially with plenty of options in the market.

Fortunately, you don’t need to beat about it because we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide detailing everything you need to know about selecting the best commuter longboard.

First, let’s look at the characteristics you should look for in the best longboards for commuting.

Characteristics of the Best Longboards for Commuting

There’re several ideal attributes you should look out for in a longboard for commuting.

Of course, it’s challenging to find all these attributes in a single board because of some obvious tradeoffs.

Let’s go with these capabilities:

Pushability

A longboard for commuting should be easy to push.

It should provide you with the best speed, and mileage for your impulse pushes, with minimal sweat.

Generally, the most pushable longboards are ones with:

  1. Low riding deck: These commuter longboards lie closer to the ground, so your foot won’t need to travel long distances for a push. Typical examples of low riding style decks are the drop-through decks, drop platforms, and double drop longboards.
  2. Large wheels and good bearings: These longboards will get you rolling faster and for longer on a single push. We recommend longboards with wheel size at least 70 mm in diameter for commuting, ideally 75-76 mm.

Riding Comfort

Another thing you want with a commuting longboard is a comfortable experience.

With a 78A durometer, the soft wheels will help you go over obstacles and other irregularities and absorb all the shock and vibration.

Quality bearings also help with comfort by reducing friction.

Stability vs. Maneuverability

The choice of either depends on where you do most of your commutes.

For instance, if you primarily commute in congested city areas and crowded sidewalks, you need the agility and turnability of shorter boards for maneuvering through crowds.

Here, the smaller boards within the 28 to 38” range are ideal.

On the other hand, if you commute long distances, you’re likely to go fast on some long flat stretches or even downhill.

Here, you should prioritize the board length and wheelbase as they affect the overall stability.

Longboard 40 inches or longer is ideal for this task because they’re stable and less likely to wobble at speeds.

Portability and Storability

Finally, you need to consider how portable your deck is.

If you are riding the board across the city, you’ll often need picking and walking before you can get back on it.

If your commutes involve running errands, you’ll need to carry your longboard inside stress. Also, if you commute to work, you may still have some walking or stair climbing to do.

Generally, the smaller boards are lighter, while the longer boards are heavier. But there’re exceptions, such as a carbon board.

But either way, you need a commute longboard you can easily haul when you need to.

Important Features of the Best Longboard for Commuting

Now that we know the characteristics of the best boards for commuting let’s look at the important features to consider.

A Flexible Deck

A flexible deck is vital for a commuter longboard as it allows for a comfortable ride.

It cushions you from the road vibration and smoothes out the ride.

With a comfortable longboard, you can ride for long periods on different road surfaces without getting affected much by the road surface.

However, your deck shouldn’t be too flexy that it won’t accommodate your body weight or bottom down when you step on it.

Big Wheels

Big wheels are necessary for coasting for longer,

Also, their largeness means they can roll over different obstacles while offering a smooth ride.

They’re ideal for urban environments where conditions can get unpredictable.

A Long, Wide Comfortable Platform

A long, wide deck is comfortable. And if it features a simple, mellow concave, it is still going to be comfortable.

A long deck gives you sufficient platform to stand in a comfortable shoulder-width position with feet across the deck.

Quality Components

Quality components aren’t just about durability but also mean better overall performance. A smoother ride, smoother turning, more control, and so much more.

While you might get away with one or two cheap components, but for the most part, quality components will offer the best performance.

At the very least, get quality trucks and wheels. High-quality trucks will promote maximum control and balance, while wheels will offer smooth rolling.

Tips to Consider when Choosing a Longboard for Commute

Here are a few tips to make your purchase more successful;

Consider the Surface on your Route

It’s perhaps the most crucial element of determining whether a longboard is right for you as a commuter.

Generally, longboards work best on smooth, even surfaces such as asphalt, concrete paths, and sidewalks.

If you’re not in an urban environment or at least able to ride on a road, then a longboard may not work for your commute.

Instead, you’d be better off with an off-road board with all-terrain wheels. Still, you would be better off with a bike as an alternative.

Decide if you’ll be going on the road or sidewalk

While you should be doing most of the longboard commute on the road, you could get away with riding on the sidewalk or pavement.

If you can’t use the road, first inspect the sidewalk as big cracks, bumps, and uneven paying can throw you a longboard.

Consider the Hills

Having small hills makes longboarding challenging.

Don’t overlook the gentle slopes as they require a heck of a lot more effort than going on the flat.

Best Longboard for Commuting Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are longboards perfect for commuting?

A: Yes, longboards are great for commuting to school, work, college, and even for performing your errands.

Q: Why is longboard better than skateboards for commuting?

A: Generally, longboards are long in size, and this ensures better balance and control.

Q: What is the average price of the best commuting longboard?

A: The price depends on the product. But on average, most of these boards are in the $100, but the higher you go, the better the board gets.

Wrap Up: Our Choice

Best Longboard For Commuting WRAP UP

Our winner is the Loaded Tan Tien.

We feel this board ticks on all the boxes for the best boards for commuting.

It’s an all-around option too, so it’ll also serve other longboarding riding styles.

The greatest benefit, though, in my opinion, lies in the durable deck, optimum board length, and quality truck, bearings, and wheels.

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Lisa Hayden-Matthews

Lisa Hayden-Matthews

An avid Skier, bike rider, triathlon enthusiast, amateurish beach volleyball player and nature lover who has never lost a dare! I manage the overall Editorial section for the magazine here and occasionally chip in with my own nature photographs, when required.

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