From skeet skating, dancing, performing tricks to bowl riding, freestyle longboarding lives up to its name.
The style encompasses a whole range of riding styles, tricks, and techniques, ranging from the simple pivoting movement to the sophisticated kick-flips combinations.
The beauty of this is it makes this riding style a diverse, free-flowing discipline that anyone can get involved in.
But the problem is knowing where to start.
We’re here to help, though.
Whether you plan to hit the streets, perform some tricks, skatepark ride, shred bowls or simply dance in your neighborhood, having the right kind of board for the type of freestyling you plan on doing is essential.
See, few boards are all-encompassing as the freestyle longboards. Many longboards are specialized options, only ideal for a particular type of riding.
Conversely, longboards for freestyle are the jack of all trades, perfect for most longboarding styles.
But remember, each freestyle style is different from the other, though all of them involve some form of jumping, flipping, kicking, and sliding.
For example, for hardcore street maneuvers such as ollies, the best freestyle board resembles an oversized skateboard but with larger wheels for a smoother ride. On the other hand, freestyle longboards for classic and flowy rides are mid to full-sized drop-throughs.
But generally, freestyle longboards are symmetrical and are sometimes referred to as twin-tip. This means you can use them to skate in both directions without any problem.
Now, if you’re interested in this diverse form of longboarding, here are the best longboards to help you get into the world of freestyle riding.
Table of Contents
- 1 Table of Contents
- 2 Quick Comparison Table!
- 3 The Best Longboards for Freestyle For The Money
- 4 #1 Volador 42inch Freeride Longboard - EDITOR'S CHOICE
- 5 #2 Playshion Drop Through Freestyle Longboard - Best for Beginners
- 6 #3 Slendor Longboard Skateboard - Best Value
- 7 #4 White Wave Bamboo Complete - Budget Pick
- 8 #5 INNOWEIGH 41 Inch Freestyle Longboard Skateboard - Best for All Ages
- 9 Best Longboards for Freestyle Buying Guide
- 10 Wrap Up: Our Choice
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Table!
The Best Longboards for Freestyle For The Money
#1 Volador 42inch Freeride Longboard - EDITOR'S CHOICE
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Volador 42 inch is our number one longboard for freestyling, not because of the ten intricate artisan designs to choose from, but because of the super flexibility, shock absorption, and stability.
While it doesn’t come with the frills and frays of the premium picks, its bare-basic features promote a fantastic performance for beginners and seasoned longboard riders.
Features and Benefits
Design
Without a doubt, the choice of design for this board sets it apart from others in the market.
I know appearance matters less when picking a longboard for freestyle, but it feels nice to have a board that looks good as it rides.
The pretty design doesn’t mean the board can take a knock. Far from the truth!
Sporting genuine aluminum alloy trucks, solid maple, and chrome steel bearings, you don’t need to worry about crashes, collisions and falls. This is because even if you take a hit, it’s unlikely the board will.
And that’s not all!
The board is relatively lightweight for its size.
While strapping the board on your backpack isn’t exactly efficient, it’s easy to carry the board one-handed. It’s unlikely you’ll tire carrying the board on your stairway to the lecture hall or even in the grocery store.
Deck
Volador’s deck is springy, but not so much that you’ll be worried about the board breaking on your weight.
It can support users of up to 350 pounds, and for users like me on the end of the weight spectrum, I love that it supports me with little flex.
Even after use, the flex is hardly noticeable, and I find this useful for eliminating speed wobble when going downhill.
And that’s not even the best part with Volador’s deck.
The deck’s symmetrical twin-tip shape will prevent a wheel bite from any angle, providing fantastic maneuverability so that riders can turn quickly and effortlessly.
Performance
If maneuverability is important to you, Volador’s delivers.
The turning on this board is smooth and easy, and it turns a lot quicker while cutting harder than most boards I’ve used.
While Volador was built for a freeride with camber concave, it still serves as a speed board, with some riders saying they can achieve 20mph.
The downhill performance is fantastic as the board is stable and picks up speed well. However, we suggest you change to some downhill wheels and red bearings.
Wheels and Trucks
Volador turns easily, and for such a longboard, I was surprised by its turn radius.
It turns so much that hitting the bendy sidewalks with extreme angle turns becomes effortless.
The bearings straight out of the box aren’t anywhere amazing but definitely usable. With a couple of solid pushes on a flat sidewalk with the usual gaps, you can cruise for around 10 yards before the need of pushing again.
Moving on to the wheels, the durable 70mm by 51mm 78A wheels don’t seem to have a problem rolling over small pebbles, twigs, and cracks.
For the most part, it rolls effortlessly over cracks and rocks well, even at low speeds.
The only problem with Volador’s drivetrain is the deck has plenty of tilt. Regardless of how hard you try tightening the truck, it still has a good amount of give.
It’s not a dealbreaker, though, unless you’re planning to use the board for the downhill bombing.
Pros
- Durable deck
- Ideal for different types of riding
- Decent speed
Cons
- Not the best trucks
#2 Playshion Drop Through Freestyle Longboard - Best for Beginners
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
If you’re new to longboarding and looking for a beginner’s board you can experiment with; you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything better than the Playshion.
I’m a big fan of this board because of its simplicity and down-to-earth basics.
Beginners with no experience will have confidence riding the board and master their freestyle technique in no time.
Features and Benefits
Design
If you’re a beginner, I would advise that you don’t bother looking for other boards- choose this one, you won’t regret it!
Playshion is an easy-to-use board, and if you’re hoping to get around quicker with longboarding, no other options beat this pick.
If the reviews are anything to go by, it only takes 30 minutes to get used to Playshion and another 30 to learn exactly where to place your feet, how to push while riding, and making turns properly.
Of course, the board won’t make you a super rider in a day, but it might just make longboarding the easiest new “skill” to pick up-you never know.
Deck
For a board with a deck length of 39, it’s easy to think it’s a bit short for beginners.
While it’s to some extent, the performance isn’t affected in any way, and you’re less likely to notice any difference with the typical 40-to-41-inch deck.
I think the length is fine, and for me, it’s not worth paying an extra 30 or 40 bucks for a 41- or 42-inch deck.
More importantly, the length qualifies the board as a true multi-functional longboard, perfect for sliding, curving, downhill, freestyle, and freeride.
Moving on from the length, another feature beginner will love is the ever-so-slight concave deck.
The cambered design secures your feet to the board and facilitates stability and turning. It’s an essential feature, especially in a crowded setting, as you can easily avoid collision with human traffic or obstacles.
Regarding the flex, I would give Playshion a 7 out of 10.
Sporting 5 play rock maple and bamboo material, this board is sturdy but with some flex. It hardly gives in, but it feels cushy, absorbing the vibrations from the bumpy terrain.
Performance
Playshion isn’t a bad board, and I prefer a board that doesn’t flex as much for beginners- at least according to my preferences.
The board is good for cruising and carving, and when you’re on the board and riding, it feels effortless.
While it’s not a great option for doing tricks, it’s the perfect board for those who are just learning to skateboard.
Wheels and Trucks
A common issue with beginner boards or boards at this price range is the bearings and truck break easily, and the wheels tend to crack after several uses.
But not with the Playshion.
Ain’t trying to toot Plasyhion’s horn, but everything feels right with the board.
You get 70mm wheels with 78 durometers for starters, which are hard enough for firm steering, yet soft enough for a smooth ride. The wheels are perfect for rough surfaces.
The wheels are wide and will make it easy for you to go over pretty much everything, including rocks, branches, and even curbs.
On the other hand, the 7-inch aluminum trucks with soft bushing are fairly standard but have plenty of mobility for turning this stretched-out bad boy around corners.
The bearings don’t spin great, but they get the job done. You can’t get Bones Red bearings on a board for this price.
But existing ABEC-9 bearings allow you to build speed gently, and once you build up speed, you might even find it kinda hard to stop the board.
Pros
- Slight concave for added stability
- Soft, large wheels for riding over rough surfaces
- Fantastic drop-through for beginners
Cons
- Not super-fast
#3 Slendor Longboard Skateboard - Best Value
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Slendor Longboard is our value pick, striking a balance between cost and performance.
While it’s not exactly cheap, it offers true value for your money.
More importantly, it has awesome performance, exceeding some of the premium and more expensive options.
But how does it fare as a longboard for freestyle?
Features and Benefits
Design
It’s easy to tell Slendor’s quality by just holding at it.
It feels solid, and the quality craftsmanship on the board is hard to ignore.
The board is super sturdy, and it doesn’t feel like it will crumble on your weight.
For instance, the trucks hold up just fine, and you’ll love how easy and effortless it’s to ride the board.
And before I forget, the graphic on the back of this board is super cool, and I love it so much.
Overall, the Slendor’s quality will exceed your expectations, especially considering what you pay for the board.
I would definitely recommend the board as it’s priced well and with solid construction.
Deck
Slendor’s deck isn’t only solid but stable to build confidence among beginners.
Sporting a drop-through design, it lies low on the ground, but not so much that it scrapes the bumps.
Combine with the camber concave design, and you get a board that is built with stability in mind.
Plus, the maple construction has plenty of flex for absorbing shock, but not so much that it’ll challenge riders when in speed.
Performance
For such a basic board, I can’t really complain about the overall performance.
While it’s an inexpensive option, you don’t get what you paid for.
The board rolls well and turns well with some adjustment to personal tastes.
My favorite feature is the shock-absorbent ring in the wheels that promote greater comfort when tackling the rougher surfaces.
I’m a big fan of this feature as it makes the board great for all ages, especially the less confident riders who need something to ride on and that can withstand being knocked about.
Wheels and Trucks
Riding and turning the board is easier than you thought.
The trucks are super solid, and will allow you to maneuver the board swiftly over sidewalks and handle the corners effortlessly while trusting the board to remain sturdy.
You’ll also achieve a Cadillac-smooth ride with the 70mm wheels and ABEC-9 trucks.
The only problem I had with Slendor’s drivetrain is you need to tighten the trucks to keep yourself from falling off when pushing.
Otherwise, the board ticks on all the boxes and will provide a sensational longboard freestyle experience.
Pros
- Stable
- Shock-absorbent ring in the wheel for added comfort
- Smooth riding
Cons
- Needs constant tightening of trucks
#4 White Wave Bamboo Complete - Budget Pick
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
From the get-go, White Wave’s price alone is a complete steal.
I mean, for a board less than a hundred bucks, I didn’t expect something so solid and hard to come by.
White Wave lives up to their hype and blows all the cheap longboards I’ve come across completely out of the water.
All the componentry is of good quality, and they scream of quality craftsmanship.
The performance is also simply amazing, and the board will appeal to both beginners and seasoned longboard riders.
Features and Benefits
Design
I’ve a thing for beautifully crafted longboards, and this pick clearly doesn’t disappoint.
It’s beautifully crafted from high-quality bamboo wood for an aesthetic allure.
And that’s not all!
The deck’s bamboo is carefully embedded with Canadian maple layers and the graphics heat-transferred for an even lovelier look.
While the deck is lovely to look at, it feels sturdy with a light spring to it.
Deck
When choosing a longboard, I always go for functionality and looks.
White Wave seems to tick all the right boxes for me because it looks stunning with the natural bamboo and maple layers, which is way more appealing than the crazy murals and deck tape.
But White Wave’s deck isn’t only about looks.
It’s a functional pick, too, and based on the low drop-through design, it’s easy to see why the board is popular for riders with uncoordinated and out-of-shape longboarding skills.
The low ride design also sets the board for easy cruising and smooth turns.
It’s the perfect alternative for riders looking for a board that handles cruising effortlessly and turns sharp than the Pintail board.
The board also has a mild concave that keeps locks on your feet. Contrary to other uncomfortable boards due to the concave, White Wave is perfect, and I couldn’t be happier.
Performance
As for the ride quality, I can say this is the perfect longboard for both the seasoned and beginner alike.
For me, I love its user-friendliness, and you’ll definitely be hard-pressed to find a better deal.
Wheels and Trucks
Another strong point about the White Wave Bamboo board is the high-quality wheels, making it among the best boards in town.
The 70mm by 50mm high rebound urethane wheels provide just the right amount of softness I need for my board.
I love how the wheels take most of the impact, so I can maneuver over uneven terrain effortlessly, re from shocks and vibrations.
On the other hand, the 180mm aluminum trucks work to provide you with a fast and efficient board that you can maneuver in an instant.
The bushings are okay, but they squeak a lot. It’s not something you can’t fix, as a simple spray with silicone lubricant works. You don’t even have to take apart the trucks to apply the lubricant.
Pros
- Durable
- Aesthetic
- Reliable
Cons
- Not ideal for professionals
#5 INNOWEIGH 41 Inch Freestyle Longboard Skateboard - Best for All Ages
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Our last pick is a great option for those who don’t want to spend a ton on a longboard but still want something quality that won’t break after a couple of uses.
The Innoweigh is also an all-encompassing longboard, perfect for riders of all ages.
I’ve used the board a handful of times, and I’m pleased with its performance.
Features and Benefits
Design
Innoweigh has come with nothing missing and looks exactly like it does online.
It’s an average-sized board, quite stable and with good performance.
All the components look nice, and it offers a smooth ride, even when riding over rocks and cracks.
Overall, you’ll simply love what this board offers.
Deck
Innoweigh features a long and sturdy deck, thanks to the eight cold-pressed layers of natural maple.
It’s durable as it gets, and I love that it doesn’t break or even chip as other wooden boards do.
The board also handles abuses like a champ and is less likely to break or crumble even when it collides with curbs and other obstacles.
Its greatest benefit, though, is the generous weight capacity of 330 pounds.
That’s a massive weight capacity that will support the big guys without bending or breaking.
Performance
Innoweigh performance is exceptional and appeals to even the prolific longboarders.
First, the board is suitable for all ages and is built for downhill, speed, and freestyle riding.
However, my favorite feature is the reverse plate design that provides users with a low center of gravity that increases overall stability.
The low center of gravity is necessary for inspiring confidence in beginners and perfect for riding at any speed.
Yet, the plate design doesn’t compromise on the board’s clearance. Innoweigh has a generous ground clearance of 3 inches, so it’s unlikely the board will scrape the bumps or curbs.
Wheels and Trucks
Innoweigh consists of a 7-inch-long alloy truck and PU pad and combined, these features improve the riding performance and increase controllability during use.
It also comes with wide wheels that provide a stable ride, even in the darndest conditions.
Overall, the board has a pretty amazing riding performance. Not only will you benefit from a fast and smooth ride, but the wheels will also level the rugged terrain, absorb the shock and lessen the impact.
Pros
- Strong material
- Generous weight capacity
- Shock-absorbing wheels
Cons
- It may wrap over time
Best Longboards for Freestyle Buying Guide
In the section below, I’ll share with you some of the important tips to consider when selecting a longboard for freestyle.
But before then, I’d like to apprise you of the parts of a longboard.
See, knowing your board’s anatomy is essential in understanding how the different part influences your riding style, technique, and ability to take your ride to the next level.
Longboard Anatomy 101
Here’re the basics of a longboard:
Kicktails
Kicktails are an obvious requirement for any freestyle riding.
They’re the tail of the board, kicked up like a regular skateboard.
The hybrid decks have large, symmetrical kicks, giving you the ability to maneuver the board easily, jump on and off curbs and perform tricks such as the backside and frontside pivots.
Biggers cutouts on a board result in narrower kicks, making it challenging to ride with your foot on the kick.
Wheels
The type of wheels on a longboard determines the surface you can ride on.
The rule of thumb with longboard wheels is to keep the size within 56-63 mm. Also, ensure they’re soft enough for cruising but hard enough to maintain speed and stability.
Trucks
The trucks are the metal attachment that joins the wheels to the deck.
Traditional kingpin (TKP) is best for street tricks and sliding, while the Reverse Kingpin trucks (RKP) excel at promoting stability, especially at speed. The latter is not so much for flips and tricks due to the height.
Deck
The deck is the main platform that you stand on.
Most decks are made from wood, such as ply, bamboo, maple, and birch.
Now that we’ve the basics of a longboard let’s look at what to look for when selecting a longboard for freestyle.
Longboard Style
There’re two main styles of longboards: hybrid and regular.
The hybrid modes have larger kicks and a shorter wheelbase, thus providing more stability.
Their large wheels offer a better cruise and carve performance, especially around corners.
On the other hand, the “regular” boards sport smaller kicks and a long wheelbase.
The regulars are ultra-stable, and this makes the ideal pick for beginners.
Deck Type
Drop-platform decks are the best choice for beginners starting on freestyling.
Drop-through, in particular, takes things to the next level.
The drop-through decks are lighter and slimmer, making them ideal for flip tricks.
We recommend choosing boards less flex as a stiffer design is better for the more technical tricks and flips.
Truck Types
Generally, wider trucks are stable and geared towards higher speeds.
On the other hand, narrower trucks (150 mm region) are agile and maneuverable for tackling corners.
Deck Dimensions
Longboards for freestyle come in a huge range of deck size, but decks in the range of 38″-42″ are ideal for freestyle. They’re also easy to maneuver and don’t feel too bulky.
Width is less important in a longboard for freestyle, but the 8.5-10.5” is common for drop-platform and drop-through decks.
Price
While it’s generally true that the best longboards are expensive, there’re still many options for beginners or those on a budget.
If you’re starting, we recommend spending around $90-$150. This range should get you something quality without breaking the bank.
When you’re ready to step it up and ready for something that can handle the technical tricks, you can go for anything higher than $150.
Best Longboard for Freestyle Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why are longboards so expensive?
A: While it seems a lot to spend on a plank of wood, the main reason longboards are expensive is because of the quality elements of the boards, such as wheels, bearings, and trucks.
They’re crucial to longboard riding and how far you can push yourself. Always ensure they’re of high quality.
Q: What longboard is best for tricks?
A: The symmetrical, drop-through boards are best for freestyle tricks
They ride lower to the ground, giving you the confidence to try bolder freestyle maneuvers.
Q: What else can be done on a longboard?
A: Apart from freestyling, longboards can also be used for cruising, downhill, and dancing.
Cruising is the most popular form of longboard riding, and it refers to riding the board from point A to B, either for leisure or purposes of commuting.
Many riders consider cruising to be the default use of longboarding.
Downhill riding involves going down a sloped surface purposefully at high speeds. It requires wide and stable longboards.
Finally, dancing mixes carving and other tricks for low-speed longboarding.
Q: Is longboard freestyle a form of exercise?
A: Longboarding, in general, is considered a recreational activity with positive physical benefits to the body.
Longboarding can burn roughly five calories per minute, depending on your fitness and intensity level.
However, this activity is mainly used for strength and cardio purposes. It also benefits the bottom half of your body more than the upper half.
Q: Is it easier to perform tricks on a skateboard or a longboard?
A: Beginners will find skateboards challenging in general because of their smaller surface area.
However, skateboards will allow you to perform a greater variety of tricks than longboards do.
On the other hand, longboards cover a variety of styles, from cruising to downhill riding. Similarly, the boards have a learning curve as you’ll require skills to maintain lowing movements when making turns and maintain your balance.
So, neither is better than the other; it all depends on which kinds of tricks you’re after.
Wrap Up: Our Choice
Our winner for the best longboard for freestyle is the Volador 42 inch.
We choose this board as our number one because it’s laden with features that promote freestyle riding.
For me, it’s super flexible, stability and performance.
The board is not only nice, but it rides smooth, even on uneven terrain.
Even better, it has just enough level of flex that accommodates different types of riders without sacrificing sturdiness or stability.
