I’ve always loved longboarding, and as a kid, I was inseparable from my board. Indeed it was my dreamy carpet that flew me everywhere.
The only difference with the Aladdin magic carpet is I stumbled and tripped a lot. I’ve the scars to prove it.
By then, I didn’t realize that the choice of longboard would have made all the difference. Getting the right board eventually meant I was on the way to becoming a much better longboarder, and at a quicker rate.
However, I couldn’t manage to find a guide to help me pick the best longboard for me. It took years before I found the right option, and I was thrilled with it.
So, this is where I come for you today with a comprehensive guide on the best longboard reviews.
See, longboarding is among the few sports that anyone can get involved with, and closely resembling the skateboarding, it becomes more fun to use the better you get.
But as I’ve already mentioned above, the trick to a fulfilling longboarding session is picking the right longboard for you.
And here, we shall share some of the best options out there. We’ve also included a handy buying guide to help with the selection.
Table of Contents
- 1 Table of Contents
- 2 Quick Comparison Table!
- 3 The Best Longboards For The Money
- 4 #1 Quest Super Cruiser - EDITOR'S CHOICE
- 5 #2 Atom Pintail Longboard - Budget Option
- 6 #3 Sector 9 Lookout Green Wave - Best Commuter and Pushing Longboard
- 7 #4 Loaded Boards Overland - Best for Tricks and Freeride
- 8 #5 Surf One Robert August II - Retro Option
- 9 Best Longboard Buying Guidе
- 10 Wrap Up: Our Choice
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Table!
The Best Longboards For The Money
#1 Quest Super Cruiser - EDITOR'S CHOICE
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Our top pick, the Quest Super Cruiser, is our favorite pick, and we love this longboard for several reasons.
It’s a practical commute solution, fitting the bill of a great around-town longboard, and a perfect means of getting from point A to B.
The Quest Super Cruiser is also an interesting longboard option, offering an amazing way to glide around the city in style and class while being eco-friendly and quick.
Features and Benefits
Size
With the Super Cruiser, the folks at Quest seem to have taken the term longboard literally.
This longboard is truly massive, which is both a positive and a negative, depending on your riding style.
The 44 inches length, in line with other oversized commuters, is an appealing option for beginners, offering a large and stable platform to stand on. It’s easy to see the effects of the different foot placements.
On the flip side, the length isn’t welcoming to riders shorter than 5’6″, but not a problem since there’s a smaller version, the 34 inch Quest Rorshack, with all the features of the Super Cruiser, devoid of enormity.
Wheels & Trucks
Wheels are meant to make you go on the roll, and the wheels of the Quest Super Cruiser do justice in this case.
The wheels on the Super Cruiser, coming in 70 mm polyurethane with an 80A durometer, indeed roll fast enough to go with the flow. Word on the street is they’re fast enough to instill fear in the newbies, but they’ve their share of flaws.
For newbies, the wheels are felted hard for their purpose and can’t take extreme abuse and beating without chipping and biting on the small pieces of street debris. But once you try them on easy terrain, they offer an extremely smooth ride.
On the other hand, the trucks are aluminum, coming with 7-inch hangers. They’re obviously generic components and didn’t match Quest’s tag line either.
The trucks tend to get loose often, so you need to retighten them regularly. Our biggest concern, though, was the double cone bushing design, which makes the longboard hard turn. If you wish to do some carving with the Quest Cruiser, you may get disappointed.
Nevertheless, despite the limitations, the wheels and trucks are better than average for the price.
Deck
The main attraction on the Quest Cruiser is the deck.
The bamboo and maple blend speaks a lot about the longboard’s overall durability, and you can’t dare to compare the Quest Cruiser’s durability with other longboards in its class.
However, even with the bamboo construction, the Super Cruiser barely flexes, and many riders don’t “feel” the longboard. While the rigidity further limits its ability to carve, the lack of flex might benefit the beginners because flex can be unsettling at first.
Another feature you’ll love with the Quest Cruiser design is the 4 mm risers, offering extra ground clearance between the deck and wheels to reduce wheel bite. This way, you can rest easy when taking a turn as the uplift on the nose and tail won’t stop you in your tracks.
Besides performance, the Quest has also given special attention to the board’s looks and variations, for which you can pick from the four different versions.
Pros
- Sturdy
- No wheel bite
- Ideal for beginners
- Elegant looks
Cons
- A full radius turn may not be possible.
#2 Atom Pintail Longboard - Budget Option
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Our runner up option is a great entry-level longboard, an ideal option for those looking for a casual, simple board to commute.
It’s attractive price tag, and relatively decent quality is the greatest draw for this casual board.
But is it the right model for you?
Features and Benefits
Design
Going back to the basics, Atom Pintail offers a simple yet elegant design. The classical, easy-going, and relaxed design vibe invokes a true longboarding spirit.
The shape, design, and hardware on the Atom Pintail serve to complement the deck in the best way, so you can count on the board for a reliable and fantastic riding experience from the very first time.
Plus, the board is shiny, with the prominent yellow and orange finish making the board a fit around the beach.
Pintail Design
Atom Pintail, as its name suggests, features a classical concave deck shape that lowers the center of gravity for greater stability and better control.
The greatest benefit of the pintail design, though, is the elimination of the wheel bite. With the default wheels positioned a good distance from the deck, I was surprised at how easy and smooth the wheels rolled without any obstruction.
The concave design made it easier for users to swap the wheels with bigger ones for better cruising control.
Wheels
The best wheels for longboards promote better rolling performance, and the Atom Board wheels don’t fail in this department.
The ultra-soft 78 urethane wheels are perfect for cruising as they absorb shocks and offer better grip on the road.
Our only gripe with the wheels was on the size. With a 65 mm dimension, these wheels can prove a little problematic if you’re riding over long distances or rough, patchy concrete as you’ll feel every roughness and every single small stone on the road.
Again,while the wheel size is ideal for a tricking skateboard, they don’t hold the speed for too long, and you’ll have greater trouble going over cracks and obstacles.
We feel that swapping the wheels with a bigger one is a thing you might need to do in the future. And the good thing is it’s easy to perform the swap thanks to the concave deck design.
ABEC-5 Bearing
Inside the Atom Board wheels, you’ll find ABEC-5 bearings, which offer a gliding motion akin to skating.
While they’re not the slowest, they’re not the fastest either, and seasoned longboarders could do with a better roll speed. I’d recommend upgrading the bearings if you’re looking for greater speeds.
Nevertheless, they’re suitable for beginners who aren’t used to high speeds.
Size & Deck
At 39 inches and 9.6 wide, the Atom Board is a bit bulky, though not as the Quest Cruiser.
But the enormity comes with great stability, with the extended width offering more than enough foot room on the deck to allow you to get comfortable and perform a wide range of tricks.
On the other hand, the maple deck is reliable, and you’ll be surprised by the mix of sturdiness and flexibility offered by the board. Riding the board is a breeze, and with the slightest shift of your weight, it’s easy to turn the board and make an S curve for the downhill.
Pros
- Budget option
- Reliable
- Comfortable
Cons
- Small wheels are a problem to use on patchy roads.
#3 Sector 9 Lookout Green Wave - Best Commuter and Pushing Longboard
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Both beginners and seasoned Riders seem to agree the Green Wave is among the best pushing boards out there.
The obvious reason behind this assertion is the drop-through design, which lowers it to the ground, making it easier to push on.
But, of course, there’re plenty of low-riding options in the market.
So, what makes the Sector 9 Lookout Green such a unique option?
Features and Benefits
Design
With a drop-through design, the Lookout trucks are positioned low to the ground, pushing the center of gravity down for greater stability. This makes the board a stable option for anyone looking to do a little racing.
Away from the design, the Lookout also excels in aesthetics, and the green wave graphic is a sight for sore eyes.
The Lookout is a fine board, combining a delicate design with a fantastic performance, a balance you rarely find at this price point.
Size
With a length of 42 inches and 9.6 inches in width, the Lookout has lots of moving spaces, making it comfortable for beginners to learn and long-distance longboarders to push.
The dimensions are close to the dancer deck’s size, so cross-stepping and dancing are also possible on the Lookout if that is what you’re into.
A large deck is also a perfect option for the bigger riders with bigger shoes. Plus, size riders up to 220 pounds can feel comfortable and safe on this board.
Deck Shape
With a directional deck, the Lookout has the front section slightly wider, while the back is slimmer.
Its large cutout allows the use of large wheels without rub, while the subtle concave deck offers the perfect place to arch your feet for support when pushing.
Deck Construction
The Lookout’s deck is entirely made of vertically laminated 5-ply bamboo, which offers more flex and lightness than the ordinary maple deck.
Flex on the Lookout is hard to describe, but it feels spring and poppy, which helps with my pushing while adding the effectiveness of my kicks.
Wheels and Trucks
As pointed out earlier, the large cutouts on the Lookout’s deck allow for big wheels without suffering wheelbite.
Lookout comes complete with huge 74 mm wheels with a 78A durometer, which many users agree to promote faster rolling speed.
The wheels are also soft enough to offer a smooth ride without being too soft to compromise their durability. They easily roll well over the debris and rougher terrain, though I wouldn’t recommend them for the rougher roads.
Pros
- Greater flex
- Ideal for pushers
- Roll well over debris
Cons
- Not so easy to carry around
#4 Loaded Boards Overland - Best for Tricks and Freeride
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
The Overland Loaded’s iconic mid size hybrid longboards. With more than six years after it was first launched, this board is still an all-time favorite.
Like the Quest Super Cruiser, the Overland is touted as an all-around board, but it focuses on street riding and downhill riding.
Features and Benefits
The most desirable feature of any longboard, especially those built with both skaters and free-riders in mind, is lightness, and the Overland doesn’t fail in this department.
With a modest weight of 3.5 pounds, the Overland facilitates easy handling and a decent balance.
It’s a travel-friendly option, and most importantly, promotes faster rolling.
Moreover, the Overland is well-designed, ensuring increased durability, making it a long-lasting investment.
Shape and Size
The Loaded Overland is a bit modest with the size, measuring only 37 inches long and 9.5 inches wide. It’s not a problem, though, since it resembles more of a cruiser, with the deck span making it well suited for street riding.
Wheels
Loaded Overland is uniquely designed with an adjustable wheelbase, which allows for two mounting options.
Either way, the double kicks, along the shorter wheelbase offers some fantastic pop for a board this size.
On the other hand, the slight flex and tapered waist enhance the carving and pumping abilities, making it easier to make rail-to-rail transitions.
Deck Material
The Overland deck is tailored from a single vertically laminated bamboo core sandwiched between fiberglass layers.
The thin and ultra-thin construction offers a subtle flex, so we found the board super responsive for carving and pushing, without interfering with the stability of “trickability.”
Moreover, the longboard features an extra bottom of textured urethane, reinforcing and protecting the fiberglass outer layer, making them both more “grabbable,” even when wet.
Pros
- Adjustable wheelbase
- Easy to perform tricks with
- Plenty of flex
Cons
- Not ideal for the rugged grounds
#5 Surf One Robert August II - Retro Option
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
If you’re in search of a longboard that offers a smooth ride from point A to B, look no further than the Surf One Complete.
It’s a masterpiece, taking all of the features that make longboarding enjoyable and mix them in a proportional amount.
But is it the right option for you?
Design
From the word go, it’s easy to see the Surf One is a super cool, retro-looking board.
The retro look is completely original, especially when compared to other longboards in the market. Complete with three painted racing stripes, the Surf One has a unique allure and will never go out of style.
Aesthetics aside, the longboard is a practical option too, and the board’s quality is easily identifiable in every facet of its design.
From the choice of material to the craftsmanship, the Surf One is a reliable longboard, ideal for the average rider.
Size
Surf One, with a deck size of 43 inches by 8 inches, is rather large; prefer length for beginners. It offers stability at high speed, while the wide side offers a good foothold for riders.
Deck Construction
The 7 Ply maple construction is strong enough to stand up to wear and tear. More importantly, the multi-ply construction gives the deck plenty of flex, so you’re going to enjoy the ride and easy carving.
It’s sturdy, too, making the board perfect for heavier riders.
And when it comes to stability, the 180 mm longboard trucks and reverse kingpin bolsters the overall stability, making it easier to make the sharp turns without fear of falling.
Wheels
The 65 mm wheels on the Sur One are five-star wheels, helping to maintain your ride’s consistency even at high speeds.
Unfortunately, due to their size limitations, they might not be suitable options for longboarding in the rugged and rough terrains. When riding, you’re likely to feel every bump, crack, and potholes on the road.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Ideal for heavy riders
- Retro option
Cons
- Not suitable for rough terrain
Best Longboard Buying Guidе
In the guide below, we shall share everything you need to know about selecting the best longboard for your needs.
But before I share the tips with you, let’s look at the different types of longboards.
Types of Longboards
The seven common types of longboards are:
- Pintail: The pintail is commonly used for cruising. They closely resemble the surfboards and are characterized by tapered ends. These longboards are also good for carving and non-technical types of riding.
- Fishtail: The fishtail is a tad shorter than the pintail board, though they share the pintail’s pointed nose. These longboards are good for cruising as, and their more compact shapes make them more portable.
- Blunt: As their name suggests, the blunt has a less pointed nose, so they offer less clearance for wheels. The blunts reminisce the traditional skateboard or snowboard,
- Twin board: The twin boards are easy to confuse with regular skateboards, coming in a fatter, heavier version of the typical street skateboard.
- Cutouts: The cutouts are weirdly shaped longboards, and as their name suggests, they feature a “cutout” section about the wheels for maximum clearance.
- Drop Down: The drop-down has a weird shape as well. The section above the truck is elevated in relation to the middle deck, thus reducing the distance the rider’s leg has to “travel” to pump.
- Speed boards: These boards are built for speed. They’ve greater stability and have modifications allowing them to fit large, stable wheels.
Factors to Consider When Selecting the Best Longboard
Skill Level
The first thing to consider when making a longboard purchase is your skill level.
As you’ve already seen in our review, there’re numerous options for longboards regarding styles and setups. Each setup is designed to accommodate the rider’s different skill levels with the hope of making the experience more enjoyable and easy.
This means the new riders will want to pick a beginner-friendly option and a longboard suited to their skill level.
Riding Styles
As with skateboarding, there’re different styles of riding a longboard.
So, before purchasing a longboard, it’s good that you consider where you live and your riding style for a more enjoyable ride.
Deck Styles
The deck style greatly influences a board’s stability and dictates how easy it is to start or push the board.
A general rule of thumb is the higher the board is off the ground, the less stable it is, and more work for pushing. The reverse is also true.
Here are some of the common types of deck boards:
Top Mount
It’s the traditional shape for longboards and the least expensive.
While it’s less stable due to the design, the top mount longboards are more nimble and have better turn leverage.
Drop Through
The trucks are mounted on the board on drop through longboards, so the deck height is lower for enhanced stability. Users also experience less fatigue while pushing and breaking.
Double Drop
The double drops are also designed to get the rider’s feet close to the ground as possible and are ideal for downhill riding.
Board Construction
The common materials used for constructing the longboard boards are:
- Veneer: It’s a common material and the least expensive. It consists of multiple thin sheets, referred to as the veneer, glued together and stacked on top. Generally, the more the veneers on the board, the less flexible it is.
- Bamboo: Board from bamboo laminates are medium to lightweight and have a medium flex.
- Carbon Fiber: Boards made from composite materials such as carbon fiber are expensive but are extremely lightweight and stiff. They’re ideal for downhill riders.
Wrap Up: Our Choice
It’s hard for a longboard to stand out, but we feel the Quest Super Cruiser has everything you need for a fulfilling longboarding experience.
The build quality, choice of material, weight to the price, there’re numerous reasons why the Quest Super Cruiser is our top pick.
Of course, we can’t deny the board has its share of flaws, especially regarding the wheel’s durability. But for the price, it’s hard to beat what the Quest Super Cruiser offers. It can’t be compared to other boards within its class.
