If there’s one thing the longboarding world is notorious for, it’s the numerous longboard shapes to choose from that leave many longboarders confused.
Generally, the confusion always lies around getting the most convenient option, from cambered pintails, drop throughs, twin to directional longboard shape.
But for beginners, hill riders, and speed bombers, the debate is always centered between two longboard shapes; drop through and drop deck longboards.
Both of these deck shapes have a dropped standing platform, which is beneficial for improving stability. Their low center of gravity also makes them fit for beginner riders as they inspire more confidence when going fast.
While both of these low rides have a low COG, they achieve the low platform in different ways.
What this means is one shape is better for a particular riding style than the other. So, in essence, choosing one drop shape over the other will have you live with several compromises.
For instance, the drop-through longboards are fast and maneuverable but not as “stable” as the drop boards.
But what if I tell you that you don’t have to put up with the compromises of the drop decks.
Enter best double drop longboards.
Double drop longboards are an amalgamated advanced design derived from drop-through decks and drop decks.
Simply put, they combine the strengths of both the drop decks and drop through in a single package while doing away with each design’s flaws.
Double decks, the true lowriders of the longboards, are maneuverable and can generate pretty high speeds without any danger of losing balance.
They’re particularly embraced by hill riders and hill bombers as they’re speed machines and easily manipulated due to their low center of gravity.
Now, if the idea of a drop down sound good to you, I’ll share with you the top 5 of my favorite double drop longboard decks in the market.
I’ve also included a handy drop down buying guide to help you purchase the best double-drop longboard.
Table of Contents
- 1 In a Rush? Here's Our Choice!
- 2 Table of Contents
- 3 Quick Comparison Table!
- 4 The Best Double Drop Longboard For The Money
- 5 #1 Landyachtz Switchblade 40" Longboard - EDITOR'S CHOICE
- 6 #2 Arbor Dropcruiser Flagship - Mid-sized Commuter
- 7 #3 Skateboard Drop Through Longboard - Best Value
- 8 #4 Green Double Board - Aesthetic Board
- 9 #5 Skateboard Double Hybrid Longboard - Premium Pick
- 10 Best Double Drop Longboard Buying Guide
In a Rush? Here's Our Choice!
Our winner for the best double drop longboards is the Landyachtz Switchblade.
We chose this option because it has a lot going on.
While it’s a bit bulky than others, it has wonderful responsiveness, sits pretty low, with incredible stability.
It also excels in different disciplines, though it shines most on downhill and cruising.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Table!
The Best Double Drop Longboard For The Money
#1 Landyachtz Switchblade 40" Longboard - EDITOR'S CHOICE
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Our top pick, the Landyachtz Switchblade, has been around for over a decade, and yet, it remains a highly regarded deck for freeride and bombing hills in the longboarding community.
It excels in other departments too, and I particularly love it for its comfortable all-around transportation.
This is not to mention the Switchblade’s unique drop deck design, which is quite useful in many ways, as we shall see later.
But how does it perform, and is it a fit option for your longboarding needs?
Let’s find out in our Landyachtz Switchblade review.
Features and Benefits
Design- Graphics
Landyachtz Switchblade has limited designs, but it’s still attractive.
Of course, the graphics are entirely an opinion, but I’ve always loved the 2011 design, and I like how the 2012 design shows the remnants of it having been destroyed.
The illustrations are mostly mountains, which help push the board’s main purpose of riding downhill and freeride.
Deck
Everything about Landyachtz Switchblade revolves around the deck, and we’ll see why it’s such an important feature for your longboarding experience.
Let’s start with the maple wood construction.
While the Canadian Maple deck is an industry-standard, the 9-ply construction is not.
The deck can withstand one hell of a beating without breaking down. Both the nose and tail will look mashed up and gnarlier than most boards after hitting a few curbs, but even if you see it splits into the layers, you don’t need to worry. Such damage is superficial.
And that’s not all with the construction!
Durability aside, the deck has a fair amount of flex to support even the heavy persons. But because of the shape we shall see, heavy users are likely to scrape the terrain when going fast over bumps.
Now, let’s look at the deck’s shape.
Switchblade has a perfectly symmetrical shape for freeride and downhill rides. It was designed as a drop-through but can be top mounted.
The shape allows riders to keep their stance even when riding regular or switch.
Another striking feature is the “W” concave. In the middle, down the length of the board, there’s a rise that creates two deep pockets. The rise is meant to give riders the arc of your foot something to hold onto mid-slide.
Riding Performance
Now to the riding disciplines!
Let’s start with cruising.
I know you’re wondering whether a 41” downhill board behemoth can cruise.
Well, it can.
The drop shape design lowers the center of gravity, so it’s easy to push while its weight keeps you rolling.
However, I wouldn’t use it for regular commutes as it’s damn heavy, and regardless of how much fun you have getting to your destination, once you arrive, you’ll regret not taking the bus.
When it comes to freestyle, it’s a big NO.
Why?
It lacks kicks, and when you consider the bulkiness, it’s practically impossible to get into the air. Though it’s long, the short nose and tail will have you swerve out of control while shifting your weight. You would be hard-pressed to find a worse longboard for freestyle than this.
Breaking into slides is super easy on this longboard. The lower center ride and secure foot lock-in inspire confidence to push it sideways.
Switchblade is also capable of downhill, and this baby can go fast; the drops create an amazing standing platform, and you’ll feel as if they’re against a track and field block.
It’s steady and responsive too and can handle straightaways and sharp corners with ease.
Wheels and Trucks
As with all Landyachtz longboards, Switchblade sports Gen 6 Grizzly trucks and an improved version of Bear’s high-end freeride trucks.
These trucks are made better, stronger, and have a more refined maneuvering geometry.
On the other hand, the 70mm Hawgs Wheels, with a round-lipped profile, is soft for smooth rolling on almost any kind of terrain.
Finally, the bearings with built-in spacers protect the Grizzly trucks from damage. Riders learning how to slide will find this useful.
Pros
- Durable
- Great responsiveness- drop-through design
- Excels in freeride
Cons
- Tad bulky
#2 Arbor Dropcruiser Flagship - Mid-sized Commuter
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
If you’re a longboard commuter and love pushing and carving across widespread areas of town, you can’t get anything better than the Arbor.
In particular, if you love to mix distance pushing and carve with some freerides and technical slides, Arbor’s setup is a solid and comfortable choice.
But how does this great commuter fit in your longboarding style?
Let’s find out.
Features and Benefits
Design
The Arbor Dropcruiser is part of Arbor’s Flagship Series.
It also includes other longboards such as the Axis, Sizzler, Pilsner, and Zeppelin.
Users find it easy to identify the Flagship boards because of their distinct shape and design.
For example, Arbor Dropcruiser design has an awesome level of artistry, and the graphics are no doubt a real head-turner.
It comes as no surprise as Arbor is actually structured as a collection of designers and artists from Draplin Design Company, focused on building quality products.
Deck
Arbor’s deck isn’t any different from the Switchblade, but there’re subtle differences here and there.
One of the similarities is the choice of material; Canadian Hardrock maple.
It’s a nice choice for a cruiser as it not only takes a beating without breaking, but it has a fair amount of flex to support the heavy users without bottoming.
When it comes to the shape, Arbor has a symmetrical shape with large wheel cutouts. This reflects the longboard’s cruising and commuting DNA as it provides room for bigger wheels while eliminating wheel bite when carving.
But the biggest highlight is the drop-down deck with a drop-through mount design-also known as double-drop.
The design has the main benefit of further lowering the deck compared to the top mount while at the same time offering more stability at speed.
With a setup sitting as close to the ground as possible, riders will find it a bit easier to cruise and push as their feet travel slightly shorter distances to the ground. This requires less effort in terms of knee bending and hip flexing.
Another awesome deck feature is the mild concave. I’m a big fan of this feature as it helps keep my feet locked and secure them when carving or even bombing wheels.
Performance
The Arbor Dropcruiser deck lacks rocker or camber.
Rocker lowers the deck further, while the camber facilitates more springiness.
Instead, Arbor’s deck has a normal profile for a more predictable ride.
So, what is this longboard good for?
Arbor is low to the ground, and as you’ve probably figured by now, it’s a great option for cruising, hill riding, and commuting.
The mellow concave is particularly handy for bombing hills as it locks you nicely, giving you the confidence and secure feel you need at a higher speed.
The concave, along with the low COG, also makes this option an inspiring option for sliding.
Carving should also be easy, thanks to the large wheel cutouts that allow for tight carves with little risk of a wheelbite.
Wheels & Trucks
Arbor’s Paris V2 reverse kingpin trucks are some of the best trucks in the market in strength and resistance.
But what I love about them most is their responsiveness in turn. They deliver a smooth and carvy feel, and their fluid-tight turns make the board well-adapted to carving.
On the other hand, the Arbor Outlook wheels (70MM, 78A) are big and soft enough to go over just about any terrain,
They’re comfortable too, and won’t transfer any vibrations, even at higher speeds and rougher terrains.
Pros
- No wheelbite
- Incredible stability
- Ideal for hill riding
Cons
- Flimsy bearings
#3 Skateboard Drop Through Longboard - Best Value
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Here’s another double longboard you’ll definitely fall in love with.
The Skateboard Drop Through Longboard isn’t such a popular longboard, but it strikes the perfect balance between cost and performance.
And as its name suggests, it’s strictly a drop longboard, so beginners will automatically benefit from a low COG and stable ride.
But how does it perform?
Let’s find out.
Features and Benefits
Design
If you prefer a longboard that doesn’t draw attention, Skateboard Through Longboard may be a good pick.
It’s a simple and modest board, lacking the fancy designs or graphics we saw earlier with the Arbor or the Switchblade.
But it’s not too bland, either; instead, it has some fancy purple wheels that add a touch of sophistication.
We love the black grip tape that keeps you on the deck. The grip tape, alongside the drop design, makes this board fit for the nervous riders relatively new to longboarding.
Deck
Skateboard Double Drop Through Longboard’s deck sports a Canadian Maple construction for the ultimate strength and sturdiness.
It’s super reliable and will take on the longboarding abuses like a champ.
For instance, it doesn’t break, or even chip as most of the wooden decks do.
It has a fair amount of flex, but it’s mostly on the rigid side. The rigidness is useful considering the board is low on the ground, so it’s less likely to bottom down even when supporting the heavy-weight riders.
The shape isn’t any different from our other drop-downs.
It’s a drop deck with drop-through mounts, creating a dropdown longboard setup.
I’m a big fan of this design for several reasons.
The biggest benefit is it lowers the center of gravity. This is useful if it’s your first board as it enhances stability. It’ll inspire beginner longboarders to take on the hills without fear of wiping out.
Another feature sliders will love is the mild concave.
I can’t overemphasize the importance of the concave as it creates deep pockets on both ends, which help to secure you when sliding or even going down the hill.
Finally, the deck has a nice size to it. The 39.75 inches length and 9.75 inches width will comfortably hold even the tallest rider!
Performance
As you would probably imagine, for a deck so low, the Skateboard Double Drop Through board has a lot going for it when it comes to cruising.
Your feet don’t have to travel for distances when pushing the board, so it’s easy to rack up some miles with the least effort.
Carving is also easy on this board, thanks to the large wheel cutouts that eliminate any form of wheelbite.
The low COG, stability, and large wheels also make it possible to use the Skateboard Double Drop Through Longboard as a hill deck.
Wheels & Trucks
Maneuvering this longboard is effortless, and you’ll love the turnability of the reverse kingpin trucks.
On the other hand, the large 76mm BIGfoot wheels make this board a fantastic option for going over any terrain, while the ABEC 7 bearings explain why this deck has such a buttery ride.
Pros
- Value option
- Grippy
- Stable
Cons
- Bulky
#4 Green Double Board - Aesthetic Board
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
The Green Longboard is a contrast to the Skateboard Double when it comes to the design.
It’s a striking board and is easy to identify even when miles away.
But aesthetics isn’t the only thing it brings to the table.
It’s a performance-oriented pick, and it goes all the way to deliver a smooth and comfortable ride.
But is it the right pick for you?
Features and Benefits
Design
If you love a board that will make heads turn, go for the Green Board.
As its name suggests, this board has a distinct green-themed design, consisting of green racing pinstripes on the upper side with a super sticky grip tape and bright yellow wheels.
Deck
There’s plenty of love with Green’s deck.
Let’s start with the construction.
I find the custom Canadian Maple a nice choice for the material as it’s sturdy and durable.
You shouldn’t also worry whether it can support your weight because it’s a 9-ply construction.
The Green’s shape also has a lot going for it.
It’s a drop deck with drop-through mounts, a design popularly known as the double drop.
I love the design because it lowers the center of gravity, facilitating a more stable ride, even when going down the hill. The design inspires confidence to the nervous riders and beginners.
The other thing I love about the platform is the dimension.
It doesn’t have as much heft as the Switchblade, but the 39” length and 9” width strike the sweet spot between ease of use and performance.
You shouldn’t have any problem carrying the board even for distances, yet, it has sufficient space to accommodate even the tallest riders.
Performance
This is one department the Green Longboard excels and mainly because of the drop design.
The shape lowers the board’s COG, and I find this useful when cruising for long distances. My feet won’t have to travel for long distances to give me the push I need.
Additionally, the shape increases the overall stability, so it’s easy to use the board for hill riding without the fear of speed wobbles or wiping out.
Finally, the mellow concave design locks me securely, and I can slide without washing out.
Wheels and Trucks
Green board uses large 76mm wheels, so it can tackle any terrain with ease. The wheels also have a large contact patch to boot, so you get plenty of grip on the ground to give you that bit more control.
The trucks are also decent and provide great maneuverability for evading obstacles and weaving through traffic.
Pros
- Eye-catching
- Large contact patch on wheels
- Ideal for hill riding
- Drop through mount for easier maneuverability
Cons
- Premium
#5 Skateboard Double Hybrid Longboard - Premium Pick
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Our final pick of the best double drop-down longboards is a premium pick and has plenty of high-end features.
For example, it features ABEC-7 bearings, which are well renowned for their performance and strength.
And that’s not all!
It has an incredible performance, and no wonder it’s such a popular option.
Features and Benefits
Design
My first impression of this board is that the board looks like it wants to be ridden.
It’s a monster truck and comes prepared for some serious riding.
The board is reliable too, and everything from the trucks to wheels looks sturdy and ride-ready.
Deck
Skateboard’s standing platform has plenty of similarities with most of the longboards on our list.
First, it’s the choice of material.
The Canadian Hardrock Maple wood is sturdy and can take all the longboarding abuses.
Along with the material, you’ll also love the black grip tape that secures you firmly on the board when sliding or even in the slippery riding condition.
Another similarity is the deck shape.
It’s not a surprise considering this board is a drop-down.
As with all our picks, it has a distinctive drop deck and drop-through mount.
It’s an awesome combination that pushes the longboard even closer to the ground for greater stability.
Performance
The Skateboard’s performance drill is not any different!
With a lower COG and dropped platform, this longboard is suitable for various styles ranging from cruising to hill riding.
The slightly mellow platform also set it up for incredible sliding functions.
Wheels and Trucks
The 180mm Reverse Longboard Trucks are critical in the overall maneuverability of the board, while the 76mm wheels will roll on just about anything, including mid-sized rocks and cracked city streets.
On the other hand, the expensive ABEC-7 bearings deliver an incredibly smooth and comfortable ride. When paired with the large, soft wheels, beginners won’t feel any transfer of vibrations even when riding on rugged terrains.
Pros
- Fast
- Stable
- Premium quality
Cons
- Expensive
Best Double Drop Longboard Buying Guide
Purchasing a double drop isn’t any different from buying a regular drop-down or drop deck board.
However, there’re some specifics you should know when making the purchase.
Deck Size
What deck size you should go for generally comes down to the rider’s height, shoe size, and style.
Our recommendation for taller riders is to choose a longer deck since these decks promise more width and room for your feet. This is particularly true if the foot placement is attracting you to the idea of a double drop board in the first place.
On the other hand, shorter riders should pick the shorter deck size as they’re less bulky and lightweight for their size.
Wheel Set-Up
Since a double drop through has its trucks mounted across the deck through dedicated holes, you might be concerned about the wheel bite.
Fortunately, you can avoid this by having cutouts in the deck to give the wheel space.
But this isn’t the only way to avoid wheelbite on such a board. For example, you should ensure the rucks move the wheelbase outwards rather than inward.
Budget
I’ll level with you here.
The best double drop downs boards are more expensive than their traditional counterparts, and you can generally expect to pay anywhere between $200 and $400 for a quality double dropdown.
Heads Up
We thought of giving you a heads up on buying yourself a double dropdown.
While these longboards are great for cruising distances, they don’t have the same maneuverability as the more regular alternatives.
What are Best Double Drop Deck Longboards are Best for?
A double drop is often the best choice if you’re into the following riding styles:
- Distance pushing and commuting
When traveling for distances, having your center of gravity low to the ground is an asset as it makes your board stable at high speed and eliminates speed wobbles.
Plus, being close to the pavement makes kick pushing easier and less straining on your knees and hips as you don’t need to travel as far to hit the ground.
- Freeriding and Sliding
Double drop boards also excel in freeriding, especially at beginner or intermediate levels.
The lower center of gravity means you don’t have to apply much force to the wheels to lose traction.
Not only is the effort required to break into slides lesser on a drop-through, but it generally slides much longer.
The flip side is you don’t have as much control during the slide as on a higher-up board.
When are Double Drop Decks Longboard not the best?
There’re several instances where a double drop isn’t typically your best choice.
One of them is fast downhill longboarding.
The main reason is on a double drop, you get much less response from the drop-through trucks than you would on a top mount.
The double drop boards are also not the best pick for styles that exert a lot of pressure on the trucks, such as downhill racing and freestyle tricks.
This is because the drop-through mounts aren’t structurally as strong as a top mount since the impact goes into the mount points.
As a result, these boards are known to be more prone to breaking, particularly the stiffer decks. And this is the reason they’re best used for commuting and carving with some amount of lex in the deck for more shock absorption.
