Tools and Equipment The 10 Best Longboards of 2021 Ride in style on one of these great boards By Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist LinkedIn Lindsey Lanquist is a writer and editor specializing in fashion, lifestyle, and health content. Her work has appeared in SELF, StyleCaster, SheKnows, MyDomaine, and more. Learn about our editorial process Updated on August 23, 2021 Fact checked by Emily Swaim Fact checked by Emily Swaim on August 10, 2020 LinkedIn Emily is a fact checker, editor, and writer who has expertise in psychology, health and lifestyle content. Learn about our editorial process Print Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Verywell / Getty Images Our Top Picks Best Overall: VOLADOR Freeride Longboard Complete Cruiser at Amazon Durable, flexible, and affordable, it's an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced longboarders. Best Budget: Slendor Longboard at Amazon Crafted with hardrock maple, Slendor's longboard is a durable, lightweight option that doesn't break the bank. Best Splurge: Magneto Bamboo Longboard at Amazon With 7-inch, gravity-cast, heavy duty aluminum trucks and subtle tail kicks, the board is ideal for doing sharp turns and tricks. Best for Beginners: Quest Rorshack Bamboo Longboard at Amazon The board’s kicktail makes it easy for kids to learn to do ollies or to pick it up once they’re done riding. Best for Carving: Retrospec Rift Drop-Through Longboard at Amazon With large, soft wheels and a gripping deck, you'll get a smooth, responsive ride that's perfect for carving. Best Electric: Blitzart Hurricane 38" at Amazon It features a quiet-hub motor that reaches speeds of up to 15 miles per hour with an extensive range for long-distance rides. Best for Kids: Kryptonics Mini Cutaway Cruiser Skateboard at Amazon At 26 inches, the Mini Cruiser is a smaller-than-average longboard lined with grip tape to guarantee a safe ride for new boarders. Best for Cruising: Seething Longboard at Amazon With a 10-inch width and kicktail for steering, Seething's longboard is a great option for cruising rides. Best Downhill: Atom Drop Through at Amazon It's easy to push and great for long-distance cruising, riding around town, or commuting on campus. Best for Commuting: Junli Freeride Skateboard at Amazon A long wheel base keeps the board stable on long-distance rides with an multi-ply maple deck that stands up to daily commutes. In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For What Experts Say Why Trust Verywell Fit? Longboarding is a style of skateboarding that involves riding a long, narrow board. Though longboards can vary in terms of shape, size, and style, there are a few characteristics that set them apart from traditional skateboards. Typically, they are flatter than skateboards and they come with larger and softer wheels for a smoother ride. Some of them have concave decks, but their curve is generally more subtle than the curve you'll find on a skateboard. “Nothing is going to beat going to a local shop and testing different boards,” Billy James, longboarder and founder of Shred Shack, says. “But I realize not everyone has that option, so the next best thing is to determine what type of riding style you want to do.” Decide whether you want to use your board for cruising, carving, or tricks, among other things, and find an option that meets your needs and preferences. “Don’t feel like you have to buy the very best,” James says. “You don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on something you might not be doing long term. Common sense (I know), but so many people buy something over the top just to have it collect dust the next month.” Here are the best longboards on the market. Best Overall: VOLADOR 42-Inch Freeride Longboard Complete Cruiser View On Amazon Pros Wide and concave deck Soft wheels for smooth rides Precision bearings for carving Multiple deck designs Cons May lack durability Some quality control issues Volador’s Freeride Longboard is crafted with eight-ply maple for durability without weighing you down. The wide deck is designed to give you a comfortable ride and it comes with large wheels for soft cruising. The cutouts lining the front and the back of the board minimize the chance of wheel bite—when the wheel comes in contact with the board—so you're sure to experience a smooth ride. The longboard has a drop-through design giving it a low center of gravity for stability. However, the board comes with precision bearings for precise turns and carving. This combination makes it a versatile option for any riding style. Deck Length: 42 inches | Deck Width: 9 inches | Wheel Durometer: 78A | Wheel Size: 2.7 x 2 inches Best Budget: Slendor Longboard View On Amazon Pros Stable, drop-through design Large cutouts for wheel bite cutdown Tight turning radius 12 deck designs Cons Some quality control issues Harder-than-average wheels If you're riding on a budget, Slendor's Longboard is an affordable option that still promises durability. Crafted with nine-ply maple, it's designed to stand the test of time, and made to feel incredibly lightweight. The drop-through composition is built for a smooth ride, making it ideal for cruising, commuting, and downhill skating. The board’s 85A wheels are harder than what you’ll find on most longboards, but riders still say they're comfortable and shock-absorbing. It also boasts high-speed bearings and a tight turning radius to make cutting corners and dodging obstacles easy. Deck Length: 42 inches | Deck Width: 9 inches | Wheel Durometer: 85A | Wheel Size: 2.7 x 2 inches Best Splurge: Magneto Bamboo Longboard View On Amazon View On Magnetoboards.com Pros Comfortable concave deck Large cutouts for wheel bite cutdown Soft wheels for smooth rides Stable, low-riding board Cons May lack durability Not great for beginners Magneto’s Bamboo Carbon Fiber Longboard is made with a combination of flexible bamboo and sturdy fiberglass to make it strong but not too stiff. The deck is slightly concaved, which provides a comfortable place to rest your feet. The longboard comes with large 78A wheels and high-rebound bushings for smooth riding. And since it has large cutouts, the wheel bite should be kept to a minimum. Plus, the board has a low center of gravity to keep your rides stable and controlled no matter how fast you're going. Deck Length: 42 inches | Deck Width: 9 inches | Wheel Durometer: 78A | Wheel Size: 2.7 x 2.1 inches The 9 Best Cheap Skateboards of 2021 Best for Beginners: Quest Rorshack 34-Inch Complete Longboard View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Questboards.com Pros Beginner-friendly design Durable for cruising and carving Kicktail for tricks Compact and portable Cons No wheel durometer provided Trucks may need replacement Thanks to its shorter length, Quest’s Rorshack Longboard looks more like a skateboard than a longboard—making it a great pick for beginners. Compact and durable, it's made from multi-ply hardwood, which is ideal for both cruising and carving. The board is outfitted with durable aluminum trucks and speed-friendly bearings for a sturdy and smooth ride. If you already know how to skateboard, the longboard’s skateboard-like “crossover” design should make picking up longboarding even easier. Deck Length: 34 inches | Deck Width: 9 inches | Wheel Durometer: Not listed | Wheel Size: 2.7 x 2.1 inches Best for Carving: Retrospec Rift Drop-Through Longboard View On Amazon View On Retrospec.com Pros Grippy deck Large cutouts for wheel bite cutdown Large, soft wheels Five deck designs Cons Hardware may need replacement May not be very durable Retrospec's Rift Drop-Through Longboard is great for carving thanks to its flexible and nimble composition. Featuring a deck crafted with Canadian maple, it's covered in grippy material that improves traction to help you carve like a pro. The grip also makes it easier to stay balanced and in control of your board. When carving, you need large and soft wheels to tackle tight turns. Luckily, Retrospec's 2.7-inch by 2-inch wheels have a 78A durometer which keeps them responsive. To top things off, high-rebound bushings and precision bearings will give you great speed and response for carving. Deck Length: 41 inches | Deck Width: 9.5 inches | Wheel Durometer: 78A | Wheel Size: 2.7 x 2 inches What is Carving? Carving is a style of longboarding that resembles surfing. When carving, you’ll create an S-shaped motion with your board. And this can help you control your speed if you’re skating downhill. Best Electric: Blitzart Hurricane 38" Electric Longboard View On Amazon Pros Fully charges in three hours Durable but flexible board Comfortable concave deck Soft wheels for smooth rides Cons Some quality control issues If you’re in the market for an electric longboard, Blitzart’s Hurricane Electric Longboard is a solid option. Made with six-ply maple and bamboo, it's durable and provides a super smooth ride thanks to 3.5-inch diameter wheels. The attached hub motor allows you to reach speeds up to 15 miles per hour, and you can ride up to 10 miles at a time on a single charge. The concave deck offers plenty of room to shift around while on the board, and it can fully charge in three hours to ensure you'll be on your way in no time. Deck Length: 38 inches | Deck Width: 7 inches | Wheel Durometer: Not listed | Wheel Size: 3.5 inches The 8 Best Skateboard Trucks of 2021 Best for Kids: Kryptonics Mini Cutaway Cruiser Skateboard View On Amazon View On Dick's Pros Compact, durable deck Lined with grip tape Soft wheels Riser pads to minimize wheel bite Cons No deck width or wheel durometer provided Hardware may need replacement Kryptonics’ Mini Cutaway Cruiser is a great option for kids, thanks to its compact and lightweight design. It's made with eight-ply maple for durability, and it's lined with grip tape to ensure ultimate traction when riding. It also has aluminum trucks and angled riser pads that offer fast speeds with minimal wheel bite. While it's a great option for kids, it can support up to 220 pounds at a time—meaning your little one won't have to swap it out when they hit a growth spurt. Deck Length: 26 inches | Deck Width: Not listed | Wheel Durometer: Not listed | Wheel Size: 2.4 x 1.8 inches The 6 Best Skateboard Pads of 2021 Best for Cruising: Seething Longboard View On Amazon Pros Comfortable, wide deck Soft wheels for smooth rides Navigation-friendly kicktail 12 deck designs Cons Deck may be too stiff May not be very durable If you like to cruise, a comfortable and easy-to-control longboard—like Seething's Longboard—is necessary. It features a 10-inch wide deck that will give you plenty of room to stand on longer rides. It's also crafted with durable, nine-ply hardrock maple, which is designed to stay in good shape no matter the weather. Since it has a kicktail, it's easy to steer and control on any terrain. Precision bearings and responsive 80A wheels make navigation even easier. Deck Length: 42 inches | Deck Width: 10 inches | Wheel Durometer: 80A | Wheel Size: 2.7 x 2 inches What is Cruising? Cruising is a style of longboarding that involves covering long distances at a pretty leisurely pace. “Cruising is the most common type of longboarding for beginners,” James says. “It's for those who want to cruise around in a more relaxed fashion.” The 10 Best Skateboards of 2021 Best Downhill: Atom Drop Through 41 Inch View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Stable, low-riding board Large cutouts for wheel bite cutdown Soft wheels Easy to push Cons No wheel size provided Only one color option Downhill rides can get fast and unwieldy. So it’s important to have a board that keeps you in control. Atom’s Drop Through longboard lends stability to downhill rides, thanks to a low center of gravity and a durable, grippy deck. Though it's pretty low-riding, large cutouts will minimize wheel bite. Soft, high-rebound 78A wheels will keep the ride smooth and comfortable, while the perimeter shape of the board makes turning easy. Since it's easy to push on a flat surface, the longboard is especially versatile—meaning it can be used for cruising, carving, or downhill riding. Deck Length: 41 inches | Deck Width: 9.5 inches | Wheel Durometer: 78A | Wheel Size: Not listed What is Downhill Skating? “Downhill is exactly how it sounds—riding down a hill as fast as possible,” James says. The 9 Best Bike Helmets of 2021 Best for Commuting: Junli Freeride Skateboard View On Amazon Pros Durable, grippy deck Large cutouts for wheel bite cutdown Soft wheels for smooth rides Long, stable wheel base Cons Wide turning radius Hardware may need replacement If you're looking for a longboard that can withstand your daily commutes, Junli's Freeride Skateboard is made with eight-ply maple to keep it strong day after day. At 8 inches wide, the supportive deck makes balancing easy while the brushed surface provides ultimate traction. 80A wheels offer a smooth ride on different types of terrain, and thanks to the board's large cutouts, wheel bite shouldn't be an issue. The longboard also has a relatively long wheelbase to keep it stable on long-distance rides—allowing you to pick up speed without losing control. Deck Length: 41 inches | Deck Width: 9.5 inches | Wheel Durometer: 80A | Wheel Size: 2.7 x 2 inches Final Verdict Volador's Freeride Longboard (view at Amazon) has several features that make it versatile for cruising, carving, or distance rides. Featuring large, soft wheels, it will give you a smooth ride with great shock absorption. Precision bearings also offer control to tackle tight turns. If price is one of your concerns, you can opt for the Slendor Longboard (view at Amazon) which includes all of the necessary features of a longboard at an affordable price. Not only does it have a wide deck for balance and comfort, but it also has large cutouts for minimal wheel bite and high-speed bearings that offer a tight turn radius. What to Look for in a Longboard Deck Size When shopping for a longboard, you’ll want to consider deck width and deck length. Wider longboards will offer more standing room, which can make long-distance cruising and commuting more comfortable. Wider boards also tend to be more stable (which is great for beginners and distance riders, but not-so-great for riders who want a nimbler ride and more maneuverability). Longer boards also tend to be more stable, which makes them great for long-distance or downhill riding. But again, more stability means less maneuverability. So if you're a fan of carving or tackling tricks, you may be better off with a shorter board. And if portability is your key concern, James says you may prefer an even shorter board, like a mini-cruiser. Deck Shape Longboards are available in a range of shapes for different styles of longboarding. First, they can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Symmetrical boards are bidirectional, meaning you can ride with either side of your board facing the front. These boards are good for freestyling or freeriding. Asymmetrical boards are directional, meaning that one of the ends of the skateboard is designed to go in front. This makes them great for things like carving, cruising, and commuting. Some decks have cutouts which means their corners have been cut away. This feature allows a longboard to support bigger wheels without causing wheel bite. Big wheels can also be great when you want to cover long distances (for cruising or commuting) or pick up speed (for carving or downhill skating). Another feature worth noting is a drop-through design, which means that the board rides lower than others. This gives it a low center of gravity for optimal stability at high speeds. Deck Feel Some longboard decks are incredibly rigid, which leads to more stability and control. This also makes them great for faster rides. On the contrary, some longboard decks are more flexible, making them responsive and shock absorbing for long-distance riding. Wheel Size You need to consider the diameter of the wheel and the contact patch. The diameter tells you how tall or short a wheel is—larger ones are great for speed and textured terrain and smaller ones are good for tricks and freestyle riding. The contact patch describes the width of a wheel—how much of the wheel is in contact with the ground. Wheels with a wider contact patch give you more control, so they’re great for a range of different styles (like downhill skating and carving, as well as cruising and commuting). Wheels with a narrower contact patch tend to be better for tricks. Wheel Durometer Wheel durometer, or the hardness of the wheel, also matters when buying a longboard. Softer wheels offer more grip and control for fast-paced riding styles. Harder wheels are typically more durable, though they might not be good for bumpy or uneven terrain. Hardware Longboards are also made up of a handful of other pieces, including trucks (metal pieces that connect your wheels to your deck), bushings (round pieces that attach to your trucks), and bearings (round pieces that attach to your wheels and trucks). These pieces will affect the way your longboard rides and feels. “The deck, trucks, and wheels are worth the splurge every time,” James says. “I wouldn’t worry too much about bearings or bushings, because those are an affordable replacement.” Frequently Asked Questions How to ride a longboard Start by placing both of your feet on the longboard while on a flat surface. Your feet should be a little wider than hip-width apart. Once you find your balance, step off the board, and practice stepping onto it. Place your front foot onto the board at a 45-degree angle (between the front and side of the board), then practice pushing with your back foot and stepping onto the board to ride. (Some people will prefer to step with their back foot, instead. And if that feels more comfortable, you can try that.) How to stop on a longboard There are a few different ways to stop on a longboard. You can let your longboard roll until it comes to a stop, or you can ride it onto a textured surface that’s likely to slow it down (like grass). You can also use the sole of your foot to bring the board to a stop, carve turns to slow yourself down or slide to a stop (this technique may be hard for beginners to master). And if worse comes to worst, you can always hop off your board and run to catch it as it rolls away. What size longboard should I get? Longboards are available in a range of lengths and widths. If you're a beginner, you may prefer a longer, wider board, as these tend to be both stable and comfortable. Longer, wider boards are also great for distance riders (like cruisers and commuters) and downhill skaters (who need stability as they pick up speed).If you love to freestyle, you may prefer a shorter board (which will likely be less stable but more maneuverable).“If portability is a priority, you’ll probably want to look into mini-cruisers,” James says. Mini-cruisers are some of the shortest longboards around. Is longboarding easier than skateboarding? Longboarding is generally considered easier than skateboarding. Longboards tend to be longer and wider than skateboards, giving you more room to stand as you’re getting comfortable with your board. Longboards also boast bigger and softer wheels than skateboards, which can make them more comfortable to ride. How to clean a longboard To clean your longboard, start by breaking down your board into its component parts. James recommends taking your trucks apart and cleaning off any dirt or grime you find. If your set-up has been squeaking, you can add wax shavings to the bits of hardware that have been making noise. Then, James recommends taking your bearings out to clean them. Finish things off by cleaning your deck with a grip tape cleaner.Not sure how often to clean your longboard? “This will depend on every rider and how dirty their environment is,” James says. Since his riding style isn’t very aggressive, he says he cleans his longboard once or twice a year. But if your style is aggressive, you may want to clean your longboard more frequently.“Preventative maintenance is the best maintenance,” he says. “The biggest thing is to avoid riding in wet conditions because that could rust your trucks, hardware, and bearings. It could also waterlog and warp your deck. I repeat, don’t ride in wet conditions unless you’re prepared to do a thorough wipe down afterward.” What Experts Say “The most common thing I see with beginners is they overanalyze, which ultimately results in less time longboarding. Don’t get me wrong, you want to do your research, but as long as you follow the above advice, you’ll be in a solid position to start your longboarding journey the right way.” — Billy James, longboard and founder of Shred Shack Why Trust Verywell Fit? Shopping for longboards can get a little complicated. After all, longboards come in an array of shapes and sizes. And different boards are suited to different styles of riding. To help you sift through all the options, Verywell Fit writer Lindsey Lanquist sought to feature a range of different longboards in this shopping guide—and she made sure to point out which styles of riding each board may (or may not) be good for. She exclusively featured longboards that were well-reviewed by those who’d tried them. And she favored budget-friendly options wherever she could. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get exercise tips to make your workouts less work and more fun. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 1 Source Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. James B. Longboard vs skateboard vs cruiser (comparison). Shred Shack.