A longboard is a type of skateboard that’s used for cruising, downhill racing, freestyle riding, and more. Longboards are also used as a mode of transportation to commute to and from work or get around town. They are available in a wide variety of sizes and styles, so you’re sure to find a longboard that meets your needs.
Our expert reviewed dozens of the best longboards to identify the best of the best, based on factors including design, deck shape, quality of components, affordability, and customer feedback. The Volador 42-Inch Freeride Longboard was chosen as their top pick thanks to its winning combination of striking graphics, high-quality components, and outstanding performance.
Riding a longboard is a good way to get some exercise. Check out this post for more tips on improving muscular endurance.
Our Expert’s Top 5 Longboards
Here are the top picks from our expert. Compare the ratings and features of different models.
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating | Wheel Size | Deck Material | Aluminum Trucks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Volador 42-Inch Freeride Longboard | 70 mm | Maple | ||
| Best for Budget | OUDEW 41-Inch Longboard | 50 mm | Maple | ||
| Best Pintail | Retrospec Zed Pintail Longboard | 70 mm | Maple & Bamboo | ||
| Best Downhill | FISH SKATEBOARDS 41-Inch Downhill Longboard | 70 mm | Maple | ||
| Best Cruiser | Magneto 44-Inch Kicktail Cruiser Longboard | 70 mm | Maple & Bamboo |
*Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 and based on reviews, feedback, and opinions of actual customers
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Who Should Buy a Longboard
- Commuters – Longboards are a cheap and efficient mode of transportation. This makes them ideal for commuting or traveling around town.
- Anyone who enjoys skateboarding – Whether freestyle riding, cruising, or downhill racing, you’re sure to have plenty of fun on a longboard!
- People who want to get more exercise – Riding a longboard is a fantastic way to get cardiovascular exercise and build stamina.1
Who Should Not Buy a Longboard
- People who need to travel over rough terrain – Longboards are best suited to traveling over even ground, so choose a bicycle or other form of transportation if you’ll be traveling over rough terrain.2
- Those with mobility issues – Riding a longboard requires strength and balance, so it’s best to avoid this mode of transportation if you suffer from mobility issues.3
Research Tips from an Expert
As an expert, I often get asked how to choose a good longboard. Here are some tips and best practices to consider when purchasing a longboard that will meet your specific needs. Make sure to do adequate research on the product you are considering purchasing to look for build quality and key features. It’s also a good idea to ask friends and family if they have any recommendations on longboards.
- Deck size and wheelbase – The longer the deck and wheelbase, the more stable the longboard will be. However, if you’re looking for more maneuverability, you may prefer a slightly shorter longboard.
- Deck shape – There are many different shapes of longboard deck, and each is made for a different style of riding. Consider the deck shape and what you’ll be using the longboard for before making a buying decision.
- Deck material – Look for a longboard with a deck made from durable, lightweight, and flexible material such as bamboo or maple.
- Aluminum trucks – High-quality longboards feature aluminum (rather than steel) trucks to keep the weight of the longboard down.
- Wheel material and size – Choose a longboard with durable polyurethane (PU) wheels that will withstand daily wear and tear. It’s also important to match the size of the wheels to the style of riding you’ll be doing.
How Much Do They Cost?
Between $40 and $100
For most longboards, you can expect to pay between $40 and $100 and still get a quality product. At the lower end of this price range, you’ll get a basic board that’s suitable for beginners. Longboards at the higher end of the price range will have better components and be made from higher quality materials. It’s also worth paying a little bit more if you’re looking for a longboard that’s designed for a specific riding style.
Our Methodology: Why Trust Healing Daily
As an expert familiar with equipment like longboards, I know that it’s important to choose a high-quality product that will stand the test of time. The choices listed were selected based on factors such as their design, the quality of their materials and components, and riding performance. You want a longboard that’s durable and will perform well, and I’m confident you’ll be happy with these models.
The Best Longboards: Full Reviews
The Volador 42-Inch Freeride Longboard is our top pick of the longboards we looked at. It stood out to us during the course of our research thanks to its winning combination of high-quality materials and components, stunning graphics, and outstanding performance.
The longboard is made from premium 8-play hardrock maple, and features lightweight aluminum trucks and soft PU wheels with precision bearings for a smooth ride. The spacious 9-inch wide deck is ideal for cruising, racing, and freestyle riding. Many reviewers of this longboard say it’s high quality and easy to ride.
- High-quality maple deck
- Smooth 70mm PU wheels
- Lightweight aluminum trucks
- Grip tape is a little coarse
- Not the best board for advanced riders
If you’re looking for a longboard on a budget, check out the OUDEW 41-Inch Longboard. It’s made from 8-layer high-density Canadian maple and features lightweight aluminum trucks and polyurethane wheels. Other key features include waterproof, anti-slip grip tape, precision bearings, and eye-catching graphics.
This longboard is great for beginners. It supports up to 250 lbs. of weight, making it ideal for both adults and children. Reviewers say this longboard is well designed and a good value for the money.
- Affordable price point
- Maple deck and aluminum trucks
- Polyurethane wheels
- Wheels are a little small at 50mm
- Not as sturdy as higher-priced boards
The Retrospec Zed Pintail Longboard is a sturdy longboard with a surfboard shape that makes it ideal for cruising around town and learning to carve. The well-designed longboard features durable PU wheels, aluminum trucks, a bamboo and maple deck, and attractive, minimalist graphics.
This longboard is ideal for beginners, and anyone looking for an easy-to-ride board. The hybrid bamboo and maple deck adds strength and flexibility, ensuring a smooth and steady ride.
- Easy-to-ride pintail design
- Heavy-duty aluminum trucks
- Strong and flexible hybrid deck
- Low-quality bearings
- Trucks tend to loosen over time
If you’re looking for a downhill longboard, look no further than the FISH SKATEBOARDS 41-Inch Downhill Longboard. The Canadian maple longboard features smooth anti-shock 70mm PU wheels, high-quality thick aluminum trucks, and precision chrome steel bearings.
This longboard has a symmetrical shape that’s ideal for downhill riding. Most reviewers say the longboard rides well and is great for beginners.
- Tough Canadian maple deck
- Thick aluminum trucks
- Anti-shock PU wheels
- Graphics scratch easily
- Deck is not very flexible
If you’re in the market for a cruiser longboard, take a look at the Magneto 44-Inch Kicktail Cruiser Longboard. The 44-inch cruiser longboard features a deck that’s constructed from maple with a bamboo veneer. This combination ensures strength and stiffness, for a smooth and comfortable ride.
Other key features of this cruiser longboard include tough cast aluminum trucks, soft PU wheels, and a sand grit finish for extra grip. Overall, this longboard is a great option for skaters who want to cruise in style.
- Bamboo and maple deck for strength and stability
- Tough cast aluminum trucks
- Soft and grippy PU wheels
- Bearings could be better
- Flimsy packaging
Frequently Asked Questions
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Article Sources
Healing Daily 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.
- Wiles T, Kellogg D, Furr H, Nessler JA, Newcomer SC. Characterization of Adult Heart Rate Responses During Recreational Skateboarding at Community Skateparks. Int J Exerc Sci. 2020;13(2):501-510. Published May 1, 2020. Accessed October 6, 2021.
- Fountain JL, Meyers MC. Skateboarding injuries. Sports Med. 1996;22(6):360-366. doi:10.2165/00007256-199622060-00004
- Ou YK, Chen ZW, Yeh CN. Postural Control and Functional Ankle Stability in Professional and Amateur Skateboarders. Healthcare (Basel). 2021;9(8):1009. Published 2021 Aug 6. doi:10.3390/healthcare9081009
