5 Best Cruiser Skateboards (Tested & Compared) 2025

By Chris Miller

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Yo, fellow skaters! Cruising around town has always been my vibe. But with so many cruiser boards out there, finding the perfect one can feel like a mission impossible.

That’s why I decided to put my feet to the pavement and test out some of the top contenders. After countless miles logged and countless smiles earned, I’m ready to share my top 5 cruiser picks with you. Get ready to roll

Santa Cruz Global Flame Dot – Best cruiser skateboards for adults

Santa Cruz Global Flame Dot Best cruiser skateboards for adults

I recently had the chance to test out the classic Santa Cruz Global Flame Dot cruiser, and while it’s a blast to cruise around, it’s not your typical park shredder.

First Impressions:

  • The setup: This 9.35″ x 31.7″ cruiser comes with 9″ Crux trucks, 60mm Slime Ball 78a wheels, and black grip tape. The 15.25″ wheelbase provides a surprisingly stable ride.
  • The feel: The shape feels comfortable and familiar, with a slightly squared nose and a subtly fanned-out tail.

On the Board:

  • Cruising: This board is a dream for cruising. The soft wheels roll smoothly, and the stable wheelbase makes it easy to navigate sidewalks and paths.
  • Park Performance: While the cruiser is fun to ride, it’s not ideal for aggressive park skating.
    • Transition: The soft wheels make it difficult to lock into slides and ollies.
    • Rails: Expect some wheel bite, especially if you crank the trucks down. No-slides work, but feebles are a challenge.
    • Flat Ground: The long wheelbase takes some getting used to, but with some effort, you can land tricks like nollie flips and even half-cab flips.

Final Verdict:

The Santa Cruz Global Flame Dot is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a reliable and enjoyable cruiser. It’s perfect for casual riding, commuting, and exploring your neighborhood. However, if you’re a serious park skater, you might want to look for a board with harder wheels and a shorter wheelbase.

Pros:

  • Smooth and stable ride.
  • Great for cruising.
  • High-quality construction.
  • Comfortable shape.

Cons:

  • Not ideal for aggressive park skating.
  • Soft wheels may not be ideal for all surfaces.

Overall:

I had a lot of fun riding the Santa Cruz Global Flame Dot. It’s a well-made and enjoyable cruiser that’s perfect for casual riders and those looking for a reliable daily driver.

Related Post – The Best Surfskate Wheels (Tested & Compared) 2025

Loaded Ballona – Best cruiser skateboards for beginners

Loaded Ballona Best cruiser skateboards for beginners

The Loaded Ballona is a unique addition to the mini cruiser market. While its flat shape might not appeal to those seeking to perform tricks, it offers a surprisingly engaging ride for casual cruising and carving.

Setup: I tested both the Moby and Willy setups. The Moby, with its harder bushings and wheels, felt more stable at speed and was easier to slide. The Willy, with softer bushings and grippier wheels, was more responsive and better suited for aggressive carving.

Deck: The flat deck profile is the most distinctive feature. It’s incredibly stable and surprisingly maneuverable despite its size. The lack of a significant kicktail limits trick potential, but it excels in carving and cruising.

Riding Experience: The Ballona is surprisingly “spicy” for a flat cruiser. Its short wheelbase makes it incredibly agile and responsive. It feels incredibly punchy and encourages playful riding.

Pros:

  • Unique Deck Shape: The flat deck profile provides exceptional stability and maneuverability while cruising and carving.
  • Agile and Responsive: The short wheelbase makes it incredibly quick and easy to turn, adding to the overall fun factor.
  • High-Quality Components: Loaded utilizes premium components like Paris trucks, Jihu bearings, and high-quality wheels, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride.
  • Versatile Setups: The availability of both Moby and Willy setups allows riders to choose the configuration that best suits their riding style.
  • Portable Size: As a mini cruiser, it’s easy to transport and store, making it ideal for urban environments.

Cons:

  • Limited Trick Potential: The lack of a significant kicktail and nose makes it difficult to perform tricks like ollies and flips.
  • May Not Suit Aggressive Riders: Those seeking a board for aggressive street skating or complex tricks might find the flat deck limiting.
  • Relatively Expensive: Loaded boards are generally higher-priced than many other mini cruisers on the market.

Overall:

The Loaded Ballona is a fantastic option for riders who prioritize stability, maneuverability, and a smooth ride. Its unique design and high-quality components make it a standout in the mini cruiser category. However, it’s crucial to consider your riding style and priorities before investing in this board. If you’re primarily interested in cruising, carving, and enjoying a playful ride, the Ballona is an excellent choice. But if you’re looking for a board that excels in street skating and trick-oriented riding, you might want to explore other options.

Arbor Pilsner – Best cruiser skateboard for kids

Arbor Pilsner - Best cruiser skateboard for kids

I’ve been eyeing the Arbor Pilsner for a while, and I finally decided to give it a try. I’ve been a fan of Arbor skateboards for a long time, and I was curious to see how their cruiser board compared to the competition.

First Impressions

The first thing I noticed about the Pilsner is its sleek design. The deck is made of high-quality maple wood and has a beautiful, minimalist graphic. The trucks are also well-made and smooth-turning.

Riding Experience

I took the Pilsner out for a spin around my neighborhood, and I was immediately impressed by how smooth it rides. The wheels are soft and grippy, providing a comfortable ride over rough surfaces. The trucks turn easily, making it easy to maneuver around corners.

The Pilsner is also very stable, even at higher speeds. I felt confident taking it on hills and weaving through traffic. The only downside is that the wheels are a bit noisy, but that’s to be expected with any cruiser board.

Pros

  • Smooth ride: The Pilsner rides very smoothly, thanks to its soft wheels and high-quality trucks.
  • Stable: The board is very stable, even at higher speeds.
  • Good looks: The Pilsner has a sleek and stylish design.
  • Sustainable: Arbor is a company that is committed to sustainability, and the Pilsner is made from eco-friendly materials.

Cons

  • Noisy wheels: The wheels are a bit noisy, but that’s to be expected with any cruiser board.
  • Price: The Pilsner is a bit more expensive than some other cruiser boards.

Overall

I’m very happy with my Arbor Pilsner cruiser skateboard. It’s a high-quality board that rides smoothly and looks great. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and functional cruiser board.

Additional Notes

  • The Pilsner is available in two sizes: 28.75 inches and 30.75 inches.
  • The Pilsner comes with Arbor’s own brand of trucks and wheels.
  • The Pilsner is available in a variety of colors and graphics.

Comet Cruiser

cometskateboard

After four years of riding my Comet Cruiser, I can confidently say it’s one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. This board has been my faithful companion, and I still love it just as much today as I did when I first got it.

What I Love

  • Nimble and Fun: The Comet Cruiser is incredibly maneuverable, making it a joy to ride through city streets and obstacles. It’s easy to turn, pump, and slide, adding a lot of fun to every ride.
  • Portable and Lightweight: This board is super portable, making it easy to carry around. It’s also lightweight, which makes it less tiring to ride for long periods.
  • Smooth Ride: The Comet Cruiser offers a smooth and comfortable ride, even over rough surfaces. This is thanks to its high-quality components, such as the Paris trucks and Powell Snakes wheels.
  • Durable: Despite the wear and tear I’ve put it through, my Comet Cruiser has held up remarkably well. The only major issue I’ve had is that the fiberglass construction can get a bit scratched and uncomfortable.

Overall:

If you’re looking for a fun, versatile, and durable cruiser board, the Comet Cruiser is an excellent choice. It’s a bit more expensive than some other options, but it’s worth the investment if you plan on using it frequently. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a reliable and enjoyable ride.

Pros:

  • Extremely maneuverable
  • Portable and lightweight
  • Smooth ride
  • Durable
  • Fun to ride

Cons:

  • Can be a bit expensive
  • Fiberglass construction can get scratched and uncomfortable

Would I recommend it?

Absolutely! The Comet Cruiser is an amazing board that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun and reliable cruiser. It’s a bit more expensive than some other options, but it’s worth the investment if you plan on using it frequently.

Landyachtz Dinghy

Landyachtz Dinghy

First Impressions:

Unboxing the Dinghy was a treat. The board looks sleek and well-crafted. The deck is a beautiful shade of wood, and the components are all high-quality. I was immediately impressed by the attention to detail.

Riding Experience:

Stepping on the Dinghy felt natural. The deck is a bit smaller than a traditional longboard, but it’s surprisingly stable. The trucks turn smoothly, and the wheels offer a nice balance of grip and slide. I found myself easily carving and pumping around corners.

One thing I noticed right away is that the Dinghy is very maneuverable. It’s easy to change direction quickly, which makes it a lot of fun to ride in urban environments. The board is also surprisingly comfortable to ride for longer periods.

Pros:

  • High-quality materials: The Dinghy is built with top-notch components, which translates to a smooth and responsive ride.
  • Manageable size: The mini cruiser format makes the Dinghy easy to transport and maneuver.
  • Smooth ride: The soft wheels and bushings absorb bumps and cracks in the road, making for a comfortable ride.
  • Good for carves: The Dinghy’s nimble design makes it perfect for carving turns.
  • Stylish: The Dinghy has a cool, retro look that’s sure to turn heads.

Cons:

  • Not ideal for long distances: The Dinghy’s smaller size makes it less suitable for long rides.
  • Can be a bit challenging for beginners: The board’s maneuverability can take some getting used to for new skaters.

Overall:

The Landyachtz Dinghy is a fantastic mini cruiser that lives up to the hype. It’s well-made, fun to ride, and stylish. If you’re looking for a high-quality, versatile cruiser, the Dinghy is a great option.

My Top 10 Cruiser Skateboard Brands (in no particular order):

Landyachtz

These guys are legends in the longboarding world, and their cruisers are no exception. I’m a huge fan of their artistic designs and the quality of their construction. Plus, they offer a wide range of sizes and shapes to suit different riding styles.

Globe

A classic brand with a strong street skating heritage, Globe also makes some seriously stylish cruisers. Their boards are known for their durability and smooth ride, perfect for cruising around town.

Santa Cruz

 Another iconic name in skateboarding, Santa Cruz has been pushing boundaries for decades. Their cruisers are a blend of classic style and modern innovation, with a focus on high-quality components.

Penny

These tiny cruisers are a blast to ride! They’re super portable and easy to maneuver, making them perfect for commuting or just having fun around the neighborhood.

Yow

If you’re looking for a cruiser that simulates the feeling of surfing, Yow is the way to go. Their unique suspension system makes for a super smooth and responsive ride, even on rougher terrain.

Original Skateboards

This brand focuses on simplicity and sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and producing high-quality, minimalist cruisers.

Carver

Carver pioneered the surfskate movement, and their boards are still considered some of the best in the business. They offer a range of models to suit different riding styles, from mellow cruising to more aggressive carving.

Loaded

Known for their innovative designs and high-performance longboards, Loaded also makes some fantastic cruisers. Their boards are often constructed with unique materials and features, making them stand out from the crowd.

Sector 9

A longboarding institution, Sector 9 offers a diverse lineup of cruisers, from classic shapes to more modern designs. Their boards are known for their durability and smooth ride quality.

Powell Peralta

A true skateboarding legend, Powell Peralta has been around since the 70s. Their cruisers are a blend of classic style and modern technology, offering a timeless and reliable ride.

Buying Guide for Choosing a cruiser skateboard

1. Deck Shape

  • Size:
    • 27-31 inches: Most common size, offering a good balance of stability and maneuverability.
    • 22-26 inches: Smaller and more nimble, ideal for tight spaces and urban environments.
    • 32+ inches: Longer and more stable, better for taller riders and those who prioritize stability.
  • Shape:
    • Top-mount: Traditional shape with the trucks mounted on top of the deck.
    • Drop-through: Trucks are mounted through the deck, lowering the center of gravity for a more stable and smoother ride.
    • Kicktail: A slight upward curve at the tail end for easy maneuvers and ollies (though less common on cruisers).

2. Trucks

  • Material:
    • Aluminum: Lightweight and durable, a popular choice for cruisers.
    • Steel: More affordable but heavier.
  • Size:
    • Smaller trucks (5.0-5.5 inches): More maneuverable, better for tight turns and smaller decks.
    • Larger trucks (6.0-6.5 inches): More stable, better for larger decks and heavier riders.
  • Bushings:
    • Durometer: Measured in durometers (e.g., 78a, 90a), higher durometers are stiffer and provide more stability, while lower durometers offer more flex and a smoother ride.

3. Wheels

  • Size:
    • 60mm-75mm: A common size for cruisers, offering a good balance of speed and stability.
    • Larger wheels (75mm+): Faster and smoother on rougher surfaces but less maneuverable.
  • Durometer:
    • 78a-85a: A good starting point for most cruisers, providing a smooth ride on most surfaces.
    • Softer wheels (78a and below): Grippier on rougher surfaces but may be slower.
    • Harder wheels (85a and above): Faster but less grippy.
  • Shape:
    • Round: Standard shape, good for most riding conditions.
    • Conical: Tapered shape, offering a smoother ride and better grip.

4. Bearings

  • Quality:
    • ABEC ratings: Higher ABEC ratings generally indicate smoother and faster rolling, but are not the only indicator of quality.
    • Look for brands known for quality bearings: Bones Reds, Bronson, etc.

5. Grip Tape

  • Grit: Choose a griptape with the right level of grit for your preference. Too much grip can be uncomfortable, while too little can make it difficult to maintain control.

6. Considerations:

  • Riding style:
    • Commuting: Prioritize comfort and stability.
    • Cruising: Focus on a smooth, enjoyable ride.
    • Trick riding: Choose a more maneuverable setup.
  • Budget:
    • Cruiser skateboards range in price from budget-friendly to high-end.
  • Rider weight:
    • Heavier riders may need stronger trucks and wheels.

Over 20 years of skating have deeply impacted my mental health. I'm dedicated to sharing the therapeutic magic of cruising and carving with the world!

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