Longboard vs Skateboard vs Cruiser (Indepth Guide) 2025

By Chris Miller

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Longboard vs Skateboard vs Cruiser
Longboard vs Skateboard vs Cruiser

Confession: I once tried to longboard down a hill on a tiny skateboard. Let’s just say it didn’t end well. 

To save you from similar mishaps, I’m here to guide you through the wonderful world of board sports. 

Get ready to learn the difference between a mellow cruise and a high-speed adrenaline rush.

Longboards

Retrospec-longboard

Longboards are longer and wider than traditional skateboards, offering a smoother and more stable ride. Here’s a breakdown of their key features:  

  • Length: Typically ranges from 36 to 50 inches or more.
  • Width: Usually 8 to 10 inches, providing ample foot space.
  • Wheelbase: The distance between the front and rear trucks. Longer wheelbases offer greater stability, while shorter ones increase maneuverability.
  • Construction: Typically made from 7-ply maple wood, but other materials like bamboo and fiberglass are also used.
  • Shapes: Vary widely, including pintails, drop-throughs, top-mounts, and directional shapes.  
  • Flexibility (Flex): Can range from stiff to very flexible, affecting ride feel and responsiveness.  

Pros:

  • Stability: Longboards are longer and wider, providing greater stability, especially for beginners.
  • Smooth Ride: The longer wheelbase and larger wheels offer a smoother ride over rough surfaces.
  • Versatility: Longboards can be used for various activities like cruising, downhill riding, freeriding, and dancing.
  • Comfort: The larger platform provides ample foot space for comfortable riding.
  • Speed: Some longboards, especially downhill models, can reach high speeds.

Cons:

  • Portability: Longboards are larger and heavier than traditional skateboards, making them less portable.
  • Maneuverability: Their size can make them less maneuverable in tight spaces.
  • Learning Curve: Some riding styles, like downhill and freeriding, have a steeper learning curve.
  • Cost: High-quality longboards can be more expensive than traditional skateboards.
  • Storage: Their size can make them difficult to store in smaller spaces.

Overall:

Longboards offer a unique and enjoyable riding experience, but they may not be the best choice for everyone. Consider your riding style, skill level, and lifestyle before making a decision.

Related Post – Best Longboard For Beginners (Tested and Compared) 2025

Skateboard Decks

Loaded Ballona Best cruiser skateboards for beginners
  • Length: Typically ranges from 28 to 32 inches.  
  • Width: Usually 7.5 to 8.5 inches, but wider options are available.  
  • Construction: Primarily made from 7-ply maple wood, but other materials like bamboo and fiberglass are also used.
  • Shapes: Vary widely, including popsicle shapes, cruiser shapes, and specialty shapes for specific riding styles.  
  • Concave: The curve of the deck, affecting foot placement and control.  
  • Kicktail: The upward curve at the tail of the board, used for ollies and other tricks.  

Pros:

  • Portability: Skateboards are smaller and lighter than longboards, making them easy to carry and transport.
  • Maneuverability: Their smaller size and shape make them highly maneuverable, ideal for tricks and navigating tight spaces.
  • Versatility: Skateboards can be used for a wide range of activities, from street skating and park skating to cruising.
  • Affordability: Skateboards are generally more affordable than longboards.
  • Wide Variety: A vast selection of shapes, sizes, and designs caters to diverse preferences and riding styles.

Cons:

  • Less Stability: Skateboards offer less stability than longboards, especially for beginners.
  • Rougher Ride: Smaller wheels can provide a less smooth ride over rough surfaces.
  • Limited Comfort: The smaller platform may be less comfortable for longer rides.
  • Less Speed: Skateboards are typically not designed for high speeds.

Overall:

Skateboards are a classic and versatile choice for many riders, offering a fun and challenging experience. However, they may not be the best option for everyone, especially those seeking a smoother and more stable ride.

Cruiser Decks

Cruiser Decks
  • Length: Typically range from 28 to 34 inches.
  • Width: Usually 7.5 to 10 inches.
  • Construction: Often made from 7-ply maple wood, but other materials like bamboo and plastic are also used.  
  • Shapes: Typically shorter and wider than traditional skateboards, often with a slight concave and kicktail.
  • Wheels: Usually larger and softer than standard skateboard wheels, providing a smoother ride.

Pros:

  • Comfort: Larger wheels and softer ride provide a comfortable cruising experience.
  • Portability: Their compact size makes them easy to carry and store.
  • Maneuverability: Easy to maneuver in tight spaces and navigate urban environments.
  • Versatility: Suitable for commuting, cruising around town, and light tricks.
  • Style: Often come in stylish and unique designs.

Cons:

  • Less Speed: Not designed for high speeds or aggressive riding.
  • Less Stability: May be less stable than longboards, especially at higher speeds.
  • Trick Limitations: Not ideal for complex tricks or aggressive street skating.

Overall:

Cruiser boards are a great option for casual riders who prioritize comfort, portability, and style. They are perfect for cruising around town, commuting short distances, and enjoying a relaxed ride.

Wheels

The type of wheels used on a board significantly impacts its performance and feel. Here’s a breakdown of the wheel characteristics for each type of board:  

Longboards

  • Larger wheels: Typically 65-80mm in diameter.
  • Softer urethane: Usually rated between 75a and 85a on the durometer scale. This provides a smoother ride and better grip on rough surfaces.
  • Wider contact patch: Offers more stability at higher speeds.

Skateboards

  • Smaller wheels: Typically 50-55mm in diameter.
  • Harder urethane: Usually rated between 95a and 101a on the durometer scale. This allows for faster speeds and easier tricks.
  • Narrower contact patch: Provides better control for flips and grinds.

Cruisers

  • Mid-sized wheels: Typically 55-65mm in diameter.
  • Medium-hard urethane: Usually rated between 80a and 90a on the durometer scale. This offers a balance between speed and grip.
  • Moderate contact patch: Provides a good balance of stability and maneuverability.

In summary:

  • Longboard wheels prioritize comfort and stability for cruising and downhill riding.  
  • Skateboard wheels are designed for tricks and maneuvering in skateparks.  
  • Cruiser wheels strike a balance between the two, offering a versatile ride for both cruising and light tricks.

Trucks: The Turning Point

Trucks are the heart of any skateboard, longboard, or cruiser, dictating how the board turns and maneuvers. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

Longboards

  • Reverse Kingpin (RKP) Trucks: These are the most common type on longboards. The kingpin, the central bolt, is positioned at the back of the hanger, providing a more stable and responsive ride, ideal for carving and cruising.
  • Wider Hangers: Larger hangers offer more stability at higher speeds and on rougher terrain.

Skateboards

  • Traditional Kingpin (TKP) Trucks: The kingpin is positioned at the front of the hanger, allowing for sharper turns and better control for tricks.
  • Narrower Hangers: Smaller hangers provide greater maneuverability for flipping and grinding.

Cruisers

  • Both RKP and TKP Trucks: Cruisers can use either type, depending on the desired riding style.
  • Looser Bushings: Softer bushings provide a more relaxed and forgiving ride, perfect for cruising around town.

Reverse Kingpins

  • Longboards: RKP trucks are the standard for most longboards, providing stability for cruising, downhill riding, and carving.
  • Cruisers: Some cruisers utilize RKP trucks to achieve a more stable and responsive ride, especially those designed for longer distances or more aggressive carving.
  • Skateboards: While less common, some skateboards, particularly those with a focus on cruising or carving, may feature RKP trucks.

Verdict

The best choice for you depends on your intended use and riding style. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Longboard:

  • Ideal for:
    • Cruising: Long distances, smooth rides, and higher speeds.
    • Downhill: Specialized longboards for downhill riding offer stability and control at high speeds.
    • Carving: Larger, softer wheels provide smooth turns and a surfy feel.

Skateboard:

  • Ideal for:
    • Tricks: Designed for performing flips, grinds, and other tricks in skateparks and street settings.  
    • Street riding: Maneuvering through urban environments and doing tricks on obstacles.

Cruiser:

  • Ideal for:
    • Short-distance commuting: Easy to maneuver in crowded areas and carry around.
    • Casual cruising: A fun and versatile option for short rides and exploring.

Longboard vs skateboard vs cruiser for beginners

  • For the absolute beginner: Cruiser is your friend. It offers a happy medium between stability and maneuverability.
  • If you envision yourself cruising leisurely: Longboard is the way to go.
  • If you dream of landing sick tricks: Skateboard is calling your name.

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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