Buying a longboard can be overwhelming, especially with so many questionable brands flooding the market. It’s hard to know who to trust, who’s offering a quality product, and who’s just trying to make a quick buck. This guide will help you navigate the longboard landscape by highlighting the best North American longboard brands. If you choose a longboard from any of the brands on this list, you’re unlikely to be disappointed. This article primarily focuses on longboard decks, with wheels, trucks, and other accessories to be discussed in future posts.
The Best North American Longboard Brands
Landyachtz Longboards
Landyachtz, based in Vancouver, Canada, was founded by a group of skaters who were dissatisfied with the existing gear. They needed equipment that was more durable and could withstand the abuse they put it through.
Landyachtz Longboards Logo
Twenty-two years later, Landyachtz has proven the quality of their products. They are known for producing the Landyachtz Dinghy, a popular cruiser board. Landyachtz is also committed to using sustainable materials and practices, demonstrating their care for the community and the environment. Their “Skate and Explore” series is a must-watch for anyone interested in longboarding.
Landyachtz is the parent company of Hawgs wheels and Bear trucks, ensuring that any gear from these brands is also of high quality. Supporting brands like Landyachtz, who are committed to quality and community, is always a good choice.
Recommended Beginner Longboard: Landyachtz Tugboat
While the Dinghy is popular, the Landyachtz Tugboat is a better choice for beginners.
Landyachtz Tugboat Longboard
At 30 inches long and 9 inches wide, it offers more comfort than the smaller Dinghy without sacrificing portability. It’s stable, beginner-friendly, and easy to carry around. You can find more information about the Tugboat here on Amazon.com.
(Note: The author is sponsored by Landyachtz and has been enjoying the Drop Cat 33.)
Loaded Boards
Loaded Boards is a well-established brand that has been producing high-quality longboards since the 2000s. They are known for their world-class marketing, extensive media, and commitment to quality.
Loaded Boards Logo
Loaded’s products are thoroughly scrutinized throughout the design process, using the best materials and input from ambassadors. Although their products can be pricey, the quality justifies the cost. The Loaded Dervish Sama is a great example of their craftsmanship. For those interested in dancing, the Loaded Bhangra is another excellent option, both available here on Amazon.com and here on Amazon.com respectively.
Loaded is the parent company of Orangatang wheels, which are also known for their high quality. Loaded’s contribution to the longboarding community is undeniable, making their products a worthwhile investment.
Recommended Beginner Longboard: Loaded Poke
The Loaded Poke is a great choice for beginners. It comes complete with high-quality parts, including 50° 150mm trucks from Paris Truck Co. and 70mm Stimulus wheels from Orangatang.
Loaded Boards Poke Longboard
The deck is 34 inches long and 9.125 inches wide, offering a comfortable and maneuverable ride. It also features a bit of flex and a rockered profile for added comfort. You can find more information about the Loaded Poke here on Amazon.com.
Kebbek Skateboards
Kebbek Longboards, based in Montreal, Canada, has been around for over 27 years. They are known for producing high-quality and affordable skateboards.
Kebbek Skateboards Logo
Kebbek understands that most skaters prioritize reliability and functionality over exotic materials. Their boards are made from quality maple and are designed to be both affordable and reliable. They also offer models made with fiberglass and bamboo. Kebbek is committed to supporting the longboarding community, sponsoring events and athletes like Emily Pross.
Recommended Beginner Longboard: Juergen Gritzner Pro Model
For an affordable beginner downhill skateboard, the Juergen Gritzner pro model is a great choice.
Kebbek Skateboards Gritzner Longboard Complete
This board is 9.75 inches wide and 38 inches long, with wheelbase options between 23.8 and 27 inches. It comes complete with reverse kingpin trucks and 73mm wheels. The deck is designed for all-around skating, featuring a kicktail and a comfortable concave. You can find the Juergen Gritzner pro model here on Amazon.com.
Sector 9
Sector 9 is a brand that is synonymous with cruising, carving, surfing, and beach vibes. They’ve been around for 26 years and have become one of the most reliable brands in the industry.
Sector 9 Logo
Founded by a group of friends who simply enjoyed making skateboards, Sector 9 has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a mini-cruiser or a board for carving down the beach, Sector 9 has you covered. Sector 9 is also the parent company of Gullwing trucks, which are also known for their quality.
Sector 9 is committed to supporting the industry and sends their riders to events. They are a reliable brand that cares about the community.
Recommended Beginner Longboard: Sector 9 Pinnacle
If you’re looking to carve down a hill in style, the Sector 9 Pinnacle is the right choice.
Sector 9 Pinnacle Longboard
This board is 42 inches long and 9.6 inches wide, making it perfect for a smooth and stable ride. It features a drop-down deck, which enhances stability and makes it easier for beginners to adjust. The complete comes with large 74mm, 78a wheels, allowing it to roll over various road surfaces with ease. You can find more information about the Sector 9 Pinnacle here on Amazon.com.
Pantheon Longboards
Pantheon Longboards is a smaller company that has made a big impact in the longboarding community. Founded in 2009 and based in Colorado, they are known for challenging the way wood can bend and producing high-quality boards that are trusted by many top riders.
Pantheon focuses on creating top-tier boards through rigorous prototyping, using a variety of materials to ensure the best possible product. While their products are more expensive, they are known for their exceptional quality. Pantheon’s customers are known for their satisfaction.
Pantheon primarily focuses on high-end downhill and long-distance specific skateboards and does not cater to all riders.
Recommended Beginner Longboard: Pantheon Trip Double Drop
The Pantheon Trip Double Drop is optimized for long-distance pushing and commuting.
This deck is 33 inches long and 9.25 inches wide, featuring a “double-drop” design that makes the board super stable and easy to push. It also has a bit of flex for a comfortable ride. You can find the Pantheon Trip here on their website.
Comet Skateboards
Comet Skateboards, established in 1997, is one of the original US longboard manufacturers. They are known for creating high-quality, eco-friendly longboards and fostering the community.
Comet Skateboards Logo
Comet’s focus is now on creating “perfect” completes, designed to be rideable right out of the box. They meticulously select and assemble each component, sometimes using aftermarket parts to achieve the desired result. Despite the ambitious goal of creating a “perfect” board, Comet has garnered a reputation for excellence.
Recommended Beginner Longboard: Comet Cruiser
The Comet Cruiser is designed to be a “perfect cruiser.”
Comet Cruiser Longboard
It is 34 inches long, 7.875 inches wide, and has a 20-inch wheelbase. It comes with 108mm Paris TKP trucks, SHR Venom bushings, Powell Peralta Snakes wheels, Zealous bearings, and other high-quality components. It offers a comfortable and stable ride while still being nimble and fun. You can find it here at the Comet website. (Use code “downhill254” for a 5% discount.)
Rayne Longboards
Rayne Longboards, another great Canadian brand, has been specializing in bamboo and fiberglass longboards since 2004.
Rayne Longboards Logo
Rayne works closely with their team riders to produce functional and visually stunning boards, making them a popular choice for many top skaters. Their boards are known for their unique designs and quality construction. Rayne’s products are often on the pricier side but are known for being lightweight, durable, and waterproof.
Recommended Beginner Longboard: Rayne Minotaur
The Rayne Minotaur is an excellent alternative to the Landyachtz Dinghy, offering a comfortable and maneuverable ride.
Rayne Minotaur Cruiser
At 34 inches long and 8.9 inches wide, the Rayne Minotaur will be comfortable to skate and cruise around on, whilst still being maneuverable. However, the 60mm wheels may not be ideal for rough roads. It is ideal for smoother surfaces and skate parks. Check out the Rayne Minotaur here on Amazon.com.
Arbor Collective (Arbor Skateboards)
Arbor Collective, founded in 1995, is known for their commitment to sustainability and their minimalistic, aesthetically pleasing designs.
Arbor Collective Logo
Though they started as a snowboard manufacturer, they quickly became skaters, using old snowboards to bomb hills. Arbor makes a wide range of products, from snowboards to cruisers to downhill-specific longboards. Their focus on traditional materials like maple and bamboo makes their skateboards relatively affordable while maintaining high quality.
Recommended Beginner Longboard: Arbor Pilsner
The Arbor Pilsner is a great small cruiser board with a width of 8.25 inches, a maximum length of 29.75 inches, and a wheelbase around 15 inches.
Arbor Pilsner Longboard
It is comfortable, stable, and nimble, making it ideal for cruising. It is equipped with 60mm Fireball wheels and Paris TKP trucks. You can find the Pilsner here at the Stoked ride shop. (Affiliate link)
Fireball Supply Co.
Fireball Supply Co., run by the Stoked Ride Shop, produces high-quality skating accessories and cruisers. They emphasize quality, not quick profits.
Fireball Supply Co. Logo
Fireball products are known for their performance and durability. The Dragon bearings are a standout product and work well with their Dragon spacers. Fireball offers affordable cruisers using high-quality components like Paris trucks, Mob grip, and Dragon bearings.
Recommended Cruiser: Fireball Mini Cruiser Limited Edition
The Fireball Mini Cruiser Limited Edition is a great option for those who want a small cruiser that’s not as tiny as the Landyachtz Dinghy.
Fireball Mini Cruiser Limited Edition
Fireball Mini Cruiser Limited Edition
The complete is made with high-quality yet affordable parts, including Fireball Tinder wheels, Dragon bearings, Paris trucks, and Mob grip. It measures 29.5 inches in length and 8.5 inches in width. You can pick it up here directly from the Stoked Ride Shop Website. (Affiliate link)
Prism Skate Co.
Prism Skate Co. is a skater-owned and managed brand that focuses on designing products by skateboarders, not accountants. They create boards that reflect their experiences and what they want from skate gear.
Prism is known for its relatable and passionate approach. They also produce high-quality skate edits that are both inspiring and visually beautiful. The same people behind Caliber trucks and Skate Blood Orange are also behind Prism. Prism products are generally priced in a sweet spot between cheap and expensive and only use high-quality components.
Recommended Beginner Longboard: Prism Revel
The Prism Revel 39 is designed for cruising and carving.
Prism Revel Longboard
It is 9.37 inches wide and 39 inches long, and comes with a 10-inch wide 50° Caliber truck. The drop-through design and long length make it stable, while the 69mm wheels are able to handle city environments with ease. Get the Prism Revel here on Amazon.com.
Other Great Brands
While the brands above are some of the best in the industry, there are many others worth considering, including:
- Seismic Skate Systems: Known for their innovative products.
- DB Longboards: Based in the PNW, known for their durable, waterproof boards.
- Moonshine MFG: Known for their lightweight and durable longboards.
- Original Skateboards: Known for their Pintail boards, cruisers, and freestyle decks.
- Madrid Skateboards: A brand with 50 years of experience.
- Descent Longboards: A newer company specializing in high-end downhill skateboards.
- Drang Skateboards: Known for custom, high-quality boards.
- Zenit Boards: Another Canadian brand based in Montreal.
- Bustin Boards: Based in New York City, known for their wide variety of boards.
- Powell-Peralta: A historic brand that produces high-quality gear.
- Subsonic Skateboards: Known for their use of exotic materials.
Other brands that are also worth checking out:
- Prototype racing
- Chroma skateboards
- Rolling Tree
- GMR skateboards
- Meat Bicycle Skate co.
- Eastside Longboards
- Omen Longboards
Conclusion
This list is intended to help you avoid purchasing from low-quality, China-sourced brands such as Atom, Quest, Volador, Sola, Minority longboards, Playshion, Yocaher, and Globe. These brands often produce decks that are not durable or enjoyable to ride and they don’t support the longboarding community. By choosing a brand that prioritizes quality and community, you’re making a better choice for yourself and for the longboarding industry as a whole.
If you would like me to make a post for wheel, truck, and longboard accessory companies, please leave a comment.
