Choosing the right longboard can be tricky, especially when considering the wide range of prices and quality. This guide breaks down what you can expect at different price points, helping you set a realistic budget and find a board that matches your needs and skill level. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, understanding the relationship between price and quality is essential for a satisfying longboarding experience.
Understanding Longboard Costs
The Impact of Longboard Type
The cost of a longboard is largely determined by the specific type of board and the style of riding it’s intended for. For example, a small mini-cruiser will differ in price from a longboard designed for dancing, which typically requires more materials and a more specialized construction. Similarly, a regular skateboard isn’t built for the same demands as a longboard crafted for downhill skateboarding, leading to different costs.
comet cruiser longboard cost
Materials and Construction
The primary reason for these price variations is the materials used and the quantity required. A mini-cruiser, being smaller, uses less material compared to a longboard for dancing. For instance, mini-cruisers often have decks made of around 7 plies of maple and measure about 30 inches, while dance longboards can feature 8 plies of maple or composites and reach about 45 inches in length. The difference in deck size alone reflects a higher material cost for dance longboards.
Quality Expectations Across Skating Styles
The required level of quality also varies depending on the type of longboarding. Casual cruising can often be done on less expensive, mass-produced boards, but specialized forms of longboarding, such as dancing, freestyle, downhill, and freeriding, demand higher quality boards with more robust components. If you are looking to improve in these more technical areas, investing in a better-quality board is essential.
For example, a decent downhill board with quality components will provide stability and reduce the chance of speed wobbles. Similarly, a good dance longboard with quality trucks allows for smooth, controlled turns, making it easier to execute complex dance moves.
The Option of Cheaper Boards
It’s acceptable to start with a cheaper longboard, particularly if you are just cruising. However, you should be aware that the riding experience may not be as smooth and the turning may be less responsive. If you’re on a tight budget, consider exploring the second-hand market for high-quality boards at a reduced price, which can be a great way to get a good board for less.
If you plan on doing specialist or skillful longboarding, it’s recommended to avoid cheaping out. Invest in a good quality board or consider a used option. Low-quality components can hinder your learning and make the experience frustrating.
Price as a Quality Indicator
While price is not a flawless indicator of quality, it is a useful guide most of the time. It’s possible to find boards that are priced below their expected quality range, just as you might find some overpriced boards that don’t quite match the hype. Therefore, it’s wise to research individual boards and brands to ensure you’re making a worthwhile investment.
Breaking Down Longboard Types and Their Costs
Mini Cruisers
Mini-cruisers typically have a 7-ply maple deck around 30 inches long and 8 inches wide. They feature fine griptape, TKP (traditional kingpin) trucks, and wheels about 60mm in size. The Landyachtz Dinghy is a prime example of a quality mini-cruiser.
- Average Length: 28 inches
- Average Width: 8 inches
- Trucks: TKP (traditional kingpin)
- Average Wheel Diameter: 60mm
- Average Construction: 7 plies of maple
- Flex: None, typically
- Typical Shape: Single kicktail
landyachtz dinghy – how much does a mini cruiser longboard cost?
Ideal Uses for Mini Cruisers
Mini-cruisers excel for short rides, under 3 miles or 10 minutes. They are nimble, but require effort to maintain speed and direction, making them less suitable for longer journeys. They are not typically ideal for beginners or those looking to do tricks, although they can be adapted with practice. Mini cruisers can also be a good choice as longboards for kids.
Price Ranges for Mini Cruisers
- Low-Quality: $50-$80 – Expect mass-produced boards with low-quality trucks and wheels that may not provide a smooth riding experience.
- Decent/High-Quality: $100-$150 – These provide great value, with good quality parts that enhance the riding experience.
- High-Quality: $180+ – Often come from big-name brands and may use higher-quality materials or manufacturing techniques, but the quality difference from the decent range might be small.
Examples:
- Low-Quality: Magneto Cruiser (Check it out here on Amazon.com)
- Decent/High-Quality: Landyachtz Dinghy (Check it out here at the Stoked ride shop)
- High-Quality: Loaded Omakase (Find it here on Amazon.com)
loaded omakase
Cruiser Longboards
Cruisers are generally around 35 inches long and 9-10 inches wide, with RKP trucks and large, soft 70mm wheels. They feature fine griptape and come with varying mounting options. Decks often consist of 8 plies of maple but can include other materials like fiberglass or bamboo.
- Average Length: 35 inches
- Average Width: 9-10 inches
- Trucks: RKP (reverse kingpin)
- Average Wheel Diameter: 70mm
- Average Construction: 8 plies of maple/bamboo/composite
- Flex: Some flex, usually
- Typical Shape: Drop-through, drop mount, drop-down, top mount, twin kicktail
landyachtz drop cat 33 – decent to high-quality longboard
Ideal Uses for Cruisers
Cruisers are designed to provide an effortless and enjoyable riding experience. They are best for longer rides (over 5 miles or 10 minutes) and can coast for extended periods due to their large 70mm wheels. Cruisers are perfect for those who want to enjoy the simple pleasure of riding, but they are not very portable due to their size.
Price Ranges for Cruisers
- Low-Quality: < $100 – Expect mass-produced boards with a cheap deck that may break easily, along with low-quality trucks and wheels that impact the ride.
- Decent/Low-Quality: $100-$150 – Within this range, you might find either a high-quality deck or good-quality components, but rarely both.
- High-Quality: $150-$220 – This range offers a balance of high-quality decks and components from most big-name brands.
- High-Quality/Overpriced: $250+ – May include very high-quality boards or overpriced models where you are paying extra for the brand.
Examples:
- Low-Quality: Playshion Drop-through (Check it out here on Amazon.com)
- Decent/Low-Quality: Magneto Cruiser (Check it out here on Amazon.com) and Ehlers Longboards (Check them out here)
- High-Quality: Landyachtz Drop Cat (Check it out here at the Stoked ride shop)
- High-Quality/Overpriced: Comet Cruiser (Check it out here) and Loaded Tan Tien (Check it out here at the Stoked ridership)
Playshion budget longboard
magneto budget longboard
comet cruiser high-quality longboard
Dancing and Freestyle Longboards
Dance longboards usually measure about 45 inches in length, while freestyle boards are around 40 inches. They often feature flexy decks, no griptape in the middle (but on the kicktails), and RKP trucks.
- Average Length: 45 inches for dance & 40 inches for freestyle
- Average Width: 9-10 inches
- Trucks: RKP (reverse kingpin)
- Average Wheel Diameter: 65-70mm
- Average Construction: 8 plies of maple/bamboo/composite
- Flex: Varies, based on preference
- Typical Shape: Top mount with a twin kicktail
Ideal Uses for Dance and Freestyle Boards
These boards are perfect for fancy footwork, with dancing referring to footwork while the board remains on the ground and freestyle involving maneuvers where the board leaves the ground. They are not ideal for cruising and are difficult to carry around.
Price Ranges for Dance and Freestyle Boards
- Low-Quality: < $200 – Expect poorly built decks with low-quality components that hinder progression.
- Decent/High-Quality: $200-$300 – Includes quality boards from well-known brands suitable for learning and advancing.
- High-Quality: $300+ – Features decks made with exotic materials and specialized construction.
Examples:
- Low-Quality: Volador Longboard Dancer (Check it out here on Amazon.com) and Magneto Dancer (Check it out here on Amazon.com) and Ehlers Dancer Complete (Check it out here)
- Decent/High-Quality: Landyachtz Tony Danza (Check it out here at the Stoked ride shop) and Landyachtz Stratus (Check it out here on Stoked ride shop.com) and Quinboards dancer (available here at SlidePerfect.co.uk)
- High-Quality: Landyachtz Stratus Hollow (Check it out here at the Stoked ride shop)
volador low-quality dance longboard
Ehlers dancer – decent costing longboard
decent longboard – landyachtz stratus
landyachtz stratus hollow – expensive longboard
quinboards dancing red
Downhill Skateboards
Downhill skateboards are typically around 35 inches in length and 9.5 inches in width, featuring RKP trucks with a 45° baseplate angle, wheels about 72mm in size, and coarse griptape. They also typically have a stiff deck. The Landyachtz Freedive Reef is a good example of a downhill skateboard.
- Average Length: 35 inches
- Average Width: 9-10 inches
- Trucks: RKP (reverse kingpin), 45° trucks
- Average Wheel Diameter: 65-75mm
- Average Construction: 9 plies of maple/bamboo/composite
- Flex: None, stiff
- Typical Shape: Top mount, drop-mount, drop-through
landyachtz freedive reef
Ideal Uses for Downhill Skateboards
Downhill boards are designed for high speeds and are stiff to provide control. They are less suitable for slow-speed skating and cruising. They perform best at speeds above 25mph, where their stability and smooth sliding wheels become advantageous.
Price Ranges for Downhill Skateboards
- Low-Quality: < $180 – Typically includes a low-quality deck and components that do not ensure stability and may be unsafe at higher speeds.
- Decent/High-Quality: $200-$300 – This range offers great boards that can provide a safe and enjoyable downhill experience.
- High-Quality: $300+ – These feature exotic materials and construction for specialized performance, though decks in the lower price range will still work well.
Examples:
- Low-Quality: MINORITY Downhill Maple Longboard (Check it out here on Amazon.com) and Magneto Tesla (Check it out here on Amazon.com)
- Decent/High-Quality: Landyachtz Freedive (Check it out here on Stokedrideshop.com)
- High-Quality: Loaded Tesseract (check it out here)
minority downhill longboard – cheap longboard
pantheon gaia kyle
loaded truncated tesseract
Commuting/Long-Distance Riding Longboards
Commuter longboards are designed for covering long distances efficiently and comfortably. They sit low to the ground for easier pushing and foot braking, with large 80mm+ wheels and RKP or TKP trucks. The Pantheon Nexus is an excellent example.
- Average Length: 33-40 inches
- Average Width: 8-10 inches
- Trucks: RKP (reverse kingpin) or TKP (traditional kingpin)
- Average Wheel Diameter: 75-90mm
- Average Construction: 7-9 plies of maple/bamboo/composite
- Flex: Varies
- Typical Shape: Drop-mount, drop-through
pantheon nexus – high-quality longboard
Ideal Uses for Commuter Longboards
These boards are perfect for traveling long distances, such as commuting to work or long recreational skates, even marathons.
Price Ranges for Commuter/Long-Distance Boards
- Low-Quality: < $200 – The DB Bear 33 is the primary board worth considering in this range.
- Decent/High-Quality: $200-$320 – Includes high-quality, reliable boards from reputable brands.
- High-Quality: $350+ – This range is geared towards experienced riders with specific setup preferences.
Examples:
- Low-Quality: DB longboards Bear 33 (Check them out here on Amazon.com)
- Decent/High-Quality: Pantheon Ember, Pantheon Nexus, Bustin Sportster, Subsonic GT 40, Zenit AB Maze
- High-Quality: Specialized setups for experienced riders.
Conclusion
This comprehensive guide aims to help you navigate the complex world of longboard pricing. Understanding the various types of longboards and what to expect at different price points will enable you to choose the right board for your needs and budget. Remember that you usually get what you pay for and that second-hand boards can be an excellent option. With this information, you can now make an informed decision and enjoy your longboarding experience to the fullest.
