Top Longboards for Heavy Riders: A Comprehensive Guide

Longboarding is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors, offering both mobility and style. The misconception that heavier individuals can’t partake in this activity is simply untrue. While the options might seem limited, the key is knowing what to look for in a longboard that can handle a heavier rider. This guide will explore some of the best longboards for heavy riders, along with essential factors to consider when making a purchase.

Best Longboards and Cruisers for Heavier Riders

Below is a curated list of longboards and cruisers that are excellent for heavier riders. These recommendations come from the longboarding community and personal testing, offering a mix of boards for various riding styles. Cruisers are more agile and ideal for short distances, while longboards are suited for longer rides.

1. Landyachtz Tugboat Captain

Landyachtz Tugboat from different anglesThe Landyachtz Tugboat Captain bridges the gap between a skateboard and a longboard. It’s exceptionally strong, able to withstand significant weight. The wide deck, featuring a large kicktail and a smaller, curved nose, provides ample foot space. The sticky grip tape enhances control, even on uneven terrain. The steep concave and unique shape allow for some tricks, but it’s primarily designed for cruising. The sturdy trucks and bushings facilitate sharp turns, and the 60mm Fatty Hawgs wheels provide a smooth ride. While the Spaceball bearings are adequate, upgrading to Zealous bearings can improve performance. For a deeper dive, check out our full Landyachtz Tugboat review.

2. Bustin Sportster Elements

Bustin Sportster ElementsThe Bustin Sportster Elements, a favorite among heavy riders on longboarding forums, is designed for urban commuting. Its ‘Response Drop’ design is ideal for weaving through crowded areas. The deck’s construction, featuring Canadian Maple wood with epoxy-based glues and composite reinforcement layers, provides exceptional durability. Fiberglass reinforces the truck mounts. Measuring 35.5 inches in length and 10 inches in width, it accommodates larger shoe sizes. The 29-inch wheelbase adds to its compact and reinforced design.

3. Sector 9 Meridian

Sector 9 meridianThe Sector 9 Meridian is a versatile longboard suitable for all skill levels. Its drop-through mount design provides a comfortable, low-to-the-ground ride, making it balanced and easy to push. The eight-ply maple deck adds to its stability, even at higher speeds. The 10.0-inch Gullwing charger trucks and the old-school Taco shape enhance maneuverability. While the ABEC 5 bearings are decent, they come with a 25-year warranty. The board is 40 inches long, 10 inches wide, and has a 30-inch wheelbase, making it ideal for riders up to 230 pounds.

4. Arbor DropCruiser Flagship

Arbor DropCruiser Flagship The Arbor DropCruiser Flagship is excellent for cruising, whether on the boardwalk or winding mountain roads. Its standing platform is well-balanced, with a Palisander wood top and bottom finish. The nine-ply Canadian hard rock maple construction makes it ideal for heavier riders. The soft, grippy wheels and 180mm trucks enhance carving and cruising.

5. Omen Barbarian

The Omen Barbarian is designed for both flat terrain and downhill riding, offering a great price-to-performance ratio. The symmetrical carbon fiber deck provides stability, while the nine-ply maple construction makes it suitable for heavier riders. It comes with Paris 50 reverse kingpin trucks, designed for the taller rider.

6. Landyachtz Switchblade 40 Chief Night

Landyachtz Switchblade 40 Chief NightThe Landyachtz Switchblade 40 Chief Night is a double-drop freeride longboard praised by heavy riders for its freeriding capabilities. Its 40-inch by 20-inch dimensions offer stability and speed. Featuring 180mm Gen-6 grizzly trucks, it’s a complete package for big guys. The 100% Canadian maple symmetrical deck provides ample space for foot placement, improving stability. While also available in a 38-inch version, the 40-inch is preferable for taller and larger riders.

7. Globe Big Blazer

Globe Big Blazer cruiserThe Globe Big Blazer is a 32-inch cruiser suitable for beginners and heavier riders. It’s durable and predictable, and while it takes some time to build up speed, it’s surprisingly fast. New riders will appreciate its stability and responsiveness. The 32-inch by 9-inch deck, with a small kicktail, is perfect for heavier riders starting out. The flat deck surface makes it a bit less engaging for advanced riders. However, it easily handles rough surfaces, but riders should lean back to navigate gravel.

8. Arbor Oso

arbor oso cruiser skateboardThe Arbor Oso is a big, heavy board with a wide deck, large kicktail, and very stable Paris Street trucks. Its buttery smooth wheels add to its old-school feel. While heavy, this contributes to its stability. The mellow concave makes it beginner-friendly, and the ample foot room improves comfort. The large kicktail provides leverage when navigating rough terrain. The hard bushings are ideal for heavier riders, and some may choose to replace them for a softer feel. The Oso is a commuter-style board, great for heavier riders.

9. Bustin Maestro

Bustin Maestro longboardThe Bustin Maestro is a top recommendation for beginners and heavier riders seeking quality parts. As a pusher board, it’s better suited for moderate distances than the Bustin Sportster. It offers a comfortable ride, making it a good choice for those who also want a bit of freestyle. For a detailed look, check out our full review.

Longboard Buying Guide for Heavy Riders

If you’re over 5’10” and/or weigh over 200 pounds, you’re considered a heavy rider. Most longboards are built with an 8-ply deck, supporting around 250 lbs. The capacity is determined by your riding style and landing techniques as well. Let’s examine the essential components of a longboard for heavier riders.

Decks and Shapes

When selecting a longboard for heavy riders, the deck material is crucial. Maple decks should have at least eight layers, preferably nine. The deck should also be at least 9.75 inches wide.

Deck Material

For added strength, look for maple decks with 8-9 layers. If maple is too flexible, explore decks made with bamboo layers. Bamboo provides natural flexibility, while a combination of bamboo and fiberglass offers both flexibility and stiffness, ideal for heavier riders.

Flex

Many longboards have flexible decks, which may not be ideal for heavy riders. While some flex is acceptable, overly flexible boards should be avoided.

Upward Curved Decks

Upward curved decks are the most durable and least flexible, ideal for taller, heavier riders.

Wheelbase

A short wheelbase adds to the overall strength of the deck and provides a platform to place your feet closer to the trucks. A long wheelbase, however, increases the risk of deck damage for heavier riders during sudden maneuvers.

Flat Decks

Flat decks are a neutral option for heavy riders, offering less flexibility than cambered decks.

Cambered Decks

Cambered, or downward curved, decks tend to be more flexible, which can be detrimental for heavier riders.

Concave Shape

Concave decks add rigidity and strength. A deeper concave offers additional support. For heavy riders, W-concave decks, often found in higher-end boards, can provide even more strength.

Trucks

Trucks should be constructed from aluminum and steel, not plastic or nylon. Key components include kingpins, axles, nuts, and baseplates. Drop-through trucks are best for freestyle riding, while top-mounted trucks are preferred for downhill riding. Hollow kingpins are a good option for a lighter feel.

Bushings

different bushing shapes for longboarding and skateboardingHeavier riders may find harder bushings beneficial for stability. Here’s a general guide:

Bearings

Zealous bearingsAvoid cheap bearings. Focus on build quality over the ABEC rating. Zealous bearings are recommended for cruising and longboarding due to their durability. Steel bearings are preferred over lower-grade metals or pricey ceramic bearings.

Wheels

orangatang fat free cruiser wheelsFor heavier riders, large, soft wheels, around 70-75mm/78A, are recommended. Modern polyurethane wheels can withstand the stress of heavier riders.

Longboard Buying Guide for Heavier Riders

Heavy riders should focus on sturdy trucks made of aluminum or steel. Decks should have eight plies or more, and bamboo or fiberglass layers can add strength. Wheel bite can be an issue for heavier riders, so choosing a board with adequate deck height is essential.

Longboard Buying Guide for Taller Riders

Taller riders, especially those over 6’2″, can enjoy longboarding as well. While smaller boards may be suitable for urban environments, a deck length of at least 36 inches is recommended. Here is a general size guide:

Longboard Buying Guide for Bigger Riders

Bigger riders should be mindful of their shoe size and foot placement on the board. Overhanging feet can be uncomfortable, so a wider deck can be helpful. Stiffer boards are often preferable for maintaining balance. While curved decks can be uncomfortable, this can be a matter of personal preference. Decks are typically 42 inches long and 10 inches wide, but 44-inch decks can accommodate riders with larger feet.

Final Thoughts

Longboarding is an accessible activity for people of all sizes. Choosing a board with the right features is important. Prioritize quality over cost, and avoid cheap, low-quality boards. Look for the following features:

• At least an 8-ply deck.
• Wheels between 70mm and 75mm.
• Wheelbase tailored to your preference.
• Deck width between 8.75″ and 10″ for added balance.
• Maple or bamboo layered decks, potentially with fiberglass.
• Concave shape for added stability.

Ruben vee

By: Ruben Vee

I’m an experienced skateboarder who still enjoys riding. I have been skateboarding for over 25 years and have a passion for testing gear and sharing my insights.

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