The Globe Big Blazer stands out as a unique cruiser in the market, and I’ve spent considerable time putting it to the test. Unlike other cruisers I’ve reviewed, I believe this one holds a special place, particularly for those new to skateboarding. This review will delve into why the Globe Big Blazer is an excellent option for beginners and even heavier riders. We’ll explore its components, design, and overall riding experience, offering you a comprehensive overview.
The Globe Big Blazer is an exceptional choice for beginners and heavier individuals due to its well-thought-out dimensions, stable flat deck, and overall solid construction. While it may not be as agile as an Arbor or as fast as a Comet cruiser, it delivers a reliable and comfortable experience for newcomers to cruising and skateboarding.
Let’s break down the details and see what makes this board tick.
Note: This review contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Globe Big Blazer: Detailed Specifications
Globe Big Blazer disassembled showing all components
Upon inspecting the components, I’m genuinely impressed with the value you get. While they aren’t high-end, they function harmoniously to create a dependable cruiser. The board itself feels robust, although a bit weighty, primarily due to its larger size compared to other cruisers and the substantial trucks.
The Tensor alloy trucks are versatile, suitable for beginners learning to carve. While they may not excel at sharp turns and can feel slightly sluggish, they prioritize stability, which is crucial for new riders. This board isn’t designed for extreme carving, but rather for comfortably covering distances.
The bearings are adequate for basic cruising, but the wheels are where this board shines, offering good speed and momentum. While I’d consider upgrading the bearings eventually, the stock wheels are impressive.
The 32-inch deck is 9 inches wide at the front, making it ideal for heavier riders and beginners, fitting between a small cruiser and a longboard. Its flat surface enhances stability, which is a big advantage for learning, even though it lacks the concave that experienced riders might prefer for sharper turns.
Overall, this is a very solid cruiser and I think it’s the perfect pick for beginners, taller skaters, and heavier riders looking for a budget-friendly option.
You might find it on sale, check the current prices on Amazon.
The wheels seem durable, and while the bearings could be improved, the overall package provides great value.
Here’s a quick look at the specs:
- Standard Tensor alloy 6″/152 mm hanger, 219 mm axle
- Slant wedge (angled) riser pads
- 7 Ply, 32″ tall and 9″ wide, Canadian Maple deck, Premium Palisander wood finish
- Globe conical-shaped wheels, 62 mm/78A wheels
- Globe ABEC 7 Bearings and Spacers
- 17.7″ wheelbase which cannot be adjusted
Test Ride Experience
The 32-inch size felt substantial, especially for someone used to smaller popsicle decks. Though the tail is narrow, the central and forward areas offer ample width.
The turning isn’t as sharp as some smaller cruisers, but this is expected given its size and design. However, with some weight adjustment, you can still execute quite sharp turns. Once you get some speed, the board handles small road imperfections like pebbles and cracks with ease, keeping you stable and balanced.
The board also performs well on gravel and even short patches of grass. Just remember to lean back slightly when tackling uneven terrain. The soft 78A/62mm wheels offer great grip in dry conditions, though powerslides can be a challenge. It’s capable of hopping curbs with a little effort.
The board’s stiffness means it’s not designed for flexy cruising, so it takes some getting used to. However, after riding it more, I really appreciate what it has to offer. I did notice some speed wobbles when trying to correct my trajectory downhill, mainly with the rear trucks.
Component Breakdown
Let’s disassemble this board and examine its individual parts. This is a cruiser designed to be affordable, which means some compromises were made. I’m not overly impressed with the bearings and I do wonder about the trucks’ durability if you were to try ollies, though this board isn’t designed for that kind of riding.
The deck is quite stiff with a very slight camber and minimal concave. The wheels are soft with a wide contact patch, great for maintaining grip and balance. The wedge risers enhance turning and the wheel wells prevent wheel bite.
Deck
Close up of the Globe Blazer kicktail showing the shape and design
The deck features a striking, almost three-dimensional graphic with neon mushrooms. This adds a touch of unique style to the board.
The shape includes a kicktail and a flat, pointed nose. The lack of concave is great for stability, especially for beginners but might be less appealing to experienced riders seeking a more responsive board.
Trucks
Close up of Tensor trucks used on the Globe Big Blazer
Globe often uses Tensor trucks on their completes, including this cruiser. While they are better than the generic trucks often found on budget boards, they aren’t without their flaws.
They’re not ideal for sharp carving and are likely to break if used for grinding. For those looking to upgrade, Paris V3 trucks are great for carving, Indys for more aggressive riding, and Paris Street trucks offer a good blend of cruising and tricks.
The baseplate has four holes, meaning you can’t easily adjust the wheelbase without drilling new holes into the deck which is not recommended.
This cruiser is focused on providing a stable and comfortable riding experience, not technical tricks. It’s perfect for relaxed cruising, which makes it a great choice when you’re not in the mood for anything too extreme.
Bushings
The bushings are balanced, although lighter riders may need some time to break them in. They are relatively stiff but responsive, and they work well with the truck geometry, returning to a neutral position quickly. This is helpful for maintaining speed.
You may need to adjust the kingpin nuts according to your weight. A few hours of carving will help to break them in faster. If you’re lighter, you could loosen the trucks slightly to improve turning.
Slant Wedge Riser Pads
Close up of slant wedge riser pads, showing the angled design
These angled risers improve the turning ability of the board, which is needed on a 32-inch cruiser. Without them, turning would require much more effort.
Wheels 78A/62mm
Close up of Globe conical cruiser wheels showing the shape and size
The 78A wheels are exceptionally soft, making them great at handling rocks, pebbles, cracks, and twigs. The 62mm size helps the board to glide over gravel and other rough surfaces.
Bearings
Close up of Globe ABEC-7 bearings and spacers
Most complete cruisers don’t come with high-quality bearings, and the Blazer is no exception. While they are functional, I recommend upgrading to Bones Swiss or Bronson Raws for better performance and sound.
Bottle Opener
I was pleasantly surprised to find a bottle opener on this board! It’s a fun addition, although it did result in a spilled drink during the initial test.
When to Choose the Globe Big Blazer
This cruiser is an excellent pick if you are brand new to skateboarding or longboarding and want a board that’s easy to ride. It is very stable, forgiving on rough surfaces and easy to control.
Heavier and taller riders will appreciate its size, width, and stability.
This is a very decent cruiser, especially considering the price. While $150 might seem like a significant investment, it’s a great value for the build quality and components you receive. It offers comparable quality at a lower price point compared to similar boards from brands like Landyachtz. If you’re looking for the best beginner cruiser on a budget, this is an excellent option.
When to Consider Other Options
If you want a more responsive, lightweight, and aggressive cruiser, this board may not be the best fit. It is slower to respond compared to other cruisers, making it better suited for beginners than more experienced riders.
The Big Blazer is not suitable for park or bowl skating, contrary to some inaccurate claims. While you can cruise around those areas, the soft wheels and lack of concave will make it difficult to perform well.
Trying flip tricks or ollies on this board is not recommended. It’s too heavy and not designed for street skating. Its geometry and flat deck make those tricks nearly impossible.
Image of the Globe Blazer cruiser
Globe Blazer
- Mellow concave with kick tail
- Wheels 82A/62mm
- Tensor alloy trucks
- Length: 34″
Be sure to choose the right size, as the 26″ versions are more challenging for beginners.
Globe Blazer XL and Standard Cruiser Sizes
Globe offers this cruiser in three sizes. Besides the 32″ Big Blazer I reviewed, they also have a smaller 26″ version and a larger 36.25″ XL version. The 26″ version is likely more nimble but less stable, while the XL is similar to a typical longboard. Consider the 30″ if 32″ is too big and 26″ is too small.
Globe also offers affordable complete skateboards that are better than the low-quality ones sold on sites like Amazon.
For a smaller, more nimble cruiser, you could check out my reviews of the Arbor Pilsner or the Landyachtz Dinghy.
Final Thoughts
The Globe Big Blazer is a decent board, particularly suited for beginners. Experienced riders might find it less responsive. However, if you’re new to cruising and want a stable and easy-to-handle board, it’s a fantastic choice. Heavier riders will also benefit from its stable, stiff design.
This board isn’t suitable for those seeking to perform technical tricks. If you have the budget, there may be better options. However, for a beginner-friendly, forgiving, and stable cruiser, the Globe Big Blazer is a very good choice.
Be sure to read my other reviews on other boards in my best cruiser skateboards list.
Image of Ruben Vee the author
Ruben Vee
An aged skateboarder who still loves to ride. I started skateboarding 25 years ago, reached my peak in the 2000s, and continue to ride today. I enjoy testing new skateboard gear and sharing my experiences.
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