Choosing between a skateboard and a cruiser can be tricky, especially for beginners or those returning to skating. While both have four wheels and a deck, they cater to different riding styles and preferences. This guide breaks down the key differences to help you make the right choice.
Generally, cruiser skateboards are best for comfortable, short-distance rides, prioritizing ease and stability. On the other hand, skateboards excel in technical tricks and skatepark riding, demanding more skill and practice. Understanding these core distinctions will guide your decision.
a cruiser and a skateboard next to eachother
Cruiser Skateboards: The Laid-Back Ride
Cruiser boards are designed for smooth and relaxed riding, perfect for commuting or leisurely cruising around town. Their construction and components emphasize comfort and stability over trick performance.
The Advantages of a Cruiser
- Smooth Ride: Large, soft wheels absorb bumps and cracks, providing a comfortable ride on various surfaces. This makes them ideal for rougher roads and sidewalks.
- Beginner-Friendly: Cruisers are generally easier to balance and ride than skateboards, making them a great starting point for new skaters.
- Portable: While not as compact as a standard skateboard, cruisers are more portable than longboards, offering a good balance of size and maneuverability.
- Maintains Momentum: Larger wheels and smoother bearings help maintain speed with less effort, ideal for longer, uninterrupted rides.
The Disadvantages of a Cruiser
- Limited Trick Capability: Cruisers are not designed for advanced technical tricks. While you can perform basic maneuvers, the large, soft wheels and typically wider decks make them less responsive for complex tricks.
- Heavier: Cruisers tend to be heavier than standard skateboards, making them less suitable for tricks that require popping the board off the ground.
- Less Responsive: Due to their wider decks and softer wheels, cruisers can feel less responsive when attempting tricks.
Skateboards: The Trick-Focused Option
Skateboards are the go-to choice for skaters who want to learn and perform tricks. Their design prioritizes agility, pop, and responsiveness for executing maneuvers in skateparks or on the streets.
The Advantages of a Skateboard
- Trick Versatility: Designed for tricks, skateboards’ smaller, harder wheels and double kicktails enable skaters to pop, flip, and grind with more precision.
- Portable and Lightweight: Skateboards are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry and maneuver.
- Customizable: Skateboard parts are easy to replace and customize, allowing you to fine-tune your setup to your preferences.
- Great for Skateparks: The design makes skateboards ideal for skateparks, with smooth transitions and bowls.
The Disadvantages of a Skateboard
- Less Comfortable for Cruising: The hard wheels and smaller size make for a rougher ride, particularly on uneven surfaces.
- Requires More Skill: Skateboards demand more skill and practice to master, especially for beginners.
- Loses Momentum Quickly: Smaller wheels cause skateboards to lose speed more quickly compared to cruisers.
Recommended Complete Skateboards & Cruisers
While building your custom setup allows for optimal personalization, several pre-built boards offer an excellent starting point. For those looking for quality, ready-to-ride options, consider these:
Skateboard: Arbor Whisky Recruit
Arbor skateboard
The Arbor Whisky Recruit is a great beginner-friendly option, featuring softer wheels that make learning to push and ride easier. It’s a well-rounded board for those starting to explore the world of skateboarding.
Skateboard: Birdhouse Complete
birdhouse skateboard
Birdhouse Complete skateboards offer excellent value, with responsive trucks and a durable deck. It is well-suited for skatepark riding and offers great performance for its price point. Note that the harder wheels are ideal for smooth surfaces, but less forgiving on rougher asphalt.
Cruiser: Arbor Pilsner
Arbor Pilsner mini cruiser
The Arbor Pilsner is a nimble mini-cruiser, comparable to the Landyachtz Dinghy, but with a slightly wider deck and upgraded components. Its responsive nature might require some getting used to, but it offers an enjoyable ride once broken in.
Cruiser: Globe Big Blazer
Globe Big Blazer bottom
The Globe Big Blazer is a stable and predictable cruiser, perfect for beginners who prioritize a smooth, stable ride. While it may feel a bit sluggish for advanced skaters, its forgiving nature makes it a reliable choice for mastering basic riding skills.
Crafting Your Custom Cruiser/Skateboard Hybrid
If you want a board that blends the comfort of a cruiser with the trick capabilities of a skateboard, building a custom hybrid is an excellent option. This approach lets you tailor your board to your specific needs and preferences.
custom cruiser trick skateboard setup
Deck
Opt for an 8.5″ wide deck, providing a good balance for both cruising and performing basic tricks like ollies and shuvits. A medium concave deck will enhance stability while still allowing for maneuverability.
Trucks
Independent Stage 11 trucks (149) are a solid choice for an 8.5″ deck. Pair them with aftermarket bushings for optimized performance and carving.
Aftermarket Bushings
Bones Hardcore bushings are a great upgrade for stock bushings, offering improved responsiveness and customization. Choose the right firmness (soft, medium, or hard) based on your weight for optimal performance.
- Bones Hardcore softs: For riders around 132 lbs (60 kg).
- Bones Mediums Bushings: For riders between 154 lbs (70 kg) and 200 lbs (90 kg).
- Bones Hardcore Hards: For riders over 200 lbs.
Wheels
For a hybrid setup, choose wheels between 54mm and 56mm with a hardness between 86A and 92A. This range provides a balance of smoothness for cruising and responsiveness for tricks.
- Softer wheels (closer to 86A) prioritize a smooth ride and are more forgiving on rough surfaces.
- Harder wheels (closer to 92A) offer more responsiveness for tricks but may feel rougher when cruising.
Ricta Chrome wheels 56mm/92A and Ricta Cloud 55mm/86A are both excellent options for hybrid setups.
Other Parts
Consider riser pads if you choose larger wheels (over 58mm) to prevent wheel bite. Also, ensure you select the correct hardware size for your setup. High-quality skateboard bearings, such as Bones Super Reds or Bronson G3, will ensure a smooth and fast ride.
| Wheel size (mm) | Riser size (inch) | 7-Ply deck Hardware length (inch) | 8-Ply or 9-Ply deck hardware lenght (inch) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49mm – 54mm | No risers | 7⁄8″ | 1 1⁄8″ |
| 55mm – 56mm | No need if you ride trucks tight | 7⁄8″ | 1 1⁄8″ |
| 55mm – 56mm | 1⁄8″ if you ride loose trucks | 1 1⁄8 – 1 1⁄4 | 1 1⁄4 – 1 1⁄2″ |
| 57mm – 58mm | 1⁄8″ | 1 1⁄8 – 1 1⁄4 | 1 1⁄4 – 1 1⁄2″ |
| 59mm – 60mm | 1⁄8″ – 1⁄4″ | 1 1⁄8″ – 1 1⁄4″ | 1 1⁄4″ – 1 1⁄2″ |
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a skateboard and a cruiser depends on your individual needs and preferences. Cruisers are great for comfortable, short-distance riding, while skateboards are designed for tricks and skatepark sessions. Building a custom hybrid board can provide the best of both worlds.
Ultimately, the best way to determine the right board for you is to try out different options and experiment with various setups. Whether you are a beginner or experienced skater, there is a perfect board out there for you. Remember that the most important aspect of skateboarding is having fun and enjoying the ride.
Ruben vee
By Ruben Vee
