Choosing the right cruiser longboard deck can significantly impact your riding experience, whether you’re navigating city streets, hitting the skatepark, or cruising down hills. This article compares four popular mid-sized double kick decks from Arbor, Bustin, Powell Peralta, and Zenit, evaluating their durability, build quality, and overall performance to help you make the best choice.
best cruiser longboard decks
Best Cruiser Longboard Decks: A Detailed Look
When selecting a cruiser deck, factors like price, durability, and construction play a crucial role. While Bustin’s Yoface is known for its affordability, it’s essential to consider if the cheapest option provides the best value. This section breaks down each deck, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
1. Powell Peralta Slidewinder
The Powell Peralta Slidewinder often appears on sale, making it a strong contender for value. Constructed with Flight deck technology, it combines two layers of fiberglass and five layers of maple, offering exceptional durability. Its medium concave design makes it suitable for both cruising and skatepark riding.
- Pros: Extremely durable, lightweight, offers a comfortable flex, great for cruising and bowl skating.
- Cons: Fiberglass splinters can be a minor issue with wear.
Powell Peralta Slidewinder cruiser deck
2. Bustin Yoface
The Bustin Yoface stands out as the most budget-friendly option, especially when considering its blank deck price. It’s a great pick for those not overly concerned with graphics, offering a solid base for aggressive cruising.
- Pros: Affordable, great for aggressive cruising, wheel flares and wells for larger wheels.
- Cons: Heavier than other boards, high concave with less foot pocket space, sharp kick angles.
Bustin Yoface cruiser longboard
3. Zenit Morning Wood
The Zenit Morning Wood is the most premium option here, known for its customization options and high-quality construction. While pricier, the ability to customize everything from the deck’s plies to the wheelbase makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a personalized riding experience.
- Pros: Highly customizable, options for wheelbase and construction, fiberglass reinforcement, great for aggressive cruising.
- Cons: Most expensive, restrictive foot pocket due to its steep concave.
Zenit Morning Wood cruiser deck
4. Arbor Axel Serrat
The Arbor Axel Serrat stands out as it’s only sold as a complete setup, not just the deck. Its components are designed for versatile performance, though riders might want to swap out trucks and wheels depending on preference.
- Pros: Agile, short wheelbase, quality components, wheel wells for larger wheels.
- Cons: Must buy the whole setup, lacks pop compared to other decks, shortest wheelbase.
Arbor Axel Serrat cruiser deck
Comparing the Best Cruiser Decks: Features & Specs
| Feature | Arbor Axel Serrat | Bustin Yoface | Powell Peralta Slidewinder II | Zenit Morning Wood |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 34” | 34.5” | 34.7” | 34.4” |
| Width | 9” | 9.1” | 9” | 9.1” |
| Wheelbase | 15.75” | 16.5” | 17” | 16.25-18.75” |
| Weight | 3.2 lbs. | 4.2 lbs. | 2.7 lbs. | 3.3 lbs. |
| Plys | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 |
| Construction | Maple | (E)Core Maple, Fiberglass | Flight® Maple | 4 Plys Maple, 2 Sheets Fiberglass |
| Concave | Medium Radial | .38” 3D Radial | K24 | Radial |
| Concave Features | Wheel Wells | Wheel Wells, Wheel Flares | Mild Wheel Wells | |
| Flex | Firm | Firm | Firm | Firm |
| Price Paid | $180 | $70 | $85 | $132 |
| Average Retail | $200 | $80 | $110 | $145 |
Custom Setups: Wheels and Trucks
Experimenting with different wheel and truck combinations allows riders to optimize performance for various styles. Some popular setups include:
Wheels:
- 56mm/59mm 85a Powell Peralta GSlides
- 58mm 80a Arbor Axel Serrat Pros
- 62mm 82a Remember Pee Wees
- 65mm 98a Rainskate Hornets
- 69mm 75a Powell Peralta Snakes
Trucks:
- 159mm
- Indys 169mm
- Paris TKPs 165mm
- Paris V3s
Cruiser Wheels: Finding the Right Fit
For technical sliding, harder wheels like 98a Yellow or 100a White Rainskates provide the best balance of slide and durability. For general cruising, softer wheels such as Powell Peralta GSlides or Remember Pee Wees offer a comfortable ride and the ability to slide when needed.
Rider Skill and Experience
This review is based on the experience of intermediate riders with a background in traditional skateboarding, tech sliding, freeriding, and distance skating. These riders have experience with various slide techniques and limited trick repertoires, often preferring smaller popsicle decks for learning new tricks.
Versatility of Cruiser Decks
Cruiser decks are exceptionally versatile, suitable for tech sliding, cruising, light freeriding, transition skating, and freestyle tricks. While highly skilled riders may prefer more specialized setups, these decks provide an excellent all-around option for those wanting a single board that can handle a variety of terrains and riding styles.
Potential Downsides: A Closer Look
Each deck has potential drawbacks based on individual preferences. The Arbor Axel Serrat must be bought as a complete setup; the Bustin Yoface is heavier and has pronounced wheel flares; the Powell Peralta Slidewinder has a simpler concave; and the Zenit Morning Wood comes with a higher price tag.
Comparative Strengths: Highlighting the Upsides
Each board has unique advantages: the Arbor Axel Serrat’s short wheelbase makes it agile; the Bustin Yoface offers extensive customization options; the Powell Peralta Slidewinder has superior construction; and the Zenit Morning Wood allows for advanced customization.
Which Cruiser Deck Should You Buy?
The best cruiser deck depends on your personal preferences. The Powell Peralta Slidewinder and Zenit Morning Wood are generally considered top-tier options. However, the Bustin Yoface is ideal for budget-conscious riders, while the Arbor Axel Serrat is best suited for those looking for a complete setup.
- Buy the Slidewinder if… you want high quality and a less intense concave.
- Don’t buy the Slidewinder if… you want a complete setup or dislike Flight construction.
- Buy the Morning Wood if… you’re willing to invest in top-tier quality and customization.
- Don’t buy the Morning Wood if… you are budget-conscious or dislike the mild wheel flares.
- Buy the Yoface if… you want a customizable graphic, like an intense concave, and prefer a heavy, affordable board.
- Don’t buy the Yoface if… you dislike intense foot pockets or want a lighter deck.
- Buy the Axel Serrat if… you’re a newer rider and want a complete setup with great components.
- Don’t buy the Axel Serrat if… you want a longer wheelbase or different components.
Why Not Just Buy a Popsicle Deck?
While popsicle decks are versatile, cruiser decks fill a unique niche for those transitioning between skateboarding and longboarding, or those seeking a larger platform for tech sliding and park skating. These decks provide a familiar feel while offering the benefits of a larger size.
Conclusion
The Powell Peralta Slidewinder and Zenit Morning Wood stand out for their exceptional build quality and design. However, the Bustin Yoface remains a strong option for those on a budget, while the Arbor Axel Serrat is ideal for those seeking a complete setup. Ultimately, each of these decks is a high-quality option capable of bridging the gap between skateboarding and longboarding, meeting the needs of most riders.
Photo Credit IG handles: @mc_longboard, article written by Michael C, final edit by Ruben Vee.
Ruben vee
Ruben Vee
I’m an aged skateboarder and still shred responsibly. Started skateboarding 25 years ago, peaked in the 2000’s, and still ride to this day. I am a total geek when it comes to skateboard gear, love test to stuff and share my findings.
