Choosing the right cruiser skateboard can be challenging, but it’s crucial for enjoying comfortable rides and easy commutes. This guide will help you navigate the options, offering insights into the best cruiser boards available, from beginner-friendly models to more advanced setups. We’ve personally tested these boards, focusing on their performance, stability, and overall ride quality. Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced rider, this list will assist you in making an informed decision.
Cruiser boards bridge the gap between traditional skateboards and longboards, designed for shorter, urban commutes rather than tricks or long-distance journeys. This guide highlights the best options, categorized by skill level and riding style, providing a comprehensive look at what each board offers.
The Best Cruiser Skateboards and Longboards
Here’s a breakdown of the top cruiser skateboards, based on our hands-on testing:
- Best for Beginners: Arbor Oso or Landyachtz Tugboat
- Best for Experienced Riders: Arbor Pilsner
- Best Budget Option: Magneto Mini Cruiser
- Most Nimble Cruiser: Landyachtz Dinghy
Cruiser boards combine the responsiveness of a skateboard with the smoother ride of a longboard, making them ideal for short commutes and comfortable rides. They’re designed for easy carrying and hopping curbs, making them versatile for urban environments. This list prioritizes boards that provide a blend of these qualities. The following boards are in order of testing, each with a detailed review to help you find the perfect match.
Here’s a summary of the best boards we tested:
- Beginner-Friendly Cruisers: Globe Big Blazer, Landyachtz Tugboat, Arbor Oso, Fireball Cruiser
- Fast and Nimble Cruisers: Landyachtz Dinghy, Arbor Pilsner, Arbor Pocket Rocket
- Top Picks: Comet Cruiser, Arbor Pilsner
- Cruising and Tricks: Stoked Ride Shop Cruiser Complete
- Best Value: Fireball Cruiser
1. Landyachtz Dinghy
Landyachtz Dinghy cruiser board
The Landyachtz Dinghy is a popular cruiser known for its agility and responsiveness. It was one of the first cruisers I tested, sparking an interest in exploring various brands. The Dinghy is perfect for riders who prefer an aggressive, fast ride. Although beginners may find it challenging initially, it’s a great option for those with some skateboarding experience looking for a nimble board.
While some might consider it overhyped, the Dinghy is a high-quality cruiser on par with the Arbor Pilsner. If you’re up for a challenge or already have a grasp of skateboard balance, the Dinghy is a worthwhile choice.
- Popular and well-regarded
- Stock wheels and bearings are decent, but upgrades can enhance performance
- Excellent for aggressive cruising
- Better suited for experienced riders due to its sensitivity
Specs:
- 7-ply maple deck with a medium concave
- Square kicktail and short, oblong nose
- Wheel wells to prevent wheel bite
- Width: 8.0″
- Length: 28.5″
- Wheelbase: 14.6″
- 4″ Bear trucks
- 1/4″ rubber riser pads
- 63mm 78A Hawgs wheels
- ABEC7 Bear Spaceballs bearings
Spaceball Bearings
The Dinghy comes with Spaceball bearings with integrated spacers, which are adequate for most riders. However, upgrading to Bronson Raws or Bones Swiss 6 Balls can significantly enhance the board’s performance and speed.
Bear Trucks
The 108mm Bear trucks provide good performance, and the stock bushings are suitable for most riders. Adjust the bushings to your liking after a short break-in period, typically a bit tighter for stability.
Fatty Hawg Wheels
The 63mm Fatty Hawg wheels perform well on rough terrain, handling pebbles and cracks effectively. However, they might lose some grip in wet conditions. The concave deck enhances aggressive turning, though it can be a bit more challenging for beginners.
Maple Deck
The kicktail allows for easy curb hopping, but the small nose is not ideal for manual tricks. Available in various designs, the performance remains consistent across different styles.
2. Arbor Oso
arbor oso cruiser skateboard
The Arbor Oso stands out for its exceptional stability while maintaining good speed and turning capabilities. This makes it a great choice for both beginners and experienced riders. The Oso provides ample foot space, making it comfortable for all types of riders.
The stock bushings could use an upgrade, but that’s an easy fix. The Oso is versatile, suitable for relaxed cruising and bowl riding. It offers a smooth and stable ride, especially after swapping to better wheels.
Compared to the Landyachtz Tugboat, the Oso offers more stability and less concave, making it ideal for a relaxed experience. The wide deck is great for taller or heavier riders.
- Excellent stability for beginners and experienced riders
- Mellow concave and ample foot space
- Paris trucks are great for carving
- Stock wheels have been upgraded to better softer wheels
Specifications:
- Length: 31.5″
- Width: 9.5″
- 169mm Paris trucks
- Wheelbase: 14.5″
- Arbor Abec 5 bearings and spacers
- 1/8″ riser pads
- Concave: Radial, Medium depth
- Clear, Spray-On griptape
- Stiff flex level
- 78A 61mm wheels
- 7 Ply Maple deck
Deck
The wide (10″) deck and large kicktail provide stability and control. The medium concave is great for beginners, while the deck offers lots of room for larger riders. The kicktail allows for easy maneuvering over obstacles.
Paris Trucks 169mm
The 169mm Paris trucks enhance the board’s stability and smooth turning capabilities. They work well for heavier riders and, while they may require a break-in period, provide excellent performance overall.
EasyRider Bogart 61 mm 78A Wheels
The Arbor EasyRider Bogart wheels are surprisingly smooth for stock wheels, offering a comfortable ride over cracks and rough surfaces. They perform better than the Landyachtz Fatties.
Bearings
The standard bearings are functional but upgrading can improve performance. For riders looking to maximize their riding experience, investing in higher quality bearings is recommended.
3. Arbor Pilsner
Arbor Pilsner Cruiser from different angles
The Arbor Pilsner is a high-quality cruiser known for its responsiveness and stability. It’s my second favorite board and a great choice for riders who want a reliable and enjoyable experience. While it can be a bit challenging for beginners, its performance and build quality make it an excellent long-term investment.
The wheels are smooth but may lack some grip compared to Landyachtz Fatty wheels. Overall, the Pilsner offers a stable ride and has a notable concave for a more aggressive stance. It’s not ideal for downhill riding, but it’s great for carving and handling varied terrain.
- Loose trucks allow for easy turning
- High-quality components
- Soft wheels provide a forgiving ride
- Standard bearings can be upgraded for improved performance
Specs:
- 129mm Paris street trucks
- 7 Ply Canadian Maple deck
- 61mm 78A wheels
- ABEC 5 Bearings with Spacers
- 1/8″ Hard Risers
Bogart Easy Rider Wheels 61 mm 78A
The 61mm 78A Bogart wheels offer a smooth ride and can handle various terrains. They may feel less grippy than desired at times, but are great for most cruising conditions. Upgrading to wheels like the OJ Superjuice can further enhance the ride quality.
Paris Street Trucks 129 mm
The 129mm Paris Street trucks are versatile and suitable for cruising as well as impacts from ollies and grinds. They are a great option for all-around use and offer a smooth carving experience.
ABEC-5 Bearings
The ABEC-5 bearings are decent, but upgrading to higher quality bearings like Bronson Raws can noticeably improve performance.
7-Ply Maple Deck
The deck has a significant concave, allowing for a more aggressive riding stance. The kicktail provides ample room for foot placement for tricks like ollies and manuals. Available in different designs, it offers both style and functionality.
4. Globe Big Blazer
Globe Cruiser Longboard from different angles
The Globe Big Blazer is an excellent choice for beginners due to its stability and predictability. Experienced riders may find it less exciting, but it provides a comfortable and reliable ride for new skaters. The soft bushings may require some adjustment, but they contribute to the board’s smooth ride.
The board’s flat deck makes it easier to balance, and the kicktail allows for more aggressive stances. It handles various terrains well, although it may experience speed wobbles at its maximum speed.
- Stable and beginner-friendly
- Fast and carvy
- Lots of foot space
- Lacks concave and might be boring for experienced riders
Specs:
- Standard Tensor alloy 6″/152 mm trucks
- Slant wedge riser pads
- 7 Ply 32″ Canadian Maple deck
- 62 mm/78A Globe wheels
- Globe ABEC 7 Bearings and Spacers
- 17.7″ wheelbase
Deck
The deck is relatively flat with a small camber and kicktail, making it easy to balance. The graphics are appealing, and the bottle opener is a unique feature. The nose is pointy, making nose manuals challenging, but this is a beginner-focused board.
Tensor Alloy Trucks 219 mm
The Tensor alloy trucks and soft bushings offer a smooth ride. They may feel a bit loose initially, but they’re easy to adjust for better stability. These trucks allow for decent carving, making it a forgiving ride for beginners.
Globe Conical 62 mm 78A Wheels
The 62mm 78A wheels handle rough terrain well, providing a comfortable ride over cracks and pebbles. They are suitable for all types of conditions.
Bearings
The bearings are suitable for beginners. While not top-tier, they are durable and provide adequate speed. Upgrading may be an option as your skills improve.
5. Landyachtz Surfskate
Landyachtz Surfskate from different angles
The Landyachtz Surfskate is a cruiser-surfskate hybrid, designed for riders who enjoy carving and short-distance cruising. The reversed kingpin front truck gives it a unique, jittery feel, which may require some time to get used to. Once adapted, the Surfskate offers deep carves and sharp turns.
This board is not designed for high-speed or trick riding. Instead, it excels at smooth, surf-style movements. Despite its initial learning curve, the Surfskate is a fun and unique board for those looking for something different.
- Great for deep carving
- Unstable at first due to front truck
- Steady cruising, not fast
- Heavy build
- Great design and aesthetics
Specs:
- Length: 31.2″
- Width: 9″
- Wheelbase: 17.1″
- Foam griptape
- 63 mm 78A Fatty Hawgs wheels
- 7-ply maple deck
- Bear Banger SurfSkate Truck and Standard Bear trucks at 155 mm
- Spaceball bearings with integrated spacers
Deck
The deck is wide and solid, featuring foam griptape for comfort, especially when riding barefoot. It has a slight camber and a small kicktail. The deck is comfortable and functional, but different from traditional cruisers.
Bear Banger RKP & Standard Rear Truck 155 mm
The front Bear Banger reversed kingpin truck is the most unique feature of the Surfskate. It enables sharp turns and a surfy feel, but can be unstable at first. This setup makes it unlike other cruisers, requiring riders to adapt to its unique handling.
Fatty Hawg 63mm 78A Slick Wheels
The 63mm 78A Fatty Hawgs with a slick profile are great for sliding and cruising. They are designed for carving and provide a surf-like ride but can be slippery on slick or wet surfaces.
Spaceball Bearings
The standard Spaceball bearings are functional but not particularly noteworthy. They are adequate for cruising but can be upgraded for smoother performance.
6. Comet Cruiser
comet cruiser longboard from different angles
The Comet Cruiser is an exceptional board that provides a unique and enjoyable riding experience. It’s narrower than most cruisers, and its flexy nature may take some time to adjust to, but it’s incredibly responsive and nimble. This board is not for beginners, but experienced riders will find it to be the ultimate cruiser.
The Comet Cruiser stands out for its responsiveness, turning ability, and grip, making it a high-performance option for those who prioritize quality.
- Ultimate cruiser
- Fast, nimble, stable, and carvy
- Flexy deck enhances carving
- No drawbacks
Specs:
- Trucks: 108mm Paris
- Bushings: 83a / 88a Venom SHR
- Wheels: 69mm Powell Snakes 77A
- Bearings: Zealous
- Risers: 7º Soft Wedges
- Griptape: Jessup
- Length: 34”
- Width: 7.875”
- Wheelbase: 20.25”
Deck
The deck has a unique construction with a vertically laminated core, mahogany stringers, basswood, and fiberglass sheets. It features CNC-machined wheel wells and a flexy design. The deck is narrow and designed for stability. The tail has a skid plate for added durability.
Paris Trucks 108 mm + Venom Bushings
The Paris trucks, combined with Venom SHR bushings and angled risers, offer exceptional turning capabilities. This setup allows for aggressive carving and enhanced overall performance.
Powell Snakes 69 mm 77A Wheels
The 69mm Powell Snakes provide excellent stability, roll smoothly, and allow for easy sliding. They are durable and suitable for a variety of terrains.
Zealous Bearings
The Zealous bearings are high-quality, fast, and reliable, though they may be swapped out for further performance testing.
7. Landyachts Tugboat Captain
Landyachtz Tugboat from different angles
The Landyachtz Tugboat is a great choice for riders who want a bit more room and stability compared to the Dinghy. The Tugboat offers a comfortable and aggressive ride, and it’s perfect for both beginners and experienced riders. It handles rough surfaces and provides a smooth riding experience.
The board’s steep concave provides an aggressive stance, while still being comfortable to cruise. Heavier or taller riders will find this board especially suitable.
- Great alternative to the Dinghy
- Stable, smooth ride
- Handles rough surfaces well
- Great for beginners and experienced riders
Specs:
- Deck: 7-ply maple with “W” concave
- Black die-cut griptape
- 60mm 78a Fatty Hawgs wheels
- Bear 4″ trucks with 1/4″ rubber riser pad
- Bear Space Balls Abec 7 bearings
- Width: 9.0″
- Length: 29.5″
- Wheelbase: 18.5″
Deck
The wide deck with a steep concave and kicktail is excellent for providing stability and control. This design allows for a more aggressive stance while providing a solid base for comfortable cruising.
Bear Trucks 222 MM Axle
The Bear trucks provide a carvy ride, and are stable at high speeds. While they may slip during sharp turns, they offer a solid and reliable performance overall.
Fatty Hawg Wheels 60mm 78A
The 60mm Fatty Hawg wheels are great for cruising, and handle cracks, pebbles, and small objects well. They also offer good speed and smooth acceleration.
Spaceball Bearings
The standard Spaceball bearings with integrated spacers are functional but can be upgraded for improved performance over time.
8. Fireball Cruiser
Fireball cruiser longboard
The Fireball Cruiser is a budget-friendly option that still delivers great performance. It’s a good alternative to the Dinghy for those seeking a more affordable yet responsive board. With Paris trucks, Fireball Tinder wheels, and Fireball bearings, this cruiser offers excellent value for its price.
While it may not have all the advanced features of higher-end models, it’s a great choice for beginners and casual riders who want a reliable and fun ride.
- Affordable cruiser
- Stable and nimble
- Good for beginners
- Unique designs
Specs:
- Length: 29.5 inch
- Width: 8.5 inch
- Paris Street Trucks 129mm
- Fireball Tinder 60mm, 81a wheels
- Mobgrip griptape
- Fireball Dragon Endure bearings
- Fireball hardware
Deck
The deck has a subtle concave, and the board features unique designs. At 8.5 inches wide, it provides enough space for comfortable cruising, and the shape provides extra clearance.
Paris Trucks 108 mm
The Paris RKP trucks are excellent for both cruising and handling moderate slopes. The bushings may need some time to break in, but they provide excellent turnability and stability.
Fireball Tinder Wheels 60 mm 81A
The 60mm 81A Fireball Tinder wheels offer a smooth, fast ride despite having less urethane compared to other wheels. They’re great for both cruising and moderate tricks.
Fireball Endure Bearings
The Fireball Endure bearings are a standout feature, being fast and reliable straight out of the box. They also come with integrated spacers.
9. Arbor Pocket Rocket
Arbor Pocket Rocket
The Arbor Pocket Rocket is a small, fun cruiser for experienced riders. It’s lightweight and portable but might be challenging for beginners. It stands out for its quick reactions and smooth ride, especially after adjusting the bushings.
While small, this mini cruiser is an excellent option for those who enjoy fast and agile boards. It’s a quality setup that is fun and easy to carry around.
- Harder bushings require break-in
- Portable and lightweight
- Fast acceleration
- Not for beginners, taller, or heavier riders
Specs:
- Deck: Kicktail, nose, mellow concave
- Length: 27″
- Width: 7.75″
- Wheelbase: 14″
- Paris Street 108mm trucks
- Arbor Easyrider: 61 mm /78A, 36 mm contact patch
- ABEC 5 Bearings with Spacers
- 1/8″ Hard Risers
Deck
The tiny deck features a slight camber, a kicktail, and a pointy nose. Its small size makes it highly responsive and is suitable for a more aggressive stance.
Paris Trucks 108 MM
The 108mm Paris street trucks offer a great cruising experience, although they may need a break-in period due to their stiff bushings. Once broken in or adjusted, they provide excellent turnability.
Wheels
The Arbor wheels are fast and soft, and they handle small objects effectively.
Bearings
The stock bearings are suitable for most riding conditions, but can be upgraded if desired.
10. Cruiser-Trick Complete
Stoked Ride Shop Cruising and tricks Skateboard
The Cruiser-Trick Complete is a hybrid board designed for both cruising and tricks. It includes a maple deck, Paris trucks, quality bearings, and Fireball Tinder wheels, making it versatile for varied skating styles.
While not as smooth as dedicated cruisers, it offers the ability to do tricks. This setup is designed for experienced riders who want a hybrid board for cruising and trick riding.
11. Magneto Cruiser
Magneto mini cruiser longboard
The Magneto Cruiser is a budget-friendly option for riders who are just starting out. It’s more of a kid’s board, but it’s a good option for those who are looking for a cheap cruiser. Although it may not be the best quality, it’s a good way to experience cruising.
While it may not compare to high-end cruisers, it’s a good starting point for budget-conscious beginners.
- Very affordable option
- Suitable for beginner cruisers
- Soft bushings need to be tightened
- Not as high quality as other boards
Specs:
- Length: 27.5″
- Width: 7.5″
- Wheelbase: 18.5″
- 7-ply Canadian maple deck
- Double kick tails
- Sand grit finish
- 63mm wheels
- 8x Abec 11 | 608 bearings
- Trucks from an unknown brand
- 1/8″ riser pads
Recommended Upgrades
Upgrading your cruiser can enhance your riding experience. Generally, the most impactful upgrades involve the wheels and bearings.
Wheel Upgrades
OJ and orangatang cruiser wheels
Replacing stock wheels with OJ Super Juice wheels can enhance the overall ride experience, but not for all boards. For the Comet and LY Surfskate, alternative wheels like Powell Snakes or Orangatang Fat Free are recommended. For most other boards, a wheel size between 60mm and 65mm is a safe bet.
Bearing Upgrades
Zealous bearings
Upgrading to high-quality bearings such as Zealous Bearings or Bronson Raws can significantly increase speed and reduce the need to push, while Bones Swiss Six Bearings are also a great option for experienced riders.
Bronson raw beargins
Final Thoughts
Cruiser skateboards are a fun and effective way to commute and get a workout. They are not primarily designed for tricks, but for a smooth and comfortable ride. When choosing between a cruiser and a skateboard, remember that cruisers are better for smoother rides, and skateboards are better for tricks.
If there’s a cruiser you believe should be added to this list, please let us know. Thank you for reading.
Ruben Vee
