Mini cruiser skateboards are incredibly popular for their portability, fun factor, and convenience for short commutes. This guide breaks down the best options on the market, catering to various needs and budgets, and offers insights into what makes a great mini cruiser. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, find the perfect board for your cruising adventures.
Best Mini Cruiser Longboards on the Market
Fireball Artist Series Cruiser – Premium Quality Complete
The Fireball Artist Series Cruiser stands out with its limited edition designs, making each board a unique find. These boards are not only visually appealing but also built with high-quality components.
Bodilpunk Artist Series Skateboard
Measuring 29.5 inches in length and 8.5 inches in width, it offers a stable platform, making it exceptionally beginner-friendly. The 129mm Paris TKP trucks, 60mm Fireball Tinder wheels, and Fireball Dragon bearings ensure a smooth and reliable ride. The wider deck provides excellent balance and comfort for longer rides and is perfect for riders with larger feet.
If you seek a unique, beginner-friendly mini cruiser, the Fireball Artist Series is an outstanding choice. You can find it here at the Fireball website.
Stoked Ride Shop Cruiser – Top Budget-Friendly Choice for Tricks
The Stoked Ride Shop Cruiser provides an excellent balance of quality and affordability, making it ideal for those on a budget. It’s also versatile enough for riders who want to explore tricks alongside cruising.
stoked ride shop blank mini cruiser
This cruiser comes in at 32 inches in length, with width options from 7.75 to 8.5 inches, and most riders will find the 8-inch width perfect. It features high-quality Paris street trucks, 60mm Fireball wheels, and Dragon bearings, similar to the Fireball model, ensuring great performance. The traditional skateboard design of the deck makes it suitable for learning tricks, making it a great hybrid option between a skateboard and a cruiser. At only $90, the Stoked blank cruiser is incredibly affordable because the deck is unbranded.
For a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise quality, the Stoked Ride Shop Cruiser is a great pick. It can be found here at the Stoked ride shop website.
Landyachtz Dinghy – The Best High-Quality Mini Cruiser
The Landyachtz Dinghy is widely recognized for its quality and performance, making it a top pick in the mini cruiser category. Its reputation is backed by great marketing and an exceptional riding experience.
landyachtz dinghy – best high-quality mini-cruiser
The Dinghy measures 28.5 inches long and 8 inches wide, but it comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and graphics, so you have plenty of options. Its components are premium, including Bear TKP trucks, Spaceball bearings, and Hawgs wheels. It is a fast, responsive, and fun board that is enjoyable to ride. While it’s very reactive, making it less ideal for absolute beginners, most riders can adapt quickly with a bit of practice.
The Landyachtz Dinghy is available here on the Landyachtz website. Use code “AroniSkate&Explore15” for 5% off. You can also find it here on Amazon.com, and here at the Stoked ride shop website.
Magneto Cruiser – Budget Option with Compromises
The Magneto Cruiser is a popular choice because of its attractive price and stylish looks. However, its budget-friendly price comes at the cost of lower-quality components.
magneto cruiser – great budget mini cruiser
Measuring 27.5 inches in length and 7.5 inches in width, it’s one of the smaller cruisers, making it ideal for kids or riders with small feet. The 63mm wheels are paired with knock-off Paris trucks and low-quality bearings. The cheap trucks make turning twitchy, and the soft bushings require heavier riders to tighten them for control.
At around $80, the Magneto Cruiser is a decent option for beginners on a budget, particularly kids. However, those seeking higher performance should consider other options on this list. It can be found here on Amazon.com.
White Wave Cruiser – Poor Performance Despite Great Looks
The White Wave Cruiser is another budget board that is popular despite significant shortcomings in its performance.
White wave cruisers – bad mini-cruiser
The White Wave Cruiser comes in at 28 inches in length and 8 inches in width, similar to the Dinghy in size. It features 5-inch aluminum trucks and 60mm soft wheels. The board’s low-quality components, including the trucks, bushings, and wheels, result in a poor riding experience with limited speed. While its price and design are appealing, the overall performance is subpar.
For beginners on a very tight budget, this might be an option, but better alternatives are available on this list. It is available here on Amazon.com.
Arbor Pilsner – A High-Quality, Eco-Friendly Option
The Arbor Pilsner is notable for its great design and environmentally conscious manufacturing. Arbor prioritizes using recycled materials and eco-friendly processes in its production.
arbor pilsner – great mini cruiser
The Pilsner measures 29.75 inches in length and 8.25 inches in width. It includes high-quality components like Paris trucks, Fireball Dragon bearings, and Fireball Tinder wheels, similar to the Stoked and Fireball models. The ride is comparable to the Fireball cruiser, offering a more forgiving and stable feel than the Dinghy, making it suitable for beginners.
If you’re looking for an environmentally conscious board with excellent performance, the Arbor Pilsner is a great choice. It can be found here at the Stoked ride shop.
Penny Skateboards 22″ – Popular but Not Ideal
The Penny 22” is instantly recognizable for its unique design and is popular all over the world. However, its performance doesn’t necessarily live up to its fame.
Penny 22" cruiser
The Penny 22” measures 22 inches long and 5.9 inches wide. It features Penny aluminum trucks and 59mm wheels. The waterproof, flexible plastic deck is a unique feature. However, the small size of this board makes it uncomfortable and awkward for most riders.
This is best suited for small kids. It can be found here on Amazon.com.
Penny Nickel 27″ – A Slightly Better Penny Option
The Penny Nickel 27” is a slightly more comfortable option than the smaller Penny 22” board. If you must buy a Penny, this is the more recommended option.
Penny nickel 27" mini cruiser
This board measures 27 inches long and 7.4 inches wide. It also has wider trucks and the same 59mm wheels, as well as the proprietary plastic deck. Although it’s slightly larger than the 22” model, it’s still small for most adults. However, it is more comfortable for riding. For the same price, you could buy a better performing board like the Landyachtz Dinghy or Arbor Pilsner. The Penny Nickel can be found here on Amazon.com.
Mini Cruiser Buying Guide: What to Consider
Best Uses for Mini Cruiser Skateboards
Mini cruisers excel at short skates, typically under 3 miles or 10 minutes. Their maneuverability and fun factor make them great for quick commutes and leisurely rides.
When Mini Cruisers Aren’t the Best Choice
Mini cruisers are not suitable for long distances (over 3 miles) or extended periods of skating (over 10 minutes). Their small wheels require constant pushing to maintain speed and their reactive nature can tire out your ankles and feet. They also aren’t ideal for learning tricks, sliding, or other advanced skateboard maneuvers.
Key Features to Look For
Size: Avoid boards that are too small; a comfortable board for most adults will be at least 28 inches long and 8 inches wide. Kids can manage slightly smaller boards.
Components: Opt for high-quality trucks, wheels, and bearings for a smooth, confident ride. Poor quality components result in a jerky, slow ride.
paris tkp trucks
Wheels: Choose wheels that are 60mm or larger in diameter. Smaller wheels struggle on urban surfaces, getting stopped by pebbles and cracks.
Fatty Hawgs – 60mm mini cruiser longboard wheels
Cost of Mini Cruiser Skateboards
$50 – $100 (Low Quality): Most boards in this range have low-quality components that may break quickly. The decks may be acceptable, but the overall performance is often poor.
$100 – $150 (Good/High Quality): Boards in this range offer well-made decks and high-quality components, providing a great riding experience.
$150+ (High Quality/Overpriced): Boards priced over $150 are often overpriced unless they have unique designs, features, or are a specific brand you like.
Are Mini Cruisers Good for Kids?
Yes, mini cruisers are a great fit for kids. Their smaller size allows kids to stand comfortably and control the board easily.
Mini Cruisers for Commuting
Mini cruisers are suitable for short commutes under 3 miles or 10 minutes. For longer distances, a proper commuter longboard is better.
commuting on the Landyachtz drop cat
Mini Cruisers for Beginners
Mini cruisers have a steeper learning curve due to their reactive nature. While beginners can use them, they’re not always the best option for getting your balance on a skateboard.
Best Mini Cruiser for Beginners
A wider, longer board with high-quality components is ideal for beginners. A bigger cruiser is often more beginner-friendly.
Can You Ollie on a Mini Cruiser?
Yes, you can ollie on a mini cruiser with a kicktail. However, learning to ollie on a mini cruiser has a steeper learning curve compared to a standard skateboard.
landyachtz dinghy ollie
Mini Cruisers for Sliding, Dancing, and Tricks
Mini cruisers are not ideal for learning sliding, dancing, or other advanced tricks. Their reactive nature makes them less forgiving for beginners. A skateboard and a proper sliding setup are better suited for learning those skills.
Choosing the Right Mini Cruiser
There is no single “best” mini cruiser. The right choice depends on individual preferences, budget, and riding style. A good mini cruiser will have high-quality components and a design that resonates with the rider.
Final Thoughts: Which Mini Cruiser is Right for You?
The Landyachtz Dinghy is a great option overall, offering a comfortable and fun ride for most riders. If you’re on a budget, the Magneto Cruiser is a suitable option.
This article is made possible by the support of my patrons: Jed, SuperbadJuju, Mowgii, Bryan, Andrew, Jan, Jay, Owen, Samil, Daniel, Alex, Kasajja, Leah, Helge, DeLacoste, and Justin. Thank you!
