The Comet Cruiser has garnered significant praise within the longboarding community, with many, including myself, considering it the best cruiser they’ve ever ridden. This isn’t a statement made lightly. But what makes the Comet Cruiser so special? What has Comet done differently to achieve this level of acclaim? Let’s dive deep into the details of this remarkable board.
Comet Cruiser Specifications
Deck
- Length: 33 inches
- Width: 7.875 inches
- Wheelbase: 20.25 inches
- Construction: Vertically laminated Basswood with 3 Sapele Mahogany stringers, pressed between two triaxial fiberglass sheets
- Flex: Noticeable flex
- Concave: Mellow convex with rocker
- Shape: Single kick top mount
- Kick: Plastic skid plate
Trucks
- Brand: Paris Trucks
- Truck width: 108mm
- Wedging: Front truck +7º, Rear truck -7º
Paris trucks on the Comet Cruiser
Bushings & Washers
- Front Truck:
- Bushings: 83a Venom SHR bushings
- Washers: Cupped washer RS, no washer BS
- Rear Truck:
- Bushings: 88a Venom SHR bushings
- Washers: Cupped washer RS, no washer BS
Other
- Wheels: 69mm Powell Snakes
- Bearings: Zealous steel
- Griptape: Jessup
- Risers: 7* Soft Khiro wedges
- Price: $235 (or $223 with “downhill254” discount code)
Comet Cruiser details showcasing components
Summary: The Funnest Ride Out There
The Comet Cruiser isn’t about excelling in one specific area; it’s about performing exceptionally well across the board. It’s a versatile board that can rival more niche-focused setups. But above all, it’s simply the most fun board to ride. The playfulness of this board is unparalleled, making every session a joy. I find myself gravitating towards it over other boards in my quiver.
The Comet Cruiser rides, turns, and scrubs out in a way that feels instinctive and natural. It’s hard to describe it any other way. It embodies what a skateboard or cruiser board should feel like.
One drawback is the wait time. Like the Orbiter, the Comet Cruiser is often available for pre-order only. Given COVID-related delays and Comet’s small team, getting your hands on this board may take some time. But, is it worth the wait? Absolutely.
While this board isn’t the perfect choice for serious long-distance pushing or aggressive downhill slides, it excels in casual cruising and having fun. The Comet Cruiser guarantees to put a smile on your face every time you step on it. This board offers the comfort of a larger board with the portability and maneuverability of a mini-cruiser, a perfect balance for those seeking an in-between option.
Comet Cruiser showcasing its design and shape
Comet Cruiser Review: Performance and Feel
Best When Moving
The Comet Cruiser feels a bit awkward when standing still. It might seem tippy and unstable, which is quite the opposite of its performance while in motion. You can’t judge this board solely based on specifications or how it feels when stationary; it demands to be ridden.
Surprisingly Stable
Despite its agile turning, the Comet Cruiser is remarkably stable. I’ve reached speeds of 25mph without experiencing wobbles or twitchiness. The stability comes from the de-wedged rear truck, which reduces turning in the back and contributes to a straighter, more controlled ride. The board will maintain a straight line unless you initiate a turn.
Front wedge on the Comet Cruiser
Rear de-wedge on the Comet Cruiser
Dewedging the rear truck reduces its turning angle, making it lean more and turn less, similar to how a car functions, with the primary steering input coming from the front wheels. This design enhances stability without compromising the overall turning ability.
Turns on a Dime
The Comet Cruiser is incredibly responsive when it comes to turning. It’s effortless to slalom between obstacles on this board. It feels like you can go anywhere you want to; the board’s turning capabilities are only limited by the grip of the wheels. You can execute very tight turns with ease. The board feels intuitive and instinctual, reacting to your every movement. And when you push the limits of grip, the wheels will scrub out smoothly.
Deep Turns
The cruiser turns deeply, largely thanks to the risers which allow the trucks to articulate fully. This enables a complete lean without wheelbite.
No Wheelbite
Despite the truck’s ability to lean deeply, wheelbite is non-existent. The combination of Khiro wedges and CNC’d wheel wells ensures ample clearance. The confidence of being able to turn without worrying about wheelbite is incredibly liberating.
Close-up of the wheel wells on the Comet Cruiser
Carving to Slow Down
Thanks to the deep turning, you can use carving as a viable way to slow down. By leaning hard from side to side, you can make the wheels scrub and shed speed safely, ideal for controlling your speed on hills. Always be mindful of your surroundings and ensure you can footbrake effectively.
Smooth and Controllable Turning
Despite the quick turning capabilities, the trucks never feel uncontrollable. They respond smoothly and predictably to your inputs. The high-rebound bushings don’t hinder the smooth lean; they provide controlled feedback through the entire turn. While the trucks are responsive, they require precise control to manage, adding to the overall riding experience.
Confidence Inspiring Turns
The de-wedged rear and wedged front trucks, coupled with the different durometer bushings, create a planted back end at moderate speeds. This inspires confidence and allows you to weave in and out of objects smoothly. The stable back end prevents twitchiness and wobble, adding a sense of control. This board often helps those who have struggled with other boards ride with more confidence.
Low Ride Height
Thanks to the rocker and flex, the Comet Cruiser sits low to the ground. This makes pushing and foot braking easier, as the top mount design doesn’t result in a high riding position. The low center of gravity also enhances stability and reduces sensitivity to small movements.
Rocker shape of the Comet Cruiser deck
Surprisingly Lightweight
The Comet Cruiser is surprisingly lightweight, making it easy to push and accelerate, and effortless to carry around. The lightweight nature comes from the use of vertically laminated plies which use less material and reduce the overall weight.
Handles Rough Surfaces Well
The board feels delightful across various terrains, absorbing road vibrations and smoothing out the ride. This adds to the overall comfort. The combination of soft risers, flex in the deck, and the soft 75a Powell Snakes contribute to the vibration absorption.
Soft Khiro risers on the Comet Cruiser
The Snakes Slide Like a Dream
The Powell-Peralta Snakes are renowned as the best sliding wheels on the market. They slide smoothly, predictably, and are extremely durable. The hissing sound they make while sliding adds to the overall experience.
Powell Peralta Snakes wheels on the Comet Cruiser
Slides Well
The Comet Cruiser slides well thanks to the Powell Snakes. You can easily initiate slides by turning deeply enough at a reasonable speed, but it may not be the best for holding out long slides.
Tips for Sliding the Cruiser
To slide the Cruiser effectively, you need to load the board and then kick it out into the slide. Use your toes for toesides and heels for heelsides to stay locked in on the board. The sliding on this board requires more “push into it to slide” than “set up carving”.
Usable Kicktail
The kicktail on the Comet Cruiser is useable. It’s helpful for navigating curbs, deweighting to roll over cracks and even for ollies. While ollies are possible, they don’t feel as natural as they do on a popsicle deck. The board feels a bit too long, but after a period, you will get used to it.
High-Quality Components
The Comet Cruiser is equipped with top-of-the-line components, leaving no room for low-quality parts.
Paris Trucks
Paris TKP trucks are high-quality, durable, and more responsive than most TKP trucks, making them an excellent choice for a cruiser.
Venom SHR Bushings
Venom bushings are superior to stock bushings, offering a smoother, more controlled ride.
Venom Super Cone SHR bushings
Powell Snakes Wheels
Powell Snakes are excellent for sliding and roll smoothly. They are centerset, which means the graphic can face either inside or outside.
Great Accessories
The combination of Khiro risers, bolts, skid plate, Zealous bearings, and Jessup griptape creates a complete package using industry-leading products.
Skid plate on the Comet Cruiser
Works Great Out of the Box
The Comet Cruiser works perfectly right out of the box. There’s no need to change or adjust anything except maybe tightening the trucks. I have felt no need to change anything on the board.
Price Breakdown
The Comet Cruiser is a great value when you consider all the individual parts. Here is a breakdown of the cost if you bought them individually.
- Trucks: Paris 108mm TKPs – $34.95
- Wheels: Powell-Peralta Snakes – $45.95
- Bearings: Zealous steel – $13.95
- Bushings: Venom SuperCarve – $16
- Griptape: Jessup – $4.50
- Risers: Khiro risers – $4
- Skid plate: Powell-Peralta Tailbone – $9
- Bolts: $4
- Deck: (estimate based on Loaded Poke) – $180
Total: $312 + Shipping and taxes.
It’s Good at X, But Not the Best…
The Comet Cruiser is an excellent board for many things, but it’s not the best in every category. Here are areas where other boards might perform better.
Pushing Long Distances
While the Comet Cruiser is comfortable for longer pushes, boards with larger wheels and lower ride heights are better suited for covering long distances. For example, a drop-through board like the Drop Cat 33 or the Pantheon Ember would be more efficient for longer rides.
Pushing on a skateboard for long distance
Sliding
The Cruiser is fun to slide, and beginners can use it to learn the basics. However, it may be difficult to hold out slides. The lack of coarse griptape can also make it challenging to stay on the board during slides. A dedicated slide or downhill board is more suitable for serious sliding.
Heelside stand up slide on a longboard
Ollies/Tricks
While it can ollie, the Comet Cruiser is not the best choice for learning tricks. A popsicle deck or a board with two kicktails and less concave would be more ideal for learning tricks.
What I Didn’t Like About the Cruiser
Long Wait Time
It took around a month to receive my Comet Cruiser. It was worth the wait, but still inconvenient.
Graphic on the Snakes Comes Off
The graphic on the Powell Snakes tends to stick to your hands if you touch it, easily done when grabbing the trucks. This doesn’t impact performance but affects the aesthetics.
Powell-Peralta Snakes wheels with the graphic intact
Powell-Peralta Snakes wheels with worn graphics
Wheels Chunked
One of my Powell Snakes chunked after rolling over rough terrain. Powell Snakes are prone to chunking, especially when not used for sliding on smooth surfaces. This doesn’t affect performance, but it can be unsightly.
Image of a chunked Powell Snake wheel
Instagram Questions
Here are some questions asked by followers on Instagram.
Is it comfortable for long distances?
The Cruiser is decent for sub-10km distances.
Can you learn tricks on the Cruiser?
You can learn ollies, pop shuv-its, and boneless, but it’s not ideal for learning advanced tricks.
Ollie on the Comet Cruiser
Is it the ultimate quiver killer?
Yes and no. While it performs many things well, a more focused board is better for specific riding styles. It’s only lacking for tricks.
Is the Comet Cruiser good for city cruising/urban environments?
Yes, the Cruiser is perfect for urban environments. It handles various terrains, cracks, and pebbles with ease. The kicktail is useful for navigating obstacles. The turning ability allows for quick direction changes.
Would I change/improve anything about the Cruiser?
I would add more pop to the tail or make it feel better to ollie.
Is the Comet Cruiser good for beginners?
Yes, but the feeling of the board when stationary might be intimidating for beginners. However, once in motion, it’s very stable and easy to ride.
Is the Comet Cruiser good for learning slides?
Yes and no. It slides easily but lacks coarse griptape and has a small platform. It is an adequate board for learning slides with some practice and adjustments.
Does the Comet Cruiser make a good gift?
Yes, it’s one of the best gifts for a skater or longboarder due to its unique and versatile design.
Can you pump the Cruiser?
Yes, it’s easy to pump the cruiser from a slow speed to a respectable one and maintain that speed.
Where to Buy the Comet Cruiser?
You can buy the Comet Cruiser directly from the Comet website. Use code “downhill254” for 5% off at the checkout.
What do you think? Is the Comet Cruiser Right for You?
The Comet Cruiser is a fantastic board that every skater should experience. Whether you buy it or borrow it, getting the opportunity to ride this board is essential.
