The Comet Cruiser has been making waves in the longboarding community, and for good reason. This isn’t just another cruiser; it’s a board designed for performance, carving, and a truly engaging ride. After a significant wait, I finally got my hands on one, and I’m excited to share my in-depth review. This board stands out from the crowd, offering a unique experience that sets it apart from other cruisers I’ve tested.
Comet Cruiser Skateboard on a beach
The Comet Cruiser aims to deliver on several fronts: power slides, ollies, speed, stability, carving, and even some downhill capabilities, all while providing a challenging yet rewarding ride. This review will explore each of its components, detailing my experience during test rides and considering whether it lives up to its reputation. Having spent a considerable amount of time on it, I can say that this board is something special, though it may not be for everyone.
Update: After extensive use over a couple of years, my opinion has evolved. While the Comet Cruiser is undoubtedly a fantastic board with impressive capabilities, its narrow deck makes it less forgiving. This means you have to be constantly attentive, making it unsuitable for those seeking a more laid-back, relaxed ride. It still performs exceptionally, but it demands focus.
Unboxing and First Impressions
comet cruiser bottom view
Comet Skateboards wasn’t a brand I was familiar with initially, perhaps due to my location in Europe, but their 30-year history speaks volumes. The Comet Cruiser immediately impressed with its aesthetic appeal. The board’s sleek design garnered positive comments from both kids and adults during my first rides—something I haven’t experienced with other cruisers. It’s become a board that others notice and admire, a testament to its unique design. It quickly replaced my other cruisers, including my cherished Arbor Pilsner, and my kid is always trying to steal it when we go out.
But aesthetics aren’t everything, so let’s get into the specifics. Here are the core components of the Comet Cruiser:
- Deck: 34” long /7.875” wide /20.25” wheelbase /3.5” nose /5.75” tail
- Trucks: 108mm Paris
- Bushings: 83a / 88a Venom SHR
- Wheels: 69mm Powell Snakes, 75A
- Bearings: Zealous
- Risers: 7º Soft Wedges
- Griptape: Jessup
Comet Cruiser Test Ride: A Deep Dive
The initial adjustment to the Comet Cruiser’s narrow and flexible deck took only a few minutes. What followed was an incredibly rewarding experience. This board has character; it feels alive beneath your feet. There’s a feeling of becoming one with the board, and the more you ride it, the more you feel confident exploring its limits. The smooth carving and overall ride quality are unmatched by any other cruiser I’ve used. However, its narrow profile does require constant attention.
The Deck: Form and Function
comet cruiser botom rear view
Many boards may look impressive but fall short when it comes to performance. The Comet Cruiser is not one of them. Crafted with mahogany strips and two layers of triaxial fiberglass, the deck is both durable and visually appealing. The build quality is immediately noticeable; it feels special, and the price tag, while substantial, seems justified once you experience its quality.
The deck’s flex and responsiveness make carving an absolute joy. You can confidently lean into turns, and the board will follow your every command. While ollies are possible, I admit I haven’t fully committed to testing them due to the expense of deck replacement, as well as the concern that I will wreck the board.
Two Comet cruiser skateboards on a bench
I also appreciate the flat nose design, which is a thoughtful design choice, unlike other cruisers that try to emulate a traditional skateboard shape without practical benefits. The focus here is clearly on functionality and design. The board can handle manuals reasonably well, although that’s not my forte. The narrower deck is less forgiving, demanding your full attention to maintain control. The inclusion of a plastic skid plate protects the kicktail from wear and tear.
Wheels: Powell Snakes Shine
comet cruiser wheels and trucks
The 69mm/77A Powell Snakes wheels, while standard, perform exceptionally well on this setup. It’s clear that Comet Skateboards has an excellent understanding of how all the components work together. I had ordered a set of these wheels in anticipation of the Comet and have used them on my Dinghy and Pilsner, finding them stable, grippy, and fast.
However, they feel like they’ve reached their full potential on the Comet. The combination of the Paris trucks, Venom bushings, and the board’s flexible deck contribute to this incredible feel. These wheels handle almost any surface but have their limits, particularly with power slides, which can cause them to chunk over time, though this is normal for the Snakes. Most riders who use them for cruising won’t experience this. They effortlessly roll over small pebbles and handle cracks without issue. Even rough asphalt is manageable, albeit with some effort.
Trucks and Bushings: A Fine-Tuned System
comet cruiser venom bushings
The Paris trucks are excellent, but they’re often let down by their stock bushings. In the past, I’ve had to break in or replace the bushings on my Paris trucks for a comfortable ride. However, Comet Skateboards has addressed this issue by swapping out the standard bushings for a set of Venom SHR bushings. The rear truck comes with 88a bushings, while the front has slightly softer 83a bushings. This setup provides a carvy experience that might feel a bit loose initially for some, but it becomes incredibly enjoyable once you get used to it.
Angled Risers: Enhancing the Carve
comet cruiser riser pad
The angled risers also enhance the carving experience. While I haven’t experimented with removing them for a direct comparison, they work exceptionally well with the trucks, bushings, and wheels. This combination creates a uniquely responsive and fluid ride. I did experiment with removing them later and quickly found they made a big difference! The only board that comes close is the Landyachtz Surfskate, but it’s a far less exciting and much more expensive board with less impressive components.
Bearings: Smooth and Reliable
The Zealous bearings are doing their job well so far, and I have no complaints. I’ll provide an update on their performance as I continue to use the board. I am also testing a second Comet and will report on any potential improvements.
Tricks: Beyond the Basics
While the Comet Cruiser is primarily designed for cruising and carving, it is capable of performing some tricks. Ollies and power slides are achievable, though it is definitely not built for kickflips. If that’s your thing, you should get a traditional skateboard. This board is best for cruising and riding snake runs, and you should definitely respect its purpose.
Conclusion: A Standout Cruiser
surfer kid and a skateboard on a pier
The Comet Cruiser is a nimble board that requires your attention but rewards you with an outstanding riding experience. If you know of any other brands or boards that can compete with it, I’m eager to hear your suggestions. I want a board that can be both aggressive and chill, and this board can deliver both, though I am always a bit nervous about the deck.
For those looking for a smaller, flexible cruiser that can carve and perform ollies, this is an ideal choice. It is a standout in the world of cruisers, offering an engaging ride and unique performance capabilities.
Is It Worth the Price?
The Comet Cruiser is definitely not the cheapest option. The current wait time can extend up to 6 months, and it does come with a $260 price tag. However, if you’re seeking a high-performance cruiser that doesn’t require much pushing, it might be worth the cost. Be mindful of its narrow deck, as you need to pay attention to your foot placement for a controlled ride.
For those looking to explore more, I recommend checking out downhill254’s review for a downhiller’s perspective, and concretewaves.com for an in-depth look at the history of Comet Skateboards.
Ruben vee
Ruben Vee
I’m a long-time skateboarder who is still passionate about riding. I’ve been skating for 25 years, and I enjoy testing and sharing my experiences with various skateboard gear.
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