Are you a beginner looking to get into longboarding but feeling overwhelmed by the choices? Enkeeo, an outdoor lifestyle brand, offers a couple of budget-friendly longboards that might catch your eye. While they might not be the most flashy options, they could be the perfect starting point for new riders. This review will dive into Enkeeo’s longboards to help you decide if they are the right fit and whether the brand is worth your consideration.
Who is Enkeeo?
An Outdoor Lifestyle Brand
Enkeeo is an outdoor lifestyle brand that sells a wide variety of products, from camping generators and bike locks to tents and flashlights. They seem to be a jack-of-all-trades, aiming to be a one-stop shop for outdoor enthusiasts. However, finding detailed information about the company itself proves challenging. A deep dive into their website and social media reveals little more than the broad range of products they offer.
Based in China, Enkeeo appears to primarily target online markets in the US and other Western countries. Their business strategy seems to involve experimenting with different products, selling them until they run out, and focusing on the most profitable ones. This approach means some products may be sold out with no restock in sight. Hopefully, this isn’t the case with their longboards if they are of good quality.
Enkeeo on Instagram
The question arises: what does an outdoor brand know about longboarding? Can a company that produces climbing gear create a quality longboard? If their longboards match the quality of their other products, there may be little to worry about. Let’s explore this further.
Enkeeo Longboard Review
Enkeeo 40-Inch Drop-Through Longboard
The Enkeeo 40-inch drop-through longboard measures 40 inches in length and 9 inches in width. It’s constructed with 9 plies of maple, offering a bit of flex for enhanced comfort.
Enkeeo 40 inch longboard
The board’s dimensions, 40 inches long and 9 inches wide, create a comfortable platform that is easy to control. The 9-inch width provides ample space for riders to balance and adjust their feet, as boards that are too narrow can be uncomfortable and hard to control. The 40-inch length contributes to the board’s overall stability and control, making it particularly suitable for beginners. This length increases the distance between the wheels, resulting in a wider turning circle. This means the board is less likely to turn abruptly, allowing for smooth, predictable movements, though it might feel slightly slow or sluggish for more advanced riders.
Experienced skaters often prefer more agile cruiser boards that are smaller and more responsive. However, for beginners, the stability of this board is a significant advantage.
The longboard features 7-inch aluminum trucks and 70mm longboard wheels. The trucks are drop-mounted, positioned on top of the deck, lowering the board to the ground, making it easier to push, foot brake, and improving overall stability. The 70mm wheels are a good size, capable of rolling over pebbles and cracks smoothly, providing a comfortable ride across various surfaces.
You can find the Enkeeo 40-inch board on Amazon.com.
Enkeeo 22-Inch Cruiser
Enkeeo 22 inch cruiserboard
The Enkeeo 22-inch cruiser is a small alternative to the Penny board, measuring a mere 22 inches in length and 6 inches in width. Its compact size makes it a hard board to place. While some companies market it as a commuting option or for kids, the Enkeeo cruiser is too small for the vast majority of riders.
Riding a board that is too narrow can feel unstable, similar to walking on a tightrope. This can be uncomfortable and cause foot pain after short periods.
Despite the size, the cruiser is well-built. The deck is made from bendable polypropylene, a durable plastic that can withstand the rigors of skating without breaking. Instead of grip tape, the board features a waffle tread pattern for grip, which is practical because you can store it in your bag without the grip damaging other items. It also means you can skate barefoot, although this isn’t generally recommended.
The main advantage of this cruiser is its portability. It fits under desks, in lockers, and can be easily stored away.
Check out this cruiser board on Amazon.com.
Final Thoughts on Enkeeo
Enkeeo, as a longboard brand, isn’t drastically different from other entry-level options. Their primary objective seems to be profit, and their boards reflect that. However, this isn’t necessarily a drawback, as their skateboards are more than adequate for beginner boarders, particularly considering their affordability.
For advanced riders, however, it is advisable to explore other brands. Enkeeo serves as a good starting point, but their boards may not satisfy the needs of more experienced riders. They should seek out brands specializing in longboards that offer higher quality gear. Experienced skaters will appreciate the enhanced quality and be able to justify the higher cost.
In conclusion, Enkeeo offers decent, affordable options for beginners, but more experienced riders should look elsewhere for more advanced equipment.
