Are you confused about the difference between the longboard vs skateboard vs cruiser? If yes then don’t worry.
They’re all types of skateboards with different characteristics.
Longboard, Skateboard and Cruiser are three types of boards used for transportation. They vary in size, shape, design and effectiveness. Each type has its own unique pros and cons that make them suitable to specific uses.
The main difference between longboard vs skateboard vs cruiser
Longboards are designed for long-distance cruising and downhill racing. They are longer, wider, and more stable than a skateboard, making them ideal for carving and cruising. They are generally more expensive than a skateboard.
Skateboards are designed for street and park skateboarding. They are smaller and lighter than a longboard, making them easier to carry and maneuver. Skateboards are usually cheaper than a longboard.
Cruisers are a hybrid between a skateboard and a longboard. They are shorter and more maneuverable than a longboard, but longer and more stable than a skateboard. They are often used for short-distance cruising and commuting. Cruisers are usually the least expensive of the three.
Longboard
A longboard is a type of skateboard that is typically longer than a standard skateboard, usually between 33 and 60 inches in length. It is designed to be ridden while standing, as opposed to sitting on a skateboard, and is usually used for cruising, downhill racing, or even dancing. Longboards are typically wider than skateboards, with softer wheels and a lower center of gravity. They are also usually more stable and easier to control, making them ideal for beginners.
Skateboard
A skateboard is a type of sports equipment used primarily for the activity of skateboarding. It consists of a specially designed Maplewood board combined with a polyurethane coating used for making smoother slides and stronger durability. The skateboard’s wheels are usually made of polyurethane, and the deck has many variations of shapes, sizes, and graphics. Skateboards are used for performing tricks and for transportation.
Cruiser
The most popular type of cruiser is the cruiser-racer. This type of cruiser is great for those who want to enjoy the open waters but also have the ability to race competitively. The cruiser-racer features a modern, efficient hull design that is designed to maximize performance while still providing plenty of comfort and stability.
It typically features an open cockpit and plenty of storage space. It is also designed to handle a variety of sailing conditions and can be outfitted with a variety of sails depending on the type of sailing being done.
The main differences are in the deck shape, trucks, and wheels. First, let’s go over the different characteristics of..
Deck Specs
The decks of a longboard, skateboard and cruiser are slightly different.
Longboards
Here are average longboard lengths/widths.
Longboard Lengths: 34″ – 46″
Longboard Widths: 8.5″ – 10″
The first thing you’ll notice is that longboards are quite larger.
Because longboards have longer wheelbases than regular skateboards, they are more stable at higher speeds. However, this also makes carving less snappy. Longboard decks tend to flex significantly when under load; that is not something you would find on a short board.
Skateboards
Here are average skateboard lengths/widths.
Skateboard Lengths: 31″ – 33″
Skateboard Widths: 7.25″ – 8.5″
The term ‘skateboard’ usually refers to a popsicle-shaped street board. Its aggressive kick tail/nose is designed for doing flip tricks.
Cruisers
Here are average cruiser lengths/widths.
Cruiser Lengths: 28″ – 34″
Cruiser Widths: 8″ – 10″
Cruiser boards are a cross between Popsicle shapes and longboards. Their kick tail/nose is usually more subtle compared to Popsicle shapes, making them less suited for flip tricks.
Trucks
There are two common types of trucks used on longboards, skateboards, and cruisers, which are…
- Reverse Kingpin Trucks (RKPs)
- Traditional Kingpin Trucks (TKPs)
Reverse Kingpins
When it comes to trucks, reverse kingpins are usually mounted on the outer edges of a longboard deck.
RKPs are more stable than traditional kingpins at high speeds.
Traditional Kingpins
TKP trucks are often found on skateboards or cruisers, but some cruisers have RKP trucks. The kingpin faces the inside of the deck in these models.
Because they’re lower to the ground, lighter, and have a higher base plate angle than regular trucks. They are more agile because of this design.
Wheels
Longboard and cruiser wheels tend to be softer (78a-85a range) than skateboard wheels, which are usually between 95a-101a+. The softer the wheel, the better for cruising on streets because it absorbs vibrations better
A soft wheel can take a blow from a rock better than a hard one.
Because smaller and harder wheels are used on skateboards, performing powerslides is easier than with large soft wheels. This also makes them less forgiving if you get wheelbite after landing a trick.
Cruiser wheels are a cross between longboard and skateboard wheels, being smaller than the former but softer than the latter.
Shape
Skateboard Shape
Below are longboard shapes
Skateboards come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from the classic “popsicle” shape to a variety of modern shapes. The most common shape for skateboards is a classic Popsicle shape, which is wide in the middle and tapers towards the nose and tail. Other popular shapes include the “cruiser,” which is longer and wider than the classic shape, and the “freestyle,” which is a shorter and narrower shape.
Longboard Shape
Longboard shapes vary greatly, depending on the desired riding style. Common shapes include pintails, fishtails, old-school shapes, drop-throughs, drop-downs, and hybrids. Pintails are the most classic longboard shape, usually with a classic surfboard-style nose and tail. Fishtails are similar to pintails but feature a more exaggerated tail for greater maneuverability. Old-school shapes are modeled after the original skateboard decks from the ’70s, featuring a pointed nose and tail. Drop-throughs and drop-downs feature the deck mounted on top of the trucks for a lower center of gravity, allowing for greater stability at higher speeds. Hybrids are a combination of different shapes that incorporate features from multiple styles.
Cruiser Shape
The cruiser shape is a more traditional shape, typically with a flat nose and tail and a medium-sized kick tail. It has a wide nose, wide tail, and a short wheelbase, making it perfect for carving, cruising, and commuting. The wider nose and tail give you more stability and control while riding, making it great for beginners. The shorter wheelbase also ensures quick turning and maneuverability.
How To Choose?
Now that you understand the major distinctions, do you have a preference?
Let’s examine a few common scenarios.
Flip tricks, grinds, skateparks
If you want to learn tricks, a traditional skateboard will be your best bet.
Bomb hills, throw slides, or larger setup
Longboards are best suited for beginners because they offer a larger surface area than standard skateboards. However, there are different categories of longboard that may be better suited to different styles of riding such as downhill or cruising.
Occasional flip tricks, cruise, portable
If you’re looking for something easy to ride, a cruiser might be the way to go. Landyachtz makes some of my favorite cruisers—for example their Dinghy model is incredibly fun and lively.
Is a skateboard cruiser or longboard better?
It depends on your intended use and personal preference. Cruiser skateboards are typically smaller, lighter, and easier to maneuver, making them well-suited for tricks and more technical skating. Longboards are usually larger, heavier, and have more stability, making them ideal for cruising and carving.
What kind of skateboard is best for beginners?
A good beginner skateboard is typically a complete board with a deck size of 7.5 to 8.0 inches wide and a wheel size of about 50 to 54 mm. The deck should be made of good quality material like maple wood or strong plastic. It should also have a good concave shape that will give you better control when riding.
What kind of longboard should a beginner get?
The best longboard for a beginner is usually a cruiser, pintail, or drop-through. These boards are more stable and easier to ride, allowing you to learn the basics without worrying about speed or tricks. Look for boards with soft wheels, which are more forgiving on rough terrain.
Is a cruiser or longboard easier?
Longboards are generally considered to be easier to ride than cruisers because they have larger and softer wheels, better turning abilities, and more stability when cruising.
Should I get a longboard as a beginner?
It depends on what your goals are with longboarding. If you’re looking for a fun way to get around town, a smaller, more maneuverable board may be a better fit for a beginner. However, if you’re looking for a smooth, fast ride for cruising, a larger, more stable board might be more suitable.
Do I want a longboard or a skateboard?
The type of board you should get depends on your skill level, style of riding, and terrain you plan to ride on. Longboards are better for cruising, carving, and downhill riding, while skateboards are better for street and park riding.
Why are longboards better for beginners?
Longboards are better for beginners because they are generally easier to ride due to their larger size and longer wheelbase, which offers more stability and control. Additionally, their larger size and softer wheels make tackling small bumps and cracks in the pavement easier. Finally, their design allows for a more comfortable riding position, which is beneficial for those just starting out.
What are the 3 types of skateboards?
1. Cruiser Skateboards: These are typically short and wide boards that have soft wheels and are designed for cruising around town.
2. Longboards: These skateboards are usually longer and wider than regular skateboards and are great for downhill riding and cruising.
3. Street Skateboards: These are designed for performing tricks and navigating through urban terrain. They are typically shorter and narrower than cruisers and longboards.
Is a cruiser board good for beginners?
Yes, cruiser boards are great for beginners because they offer stability and are easy to maneuver. They are also great for shorter distances, so they are perfect for commuting to work or school.
What is the hardest type of skateboarding?
The hardest type of skateboarding is considered to be street skateboarding. Street skateboarding requires a lot of skill and finesse, as it involves performing tricks on rails, ledges, and other obstacles in the environment. It also requires a lot of creativity, as skaters must find unique lines and spots to skate.
What is the most popular type of skateboard?
The most popular type of skateboard is a standard skateboard with a Popsicle shape. This type of skateboard is versatile and can be used for a variety of tricks and techniques.
Is it easier to ride a cruiser or a skateboard?
It depends on the user’s experience with each type of board. Generally, cruisers are easier to ride than skateboards, as they have wider decks and larger, softer wheels that make them easier to control. Skateboards, on the other hand, are more challenging to ride as they require more skill and balance to stay on the board.
Can I Ollie on a cruiser?
Yes, you can ollie on a cruiser. The ollie is a basic skateboarding trick and can be done on any type of skateboard.
Can you go to a skate park with a cruiser?
Yes, you can definitely go to a skate park with a cruiser. Many people enjoy cruising around skate parks with cruiser boards for fun.
Can you go fast on a cruiser skateboard?
Yes, you can go fast on a cruiser skateboard. However, it is important to keep in mind that cruiser skateboards are designed for cruising and not for speed. Therefore, it is best to use a skateboard designed for speed if you want to go fast.
Conclusion
As you start thinking about buying a board, pay attention to the basics—what type of riding you do most often and what kind of feel is best for you. But don’t get too hung up on technicalities; it’s really just about going outside and having fun.
Hey, I am Amir Khan, a longboarder and skateboarder. I’ve learned so much during this whole journey, and I share it all on longboardsgeek.com in detailed reviews and guidelines.