Best Cruiser Skateboards: Cruiser skateboards have become a popular choice for both seasoned skaters and casual riders due to their versatility and smooth ride. Unlike traditional skateboards, cruisers are designed for comfort and practicality, making them ideal for commuting, carving through streets, or simply enjoying a leisurely ride. They typically feature a larger and wider deck, softer wheels, and a more flexible construction, allowing riders to glide effortlessly over various terrains and handle bumps with ease.
In the ever-evolving world of skateboarding, several cruiser skateboards stand out for their exceptional design, build quality, and performance. Whether you’re a city commuter looking for a reliable mode of transport or an enthusiast seeking a fun, easy-going ride, there’s a cruiser board tailored to meet your needs. From classic wooden decks to modern, innovative designs, the best cruiser skateboards combine style and functionality, making them a top choice for anyone looking to enhance their skating experience.
Best Cruiser Skateboards
1. Best Overall: ARBOR PILSNER
- Brand: Arbor
- Age Range (Description): Adult
- Deck Width: 8.25 Inches
- Material: Wood, Maple Wood
- Wheel Size: 61 Millimeters
- Ply Rating: 7 Ply
- Durometer Hardness: 78A
When discussing top cruiser skateboards, the Arbor Pilsner inevitably comes up due to its well-regarded easygoing ride and versatile performance. Measuring 28.75 inches in length and 8.25 inches in width, the Pilsner strikes a balance between stability and maneuverability. Its width offers a generous platform for riders to confidently lock in, while the added nose provides additional security for your front foot, making tricks like ollies and kickflips more accessible. The 15.25-inch wheelbase contributes to a smooth and comfortable ride, whether you’re carving through your local plaza or using it as a daily commuter. Equipped with Paris trucks and 61mm 78A Arbor wheels, the board ensures a plush, enjoyable experience right out of the box.
However, the Pilsner does have its limitations. The stock bearings, while functional, are often noted as a weak point, with many riders opting to upgrade to higher-quality options like Bones Reds or Swiss for a smoother roll. Additionally, while the Pilsner excels in stability and comfort, its mellower concave and longer wheelbase make it less suited for aggressive riding or high-speed maneuvers. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Pilsner remains a favorite for those seeking a reliable and enjoyable cruiser that can handle a range of riding styles without compromising on comfort or versatility.
PROS: Stable yet agile, much-loved Paris trucks
CONS: Bearings could be better, unwieldy for aggressive riding
2. Best for Overall Runner-Up: LANDYACHTZ DINGHY CLASSIC
- Brand: Landyachtz
- Color: Owl Emboss
- Age Range (Description): Adult
- Deck Length: 71 Centimeters (28 Inches)
- Deck Width: 8 Inches
- Item Weight: 5 Pounds
- Material: Maple Wood
- Wheel Size: 63 Millimeters
- Shape: Popsicle
- Ply Rating: 7 Ply
If you’re impressed by the Arbor Pilsner but concerned about its limitations for more radical skating, the Landyachtz Dinghy Classic could be an appealing alternative. While the Dinghy is slightly shorter in length at 28.5 inches and has a reduced wheelbase of 14.5 inches compared to the Pilsner, these modifications result in a board that’s more nimble and playful. The shorter wheelbase allows for tighter turns and enhances maneuverability, making it a great choice for skaters looking for a more dynamic ride. However, this increased agility does come at the cost of a slightly reduced platform space, which may be less accommodating for larger feet but remains manageable for those with smaller feet.
One of the standout features of the Dinghy Classic is its larger kicktail, which is ideal for performing tricks like manuals, ollies, and even popping the board into your hand. This added feature enhances the board’s versatility, making it a great option for skaters who want to incorporate some tricks into their cruising. The Dinghy is also available in various shapes, including the Coffin XL, which offers a more expansive deck for those who prefer a larger platform. Despite the limited width compared to the Pilsner, the Dinghy still delivers a fun and engaging ride with its unique characteristics.
The Fatty Hawg wheels on the Dinghy Classic further contribute to its cruising capabilities, featuring a 63mm diameter and a similar 78A hardness to the Pilsner’s wheels. These larger wheels provide a smoother ride and more grip, which is beneficial for handling rougher surfaces and reducing the effort required to maintain momentum. However, those who frequently navigate stop-and-start environments might not experience the full advantages of the larger wheels. Overall, the Dinghy Classic is a fantastic choice for dedicated cruisers who appreciate a playful ride and are looking to push their skating to new levels.
PROS: Tighter wheelbase, bigger kicktail, Fatty Hawg wheels
CONS: Trucks are just okay
3. Best for Casual Cruising: SECTOR 9 BAMBINO BIVY
- LENGTH: 26.5”
- WIDTH: 7.5”
- WHEELBASE: 14”
The Bambino Bivy skateboard immediately catches the eye with its striking aesthetic, deeply rooted in skateboarding’s surf heritage. Its vibrant, tropical design evokes a laid-back Hawaiian vibe, making it an ideal companion for summer outings or casual beachside rides. With its compact and slender build, the Bivy is the shortest and narrowest option among its peers, featuring a tight wheelbase that emphasizes its role as a fun, relaxed cruiser rather than a high-performance board. The board’s dimensions suggest that it is best suited for leisurely rides on flat surfaces rather than for more demanding terrains or extensive commutes.
Despite its compact size, the Bambino Bivy offers a surprisingly enjoyable riding experience, particularly for those who appreciate a smooth, flowing ride. The board provides enough room for children to comfortably position their feet, although adults might find the stance less stable. The Bivy thrives when used for carving and maneuvering rather than for straight-line speed. It’s designed for those moments when you want to enjoy a casual ride rather than push the limits of aggressive skating. The contact surface for the wheels, measuring about 30mm, aligns with the Dinghy’s setup, and the 61mm 78A wheels ensure durability while offering a smooth ride.
Adding to its allure as a beach cruiser, the Bambino Bivy features Gullwing trucks, known for their performance in bowl carving during the 1980s, making them a reliable choice for smooth turns and carving. The deck is crafted from bamboo, providing better resistance to wet conditions compared to standard Canadian maple, which is ideal for use near water. While the Bivy may not be the best choice for daily commuting or for skaters seeking high-octane tricks, it shines as a fun and stylish option for enhancing your seaside adventures or adding a touch of summer fun to casual skating sessions.
PROS: Bamboo deck, stylish touches, Gullwing Trucks
CONS: Small, not as versatile as other options
4. Best for Commuting: LANDYACHTZ RAFT
- LENGTH: 32.5”
- WIDTH: 9.9”
- WHEELBASE: 15”
When choosing a cruiser skateboard for urban commuting, the Landyachtz Raft stands out as a prime choice due to its design tailored for comfort and practicality. The Raft features a notably wide deck and an extended wheelbase, ensuring a stable and smooth ride through city streets. This design choice helps prevent the discomfort of being jostled or unsteady, making it easier to navigate busy roads and sidewalks while maintaining your balance. The board’s wide platform provides ample space for your feet, which can be especially beneficial during long commutes, though those with smaller feet might find the board’s width a bit overwhelming.
The Raft’s construction reflects its roots in the 80s and 90s skateboarding scene, drawing from the design elements of street and bowl skateboards from that era. Its generous kicktail and nose not only enhance the board’s functionality for tricks like ollies and kickturns but also contribute to its versatility. Paired with the same Polar Bears and Fatty Hawgs wheels found on the Dinghy, the Raft delivers both stability and a smooth carve. These components ensure that the board can handle various urban obstacles and provide a reliable, enjoyable ride.
However, while the Raft excels in urban commuting, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a high degree of agility or a more traditional cruising experience. For longer, less congested paths or trails, a longer board might be preferable for a more relaxed ride. The Raft is specifically designed for city environments where quick maneuverability and the ability to handle diverse pavement conditions are crucial. For dedicated urban commuters looking for a board that balances stability with the ability to tackle everyday challenges, the Landyachtz Raft is hard to beat, though it may not match other boards in terms of hard carving or pure cruising pleasure.
5. Best for Pintail Lovers: ARBOR COLLECTIVE BREACH
- LENGTH: 34”
- WIDTH: 8”
- WHEELBASE: 21”
The Arbor Collective Breach stands out as a unique entry among commuter cruisers, bridging the gap between traditional pintails and longboards. While pintails and cruisers typically have distinct characteristics, the Breach offers a blend of both worlds. Its design includes a notably long wheelbase and a width of 8 inches, making it somewhat akin to a short longboard. This design choice provides a more stable and smooth ride, although it may feel narrower for riders with larger feet. The larger 65mm wheels further enhance its longboard-like qualities, allowing for greater speed and a smoother glide over various surfaces.
One of the standout features of the Arbor Breach is its built-in flex. The deck’s flexibility is a direct result of its longer wheelbase and construction, which offers a distinctive riding experience. This flex is not just for comfort; it also serves a functional purpose. The ability to pump the board while carving can reduce the need for constant pushing, making it a practical choice for those who enjoy a more dynamic and less physically demanding ride. This feature adds to the board’s versatility, making it suitable for both leisurely cruises and more energetic rides.
The Arbor Collective Breach is an excellent option for those who desire the aesthetic appeal and functionality of a longboard but still want a cruiser that can handle urban commuting. Its combination of a longer wheelbase, built-in flex, and stylish design provides a satisfying balance between performance and comfort. For riders who appreciate the ultimate blend of longboard characteristics with a cruiser’s convenience, the Breach offers a compelling alternative to more traditional pintails and cruiser boards.
PROS: Flex for pumping, larger wheels
CONS: Less nimble, no kicktail
6. Best for Carving: SECTOR 9 UNAGI
- LENGTH: 34.5″
- WIDTH: 8.75”
- WHEELBASE: 17.25”
The Sector 9 Unagi stands as an intriguing hybrid that blurs the boundary between longboards and cruisers, delivering a surf-like experience on a skateboard. Designed as a surfskate, it emulates the feel of riding a surfboard, making it ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy laybacks and flatground pumping. This focus on surf-inspired performance means that while the Unagi possesses longboard dimensions, it still brings the essence of a cruiser through its responsive and dynamic ride.
Equipped with double kingpin trucks, the Unagi excels in delivering tight, carvy turns that mimic the feel of carving on waves. Its design features a more stable rear truck compared to the front, which enhances maneuverability and responsiveness. However, this setup, while exhilarating, may not be the most practical for daily commuting due to its active and somewhat unpredictable handling. The 58mm wheels contribute to its speed and responsiveness, allowing the board to accelerate quickly but also reaching a top speed sooner, which can make for a more engaging, albeit less stable, ride.
Although the Unagi comes with a higher price tag and may be more specialized than other options, it offers a unique appeal for those seeking the ultimate in carving and surf-like performance. It is particularly suited for experienced skaters and surfers who appreciate the novelty and specialized features of this board. Overall, the Sector 9 Unagi stands out as a top choice for those looking to experience the most carvy and surf-inspired cruiser skateboard available.
Conclusion
The Best cruiser skateboards cater to a wide range of preferences and riding styles, offering something for everyone from casual commuters to dedicated surfers. Whether you’re drawn to the Arbor Collective Breach for its longboard-inspired flexibility and stylish design or the Sector 9 Unagi for its surfskate performance and tight carves, the options available reflect the diversity and innovation within the cruiser market. Each board brings its unique set of features to the table, ensuring that riders can find a skateboard that aligns with their personal tastes and riding needs.
Ultimately, choosing the right cruiser skateboard depends on what you prioritize in your ride. For those seeking a balance between comfort and performance with a touch of longboard flair, the Arbor Breach is an exceptional choice. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a board that delivers the ultimate carving experience and surf-like sensation, the Sector 9 Unagi stands out as a distinctive option. As the market continues to evolve, these boards highlight the exciting advancements and customization available to skaters, ensuring that the perfect cruiser skateboard is within reach for every enthusiast.
