Best Longboard for Adults:
- Brand: MINORITY
- Color: Alps
- Age Range (Description): For adults and youth
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Deck Length: 40 Inches
- Deck Width: 9 Inches
- Item Weight: 7.35 Pounds
- Material: Maplewood, Aluminum, Steel, Polyurethane
- Load Capacity: 200 Pounds
- Wheel Size: 70 Millimeters
The Minority longboard stands out as one of the top brands for downhill riding, offering exceptional performance at a budget-friendly price. If you’re seeking a high-quality longboard without breaking the bank, Minority is a go-to choice. These boards are built to last, with strong and durable construction that can withstand the demands of downhill racing. With proper maintenance, this board will perform consistently well and have a long lifespan.
Minority longboards are designed to help beginners quickly get comfortable with boarding, making them an excellent option for those new to the sport. The board’s low-gravity design, known as the Minority Downhill Maple, ensures a stable and secure ride, even at high speeds. The drop-deck shape enhances balance and control, making it easier for riders to learn and master downhill techniques. While the deck’s width may not appeal to all riders, especially some intermediate or pro-level skaters, it provides a solid platform for those seeking a reliable and lightweight board with a 220-pound weight limit.
Pros:
- Excellent for downhill boarding
- Strong and durable construction
- Long-lasting and perfect for beginners
- Supports up to 220 pounds
Cons:
- May not be suitable for some intermediate and pro-level riders
3. Rayne Longboards Supreme 36″
- Brand: DB Longboards
- Color: Multi-Color
- Age Range: Adult
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Deck Length: 35 Inches
- Deck Width: 9.63 Inches
- Item Weight: 3.42 Kilograms
- Material: Wood
- Theme: Skateboarding, Downhill Freeride
- Load Capacity: 250 Pounds
4. Playshion Freestyle Longboard
- Brand: Playshion
- Color: Black
- Age Range: Adult; Kid
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Deck Length: 39 Inches
- Deck Width: 9.1 Inches
- Item Weight: 3.3 Kilograms
- Material: Aluminum, Maple Wood
- Load Capacity: 250 Pounds
- Wheel Size: 70 Millimeters
The Playshion Drop Through Freestyle Longboard, established in 2013, has quickly made a name for itself as a leading choice among longboard enthusiasts. Known for its sleek design and responsive performance, this board has garnered high praise from riders worldwide. Its impressive construction combines a black maple wood deck with robust aluminum components, ensuring both durability and a smooth ride. With its responsive shape and reliable build, it’s clear why this longboard is a popular choice in the market.
Playshion’s commitment to quality is evident in the materials used and the attention to detail in their manufacturing process. The board’s construction features high-grade steel bearings that minimize friction, offering a noiseless and smooth riding experience. This makes it an ideal choice for beginners and those seeking a reliable board for a variety of styles, including freestyling, cruising, carving, and downhill riding. Despite its premium features, the Playshion longboard is affordably priced, providing excellent value for its functionality and performance.
Designed for versatility and durability, the Playshion Drop Through Longboard supports riders up to 250 lbs, making it a robust option for both adults and kids. Its affordability and ease of use make it an ideal entry-level choice, while its functional design caters to a range of riding styles. However, experienced riders may find it less suited to advanced maneuvers. Overall, Playshion offers a well-rounded, budget-friendly option for those looking to start their longboarding journey or enjoy a reliable ride.
8. Arbor Axis 40 Photo Complete Longboard
- Brand: Arbor
- Color: 40 Photo
- Deck Length: 97 Centimeters
- Deck Width: 8.5 Inches
- Material: Maple Wood
- Wheel Size: 69 Millimeters
- Ply Rating: 7 Ply
- Durometer Hardness: 78A
- UPC: 600155290129
9. Loaded Longboard
- Brand: Loaded Boards
- Color: Deck Only
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Deck Width: 9 Inches
- Item Weight: 3 Pounds
- Material: Wood
- Theme: Longboarding, Skateboarding
- Wheel Size: 75 Millimeters
- Shape: Pintail
- Power Source: Manual Winding
For an exceptional riding experience, Loaded Longboards come highly recommended. Established in 2002, Loaded Boards has gained a stellar reputation in the longboarding community, often in partnership with Orangatang, a leading name in longboard wheels.
Though on the pricier side, the Loaded longboard offers excellent value, delivering a high-performance ride that meets the needs of both beginners and experienced riders. Its design is crafted to provide a smooth and enjoyable experience, making it a worthwhile investment.
The board features a drop-down shape deck, which enhances stability and facilitates quick pushing. The large cutouts ensure that the wheels turn smoothly, making it ideal for sharp maneuvers. The Dervish Sama Bamboo Longboard, in particular, is celebrated for its durability, lightweight construction, and reliability.
Loaded Boards uses premium materials, including layers of fiberglass and pure bamboo, to ensure top-notch quality and performance. Their longboards are versatile, excelling in downhill racing, freestyle, and freeride, and are also known for their electric skateboard kits.
Pros:
- Excellent for downhill racing
- Great for performing tricks
- Highly durable and lightweight
- Suitable for all rider levels
- High-quality construction
Cons:
- Slightly expensive
Types of Longboards
Longboards come in various types, each tailored to different riding styles, shapes, materials, and construction methods. Choosing the right longboard depends on your preferred riding style and specific needs. Here’s a breakdown of popular longboard types and recommendations for each:
Cruiser: Perfect for riding around town or enjoying a skating park, cruisers are known for their easy handling and smooth rides. Pintail-shaped longboards are especially favored as cruisers. Brands like Sector 9, Arbor Axis, Landyachtz, Quest, Volador, and Magneto 44 are renowned for their top-notch cruiser longboards.
Downhill: For downhill racing, you need a board with high stability, a flat deck, and soft wheels. These boards are designed for experienced riders who are comfortable with high speeds and sharp turns. Brands such as Loaded Longboards, Sector 9, Minority, Atom, and Yocaher offer excellent options for downhill racing.
Freestyle: Ideal for beginners and intermediate riders, freestyle longboards are lightweight, maneuverable, and slim. They are designed for performing tricks, dancing, and sliding. Leading brands for freestyle longboards include Landyachtz, Rayne, Loaded Longboards, Arbor Axis, and Playshion.
Freeride: If you’re unsure of your preferred riding style, freeride longboards are a versatile choice. They often feature kicktails, are durable, and can handle a range of activities including downhill, cruising, and tricks. Recommended brands for freeride longboards are Junli, Loaded Longboards, Rayne, Santa Cruz, and Arbor Axis.
Dancing: For dancing and intricate board movements, Rayne Longboards are highly recommended. Their design offers stability and maneuverability, making them ideal for dance-style longboarding.
Electric Longboards: If you’re looking for an electric option, the Skatebolt Electric Longboard is a great choice. It combines the thrill of longboarding with the convenience of electric power.
How to Choose a Good Longboard
When selecting a longboard, consider the following factors:
- Riding Style: Choose a board based on whether you prefer cruising, downhill racing, freestyle, freeride, or dancing. Each style demands different board specifications.
- Ability Level: Select a board suited to your skill level. Beginners should opt for boards designed to ease learning, while advanced riders may seek more specialized features.
- Deck Style:
- Top Mount: Ideal for downhill and freeriding, offering less stability but lower cost.
- Drop Through: Great for long rides and downhill due to reduced effort in pushing and stopping.
- Drop Deck: Excellent for freeriding and downhill racing with enhanced braking and stability.
- Double Drop: Combines features of drop deck and drop-through, best for downhill riding but can be more expensive.
- Longboard Shape:
- Symmetrical: Suitable for tricks, dancing, and all-around riding due to its stability and flexibility.
- Directional: Best for downhill riding, providing stability but limited to one direction.
- Longboard Trucks: Choose between reverse kingpin trucks for speed and stability or traditional kingpin trucks for general use.
- Board Length: Shorter boards are better for tricks and sharp turns, while longer boards offer more stability.
- Longboard Wheels: Select wheels based on your riding style—different wheels are needed for downhill, cruising, and other activities.
- Bushing: Adjust the tightness of the bushings for stability or flexibility depending on your riding preferences.
- Protective Gear: Always prioritize safety by wearing appropriate gear, especially for high-speed or aggressive riding.
Conclusion
Among the numerous longboard brands, the ones reviewed above have proven to be reliable and high-quality. While there are other good options available, these brands have consistently delivered excellent performance and satisfaction. Personal favorites include Landyachtz, Atom, and Loaded, as they have provided exceptional experiences. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider, selecting the right longboard from these trusted brands will ensure a rewarding riding experience.