Having been around in the industry for a long time, Arbor has a wide range of boards for multiple disciplines. However, are they worth your interest? Conflicted about whether you want that Landyachtz or that Arbor skateboard? In our Arbor longboards review, we will take a look at what Arbor has to offer.
Table of Contents
Board Range
Arbor provides a wide range of boards to choose from. Ranging from street decks, pintails, cruisers, mini-cruisers, free-ride and down-hill orientated decks. There are top mounted and drop through mounted boards to be found here. Arbor boards are typically made from an all wood construction.
However there is a range of boards featuring a bamboo construction to be offered as well. To be found under their “Bamboo collection”. Most of arbors cruisers feature a woodgrain graphic on the top with a graphic on the bottom.
Graphics range from global maps (“Groundswell series”), abstract and artistic shapes, designs and photos.Arbor likes to organize the aesthetics of their boards in different “series”.
All of Arbor’s boards come with ABEC-5 rated bearings. Grip tape is also included. With some boards having a clear grip tape on the top. Features range from deck to deck, but boards can be found with features such as concave, w concave, rocker, wheel flares, cut-outs and kick tails.
Types Of Arbor Boards & Reviews
Arbor’s Cruisers
Arbor’s cruising orientated decks lengths range from “30” to a very long “46”.With widths ranging from between “8.80” to “10”. Making them a good option even for bigger guys.Wheelbases (length between trucks) range from between “15” to “35”.There are multiple mounting options to be found. As some cruisers have a drop-through mounting option. Whilst others are natively top mounted.
Trucks included with Arbor’s cruisers are usually a variation of Gullwing “Charger“ trucks. Wheels to shred straight out of the box with completes are usually Arbors own range of wheels. Such as the Sucrose Initiative “Summit” 71 mm wheels, which are among the best wheels and we highly recommend them.
Great Examples:
- Arbor Axis Complete
It is a drop-through mounted board with wheel cut outs made from maple.The drop-through mounting system provides greater stability, easier pushing. Wheel cutouts provide clearance for wheels therefore fewer chances of wheel bite. Maple construction is sturdy and stable. (View on Amazon.com)
One Con I would mention – maple construction is more potentially at risk of chipping, waterlogging, and is more likely to be heavier.
- Arbor Fish Bamboo
Another example of a well-made Arbor cruiser. It’s pretty similar to the board mentioned above, though it covers the cons of the maple construction since it utilizes bamboo. Keep in mind, that it is top-mounted, therefore may be more suitable for more experienced riders. (View on Amazon.com)
- Arbor Drop cruiser
Another drop-through mounted example is the “Arbor Dropcruiser”. With slightly larger 70mm Outlook wheels, it will be better for rough pavement. Plus, it has dark grip tape, so it will be easier to maintain. (View on Amazon.com)
Arbor’s Mini Cruisers
Mini cruisers are for cruising, just like cruisers. Except they are more agile, smaller and therefore even easier to transport.Arbors mini cruisers lengths range from “7 to 9” in width. Wheelbases range from “14” to “25”. Making them similar in size to a regular street skateboard.
All Arbor mini cruisers are natively top mounted. Providing greater control, grip and a livelier ride. Trucks included are usually a variation of Paris “Street” trucks. Included wheels are from Arbor’s own line of wheels. For mini cruisers, Arbor has decided to pair most of their decks with their own 61mm “Bogart” wheels. Coming in a variety of colors. Most mini cruisers will have a maple construction, although there are bamboo options also available.
Great Examples:
- Arbor Rally
Compared to regular cruisers such as the “Walnut”. It is of much smaller size, providing greater responsiveness and portability. However definitely not ideal for faster riding. As it will be less stable. So as a commuter in a city – yes, as a downhill machine – no. (View on Amazon.com)
- Arbor Sizzler
This is a board that is very similar, except features a more distinguished kick tail and has standard trucks. Opposed to the reverse kingpin trucks on the “Rally”. So it’s more suitable for ollies or the type of riding where you do a lot of jumping.(View on Amazon.com)
Arbor’sDownhill & Free Ride Boards
Arbor’s “Downhill” range provides decks that are suitable for the most extreme types of riding as well as high-speed racing. They’re sized like typical downhill Boards ranging between “35 to “40” in length. With wheelbases range from anywhere between “22” to “30”.
Most of the decks to be found here are top-mounted. Though there is a drop-through mounted board called the Cypher.
Construction for all of Arbor’s downhill decks is of maple. Including features such as radial and W concave, rocker, and wheel flares. Trucks and wheels usually included with the downhill range include Paris “43” degree, “180” mm trucks. Wheels usually included are either Arbor’s Sucrose initiative “Summit” or “Vice” wheels, both of which are great options for sliding.
Great Examples:
- Arbor Prodigy Koa
A downhill option with nice concave so you’re able to lock your feet in. Because of its compound construction of maple and fiberglass it’s going to be durable for 98% of the people. (View on Amazon.com)
- Arbor Highground
Reverse kingpin technology helps this downhill board stay stable even at extreme speeds. And because of the way it’s made it’s really versatile and the way you use it is up to your creativity.(View on Amazon.com)
Arbor’s Wheels
Features and range:
Arbor produces a wide range of wheels suitable for different types of riding. With downhill orientated wheels such as the “Summits” and free ride orientated “Spuds”.
Wheel sizes range from 71mm to 51mm in diameter. With contact patches ranging around 35 mm in Arbors smaller wheels. To 56 mm in Arbors larger “Summit” wheels. Durometers range from 78A to 90 A.
Most of Arbors wheels tend to gravitate towards the freeride, cruise and freestyle scene. Their downhill options for wheels are very limited. Since the “Summits” are the only wheel with square lips, a taller size and a wide contact patch.
Sucrose Initiative:
The Sucrose Initiative is Arbor’s standalone wheel program. Arbor’s aim with this program is to “introduce an alternative, environmentally friendly components into our urethane formulas that improve performance, while reducing the petroleum footprint of our urethane, and the environmental impact of slides and long-term wear”. Therefore the wheels are more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Here is a video where Arbor boasts all about their wheel formula.
What’s Good About Arbor?
Great Price & Performance
Arbors boards are not cheap but they are not overly expensive. Considering the value you are getting in each board here. For example, instead of providing you with just generic wheels often included with cheaper completes, they supply you with their own produced aftermarket products. Meaning they are more likely to provide better performance.
Also more likely to be well known by skaters out there, who can share details and knowledge amongst the community. Arbor completes also come with aftermarket trucks such as Paris trucks. Which are among our recommended brands.
The option to buy bamboo constructed decks gives the option to buy decks made of an alternative material, that is more durable, and less prone to water logging. As well as being relatively lighter. Arbor also includes a range of features in their decks such as different styles of concaves, rocker, wheel flares, mounts and kick tails. All necessary grip tape and mounting hardware is included.
Great range for dancers/freestylers and cruisers:
Arbors range of boards tends to learn more towards cruising, dancing and freestyling rather than downhill and freeriding. Those who are looking for boards that are intended for such purposes can’t go wrong here. As there is a large range of boards that provide drop-through mounting options, wide platforms and long deck lengths. Providing more stability, flexibility, foot platform easier pushing. Arbor’s decks are usually supplied with appropriate wheels.
For example for Arbors cruisers, they will come with their larger wheels. Such as the “Outlook” wheels. Which are 70mm in diameter, with a 78A durometer. Giving a good roll speed, as well as decent ability to roll over cracks and other obstacles. The “Bamboo” series of boards provide decks made of bamboo. Making those particular decks easier to carry around and durable.
Environmentally conscious mindset:
Sucrose Initiative:
Sucrose Initiative:Arbor has a few programs in place to reduce their carbon footprint. Such as their “Sucrose Initiative”. Where formulas are “made in part using sugar-based alternatives”.
Returning Roots:
Another program is their returning Roots program. Where Arbor actively provides donations to help preserve Koa wood forests in Hawaii. Souring environmentally sustainable materials.
Therefore when you are buying Arbor products you can have some peace of mind that you are helping support environmentally conscious practices.
What’s Bad About Arbor?
Lack of Downhill and Freeride options!
Since Arbor is more focused on producing cruisers and the like, there is a small amount of choice for those who are intermediate riders and want to do the more extreme styles of riding. Such as downhill and racing. Compared to other companies such as “Landyachtz”.
Arbors downhill boards are all made of maple construction as well. Meaning that they may not be as durable compared to boards from other companies. Who offer boards made of other materials and production techniques. The boards will also tend to be heavier and not as responsive.
Bearings Could Be Better!
Arbor completes come with ABEC-5 rated bearings. It is recommended to switch to “Bones Reds” or other aftermarket precision bearings. As they will most likely provide a much nice roll speed and therefore a nicer ride.
Most Are Made Of Mape!
Most of Arbor’s boards are made of a maple construction. Maple is prone to denting, chipping over time. It is also heavy making it harder to carry the board around. Maple is also less responsive compared to bamboo, carbon fiber and other construction options.
Can You Trust Arbor?
Arbor is among top longboard manufacturers and has been in the scene for over 20 years, producing snowboards, skateboards and clothing since 1995. Describing themselves as a “collective ofgrowing cooperative of designers, artists and friends. Whose shared goal is building rideable and wearables things from the best stuff possible”.
Arbor also takes pride in being environmentally friendly with programs such as “Returning roots” and building decks from recycled materials.Arbor’s Skateboard line provides a wide range skateboards for all styles of riding including cruising, freestyle, freeriding and downhill riding.
So Should You Go With Arbor?
If you simply looking for your next cruiser, dancing, street and freestyle deck, for a price that isn’t too steep, then Arbor might be what you’re looking for. Whether you’re a beginner or intermediate rider.
However, if you are looking for something that will be your next Hill bombing machine then you might be better off looking somewhere else. Since there is a lack of options. When it comes construction options, shapes, set ups, and graphics to choose from.
FAQs
Are Arbor longboards any good? ›
The Arbor Pilsner is one of the best complete mini-cruiser you can buy. You get top-quality Paris trucks, wheels that are buttery smooth, decent bearings, and a rad looking deck. Though I can't comment on its durability just yet, I'm pretty confident this board will last for a long time given you treat it right.
Are Arbor skateboards good? ›...
Cons.
A pintail longboard is typically a good option for relaxed and chilled boardwalk cruising. You may choose a 40″ or longer deck for stability. A flat deck (no concave) with moderate flex is perfect for easy cruising – flex gives you a comfortable ride and less stress on your joints.
What is the easiest longboard to learn on? ›Q: Which longboard is the easiest to ride? A: A drop-through longboard is the easiest board to ride. This is because the deck is lower to the ground, making it more stable and easier to control.
Where are Arbor longboards made? ›Arbor Longboards and skateboards were originally designed and manufactured in sunny San Diego california right along side with sector 9 longboards. Recently picked up by a new distribution company out of southern california. When buying Arbor Longboards you will get the highest quality with an AMERICAN made product.
What is the average price of a good quality longboard? ›A good longboard will cost anywhere from $180 to $350 or more.
Is it worth buying a skateboard from Walmart? ›The reasons to avoid Walmart skateboards are because they are low-quality and unsafe. The trucks consist of cheap materials and are likely to break. The wheels are often out-of-round, causing them to wobble. They have a bad concave (curved shape) and feel uncomfortable.
What skateboards are worth money? ›- #5 – The Golden Skateboard - $15,000.
- #4 – The Supreme Mundi - $20,000.
- #3 – Tony Hawk's Very Own Beatle's Blackbird Board - $27,000.
- #2 – Bucky Lasek & Adam Yauch Four Duck Set - $35,000.
- #1 – Jamie Thomas & Bob Dylan Blowin' In The Wind Skateboard - $38,000.
The most popular skateboard brands among professional skateboarders are Girl, Zero, Baker, Deathwish, and Enjoi. These brands are known for their high-quality decks, trucks, wheels, and bearings.
What shape of longboard is best for cruising? ›Square Longboard Wheels
This provides better contact with the road, which in turn provides much more traction and sliding resistance. Square wheels can still slide once broken in, making them excellent for downhill and cruising/carving.
What waves are too big for a longboard? ›
A longboard surfboard will work best in 1-2 foot and 2-3 foot waves. In popular surf destinations like California and Hawaii, a longboard will be a great choice to ride when there are lulls between bigger swells.
Is it easier to ride a longer or shorter longboard? ›Longer boards are more comfortable, and shorter boards are more nimble. So that's the trade off you need to make.
Is longboarding harder than surfing? ›Longer boards are better for beginners or for surfers who prefer the style and grace of surfing a longboard, Longboards are more forgiving and stable allowing beginners the stability needed to learn how to balance on a surfboard.
Can you get abs from longboarding? ›Longboarding will also help you strengthen your core and maybe even wake up those sleepy abs. Yes, your legs will be doing most of the work, but your core will help you keep the balance on the board and do all those maneuvers. Don't be surprised if you feel like you've been doing crunches after a longboarding session.
Can I learn to longboard at 40? ›However, not everyone can learn to skateboard at 40 or 50 with the same ease, it depends on your physical and mental abilities. Skateboarding can be a physically demanding sport, even in its soft form e.g. simply cruising on a longboard.
Who owns Arbor skateboards? ›Bob Carlson is the Founder and CEO of Arbor Collective which consists of Arbor Snowboards, Skateboards, Clothing and Footwear. Friends Bob Carlson and Chris Jensen launched Arbor Snowboards in 1995 with the focus on sustainability.
Where is Arbor based out of? ›Now headquartered in Venice, California Arbor strives to step up their game every season, bringing new artists, designers and friends on board to deliver a beautiful, environmentally friendly line of wood snowboards, skateboards, and apparel.
Who is Landyachtz competitor? ›Landyachtz top competitors include: RC Products Ltd, Bustin Boards LLC, Sector 9, Girl Skateboards Co How do I contact Landyachtz?
What length of longboard is best? ›As far as length goes, aim for something between 28 and 34 inches long. This will give you a good mix of stability and maneuverability. If you're an experienced rider, you may want to go with a wider or longer board.
What should I know before buying a longboard? ›...
To choose the right longboard setup, you are going to want to consider:
- Riding Style.
- Deck Shapes, Style & Features.
- Length & Wheelbase.
- Flex.
- Construction.
- Trucks.
- Wheels.
- Bearings.
Is buying a longboard worth it? ›
As longboards are designed more ergonomically and longer than regular skateboards, they offer more stability which is valued by beginner skateboarders. Also, one of the basic, yet most essential skills for cruising and skating, in general, is braking - and longboards provide a robust training ground for that.
Is Target a good place to buy skateboard? ›Do not buy cheap skateboards at Wal-Mart, Target, or sporting goods stores. Although they are cheaper and you may think they will be better for "beginners," buying a cheap skateboard, which is more of a "toy," can actually make your child's experience worse and may have negative effects.
Where should you buy skateboards from? ›Shop local
To buy a board, go to a skate shop. Your local skate shop will have the products and expertise to guide you on the whole process, and might even carry boards made from unique materials like bamboo, plastic or fiberglass.
Skateboards between 50 and 100 dollars are good for beginners and will have well-made wheels and trucks and can easily turn. This is what you want. You can feel a big difference riding on a cheap versus a quality board.
What skateboards last the longest? ›Resin Hybrid Maple
These decks are built to last longer than your average deck. The decks are individually pressed meaning all decks have identical shapes and concave. I'm sure this makes the decks more durable but they'll still snap when you put too much weight on the wrong spot.
2 weeks, to 2 years, is the wide range of how long pop can last on a board. Serious skaters on shortboards may only have 2 weeks - while casual longboard riders won't need a new board for 12-24 months, usually.
How do you know if a skateboard is good quality? ›A high quality skateboard deck will be lightweight while remaining durable and providing “pop” - the right combination of flexibility and rigidity that allows the board to respond during ollies and other tricks where the deck needs to be “popped” off the ground.
What size do most skaters ride? ›Ultimately, it's up to you to decide what size board works best for you. However, keep in mind that most professional skaters tend to ride boards between 7.5 and 8.25 inches wide. So if you're looking to emulate their style, an 8.0 deck may be a good place to start.
What board does Tony Hawk ride? ›Tony Hawk's Powell Peralta skateboard.
Are most skaters goofy or regular? ›While the majority of skaters (about 75%) skate with the normal stance, about 25% skate goofy on the regular. There is really no way to tell which stance is better for you.
Are Bigger wheels better for longboarding? ›
Choosing longboard diameter
Smaller wheels result in a slower ride, and larger wheels result in a faster one. If you want to commute quickly and smoothly, a big wheel longboard or cruiser is a good choice. Wheel diameter also affects how quickly you accelerate and how tightly you can turn.
Wheel Size
The size of skateboard and longboard wheels around the world is their diameter in millimeters (mm). Compared to small shortboard skate wheels (under 60 mm), longboard wheels are massive, reaching up to over 100 mm! The larger the wheel, the faster they roll and the slower they accelerate.
Keep your knees bent for balance and your shoulders pointing in the direction you want to go. Try not to look down at your wheels. Keep your chin up and your eyes ahead of you.
What is the ideal height for a surfer? ›5' 9" Is the Optimal Height for a Surfer; (Aka: Short People Rule Surfing) | The Inertia.
What size waves are considered big? ›For it to be considered big wave surfing, a surfer must tackle a wave of at least 20 feet (6.2 metres) high.
How do you stop on a longboard? ›Drop Foot. The most accessible way to brake is to put your back foot on the ground and press it down to slow your longboard. This is an effective way to reduce your speed and/or stop completely. The Drop Foot is a simple way to manage your speed.
Does the shape of a longboard matter? ›Concave is a major factor in longboard performance. Longboard manufacturers are always experimenting with new concave shapes to accommodate new types of skating. Most concave shapes allow riders more foothold than a flat skateboard, which can take sliding, drifting, and turning to the next level.
Is longboarding good for your legs? ›Strengthens Muscles
With all the pushing, turning, kicking, and braking involved in longboarding, your leg strength is vital for doing these things effectively. Along with building your leg strength, longboarding does wonders for your core and bolstering your abs.
The simple matter is, takes more force to move a longboard along the ground than it does a standard skateboard. This need for additional power to attain speed minimizes the chance that your wobbly beginner pumping results in the dreaded oh-no-the-board-is-no-longer-under-me sort of wipeouts.
Is it easier to balance on a longboard? ›More Standing Platform = Easier to Balance on a Longboard
Longboards are going to give you a much longer and wider standing platform for balance while also being more forgiving for pushing than a skinny little piece of plastic on wheels.
Is longboarding an extreme sport? ›
Dangers of downhill longboarding. No matter what fans say, downhill longboarding is an extreme sport. Wiping out on asphalt at speeds of 40mph and up can certainly lead you to the ER.
Why do heels hurt after longboarding? ›Plantar fasciitis — Plantar fasciitis occurs due to repetitive stress on the bottom of the feet, stretching from the heel towards the toes. It causes pain in the heel and arch, and is common in skateboarders due to intense gripping motion of the toes while skating and poor calf strength or flexibility.
What are the most common longboard injuries? ›Though current research evidence is extremely limited around how many people, on average, are injured when longboarding, the most common injuries in longboarding include arm fractures and injuries to the skin and head.
Is longboarding harder than snowboarding? ›Is longboarding harder than snowboarding? Riding a longboard is generally just as easy (or hard) as riding a snowboard. Both involve riding in a sideways stance, finding your natural stance (goofy or regular), maintaining balance in motion, and mastering toeside and backside turns through weight shifting.
What is the easiest trick to learn on a longboard? ›- Pivot (Fakie/Nollie) Focus your weight on your foot that is on the nose of your board. ...
- Shove-it (Fakie/Nollie) The technique of the nollie/fakie shove-it is nearly identical to the nollie/fakie pivot. ...
- No-comply 180. ...
- Kick Flip. ...
- Ghostride Flip.
99% of beginners should start with a cruiser longboard. If you're looking for a beginner cruiser board, I'd recommend it being at least 30” long and 8.5” wide. A long, wide deck will be easier to balance on. The wheels should be large/soft (60mm-80mm / 77a-83a) so they can easily roll over cracks/bumps.
How much should a beginner spend on a longboard? ›A good quality longboard starts at around 90-150 dollars for a complete. This a prefect for a beginner to enjoy longboarding right away and keep doing it. You will get good quality trucks and wheels and you will definitely feel the difference if you can compare it with a cheap one. It is best to buy a complete first.
Is bamboo or maple better for longboards? ›Bamboo is a sustainable material choice that helps to produce better boards. Skateboards made of bamboo are more durable, lighter, and stronger than maple decks.
Is it harder to Ollie a longboard? ›Ollieing a longboard is really difficult because you don't have a firm kicktail that allows you to pop the board. Not to mention getting a heavy longboard off the ground.
Is a 44 inch longboard good for beginners? ›Pintail longboards come in many lengths and made of different materials. 44 inch is a great length and for many people seen as an optimal for the pintails. A pintail longboard of 44 inch is great for beginners or people who just want to cruise around town, the board walk or the street.
What is the best material for a longboard? ›
Bamboo, birch, white ash, and maple are all great options for a longboard because of their durability, but you can also use plywood for a cheaper option. Besides the wood, you'll also need parts including trucks, wheels, and bearings.
Do you lose weight longboarding? ›Workout and Lose Fat
Longboarding is possibly the most enjoyable way to lose those unwanted bits. Slam on your longboard and after only an hour of skating, you'll burn 300 calories in a 125-pound person and 444 calories in an 185-pound person. Skate every day and you'll be burning between 2000 – 3000 calories a week.
Longer boards are better for beginners or for surfers who prefer the style and grace of surfing a longboard, Longboards are more forgiving and stable allowing beginners the stability needed to learn how to balance on a surfboard.
What is the best longboard length for cruising? ›As far as length goes, aim for something between 28 and 34 inches long. This will give you a good mix of stability and maneuverability. If you're an experienced rider, you may want to go with a wider or longer board.
What size longboard is best? ›| BOARD LENGTH | Children / Smaller Teenagers | Women / Smaller Adults / Lighter Adults |
|---|---|---|
| Longboard Cruiser | 33-36" | 36-44" |
| Technical Dancing / Longboard Freestyle | 40-60" | 40-60" |
| Boardwalking / Footwork Dancing Tricks | 40-60" | 40-60" |
| Freeride/Downhill | 33-36" | 33-36" |