I admit it, I have a problem. I fell in love with cruiser boards and love the playful and smooth ride they offer, that is if you get a decent cruiser. The Arbor Pilsner is currently my second favorite complete cruiser and I haven’t been able to discover any cons so far.
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.
Let’s have a look at the components, take it for a test ride and do some comparisons, I’m sure many of you wonder how it compares to the Dinghy, you came to the right place.
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Contents
The Arbor Pilsner Components
This board is pretty well assembled and every part makes sense. I was pleasantly surprised the first time I tested this board. I got a couple of boards with fancy cruiser wheels, and somehow the Pilsner just feels great to ride.
I don’t know how durable the wheels are but they are perfect so far, the bearings probably could be better but the wheels make up for that. The design of the deck is gorgeous and the Paris Street trucks can take a beating.
Specs:
- 129mm Paris street trucks, top-mounted
- 7 Ply Canadian Maple with a Premium Palisander Wood Finish
- Wheels: 61mm/78A, 36mm contact patch (might vary)
- ABEC 5 Bearings with Spacers
- 1/8″ Hard Risers
- Glass Re-Grit grip tape (recycled)
I like this board more than the LY Dinghy, it’s a bit wider and offers more stability. You get better trucks and wheels, and it’s about the same price. You won’t find a better nimble cruiser within this price range. Check Amazon for availability.
Deck
Gorgeous deck, solid, stiff, a concave that just feels right and despite its small size it feels very stable. I’m a fan of natural-looking wood types of decks and the Pilsner nails it.
They come in different designs though and are updated each year so, by the time you read this, the one featured here might not be available anymore. That’s just the graphic and grip though, the shape of the board won’t change and that’s what matters.
Because of the semi mellow concave, you can take an aggressive stance and ride through rough patches, grass, cracks without losing your balance given you know what you’re doing.
It will be a bit harder to control for beginners but practice makes perfect so don’t feel like you need to be an experienced rider. More about that later.
I own the foundation version and I really have to give props to the designer, the graphic really appeals to me and the choice of colors really go well together. I’m sure not everyone will agree and it’s a matter of preference. I do know that graphics motivate you to go out and ride, you look at the board and you just have to go out there. Funny how that works.
Trucks
Paris trucks are a very reputable brand and design trucks specifically for cruisers and longboards. They can take a lot of abuse and a few slappies aren’t a big deal. These are made for gnarly stuff so need to hold back. I won’t recommend going full hardcore street on this board because it wasn’t built for that, the trucks can handle it though.
Wheels
I read somewhere that someone wasn’t happy about the wheels because they chunked but I haven’t been able to reproduce this problem so far. Sure if you grind ledges, soft wheels are going to suffer but it’s a cruiser, you don’t want to get too gnarly. I really love these wheels and they are one of the best I rode and I tested many cruiser wheels already.
The Arbor Easyrider Bogart wheels are super soft 78A and a perfect 61mm in diameter. My board has the amber color version which looks really neat, I love it how they light up when you ride on a sunny day, though you won’t notice when you’re riding.
The only downside is that they are less grippy in wet conditions, but I wouldn’t ride this board in the rain anyway if I were you.
Bearings
Probably the component to get the least excited about, but this seems to be the case with all the complete cruisers I tested. `The bearings are rated Abec 7 which really doesn’t mean anything when it comes to skateboard bearings. Easy to replace to make this board perform even better.
Arbor Pilsner Test Ride
I think I already mentioned a few things about how this cruiser rides but check for yourself. It’s just a raw edit, nothing fancy but it gives you a good idea of how it performs in different circumstances. I’ll add more footage later but this gives you a decent impression.
Carving
This board carves swiftly and responds really well, just a minor shift in balance and the board reacts immediately. I’m not a carving king but I can’t deny the agility of the board. No wheel bite, and you’ll notice right away when you need to bail. The great thing I noticed while filming is that when you make a mistake.
I need to assume a crouching position when I record these videos which kind off sets me off balance. I was surprised how easy it is to correct your minor navigational mistakes and it just goes back into full cruising mode. This happens around 0.18 in the video where I sort of lose my balance but can quickly correct the error before riding a patch of grass.
Tricks
The Arbor Pilsner was not meant for tricks. I always get questions like “can you ollie this board?”, heck you can kickflip a banana if you got the skills but it’s not like they are meant to be flipped. Don’t expect a cruiser to act like a popsicle board, it’s just a waste of your board and you better just get a skateboard which was designed for that purpose.
Yes, you can ollie this board but I wouldn’t recommend trashing a cruiser like this. Just get a regular skateboard with softer and slightly bigger wheels if you want to cruise and do tricks.
Downhill
It seems to handle well but this is not a downhill board. It can deal with speed but at some point, you’ll get speed wobbles. Don’t buy this board if you’re looking to bomb the hills. It’s a cruiser/commuter not build for ridiculous speeds and I’m sure the bearings will melt if you go fast for an extended period of time.
I’m going to test this a bit more so expect an update.
Rough Roads
No issue unless you really hit some medieval bricks, sure you need to push a bit harder to maintain speed but it doesn’t feel like you need to give up and just walk. The Pilsner can handle a lot, but who would ride rough surfaces on a cruiser anyway. Gravel isn’t an issue, it deals well with grass, cracks are of no concern and those pesky pebbles are easily disregarded.
If you run into some rough stuff, just hold on tight and you plow through it like a breeze.
Landyachtz Dinghy VS Arbor Pilsner
I get this question a lot. Which cruiser is better, the Landyachtz Dinghy or the Arbor Pilsner? Hands-down the Arbor Pilsner! The wheels perform better and the trucks can take much more abuse, so overall the Pilsner beats the Dinghy.
I know Landyachtz claims they offer the best mini-cruiser, but you should really try for yourself, there is a big difference. Sure, not everyone can afford to test both of these boards, but luckily I can.
I think if Landyachtz worked on their wheels a bit it would be a close call but the Pilsner really provides a better cruising experience, sorry Landyachtz you come second. To be fair, the Pilsner if more expensive but it’s worth it.
The shape also differs, the Pilsner’s nose is less pointy and the corners at the end of the tail are less rounded, more space for your back foot. They are about the same length but the Pilsner is just a bit wider than the standard Dinghy.
Is it Good for Beginners?
Tough question because I’m not a beginner but I do know that learning to ride a skateboard takes time and effort. Why buy a crappy board that doesn’t really ride well if you can buy a board that takes a bit of patience before you can excel. I mean, skateboarding is all about practice and passion.
You want to learn how to ride comfortably and enjoy the experience? It’s possible, it’s not like you need to lean tre-flips, it’s just riding a board. Everyone can do that but you need to practice. Just take it slow, don’t expect to cruise like a pro within a week, you really need to put in some time and effort. It’s about mastery and it’s in our genes, humans have the desire to master a skill, and riding a cruiser isn’t exactly rocket surgery.
I often get emails from people that picked up cruising who are well over their 50’s and they’re killing it. There’s no excuse, the only thing holding you back is you.
So yes, beginners can safely buy this board and it would save you some money in the long run because buying a cheap crappy board will only be a frustrating experience. Sooner or later you want something better and you’ll regret buying a crappy board.
On the other hand, you can get a more beginner-friendly board first, ride it for two years and get a more nimble cruiser. You can always sell your used board. If that’s the case, I’d recommend reading my Globe Big Blazer review which is perfect for beginners.
When to Buy
If you want a really really great mini cruiser that’s portable, fast, nimble, doesn’t require to replace wheels or trucks to improve the stock components, the Arbor Pilsner is about the best you can buy (as far as I know). I tested many cruisers and this is one of the best you can buy. Sure there are different types of cruisers I love but when it comes to mini cruisers there is no other.
Anyway, this board is great to navigate small spaces, which is great for riding around in your local city (be mindful of others) and great for cruising around campus. You can even consider this board if you’re planning on cruising for miles on end because this cruiser just keeps going and going and you hardly have to push. Check Amazon for availability , they are hard to come buy these days.
Arbor Pilsner Longboard Collective Cruisers Bundled with Swell Skate Tool + Crate White Shark Sticker
Arbor Flagship Pilsner Cruiser Skateboard 28.75"
$154.99
$199.95
Arbor Pilsner Longboard Collective Cruisers Bundled with Swell Skate Tool + Crate White Shark Sticker
$154.99
Arbor Flagship Pilsner Cruiser Skateboard 28.75"
$199.95
When Not to Buy
You shouldn’t buy this board if you’re on a limited budget, you can build your own much cheaper cruiser if you have an old board somewhere. The only thing you have to do is slapping some OJ super juice wheels on your board, add 2 riser pads, and some decent bearings. Buying a whole new setup and customizing it to your needs is probably gonna be more expensive though.
Quality skateboards don’t come cheap and for good reasons. You want the ultimate cruising experience, you’re gonna pay for it but it’s going to bring you so much joy, it’s worth it.
Final Verdict – 4.5 Stars
The Arbor Pilsner is about the best cruiser skateboard you can buy. It ticks all the boxes and you gotta hand it to the builders, they did a really fine job in shaping the board and adding just the right parts that work so well together. Sure the bearings aren’t great but considering the price and the stuff you get it really deserves to be considered on of the top cruiser boards.
This is not a trick board, don’t expect to kickflip, ollie, shuvit, or anything gnarly, it’s not meant for that. Sure you can hop curbs but don’t trash it, such a waste of such a nice board! Get a popsicle, you psycho!
I’ve read somewhere that this board was also designed for parks and bowls but I’m having some doubts about that. It seems too small for that and the wheels are too soft. You really would have to push hard to keep momentum in a bowl and it will bounce around. I will test and share my findings once the parks open again.
You will not regret buying this board, but if you’re a complete beginner you got some challenges ahead. This goes for everyone who wants to learn how to cruise, no exception. Just make sure you pad up, wear a helmet, and be on your way. Not your board? Check out the other cruisers I tested.
FAQs
Can you ollie an Arbor Pilsner? ›
Yes, you can ollie this board but I wouldn't recommend trashing a cruiser like this. Just get a regular skateboard with softer and slightly bigger wheels if you want to cruise and do tricks.
Is Arbor a good longboard brand reddit? ›I've started putting Arbor wheels on all my setups I like them so much. They handle cracks and crappy pavement really well. Very good/solid decks. Have gotten their longboards and skateboard decks for my daughter.
Where are Arbor longboards made? ›Arbor longboards are environment friendly
Arbor's longboards and skateboards are made in America using top quality materials and components.
One of the most common mistakes made when performing an ollie is not getting enough air. This can be remedied by jumping higher and/or popping the tail more. Another mistake is catching the front foot too late. This can also be remedied by jumping higher and/or popping the tail more.
Do bigger wheels make it harder to ollie? ›This means that it will be harder for you to go over bigger obstacles with large wheels than with small ones. Larger wheels also require more energy per ollie which makes them slower when skating over short distances.
What longboard is better for beginners? ›We recommend starting on a drop through, pintail, or kicktail longboard. These types of longboards tend to be the best longboards for beginners. The most important thing to note is that downhill longboards and freeride longboards would be difficult to learn how to ride on.
Why are some longboards so expensive? ›The main reason that these boards cost differently is the materials used and the amount of materials used. For example, a mini-cruiser is a lot smaller than a longboard for dancing. The longboard for dancing is a lot bigger and requires more materials to make it.
Do longboard wheels make a difference? ›There is, however, more to it for us longboarders… The main difference you will notice between bigger and smaller wheels is that you can roll much faster over rough surfaces when you are on bigger wheels, and a few mm can make all the difference.
Who owns longboard? ›Bruce Milliken & David Lautner opened The Longboard Restaurant & Pub 25 years ago in the oldest building in Huntington Beach on Main Street.
Why are longboards so long? ›Longboards are usually longer and wider than your regular skateboard. This makes it easier to learn to ride because they are more stable. Additionally, longboards are also faster than skateboards because they have larger and softer wheels than skateboards which allows them to go at higher speeds.
What is the difference between bamboo and maple longboards? ›
Compared to maple, bamboo skateboards are lighter and more durable. Therefore, as you practice stunts and improve your abilities, you have more "pop." Nothing works as well as bamboo. An impact is better absorbed by bamboo than by maple.
Is it harder to ollie on a bigger deck? ›Wide decks are obviously better for taller skaters with bigger feet, while shorter small-footed skaters may find them harder to ollie. But it's not just about the skater's height and shoe size – narrower decks tend to be easier for doing tricks so are generally preferred by street skaters.
Which is harder kickflip or ollie? ›It can be argued that, for beginner skaters, learning to do a kickflip is easier than mastering an ollie. This is because with a kickflip, the board does not have to leap into the air and stick to your feet as it does with an ollie; rather, only one foot needs to leave the board while performing a kickflip.
Is A longboard faster than a penny board? ›Penny Boards are usually slower than a longboard. The components used to build a Penny board were selected to make it light and cheap, at the cost of stability, speed and control — on the other hand the components on a longboard are built to keep you safe and in control during higher speed downhill riding.
Why do longboards have holes? ›Drop through longboards have specific mounting holes in the deck that allow the trucks to be mounted to the top of the deck while allowing the trucks to drop through the deck.
Is it cheaper to build a longboard or buy a complete? ›When building your own, cost will definitely go up unless you compromise on buying a used setup. As a beginner, just buy a mid tier complete from a decent company and learn the basics. Gear a helmet, you will fall. Learn how to stop.
How much would a long board cost? ›Longboards typically cost between $150 and $400. If you're new to longboarding, our recommendation is to choose a lo ngboard in the $150 – $200 range.
Does sliding ruin longboard wheels? ›On the flip side, sliding can destroy your wheels and bearings (but not so much your shoes), can send you flying off your longboard if you miss, and can cause damage if there are crowds and/or cars around you.
Are bigger wheels better on a longboard? ›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.
Will a pawn shop take a longboard? ›Need quick cash and don't have much time to get it? Just pawn your old longboard, this is a great way to make cash fast! Pawnshops can also be a great way to sell your hobby or sports items as collateral. Sell it in for cash now, and come get it back later when you have more money in your savings.
Is there professional longboarding? ›
Yes! It's incredibly cool and fun! You need to make your energy-saving, controlled, stable and fast slides Longboard go at speeds of over 60 miles per hour and only for professional riders.
Why is it called a longboard? ›Longboards are large skateboards that were originally made for cruising or downhill speed. They range in length from 35 inches to 60 inches. The name comes from longboard surfboards, which are much larger than traditional surfboards.
How fast is too fast on a longboard? ›In conclusion, you can go fast, or even very fast on your longboard. You can just cruise or carve around at speeds around 5-14 mph, or you can take to the hills with the big boys and hit speeds in the 50s or much higher.
How do I know if my longboard is good? ›They are typically rated by a standard called ABEC, and the higher the ABEC rating, the faster your wheels will spin. Generally, ABEC 3 longboard bearings are good for cruising, ABEC 5 is good for freeride, and ABEC 5–7+ bearings provide maximum speed for downhill and racing.
Is it easy to stop a longboard? ›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.
Which is stronger bamboo or timber? ›Bamboo is a very light building material, yet it is three times stronger than timber.
Can bamboo longboards get wet? ›Well, the short answer is yes.
There are many ways your longboard can get soaked. You can get it wet either by riding in or after the rain, or going over puddles.
Bamboo and maple cutting boards are great options for any chef. Bamboo cutting boards are environmentally friendly, whereas maple cutting boards are not as renewable. Maple cutting boards can be restored and last for years. Yet, a major drawback is that these cutting boards are not dishwasher safe.
Is it possible to Ollie on a cruiser? ›Can you ollie a cruiser or longboard? Yes, you can ollie or do tricks, but cruisers and longboards aren't made for tricks. Cruisers and longboards are heavy and have big soft wheels. This makes them very bouncy and unstable when you land an ollie.
Can you ollie a skateboard with longboard wheels? ›All in all, it is possible to ollie with longboard wheels - but finding the right wheel size for you is key.