If you’re new to longboarding, one of the first things you probably ask is, what are the best longboard brands out there?
In this post I look at longboard brands that offer the best value for the money, have the best performing products, make the most durable and lightweight decks, use the highest quality components, and have the best range of boards for your riding style(s).
The following is our longboard brands leaderboard based on our own experience and other riders’ feedback:
| LONGBOARD BRAND | CURRENT LINEUP | MAIN RIDING STYLE | SELECTOR |
| #1. Loaded Longboards | 16 boards | Carving, freeride, dancing/freestyle | view |
| #2. Landyachtz Longboards | 39 boards | Hybrids, freeride/downhill, cruisers | view |
| #3. Arbor Longboards | 22 boards | Hybrids, cruisers | view |
| #4. Globe Longboards | 28 boards | Cruisers | view |
| #5. Sector 9 Longboards | 37 boards | Carving, hybrid, freeride | view |
| #6. Magneto Longboards | 24 boards | Cruising boards, LDP | view |
| #7. Madrid Longboards | 42 boards | Cruisers, hybrids, downhill, freeride | view |
| #8. DB Longboards | 26 boards | Freeride, hybrids, dancing | view |
| #9. Dusters Longboards | 33 boards | Cruising, carving | view |
| #10. Atom Longboards | 7 boards | Cruising, LDP | view |
*This post may have affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Table of Contents
1. Loaded Boards
Loaded longboards is widely regarded as building the most high-end longboards on the market. The company uses cutting edge technology and materials, resulting in lightweight, super strong, beautiful looking, high-performance riding machines.
The Loaded brand is generally associated with innovative shapes and features designed specifically for very technical performance riding. Many longboarders, experienced or newbie, thrive to own a Loaded.
Loaded has a special focus on carving and LDP, freestyle and dancing, freeride, and more recently urban commuting slashing.
Loaded longboards typically sell at a premium price ($200-$500) compared to other leading brands. Loaded fans, however, feel they get their money’s worth. The unique features and construction of these high-end boards allow them to push their limits and enjoy an unequalled riding feel.
Some Loaded models have been around for many years – some over a decade with regular updates, and still as popular as ever, e.g. the Tan Tien, Dervish Sama, Vanguard, Icarus, Bhangra (dancing).
Newer hits include the popular Coyote (city cruiser), Omakase, Ballona (first mini-cruiser), Mata Hari and Tarab (dancers).
See my ultimate Loaded comparison guide.
Loaded also owns the Orangatang Wheels brand which makes some of the best-regarded longboard wheels on the planet.
2. Landyachtz Longboards
The Landyachtz brand has been around for over 20 years and enjoys a very good image in the longboarding community.
The brand is younger than Sector 9 and Arbor but has grown into one of the most popular longboard makers on the market.
While their boards are quite affordable for the quality (typically $150-$250), most riders agree Landyachtz builds some of the best most durable boards.
Even though Landyachtz has its roots in hardcore longboard racing, it now has a broad longboard lineup ranging from cruisers, full-size commuters, to freeride and downhill boards.
In addition to quality decks, Landyachtz also designs and produces their own highly-rated trucks under theBear Trucksbrand as well as the acclaimed Hawgs wheels brand.
As a result, Landyachtz is able to ensure consistent end-to-end quality for their completes.
The Dinghy uber-popular mini-cruiser is Landyachtz’s all-time best seller:
See my complete Landyachtz comparison guide and review.
3. Arbor Longboards
Like Sector 9, Arbor is one of the pioneer brands in the skateboarding/longboarding history, with roots dating back to 1995 in Venice Beach, CA – the birthplace of action sports.
Ever since, Arbor has been developing highly durable, high performance longboards. The Arbor longboard brand closely follows behind Sector 9 in terms of worldwide popularity and image.
Arbor has always kept a strong focus on building truly eco-friendly products, and supports groups that restore forests and nature – the brand has its own foundation.
The Arbor Collective brings together artists, designers, and other people who contribute to the brand’s sustainable approach for making attractive, durable, and environmental-friendly longboards.
Arbor brand longboards are affordable, typically in the $115 – $260 range.
See my Arbor brand full longboard comparison guide
The Arbor Pilsner has long been a highly popular board in the Arbor lineup.
4. Globe Longboards
Globe is the largest skateboard / longboard manufacturer and distributor in the world. Their longboard and cruiser lineup is impressive both in terms of model range and variety.
Globe longboards are known for their quality material and craftsmanship and for their durability. They maintain a particular focus on cruisers with a broad range of sizes, shapes and styles.
Similar to Arbor, Globe makes many affordable cruisers in the $150 – $200 range. Despite the competitive price, many of Globe cruisers are simply beautiful and smooth riding.
The Blazer is Globe’s best selling 26″ mini-cruiser (smaller than the Landyachtz Dinghy).
Check out my complete Globe longboards comparison review and Globe skateboards review
5. Sector 9 Longboards
Based in San Diego California, Sector 9 Longboards has been in the market for nearly 30 years and has established itself as one of the largest quality longboard brands in the world.
Sector 9 longboards are highly praised for their build quality and their smooth and easy riding. Their completes are considered solid and durable yet reasonably priced – between $130 and $230.
Many Sector 9 brand longboards are also very beginner-friendly.
Sector 9 has its own in-house longboard production workshop within their San Diego headquarter facilities in contrast to many other brands who choose to outsource production in China.
Sector 9 handles their complete process from R&D to product development to manufacturing within these same US facilities.
The longboards are US-made and undergo a tough quality process involving extreme testing such as driving a truck over boards or shooting boards with a gun.
Sector 9 comes out with an impressive number of models each year, catering to all levels of riders and many riding styles. While the brand has always kept a strong focus on carving, it also features some great freeride boards and cruisers.
Sector 9 brand decks come with a 120 day warranty against materials or workmanship defects and delamination.
See my Sector 9 brand longboard full comparison guide.
The Lookout bamboo drop-through carving board is one of the most popular longboards from the Sector 9 brand:
6. Magneto Longboards
Magneto is a young, up and coming longboard brand based in Carlsbad, California, a historical area in the skateboarding culture.
The Magneto tradename was bought back from a UK company by a team of product engineers who have successfully relaunched it in the U.S.
Magneto Boards has decades of experience in product development, from airplanes to golf clubs. They’ve been focusing on creating technologically advanced boards at very affordable prices.
Magneto branded longboards are decent quality products sold at unrivaled low prices. They are particularly well-suited for beginners and relaxed riding. Their cruisers run around $80, their drop-throughs between $110-$120, and their bamboo completes $110 to $180.
The Magneto Bamboo Cruiser 42″ is one of the brand’s popular longboards:
See my in-depth comparison of Magneto longboards here
7. Madrid Longboards
Madrid Skateboards was created in 1976 in Huntington Beach, CA and has since become an important part of the history of skateboarding.
Over the years, Jerry Madrid helped iconic skateboard pros of the 1980s create their own innovative and cutting edge skateboard lines. Madrid also produced concave molds for major industry players like Santa Cruz and Skulls skateboards.
Nowadays, Madrid’s skateboards and longboards are still handmade in the U.S.A, at the company’s Huntington Beach facility. In contrast, most other skateboard manufacturers use CNC machines.
Madrid skateboards were featured in Steven Spielberg’s “Back to The Future” mid 80s blockbuster, and more recently in the 2016 Netflix TV show “Stranger Things”.
Madrid also participated in the creation of the Vans x Madrid Flypaper Sk8 Hi Pro, one of the most popular skate shoes in history, which Vans successfully revived in 2016.
Besides street decks, Madrid’s has a rich longboard lineup with a wide variety of styles, including a wide range of mini-cruisers, some of them reissues of 1980s hits.
Madrid also has a good selection of drop-through, topmount, and drop down longboard shapes, pintails, as well as a series of technical downhill/racing boards.
See my full Madrid longboards review
8. DB Longboards
DB Longboards was founded in 2003 by three high-school friends who were making handmade longboards and skimboards in a garage in Tacoma WA, and then started making skateboards after moving to Washington state.
After finishing college, in 2010 they moved to their current 6000 sq ft production facility South of Seattle, WA. DB Longboard’s founders and employees all live the board sports lifestyle. A dedicated team of riders are constantly testing the boards on the steep mountain roads of the U.S. Pacific Northwest.
DB Longboards is one those longboard brands reputed for making high-end quality boards with innovative technology. DB’s CoreFlex construction, for example,combines a strong, lightweight, and flexible bamboo core, layers of triaxial fiberglass, epoxy resin, waterproof HD plastic, and urethane.
This results in decks that are strong and lightweight with a very lively flex feel and great resistance to water, impact, and scratching. In short, durable, high-performance products at relatively competitive prices.
What sets DB longboard apart from other quality longboard brandssuch as Landyachtz or Loaded? DB Longboards has its own personality and look and feel with a particular focus on freeride and downhill – a natural consequence of the mountainous environment they live in.
See my in-depth post on DB Longboards
9. Dusters Longboards
Dusters California makes high-quality longboards and cruisers with a very unique look andfeel.
Besides building very functional boards for all types of riding, from cruising and commuting to park and pool to freeride and downhill, Dusters puts a very strong focus on highly polished fit and finish.
Dusters collaborates with different groups when creating their product lines, including renowned street, graffiti, and contemporary artists. The result is an astounding, colorful, even dreamy range of designs for their longboard collections, a lot of them rooted in the surfing, skating, and rebellious spirit of the60’s,70’sand80’s.
Duster’s lineup comprises 30+ boards half of them cruisers and mini-cruisers, half a dozen pintails, around 10 drop-through and directional longboard shapes, and a dancing/freestyle board.
See my full review of Dusters longboards, or check out the Dusters category in our longboard selector.
10. Atom Longboards
Atom Longboards, based in Colorado Springs CO, has been around since 2005. The brand thrives to offer the most affordable longboards on the market (cheaper than the historical brands) while maintaining quality raw materials and construction.
Atom focuses on longboard cutout shapes (drop-throughs, drop downs) and a couple of pintails priced in the $90 – $125 range, as well as a few downhill models priced between $190 and $250. No cruisers in their analog lineup.
Atom also offers a range of affordable e-boards and all-terrain boards (ATB).
The brand is able to offer good value for money, keeping prices low without sacrificing quality, by selling direct to their customers and avoiding unnecessary marketing costs.
Riders who buy Atom boards are generally happy with the products. Atom longboards are particularly well suited for newer riders, particularly since most of their longboards are full-size 39″ to 41″ low riders.
FAQs
How much is a good quality longboard? ›
A good longboard will cost anywhere from $180 to $350 or more.
What is the oldest longboard company? ›Early skaters constructed perilous makeshift boards out of planks of wood and roller skates in a technique known as Sidewalk Surfing. Makaha, Jack's, and Hobie became the first professional longboard distributors in 1959, making manufactured longboards commercially available.
Which longboard is the fastest? ›SETTING THE NEW MILESTONE
MISCHO ERBAN SET A WORLD SPEED RECORD ON NGV'S ELECTRIC LONGBOARD – THE NEXTBOARD. GUINNESS OFFICIALS DEMANDED SPEED GREATER THAN 84 KM/H (52 MPH). THE OFFICIAL RESULT FROM THE RECORD SETTING ATTEMPT WAS 95.83 KM/H (60 MPH).
- Lush Freebyrd.
- Arbor Drop Cruiser.
- Lush Mako Pintail.
- Hackbrett Krokodil Freeride Longboard.
- Loaded Mata Hari Dancing Longboard.
- Lush Minnow.
If you are a beginner, it is recommended that you get a board that is 9 feet long and 29 inches wide. If you are taller or heavier, you may want to get a board that is 10 feet long and 31 inches wide. intermediate surfers can usually get away with a board that is 8 feet long and 28 inches wide.
How long do longboards last? ›This is because both of these factors go with normal wear and tear. 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 I choose my first longboard? ›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.
What brand board does Tony Hawk Ride? ›Tony Hawk is one of the most popular skateboarders in the world, and he is known for riding a variety of different board brands over the years. His current board of choice is a Birdhouse deck. Birdhouse is his skateboard company with ex-Powell-Peralta rider, Per Welinder that he started in 1992.
How thick should a longboard be? ›To keep the turns lively, these board will range from 36" to 44" in length. Most decks will be around 1/2" thick, differentiating by design and material. Carving boards can be made with different materials including maple and bamboo.
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 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 a cruiser or pintail longboard better? ›In short, pintails are generally designed for mellow cruising and carving along the beach or on bike trails, thanks to a longer wheelbase and flexy deck. A cruiser, on the other hand, is meant primarily for agile street riding and nimble turns thanks to a shorter, stiffer deck and a tail and/or nose kick.
Do bigger longboard wheels go faster? ›Diameter. Bigger wheels are faster than smaller ones as they cover more distance with an equal amount of spinning, and suffer less from bearings friction. Smaller wheels, on the other hand, have better acceleration as they pick up momentum quicker.
What is the most common longboard? ›The pintail is a leave like board that has a flat concave. This allows for easy riding and it therefore a great board for beginners. The pintail is the most popular and classic longboard out there and is fit for a larger sized campus cruiser.
How much should I spend on my first 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.
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.
What skateboard is best for cruising? ›A cruiser board is the best type of skateboard to use for cruising short distances. Longer than a standard skateboard but shorter than a longboard, cruiser boards are easily maneuverable mid-length boards designed for cruising streets. Longboards are an excellent choice for a long, comfortable ride.
What type of longboard is most like snowboard? ›A drop-through longboard is many times also designed to be easily slid, so with extremely slidey wheels, it will be very possible to surf and slide all over the road like you would with a normal snowboard.
What is a pintail longboard good for? ›Pintail longboards are often used for downhill racing and freeriding due to their stable, predictable ride. Pintails are also popular for cruising and carving thanks to their lean design and ability to navigate tight turns.
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.
How much is too much for a longboard? ›
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 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.
Can water ruin longboards? ›Longboard bearings can be easily damaged by water so it's important to protect them when riding in the rain if you want them to last. Some longboarders will buy a set of low-priced bearings that they only use when riding in wet weather so they don't ruin their more expensive ones.
Is a 10 foot longboard too big? ›Longboards can range anywhere from 8 to 14 feet in length, but the majority of them are between 9 and 11 feet long. A longer board will normally glide better, paddle easier, and allow a surfer to get around wave sections more successfully.
Can longboards get wet? ›Well, the short answer is yes. Most longboards are designed to be sturdy, durable and somewhat water resistant.
What size longboard should I get if I'm 5 1? ›Now, what size of longboard should you get? We'll look at this from a height stand point, and we'll assume that you're of an average weight. Rule of thumb is to get a longboard 3ft longer than your height.
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.
Is a cruiser or longboard better for beginners? ›Thanks to their length and width, longboards are often easier to ride for beginners than standard decks. Longboard decks typically come in between 32 – 42 inches and vary in both flex and shape.
What boards do pro skaters use? ›What skateboards do pros use? If you're a professional skateboarder, then it's likely that you use an 8'5” deck. This size is the most popular for pro-level skating and has a weaker controllability than other smaller boards.
Is Blind a good brand of skateboard? ›Today, Blind continues to produce high-quality skateboard products and is considered one of the most respected brands in the industry. Blind has a team of top professional skateboarders and produces some of the most innovative and stylish products in skating. Blind is truly a brand for skaters, by skaters.
Who rides for anti hero skateboards? ›
Antihero Skateboards is a board company headed by Julien Stranger starting in the mid 90's The pro team includes John Cardiel, Frank Gerwer, Tony Trujillo, Peter Hewitt, Andy Roy, Chris Pfanner, Tony Miorana, Grant Taylor, Robbie Russo, Daan Van Der Linden, Jeff Grosso and Brian Anderson.
Does wheel size matter on longboard? ›The diameter of the wheel measured in millimeters. The bigger the wheel the smoother the ride, but the more weight to push around. Also going too big might get dreaded wheel bite. Generally for longboarding a 70mm - 80mm wheel is ideal.
Can a longboard hold 300 pounds? ›Most longboards have a weight limit of 200-250 pounds. Some boards may be able to accommodate riders up to 300 pounds, but this is less common. It is important to check the weight limit of a board before purchasing, to make sure it will be able to support your weight.
What wood is best for longboards? ›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.
Is a longboard faster than walking? ›ways. Skateboarding is clearly faster than walking: Our observations at UC Davis found that skateboarders travel between 6 and 13 miles per hour, with an average of 9.7 miles per hour. At two- to four-times the speed of walking, skateboards can extend the range of destinations reachable under human power.
Is longboard easier 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 ollie on a cruiser? ›Yes, you can do ollies and flip tricks on a cruiser skateboard because most have a nose/kicktail. But, it won't be as easy as a traditional street skateboard since their main purpose is cruising. Compared to a longboard, it will be easier to do tricks.
What is the most common type of longboard? ›The pintail is a leave like board that has a flat concave. This allows for easy riding and it therefore a great board for beginners. The pintail is the most popular and classic longboard out there and is fit for a larger sized campus cruiser.
Is stiff or flexible longboard better? ›Longboards come in many shapes, concaves, and flexes. The stiffer the board, the more stable it'll be at higher speeds. A flexier board might be fun at lower speeds, but that flex will likely knock you off balance at those higher speeds, or if you're a beginner unused to flex.
Is a longboard faster than running? ›Average normal running speed is in the 4 – 6 mph range. Average skateboarding speed is around 9 mph (in the 5 – 12 mph range). Pushing speed on a longboard is 8-9 mph. Thus, skateboarding and longboarding are on average faster than running.