Longboard vs Skateboard vs Cruiser

Longboards, skateboards, and cruisers are three of the most common types of boards for commuting and navigating the streets.

Each of these boards has its own distinct characteristics that appeal to certain types of riders.

Do you enjoy the smooth ride and plenty of room on your longboard? Or do you enjoy the mobility and tricks that a skateboard provides? Maybe you want to travel about town in style on a cruiser.

Put on your helmets and get ready to explore the worlds of longboarding, skateboarding, and cruising. We’ll evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of each type.

Differences in Size and Shape

The size and shape of longboards, skateboards, and cruisers are crucial differences.

Skateboards feature a basic popsicle shape that allows for easy flip tricks and normally range in length from 27 to 32 inches.

Longboards, on the other hand, are substantially larger, ranging in size from 36 to 42 inches, with varying deck forms depending on the style of longboarding. With softer wheels and a more flexible, steady ride, they are ideal for cruising and downhill skating.

Meanwhile, cruisers are normally the same size as standard skateboards, but some are smaller, making them ideal for riding in congested urban settings.

Their lightweight, nimble nature allows them to easily jump over obstacles, while their softer wheels provide a smooth ride.

Overall, each board has a distinct shape and design that caters to various skating styles and preferences.

Aesthetics

Longboards, skateboards, and cruisers all have distinct designs and patterns that appeal to a diverse spectrum of riders in terms of aesthetics.

From the sleek and streamlined design of a skateboard to the more vintage and laid-back appearance of a cruiser or the long and slender shape of a longboard, each board has its own distinct flair.

These boards are also available in a range of colors and graphics, allowing riders to express their originality and personality.

Maneuverability

Cruisers and skateboards win when it comes to maneuverability.

Cruisers, with their hybrid form, are the ideal combination of a skateboard and a longboard. The deck’s slight curvature makes it more agile than a longboard while retaining the size and stability of a skateboard.

Skateboards, on the other hand, are built for advanced tricks and maneuvers, making them the most agile of the three options.

Longboards, while less agile than the other two, compensate by being able to attain higher speeds and maintain stability during sharp corners.

Portability

In terms of portability, the cruiser and skateboard come out on top in this comparison.

Both types of boards are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for folks who commute or travel frequently.

Longboards are great for long distances, but because to their size and weight, they are not very portable. There are, however, mini-cruiser boards that provide the same benefits as cruiser boards but with a shorter deck.

Keep in mind that while cruisers and skateboards are portable, they may not last as long as longboards.

Overall, cruisers and skateboards prevail in terms of portability, but longboards can still be a terrific alternative for people who value comfort and stability over portability.

Stability

When it comes to stability, longboards and cruisers outperform skateboards. Longboards, with their longer decks and softer wheels, are more stable and easy to balance, even at high speeds.

Cruiser boards, on the other hand, are still relatively stable while being more compact and portable for cruising around town. Stability is also affected by aesthetics and materials.

Longboards come in a variety of styles, but they are often composed of strong maple wood and have a more natural feel. Meanwhile, cruisers have more colorful and exciting looks, but they may lose some stability for portability.

Whether you pick a longboard or a cruiser board, both provide more stability than a skateboard and provide a more comfortable and enjoyable ride.

Buoyancy

While deciding between a longboard, skateboard, or cruiser, buoyancy is an important thing to consider.

Longboards give a smoother and more stable ride, resulting in better buoyancy, due to their larger size and softer wheels. Skateboards, on the other hand, are less buoyant and better for tricks and leaps because to their smaller size and tougher wheels. Nevertheless, cruisers are a wonderful compromise, giving outstanding buoyancy while remaining agile enough for city riding.

While deciding between these three options, it’s crucial to evaluate how much buoyancy you’ll need based on your riding style and the terrain.

Durability

Longboards are well-known for their long-term durability, owing to the lower stress on its components over longer distances. Skateboards, on the other hand, are built to handle the impact and resistance of technical tricks, therefore they have tougher wheel durometers for faster speeds. Cruiser boards sit somewhere in the middle, with standard skateboard trucks and often softer wheels to cushion shock from uneven terrain.

Finally, the durability of any board is determined by how it is cared for and maintained over time. Frequent inspections, cleaning, and component replacement as needed can make a longboard, skateboard, or cruiser board last for many years of usage and enjoyment.

Impact Resistance

Longboards, skateboards, and cruisers all have advantages and disadvantages in terms of impact resistance.

When traveling over rough terrain, longboards with their larger size and softer wheels may absorb more shock and have a better level of impact resistance.

Skateboards, with their smaller, tougher wheels, are built to withstand the impact of tricks and jumps, making them an excellent choice for street shredding.

Cruisers typically have softer wheels than standard skateboards, which can allow a more comfortable ride over rough surfaces, but they may be less durable while performing tricks or jumping.

Finally, your board’s impact resistance will be determined by your riding style and the unique qualities of your chosen board.

Flex

When it comes to choosing the right longboard, skateboard, or cruiser, the flex of the board should not be overlooked.

The stiffness of the board can have a significant impact on the riding experience. Longboards have more flex to absorb shock when cruising long distances, but skateboards must be stiffer to perform tricks and flips.

Cruisers provide a happy compromise between flexibility for comfortable riding and rigidity for some tricky moves.

It’s critical to select the proper flex for your unique demands, whether they’re for easy cruising or challenging feats.

Overall Performance comparison

Longboards are ideal for newcomers, country roads, and high-speed carving, whereas cruisers take a bit more ability and are ideal for tight city streets.

Skateboards are the most difficult to ride and best suited for technical tricks.

Longboards offer faster speeds and a smoother ride, whilst cruisers and skateboards excel in mobility and flexibility.

Overall, a longboard is the best choice for cruising and carving at fast speeds. A cruiser is a fantastic choice for inner-city commuting or short-distance cruising. If you enjoy performing technical tricks, a skateboard is the way to go!

Williams Jayson

I am a longboarding enthusiast and a blogger. On this blog, I share tips, tricks, and advice based on my experience. I am dedicated to helping newbies improve their skills and enjoy this fun activity to the fullest.