Skateboarding is a fun and complicated activity. Fun in the sense that if you know how to skateboard, you will have a unique way of exploring your environment. And complex in the sense that different types of skateboards are out there to confuse you.
Among the skateboard types, two of the most famous ones are longboards and cruisers. But are longboards and cruisers the same, or is there some difference between them? If you’re looking for this question’s answer, you’ve arrived at the right place.
Here, we’ll compare the characteristics of both longboards and cruiser boards. This way, differentiating between both and choosing the best one according to your use case will be easier.
So, let’s delve into this discussion.
Contents
What Is a Longboard? – Basic Introduction
As the name depicts, the term ‘longboard’ refers to a skateboard that is longer and wider than a traditional skateboard. These boards usually range from 8 to 11 inches in width and 33 to 59 inches in length.
Therefore, they are considered perfect for cruising, carving, and downhill riding. And if you’re looking for a skateboard type that can travel long distances or go fast, look no further than longboards.
The companies constructing longboards use multiple layers of wood or composite materials. And that’s why these skateboard types are sturdier and more stable than other skateboard types.
Besides being sturdy and stable, longboards have bigger and softer wheels, which provides them with better grip and traction on rough surfaces. So, they’re perfect for riding on hills and uneven terrain.
What Is a Cruiser Board – Basic Introduction
A cruiser board is a skateboard type that is more compact and smaller. To be more precise, cruiser boards generally range from 24 and 32 inches in length and 7 to 9 inches in width. That is why this skateboard type is ideal for casual cruising and transportation.
Besides being smaller, cruiser boards have a kicktail at the back. That kicktail provides such board types with more maneuverability and easier turns. So, if you want a skateboard that can easily navigate crowded sidewalks and streets, look no further than cruiser boards.
Companies that construct cruiser boards use one layer of wood or plastic. That is why this board type is easier to carry. Besides being lightweight, cruiser boards have smaller and harder wheels that provide less grip but more speed. Therefore, this skateboard type is ideal for riding smooth surfaces, like bike paths and sidewalks.
What Is the Difference Between a Cruiser and a Longboard?
Now that you have a basic knowledge of longboards and cruiser boards, it’s time to compare both types’ characteristics head-to-head. So, let’s see how the characteristics of both skateboard types differ.
1. Shape and Size
When it comes to longboards and cruisers, the main difference lies in their size and shape. And that’s why we’ve started this comparison with the ‘shape and size’ heading.
| Longboards | Cruiser Boards |
| Longboards are typically bigger, measuring between 33 to 59 inches in length and 8 to 11 inches in width. | On the other hand, cruisers are smaller and more compact. They measure between 24 to 32 inches in length and 7 to 9 inches in width. |
| Their size allows room for more stability, control and speed. That is why they are ideal for cruising down hills or carving turns. | Their shape is more symmetrical and they have a kicktail at the back that makes turning easier and provides more maneuverability. |
2. Riding Style
Besides the difference between shape and size, longboards and cruisers are meant for different riding styles. So, let’s see which riding style suits each type of skateboard.
| Longboards | Cruiser Boards |
| On the other hand, cruisers are perfect for leisurely rides and getting around town. They are convenient for weaving through busy sidewalks and city streets, making sharp turns, and traveling shorter distances. | On the other hand, cruisers are perfect for leisurely rides and getting around town. They are convenient for weaving through busy sidewalks and city streets, making sharp turns and traveling shorter distances. |
| Due to their size and shape, you can cruise at longboards with high speed and without compromising control or stability. | Their compact size and kicktail offer greater agility than longboards. That is why this skateboard type provides easier maneuverability and quicker turns. |
3. Deck Construction
Since the size and shape of cruisers and longboards differ, the construction of their decks will automatically be different. So, let’s see the major difference between the construction of decks in longboards and cruiser boards.
| Longboards | Cruiser Boards |
| Longboards are generally built with several layers of wood or composite materials to ensure they are strong and can withstand wear and tear over time. | On the other hand, cruisers are often made with a single layer of wood or plastic, which makes them lighter and easier to maneuver. |
| They tend to have thicker decks that help with shock absorption and stability when cruising at fast speeds. | They have thinner decks that may not offer as much shock absorption, but they do give riders more flexibility when pulling off turns. |
4. Wheel Size and Shape
Another major difference between the longboards and cruiser boards is the shape and size of their wheels. So, let’s see how the ergonomics of wheels differ in both types.
| Longboards | Cruiser Boards |
| Longboards feature bigger and softer wheels. So, you will get better traction and grip on uneven terrain with this skateboard type. | On the other hand, the wheels in cruiser boards are smaller and harder. Therefore, the cruiser board is known for more speed but less traction. |
| The wheels of longboards can provide more comfortable rides, as they can absorb stress and vibration. | They are less prone to become trapped in cracks or stones. Therefore, this type of skateboard is best suited for enjoying smooth rides on surfaces such as bike trails and sidewalks. |
Should You Get A Cruiser Or A Longboard?
Only you know the answer to this question. That’s because your riding style and preference will determine whether a cruiser board will be suitable for you or a longboard.
However, you can take assistance from the following key points:
- If your priorities are comfort, transportation, and cruising, we recommend choosing a cruiser board.
- However, if speed, range, and adaptability are what you want from your skateboard, you can go with a longboard.
What Are Some Of The Best Longboard Brands?
The following entries are some of the most famous brands for producing the best longboards:
- Atom Drop Through Longboard.
- Retrospec Zed Bamboo Longboard.
- Quest Super Cruiser Longboard
What Is The Difference Between A Cruiser Skateboard And A Cruiser Longboard?
A cruiser skateboard is smaller, lighter, and easier to control than a cruiser longboard. A cruiser skateboard is more suitable for tricks and technical riding. However, cruiser longboards are made for a more comfortable and stable ride and have larger decks and wheels.
Read More: Are Longboards and Skateboards the Same?
Are Cruiser Longboards Suitable For Beginners?
Beginners should choose cruiser longboards since they often have broader decks, bigger, softer wheels, and a more stable riding surface. These characteristics make them simpler to ride than conventional skateboards.
Are Longboards Faster Than Cruisers?
Typically, cruisers are made for comfort and maneuverability, whereas longboards are made for speed and distance. However, the choice between them depends on the individual longboard and cruiser, as some longboards are slower than their cruiser counterparts.
Are Longboards Suitable For Cruising?
Because of their bigger size, stability, and softer wheels, longboards are excellent for cruising. They are perfect for commuting and transit as well.
How Long Is A Longboard As Compared To A Cruiser Board?
Longboards typically measure between 38 and 42 inches, whereas cruiser boards generally are between 28 and 32 inches long.
Longboard Or Cruiser For Beginners, Which Is The Right Choice?
Beginners can use both longboards and cruiser boards because the best option will ultimately depend on their riding tastes and ambitions. So, refer to questions number one and eight to get the answer to this question.
Wrapping Up – The Conclusion
To sum up, it’s challenging for beginners to differentiate between longboards and cruisers, as novices don’t know the ins and outs of these skateboard types. But in reality, both these skateboard types differ from each other in various ways.
Longboards are more suited for freeriding and downhill racing than cruisers since they are longer, broader, and more stable. On the other hand, cruisers are better suited for recreational cruising and short-distance travel since they are lighter, smaller, and more agile.
Thus, if you are unclear about which one to pick out of these two types, we recommend considering your riding style and the terrain you will be riding on first. This way, it will be easier to determine the perfect skateboard for you out of these two types.
