We get asked this question here a lot and to be honest the best skateboard size for you is the skateboard that you feel most comfortable on. Skateboarding is all about personal preference and the right size for you might not be the right size for your friend (even if you are the same size). Finding the right skateboard size can be a bit daunting especially in the beginning but we have a few tips to help.
Is bigger always better? Not all the time. When you are deciding between a longboard or a cruiser board, there are many aspects you have to consider apart from the size difference. In this blog you'll learn whether a longboard or cruiser board suits you better.
DECK SIZE:
Here's the most obvious difference. Longboards range between 32" to 59". On the other hand cruiser boards can range between 22 to 30 inches. The difference in size is what makes the difference between the two boards.
Stability
Overall a longboard is more stable than a cruiser board. A longboard has a longer deck (and hence a longer wheelbase) and wider trucks. This provides added room for feet placement and higher shock absorption when rolling over cracks and crevices.
Additionally, most longboards come with a degree of flex. Flex is a measure of how bendy a longboard deck is. Flex is an additional factor which makes your long cruiser more comfortable compared to a cruiser board.
Another aspect not often considered is the turning radius. With wider truck and a longer deck, longboards will, of course, have a wider turning radius. However with significant better stability you'll be able to lean in on your turns further. Since cruisers have narrower trucks their turning radius is smaller and therefore can be easier to turn.
To conclude this aspect: If you are planning a long cruising trip and will encounter several downhills, a longboard will be your best friend. But if you are only looking to commute within the city which takes a short time, cruiser boards may be more suitable.
Portability
Given the larger deck, a longboard is definitely heavier than a cruiser board. Both its weight and size make it less portable than a cruiser board. A cruiser board weighs around 2.5kg while a longboard is 3.5 to 5 kg.
For this aspect, if you are looking to only commute, a cruiser board will suit you better. For example if you are skating from point to point on your campus, a cruiser board will be better. Or if you are travelling around, a cruiser board will be more portable.
Tricks you can do
The shape of your deck largely determines what kind of tricks you can do. For freestyle dance both the kicktail and dropthough longboards work.
On the flip side, cruiser boards aren't really meant for tricks, aside from the basic ollie, manual or power slides they are meant for getting around short distances. comfortably, smoothly and quickly
So which is better?
In my personal opinion, a longboard is better if you area beginner. Firstly it is more stable. This gives you more confidence to solidify your foundations and build up to learn. Secondly you won't really be commuting in the city unless you are comfortable with skating.
If you are already comfortable with skating around, a cruiser board will definitely be a good addition.
What we recommend?
Cruiser Board: Age 5+ we recommend a cruiser so they can learn and grow up on it. But if you are an adult with good balance and have skated in the past, the cruiser board may be for you, as they are easier to carry and manoeuvrable.
Great all around size. Looks and feels like a long board. Buy if you want to carve and are good at riding. Good for any height or weight. A little experience helps with this board.
Longboards
Dropthrough: Good for adults, all sizes, all experience. The go to board for anyone. It will be lower to the ground because the trucks sit through the board. This offers better balance, less effort to kick and push and made for speed.
Kicktail: Good for adults, all sizes, all experience. The board is more rigid then the dropthrough so can be more stable.
Surf Skate: For a more experienced adult skater, or a kid or adult wanting to learn a new skill.
It is a surf trainer and requires more hip movement to generate momentum and speed verse kicking and pushing off the ground.
Happy Skating!
