Longboard vs Cruiser (A Detailed Comparison)

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The main difference between longboards and cruiser boards is their size and shape. Longboards are typically much longer than cruisers, which makes them faster and more stable. Cruisers are generally shorter and lighter, making them more maneuverable.

Both have their own benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to choose the right one for you according to your riding style and preferences.

In this blog post, we have compared the different aspects of longboards and cruisers, such as deck, trucks, wheels, portability, speed, and tricks. Hopefully, this will help you to make your decision.

Comparison Table: Longboard vs Cruiser

FeaturesLongboardCruiser Board
Deck Length35″-42″22″-38″
Deck Width8.5″-10.25″8.0″-9.5″
Wheels Size65mm-80mm60mm-65mm
Trucks Size149mm-215mm139mm-169mm
PurposeDown Hill, Dancing, Long Distance, Racing, SlidingCruising And commuting short distances.

Also Read: Can You Do Tricks On A Longboard Without Falling?

What’s the Difference Between a Longboard and a Cruiser?

If you prefer to watch a video, you can see it below. Otherwise, keep scrolling.

1. Deck Size 

The main difference between a longboard and a cruiser is the size of the deck. 

The longboard deck length is between 35″ to 42″ inches and the width between 8.5″ to 10.25″ which is great for stability at high speeds. 

On the other hand,

The cruiser board deck length is between 22″ to 38″ inches and width 8.0″ to 9.5″. Cruisers have a shorter, narrower deck than longboards which is good for flipping and doing tricks.

2. Deck Shape

Cruiser skateboard comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Cruisers’ board’s deck has a nose and kicktails which makes them ideal for doing tricks, popping, and manuals. 

Many cruiser boards come in a squared or rounded square shape which looks like a surfboard.

On the other hand,

Longboards also come in a variety of shapes, such as pintail, kicktail, fishtail, drop through, drop down, and double drop.

The longboard does not have a feature of nose and tail. Some of them have slightly concave, while others are completely flat.

Pintail longboards are the most common shape and are characterized by their tapered ends.

3. Difference in Trucks

Trucks come in two basic designs: reverse kingpins (RKPs) and traditional kingpins (TKPs).

Most longboards come with reverse kingpin trucks that are between 150 and 180mm in width. The reverse kingpin (RKPs) designed for longboard, provides better turning capabilities and a smoother and more stable ride at high speeds.

On the other hand,

A cruiser board usually comes with traditional kingpin trucks (TKPs) with truck sizes between 139mm to 169mm. 

In some cases, cruisers also have reverse kingpin trucks (RKPs). Gridding and tricks are easy on these trucks, as they are lower to the ground.

4. Wheels

Longboard wheels come in sizes between 65mm and 80mm. Longboard wheels are larger than cruiser board wheels. The Longboard wheels are soft, durometer ranging between 78a to 85a, making them perfect for absorbing shocks and bumps.

On the other hand,

Cruiser board wheels are smaller in size as compared with longboard wheels and come in sizes between 60mm to 65mm in diameter.

Cruiser Wheels are also soft, with durometer ranging between 78a to 82a. This makes them perfect for those who want a softer ride, as they will absorb vibrations better.

Additionally, they have good grip and traction on a variety of surfaces, making them ideal for commuting or leisure riding.

5. Riding Style

Longboards are good for long-distance travel because they are more stable and can handle higher speeds well. 

This makes it ideal for riding downhill where you can reach high speeds. Additionally, longboards are very stable and smooth, making them a great choice for cruising around town or on the open road.

On the other hand,

Cruiser boards are a great option for city transportation because they are smaller and lighter than longboards, making them easier to maneuver.

A cruiser board often has a feature kicktail, which allows you to navigate around obstacles easily.

Cruiser boards are the perfect size for short distances, making them ideal for city commuting.

6. Stability

Longboards are more stable than cruiser boards for a number of reasons. 

First, longboards have longer and wider decks than cruiser boards, which provides more stability. 

Second, they have larger wheels, which also contributes to stability. 

Third, they have longer wheelbases and wider trucks, both of which add to the stability of the board.

Fourth, they are designed with a larger gap between the trucks and deck so that when you go fast going into a turn you don’t tip over too easily as you do with cruiser boards

All of these factors make longboards more stable than cruiser boards. This is why Longboards are the better choice for those who want a more stable ride.

6. Portability

Longboards tend to be a bit heavier than cruiser boards, making them less portable. Cruiser boards, on the other hand, weigh less and are easier to carry.

Generally, longboards weigh 4.5kg and above, whereas cruiser boards weigh around 2.5kg.

So if you’re looking for a board that you can easily take with you on the go, a cruiser board is the way to go. In comparison, if you are comfortable carrying more weight, a longboard may be better suited for your needs.

So Which One is Better for You? Longboard or Cruiser

In my opinion, longboards are a better option for beginners than cruiser boards. Here’s why:

Longboards are generally wider and longer than cruiser boards, making them more stable and easier to balance. 

They also have softer wheels, which makes for a smoother ride. And because they’re bigger, they’re easier to push around – perfect for those long days of exploring your neighborhood or cruising down the boardwalk.

On the other hand,

Cruiser boards can be a lot of fun too, but they’re generally more challenging to ride, especially for beginners. They’re smaller and lighter than longboards, so they can be harder to control.

Cruiser boards also don’t have the same stability as longboards, so they’re not ideal for high speeds or downhill racing.

However, If you have experience in riding skateboards, then a cruiser board might be a good option for you. Cruiser boards are smaller and lighter than longboards, making them easier to transport and store.

Cruiser Board also more maneuverable than longboards so they’re better for tricks and tight turns.

If you’re looking for an all-around board that’s good for transportation, cruising, and occasional tricks, go with a cruiser. 

If you want a board that’s designed for speed and stability, go with a longboard.

Wrap up on Longboard vs Cruiser

Longboards and cruisers are both great choices for anyone looking for a new skateboard. Both longboards and cruisers have their own unique advantages that make them the perfect choice for different types of skateboarding.

Ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference. If you’re looking for a faster and more stable ride go with a longboard. If you want something easier to maneuver, go with a cruiser. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to have a great time.

You can also read here about Longboard vs Skateboard.


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Hi, My Name is Henry, Welcome to my little skateboarding world. I have a passion for skateboarding and want to share it with others. I want to teach people how to be successful on the skateboard and appreciate the benefits that come from skateboarding.

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