There is a wide collection of boards in the skateboard industry. The standard board that has a pointed end on one end and a kicktail on the other that most people call a skateboard. In this article, we will explore the difference between Longboard vs Cruiser which are the extended models of the standard boards. So, let’s begin right now!
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The alternative board option is the cruiser board. Typically, a cruiser board is shorter than a longboard but longer than a standard board. It’s also characterized by being thinner and flatter compared to a standard board.
This post will explore the differences between longboards and cruiser boards, providing you with insights into the specific purposes they serve. By the end, you’ll be well-informed and equipped to choose the board that best suits your needs!
World of Skateboarding
The world of skateboarding began in the late 1940s/early 1950s when California surfers craved for something to do when the sea was calm and they wanted to create a fun and interesting activity to do that similar to surfing. Since then, the industry was started and has continued to gain popularity.
Best Cheap Beginner Skateboard
What is a Longboard?
Simply put, a longboard is a kind of sports gear that looks like a standard board but is much longer. It is a subcategory of the standard board; that’s, a longboard is a skateboard. The distinction mainly is between a cruiser board and a longboard.
Any board that is 36 inches or more can be considered to be a longboard. With that said, longboards evolved over the years to include different versions, and therefore more specific terms are used to differentiate the various types of longboards found on the market today.
For example, there are freestyle longboards, downhill longboards, casual cruising longboards, and more. Each of them features its own distinct design and serves specific purposes.
Every longboard is equipped with large, soft wheels, typically measuring at least 70mm in diameter. They also feature longboard-style trucks that offer sharper turning capabilities and are taller compared to standard-style trucks.
Parts of a Longboard
A longboard is made up of different elements that include trucks, wheels, bearing, and deck that can be combined to create a perfect balance between speed and stability.
- Grip Tape – This is the material that covers the top surface of a longboard deck. It is similar to sandpaper and it provides traction between the longboard and the skater’s shoes.
- Deck – This is the surface that the skater stands on. The deck is often made of bamboo and/or maple material for durability and strength. A longboard deck might come in a number of different shapes and design including twin, mini cruise, blunt, and pintail. The deck can be fixed to the trucks in many different configurations.
- Trucks – The truck is the metal T-shaped part of the longboard that is attached on the underside of the board’s deck. These trucks come in different styles, with a smaller truck meaning that your longboard will provide a small turning radius making the turing process to happen easier.
Longboards come with a set of two trucks which are used to attach the board’s deck to the wheel and also play a critical role in how the longboards turn. The trucks can be broken down into different unique parts: baseplate, bushings, kingpin, hanger, and axle.
- Axle – The axle of the trucks is the pin that runs via the hanger and attaches to the wheels.
- Bearings – They are added to the wheels of the board to reduce friction and enable it to spin effortlessly.
- Kingpin – This is the huge bolt that holds the different parts of the truck together. The pins can be attached in reverse or standard configuration. In most situations, reverse kingpin configuration is used since it provides stability at high speeds while being more responsive at low speeds.
- Truck bolts – Truck bolts are used to attach the longboard truck to the deck of the board.
- Wheels – We all know what wheels are. These wheels enable the longboard to slide, crave, or cruise on the riding ground. There are different specifications for longboard wheels such as contact patch, durometer rating, wheel diameter, and lip profile.
In general, when you consider all the parts used to construct a longboard, you can quickly notice that it is similar to a standard board.
What is a Cruiser Board?
A cruiser board is generally a board mainly focused on the real act of rolling around, smoothly surfing through the town. These types of skateboard come in all manners of sizes and shapes, for example, there are small plastic boards that are called mini-cruisers.
At times, cruiser boards are essentially trick-oriented boards equipped with soft “cruiser” wheels, as opposed to the harder wheels found on trick-centric boards. The compact size of a cruiser makes it easier to transport between locations, but this also means it’s less suited for more challenging forms of longboarding, such as downhill riding and freeriding, compared to a dedicated longboard.
Cruiser boards usually use small wheels of between 55-65mm, which keep their weight and size down and also use standard board style trucks which are lighter and shorter. The soft wheels enable the cruiser to move over harder surfaces than a standard board.
A cruiser board is simple but easy to learn and fun to do if you just want to stove around the town and feel the cool wind surging through your hair!
Difference Between Longboard vs Cruiser Board
First, we will look at the longboard:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Length | At least 36 inches |
| Wheels | Soft, can be changed for customization |
| Wheel Size | Usually around 70mm for speed |
| Uses | Tricks or downhill riding |
| Trucks | Sharp angle, higher for effective turning |
| Deck Styles | Diverse options for different uses |
| Symmetrical Boards | Perfect for tricks and 180 tricks |
| Drop Deck | Lower middle for control at high speeds |
| Truck Mounting | Top mount or drop through for customization |
Now that we have seen the longboards features let’s look at the cruiser ones to know how the two differs.
| Features | Cruiser | Longboard |
|---|---|---|
| Front Shape | Pointed for aerodynamic efficiency | Varies, not necessarily pointed |
| Flatness | Flat for reduced wind resistance | Can vary in shape |
| Wheel Type | Soft wheels for smoother ride | Can have a variety of wheel types |
| Purpose | Designed for transportation, not for tricks | Can be used for transportation and tricks |
| Speed | Quick acceleration and top speed | Slower acceleration compared to cruisers |
| Comfort | More comfortable to stand on | Comfortable, but may vary |
| Size | Shorter for portability | Longer, less portable |
| Deck | Thin for reduced weight | Varies in thickness |
| Wheel Size | Smaller for reduced weight | Can vary in size |
| Overall Purpose | Smooth ride at high speeds | Versatile, can be used for various purposes |
Read more: Longboard Vs Skateboard: Defining Differences
Things to Consider When Buying a Skateboard
Here we will look at some specific factors that will help you make up your mind on which board you should get.
Flex and Function
The flex of longboards enables the user to ride on the open road. The flexibility of a longboard makes it much easier to make big and broad turns when compared to a cruiser. The cruiser boards help to absorb the shock due to their soft wheel, making them perfect for riding in rough terrains while at the top speed.
Turning Agility
In bustling urban environments, a skateboard with quick agility and sharp turning capabilities is essential for maneuvering through crowds and obstacles. Most cruisers measure 32 inches or less, providing ample flexibility to navigate a busy city (although you may need to walk down certain streets). Their shorter deck allows for a tighter turning radius, which proves invaluable if you encounter a gap or obstacle ahead.
Cruising Stability
Many new riders require additional stability. A longboard is often easier to maneuver and more stable than a cruiser. You will realize that it is much easier to ride a longboard than a cruiser if you are a beginner.
Skateboard Portability
The one main benefit of a cruiser over a longboard is the ability to carry it from one area to another with ease. It can fit anywhere, in your back bag, desk, under the table, on a plane, or at a restaurant. If you want something you can use around the clock, then a cruiser might be a perfect purchase.
In conclusion
So now you can differentiate between the two types of skateboards. Just to recap.
The major difference that comes out between a longboard and a cruiser is that a cruiser board is shorter than a longboard.Performing tricks can be easily done on a longboard. Cruisers are mainly designed for speed and transporting you round. However, some people use longboards for this purpose.
For example, if you are simply moving around with a longboard that has soft wheels, then you are simply cruising around.
Hence, depending on your cruising intentions and location, it’s crucial to determine the ideal deck length. The disparity between a cruiser and a longboard goes beyond mere aesthetics. The deck plays a significant role in your maneuverability, ultimately shaping your skating experience.
There we go, we hope the above article was helpful enough to assist you to figure out the answer for longboard vs cruiser. A few things to remember, speed, wheels, deck, turning, and purpose, and you will surely make the right choice when buying your skateboard.
