Best Longboard for Beginners

If you are new to longboarding, it is imperative that you find the right board to start out with. In this article we will take a close look at several incredible products to help you find the best longboard for beginners.

Our top choice is the Retrospec Zed Longboard, which has a solid bamboo and maple deck. This board has a versatile design that allows for downhill riding, freestyle, and much more. It will give you complete control over all of your movements.

Before you zero in on a certain board to purchase, we encourage you to learn about each of the following options. All of these boards have an impressive overall design.

How We Picked The Best Longboard for Beginners

As we put together our best longboard for beginner list, there were certain key factors we considered. We looked at how smoothly each board performs on a consistent basis. This largely comes down to its ability to reduce impact force. Shock absorbing wheels go a long way towards giving you a comfortable ride.

We also looked at the amount of flex each longboard offers. If you are just starting out with these boards, you’ll definitely want one that isn’t too stiff. A flexible design will really help you learn the basics of riding with minimal issues.

A Spotlight On Some of The Best Longboard for Beginners 2022:

Windrunner Freeride Longboard

The Windrunner Freeride Longboard has a high-density maple wood construction that is remarkably stiff and durable. This makes it perfect for freestyle riders who are just getting started. It can withstand a maximum weight of 330 pounds.

You’ll find that the 7” alloy trucks on this board make for a very comfortable overall ride. We particularly like the 70-millimeter 80A wheels, which are made of tough polyurethane material. They have a precision design that offers just the right amount of flexibility for optimal performance.

Each of the wheels on this longboard also have a high-rebound design, which helps slow down wear and damage over time. You can therefore expect to get plenty of use from them. They roll very smoothly, even on somewhat rough and uneven terrain.

The top surface of this longboard has an anti-skid design that prevents slipping, which keeps you safe while riding. The emery paper adds quite a bit of friction, so you’ll always stay safe. This layer is also waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about your board getting damaged if it rains.

With a sleek streamlined design, this board definitely has an attractive and stylish look. This makes it an excellent overall choice for the modern longboard rider.

The extraordinarily tough and well-balanced design of the Windrunner Freeride makes it worth considering when seeking out the best longboard for beginners. It has an incredibly versatile design that can meet the needs of just about every rider.

You can expect great performance from the moment you step on. It comes full assembled and will serve you well for quite a long time.

Pros:

• Very durable natural wood construction will last a long time
• Offers a smooth and comfortable overall ride
• Sleek and streamlined design is ideal for modern riders
• Precision wheel design gives you plenty of flexibility
• Anti-skid layer keeps you safe

Cons:

• The bearings on this board could use some minor improvement

Playshion Drop Through Freestyle Longboard

The Playshaion Drop Through Freestyle Longboard has a tough yet flexible deck construction that consists of 8-ply maple. It can accommodate up to 250 pounds, which is a testament to its overall strength and stability.

We were very impressed by the large 70 by 51-millimeter wheels on this board. They feature ABEC-9 bearings, so you can always expect smooth rolling performance. You can stop easily using only your right foot, which helps you stay safe at all times.

The polyurethane material of the wheels is very sturdy and offers excellent grip to keep you rolling along without any issues. They have a width of 51 millimeters, giving you plenty of control. You’ll have no problem riding on a variety of surfaces when getting started.

The 7” aluminum trucks on this board have soft bushings that enable smooth pivoting as well as turning. This is just one of the reasons that we put the Drop Through Freestyle on our best longboard for beginners list.

You’ll also appreciate the dropthrough mounting technology that this longboard uses. There are four inches of space between the board and the ground.

This additional clearance gives you stable performance that you can always rely on. It also allows for easy pushing, so you can achieve an impressive amount of momentum within seconds.

Whether you want to begin riding on a longboard or want to help your child, this one is a particularly good option to consider. It allows for custom performance with some basic adjustments to the trucks.

Pros:

• Plenty of ground clearance for easy pushing
• Adjustable aluminum trucks allow for custom performance
• Polyurethane wheels offer excellent gripping
• Designed for smooth and easy turning/pivoting
• Solid overall deck construction will hold up well with regular use

Cons:

• Some customers say it makes creaking sounds when turning

Volador 42inch Freeride Longboard Complete Cruiser

The Volador Freeride Longboard Complete Cruiser features a drop through camber deck that is designed to absorb impact force. This gives you a more comfortable overall ride that you will definitely notice. This board is also very flexible, which allows for easier turning and enhanced control at slower speeds.

You’ll find that the 8-ply maple construction of this board will hold up well with regular use over the years. It is a sturdy and eco-friendly option that has a lot to offer.

We also like the aluminum 7” kingpin trucks, which have a reversible design. You can adjust these trucks to 45 or 50 degrees for optimal maneuverability. This gives you the ability to customize the performance of this longboard to your preference.

This board also has high-rebound bushings that allow you to handle corners with impressive skill. They are very responsive and offer consistently reliable functionality.

The 70 by 51 millimeter 78A wheels are made of tough polyurethane. The ABEC-9 bearings ensure smooth riding on a wide range of surfaces for maximum versatility.

You will notice that the vibrant graphics on this board give it a unique aesthetic that is quite stylish as a whole. There’s no doubt that the Freeride Complete Cruiser is worth taking a close look at as the best longboard for beginners.

Pros:

• Shock absorbing design gives you a smooth and comfortable ride
• Versatile trucks allow for optimal maneuverability
• Rolls smoothly along many different types of surfaces
• Flexible deck makes it easy to work on your turning
• Vibrant and colorful design is incredibly stylish

Cons:

• Trucks require semi-frequent tightening

DINBIN Freestyle Downhill Cruiser

The DINBIN Freestyle Downhill Cruiser boasts an extremely solid 8-layer maple deck. It has a total weight capacity of 220 pounds to accommodate a variety of riders.

Measuring 42 by 9.25 inches, this board has a sturdy but flexible design that is well-suited for beginners. This includes teenagers who are still learning the basics.

We were really pleased by the 7” aluminum trucks on this board. They have a lightweight and corrosion-resistant construction for years of reliable use.

When combined with high-rebound bushings, you can expect a high degree of stability at all times. This design makes it easy to maneuver turns and retain complete control. You can expect fluid movement, even when riding on surfaces that are not perfectly smooth.

Whether it is downhill riding or freestyle, this board offers consistently impressive performance. The smooth ride that this board offers is largely due to its 70 by 51 millimeter PU wheels, as well as the ABEC-11 bearings. This is the perfect combination for those who are just starting out with longboarding.

Whether you are riding on concerete, tarmac, or even dirt, this board will help you maintain full control with incredible balance. It is specifically designed to handle many different types of terrain with ease.

You’ll find that the innovative design of the DINBIN Freestyle Downhill Cruiser is one of the best longboard for beginners options. It has a retro look that is a throwback to the original 1970s boards.

Pros:

• Attractive retro graphic art design
• Responsive trucks offer high degree of stability and control
• Designed for smooth performance on almost any terrain
• Easy to control through turns
• Incredibly sturdy wheels and bearings give you lots of traction

Cons:

• Not designed for tricks riding at high speeds

Retrospec Zed Longboard

The Retrospec Zed Longboard has a familiar design that is reminiscent of the earlier 1950s models. It uses Anti-Bite Technology that prevents issues with wheel bite. This provides you with consistent stability, so you won’t have to worry about losing your balance.

This board also features wheel wells that put a definitive end to grab. The PU wheels measure 70 by 51 millimeters, sporting a rock finish that looks amazing. These wheels also offer excellent grip, which ultimately gives you a better and more enjoyable ride.

We also have to mention the shock absorbing capabilities of the wheels. You can ride over rough and uneven surfaces without feeling every bump. This makes for a very comfortable ride, which you will definitely appreciate.

One of the most impressive things about this longboard is its precision design. The ABEC-7 ball bearings give you the surge of speed necessary for fast and fun riding. You will therefore have total control when rolling over a variety of surfaces.

When you get on this board you will instantly notice the solid overall construction. The 8-ply hybrid deck is made of maple and bamboo materials. This makes it very strong as well as eco-friendly. It already comes full assembled, so you can start using it right out of the box.

The durable and smooth rolling performance of the Retrospec Zed makes it a great choice for best longboard for beginners. It will provide you with the perfect balance of control and stability on a consistent basis.

Pros:

• Designed to prevent issues with wheel bite and grab
• Excellent for superb low and high speed performance
• Thick polyurethane wheels offer superb grip on a variety of terrain
• Ball bearings offer easy and accurate handling
• Retro design features extra-wide deck for a comfortable ride

Cons:

• Board doesn’t offer as much flex as some others

Best Longboard for Beginners Buying Guide

When looking for the best longboard for beginners, you will need to carefully review your options. The list below will provide you with an important list of criteria to focus on.

Deck

As you try to find the best longboard for beginners, you’ll want to focus on the sturdiness of the deck. Take a look at the materials it is made of. We recommend boards that are made of solid 7 or 8-ply maple wood.

There are quite a few high quality longboards that have a hybrid construction. For example, a maple and bamboo board will most likely provide you with years of dependable use. This gives you a very rugged and eco-friendly construction.

You’ll also want to look into the total weight capacity of each board. This will give you a good idea as to just how durable it really is. It should be able to support at least 220 pounds with no issues.

The deck on your new longboard also needs to have an anti-skid surface layer. This will greatly reduces your chances of slipping, which can result in injury. This might seem like a small detail, but it will allow you to maintain your stability while riding.

Trucks

The trucks are an essential component of any longboard. Take a look at the size of the trucks on each board. They should measure anywhere from 150 to 180 millimeters. The trucks should never stretch past the edges of the deck.

We recommend purchasing a board with aluminum trucks, as they are resistant to corrosion. The size of the trucks is also something you should consider. They should measure about seven inches, as this is the standard size.

Make sure that the trucks on your new board have an adjustable design. You should be able to modify them to either 50 or 45 degrees. This will help a lot with maneuvering as you learn the basics of using a longboard.

If you want the ability to pull off quick turns, you’ll want a board with reverse kingpins. This will allow you to handle even sharp turns skillfully.

Wheels

You definitely need to pay close attention to the wheels on each board as well. You’ll find that the best longboard for beginners will have PU (polyurethane) wheels that measure anywhere from 70 to 75 millimeters.

Take some time to check out the wheel bearings before making a final decision on a certain board. ABEC-9 bearings are widely regarded as being the gold standard when it comes to these boards.

It’s also a good idea to look for boards that have high-rebound wheels with shock absorbing capabilities. This will give you the smoothest possible ride on a consistent basis. You won’t have to worry about feeling every bump in the road, which is always nice.

The very best longboard for beginners will have well-designed wheels that are attached with sturdy rust-proof bolts. This will provide you with reliable stability over the long term. Look for boards that use carbon steel bolts, as they hold up very well for many years.

Size

The size of your new longboard you decide on is another very important factor to keep in mind. You’ll want to look for boards that measure 30 to 46 inches long. While you can certainly look into smaller boards, they will be far more difficult to ride.

The smaller the board, the less stability you are going to have. Because you are just starting out, it is crucial that you have all the stability you can get.

Aesthetic

When you start researching your options for the best longboard for beginners, you’ll notice there are quite a few styles. These boards come in a variety of shapes and designs. It is therefore a good idea for you to spend some time looking into these options.

You might want to think about whether you want a longboard with a modern or retro design. Each one gives off a certain vibe depending on the style and color/artwork. While these details don’t affect performance at all, they will impact your enjoyment of the board.

FAQs:

What longboard is better for beginners?
For beginners, it is recommended to choose a longboard that is wider, longer, and has a softer deck to provide stability and ease of use. A drop-through deck and medium-soft wheels are also great for learning.

Are longboards easy to learn?
Longboarding can be easy to learn with practice and the right equipment. Beginners should start with the basics and work on their balance, turning, and stopping techniques to become proficient riders.

How do I choose a longboard for skating?
When choosing a longboard, consider your skill level, riding style, terrain, and personal preferences. Factors to consider include the deck shape, length, flex, trucks, and wheels.

Should I get a longer or shorter longboard?
The length of the longboard depends on personal preference and the type of riding you plan to do. Longer boards provide stability at high speeds and are better for cruising, while shorter boards are more agile and better for carving and tricks.

Is it easy to stop a longboard?
Stopping a longboard requires practice and proper technique. The most common stopping techniques include foot braking, sliding, and carving. It is important to learn these techniques to safely control your speed.

How fast is too fast on a longboard?
The speed that is considered too fast on a longboard varies based on the rider’s skill level, the terrain, and the equipment. Riders should always wear protective gear and ride within their abilities to avoid injury.

Conclusion

In order to select the best longboard for beginners, you’ll want to look for ones that have a durable construction. We also recommend finding a board that has sturdy wheels that offer excellent gripping. You should be able to traverse a variety of surfaces with complete stability. Feel free to leave a comment below so we know what you think about our list.