The best longboard for any beginner is the one that has a good build quality, supports basic riding style like cruising and speed drop-down, and, most importantly, costs only a small fraction of your savings. The joy of learning a new sport will fade away if any of these essentials are missing. Choose your first longboard wisely as the survival of your newly discovered dream depends on it.
Top 10 Inexpensive Longboards and their Reviews
When a hundred dollar bill is all you can spare for your newly discovered passion, these longboards are the best. They’re not the most solid longboards in the market. But these longboards suffice the purpose and will last a few years until you can afford an upgrade. This guide will help you land at the most suitable longboard for your needs without stretching your wallet beyond $100.
1. Quest Super Cruiser
Quest Super Cruiser is trending in the market these days for its pintail shape. The longboard cruises the rider in leisure, and the ease of with it carves is exceptional. The overall riding experience in light of the price point makes it the best beginner’s longboard.
Features
Designed for broad walkways, the board is 44 inches long; the length adds stability to the board. Its deck consists of 7 plies of maple layers, mostly a layer of artisan bamboo for adding details to the floor. The Super Cruiser is equipped with Quest urethane wheels with a diameter of 70mm and 80A hardness. The 7-inch aluminum trucks are reverse-kingpin and are integrated with ABEC-7 bearings.
The board is flat and not flexible at all. Its stiffness prevents it from diving into carve, and the wide wheelbase precludes the board from turning too rapidly. This is a reassuring feature for many new riders as the swift steering requires greater control and higher skills. The bearing is a weak feature of these boards and demands regular servicing. The rider will soon feel the need to upgrade the wheels specs.
The Bottom Line
Beginners always picture Quest Super Cruiser as their first skateboard because the price is right on point with the overall look of the board. It is amongst the better longboards in the affordable range of longboards. The brand has a good reputation amongst the buyers and has all the essential features to get you going. These boards will last long.
Overall a great board, I’ve already recommended it to a friend looking to longboard!
TLDR Review points
– Amazing finish on the deck
– Very slight camber
– About 2 out of 10 flexibility (pretty stiff)
– Comes preinstalled with 4 spacers and 8-speed rings
– Love the kick nose and tail
– Surfy water ride feeling and great turn response with tight radius
– ABEC 7 bearings with non-removable shields
– Get a skate tool so you can adjust this board to your style
Exactly what I was looking for. I am a big guy 6’3 250. I was looking for a board that could handle my weight and ride with easy or worry. I also didn’t want to spend a lot on a board since I haven’t a road in like 20 years. I love how it is like a traditional skateboard with curves and a tail. I wasn’t too crazy about the flat longboards that have no tail. The wheels give a nice soft feel on the street. The bearings are the only thing I would think of upgrading. I was a little worried about the trucks because I am used to having heavy-duty independent trucks back in the day. But they are holding up well. They are very loose so I had to tighten them pretty tight. All and all I am very satisfied with my purchase and look forward to nice rides on my cruiser. Don’t hesitate to try for the price. You won’t be disappointed.
2. Yocaher Professional Speed Drop Down
Yocaher is a much-loved brand amongst the experienced riders. The Speed Drop Down longboard offers an unmatched speed on downhill surfaces. The board is designed to set the deck closer to the ground. Lower center of gravity enhances the stability of the longboard at higher speeds. The board is stiff, making it perfect for downhill rides.
Features
It is a 42.25 inch long and 9-inch wide deck made with 9-ply maple wood. The 33-inch wheelbase is integrated with heavy-duty aluminum trucks that have reversible kingpins and are top-mounted with a 9.5-inch hanger.
Yocaher boards are designed with Q-Balls and ABEC-7 chrome bearings. The longboard has a curved drop down between the tail and the nose; the cutouts eliminate the wheel bites’ changes.
The Bottom Line
The stiffness of the board, along with concavity, adds to the stability of the board. The trucks are robust, and together with the reverse kingpin, it resists swaying movements. But the bearings do not have the capabilities to handle the speed, especially on downhill rides.
Only the bearings need an upgrade. Otherwise, the longboard is an ideal pick. Once the bearings are replaced, the Yocaher longboard will be uncatchable. Speed Drop Down is made for riders who crave the adrenaline rush.
The quality is supreme, however, I have to say it’s not exactly what I was hoping for. It gets 5 stars because it is everything that it is advertised to be! Super solid and durable, a little shorter than I’d like and tape isn’t quite as grippy as I’d like. I also am higher off the pavement than I’m used to, but all in all it’s a great board for wet climates and if you weigh over 200 lbs like I do.
Beautifully crafted board. Very stiff. Like the old wood boards we used to ride.
3. Atom Drop Through
Freeride skaters prefer the drop through the truck mounting system as it allows them to drift through the curves and slide downhill at the speed of a lightning bolt. The convenience in pushing the board forward eliminates the danger of wear and tear during the regular commutes.
Features
Atom drop-through boards come in various sizes, ranging from 36 inches long to 41 inches. Some articles also include Navigator Drone trucks, which is a hard-to-get feature for this price. This longboard has wider trucks (245mm) than the usual board and therefore turns smoothly.
The 41-inch Atom longboard has trucks integrated with the reverse kingpin. The wheel placement in the design is at an ideal position of 70 mm, and the wheels installed have 78A hardness. The bearings vary between ABEC-5, ABEC-7, and ABEC-9 from model to model.
The Bottom Line
A common complaint against Atom longboards is that the bearings are slow, and the truck bolts loosen up only after a few rides. On the brighter side, these two issues are easily solvable by upgrading the components, eliminating the problem.
The 41-inch boards are the best pick for high-speed rides. As the length of the board decreases, the board loses its stability at higher speeds. But the smallest variants are convenient for getting around the crowded narrow alleys. With the wide variety of longboards, Atom will satisfy the needs of every rider.
I’ve already bought 3 Atom Boards and 1 MBS all-terrain board since i began this new cardio hobby at 30. It’s never too late. These atom boards are solid for beginners. Replace your stock bearings with Bones Reds and you will ride smooth for miles. My friend loves her new longboard. We ride at the beach, parks and do 10 miles a session on a local bike trail. We are working our way up to larger hills. This board will take a hill quite fast. Wear a helmet.
I’ve been using this board for exercise during the COVID-19 quarantine. I’ve had experience with cheap boards in the past and the biggest difference is the friction of the wheels. These seem to roll for ages if you are not going uphill. I have a strong background in snowboarding and was able to pick up the carving skill pretty quickly. I have trail which is almost flat but has a slight downward slope. I’m able to use the carving technique to keep moving for almost a mile without pushing. I typically ride for about 10 miles at a time. After putting about 50 miles, I noticed that all the bolts which connect the board to the trucks were loose. After tightening all 8 bolts I have not had any issues.
4. SCSK8 Professional Speed Drop Down
The SCSK8 board is manufactured while keeping speed as the baseline of the design. The extremely low center of gravity adds to the stability of the board, as you’re much closer to the ground. This design feature allows better control of the board, even at a higher speed. These specs make it the right choice for sliding on inclined surfaces.
Features
The Speed Drop Down model by SCSK8 is constructed with 7 plies hard rock maple, and Pro Black grip tape all over the deck to improve grip. It is 9 inches wide and offers three options in deck length: 36, 40, and 42.25 inches.
The high bounce, flat spot resistant, PU wheels are 70 mm in diameter, and the trucks are 7 inches wide. The red series bearings have an ABEC-9 rating. The board can bear a weight of up to 220 lbs.
The Bottom Line
With a few upgrades on bearing and bushings, this longboard will become twice as good as it was out of the box and stand by you even when you have leveled up your skills. This board is user-friendly as it cruises smoothly, even in tight spaces. The longer boards attract downhill by promising stability at high speed. So the 36 inch Speed Drop Down longboard is a more convenient option for commuting in the town.
This was the first longboard I owned. Bought it in March 2016. Fast forward a couple of months: it still a decent board. Somethings could be changed like the bearings, trucks, or wheels. Care more about the functionality than the aesthetics of it. Appearance-wise, I wanted a “natural look” rather than one with a graphic. Like any other product, it has its pros and cons. This one turned out to be well-constructed. Very satisfied customer.
Awesome longboard and great quality unless you’re doing this for a living! But for 99 percent of people. This board is perfect. I’m amazed at the price and quality! Way to go Amazon and scsk8!! For the people complaining about the bearings. Take the wheels off and spray some graphite on the existing bearings and you’ll honestly be scared to how fast this thing can move.
5. SCSK8 Natural Blank Pintail
The pintail design in longboards has taken inspiration from surfboards. These longboards are made for riders who are into relaxed cruising, with occasional carving only. This SCSK8 board is the least pricey option in the market and is ideal for getting around the city.
Features
SCSK8 is a perfect looking longboard; simplicity is its beauty. This 7-ply maple wood-based longboard uses the top-mount system. The cutaways just above the wheels prevent wheel bite. The aluminum trucks are reverse kingpin and have 7-inch hangers.
The wheels are 70mm in diameter and have 80A hardness. The ABEC-9 red series bearings’ quality and performance beat all the other longboards in this guide.
The Bottom Line
The price this board is offered for is incomparable, but there is a catch. The board has a rather dull look due to the absence of graphics on the deck. SCSK8 has given this longboard a naked look. The visuals of this board may attract some but not the general population.
This board is as essential as it could get with utility as the only goal. The longboard has everything a beginner needs to learn the art of balance and control. But the looks prevent it from becoming an instant pick.
I’m coming back to this to write a review, I bought this in the beginning of 2015. It’s now 2019 and I still ride it. I absolutely love this board and it goes everywhere with me. For the price, I’m astounded at how long this has lasted. The grip tape isn’t even bubbling up or getting ripped. And I ride it regularly. So other than normal wear and tear. It’s perfect. I would recommend this 200% Perfect long-lasting gift to anyone. You won’t be disappointment.
This board is perfect! It came assembled and exactly what I was looking for in a cheap price!! it came way earlier than expected I was supposed to get it on February 23,2015 and I got it on January 21, 2015. I absolutely love it ima obsessed with it.
6. Rimable Drop Through
Rimable has a good reputation in the market, and the longboards are known for its excellent build. The Drop Through boards are designed for high-speed rides. But the design does not stop the freestyle riders from trying trips and tricks on it. The Rimable Drop Through longboards is made for beginners with little or no knowledge of the art of skateboarding.
Features
The 41 inches long and 9.5-inch wide longboard by Rimable is constructed with 9-ply maple wood. The 7-inch hangers, along with the aluminum truck, further increase the stability of the board. The wheel specification, as stated by the manufacturer, is 70mm in diameter and 85A hardness with ABEC-11 bearings.
The Bottom Line
Considering the features offered by this longboard for less than a Benjamin, it is by far the best longboard. There’s no evident compromise on the function to bring its price down. This longboard is an excellent way to enter the sport and get hooked on it.
The dimensions are high for freeriding. The only prerequisite for advancing from the learning stage to becoming an intermediate rider is to upgrade some of the parts of the longboard. The part improves starting with the bearings as these aren’t even ABEC-9.
Class ABEC-11 doesn’t even exist in the bearing classification scale by Annular Bearing Engineering. Nevertheless, the deck alone costs as much as the price Rimable is offering for a fully assembled longboard. Although the board is not suitable for a downhill ride, it can be tailored for that too.
My first longboard. I am 60 years old and am loving this board. Changed out the bushing to soft orangutans (orange) for a better ride. All the kids in the neighborhood want to try my board. Ride is smooth while cruising and carving. Great ride on the street or the sidewalks. I recommend this board to new or experienced skaters. I have ridden it every day that I have had it.
It is an AMAZING BOARD this is the first longboard that I’ve ever had. I recommend to anyone and everyone, that if you are gonna choose a board, choose this one. THE ONLY FLAWS is that at first it has some squeaking when you lean to the sides to turn but that’s about it but if you just stay on it and lean side to side for a couple minutes the squeaks will be gone and also it’s comes wrapped in plastic wrapping so use some tweezers and like a pocket knife to get it off easier but amazing. They did not pay me to write this, I am just very satisfied with this board.
7. Ten Toes Board Emporium Zed
Zed is the first longboard by Ten Toes. The flagship article was released into the market in 2016, and it received positive reviews from the skateboarding community. Zed is an extra-long pintail cruiser that works best for a beginner rider, who is still learning to balance his weight.
Features
Emporium Zed deck is a 44 inches longboard, constructed with 8-ply maple wood. The bamboo laminate adds to the flexibility of the board and assists the rider in carving. The concavity of the deck improves the grip of the rider further.
The wheel specification is 70 mm urethane wheels with 85A hardness and ABEC-7 bearings. The aluminum trucks are reverse-kingpin and come with 7-inch hangers and black brushings of 90A.
The Bottom Line
Zed is the flagship article by Ten Toes. It is a complete package for a beginner and will stick around for a while. With this longboard, you’ll feel the need to upgrade shortly after the learning phase is over. Begin replacing the parts with wheels, followed by the trucks.
The kick in the tail, concave deck is an attractive feature of this board, along with the attractive overall look from the graphics on the deck. The Zed has already made its mark with this cruiser; the riders are anticipating better features.
Super excited to have this board! I’m a beginner and wanted something nice and easy to learn on but still reasonably affordable to see if it’s really my thing, I think this board is perfect for that! It rides really smoothly, and is light enough for me (petite sized girl) to pick up and carry around. I’m about 5’2 and the board comes up to my sternum about.
This longboard is an excellent starters board that has even impressed me. I’ve been skating for years, using skateboards, drop through longboards and cruisers, all expensive high end boards for the experienced consumer. This board caught my eye due to the design, so i figured i would try it. Not only is this the nicest looking board ive used, but this board rides exceptionally smooth for the price tag. I would recommend this to anyone who wishes to start cruising. Just replace the bearings, they’re awful. Also its a stiff board, you won’t get flex with this one.
8. Krown Rasta Freestyle Elite
Krown Rasta introduced its first skateboard back in 1996 and has made a name in the market. Their mission is to serve good quality skateboards built on a budget. This is the best brand for beginners and intermediates alike.
With its Freestyle Elite longboard, the rider is offered both carving and stability. These boards are good for speed racing on hills and cruising on sideways. The drop-through mount design reduces the efforts to push the board by setting the board low.
Features
This 36 inches longboard is constructed with 8-ply maple wood laminate. The short length allows the rider to attain a tucking position, making downhill rides easier. The drop-through trucks and cutaways above the wheels allow the rider to lean without fearing wheel bite. The trucks have reverse kingpins and 7- inch hangers with urethane wheels 71mm in diameter and 78A hardness.
The Bottom Line
As a freestyle longboard, it is perfect for the everyday commute. Cruising and carving are not it’s forte, but this longboard will do that too. The rider can also experiment with some of the basic tricks on the board. The shape and size of the longboard are spot-on.
The parts are as good as the other longboards in this range, if not better. Upgrading the bearings will take the riding experience of these boards to a whole new level. Overall, Krown Rasta Freestyle Elite is perfect for a beginner skateboarder on a budget.
Bought for grandson, he loved it.
This is great for entry level boarding,I bought for my 13 year old to get into longboarding, he REALLY has a great time with it, not high end, but still works great nonetheless-these boards are pretty pricey, so a good way to find out if you really like the sport!
9. Volador 42-inch Freeride
This longboard will win your heart at the very first glance. It is a long, low lying board with generous concavity. The 42 inch Freeride board by Volador yields a speed of up to 40 miles per hour. The features, overall looks, and the riding experience are all right on the price range of Volador.
Features
Volador 42 inch Freeride longboard has the best deck quality amongst all the options in this guide. It is 42 inches long, with a bi-directional kick to the tail and the nose. The concave chambered profile of the deck adds to the flexibility of the board.
This longboard is fitted with a 70 mm super high rebound, urethane wheels with 78A hardness. The bearings are ABEC-9, and the aluminum trucks have 7-inch hangers. Brushing is softer, so the board has better abilities to turn as compared to the rest of the longboards in this price range.
The Bottom Line
The price Volador has to offer for a longboard is surprising because the longboards with such features are usually much more expensive. Running through the reviews will, however, land you to some unhappy customers as well. The limitations of the board become visible only after rigorous usage.
This deck cannot take the stress of sliding on inclined pavements at high speed. The hot-pressing used between board plies is incompatible with the last chamber and deep concave. These boards are great for cruising on straight sidewalks or low gradient hills only.
Great board pretty much right out of the box. The board is a good size; 40″ is neither incredibly long or short. The deck is a little flexy without feeling unstable. The wheels are very soft. The trucks turn VERY well without any adjustment. Of course, as with any cheap board, the bearings aren’t great, but those are easily changed (They were better than my Santa Cruz stock bearings, though).
Love it. I know very little about longboards, and I am very new to this so I’d say excellent beginners board at the very least as it works for me! Get yourself a tool to tighten the trucks to make it flex side to side less if you’re new because that helps a lot!
10. Atom Pintai
Atom Pintail is made for laid back riders, who do not have speed on their list. This longboard is best suited for beginners or riders planning to utilize the board for a regular commute only. The pintail design of these boards dates back to the early days of the skateboarding sport. This cruiser is not going to make you go wow, but it is a decent board with everything right.
Features
Atom’s Pintail is constructed with eight-ply Canadian maple wood. It is 39 inches long and 9.5 inches wide. The deck is overall flat, with only slightly concave across the width. The wheels have 65mm diameter and 78A hardness, making the wheels smaller and harder than standard wheels.
The aluminum-based trucks are attached to an 8.5inch hanger. The bearings are ABEC-5; they are slow and lag quality. Therefore, the bearings are due for replacement instantly after unboxing the board.
This longboard is the real deal! I love how easy it is to turn and direct the board to where I want it to go. The wheels roll nicely and wear evenly over time.
I decided to purchase this longboard for my boyfriend after doing ALOT of research on “the top longboards” for the year and this one was within the price point that I wanted to spend as well as being ranked on the top 5. He LOVES it and he would definitely recommend it. He is an avid, experienced skateboarder and said that it works well for both the beginners as well as the experienced.
The Bottom Line
This longboard is suitable for riders who are not into speeding and are looking for an on the budget cruiser. Atom Pintail is a decent board available at a reasonable price and has an attractive overall look.
The board is easily upgradeable, and the replacement parts are inexpensive, though the aggregated cost after all the upgrade will land you at the cost of another board in the same price range. But the custom longboard will be a perfect longboard that can last for a while.
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