Riding the best cruiser skateboards is a fun, convenient, and eco-friendly way of traveling. Cruiser skateboards can also be a great way to find leisure in the seemingly mundane everyday commute. If you’re new to the world of skateboard cruising, you’ve come to the right place. With this guide, we’ll help you find the best skateboard for cruising for you, as well as learn how to use them in style.
What is a Cruiser Skateboard?
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As the name suggests, a cruiser skateboard is a skateboard for cruising. Often referred to as a “cruiser” or “cruiser deck,” it can be used on pretty much any solid and level ground such as cemented sidewalks, asphalt roads, or your neighborhood streets. While they can be extremely useful for traveling close distances, cruisers cannot be used for intense tricks and for sloping, downhill, or irregular terrain types. In terms of physical features, a cruiser has big wheels, short to medium length, and a back kicktail.
Best Cruiser Skateboards
Similar to choosing the best beginner motorcycle models, finding the best cruiser decks for you can be daunting. This is especially true if you’re a novice. But it doesn’t have to be. We’ve gathered all the best cruisers you can purchase online for a hassle-free and cost-efficient way to enter the skateboarding world. From well-known Globe cruiser skateboards to affordable decks, here are the best cruiser skateboards to jumpstart your skating journey!
1. Arbor Pilsner Complete Skateboard
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For years, Arbor has been at the forefront of the snowboarding and skateboarding gear industry. And the Arbor Pilsner Complete Skateboard certainly embodies the company’s longstanding commitment to quality craftsmanship. This pre-built cruiser comes with a seven-layer hard rock maple wood deck with a palisander wood top sheet. It features a traditional spoon-shaped nose with a wide standing platform and longer wheelbase suitable for most foot and shoe size measurements. It’s 58mm center set wheels are great for cruising on all types of terrains. This cruiser is also equipped with Paris Street 129mm trucks and ABEC-7 bearings with riser pads for added balance and to help to prevent wheel bites.
Get the Arbor Pilsner Complete Skateboard on Amazon.
2. Arbor Axis Complete Skateboard
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Another great cruiser skateboard from Arbor is the Axis Complete Skateboard. Unlike other cruisers on this list which are surfboard-inspired, the Arbor Axis takes inspiration from the slopes of ski trails with its snowboard-inspired design. Crafted with seven-layer Canadian hard rock maple wood, its drop-through deck makes it ideal for cruising along streets and going down mellow slopes. It has a wheel size of 69mm and 180mm trucks, which are soft and grippy, thus making them great for bumpy terrains. Just note that the ABEC rating of the bearings is just an ABEC-5, which isn’t the fastest or smoothest option out there. If you want to increase the speed of this pre-built Arbor skateboard, you may want to replace them. The bearings do come with spacers, which help minimize wheel bites.
Get the Arbor Axis Complete Skateboard on Amazon.
3. Beleev Cruiser Skateboard
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If you’re a beginnerlooking for cheap cruiser skateboards, you certainly can’t go wrong with the Beleev Cruiser Skateboard. Despite its affordable price, it has a 10 mm thick Canadian maple wood deck that can handle up to 220 pounds. With its width of eight inches and length of 27 inches, it has plenty of room for your feet and favorite pair of sneakers. Equipped with five-inch heavy-duty aluminum alloy trucks, this cruiser board is a reliable and sturdy choice for beginners. It has high-rebound, polyurethane wheels with ABEC-7 bearings, both of which allow riders to travel swiftly and smoothly. If you’re a commuter, you’ll find this cruiser very convenient to carry around since it only weighs about four pounds. While it certainly functions well, the Beleev Cruiser Skateboard does not fall back in terms of aesthetics. You can choose from several striking and fun designs and patterns.
Get the Beleev Cruiser Skateboard on Amazon.
4. Magneto Mini Cruiser
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Crafted for everyday cruising, the mini cruiser skateboard from Magneto is a comfortable and easy-to-skate ride. Measuring about 27 inches in length and 8 inches in width with an 18-inch wheelbase, there’s plenty of room for the average foot size. While it is relatively heavier than other cruiser skateboards, it’s still super easy to carry around. The main downside to this cruiser deck is its wheel bearings, which do a poor performance in reducing friction. As such, it may not be the fastest and smoothest skateboard out there. More experienced skaters will love the double kick tails of the Magneto Mini Cruiser since this makes practicing skate tricks such as flips, ollies, and mannies possible!
Get the Magneto Mini Cruiser on Amazon.
5. Landyachtz Dinghy 28″ Complete Skateboard
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For intermediate riders out there, the deep concave design of the 28-inch Landyachtz Dinghy cruiser is a great feature that will give you more control over your movement. It also enables you to make flips and other trips easier. This pre-built board features bear trucks and hawg wheels, both of which promise a smooth ride while cruising streets and even going downhill. In terms of kicktail, the nose and tail are not as pronounced as other skateboards out there, but still offer plenty of pop. Moreover, while there is a significant amount of space between wheels and deck, you may still experience a small number of wheel bites. The soft bushings make maneuvering through sharp corners easier but are rather squeaky.
Get the Landyachtz Dinghy 28″ Complete Skateboard on Amazon.
6. Sakar Tony Hawk Canadian Maple Cruiser Skateboard
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The nine-ply Canadian maple deck of the Sakar Tony Hawk Cruiser is one of the top cruiser skateboard decks out there. Unlike most cruiser decks that typically have seven or eight layers, the extra layer of this Tony Hawk-inspired board makes it much more durable and rigid. This budget-friendly cruiser was built to last and withstand heavy weight or impact! It even comes with a waterproof and lustrous quality that keeps it both durable and appealing. What’s more, its slip-resistant grip tape will keep you balanced and steady.
It’s important to take note that while the deck is certainly impressive, its bearings are not the best. With an ABEC rating of only ABEC-3, it won’t provide the smoothest or fastest glide on the pavement. However, the impact-resistant 95A PU wheels are great for rough surfaces. Plus, both cruiser amateurs and even professional skate cruisers can certainly appreciate the high-quality and cool-looking deck of this cruiser skateboard.
Get the Sakar Tony Hawk Canadian Maple Cruiser Skateboard on Amazon.
7. Globe Sun City Cruiser
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From one of the most distinguished skateboard companies today, the Globe Cruiser Sun City Board is among the best cruiser skateboards out there. With its high-rebound wheels, ABEC-7 bearings, and tensor alloy trucks, it promises smooth cruising even on bumpy roads or streets. It features a 30-inch maple and coconut deck with a total weight of just around 3.4 kilograms, making it a portable and light board to carry or use. The concave shape of the cruiser is very subtle and awesome-looking, too. While on the topic of aesthetics, you will absolutely fall in love with the beautiful Hawaiian print embedded on the cruiser skateboard. The cherry on top is the tropical design of this Globe cruiser board. This eye-catching feature alone truly gives you your money’s worth.
Get the Globe Sun City Cruiser on Amazon.
8. Globe Big Blazer Complete Skateboard
Photo from Amazon
Another great pre-built Globe cruiser board is the Big Blazer Complete Skateboard. This medium-length diamond-tail cruiser has a deck constructed from seven-ply Canadian Maple wood, about 32 inches in length and about nine inches in width. Beginners will appreciate the medium concave and kicktail of the Big Blazer, since these will make maintaining your balance easier. With that in mind, though, it may not be the best option for riders who want to do flips and other tricks. The bearings aren’t the best and the bushings are a bit stiff at first. However, they do come with soft conical wheels, which are among the best skateboard wheels in the market. As such, you’ll still get a smooth ride, even on rough cracked roads.
Get the Globe Big Blazer Complete Skateboard on Amazon.
9. Retrospec Quip Skateboard
Photo from Amazon
Some of the best cruiser skateboards are built from maple wood, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find quality cruiser boards made from other materials. The Quip from Retrospec is a small but mighty plastic board with a waffle deck that ensures a solid grip, even without the grip tape! It runs on PU wheels with high-speed carbon bearings that result in a smooth ride. Meanwhile, its slant kingpin trucks mean it’s easy to maneuver. Its small and lightweight design makes it ultra portable and easy to store, but there’s still enough room to stand on.
Get the Retrospec Quip Skateboard on Amazon.
10. Z-Flex Surf-a-Gogo 29″ Cruiser
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The Surf-a-Gogo is a Z-Flex cruiser that looks straight out of the boardwalk of Venice Beach with its design effortlessly mixing surf and skate culture styles. The shape is reminiscent of classic surfboards, but its lack of nose makes it less ideal for learning tricks. However, if you are looking for a board strictly for leisurely cruising, you certainly can’t go wrong with this 29-inch cruiser. It comes with 63mm 83A wheels, which are great for daily commutes on almost all concrete surfaces. Meanwhile, it’s powder-coated trucks with 90A bushings provide ultimate control when turning.
Get the Z-Flex Surf-a-Gogo 29″ Cruiser on Amazon.
11. ChromeWheels 31” Skateboard
Photo from Amazon
Ideal for riders of all levels, the 31-inch cruiser deck from ChromeWheels boasts a double kick concave profile that’s great for simple cruising and executing basic tricks and flips. Equipped with thick aluminum trucks and steel axles, it can support riders up to 220 pounds. The sturdy deck is crafted from eight-layer maple wood construction and has a non-slip grip tape allowing for better stability and balance. It runs on 50mm polyurethane wheels with ABEC-7 bearings that absorb shock and vibrations. Meanwhile, the PU bushings guarantee a smooth ride, regardless if you’re cruising on paved streets or rough terrain. In terms of aesthetics, you can choose from 10 fun prints, ranging from red flames to graffiti-inspired designs.
Get the ChromeWheels 31” Skateboard on Amazon.
12. Quest Super Cruiser Skateboard
Photo from Amazon
The Quest Super Cruiser Skateboard is a well-built cruiser featuring a deck made from a blend of bamboo and maple wood. Decorated in black abstract graphics, this 44-inch skateboard boasts a subtle wooden look that’s sleek and casual. Despite its understated appearance, there’s still a pop of color from its red 70 mm polyurethane wheels—a feature that is surely eye-catching. The wheels aren’t just for show, though. The stoneground surface of these cruiser skateboards allows them to slide easily against pavements, promising a smooth ride. What’s more, they’re super shock-resistant. Meanwhile, the reverse kingpin trucks accompanied by the carbon bearings mean you have more control when cruising.
Get the Quest Super Cruiser Skateboard on Amazon.
13. Meketec 22-Inch Mini Cruiser Retro Skateboard
Photo from Amazon
Looking for the best small cruiser skateboards for kids? The 22-inch kids skateboard from Meketec is decked out with PU wheels with a wheel size of 60mm and ABEC-7 bearings. Made from sturdy polypropylene plastic, the deck is durable yet still lightweight, making it easy to carry around even for the younger boarders. It comes with an anti-slip pattern, which ensures stability while riding. What’s more, children will love the unique design selection that ranges from solid block colors to bright and colorful patterns.
Get the Meketec 22-Inch Mini Cruiser Retro Skateboard on Amazon.
14. Penny Australia Stringer 27”
Photo from Amazon
Another high-quality plastic cruiser is the Stringer 27” from the brand Penny Australia. While the Meketec cruiser skateboard comes in playful designs, the Stringer 27” sports neutral colors that pay homage to the retro surf culture and street style of the 70s. Its non-slip waffle top deck offers steadiness and balance while its soft 59mm 83A polyurethane wheels ensure a smooth and fast ride. Furthermore, thanks to its lightweight and compact construction, you can take it with you anywhere. It can even fit into the most everyday backpacks! And since this Penny board comes pre-built, you don’t have to worry about any assembling — just hit the city streets.
Get the Penny Australia Stringer 27” on Amazon.
15. SereneLife Mini Cruiser
Photo from Amazon
The SereneLife Mini Cruiser is a 28-inch cruiser skateboard with 60mm PU wheels and ABEC-7 bearings. It’s great for both casual cruising and executing basic tricks. Unlike some of the best skate decks out there, its five-inch wide deck only has a six-layer construction, which is opposed to the standard seven-ply construction. It has five layers of Canadian maple deck wood and one layer of bamboo. While both materials are still considerably durable, this mini- cruiser may not be as hard and rigid as others. Despite this, it’s still suitable for riders weighing up to 220 pounds. This is thanks to its robust five-inch aluminum trucks. You may need to loosen the trucks if you find them a bit tight.
Get the SereneLife Mini Cruiser on Amazon.
Comparison From Other Board Types
The different kinds of skateboards can be quite confusing at first glance. Indeed, they are all ridden hither and yon and have similar parts such as a deck and skateboard wheels. With a much closer look and more understanding, these boards actually hold a significant difference from one another. From purpose to key aspects, their variations make them stand out.
Regular Skateboard vs Cruiser Skateboards
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A regular skateboard is devised particularly to do tricks and board maneuvers. A cruiser skateboard, on the other hand, is not designed to perform such tricks. You can still try but compared to a skateboard, you’ll have a harder time doing tricks on a cruiser. For one, a cruiser’s board is much heavier and hefty. Flipping it over or doing an ollie, for instance, would be much more challenging. Compared to a skateboard, a cruiser is significantly more comfortable and easier to use for travel.
Longboard vs Cruiser
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Among the most significant differences between a longboard skateboard and a cruiser lies in their weight and size. Longboards are typically longer (thus, the name) and are much heavier. Due to these qualities, they are a tad bit less convenient to carry or move around compared to cruisers. If you’re often commuting or would want to skip the hassle of carrying a big longboard, a cruiser would certainly fit your travel needs better.
Notably, a longboard is particularly designed for long-distance trips as compared to a cruiser that can be comfortably used for short-distance commutes. Longboards can accommodate wide turns and fast speeds—allowing the rider to use these boards on any kind of terrain. In contrast, a cruiser cannot be ridden on sloped or uneven ground due to its shape. Riding a longboard will feel more balanced and stable, which makes it easier to ride for a longer interval and distance.
How to Use Cruiser Skateboards
Like other activities that you’re trying out for the first time, learning how to ride cruiser decks can seem daunting or challenging at first. However, it is actually easy to learn and do. With enough time and practice, you can certainly familiarize yourself with it and slowly work your way towards perfecting the stance, form, and technique. Like how many people can benefit from the best teardrop trailers, learning how to cruise can also help you acquire a more convenient and fun way of traveling.
There are three main things that you have to consider and learn before getting on the best cruiser skateboards properly. These include:
Footing, Stance, and Balance
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Since you’ll be riding a cruising skateboard, you’ll certainly have to learn how to balance yourself on it. If you have experience with using other skate or board types, you’re more likely to get the hang of it pretty quickly. If not, all you need to do is practice and exert effort to learn it well. Among the first things you’ll have to do is to learn the proper stance and footing of cruiser riding. Believe it or not, proper form is essential in riding a cruiser—the same way that maintaining a proper form when you do home gym exercises is also important. Doing so will not only help you learn the technique well, but also keep you safe from unwanted accidents or injuries.
To do this, you first have to find your ‘front foot’. When trying out the cruiser, the front foot is the one placed on the board while the back foot is the one used to push yourself when you ride. Take note that finding your front foot is a trial and error process. The best way to know which foot works best is by trying both out. Take note that there is no one general rule about one foot being much better than the other for front and back foot consideration. The most essential thing is that you choose one that feels more comfortable and naturally easy for you.
Pushing Technique
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Pushing yourself—literally—is an important aspect of learning the art of skate-cruising. This allows you to drive the board forward and pick up speed. The following instructions will help you push yourself effectively and properly on the board:
- Start by placing your front foot on the board. If you’re a beginner, make sure that you keep your front foot straight on the board for better balance.
- Keep your front foot on the board as you start pushing with the other foot. Make sure you keep the front foot stable as the back foot does the pushing. Be careful not to do this motion too quickly or powerfully since you can lose your balance, especially as an amateur.
- When you get the hang of pushing, keep doing it until you have finally picked up enough speed to go forward. Then, slowly place your back foot on the board to have your whole body riding on the cruiser. Make sure that you place it behind your front foot, so as to not lose balance.
- With both feet on the board, take note that they should be parallel to each other. Moreover, the front and back feet should be perpendicular to the board. Make sure that you’re maintaining the proper footing and stance as you ride the cruiser.
Swerving and Brakes
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When riding the best cruiser skateboards, you aren’t merely going in a straight line forever. You’ll surely need to turn to get to the place you need to go to. There will be lots of things and even people that can block your way during your travel, as well. In turn, learning how to swerve properly will help you avoid obstacles and accidents.
To turn and swerve, you have to:
- Start with your front and back foot in a parallel stance. Then, rotate your body and cruiser to the left as you shift your weight to the board’s heel. This lets you turn the board to the left.
- Relatively, shift your body weight to the board’s toe portion if you wish to swerve to the right.
On the topic of accidents, riding a cruiser deck requires your alertness and ability to stop when you need to. While you can simply stop pushing and slow down gradually, there will be times when you’ll have to halt the cruiser altogether. While there are various methods for you to stop a cruiser skateboard, there is one simple, easy, and effective way for you to do this.
- As you ride the cruiser, gradually heave your back foot outwards. Do this carefully, especially if you’re already riding at a fast speed. Keep your front foot stable on the board as you do this step so you won’t flip over or fall.
- Keep your foot a bit tipped as you then slowly push down your toes and your weight on the board. Doing so should help you lose speed and do a brake.
The Best Cruiser Skateboards for You
Without a doubt, it’s never too late to start working towards your dream of becoming the next Tony Hawk with the best cruiser skateboards. There are always various materials to choose from and designs that will best fit your personality and taste. Whether you’re looking for a new hobby or want to pursue pro-skating, do keep in mind that it will take time and dedication for you to master it. Above all, don’t forget to stay safe and have fun. This way, you’ll be able to make your skating experience even more memorable and worthwhile.
