Tired of being stuck in traffic or waiting for crowded buses? Imagine gliding effortlessly through your town, feeling the breeze on your face as you commute to work or school. Longboarding can make that a reality!
But choosing the right longboard for your daily travels isn’t always easy. There are so many types, sizes, and features to consider. You want a board that’s comfortable, reliable, and makes your commute enjoyable, not a struggle. It can be confusing to know what will work best for your specific needs.
This post will break down what makes a great commuting longboard. We’ll explore the key features you need to look for, from deck shape and wheel size to trucks and bearings. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to pick a board that will transform your daily journey. Get ready to discover the perfect longboard that will make your commute a breeze!
Our Top 5 Longboard For Commuting Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Longboard For Commuting Detailed Reviews
1. Magneto Kicktail Cruiser Longboard Skateboard – 44″ x 9″
Rating: 8.6/10
The Magneto Kicktail Cruiser Longboard Skateboard offers a smooth and fun ride, inspired by the laid-back surf culture of Southern California. This 44-inch board is built for cruising, carving, and even a bit of downhill action, making it a fantastic choice for teens and adults alike. It’s a great way to get around town or explore new paths.
What We Like:
- The bamboo and maple deck provides both strength and a natural, cool look.
- The 70mm, 78A urethane wheels are super smooth and grip well, even on bumpy roads.
- The kicktails add versatility, letting you pop the board for tricks or quick turns.
- It’s a fun and active alternative to bikes or roller skates for exploring.
- Magneto offers great customer service, answering questions quickly.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for cruising, it might not be the best choice for serious downhill racing.
- The sand grit finish for grip is simple, but some might prefer a more aggressive grip tape for aggressive riding.
This longboard is an excellent option for anyone looking for a stylish and versatile ride. Get ready for some awesome outdoor adventures with this board!
2. Retrospec Zed Pintail Longboard Skateboard Complete Cruiser
Rating: 9.1/10
The Retrospec Zed Pintail Longboard Skateboard is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to cruise, carve, or commute. It combines a cool vintage look with modern features, making it enjoyable for both beginners and experienced riders.
What We Like:
- It’s built tough with strong Canadian maple and flexible bamboo, so it lasts a long time.
- Riding is super smooth thanks to good bearings and large wheels.
- You won’t get wheel bite, which is when the wheels rub the board, so you can ride without worry.
- It comes ready to ride right out of the box – no assembly needed!
- The pintail shape and reverse kingpin trucks let you “surf” the streets, making turns feel natural.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for cruising and carving, it might not be ideal for very aggressive downhill riding.
- The 85A wheels are good for grip, but might feel a bit stiff on rougher surfaces.
This longboard offers a fun and reliable way to get around or just enjoy a ride. It’s a solid option for anyone wanting a stylish and functional cruiser.
3. GoRide Electric Skateboard or Regular Skateboard Longboard Backpack Bag Carrier for Any Size Board with Laptop Case for Commuting
Rating: 8.5/10
The GoRide Electric Skateboard Backpack is a fantastic way to carry your board and all your gear. Whether you’re commuting to work, heading to college, or just exploring the city, this backpack makes it easy. It’s designed to fit most skateboards and mini electric skateboards, so you don’t have to worry about it not fitting your ride. Plus, it has a special spot for your laptop and plenty of extra pockets for all your essentials.
What We Like:
- It has a dedicated laptop case, perfect for school or work.
- There are two bottle holders, great for staying hydrated on the go.
- Big storage areas hold lots of stuff, like a day pack.
- Side pockets are deep enough for spare batteries or a small tripod.
- It fits most skateboards up to 38 inches long and 20 pounds.
- The design looks cool and works for everyone.
- It’s padded and breathable for comfortable carrying.
- Strap support helps your shoulders and hips feel better.
- The backpack has extra foam padding to keep your things safe.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it holds many boards, extremely large or heavy electric skateboards might not fit.
- The “fashionable design” could be seen as generic by some users.
This GoRide backpack is a smart choice for anyone who needs to carry their skateboard and tech in one convenient bag. It balances functionality with comfort, making your daily travels much smoother.
4. VOLADOR Urban Freeride Pro Longboard Cruiser 40-42inch
Rating: 9.3/10
The VOLADOR Urban Freeride Pro Longboard is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to cruise around town or start exploring the world of freeride longboarding. It’s built for urban adventures and offers a smooth ride.
What We Like:
- The deck is made of strong Canadian maple wood. It’s built tough and can hold up to 220 pounds.
- The camber concave helps spread your weight evenly. This makes the ride more comfortable and absorbs bumps.
- It has double-kick tails. These let you do simple tricks and turn quickly.
- The trucks are adjustable. You can change how they turn to suit your riding style.
- The wheels are soft and grippy. They give you good control, which is great for learning new skills.
- The bearings are high quality. They help the wheels spin smoothly and last a long time.
- The grip tape is super sticky. It keeps your feet in place, even when you’re sliding.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the deck is durable, some riders might prefer a slightly wider or different shape for advanced tricks.
- The “Fuji Spring” aspect isn’t fully detailed, leaving some curiosity about its specific impact on the ride feel.
This longboard is a solid option for beginners and experienced riders alike. It balances fun and practicality for your daily commute or cruising sessions.
5. Loaded Boards Tangent Longboard Commuting Cruising Skateboard Complete (105mm Dad BOD 77a Wheels
Rating: 8.7/10
The Loaded Boards Tangent Longboard is your ultimate companion for exploring your city. Whether you’re commuting to work or just cruising around, this board is designed to make your ride smooth and fun.
What We Like:
- GO FASTER, FURTHER: Big wheels and strong trucks help you pick up speed and keep it going. You can ride for a long time without getting tired.
- UNRIVALED CONTROL: The board is low to the ground, making it easy to steer, even when you’re going fast. Special corner shapes help you know where your feet are, so you don’t slip off.
- RELAXED ERGONOMICS: The board feels comfy and secure. The shape of the deck makes it easy to stand in different ways, which is nice for longer rides.
- INNOVATIVE CONSTRUCTION: It’s made with strong materials that are light. This makes the ride smooth and the board lasts a long time. Special grip tape helps you place your feet just right.
- TWO SETUPS: You can choose between super soft, big wheels for a super smooth ride, or slightly smaller, firmer wheels for quicker turns.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “Dad BOD” wheels might be a bit too big for some riders who prefer a lower board.
- While durable, the composite construction might not appeal to riders who only want a traditional maple deck.
This Loaded Boards Tangent Longboard offers a fantastic blend of speed, control, and comfort for any rider. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their daily commute or just enjoy a smooth, fun ride.
Your Commute, Elevated: The Ultimate Longboard Buying Guide
Getting to school, work, or just around town on a longboard is a blast! It’s way more fun than walking and can be faster than waiting for a bus. But with so many longboards out there, how do you pick the right one for your daily travels? This guide will help you find the perfect longboard for your commute.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re looking for a commuting longboard, a few things are super important.
- Deck Size and Shape: You want a deck that’s long enough to feel stable but not so long that it’s hard to carry. A “pintail” shape (wider at the front, narrower at the back) is great for stability. “Drop-through” decks, where the trucks are mounted through the deck, make the board lower to the ground, which is easier for pushing and stability.
- Wheel Size and Hardness: Bigger wheels (around 70mm or more) roll over cracks and bumps more easily. Softer wheels (around 78a-83a) give you a smoother ride and better grip.
- Trucks: These are the metal parts that connect your wheels to the deck. Look for “reverse kingpin” trucks. They are more stable at higher speeds and make turning easier.
- Bearings: These are small metal rings inside your wheels that help them spin smoothly. Good bearings make a big difference in how fast and far you can roll.
Important Materials
The stuff your longboard is made of matters a lot.
- Deck Material: Most longboard decks are made of maple wood. Maple is strong and flexible, which is perfect for a smooth ride. Some boards might have bamboo mixed in, which makes them lighter and more springy.
- Wheel Material: Longboard wheels are usually made of polyurethane. The hardness of the polyurethane is measured by an “a” scale. Softer wheels are better for commuting.
- Truck Material: Trucks are typically made of aluminum. Strong aluminum trucks can handle a lot of use.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a longboard awesome, while others can make it a pain to use.
- Things That Make it Better:
- Smooth Ride: Good quality wheels and bearings mean you won’t feel every little bump in the road.
- Stability: A wider deck and well-made trucks give you confidence when you’re riding.
- Durability: Strong materials mean your board will last a long time, even with daily use.
- Ease of Pushing: A lower deck and good bearings make it easier to push off and keep rolling.
- Things That Make it Worse:
- Wobbly Ride: Cheap, small wheels or bad bearings will make your ride bumpy and slow.
- Instability: A narrow deck or poorly made trucks can feel shaky, especially at faster speeds.
- Breakage: Low-quality materials can break easily, which is dangerous.
- Hard to Push: A deck that’s too high or wheels that don’t spin well will make your commute tiring.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a longboard for commuting is all about making your journey enjoyable and efficient.
- Daily Commuting: Imagine cruising to class or work, gliding past traffic. A stable, smooth-riding longboard makes this a reality. You can easily push off, maintain speed, and navigate sidewalks and bike lanes.
- Running Errands: Need to grab something from the store? Your longboard is a quick and eco-friendly way to get there and back.
- Exploring Your Town: Discover new paths and see your neighborhood from a new perspective. Longboarding is a fantastic way to explore.
- Carrying Your Board: When you need to go inside or hop on public transport, you’ll want a board that’s not too heavy or awkward to carry. Most commuting longboards are designed with this in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What’s the best deck length for commuting?
A: For commuting, a deck between 36 and 42 inches is usually a good choice. It’s long enough for stability but not too big to carry.
Q: Are soft or hard wheels better for commuting?
A: Softer wheels (around 78a-83a) are better for commuting. They absorb vibrations and provide better grip, giving you a smoother and safer ride.
Q: What kind of trucks should I look for?
A: Reverse kingpin trucks are recommended for commuting. They offer more stability and easier turning than traditional kingpin trucks.
Q: How important are bearings for commuting?
A: Very important! Good quality bearings allow your wheels to spin freely and for a longer time, making your pushing more efficient and your ride smoother.
Q: Can I use my longboard on rough roads?
A: Bigger, softer wheels will help you roll over cracks and small bumps better. However, very rough roads can still be challenging.
Q: Is it hard to learn to commute on a longboard?
A: It takes a little practice, but most people find it easy to learn the basics of pushing and turning. Start slow and wear protective gear!
Q: How do I carry my longboard when I’m not riding it?
A: Most commuting longboards are designed to be reasonably light and easy to carry by hand or under your arm. Some people use backpack straps designed for skateboards.
Q: What maintenance do longboards need?
A: You should occasionally clean your bearings and check that your trucks are tight. Keep the deck dry to prevent damage.
Q: Is a drop-through deck better for commuting than a top-mount deck?
A: A drop-through deck sits lower to the ground, which means more stability and less effort to push. Many commuters prefer them.
Q: What safety gear should I wear when commuting on a longboard?
A: Always wear a helmet! You should also consider knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards, especially when you are starting out.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.