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Cruiser Skateboard Guide - Choosing the Best Skateboard for Cruising
This guide will take you through the essentials of cruiser skateboards. Our objective is to equip you with the crucial knowledge needed to select the perfect cruiser board, whether it’s for you, your child, or a friend to accompany you on your cruiser escapades.
You’re free to jump directly to the section that most piques your interest, or you may explore our range of cruiser skateboards if you’re already certain of your requirements.
Overview
Overview
What Defines a Cruiser Skateboard?
Cruiser boards position themselves between a typical (trick) skateboard and a longboard. Although it's possible to cruise on any skateboard, cruiser boards are uniquely crafted for an easy, comfortable, and effortless cruising experience anywhere. They distinguish themselves from the rest as they aren’t intended for vast distances, hill-bombing, or executing technical tricks at the skatepark. Primarily, they’re for cruising around.
The components of a cruiser board include a deck, a pair of trucks, and four wheels, much like all skateboards. The deck is the surface where you position your feet, while the trucks are essential in determining your turning style. The wheels, paired with bearings (two per wheel), function to give you a seamless ride. While all parts of a cruiser skateboard bear similarity to those on a longboard or standard skateboard, their size and features are meticulously chosen to enhance cruising ability.
Which Skateboards Excel in Cruising?
The finest cruiser skateboards should smoothly handle varied terrains and diverse surfaces. They should also be manoeuvrable and nimble, enabling you to adeptly navigate sharp angles and swiftly avoid obstacles.
For an effective cruiser board, larger and softer wheels are usually favoured compared to those found on a usual skateboard. While not essential at both ends, possessing a kick tail is crucial on your cruiser for manoeuvres like kick turns or ollies.
A proficient cruiser board is readily portable, ensuring you can comfortably board a train or attend a class without logistical hurdles. As cruiser boards are commonly utilised for commuting, an ideal cruiser should naturally be your handy travel companion from point A to B, remaining conveniently by your side once you arrive.
In essence, this is where cruiser boards really excel: in contrast to other transportation methods, a cruiser board is compact, efficient, and relatively hassle-free.
You could find the perfect cruiser for yourself, your kid, or your partner within our selection:
Mini Cruiser Skateboards – Your Travel Companion Everywhere
Mini cruiser boards have gained immense popularity in recent years. They are the smallest, most portable member in the array of wooden cruiser boards. Essentially, these are a downsized version of regular cruiser skateboards, granting added convenience for on-the-go use. Although they might be less enjoyable for extended rides, they are ideal for quick rides or casual fun in the driveway. However, remember that their narrower and shorter build may not appeal to those with larger feet and longer legs as much as a regular cruiser might.
Typically, mini cruisers are under 30” in length. Sometimes, they feature a flat nose designed to position the trucks as far forward as possible, offering a longer wheelbase for enhanced stability.
If you’re keen on experiencing the sheer joy and practicality of a small skateboard cruiser, consider mini cruisers. We boast a comprehensive range of cruiser skateboards for kids. You can also apply filters in our adult cruiser board selection by size to discover the tiniest available options.
Cruiser vs Longboard – Should You Opt for a Longboard or Cruiser Board?
In comparing a longboard cruiser against a dedicated cruiser board, consider the following aspects:
- Cruiser boards: These are more manoeuvrable and agile compared to longboard cruisers. Due to their shorter wheelbase, they offer a tighter turning radius and are more easily portable.
- Longboard cruisers: These provide greater stability and are easier to control compared to a regular cruiser setup. If you need to traverse a lot of uneven ground during your commutes, a longboard cruiser will offer a smoother ride than a cruiser board. Additionally, for covering long distances, you won’t have to push as hard provided you have a proper longboard cruiser.
The table below helps you ascertain the pros and cons of cruiser skateboards versus longboards, aiding you in aligning them with your personal preferences and needs:
| Aspect | Cruiser Skateboards | Longboards |
|---|---|---|
| Maneuverability | More manoeuvrable owing to a shorter wheelbase | Less manoeuvrable owing to a longer wheelbase |
| Agility | Higher agility | Lower agility |
| Stability | Lower stability | Higher stability |
| Portability | Easily portable on public transport | Less portable, requiring more space |
| Terrain | Less appropriate for rugged terrain | Better suited for rough terrain |
| Distance Riding | Not optimal for long distances | Superior for long-distance rides |
Consider visiting our Longboard Buying Guide if more extended skateboards have piqued your curiosity:
Plastic Penny Board vs Wooden Cruiser Skateboard
Penny boards fall within the cruiser skateboard category. Their compact nature makes them exceedingly easy to carry. While they may not be the most comfortable or rapid boards to ride, their portability is unsurpassed. Moreover, lacking traditional grip tape means they won’t scratch anything they come into contact with, unlike standard grip tape.
One benefit of a plastic deck, such as those on Penny boards, is that water damage isn’t a grave concern. Unlike wooden decks (which soften and lose rigidity when soaked), a Penny skateboard retains its properties even when damp. Though it’s important to note that nuts, bolts, and bearings might rust, and the decks become slick when wet, thus using a Penny skateboard in rainy weather isn’t recommended. The true benefit lies in not worrying about your deck transforming into a soggy sponge during unexpected downpours while cruising.
Generally, wooden cruiser skateboards are larger than Penny skateboards, offering more room for your feet. This extra space makes balancing considerably easier as you can place your feet further apart.
While considering the advantages and disadvantages of Penny boards against wooden cruiser boards, determine if Penny boards’ extreme portability trumps the balance, cruising capabilities, and enjoyment from a larger traditional cruiser deck. The choice is yours!
The following table highlights key advantages and disadvantages of wooden cruiser skateboards versus plastic Penny boards:
| Aspect | Wooden Cruiser Skateboards | Plastic Penny Boards |
|---|---|---|
| Maneuverability | Effortlessly manoeuvrable | Potentially more manoeuvrable due to smaller size, but the limited distance between feet can make control challenging |
| Stability | More stable | Less stable |
| Portability | Larger than Penny boards, yet still portable | Highly portable, lightweight, and compact |
| Comfort and distance | Offers more comfort during long rides | Less comfort for extended distances |
We offer a diverse selection of plastic cruisers and Penny boards in vibrant color schemes. Feel free to peruse our collection:
Selecting Cruiser Skateboards for Novices and Children
Cruiser boards are a superb choice for beginners. Unlike trick-focused skateboards, they yield a more comfortable and controlled ride on various surfaces due to their large, soft wheels. Although they aren't crafted for technical skating at the skatepark, many beginners find learning to steer and ride a skateboard already presents satisfying challenges. Essentially, a more trick-designed skateboard might not be necessary for many novices.
Cruiser Skateboards for Children
Mini cruisers serve as outstanding beginner skateboards for kids. They provide a valuable platform to learn basic pushing, turning, and getting comfortable with wheels beneath them.
However, for older children with long legs, a short mini cruiser might not be the best choice, as the shorter wheelbase could complicate control. In that case, opt for a cruiser board around 30" long or more.
Cruiser Skateboards for Adults
Cruiser skateboards are an excellent option for adults due to the vast array of boards suited for daily commutes and leisurely rides. When selecting a cruiser board, evaluate how much you value smooth cruising against practicality, deciding whether a larger or smaller board suits you better. Also, consider if you want a cruiser board fit for tricks. If tricks excite you, look for boards equipped with a double kick.
Cruiser Skateboard Decks
Cruiser skateboard decks come in numerous sizes and shapes, sharing several attributes. Primarily, they are mostly directional. Some cruiser decks lack a nose entirely, whereas others feature a nose, mirroring a street skateboard shape. Designed for cruising, cruiser decks are usually broader than traditional skateboard decks, thus offering a comfortable cruising platform that isn’t tuned for flip tricks (though this shouldn't stop you from attempting a flip trick on your cruiser setup).
Classic Skateboard Decks?
Cruiser skateboard decks are frequently termed as old school skateboard decks due to their distinctive shape, characterised by a kicktail that is noticeably more prominent than the nose. This design definitely pays tribute to the iconic old school decks from skateboarding's 1970s era.
In contrast, contemporary cruiser skateboards have seen significant refinement, often featuring varying degrees of concave for optimal foot grip whilst skating. Many of today's cruiser boards also include wheel wells, aimed at minimising the risk of wheel bites and allowing for a marginally lower setup than what would typically be feasible.
A further modern advancement in the design of cruiser skateboard decks is the integration of reinforcement materials among the standard wooden plies. Some cruiser decks incorporate fibreglass or carbon layers, which bolster the deck's strength and longevity.
Wheels for Cruiser Skateboards
Optimal cruiser wheels will elevate your cruising experience, with a focus on ensuring smooth rides across an array of surfaces. Although rapid acceleration is not their primary concern, cruiser wheels are crafted to sustain speed once achieved.
Consider these essential factors when selecting the best cruiser skateboard wheels:
Size of Cruiser Wheels
When picking cruiser wheels, think about using larger wheels for greater stability and smoother journeys across diverse terrains, though be aware that smaller wheels contribute to better agility but may result in sudden halts.
- Larger wheels: Provide more stability and smoother rides but are less manoeuvrable.
- Smaller wheels: Offer more agility and are more influenced by uneven surfaces.
Hardness of Cruiser Wheels
In deciding cruiser wheel hardness, choose softer wheels for superior grip and shock absorption on uneven surfaces, or harder wheels if speed is needed on flat surfaces with easier sliding. Wheel hardness is measured on the durometer scale, and for cruising, it's advisable to keep below 90A hardness.
- Softer wheels: Enhance grip and absorb surface unevenness more proficiently.
- Harder wheels: Provide more speed on smooth surfaces and enable easier sliding.
Shape of Cruiser Wheels
The wheel shape pertains to the lip or cut of the wheel's sides, which directly influences its contact patch – the wheel's contact area with the riding surface.
- Sharp edges: Broader contact patch for a smooth and stable ride.
- Rounded or bevelled edges: Smaller contact patch, offering a more nimble and dynamic wheel with improved slide ability.
Cruiser skateboard wheels are available in numerous colours and designs, ranging from traditional old school skateboard wheels to modern and glossy wheels with LED features built into the cores.
