Best Longboards in 2025: How to Choose the Right One for You

Longboarding continues to evolve, and 2025 is shaping up to be a great year for beginners and

seasoned riders alike. With an ever-expanding range of styles, shapes, and materials, choosing the

right board can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re looking to cruise through your city, bomb hills,

or carve like a surfer on land, this guide will help you find the perfect fit.

In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between shortboards, cruisers, and longboards,

and guide you on how to choose the right board based on your riding style and goals.

Understanding the Basics: Shortboards vs. Cruisers vs.Longboards

Board Type	Length	Best For	Features
Shortboard	28″–33″	Tricks, skateparks, street	Lightweight, responsive, best for flip tricks
Cruiser	28″–38″	Urban commuting, light carving	Comfortable, smooth ride, portable
Longboard	36″–46″+	Downhill, carving, long-distance	Stable, smooth, ideal for speed and distance

Shortboards: Best for Tricks and Technical Skating

Who it’s for: Skaters who love doing tricks, skating at the park, or grinding rails.

Shortboards are the classic skateboards you’ll see in street skating videos. With a symmetrical

shape, upturned nose and tail, and a compact size, they’re built for tricks — not comfort or cruising.

Pros:

•Perfect for ollies, flips, and technical tricks

•Light and portable

•Great for skateparks and street spots

Cons:

•Not ideal for long distances

•Rough ride on uneven pavement

•Less stability at high speeds

Cruisers: Versatile, Comfortable, and Perfect for Cities

Who it’s for: Riders who want a nimble board for getting around town or casual carving.

Cruisers strike a great balance between the performance of a shortboard and the comfort of a

longboard. They often have softer wheels and a kicktail, making them smooth over rough pavement

and maneuverable in tight spots.

Pros:

•Smooth ride over cracks and bumps

•Easier to carry than longboards

•Good for short commutes and casual carving

Cons:

•Not built for tricks or downhill speed

•Can feel unstable at very high speeds

Longboards: Ideal for Speed, Carving, and Long-Distance Rides

Who it’s for: Riders focused on downhill, long-distance rides, or smooth carves.

Longboards come in many shapes — pintail, drop-through, top-mount — each suited for specific

purposes. In 2025, newer materials (like carbon-fiber composites and eco-friendly bamboo) are

making longboards lighter and stronger than ever.

Pros:

•Maximum stability at high speeds

•Great for carving, dancing, and commuting

•Comfortable ride for long distances

Cons:

•Larger and harder to transport

•Not designed for tricks

•Can be expensive, depending on setup

How to Choose the Right Longboard in 2025

If you’ve decided to go with a longboard, here are a few key factors to consider this year:

1 Riding Style

•Cruising/Commuting: Look for a drop-through or drop-down board for easy pushing.

•Downhill: Go for stiff, symmetrical boards with precise trucks and good grip.

•Carving/Dancing: Opt for a longer flexy deck (over 40”) for wide, flowing turns.

2 Deck Shape

•Pintail: Classic shape, ideal for mellow carving and cruising.

•Drop-Through: Lower to the ground, easier to push, very stable.

•Top-Mount: High performance and responsive, great for downhill and carving.

3 Wheel Size & Durometer

•Larger wheels (70mm–76mm): Roll smoother and maintain speed better.

•Softer wheels (78a–83a): Grip better and absorb vibrations.

•Harder wheels (85a+): Better for sliding and tricks, but rougher on uneven pavement.

4 Truck Type

•Reverse Kingpin Trucks (RKP): Standard for longboards — stable and responsive.

•Traditional Kingpin (TKP): Sometimes used for cruisers and dancers who want tighter

Final Thoughts: Which Board is Right for You?

In 2025, skateboarding technology is more advanced and diverse than ever. Here’s a quick recap to

help you decide:

•Choose a Shortboard if you’re all about tricks, flips, and skateparks.

•Choose a Cruiser if you want a nimble, portable ride for everyday commuting.

•Choose a Longboard if you’re in it for smooth carving, downhill, or long-distance rides.

No matter which board you go with, the most important thing is that it fits your lifestyle and riding

goals. Try a few out if you can — and don’t be afraid to evolve your setup as your skills grow.

Happy riding!