Best Longboard for Beginners

If you’re a beginner and thinking about buying your first longboard, you’ve probably been digging through an endless amount of information trying to find out the longboard for beginners.

We know that the market is completely flooded with low-quality longboards, making it quite tough for beginners to find the best longboard available in the market

We have therefore compiled a list of some of the best longboards for beginners along with a detailed buying guide to make this daunting task easier for you.  Let’s get to the important part of this best longboard for beginners’ review. Let’s have a look!

Things I considered when selecting a longboard for starter one are –

Why Longboard?

The longboard has grown in popularity among young and old enthusiasts ever since its creation by Hawaiian surfers in the 50s. Longboarding, a subclass of skateboarding, is a thrilling way to exercise your control and reflexes.

It is also perfectly capable of taking you from origin to destination in an economical and environmentally-friendly fashion.

What once was designed to support surfers’ practice in the low waves has already discovered many other applications and is becoming highly addictive activity. If you have ever explored ways to reduce your everyday expenses and limit your carbon emissions, then you might have considered Longboarding as an effective means of transportation.

Best Beginner Longboards in 2022

1-VOLADOR Freeride Longboard: (Editor’s  Choice)

If you’re a commuter who wants a good entry-level longboard, this one is going to be a great pick. This is a handmade quality longboard for beginners with a reasonably large drop piece that gives enough room to ride it comfortably. With this product, women, men, teenagers, and even youngsters can have a fun experience.

In terms of construction, it is made up of 8-ply hard-rock maple durably with epoxy glue to provide reliable performance for years to come. Each and every deck looks impressive, with exclusive avant-garde designs that appeal to the masses. Although it’s not the most rigid board on the market, you can still expect it to carry 250 pounds of weight without any problems.

If you’re a tall individual who is kind of overweight and you want something that might not collapse while you’re using it, then Volador Freeride Longboard would not disappoint you.

The 42-inch Volador Freeride longboard provides a distinctive symmetrical design on the deck that enhances its overall grip and resists wheel-bite at any angle. The deck is reasonably wide, providing enough room for even the most giant feet.

Moreover, it can also pair up with a big wheelbase for a rugged and smooth surfing experience. The contoured deck is super flexible and allows for better maneuverability.

The Volador’s robust steel wheels provide a very smooth and bump-free ride. Even if you’re an amateur rider, you can easily ride around town without making a lot of effort. You may expect these wheels to last for the next several years before displaying any signs of wear. These durable wheels are coupled with precision bearings, which are among the smoothest ones one can find. The enormous benefit of these bearings is the ability to operate effectively under heavyweights.

Last but not least, the trucks of Volador Freeride have a reverse kingpin design and aluminum construction. These longboard trucks deliver excellent speed and agility, making them quick and easy to turn and free-ride on curved paths.
In short, you can use the Volador Freeride longboard for almost any riding style. It is a beautiful board that provides unmatchable maneuverability and still feels reasonably stable.

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Final Word:

The VOLADOR Freeride Longboard is crafted with beginners’ interests in mind. It’s inexpensive; however, the quality and performance are pretty decent. With its artisan design and elegant construction, this longboard takes smoothness to another level.

2- Atom Drop-Deck Longboard:

Atom is valued for its dedication to quality and commitment to transform the world of longboards.  They make the best beginner-friendly longboard and encourages their customers to experience more fun and enthusiasm every time they step on one of their boards, which can be seen evidently at their Atom Drop-Deck Longboard.

It is a solid, sturdy, and stable board, made from Maple wood, one of the popular materials used in the longboard construction. One of the very first things you’ll appreciate when you look at the Atom Drop Deck is how stunning the board is. And like all Atom longboards, the design on this board is appealing yet straightforward, so it won’t attract unnecessary attention that a casual longboarder might not want.
The board has quite a large deck, so it is sufficient to accommodate skaters of all shapes and sizes. As a result, larger individuals can ride it as comfortably and hassle-free as smaller ones. Size also implies stability, which has been amplified by the all-maple built. Thus, the overall size, coupled with the durable construction, ensures that the board can withstand almost all challenges and bumpy situations.

The low center of gravity is yet another aspect that makes this board so enticing for beginners. Riders will be extremely low to the ground, so if an accident happens and they fall, they will suffer less damage. Highly seasoned riders who love carving downhills will indeed find the Atom Drop-Deck incredibly attractive as it comes with wide and super-high rebound urethane wheels. Another advantage of the drop-down deck is that wheel cutouts ensure that you never encounter wheel bite, even on sharp turns.

Atom Drop-Deck Longboard boasts reverse Kingpin trucks to compliment the stability and maneuverability of the board. The trucks are positioned higher than usual to help turn on sharp corners and respond at higher speeds more quickly. Furthermore, Atom Drop-Deck has an elliptical shape with a very deep concave, which keeps the skater’s feet centered in position and assures that the rider and the board remain together at all times rather than going in separate directions on bumpy roads.

All in all, someone looking for a first-time board, or anyone searching for a board to just cruise around the town, should certainly take a better look at Atom Drop-Deck Longboard.

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Final Word:

The Atom Drop Deck Longboard guarantees a long-lasting service and provides value for money. The low deck of this longboard is quite beneficial for beginners who are looking for a stable and comfortable ride around the town.

3- MBS All-Terrain Longboard:

Whenever we search for longboard models, they always specify a particular area where you can use your board. This is really puzzling, and you possibly won’t have the excitement of riding everywhere with this kind of longboard.

But the MBS All-Terrain Longboard is versatile enough to ride on any surface. This ability really helps those individuals who travel on a longboard almost every time.

The All-terrain by MBS is crafted from a 10-ply maple board that gives you just the perfect amount of flex to cushion the path against bumps and pits. The deck is of drop-down type and holds the center of gravity very low, particularly when you’re trying to take off-road trips. Besides, it proves to be exceptional if you want to apply less pushing power while longboarding.

The board is very tough than many of the others. The weight limit proposed is 220 lbs. However, it can carry more weight without any trouble.

MBS All-Terrain comes with Navigator Drones trucks that ensure precise turning and are super-wide. The trucks of this longboard are just a little loose as such trucks inherently offer you more speed and maneuverability.

You may want to tighten the trucks; however, bear in mind that truck tightening decreases the pace and makes the turning arc shorter. These trucks possess two settings that adjust the angle: carving and downhill. It incorporates ABEC-9 bearings, coupled with the trucks, and these bearings will give you the flexibility you need for a comfortable and smooth ride.

The wheels are constructed from super-rebound urethane, making them grippy even on wet roads. These wheels are capable of absorbing bumps and cracks of the path easily. As with all soft longboard wheels, such wheels do chip a little around the edges; however, you won’t ever have to care about the road’s holes and bumps.

The deck of all-terrain is finished with a carbon fiber-like pitch-black coating. It has a lower profile, but the deck still rises higher off the floor than typical longboards because of its wide wheels.

All in all, it is a perfect board for advanced as well as beginner Longboarders as it can run on all surfaces. Even if you spend a couple of hours on it and make lots of faults with your footing, you will never lose your equilibrium or fall off.

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Final Word:

A cross between a mountainboard and a longboard, MBS All-Terrain is perfect for both on-road travel and frequent off-road adventures. In both cases, the elevated rebound wheels, as well as custom-designed decks and trucks, ensure safe rides. If you’re searching for a longboard that is Jack-of-all-trades, or if you’re a beginner who wants a board to practice, look no further as MBS All-terrain is all you need.

4-WiiSHAM 42” – Drop-Through Longboard:

If you are looking for an inexpensive yet decent longboard, then our next pick for the best beginner longboard would not disappoint you. The great thing about this longboard manufacturer is its straightforward branding; it’s a premium company that doesn’t believe in overcharging its consumers for high-quality longboards. WiiSHAM 42″ Professional Downhill Drop Through Longboard is one of the best longboards for newcomers and the most flexible board in the market.

WiiSHAM has a spacious deck constructed from 9-ply Canadian Maple. It comes with grip tape, and a lot of riders absolutely adore how fantastic this longboard looks. The deck’s designs and color schemes are very refreshing and offer a really unique look to this Drop-through longboard.

WiiSHAM offers some really cool graphics too. You can choose the deck that appeals to you the most. Moreover, the deck is quite sturdy and durable, which may come as a surprise considering the low price tag.

The wheels of the WiiSHAM Professional Speed Downhill Longboard are of good quality and relatively harder than others. Harder longboard wheels enable the board to slide smoother on roads and pavements. The big wheels will produce more friction the faster you ride, and that could slow you down a little, so you’re going to have to push harder.

The wheel bearings are also top-notch and supplied with a high-speed lubricant. Although the quality of bearings is reasonably good, some of the longboarders prefer to replace them after some time to achieve better performance.

The aluminum alloy 7″ Trucks it comes with make absolutely sure you can move it comfortably with your legs without any difficulty. The surface is well cut, grinded, and decorated to allow a comfortable journey. It provides various beautiful designs on the bottom, whereas the top of the board has a simple matt black finish.

This board is perfect for children and adults, having a weight of up to 250lbs. It’s perfect for beginners; however, it should be used on smooth surfaces. We recommend you adjust the wheels slightly before stepping on your longboard.

All in all, it is a perfect longboard for beginners with an affordable price tag. This is a durable and solid longboard supported by aluminum alloy stents.

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See also What are the Best Longboards for Heavy Riders

Final Word:

WiiSHAM Professional Drop-through longboard is an inexpensive longboard that offers hours of fun to beginners and seasoned longboarders alike. Durably crafted from Canadian maple, it provides enough flexibility on the board to ensure a comfortable and smooth ride.

5-Retrospec Zed Bamboo Longboard:

The Retrospec Zed Longboard is among the most beautiful and classy skateboards we have seen yet. This modern longboard has an ultra-classic surfboard look and feel, and it would definitely take you back to California’s beach-like memories and turn the heads everywhere it goes.

Retrospec Zed an artisan longboard built in Los Angeles and constructed from natural materials. The board is made up of sustainable bamboo and does have a stunning retro look. It is also paired with reliable and sturdy 8-ply maple wood having a bamboo deck and a kicktail.

Since it is made from natural resources, the bamboo grain of the board differs from board to board significantly. The board is not only robust, but it also offers you superior flexibility and stability.

The longboard features a beautiful pintail style with a pretty much equally wider width and length so that the riders could stand comfortably on it. Also, the pintail style helps you to cut through the air with ease and a firmer grip.

The board’s curves and sliced edges are specifically built to enhance the skateboard’s balance, accuracy, and velocity. Retrospec Zed Bamboo comes with durable and lightweight aluminum trucks having a thickness of 7 inches. These trucks are robust enough to withstand the pressure exerted on them on rough terrain.

The 70 mm shock-absorbing longboard wheels paired with precision ABEC-7 bearings can provide you a smooth ride for years to come. The superior grip on its wheels is also enhanced by the Anti-Bite technology to ensure your safety.

Wheels are a little on the harder side, thus requiring extra effort while cruising on curvy turns. Besides, the board is highly capable of providing you a safe and thrilling adventure with its high-speed and extreme accuracy.

Overall, you get an efficient, strong, and sturdy four-wheeled buddy with a touch of retro vibes with the Retrospec Zed Bamboo Longboard.

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Final Word:

If you are a beginner and searching for your first well-balanced longboard, there is no better option than Retrospec Zed Bamboo Longboard. In addition to ensuring a high standard, they are one of the manufacturers who care for their clients. Their customer service is excellent, and the complaints are resolved very efficiently by their help and support.

6- MINORITY Downhill Maple Longboard:

Minority has long been a name strongly associated with longboards for its outstanding range of longboards. They are best known for speed, reliability, and design. If you’re searching for a longboard that encourages you to ride downhill with absolute comfort and safety, Minority Downhill Maple Longboard can be the ideal choice for you.

This Drop-deck longboard is a perfect choice for a downhill ride, as you’re going to have an outstanding balance over your body.

The board boasts a 100% 8-ply hardwood maple construction and a perfect deck size to provide users with a fantastic experience when speeding downhill or to cruise on the roads. Despite long journeys, the convenient size of the Minority Longboard won’t leave you tired at all.

The Minority Downhill drop-deck has an extremely low gravity to guarantee the efficiency of each paddle. Besides, the super rebound wheels and the bushing encourage a comfortable ride apart from improving the board’s appearance.

The peculiar symmetrical shape of Minority downhill prevents wheel bite from every angle without you stressing at all. Other than that, the cast aluminum trucks are equipped with a carbon steel axle and a kingpin, which can be balanced between 45 and 50 degrees for versatile riding.

The 78A PU wheels are compatible with precision bearings to boost the board’s smoothness, allowing you to enjoy an unrivaled comfortable ride. Without any significant difference in performance, the board can hold a weight of up to 250lbs, and therefore it is ideal for use by both children and adults.

This longboard is crafted from sustainable wood, attached with epoxy glue that is methanal-free and is undoubtedly recyclable. The Minority downhill board has a visually elegant style with gorgeous grains of wood that will undoubtedly make you receive great compliments from your friends.

The graphic designs at the bottom of the board are durable and do not fade with time. If you’re a speed enthusiast, just adjust the trucks a tiny bit and use the lubricants in the bearings to achieve more speed. With its sturdy bearings and soft wheels, you’ll be able to attain your desired speed with only a few power paddles.

All in all, if you want a longboard that will enable you to race downhill at maximum speed without losing balance, the MINORITY Downhill Maple Longboard will serve you the best. It’s designed to provide both safety and performance without costing you a fortune.

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Final Word:

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned longboarder, the Minority Downhill Maple Longboard would be the best option if you’re a speed enthusiast. Kudos to its user-friendly and unique features, you will be delighted by its responsiveness and speed as you make turns around various corners throughout your journey.

Best Longboard for Beginners – In detail Buying Guide

Whenever it comes to selecting the first Longboard, beginner Longboarders are always confused. There are just so many brands and models around nowadays, and far too many parameters to take into consideration. Selecting the first board is certainly a challenging task.
Here is a short overview of the main features to consider when selecting the best Longboard for yourself:

Deck Size

The Longboard Deck is basically a long, plain board that you stand on while you’re skateboarding and it comes in a wide range of sizes and shapes. If you plan to ride a longboard to travel to school, to the office, or the shopping complex, chances are that you’re going to weave in and out of some pedestrian traffic. In such a situation, you would need a smaller longboard to make walking through the crowd easier. On the other hand, if you have no plans to ride through busy roads and would like to try some hills adventure, you should go for more extended deck size for greater stability wobble-free ride.

Wheelbase

The gap between the two trucks, generally determined by the internal pair of screw holes, is known as the wheelbase. The smaller the space, the livelier and more energetic the ride will be, but at higher speeds, it will be harder to manage. Boards with longer wheelbase may feel like a living room sofa with plenty of room for a guest, particularly when compared to the short wheelbase boards. The shortboards will ensure a more comfortable ride and wider surfer turns, thus making it harder to maneuver around pedestrian-packed pathways.

Deck Height

Deck height is the gap between both the ground and the deck. It significantly impacts the longboard riding experience. Higher decks are far less stable and more difficult to push/ brake on due to greater distance of the foot from the ground. In comparison, the low-lying deck gives the rider more stability and a more substantial potential to balance and control the Longboard.

Mount Type

It’s extremely hard to understand exactly what to get with so many longboard shapes and styles nowadays. It’s undoubtedly confusing to start; however, you learn about the differences over time and would be able to find the best shape for your style. There are a few main types that we will discuss here:

Top-Mount:

Top Mount longboards are a board style in which the trucks are inserted directly underneath the deck. This construction makes the board more maneuverable and adaptive to the input as you drive the board.

Drop Through:

Drop Through Longboards include a cut out in which the baseplate lies on top of the board and the trucks directly underneath. This style lowers the center of gravity and makes the board seem more balanced, more comfortable to push and apply the foot brake.

Drop Down:

Drop Down boards are basically a top mount with a drop-in concave that allows the board to move super close to the ground which makes it a very stable ride. These Longboards are very easy to ride, and generally popular among beginners to intermediate riders.

Pintail:

The pintail is a leaf-like board with a flat or no-concave. This makes it much easier to ride and therefore, a perfect board for beginners. The pintail is by far the most common and traditional longboard out there, ideal for a large size campus cruiser.

Kicktail:

Kicktail is very similar to pintail but has few additional features. The kicktail longboard offers more versatility to the rider, and it’s straightforward to kick up the board without bending over. It incorporates a low concave gradient and a kicktail to give more control and power to riders while riding.

Fishtail:

You can quickly identify a fishtail as it has a fish-like tail on its rear end just like a steeper radial concave. Because of their low flex and concave, you will have more heel-toe leverage; allowing great velocity control and broad carving.

Cruiser:

The cruiser is a sweet and compact ride, and it is also known as a campus cruiser. It fits conveniently in your backpack, and you take it along from class to class on the campus. The compact size helps in extreme carving and complete control when you use it for sharp and fast turns.

Deck Profile Types

Deck profiles play an important role in determining the stability and reactivity of the board. It also tells how convenient it is to push on flat ground and how comfortable the foot-braking is. As a general guideline, the elevated the board is off the ground, the better the center of gravity. The lower the board, the more stable it would be, however, the ability to fall out on sharp corners may be increased. There are several deck profiles on the market that you can select according to your preferences and skill sets.

Deck Concave Types

Concave is the curve around the deck’s width and affects how the board responds when turning to the force of your foot, and also how your foot remains locked in. In fact, the concave on the decks has a significant impact on the energy that your foot transmits to your board.

Deck Construction:

Longboards come in all sorts of constructions, from Maple to carbon fiber and more. A variety of materials are also used to execute various flexes and ride patterns. These are only a couple of the various constructions out there:

FAQs

Final Word

I have reviewed in detail the top 10 beginner-friendly longboards from the known brands in my article. What I summed up is the VOLADOR 42-Inch Freeride Longboard is one of the best longboard for beginners. It has been designed with stunning looks, usability, and beginner’s interest in mind. It is a beautiful board that provides unmatchable maneuverability and still feels reasonably stable.

The Atom Drop Deck Longboard is the best cheap beginner longboard. We found it to be inspiring, after comparing it with other high-end products. The low deck of this longboard is quite beneficial for beginners who are looking for a stable and comfortable ride around the town.

For the value for money category, our pick is no other than MBS All-Terrain Longboard. It is an ideal board for advanced as well as beginner Longboarders as it can run on all surfaces. Even if you spend a couple of hours on it and make lots of faults with your footing, you will never lose your equilibrium or fall off.