CHOOSING THE BEST SKATEBOARD
If you’ve ever tried to choose the best skateboard, cruiser, or longboard online, you’ve probably run into a wall of “top 10” lists that don’t actually help. A lot of those reviews are built around affiliate links, not real experience, and they rarely explain how to pick the right board for how you actually want to skate.
We think finding the right skateboard should be straightforward and actually useful. Whether you’re looking for your first cruiser, a longboard for commuting, a setup for learning tricks, or just figuring out how to ride, it starts with understanding what you want to do on your board. That’s where things get interesting.
Choosing a board can be an overwhelming task if you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for. We’ve spent some time building a Board Finder that will help you narrow down your choices based on the factors that we think matter.
4 Factors to Weigh Before Buying a Complete Skateboard
Purpose – The types of skateboarding or situations in which we think a board will excel.
Environment – Where we think a board is best suited for use.
Ride – Characteristics that define how a board feels when you ride it.
Vibe – The look and feel of a board.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re available on Live Chat. You can also email us. We love talking about skateboards!
In the end, buying the best skateboard is often an emotional decision. Since riding is such a personal experience, it’s important to choose the board that feels right for you. If you’re stuck between similar options, go with the graphic you like most. It’s the one you’ll be most stoked to ride.
You also don’t have to stick to just one board. Trying different styles helps you figure out what you like and can open you up to new ways of skating. Some boards are better for certain things, and it’s tough to find one that does it all.
There really are no right or wrong ways to skate, as long as you are having fun. Certain boards, skateboard wheels and trucks may be better suited to specific environments or situations, but progression often comes from trying something new.
We’ve broken our skateboard lineup into three categories to make finding the right ride simple. Each one is built around a different style of skating, with some boards appearing in more than one category.
Cruisers
Compact, easy-to-ride skateboards designed for getting around town, commuting, and everyday skating. Most feature kicktails and soft wheels for smooth rolling over rough pavement, cracks, and debris. This category also includes our ATV-style boards, which blend street skating, tricks, and cruising into one versatile setup. Great for beginners and anyone who wants one board that can do a bit of everything.
Longboards
Longer boards built for stability, comfort, and smooth carving. Ideal for cruising bike paths, pushing longer distances, and flowing through turns. You’ll find drop-through and drop-down setups here that lower your center of gravity, making them easier to push and more stable at speed. Dance and freestyle boards also live in this category, offering extra space for footwork, tricks, and creative riding.
Downhill / Freeride
Designed for speed, control, and sliding. These boards are built for steeper hills and faster riding, with a strong focus on overall stability. Expect stiffer flex, dialed concave, and confidence-inspiring platforms that keep you locked in and in control whether you’re picking up speed or breaking into slides.
Some boards show up in more than one category. For example, certain longboards can also be used for downhill and freeride depending on the setup, and versatile shapes like The Clark can handle everything from cruising to sliding. If a board appears in more than one category, it’s because it performs well in both.
At the end of the day, the best board is the one that gets you out skating more, trying new things, and enjoying every ride.