It’s never been so difficult to pick out a longboard. That is because the market is saturated with countless longboards that vary in shape, style, and graphics. Some brands stand out among the pack, however.
Consider factors such as the style, type, and size of the longboard that best suits your personality. Cruisers and freestyle longboards are particularly popular right now, but there are many types to choose from.
So, what are the best longboard brands?
1. Sector 9
Since 1993, Sector 9 has continued to improve and produce iconic longboards. Sector 9 is based in San Diego but got its start in gorgeous La Jolla, California. Variety is what makes Sector 9 so unique, and they cater to every type of skater and longboarder.
For example, they produce park boards such as the Cascade Ninety-Five and Bamboozler Bora Bora. They also produce iconic cruiser boards that are accessible to any longboarder regardless of experience, such as the Bambino Shorebreak. Their pro team includes Jimmy Riha and Trent Carroll
See Sector 9 Amazon Store Here!
2. Bustin Boards
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Bustin Boards isn’t quite as old as some of the other longboard brands on this list, but they have made quite the impression since their 2001 New York inception. They make boards that appeal to casual cruisers and competitive downhill longboarders alike.
Bustin Boards is also unique in that they have embraced technology with electric longboards. Hybrid electric longboards such as the Sportster Hybrid V3 and Yoface Hybrid V3 are among the most impressive boards they have to offer.
3. Arbor
Environmental friendliness and sustainability may not be tied to extreme sports for everybody, but they certainly are for brands like Arbor. This brand has the unique distinction of focusing on sustainability as much as quality. Arbor has produced snowboards, skateboards, longboards, and clothing since 1995.
Their unique longboards such as the Zeppelin Bamboo and Axis 40 Flagship are instantly recognizable. The inclusion of alternative materials like bamboo makes Arbor stand out. Arbor also produces standard street decks for street and vert skating with the same attention to detail.
4. Landyachtz
Brands like Landyachtz understand the perfect balance between board shape and performance. Look no further than the Battle Axe Paper Tiger and Dipper Postcard to see the variety in their longboards. Their focus hasn’t waivered since they started making skateboards and longboards in 1997.
This Canadian company produces a wide variety of boards for cruising, freestyle, competition, and even dancing. Landyachtz has an impressive roster of professionals such as Billy Meiners, Clayton Arthurs, and Carla Javier-Brea.
See Landyachtz Amazon Store Here!
5. Magneto
Magneto got its start in Carlsbad, California, but it didn’t take long for their influence to spread. The skateboarding and longboarding world embraced Magneto despite it being a new company. They make everything from cruisers and street decks to electric and dance boards.
Unique boards such as the Slot Machine exemplify how Magneto quickly became popular. Magneto recently collaborated with Bustin Boards to produce impressive hybrid electric longboards. Their generous year-long warranty is another major selling point.
See Magneto Amazon Store Here!
6. Pantheon
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Pantheon is a one-stop shop for longboards whether you want a complete board or a deck. This brand made a great first impression when it hit the scene in 2014. That makes Pantheon one of the youngest brands on this list, but their unique shapes, such as the Pantheon Trip explain why they became so popular.
Popular professionals such as Chase Hiller boast have pro models through Pantheon. Pantheon also makes skate tools, bearings, and grip tape which is more than many other longboard brands.
7. Loaded Boards
Loaded Boards started in 2002, but you’d think they have made longboards forever. Not only do they produce unique boards like the Omakase and Coyote, but Loaded Boards also sells impressive wheels. Their wheels range between 62 and 105 millimeters in diameter which is the perfect range for longboards.
Loaded Boards also sells trucks and bushings that suit their board shapes and sizes. It helps that they sell grip tape meant for their unique board shapes which saves time cutting the tape to match the deck.
See Loaded Boards Amazon Store Here!
8. Santa Cruz
You may associate Santa Cruz with classic skateboards, but their longboards can easily go head-to-head with any of the best longboard brands. This brand dates to 1973 and played an unmistakable role in the history of skateboarding. Santa Cruz longboards and cruisers feature the bold and colorful graphics that their street decks are known for.
Complete longboards like the Journey Drop Thru and Botanic Skull Drop boast bizarre shapes and graphics. Santa Cruz also boasts one of the most stacked rosters of professionals right now, including Fabiano Delfino, Eric Dressen, and Blake Johnson.
See Santa Cruz Skateboards Amazon Store Here!
9. Zenit
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Zenit is a perfect example of how some of the best longboard brands are still relatively young. This Canadian brand has made longboards for just over 10 years. Zenit caters to freestylers, downhill riders, dancers, and cruisers.
They plant a tree for each board that you buy, and that is one of Zenit’s many charming traits. Zenit also sells everything that you would need to customize a longboard, such as trucks, wheels, and grip tape. Their clothing is also just as unique as their boards and stands on its own among streetwear brands like Obey.
10. Globe
Much like Santa Cruz, Globe didn’t set out to become one of the best longboard brands. However, they continue to produce some of the best longboards and skateboards on the market since 1985. They originally produced skateboards and clothing, but eventually expanded to hardware, longboards, and more.
This Australian brand boasts unique longboards like the Pinner Classic, Bannerstone, and Byron Bay. Many of their longboards feature bamboo which is great for comfort and durability. You won’t currently find Globe Longboards for less than $200, but they are worth the cost for the durable decks, trucks, bearings, and wheels.
11. Rayne
Rayne should be the first brand that you look into if you want to find a budget longboard. Boards such as the Supreme 36″ Complete are the perfect example of how to provide an affordable longboard without using subpar materials. They offer completes, decks, and wheels, so you could easily pick up everything that you need on their website.
Rayne primarily utilizes classic longboard and cruiser shapes, but they make them distinct with unique graphics. Similar to Alien Workshop and Santa Cruz, Rayne longboards are recognizable for the often vibrant artwork. Whether it be the Nae Nae Lime 40 or the Demonseed Tamale Tech, there is no shortage of fun Rayne longboards.
12. Riviera
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While Riviera is a lesser-known longboard brand, they offer some of the best deals that you can find for completes. For example, their 39” longboard has a shape that is perfect for cruising and riding downhill. Their high-end longboards, such as the Fishstick V3 strictly use bamboo.
Riviera is a great brand regardless of your experience level, but I recommend their boards for beginners. They are affordable enough that you won’t have to spend a fortune to try a longboard, but they aren’t made cheaply.
13. Omen Longboards
Omen Longboards is one of the best longboard brands on the market, especially if you are looking for a complete board. Complete longboards such as the Man O War feature durable trucks and wheels that should last for a long time. You can find cruisers, mini-cruisers, and longboards on Omen’s website.
Their drop-through longboards are currently quite popular because of the thriving dance longboard trend. Omen even offers concave street decks that make it easy to pop ollies and kickflips on the street. Consider Omen if you want to save money compared to brands like Bustin Boards and Lanyachtz.
See Omen Longboards Amazon Store Here!
14. Subsonic
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Since 1999, Subsonic has made the best skateboards and longboards that Seattle has to offer. Subsonic typically offers small selections of longboards at a time, but each one is made with love and care. They also offer “one-of-a-kind boards” that are unlike the rest that you will find on their website.
Subsonic also sells hardware, wheels, grip tape, and trucks. This makes Subsonic a great option if you want to assemble the longboard yourself. However, they don’t currently offer any completes and they primarily focus on decks.
15. Lush Longboards
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Lush is far and away the best longboard brand in the UK. Models such as the Freebyrd Hiro, Samba X-Flex, and Slayer are among their most popular longboards. The Lush website is a great resource for novice and veteran longboarders alike because of how informative it is.
They provide details about the shape, size, and ideal skating style for each longboard that they offer. You can find complete boards, decks, bearings, wheels, and trucks on their website as well. Lush sponsors an impressive roster of professional longboarders, such as Pete Connolly, Harry Phelps, and Josh Monk.
16. Atom Longboards
Consider Atom Longboards if you are looking for a longboard made of premium materials but at a low cost. You will have a hard time finding a better deal than the Atom Pin-Tail Longboard. Atom is unique in that they offer longboards for every budget.
Atom’s budget boards are just as impressive as their premium longboards. Their electric longboards can easily compete with the top electric boards on the market as well, and they run between $400 and $900.
See Atom Longboards Amazon Store Here!
17. Retrospec
Retrospec is yet another impressive budget longboard. Their longboards are made with premium materials, but some of their top models cost as little as $70. The Retrospec Tidal 41-Inch Drop-Down Longboard and it’s made of Canadian maple which is one of the best longboard materials.
Many of their longboards feature 9-ply layers of wood which ensures that the deck will last a long time. Between the polyurethane wheels and wide decks, it’s easy to maintain comfortable footing on a Retrospec longboard.
See Retrospec Amazon Store Here!
18. Hawkeye
Hawkeye longboards are durable and affordable, and they have vibrant deck graphics. The Hawkeye 41-Inch Freeride Longboard is a great example of how affordable longboards can be just as impressive as high-end models.
For example, this longboard is made of 8-ply Canadian maple which is what you find in most premium longboards. Consider Hawkeye longboards if you like affordable cruisers.
See Hawkeye Amazon Store Here!
19. Fish Longboards
Much like Hawkeye, Fish longboards feature 8-ply Canadian maple at a low cost. Few brands sell longboards made of premium wood for as low of prices as Fish. The Fish 41-Inch Downhill Longboard features a 9-inch-wide deck which is more than enough to comfortably fit your feet.
They don’t have much variety when it comes to board shape and style, but their downhill longboards are amazing. Fish has a limited selection, but their focus on downhill longboards built for speed is admirable.
See Fish Longboards Amazon Store Here!
What to Consider When Buying a Longboard
Type of Longboard
There are several types of longboards from cruisers and carvers to dancing boards. Board shapes determine what a particular longboard is ideal for. For example, cruisers are wide and built to support free and smooth movement on the pavement.
Carving longboards are narrower and designed so that you can quickly weave and maneuver. Dancing and freestyle boards are meant for expressive movement and tricks. Brands like Sector 9, Pantheon, and Zenit among others specify what their boards are meant for.
Quality
Quality is everything and determines how smooth your ride will be and how long your board will last. Look for materials like birch, maple, bamboo, and white ash. They offer durability, support, and weight that stop your longboard from easily knocking over.
Bamboo boards have become particularly popular in the last few years. They offer as much durability as maple and birch, but bamboo is more sustainable.
Size
Size is an important factor to consider because it will affect your comfort and control. It’s hard to control a longboard if it’s too long or wide. You can find cruisers that measure between 36” and 50”. Shorter people may struggle to maneuver a 45” longboard.
Your height and shoe size can help you decide which longboard is the best for you. For example, you need a board that is at least 8.5” wide if you wear a men’s size 7-9. Width is just as important as length because it will affect how comfortable your feet are. It’s worth it to visit a skate shop in person if you are unsure.
Read all you need to know about choosing a longboard height in this post: What Size Longboard Should I Get for My Height?
Wheels
Ideally, you should look for a complete longboard with wheels that are around 70 millimeters in diameter. Standard longboards are compatible with wheels between 64 and 80 millimeters. The right wheel for you ultimately depends on your board width and preference.
However, it never hurts to go big with longboard wheels. Big, soft wheels are especially ideal if you are going for a cruiser setup. Smaller, harder rules can offer more speed and help turn quickly.
Read our related post 5 Best Longboarding Wheels For Cruising here.
Style
Style is a big selling point for many people. Longboards are unique from skateboards as they often feature strange shapes that aren’t reasonable for skateboards. However, strange shapes work well for longboards as they are bigger and there is more room to work with.
Everything from the board shape and grip tape to the graphic on your deck can sway your decision. I have always gone for colorful graphics and standard black grip tape, but there are countless options.
How to Buy a Longboard
Your riding style is the most important thing to consider when you buy a longboard. For example, you wouldn’t want a wide, bulky cruiser if you plan to primarily race and ride downhill. In that case, the best option is a long, slender longboard that provides as much control as possible.
The material that a longboard is made of also determines how well it will work for you. Canadian maple has been the gold standard type of wood used to build longboards for a long time now. However, the newer trend of bamboo longboards is exciting, even if it adds to the price tag.
Bamboo longboards sometimes cost as much as $100 more than a traditional Canadian maple longboard. Try to look for longboards that are made of at least 8-9-ply wood. It’s worthwhile to look for a longboard that has as many layers of wood as possible for extra durability. Finally, the deck graphic can also help determine whether or not you should buy the longboard. This doesn’t necessarily affect your performance, but a cool graphic is a major selling point for many longboarders.
Final Thoughts
The best longboard brands include Arbor, Sector 9, Magneto, and Zenit. Classic skateboard brands like Santa Cruz and Globe also produce amazing longboards. Landyachtz and Pantheon are great examples of modern longboard brands that continue to contribute unique graphics and boards.
Nick Durante is a professional writer that primarily focused on action sports. Skateboarding and Longboarding are his particular areas of expertise. When he isn’t writing about action sports, he is catching up on the world of skateboarding and spending time outside.