Every aspect of a longboard affects its overall feel and how comfortably you can ride it. Few specifications of a longboard are as important as the weight when you consider how it affects your performance. So, how much does a longboard weigh?
Longboards typically weigh between 7 to 12 pounds depending on the type of wood and how many layers of ply there are. A standard longboard can handle 200-250 pounds, or over 300 pounds if it has 9 layers of wood. Longboards weigh a bit more than skateboards as they have larger wheels, trucks, and a larger deck.
Longboards can get quite large, it depends on the shape and the type of longboard you choose to ride. Longboards come in different lengths as well, and often the longer the ride the heavier the board is.
It’s also important to consider a longboard’s weight limit because exceeding it can be dangerous. You can break a longboard if you weigh more than it is intended to hold and you can get injured. Luckily, most modern longboards are durable and can accommodate a wide weight range.
Let me jump into the average lengths, weights, and limits for various popular longboards below.
Average Longboard Weights
Longboard Model | Length | Weight | Weight Limit Rating |
Magneto 40+ inch Kicktail Cruiser Longboard | 44 inches | 8 lbs | 275 lbs |
Retrospec Zed Longboard | 44 Inches | 9 lbs | 220 lbs |
PINESKY Longboard | 41 Inches | 7 lbs | 330 lbs |
Playshion Drop Through Freestyle Longboard | 39 Inches | 7.28 lbs | 250 lbs |
White Wave Bamboo Longboard | 39 Inches | 8 lbs | 250 lbs |
Globe Geminon Micro-Drop Longboard Complete | 35 Inches | 6.9 lbs | 240 lbs |
Sector 9 Complete Longboard Bintang Drop Tru | 38 Inches | 9.65 lbs | 240 lbs |
Amrgot 42 inches Complete Longboard Drop Through | 42 Inches | 6.39 lbs | 330 lbs |
FISH SKATEBOARDS 41-Inch Downhill Longboard Skateboard | 41 Inches | 7.4 lbs | 250 lbs |
Sector 9 Highline Shine Complete | 34.5 Inches | 7 lbs | 250 lbs |
Loaded Boards Tarab II Bamboo Longboard Skateboard Complete | 47 Inches | 6.9 lbs | 270 lbs |
Santa Cruz Contra Eclipse Pre-Built Longboard Complete | 37 Inches | 7.4 lbs | 300 lbs |
Retrospec Tidal 41-inch Drop-Down Longboard | 41 Inches | 9 lbs | 220 lbs |
Windrunner 41inch Freeride Longboard Skateboard | 41 Inches | 6.8 lbs | 330 lbs |
What Affects the Weight of a Longboard?
1. Deck
Decks make up the majority of the weight of a longboard. They typically weigh between 3.6 and 4.4 pounds. Weight varies based on the type of wood used and how long the deck is. Canadian maple and bamboo are among the heaviest and most durable types of longboard decks. Longer decks typically weigh more than cruisers because of the extra wood and overall materials used.
There are different types of longboards that play a significant role in length.
2. Trucks
Trucks add another 3-4 pounds of weight to your longboard. Each truck weighs roughly 1 ½-2 pounds and they are evenly spaced apart. Bigger trucks that measure 180 millimeters typically weigh the most and they are perfect for longboards between 38” and 42” or longer.
3. Wheels
Wheels are the lightest part of any longboard setup. A set of 4 longboard wheels weighs between .5 and .75 pounds. Bigger that measure between 60 and 70 millimeters weigh the most, but a full set still typically weighs under a pound. They are the lightest component of a longboard besides the grip tape.
4. Rider Weight
While rider weight doesn’t affect how much a longboard weighs, it affects whether or not you can safely ride it. Each longboard comes with a specific maximum recommended weight limit that you should adhere to. The weight limit isn’t arbitrary and it refers to how much weight the deck, wheels, and trucks can hold. Adding excessive weight to an already heavy longboard can make you go uncomfortably fast, especially downhill.
5. Layers of Ply
How many layers of ply a longboard deck has affects how much they weigh. Traditionally, longboard decks have 7 or 8 layers of ply. Adding additional layers of ply adds weight to the deck. For example, a 9-ply longboard deck weighs as much as 4.8 pounds whereas a 7-ply longboard deck may weigh as little as 2.2 pounds.
How Much Weight Can a Longboard Hold?
The average longboard can hold between 200 to 300 pounds. Durable longboards with thick ply can sometimes hold more weight. However, it’s not worthwhile to exceed the recommended weight limit. This can be dangerous and your longboard could snap during a regular riding session.
You are even more likely to break your longboard when you exceed the weight limit if you perform tricks. Excessive weight can also increase the risk of wheel bite. This can happen when you shift weight and your wheel effectively bites the bottom of your deck.
Look for thick and durable longboards if you require a weight limit above 250 pounds. A longboard can typically hold 300 pounds or more if it has a 9-ply deck. They are less common than 7 or 8-ply longboards, but the extra layer of wood makes a huge difference.
Read our post on “What Size Longboard Should I Get for My Height?”.
What Affects the Weight Limit of a Longboard?
The ply on your longboard deck ultimately affects the weight limit. Most longboards and skateboards are 7-ply. However, 8-ply decks offer more durability and can withstand a greater weight limit.
For example, a longboard with an 8-ply deck can typically hold 250 pounds. Longboards with 7-ply decks aren’t likely to hold more than 200-220 pounds. It’s worthwhile to choose a longboard with an 8-ply deck even if you don’t need the extra weight limit because they are less likely to break.
Some longboards even feature 9-ply decks that can hold 330 pounds. It’s worth noting that you should adjust your longboard setup accordingly to its weight limit if you weigh 220-300 pounds. Add risers to your trucks to avoid wheel bite so that you don’t damage your longboard deck. It’s also worthwhile to install big, soft wheels to support your weight.
How Much Do All Terrain Longboards Weigh?
Most high-quality all-terrain longboards such as the Atom Longboards Atom All-Terrain Longboard weigh 10 pounds. All-terrain longboards are unique in that the wheels aren’t nearly as sensitive to surfaces as standard longboard wheels. They can handle dirt paths with just as much ease as they would when rolling on smooth pavement.
All-terrain longboard wheels are often made of durable urethane. Their unique construction and texture add weight to the overall board setup. Most all-terrain longboards also feature sturdy maple decks which make them heavier.
Another key difference is that the grip tape on an all-terrain longboard is often grittier. This is necessary because the grip tape is more likely to take a beating than if you stuck riding on streets and sidewalks. The most immediately noticeable difference is the textured wheels. They feature lines and patterns that offer as much traction as possible.
Are Longboards Heavier than Skateboards?
Longboards are heavier than skateboards. The average skateboard weighs between 6 and 10 pounds once you add the trucks, wheels, and bearings while longboards weigh between 7 up to 12 pounds or more.
You need to use bigger trucks and wheels for a longboard than a skateboard, and that increases their weight. While the weight difference may seem quite small, it can make a big difference. For example, it’s harder to do tricks like the no comply with a longboard than a skateboard because of the extra weight.
Are Longboards Heavier than Cruisers?
Longboards are heavier than cruisers in some cases, but there is no ironclad rule. For example, a 9-ply cruiser typically weighs more than a 7 or 8-ply longboard. It ultimately depends on the size of each board, layers of ply, type of wood, and trucks and wheels.
Obviously short cruisers are not near as heavy as a longboard, deck size is what really decides the total weight when it comes to comparing one to another.
HYou can rely on most longboards to weigh more than cruisers because of the extra material. A standard, 7-8-ply cruiser only weighs 5 ½ pounds whereas a longboard often weighs at least 7-8 pounds. You can find cruiser boards that weigh up to 10 pounds with trucks and wheels but they are less common.
Final Thoughts
Longboards typically weigh 7-12 pounds and can often hold 200-300-pounds. The weight and the weight limits depend on many layers of wood there are, the ply layers. The type of wood that the deck is made of also plays a big role in the weight limit.
Canadian maple longboard decks typically weigh the most. Each layer of wood adds to the longboard’s weight and weight capacity. A 9-ply longboard can hold 300-330 pounds in most cases. It’s worth it to get a longboard with a high-weight capacity even if you don’t need it. They are more durable, provide extra support, and last longer than the average longboard.
Longboarding is growing and there are some pretty cool influencers and professionals out there to follow on social media, you might want to read our post on 10 famous longboarder you should be following.
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.