Different types of skateboards can be categorized into three major buckets:
- Skateboards.
- Longboards.
- Cruisers.
There are a lot of differences between each.
Learn everything you need to know about cruiser skateboards to make an educated choice as to what’s best for your riding style.
What is a cruiser skateboard?
Cruisers are well known as the skateboard that does everything.
They are specifically made for casual cruising and transportation.
Cruisers can pretty much handle any type of pavement, from freshly paved asphalt to city sidewalks in disrepair.
It is one of the closest feeling you will get to surfing on land.
Decks can range in size, but they’ll typically measure around 30-37 inches.
A cruiser skateboard is the right board for you if you’re more interested in carving and cruising around rather than doing tricks.
If you want to start riding locally for a short commute, a cruiser skateboard is certainly more portable than a bike.
It won’t be the board to buy if you want to master tricks or park skating.
Key Features of a Cruiser Skateboard
There are many different cruisers to choose from, but they typically differentiate themselves from other skateboards with the following features:
- Large, soft wheels.
- Carvy trucks.
- A short to medium deck length.
- Shorter than longboards.
- Kicktails for maneuvering (sometimes).
- Easy transportation on a wider variety of surfaces.
Cruisers vs. Longboards vs. Skateboards
The three broad buckets of skateboards are each designed for something different.
Familiarize yourself with each below.
Cruisers
Cruisers are best for short distances and casual riding.
Compared to a longboard, they are more portable but they also require more balance.
They sometimes feature a kicktail, which enables you to easily pivot and perform some tricks, much like a standard skateboard.
As the name suggests, mini cruisers are a sub-group of cruisers that are smaller.
The main benefit of this is that they are even more convenient to transport, they likely fit in your backpack, locker, or car.
Because their materials are relatively light, riders favor them for tight turns and carving. They provide a bit more control than regular-length cruisers, but may not be the best choice for longer rides.
Longboards
Longboards are the go-to for long distances and maximum comfort.
If you’re interesting in carving steep hills, they’re also a great choice.
The length of the deck and long wheelbase provide you with tons of stability.
If you’re brand new to any type of skateboard, a longboard can be a good option to work on the fundamentals of pushing, foot placement, and balance.
They aren’t as easy to transport as cruisers or skateboards, but they are more relaxing to ride.
These also aren’t your go-to for tricks.
Skateboards
Skateboards are designed to do tricks, take on all sorts of obstacles, and ride on transitions and ramps.
They aren’t the most convenient for traveling distances, but they are great for honing in on skills.
They’re best suited for a skate park or street obstacles (stairs, rails, ledges, etc.).
Are cruisers easy to ride?
If you’re a beginner, a cruiser is a great choice for you.
They are forgiving on tough roads, require relatively less effort to push, and provide a good amount of stability relative to other skateboards.
It’s the perfect combination of a skateboard and a longboard.
You can carry it around easily while benefitting from large and soft wheels.
Choosing the Right Type of Cruiser
Even when you narrow in on cruisers, you’ll see that there are a lot of options within this category.
Here’s what you see most often:
- Mini Cruiser: These are great for small kids or people of any size who want a board that is small and light. They typically cost about $40.
- Standard Cruiser: These are comfortable for any rider, kid to adult and are great for all-around riding. They generally cost $50 to $80.
- Penny Boards: These tend to be smaller and relatively cheaper. They are made out of plastic and their narrow decks are good for turning. You can typically find them for as low as $30, but some models cost more.
- Surfskate/Carver Skateboards: These are specifically designed to tilt as a surfboard does. They have a totally different dynamic than a regular skateboard design, and they’re very popular amongst surfers but will work for anyone looking to cruise.
You’ll want to decide the deck size based on your desired stance and style of riding.
Try out different types of cruisers and see what is most comfortable for you.
Smaller decks will give you a tighter turn and a shorter stance, which may feel a bit unnatural at first.
On the other hand, long decks will feel flowier and give you more traction and will be better suited for higher speeds.
Soft, big wheels on any cruiser will make it easier to ride on rougher pavement.