Cruiser skateboards are a great option for beginners, commuters, or anyone looking for a relaxed, smooth ride. They’re mid-sized, short and light enough for carrying around but more stable than a shortboard. These boards come in many shapes and sizes, giving the rider leeway to pick a board that feels right for them.
We did our homework to find the best cruiser skateboards that are comfortable and practical and will get you from point A to point B in style. The Landyatch Dinghy got the top spot for the quality of the build, the comfort of the ride, and the design that lets you cruise in style.
Skateboarding gets you out the door and can be a fun way to spend time with friends or family. It’s also a cool way to make your way around town.
Our Top 5 Cruiser Skateboards
Here are our top picks for the best cruiser skateboards. Compare the features and ratings of different models.
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Top Pick | Utopia Bedding Quilted Fitted Mattress Pad | 4.5 |
| Runner Up | Hanna Kay Hypoallergenic Quilted Mattress Pad | 4.7 |
| Best for Budget | Linenspa Premium Smooth Fabric Mattress Protector | 4 |
| Best Waterproof Mattress Pad | SafeRest Premium Hypoallergenic Waterproof Mattress Protector | 4.3 |
| Best Memory Foam Mattress Pad | Linenspa Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper | 4.3 |
*Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 and based on reviews, feedback, and opinions of actual customers
In This Article
Who Should Buy a Cruiser Skateboard
- New riders – Cruisers are great for beginners as they learn to cruise, turn, and balance. A cruiser’s smaller size makes it easier to manage than a longboard and is great for riding on the streets and sidewalks.1
- Commuters – If a skateboard is your preferred way to get around, a cruiser skateboard is made for short-distance cruising. They offer a smooth ride, gentle turns, and they’re lightweight so you don’t have to carry a huge board to class or work.
- Travelers – If your wanderlust takes you to new destinations, a cruiser skateboard can come along with you as you explore new cities.
Who Should Not Buy a Cruiser Skateboard
- Freeriders – This isn’t the board for freeriding. Freeride or freestyle boards are longer, typically 38 to 42 inches long with a 24 to 29-inch wheelbase. It’s just not where cruiser skateboards shine.
- Technical street skaters – Cruiser skateboards aren’t great for skate parks or tricks either.2
Research Tips
- Get the right size – Cruiser skateboards range in length from 25 to 32 inches and width from 7 to 9.5 inches. However, those dimensions aren’t hard set rules, and size preference comes down to personal choice most of the time. However, your shoe size can help you gauge the right size for you—the smaller your feet, the smaller the skateboard. For example, if you wear a men’s size six, a deck width of seven to eight inches will generally be more comfortable than one that’s nine inches.
- Shape – Cruiser skateboards come in a wide range of shapes, and again, this comes down to personal preference. Pick a shape that you like and go with it.
- Rails – Some cruisers have a plastic strip on the edges of the deck’s bottom between the wheels. They’re there to protect the deck when doing long board slides. However, if slides aren’t your thing, you can forgo rails.
- Wheel wells – Some cruiser skateboards have wheel wells to prevent wheel grinding (aka when the wheels touch the deck during a turn).
How Much Do They Cost?
Between $30 and $350.
The price of the skateboard depends on the quality of the deck, trucks, wheels, and hardware. Plastic decks generally cost between $30 and $100, depending on the size and thickness of the deck. Decks made of layers of wood fall in the more common $150 to $250 range. These boards have higher quality trucks, wheels, and hardware, providing longer durability and better strength.
The Best Cruiser Skateboards: Full Reviews
The Landyatch Dinghy’s 28.5 by 8-inch deck floats over large debris, from twigs and rocks to larger sticks that can derail other cruisers. Its radial concave deck gives you good lock-in when you’re building speed. While the wheelbase is a little narrow for serious downhill riding, it can handle some speed and keep your ride stable. Where the Dinghy really shines is commuting. It’s responsive and lightweight, so you can tuck it under your arm at school or on the bus.
A 7-ply maple wood deck keeps your feet locked in place, while the wheel wells prevent wheel bite on tighter turns. The maple’s stiff construction makes it strong and durable for frequent riding. It comes with 63 mm Four Hawgs wheels and grip tape that holds like cement. The trucks have extra holes so you can adjust the wheelbase for your size, weight, and riding style. The Dinghy comes in lots of styles to fit your personality, too.
Pros
- Sturdy maple deck
- Extra holes in the trucks
- Light weight
Cons
- Can’t handle high speeds on the downhill
The Retrospec Quip Skateboard is a plastic mini-cruiser, which puts it into the penny board category. Penny boards were named after an Australian skateboard company that first came out with small plastic skateboards. The Restrospec is a highly maneuverable, lightweight skateboard that comes in a rainbow (19) of colors. For the price, the deck is incredibly durable, as are the trucks. The short length and narrow wheelbase let it take some tight turns.
The wheels aren’t top of the line, but they ride smoothly. You can adjust the bearings to get the right balance and feel for the wheels. It’s a great deal for someone who wants the ultimate in portability and a zippy skateboard. Beginners might struggle to learn on this one, as it can be squirrely until you learn to use it.
Pros
- 19 bright colors
- Adjustable bearings
- Durable deck
- Super lightweight
Cons
- Difficult for beginners to handle
If you want the feel of a longboard but need the cruising abilities of a cruiser, the Magneto Mini Cruiser Longboard is your best bet. Its maple wood deck is made of seven layers, giving it a solid and gorgeous build. The double kicktail design lets you do a few basic tricks when you feel like a little fun. However, it’s really meant for cruising, from home to school, work, or play.
Soft polyurethane wheels give it a smooth ride. The trucks and bearings are of great quality. Together the wheels and trucks can handle rougher roads, yet it’s lightweight for commuting or school. You also can’t go wrong with its durable grip. Overall, the Magneto is a great board for relaxed daily riding. But if we’re looking at the weaknesses, the bearings are it. They just aren’t the same quality as the trucks and wheels.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Excellent wheels and trucks
- Double kicktails give you the option of tricks
Cons
- Bearings aren’t of the same quality as the wheels or trucks
The FLOW Surf Skates Surf Skateboard lets you cut through the streets like you’re surfing waves. A wide 10-inch deck provides a stable platform, while an internal spring gives your curves some snap as you carve. Larger skaters will also appreciate the wider deck as it can accommodate larger feet. You can adjust the spring tension to customize the feel for your size and riding style, too.
The single kickback provides some mobility for sidewalks slashes and other urban moves. It’s designed to have the feel of a surfboard but made for the concrete environment. Surfers who still want to cruise outside the water will love it, and so will anyone who loves a smooth but responsive ride.
Pros
- Swallowtail shape with single kickback
- Wide deck for added comfort
- Internal spring design maintains responsive carving
Cons
- Can be difficult to pump
The Beleev Cruiser Skateboard arrives at your door fully assembled and ready for a great ride. It’s on the long, narrow side at 31-inches long and 8-inches wide. Wheel wells and riser pads make it fairly difficult to get wheel bites, which can really help beginners as they learn to carve. A maximum weight load of 220 pounds lets taller, bigger riders get their turns going.
High rebound bushings take the impact of rides, making it more comfortable as you gain control. Beginners also get a full grip surface that can help them stay upright, even if the deck gets wet.
Pros
- Wheel wells and riser pads reduce the chances of wheel bites
- Excellent grip
- 220-pound maximum weight limit
Cons
- Printed design on the back chips easily
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cruiser skateboard best for?
Is a cruiser a good skateboard?
Is a cruiser a good skateboard for beginners?
How do I choose a cruiser skateboard?
- SkateboardersHQ. Skateboard vs cruiser vs longboard what’s the difference? Skateboardershq.com. Accessed March 9, 2022.
- Red Bull Editorial Team. What is a cruiser skateboard? Everything you need to know. Redbull.com. Published October 12, 2020. Accessed March 9, 2022.
