Specifications
| Brand | Magneto |
|---|---|
| Skateboard Type | Cruiser |
| Deck Width | 9 in |
| Deck Length | 44 in |
| Deck Construction | Bamboo |
| Wheel Diameter | 70 mm |
| Wheel Durometer | 78A |
| Bearing Rating | ABEC-5 |
Pros
- Reliable quality, fair cost
- Stable beginner handling
- Good sandblast grip
Cons
- Poor for rough roads
- Hard to turn
- Wheel mismatch variance
The Verdict
A 44-inch bamboo kicktail cruiser that targets relaxed cruising and basic tricks. With a Performance score of 7.5, it feels stable at learning pace, but turning can feel hard, especially once the pavement gets rough.
Who it's for: New and casual riders who want an easy reset at speed and a stable ride on decent pavement, accepting that carving and tight turns may feel limited.
Who should skip it: Skaters who ride rough streets or expect quick, responsive turning, especially if they want consistent wheel feel across every board.
In-Depth Review
Performance
Magneto rates at 7.5 for Performance. That lands in the “Responsive turns and landings” zone, but only if your pavement stays fairly even. The deck is a 44 in cruiser length with a 9 in width. That longer stance helps stability when you are learning lines and setting up for a stop.
The kicktail shape matters here. You can step on, pop, reset, and get back into a steady roll without fighting the board. The wheel setup supports cruising too. It runs 70 mm wheels with 78A durometer. Softer wheels help keep speed through small bumps. They also make landings feel more forgiving when your timing is off.
Where performance drops is control on uneven ground. The kicktail still helps you recover, but turning can feel less clean when the wheels hit rough texture. The mini-review flagged that it can be “Hard to turn.” That aligns with the board rating being a notch below “excellent.” Expect predictable straight riding, and accept that tight carving will take more effort.
Build Quality
Build Quality scores 7.6. The closest match is “Sturdy hardware throughout.” The deck is built with a bamboo layout, listed as a “bamboo veneer and maple core.” That is consistent with the full spec: deck construction is Bamboo. A bamboo based deck often brings a flex profile that feels lively rather than dead.
For components, the listing points to ABEC-5 bearings. Those are middle of the road. They usually spin well enough for cruising speeds, but they are not in the same category as higher end bearing grades. On a cruiser like this, that is not a deal breaker. It matters because the rest of your feel comes from trucks, grip, and wheel matching.
There is a real durability trade-off in the feedback. The cons include “Wheel mismatch variance.” That can mean the board does not feel identical across samples. Even if the deck build stays consistent, mismatched rolling parts can create a subtle pull or uneven response. You also have to live with the listed drawback: “Poor for rough roads.” Rough surfaces raise stress on the whole system, so hardware wear can show up faster when you ride harsh pavement.
Ride Comfort
Ride Comfort lands at 7.3. That fits the “Comfortable over rough pavement” band, but with clear limits. The comfort story is mostly the wheel size and hardness. The board uses 70 mm wheels at 78A. That combination tends to smooth out small surface chatter and keeps foot fatigue lower than a harder, smaller wheel setup.
On good pavement, the long cruiser shape helps a lot. A 44 in deck gives you more room for stance changes. It also makes it easier to roll through micro-corrections without the board feeling twitchy. Grip matters too. The mini-review calls out “Good sandblast grip.” That kind of texture can keep your feet from sliding when you shift weight for a turn.
Still, the comfort score is not higher because the cons are blunt: “Poor for rough roads.” When the surface gets broken, turning difficulty and harsh impacts show up together. Softer wheels help, but they cannot fully cancel out pothole edges and chunky pavement seams. If your commute route is rough, you will feel it in your legs.
Value
Value is the highest pillar at 8.2, which maps to “Reliable quality, fair cost.” This is the kind of cruiser that makes sense for beginners who want an easy ride and stable setup. The board size works well for the learning phase. With 9 in width and 44 in length, it supports balance without demanding razor precise foot placement.
Parts alignment helps justify the value. You are getting cruising friendly wheels in the 70 mm and 78A range, plus ABEC-5 bearings. Those are not “race spec,” but they match the intended speed and stability of a kicktail cruiser. Combined with sandblast grip, control feels less random than many beginner boards.
The reason value is not closer to 9 is the inconsistency risk. The cons list “Wheel mismatch variance.” That is the kind of issue that can make a board feel smoother or less stable than another one from the same line. If you ride in a way that demands repeatable turning and straight tracking on every outing, that variability matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the deck dimensions and size of the Magneto Magneto Kicktail Cruiser 44?
The deck measures 44 in long with a 9 in width. It is a bamboo deck, so you get a cruiser-friendly feel underfoot. This size works well for comfortable foot placement during push and carving.
What wheels come on the Magneto Kicktail Cruiser 44, and are they good for cruising?
The board uses 70 mm wheels with a 78A durometer, which usually rolls smoothly for cruising on decent pavement. The faster you go, the more it tracks in a straight line. If your streets are very rough, expect a harsher ride than bigger, softer wheels.
How do the ABEC-5 bearings affect speed and maintenance on this cruiser?
The board comes with ABEC-5 bearings, rated for everyday cruising speed. They can feel smooth when they are clean and lightly lubed, but like most bearings they still need occasional care. If you skate in wet or dusty conditions, wipe and re-lube more often.
Is this cruiser easy to turn, or will I struggle with it?
Some buyers report it is hard to turn, which can make quick carving feel less responsive than expected. For smoother turns, you may need more body weight shift and slower speed than on more agile setups. If you mainly want tight street turns, this may frustrate you.
Does the bamboo deck handle daily use, and how durable is it?
The bamboo deck construction is designed for consistent feel and decent durability, and the overall build quality score is solid. Still, any skateboard can wear faster if you skate rough pavement, do frequent hard stops, or drop the board. Check trucks, bolts, and grip tape regularly for early wear.
Will the wheel mismatch issue affect me, and how can I check it when it arrives?
There is a noted wheel mismatch variance, which can create wobble or uneven roll. When you first set it up, spin the wheels and look for wobble or a noticeable difference in speed. If something feels off, tighten hardware and confirm all wheels are seated correctly before riding.
Final Verdict
Magneto’s Magneto Kicktail Cruiser 44 is a solid pick for new riders who want an easy, stable kicktail cruiser. Its build and grip stand out, with sandblast grip that holds well. Still, it struggles on rough roads, and turning can feel hard, which limits fun outside smooth pavement.
If you skate calm streets and want predictable handling over agility, this is a smart choice.
