The Best Longboards of 2024

The Atom Drop Deck Longboard is a standout contender for the 'Best Overall' category, thanks to its impressive array of features designed to offer a superior riding experience. This board's full maple laminate deck provides a robust yet flexible platform, ensuring both durability and responsiveness. The reverse King Pin (RKP) trucks with 245mm axles contribute to smooth, stable turns, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned riders.

The wide-lip 70x51mm super high rebound urethane wheels are engineered to offer substantial grip and shock absorption, making rides smoother even over uneven surfaces. These wheels, paired with ABEC 9 bearings and high-speed lubricant, ensure minimal rolling resistance and higher speeds with less effort.

Additionally, the quality 80S grip tape provides excellent traction, keeping riders secure without sacrificing comfort. While these features are outstanding, the deck's height might take some getting used to. However, its performance and rider-friendly attributes make subtle trade-offs worth it, solidifying its top-tier ranking.

For those seeking great value without compromising on quality, the Playshion Drop Through Longboard stands out as an excellent choice. This longboard, measuring 39" x 9.1", is crafted with an eight-ply maple deck that balances strength with flexibility, accommodating riders up to 250 lbs. This ensures durability, even under substantial weight.

One of the standout aspects of this board is its big, soft 70x50mm PU wheels paired with ABEC-9 bearings. These components work together to deliver a remarkably smooth ride, making it suitable for various surfaces. The solid 7-inch aluminum trucks with soft bushings further enhance comfort, offering a stable yet responsive longboarding experience.

Particularly appealing for beginners, the Playshion Drop Through Longboard features low-to-the-ground drop-through mounting. This design element makes it easier to learn and control, catering to both kids and adults who are new to longboarding. While its design might not cater to high-speed enthusiasts or advanced tricks, it provides exceptional value for budget-conscious riders who prioritize an enjoyable, easy-to-learn experience.

The Atom All-Terrain Longboard truly excels in the 'Best All-Terrain' category, thanks to its carefully thought-out design and high-performance features. One of the standout aspects is its MBS 100mm x 65mm wheels. Crafted with 78a super-high-rebound urethane, these wheels strike the perfect balance between on-road speed and off-road traction, enabling riders to transition smoothly from pavement to gravel paths without missing a beat.

The board's sturdy maple-lam drop deck significantly enhances stability by keeping the rider's center of gravity low. This particular design not only makes pushing more efficient but also makes off-roading less of an uphill battle. The 50-degree reverse kingpin trucks are another notable feature, contributing to the board’s agility and responsiveness, which is crucial for navigating diverse terrain.

Additionally, the Atom All-Terrain Longboard's bearings are a minor yet important highlight. The ABEC 9 rubber shielded bearings come with high-speed lubricant, ensuring a silky-smooth ride. Lastly, the super coarse 46 grit grip-tape provides excellent traction, reducing the risk of slipping when the trail gets rough.

While these features are outstanding, the board's overall weight could be a bit of a downside for those looking for a lighter option. However, the robust construction and specialized components make this board an excellent choice for all-terrain adventurers.

The Sector 9 Lookout Longboard is an excellent choice for cruising, thanks to its hybrid construction and design. Combining the flexibility of bamboo with the sturdiness of maple, the deck offers a perfect balance of durability and responsiveness, creating a smooth riding experience ideal for long cruising sessions.

One of the standout features is its size. With a length of 41.125 inches and a width of 9.625 inches, the board provides ample stability, making it quite forgiving for intermediate riders. The drop-through design also lowers the center of gravity, enhancing control and ease of pushing.

The 10" Gullwing Charger Trucks contribute significantly to its maneuverability, allowing for fluid turns and an overall agile ride. Paired with 72mm 78a Nineballs Wheels, the longboard ensures a cushioned ride even over rough terrain. Additionally, ABEC 5 Greaseball Bearings offer a decent roll speed, good enough for casual cruising without pushing excessively.

While not the most advanced bearings, for the average cruiser, they perform satisfactorily. The clear grip adds to its aesthetic appeal while also providing ample traction. Overall, the Sector 9 Lookout Longboard excels in delivering a smooth, enjoyable cruise, making it a top pick in its category.

The Loaded Tan Tien stands out in the 'Best For Speed' category thanks to its unique combination of agility and stability. Its drop-through truck mounting design offers a lower center of gravity, which enhances stability especially when pushing at high speeds. This thoughtful design ensures that riders can maintain control even during rapid descents.

Another key feature is the large wheel cutouts, enabling tight turns and deep carves without the fear of wheel bite. Paired with a cambered profile and mild concave deck, the board delivers a responsive yet comfortable ride, crucial for maintaining speed while ensuring a smooth carving experience.

The bamboo and fiberglass construction not only makes the board lightweight but also imparts a lively flex, vital for dynamic pumping and carving. The availability of three flex ratings allows riders to tailor their board's performance to their specific weight and riding style, with lower flex options providing extra control for heavier riders or those executing aggressive maneuvers.

Although primarily designed for carving and freestyle, these features combined make the Loaded Tan Tien a proficient speedster, ideal for riders seeking both performance and versatility.

The Retrospec Zed Bamboo Longboard excels in the 'Best For Beginners' category thanks to its distinctive blend of nostalgic design and superior functionality. Its 44-inch deck made from 8-ply Canadian maple and bamboo not only gives it a strong yet flexible construction but also provides a larger, more stable surface for new riders. This ensures that first-timers can maintain balance with ease and build confidence swiftly.

One of the standout attributes for beginners is the inclusion of anti-bite technology. The strategically designed wheel wells prevent wheel bite, facilitating smoother, safer turns and reducing the learning curve. Furthermore, the durable 70x51mm PU wheels with a rock finish enhance grip and contribute to a smoother ride, perfect for those newly stepping into the longboarding world.

Flawless high-speed precision is assured by ABEC-7 bearings, enabling a controlled and enjoyable riding experience without compromising on speed. While the performance features are excellent, it's worth noting that the board's aesthetic design may come off as simplistic compared to more intricate models, yet this minimalist charm can be appealing to those just starting.

Overall, the Retrospec Zed Bamboo Longboard offers a blend of stability, safety, and performance, making it an ideal choice for beginners eager to hit the pavement.