How much does a longboard cost? (ANSWERED)

best longboard brands
Photo credit: Nosy Nation
Before I bought a longboard, I know I asked myself one big question: How much does a longboard cost? I am sure you are asking this, too.

Best-selling longboards on Amazon

Bestseller No. 1
Retrospec Rift Drop-Through Longboard Skateboard Complete Canadian Maple Wood Cruiser w/Drop-Through Trucks for Commuting, Cruising, Carving & Downhill Riding
  • RIFT DROP THROUGH LONGBOARD: Classic retro-surf-style longboard for commuting, cruising, carving, and downhill riding. Rift provides the agility and control needed to bomb hills and pivot quickly and responsively.
  • GET A GRIP: Stay grounded with an extra grippy 80AB fully covered deck and durable 70x51mm 78 PU wheels. Dimensions: 41" x 9.5" featuring drop-through trucks.
  • SMOOTH SAILING: Take control of your ride with reactive and smooth gliding slant reverse 180mm kingping trucks with precision ABEC-7 stainless steel bearings.
  • HIGH-SPEED & ACCURATE: Precision ball bearings in the ABEC-7 tolerance grade is ideal for high speed and extreme running accuracy, capable of handling all of your adventures.
  • DURABLE & STABLE: Constructed from durable Canadian Maple and ready to roll. You can ride with confidence knowing your board can handle anything almost anything you throw at it.
Bestseller No. 2
Retrospec Zed Longboard Skateboard Complete Cruiser | Bamboo & Canadian Maple Wood Cruiser w/Reverse Kingpin Trucks for Commuting, Cruising, Carving & Downhill Riding
  • ZED LONGBOARD: Our freshest longboard nods to the 1950’s makeshift backyard longboards with its classic surfboard shape and feel. ZED not only carries us here and there, but transports us back to a time of sun, surf, salty air, breezy days, dewy nights, and reverb-doused hits of yesteryear.
  • ANTI-BITE TECHNOLOGY: Avoid wheel bite at all costs. In fact, put it in the back of your mind. We put ease-of-ride #1 by including wheel wells to eliminate grab. Durable 70x51mm 85A PU wheels with rock finish.
  • HIGH-SPEED & ACCURATE: Precision ball bearings in the ABEC-7 tolerance grade is ideal for high speed and extreme running accuracy, capable of handling all of your adventures.
  • SLICK & GRIP: Enhance your ride with smooth and shock absorbent 70 mm Polyurethane wheels, plus a rock finish for superior grip.
  • STABLE BUILD: 44-Inch artisan longboard made from 8-ply Canadian maple and sustainably sourced bamboo forms an infallible hybrid of strength and pliability in ZED's deck construction. It comes fully assembled and ready to ride, all you have to do is get going.
Bestseller No. 3
Nattork Longboards Skateboard 41 x 9 inch for Adults Teenagers and Kids,Equipped Long Board Through Deck 8 Ply Canadian Maple for Men's Longboarding fit Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced Riders.
  • STRONG 8 LAYERS STURDY MAPLE WOOD: 41 x 9 Inch Longboard Skateboard Complete made of 8-ply natural Canadian maple with high density waterproof; max load weight 350 lbs with High-Speed Bearings; providing super flexibility and effective cushioning.
  • SMOOTH RIDE and MANEUVERABILITY:Our ABEC-7 high-speed bearings with durable 70mm X 51mm 99A PU wheels will provide a more ideal for fast runs and quick turns,and take to you great maneuverability.
  • SUITABLE for ALL-SKATERS:If you are looking for a stable or easy maneuverability board that makes it easy to learn to balance, Downhill,these are the fully symmetrical longboards for you. They are also ideal for freestyle riding,mellow cruising, pushing long distances and skating down hills at high speeds.
  • STRONG TRUCK:The longboard Consists of 7 inch long aluminum alloy truck and ultra elastic PU support pad ,PU shock absorb ring Providing effective cushioning and Increase controllability.this longboard for adults/teenagers extremely comfortable for all riders.
  • WARMING SERVICE AND AFTER-SALES PROTECTION: It comes fully assembled ready to ride.This longboard skateboard is the perfect alternative for many outdoor activities or methods of transportation.If there are any quality issues,please feel free to contact us. You will definitely get excellent customer support and quality assurance.
Bestseller No. 4
Magneto 44 inch Kicktail Cruiser Longboard Skateboard | Bamboo and Hard Maple Deck | Made for Adults, Teens, and Kids (Blue)
  • MADE BY SKATERS - All of our boards are designed by skaters and inspired by our location in Southern California, the birthplace of longboarding. Our design cues come from the local surf culture and natural materials, we let the simple aesthetics shine on their own. We also prioritize our customer service and want you to be completely stoked with your new board. All messages are replied to within 24 hours and we’ll do our very best to ensure satisfaction and maximum cruising on our boards.
  • VERSATILE BOARD - 44-inch Longboard Skateboard designed for cruising and skating around town. Kicktails make this board super functional for all sorts of riding styles.
  • WHEELS FOR CRUISING - A 78A soft high quality urethane is used for the 70mm wheels. The wheels are nice and soft for extra grip while turning and a super smooth ride over rougher roads. With a cool translucent look, the wheels are sized perfectly for the cruising this board excels at.
  • QUALITY MATERIALS - The deck is made with bamboo veneer on top and bottom with a maple core to add strength and stiffness. This makes the deck super durable and beautiful. The sand grit finish provides grip without the hassle of replacing grip tape and shows off the beautiful bamboo design. The trucks are made from gravity cast aluminum which makes them strong and durable. The bushings are SHR (medium stiffness) which adds to the cruising experience.
  • ENDLESS SKATING OPTIONS - This board is the perfect accessory or alternative for many outdoor activities or methods of transportation. Take it to the park, the beach, traveling, camping, the bike path, pump track, you name it. Or maybe you’re tired of your bicycle or roller skates. It’s also great for land SUP paddling or paddleboarding. Be creative, happy skating!
Bestseller No. 5
VOLADOR Freeride Longboard Cruiser | Maple Wood Deck| Drop Through Longboard Complete (Banana)
  • LONGBOARD ENGINEERING - VOLADOR gives engineering specifically any extra attention. Drop-through mounting translates into greater stability and improved push efficiency. Aluminum 7” reverse kingpin trucks are adjustable to either 50°for carving/freeriding or 45° for cruising/commuting. Softer 70x51mm 78A PU wheels fitted with ABEC-9 precision bearings bring shock-absorption, kick efficiency, and maximum traction, making this board ideal for commuting situations.
  • MATERIALS & MANUFACTURING - 8-Ply hardrock maple deck is durable and offers a generous platform at 42” x 9”. The A356 aluminum alloy used in trucks deserves more credit, which is a high-grade alloy used in the aerospace industry for high-strength applications like rocket engines and missiles.
  • ARTWORKS - VOLADOR always commission custom art from Europe, Russia, and Asia to provide an eclectic blend of beautiful styles to choose from.
  • BEGINNERS’ GOOD BUY - VOLADOR is a good option for beginners uncertain about their commitment to longboarding. While affordable, the overall quality, comfort, and durability meet the standards of more experienced longboarders.
  • CUSTOMER SERVICE - VOLADOR has been consistently ranked in the Top 5 longboard, and no simple feat against top-shelf brands with a presence in the marketplace. We are committed to provide the best customer service and will take care of any quality issue.

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The cost of a longboard ranges from $50 to a couple hundred dollars. The price ranges because it depends on whether you buy a complete setup or build it piece by piece. It also depends on the quality of equipment you buy.

Here’s an example. I spent less than $80 on a Quest board from Amazon. I use it for just rolling on the bike path and having fun.

I am a total newbie — never having rode a skateboard or longboard before. My intent was not to go crazy fast, carve the streets, or use the board at its limit. Intent is important — as is your skill level.

The harder you want to push the board and its parts the more money you will spend to get higher quality components. You may also be building it piece by piece rather than purchasing an already-built unit.

Read customer reviews of longboards in 2023 on Amazon.

Need help picking a longboard?

When picking a longboard, you may want to consider the following factors:

  • Styles of riding
  • Level of ability
  • Bearings
  • Board shapes
  • Deck styles
  • Construction
  • Shape
  • Flex
  • Length and wheelbase
  • Trucks
  • Wheels

Styles of riding

Every longboarders has their own style. Some want a good all around longboard for college, some like to cruise, and others want to hit the steepest inclines. Boards are engineered for different situations, as well as surrounding terrain. Consider where you ride and how when choosing a board.

Level of ability

There are levels of skill which can be hindered or enhanced by choice of board. A board’s shape, mounting type, setups, flex and style can make or break your experiences.

Bearings

As bearings control the function of the board’s wheels, you want to ensure bearings provide the optimum durability and performance. The higher the ABEC rating, the faster wheels spin. For general purposes:

  • Cruising – 3 rating
  • Freeriding – 5 rating
  • Downhill and racing – over 5

Shapes

Basic board shapes are directional and twin/symmetrical. Directionals are designed for going forward. The most common is the Pin Tail, but there are some cruisers, downhill and freestyle boards that are directional. Twin boards allow greater movement, such as 180 degree slides.

Deck styles

Deck styles are important to stability. Notice the height of boards as you shop. The higher the board, the higher your center of gravity will be. Deck styles include top mount, drop through, drop deck and double drop.

Construction

Common boards use various veneers of wood (maple, Baltic birch, bamboo) pressed into shapes. Construction can also be engineered from materials like carbon fiber. Use your budget and riding intent to decide which construction is best for you.

Board shape

Longboards have shape characteristics that distinguish their use.

Kick tail: Good for trick riding like hopping curbs and sharp turns. Kick tails can be on one or both ends of a board.

Concave: These boards will have varying levels of concave along the rails or edges to manage foot grip on the board. Downhill and free ride boards will have deeper concaves.

W-Concave: A more intense foot grip found mostly on expensive boards.

Wheel wells and cut-outs: These features minimize getting thrown from the board after cornering too hard.

Board flex

Board flex is critical to a board’s performance. Flex levels are soft, medium and stiff. Each has characteristics like specific shock absorption or speed control that manages everything from mellow cruising to bombing hills.

Boardlength and wheelbase

Longer boards and longer wheelbases allow greater speeds. Shorter boards and wheelbases allow faster and tighter turning.

Trucks

Trucks provide turning and pivoting on the axle. Longboards have kingpins that are reversed or inverted, ensuring side-to-side movement, better control and stability. Carefully adjusted, better control turns. Tight trucks heighten high speed stability. Loose trucks make for better turns.

Wheels

Wheels are probably the most important component in a board’s performance. Their road grip manages the entire riding experience.

Shape: The lips of the wheels come in two shapes, square and round.

A rounded wheel promises less traction in turns. Freeenders and freestylers prefer them as it gives them more power.

Square lipped wheels are not completely rounded, but squared at a 90 degree angle. There’s greater traction and sliding resistance. Power movers like to break them in for downhill and carving rides.

Other important components in the wheel construction are the durometer, core, width and height.

I hope this helped for buying a longboard and answered that question about how much does a longboard cost.

Read customer reviews of longboards in 2023 on Amazon.

Originally posted 2023-01-06 14:56:54.