Skateboarding is exciting, especially when you finally “get the hang of it”. True, skating can be a bit technical with the risk of falling and injury, but you won’t let a few bruises stop you from getting all that fun, excitement and best of all exercise, will you? Skateboards have also evolved in recent times in terms of usage – where the larger longboards (which are easier to ride) have proven a particularly good way to commute to work.
Longboards are great for commuters
It’s no longer just about sports or a fun as many riders now use longboards to commute to and from work. In fact, they have become increasingly popular because in addition to letting loose, feeling the wind brush over your face, it won’t cost you a dime in fuel or car parking. And traffic? Forget about it!
It is an exciting, active alternative to other means of transportation.
The far smaller, traffic avoiding size of the longboard also means they’re far easier to store as opposed to all that time spent trying to find a good parking spot for a car or SUV. In addition to the other advantages, using a longboard helps you work the muscles of your lower body as a form of exercise, improving your overall balance.
When buying a longboard, there are certain things you should look out for, which include (but are not limited to):
- Material: The type of material used in making a longboard is an important factor to consider when buying a longboard. The material used in making a longboard must be sturdy because it will support your body weight while in motion. This is why longboards are typically made of wood, and the two types of wood which are most common are are bamboo and maple wood. These two are the most popular due to their durability.
- Design: As much as the material used in making the longboard is important, the design of the board is also important. The design of a longboard includes the aesthetics as well as functionality. There are different longboards for different uses, but many of them that are used for commuting are designed to carve and turn in motion easily. When it comes to aesthetics, you will definitely find a board with beautiful colors and an amazing design to suit your taste.
- Dimension Preferences: This also relates to functionality although the dimension preference of a longboard is based solely on individual taste and opinion. Some boards are wider and longer than others, and this can be a top choice for you and not a priority for another person.
Based on the factors above, I have reviewed a list of the best longboards for commuters.
1. Magneto 40-inch Bamboo Longboard
This longboard is a top pick for so many reasons. It is a 40-inch board in length with a width of 9-inches which makes it quite balanced in motion. This longboard is made of bamboo and fiberglass thus giving it an advantage of being lightweight and highly flexible. The design of this board has an arched chamber that makes riding down a hill quite smooth. You can also take sharp bends and turns easily without the risk of falling.
Pros
- The length and width of this product makes it very balanced in motion.
- The materials used confers flexibility on the board and also increases the durability of this product.
- The Magneto Longboards Bamboo comes in 5 exciting colors and designs for you to pick from!
- This longboard is great for carving and cruising due to its concave shape and carved chamber.
- The Paris Style trucks are made with a 7-inch hanger at a 50-degrees angle, which ensures a firm grip on the road yet making it very easy to make sudden turns!
Cons
- Some users consider this product to be quite short in length.
- This product is quite expensive.
2. Minority Maple 40-inch Downhill Longboard
If you want a product that combines fashion with longboard technicality, then the Minority Downhill is a good choice. Where the flexibility of bamboo might be used in other products, the manufacturers of this longboard use the strength of 8-ply maple wood to create a 40-inch long, 10-inch wide product with a unique symmetry that can carry a lot of weight around corners without toppling you over.
Pros
- The Minority Downhill Longboard is made of maple wood, making it a very strong board.
- The trucks of this board are 7-inches reverse kingpin style and are made at an adjustable 50 or 45-degrees for easy turns and twists on the road.
- This product is quite cheap and affordable.
- This product comes in 10 different colors in beautiful designs that you can choose from.
- The Minority Downhill board probably gets its name from being very fast; you can get up to maximum speed in as little as 4 paddles.
Cons
- Some users think this board is too wide.
- The technicality of this product can be a downside for simple longboard users.
3. Volador 40-inch Maple Longboard Basic Cruiser
This longboard is perfect for skateboard beginners who enjoy the possibility of using another means of transportation to work. This product combines the strength of 8-ply maple wood with a concave shape and geometric art that even allows you create designs on it yourself to give you a highly efficient product that is 40-inches long and 9-inches wide, all at an affordable price.
Pros
- This product is highly efficient, and strong.
- It is quite affordable.
- The Volador longboard is created with 7-inch reverse kingpin trucks, which give a firm grip on the road.
- The wheels of this longboard are created at an adjustable 45- and 50-degrees so that you can make turns easily.
- The concave shape of this board makes it easy to navigate which is important for beginners.
- The graphic design of this board makes it highly attractive as well.
- If you have a strong love for the environment, then you will love this product as it is made from sustainable wood.
Cons
- This longboard is considered a little expensive.
4. Leyoo 41-inch Maple Longboard
The Leyoo Longboard is like the apex of advantages when it comes to longboards. It is quite long, with a length of 41-inches and a width of 9.5-inches. This longboard is also made of sturdy Canadian Maple wood to create a longboard that has a good grip due to its emery finishing. Combine this with the exciting colors and designs of this product as well as the 7-inch lightweight aluminum wheels with a diameter of 50mm and you have a highly efficient skateboard.
Pros
- This longboard can be used by basically anyone – from kids through to professionals.
- This product is very affordable.
- This longboard is made of maple wood and is very strong for carrying weights of both children and adults.
- There is no need for assembly, making it easy to use by children as well.
- The design of this longboard as well as the length and width of the board makes it still easy for professional skateboarders to move and turn easily without falling.
Cons
- This board is considered to be quite rigid.
5. Seething 42-inch Longboard
There are a few interesting things to note about the Seething 42-inch longboard in that it is quite long at 42-inches and 10-inches wide. This product is also made with up to 9 layers of Canadian Maple wood with a diamond emery paper finish that is waterproof, so you do not have to worry about the wear and tear rain might cause. The trucks of this product are made of 7-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a diameter of 70mm covered with high-rebound polyurethane which is quite elastic and thus suitable for jumps and stunts as well as for cruising and carving. These wheels can also move on both smooth and rough ground, so you do not have to worry about skidding. All of these are made in 11 different colors, all at an affordable rate.
Pros
- This package comes with a T-tool accessory and is completely pre-installed.
- This skateboard can be used by professionals and learners alike.
- This product is cheap and affordable.
- The length and width of this product makes it easy for learners to find their balance while learning to use a longboard.
- The colors and design of this product give you a variety to choose from.
Cons
- The length and width might be too much for some users.
- This product is quite heavy as well.
Final Thoughts
The above listed longboards are the top picks, especially if you want to use longboards as a means of commuting to work. When it comes to efficiency, I would recommend the Magneto Bamboo Longboard. However, if you need to choose a product with overall functionality, I would recommend the Seething 42-inch longboard.
Each of these products have their unique advantages according to individual needs and preferences. One thing you should note though is that if you are new to longboarding, you should get ready for falls and a few bruises here and there. But when you get the hang of it, you most likely would not want to use any other means of transport. Whichever product you choose, you can be sure that you are getting the best of an adventure!
If you’re looking for another awesome, active way to add a little cost-effective excitement to your daily commute, check our round-up of the best adult kick scooters.
Happy commuting!
