What is the Difference Between Cruiser and Longboard

The main difference between cruiser and longboard is that cruisers are perfect for short commutes while longboards are perfect for longer distances.

There is a wide collection of boards in the skateboard industry. Cruisers and longboards are two such popular boards. Both are longer than standard skateboards. However, cruisers are longer than standard skateboards but shorter than longboards. Therefore, longboards are longer than both cruisers and skateboards.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Cruiser 
     – Definition, Features
2. What is a Longboard
     – Definition, Location, Features
3. What are the Similarities Between Cruiser and Longboard
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Cruiser and Longboard
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Cruiser Board, Longboard, Skateboard

What is a Cruiser Board

A cruiser board is usually longer than a standard skateboard, but shorter than a longboard. They are also thinner and flatter than standard skateboards. While standard skateboards have decks that are shaped like lozenges or popsicles, with raised noses and tails, cruiser boards come in a variety of shapes and styles. Their decks are bigger than decks of normal skateboards.

Moreover, cruisers usually have 59mm wheels made of softer polyurethane; therefore, they can travel on rougher surfaces, making travelling distances a lot more enjoyable. When compared to longboards, cruiser boards are ideal for short distances. They are not very suitable for downhill and carving. They are perfect for a short commute and are portable.

What is a Longboard

Longboards are a type of skateboards, but they are bigger and longer. They have bigger wheels, bigger trucks, and bigger decks. Since they are larger, longboards are more comfortable and stable to ride than skateboards. We can consider a board that is longer than 36 inches a longboard. Skaters use longboards for cruising, travelling and downhill racing. Since longboards have large wheels and trucks, they can also turn sharper and higher than normal skateboards. Moreover, longboards are ideal for travelling long distances and downhill.

There are various types and styles of longboards on the market today. For example, downhill longboards, freestyle longboards, casual cruising longboards, etc. In addition, swallowtails, pintails, flat-nose riders, drop-through decks, drop decks, etc. are some examples of longboard shapes.  

Longboard Dimensions

Length – usually around 33 to 59 inches

Width – 9.0 to 10.0 inches

Wheels – 2.6 to 4.2 inches

Since longboards are larger in size, they are not as responsive as standard skateboards and cruisers. The size of the board and wheels allow great speed, but its acceleration is slower compared to cruisers.

Similarities Between Cruiser and Longboard

• Both cruisers and longboards are larger and longer than standard skateboards.
• They have bigger and softer wheels, which enables them to cope with rough surfaces.
• They come in a variety of styles and shapes.
• Skateboards have less momentum than longboards and cruisers.

Difference Between Cruiser and Longboard

Definition

A longboard is a type of skateboard, but it is bigger and longer than a standard skateboard. A cruiser, on the other hand, is usually longer than a standard skateboard, but shorter than a longboard

Size

A cruiser is longer than a standard skateboard but shorter than a longboard. In general, longboards are about 36″ and above while the length of cruisers is between 25″ and 37″.

Truck

Longboards often have inverted trucks, but cruisers typically don’t have inverted trucks.

Use

While cruisers are ideal for short distances, longboards are ideal for long distances. Moreover, cruisers are not very suitable for downhill and carving, unlike longboards.

Wheels

Longboards have bigger wheels than cruisers. Wheels of longboards are 60mm and above while wheels of cruisers are between 55mm and 65mm.

Portability

Cruisers are easier to carry and store, but longboards are heavier and take more space to store.

Conclusion

Cruisers are longer than standard skateboards but shorter than longboards. The main difference between cruiser and longboard is that cruisers are perfect for short commutes while longboards are perfect for longer distances.

Reference:

1. “Longboard (Skateboard).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 3 Dec. 2020, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Person stepping on cruiser board” (CC0) via Pikrepo
2. “1623114” (CC0) via Pxhere