If you’re planning to pick one of the best cruiser skateboards on the market, one thing is for sure- you’re in for loads of fun. In the past few years, the traditional cruiser-style boards have made a comeback. Anyone looking for a smooth and comfortable cruise for short distances will find the cruiser a safe bet.
Our home and family advisor, Richard J. Bartlett chose the top five options that are the best for beginners as well as casual skateboarders. He picked the Magneto Mini Cruiser Skateboard Cruiser as the top pick in this category. Manufactured from high-quality materials, the Magneto Mini Cruiser is a great everyday skater that provides all the thrills without cutting out the fun.
Modern cruiser boards use plenty of advanced features to ensure a comfortable ride over long distances or rough terrains. While they may not be the best for performing tricks, they give you a sense of freedom and the right amount of exercise. If you’re tired of using your stationary bike or an elliptical trainer, heading out with a cruiser is a great alternative. Cruiser skateboards are also a fantastic gift idea for boys.
Our Expert’s Top 5 Cruiser Skateboards
Here are the top picks from our expert. Compare the ratings and features of different models.
| Editor’s Picks | Model | Rating | Dimensions | Board Weight | Weight Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Magneto Mini Cruiser Skateboard Cruiser | 29.6″ x 8.6″ x 5.3″ | 6.0lbs | 275lbs | |
| Best Budget | DINBIN Complete Mini Cruiser Board | 21.6″ x 6.0″ x 5.0″ | 3.4lbs | 220lbs | |
| Best Longboard | Magneto 44 inch Kicktail Cruiser Longboard | 45.0″ x 10.0″ x 7.0″ | 8.0lbs | 275lbs | |
| Best Lightweight Board | Magneto Kids Cruiser Skateboard | 21.0″ x 6.0″ x 4.0″ | 3.5lbs | 275lbs | |
| Best For Beginners | Beleev Cruiser Skateboards for Beginners | 26.0″ x 7.5″ x 4.0″ | 5.0lbs | 220lbs |
*Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 and based on reviews, feedback, and opinions of actual customers
In This Article
Who Should Buy a Cruiser Skateboard
- Kids – Since cruisers are great for relaxed skating around town, they’re an outstanding choice for kids. With a relatively small size and a lightweight design, they’re easier to carry around. Besides, the large wheels made from softer materials can keep the board stable while going over small obstacles. If you’re a beginner, a cruiser with a wide deck and a larger wheelbase is the best for finding balance. Mini-cruisers, which are a smaller version of the traditional cruiser, are also another good choice for kids.
- Teenagers – Teenagers who have learned the basics of skateboarding but don’t feel like transitioning into an advanced skateboard will find the cruiser a good option. Cruisers offer more versatility than longboards and some can also be used for light tricks or rolling down a hill without getting too rowdy. Intermediate riders looking for quick acceleration will also find cruisers the right choice. Most cruisers come with a kicktail that allows riders to perform flip tails and ollies. You can also use it for riding mini ramps too.
- Commuting adults – Looking for a board that can take you from point A to B safely? Cruisers are a great, money-saving and eco-friendly choice. Being easily maneuverable, they’re ideal for street or campus cruising where you need to avoid urban obstacles like vehicles and people. Since they’re lighter, carrying the board around for longer trips is also easy. You can easily hop on a bus with the cruiser tucked under your arm. And even if you have to tackle the occasional rough surface, the cruiser will ride like a champ.
Who Should Not Buy a Cruiser Skateboard
- Advanced riders – Cruisers are meant for riders looking to get around town and enjoy a smooth ride. But if zooming around at high speeds and performing tricks is your priority, then cruisers aren’t for you. When you’re looking to master the kickflip or the wallride, a skateboard is the best choice. Also, if you plan to visit the best skate parks or race downhill, don’t pick a cruiser.
Research Tips (from a Home & Family Expert)
Modern skateboards aren’t two roller skates connected by planks of wood. There’s a wide variety of advanced-grade cruiser skateboards that offer different ride qualities. It’s necessary to pay close attention to the features to understand if a board meets your requirements. Here are a few common points you need to keep in mind before purchasing one.
- Deck Size – The length of cruising decks can vary between 28 and 46 inches. The trick is to consider your height and weight before choosing a size. In general, a length of 28 to 32 inches should be good enough for kids. When it comes to deck width, larger boards with a width of 8 to 9 inches provide a more stable platform. Skaters wearing an adult shoe size of 8+ should be able to handle a full-size skateboard. For younger kids, choose boards between 6.5 to 7.25 inches wide.1
- Wheels – In modern best cruiser skateboards, the wheels are made from polymer. The advantage of the material is high resistance to heat and low deformation. A cruiser board with bigger wheels will offer more contact with the ground and better stability. It will also handle cracks and bumps better. That said, larger wheels can be too fast and unresponsive. Diameters between 54 mm and 60 mm are the best options for beginners. Also, choose square edge wheels as they offer more contact with the ground.
- Trucks – The trucks are located below the board and form the steering mechanism for the wheels. They contain the axle which pivots around the bushings.2 Always pick a board with a heavy-duty truck design made from materials like steel, aluminum, or titanium. A reverse-kingpin truck is more common in cruiser boards as it helps in sharp turns.
- Nose/Tail Shape – Usually, the nose is kept wider and rounder than the tail in cruisers. One aspect that you need to decide on is the kicktail. A kicktail is the raised part of the deck at one or both ends of a skateboard. Kicktails aren’t just for performing tricks but also helps in turning and the general maneuvering of the board. At the end of the day, it’s a personal preference. Note, most manufacturers do not mention the longitudinal curvature or concave of the deck. But you won’t go wrong with a medium concave deck pattern.
- Bearings – Bearings are located inside the wheel and their performance will allow the wheel to rotate smoothly. Steel bearings are a common choice as they’re economical, but titanium and ceramic bearings are also used. If you’re a beginner, choosing the fastest bearings isn’t the best idea. Start with the bearing that comes with the board and replace them when you have more experience. Does the ABEC rating of bearings matter? Actually, the ABEC ratings do not take into consideration the critical parameters of bearing performance, so it’s best to ignore the ratings.3
- Material – Modern skateboards are mostly made from multiple layers of wood that are pressed together and glued by special adhesives, or epoxy resins. Maple and cherry are the commonly used woods as they offer good flexibility without compromising durability. A 7-ply or seven layers of thin wood is the most common construction. However, 8-ply construction with a more robust design is also available. Plastic and carbon fiber are some other materials that are used for decks.
How Much Do They Cost?
Between $70-$150
Depending on the quality and features, the price of a complete skateboard can range between $70 and $150. You’ll have to pay extra for any customizations. For example, a blank board will cost less than a board with a graphic design.
Mini cruiser boards are also available in the price range of $25 and $50, but you need to choose carefully as many of these boards are not made from the best materials.
If you’re planning to assemble a cruiser, the costs can be between $90 to $250 based on the quality of the components you select. Remember, go for a custom skateboard only when you can skate with confidence and know your exact preferences.
Our Methodology: Why Trust Safe Smart Family
Skateboarding has been one of my passions since my childhood days. After having started with a longboard in my early days, I practiced my tricks on a double-kick popsicle in the later years. Whether you’re seeking some fun or looking for a simple way to commute short distances, selecting the right skateboard is a must. And once you get the hang of it, skateboarding can become a healthy lifestyle choice as well.- Richard J. Bartlett
The Best Cruiser Skateboards: Full Reviews
This versatile board from Magneto is an excellent choice for beginners as well as adults looking for a casual ride. The 6-ply deck is medium concave and is designed for easy control. The weight and comfort are nicely balanced with a deck size of 27.5 inches by 7.5 inches. Besides, the Mini Cruiser also has front and back kick tails that allow riders to raise the fun factor.
Even though the cruiser is lightweight, it’s well-constructed. The high-quality cast aluminum trucks and polyurethane bushings ensure reliable performance. The 60-mm wheels aren’t very large, but they integrate well with the truck and offer a smooth ride. They also hold up well on rough sections, cracks, and gravel. Overall, with a combination of some excellent features, the Mini Cruiser is one of the best cruiser skateboards at an affordable price.
- Well-designed deck with a good grip
- Lightweight and portable
- Double kick tails for practicing flip tricks and ollies
- Good quality hardware
- The bearings aren’t the smoothest
- Not for advanced or professional cruisers and heavy riders
To be honest, budget-friendly boards are not always the most reliable performers. However, the plastic cruiser from Dinbin offers good ride quality without putting much stress on your wallet. The 22-inch long and 6-inch wide deck is good for kids and teenagers and the lightweight design gives it excellent portability. For first-time skateboarders looking to find balance, this is a great cruiser board.
The plastic deck can carry a maximum weight of 220 pounds. The deck also offers enough flex for making sharp turns in urban settings. With the aluminum trucks coupled with stainless steel bearings, you can be assured of reliable performance. The 60-mm polyurethane wheels offer a smooth ride and even on rough roads the board offers a sturdy feel. This board isn’t designed for high speeds, but considering it’s for kids and learners, that’s not much of an issue.
- A good cruiser for learners and kids
- Compact size offers great portability
- Good quality trucks and high-speed bearings
- Comes in three colors
- Good choice for budget buyers
- Not ideal for heavier adults
Technically, this isn’t a cruiser but a longboard that’s designed for cruising around town. With the deck length of 44 inches and width of 9 inches, this isn’t a small board, but at 8 pounds it’s still fairly lightweight. The use of large 70-mm soft wheels makes a big difference and the ride quality is excellent. The 8-ply deck material is a combination of maple wood and bamboo and the surface offers great grip. I like the fact that the Magneto longboard has a concave deck design to make it more comfortable for beginners.
Even with a relatively large size, the board can tackle turns easily. The aluminum truck feels sturdy and the performance of the bearings is good enough for learners. Also, the weight capacity is on the higher side at 275 lbs. Considering the price, the board offers excellent quality and durability. This isn’t a board you’ll use in skate parks, but if you’re looking for a comfortable ride to take in the scenery, it’s a solid choice.
- A good cruiser for learners as well as advanced riders
- The large deck size offers great comfort and stability
- Soft wheels and quality bearings provide a smooth ride on rough surfaces
- A durable design that feels sturdy
- Not for kids or for performing advanced tricks
- Large size limits the portability
For many of us, portability is a priority when buying skateboards. The Magneto Kids Cruiser is one of the lightest boards available, making it a great choice for both kids and teenagers. Magneto has a reputation for delivering good-quality boards at affordable prices and this one is no exception. The compact size and a weight of just 3.59 pounds also makes it perfect for carrying around in a backpack.
Basically, the Kids Cruiser is a simple board that doesn’t come with many bells and whistles. But even with the low price tag, Magneto has used a 7-ply maple wood structure for the deck that offers a high-end feel. It runs on 60-mm urethane wheels and aluminum trucks that provide a good ride quality. Some riders might complain that the bearings aren’t smooth enough for high speeds, but once the rider develops the necessary skill, the bearings can always be upgraded.
- Compact size of 22 inches by 6 inches
- Wheel bite is well controlled
- The wheels and the truck deliver reliable performance
- The overall build quality is impressive
- Not best for experienced riders
- The small size may not work for you.
Not every cruiser for beginners is able to balance the right features to provide a great riding experience. The Beleev Cruiser checks the right boxes, both in terms of performance and reliability. For starters, the deck is spacious and measures 27 inches by 8 inches. In addition, there’s an anti-slip grip on the surface to prevent slippage. The 7-ply maple wood construction can bear up to 220 lbs.
Beleev has also mated the concave deck shape with double asymmetric kicktails. That allows for safe braking and also makes this a good board for practicing some basic tricks. The polyurethane wheels and steel bearings ensure a smooth ride and soak up the bumps and holes well. Moreover, with a weight of just under 5 pounds, this isn’t a heavy board either.
- An extra-wide deck with a sturdy design
- A durable body made from metal and wood
- Double kicktails for better movement control
- A versatile board for kids and adults
- Not for advanced riders
Frequently Asked Questions
What skateboard is best for cruising?
Is a cruiser skateboard easier to ride?
Is a skateboard better than a cruiser?
Can I ollie on a cruiser?
Article Sources
Safe Smart Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
- Vee R. How to Choose a Skateboard for Your Child + Visual Guide. Skateboardershq.com. Accessed June 6, 2022.
- How to Choose the Right Skateboard Trucks. Warehouseskateboards.com. Accessed June 6, 2022.
- Amboko N. What is ABEC rating? Medium.com. Published December 1, 2021. Accessed June 6, 2022.
- Vee R. Can You Ollie a Cruiser or Longboard? Skateboardershq.com. Accessed June 6, 2022.
Home and family advisor for Safe Smart Family with more than a decade writing about home and family lifestyle topics and expertise in home product reviews
