In this guide
A good first longboard is stable, forgiving and the right size for you. This guide compares three boards that fit that description, says who each one suits and who should skip it, and explains what to look for if you shop elsewhere.
The three boards compared
| Board | Best for | Deck | Wheels | Trucks | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arbor Axis 40 Flagship | Cruising and commuting | 40 in drop-through | 69mm, 78a | Paris reverse kingpin | See it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab, affiliate link) |
| Landyachtz Drop Cat 33 | Compact cruising and campus | 33 in drop-through | 74mm, 76a | Bear Gen 6 | See it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab, affiliate link) |
| Retrospec Zed Pintail | Entry-level carving and cruising | 41 in pintail | 70mm, 85a | 7 in reverse kingpin | See it on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab, affiliate link) |
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Arbor Axis 40 Flagship: best for cruising and commuting
Best for cruising and commuting Best for: Cruising and commuting
Arbor Axis 40 Flagship
- Deck
- 40 in drop-through
- Construction
- 8-ply maple, Palisander sheets
- Wheels
- 69mm, 78a
- Trucks
- Paris reverse kingpin, 180mm
- Bearings
- ABEC 7 with spacers
Pros
- Drop-through mounting keeps the ride low and stable
- Soft 78a wheels roll comfortably over rough pavement
- Long enough to feel steady while staying manageable
Cons
- Longer and less portable than compact cruisers
- Drop-through decks are not the best for technical riding or sliding
- Specifications vary between Axis versions, so confirm the one you buy
Check price on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab, affiliate link) Price and availability are shown on Amazon.
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This isn’t the best choice if you need to carry the board often or ride in tight spaces. A compact board will suit you better.
Landyachtz Drop Cat 33: best compact option
Best compact option Best for: Short rides and campus
Landyachtz Drop Cat 33
- Deck
- 33 x 9.625 in, wheelbase 23.9 in
- Construction
- 8-ply maple, medium flex
- Wheels
- 74mm Plow King GT, 76a
- Trucks
- Bear Gen 6, 180mm
- Bearings
- Spaceballs
Pros
- Compact and easy to carry
- Low drop-through ride that is easy to push
- Large, soft wheels roll over cracks
Cons
- The short wheelbase is less stable at higher speeds
- Less deck length than a full-size board, which some taller riders find cramped
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This isn’t the best choice if you want a board for long pushes or higher-speed cruising. A longer wheelbase is more stable.
Retrospec Zed Pintail: best entry-level pintail
Best entry-level pintail Best for: Relaxed carving and cruising
Retrospec Zed Pintail 41
- Deck
- 41 x 9.5 in pintail
- Construction
- 8 plies of bamboo and maple
- Wheels
- 70 x 50mm, 85a
- Trucks
- 7 in cast aluminum, slant reverse kingpin 50 degrees
- Bearings
- ABEC-7 stainless
- Weight
- about 7.3 lb
- Recommended weight limit
- 220 lb
Pros
- Pintail shape suits smooth, relaxed carving
- 12mm risers help prevent wheel bite with 70mm wheels
- Lightweight at about 7.3 lb
Cons
- 85a wheels are firmer than typical cruising wheels, so rough pavement feels harsher
- The 220 lb recommended weight limit rules it out for heavier riders
- Less room at the pointed tail
Check price on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab, affiliate link) Price and availability are shown on Amazon.
As an Amazon Associate, LongboardHub.com may earn from qualifying purchases.
This isn’t the best choice if you ride mostly on rough roads, or weigh more than the stated limit. Choose a board with softer wheels or a higher rating.
What to look for in any first longboard
- Length: about 38 to 42 inches for an all-rounder, or shorter if portability matters. See the size guide.
- Shape: a drop-through or a pintail suits most beginners. See longboard types explained.
- Wheels: around 65 to 75mm and a softer hardness around 78a. See the wheels guide.
- Weight rating: make sure it covers you with room to spare.
- A complete board: assembled and matched, from a longboard-focused brand.
What we left out, and why
We left out downhill and freeride boards, which are advanced and not a sensible first board, electric boards, which are a different category, and any board whose specifications we could not confirm from the manufacturer’s own page. We will add more picks as we verify them.
Do not forget safety gear
Budget for a helmet, wrist guards and pads before you ride. Read what safety gear you need, then learn the basics in how to ride a longboard and how to stop.
Not sure which board suits you? Try the match quiz or see our general advice on how to choose a longboard.
Beginner board questions
What is the best longboard for beginners?
The best one is the one that fits you and the way you will ride: stable, the right size, with soft wheels, and with a weight rating that covers you. The boards above are three that match that on paper.
How much should I spend on a first longboard?
Prices change, so check the current listing. Very cheap boards tend to save on bearings, bushings and deck quality. Spend where it matters, which is trucks, wheels and bearings, and keep some budget for safety gear.
Should I buy a complete or build my own?
Buy a complete for a first board. It is assembled and matched, and you can upgrade parts later.
