Cruiser and Carver Longboard: How to Choose the Right One?

Over the past decade, the popularity of longboarding has surged, and for good reason. There’s nothing quite like the sensation of cruising down a smooth road on a longboard, with the breeze in your hair and the sun on your face. 

Two popular types of longboards are cruisers and carvers. Each type of longboard has its own set of benefits; ultimately, the decision between the two comes down to individual preference.

The primary difference between cruiser vs carver longboard is their design and purpose. Longboard cruisers are designed for cruising and commuting, while longboard carvers are designed for carving and surfing the streets.

What is a Longboard Cruiser?

A longboard cruiser is a type of longboard that is designed for cruising and commuting. Longboards are typically longer and wider than standard skateboards, providing riders with more stability and comfort.

Longboard cruisers have a flat, expansive deck, making them stable and easy to ride. In addition, longboards are equipped with a kicktail, which enables riders to execute tricks such as ollies and kickflips. However, the kicktail is less prominent than on a traditional skateboard, designed primarily for cruising.

What is a Longboard Carver?

A longboard carver is a type of longboard designed for carving and surfing the streets. They are typically shorter and narrower than longboard cruisers, with a more pronounced kicktail. Longboard carvers are designed with smaller and stiffer wheels, which allow for more precise and responsive turning.

Longboard carvers have a curved deck, which allows riders to lean into turns and carve the pavement like a surfer on a wave. They are also designed with a more pronounced concave, which provides more control when making sharp turns.

Similarities Between Longboard Cruiser and Carver

Both longboard cruisers and carvers are designed for cruising and commuting, and they are both great choices for anyone looking to ride around town. They are both longboards, meaning they have a longer and broader deck than traditional skateboards, making them more stable and comfortable to ride.

Longboard cruisers and carvers are great for beginners, as they are easy to ride and provide a smooth and comfortable ride. Longboards also feature a kicktail, allowing riders to execute tricks like ollies and kickflips.

Differences Between Longboard Cruisers and Carvers

The primary difference between longboard cruisers and carvers is their design and purpose. Longboard cruisers are designed for cruising and commuting, while longboard carvers are designed for carving and surfing the streets.

Longboard Cruisers

Longboard cruisers are typically longer and broader than longboard carvers, with a flat and wide deck that makes them stable and easy to ride. They are also designed with more prominent and softer wheels, which provide a smooth ride over rough pavement.

Carvers

On the other hand, longboard carvers are typically shorter and narrower than longboard cruisers, with a curved deck that allows riders to lean into turns and carve the pavement like a surfer on a wave. They are also designed with smaller and stiffer wheels, which provide more precise and responsive turning.

Which One is Better for You?

There are various longboard types, and all come with different purposes and objectives. Longboard carvers are entirely different from longboard cruisers because of their many features.

So knowing which option is best depends on many factors and considerations, which is important too.

Longboard deck styles

Only some of the deck styles in different longboards are the same, as some are great for dancing, free riding, downhill, and freestyling. The main deck styles include top mount, drop through, drop deck, and double drop. 

Cruiser longboards have a top mount style, while carvers longboards have dropped through style with a lower center of gravity which is perfect for beginners.

Difference in trucks

There are similarities between the trucks of cruisers and carver longboards as they both have bushings, base plates, kingpins, and hangers, but there is a difference in construction. The carver trucks are often inverted as compared to cruiser trucks. 

So the carver longboards are more maneuverable as compared to cruisers.

Key Differences Between Cruiser and Carver Longboards

Deck Length and Shape

Cruiser longboards typically have longer decks with a kicktail, providing stability and room for foot placement. In contrast, carver longboards are often shorter and more compact, allowing for quick and agile movements.

Wheel Size and Durometer

The wheels of cruiser longboards are generally larger and softer, offering a smooth and comfortable ride. Carver longboards, on the other hand, have smaller and harder wheels that provide better grip and responsiveness for quick turns and maneuvers.

Riding Style

Cruiser longboards are best suited for casual cruising and commuting, offering a relaxed and comfortable riding experience. Carver longboards, on the other hand, are designed for more dynamic and aggressive riding styles, allowing riders to carve through turns and perform tricks with ease.

Difference in shape

Regular carver boards are popsicle shape and angled tails and noses to pop up the deck. These boards have a concave shape for doing technical tricks.

While some cruiser longboards have a concave shape, they are more mellow than carver boards. Similarly, some cruisers have tails to help jump up and down curbs, while others are flat.

So it all depends on the rider who feels comfortable and has a smooth ride and what planning to do next.

Flexibility and feel

Carver longboards have a different way of feeling as compared to cruiser longboards. They are more flexible and allow bigger turns and deep carving without losing stability, as you can easily roll over cracks and uneven surfaces and hardly notice them. 

Therefore cruiser longboard has a vice versa feature, so you can’t have that luxury. 

How to Choose the Right Cruiser or Carver Longboard

Determine Your Riding Style

Before choosing a longboard, consider your riding style and preferences. If you prefer a relaxed and leisurely ride, a cruiser longboard may be the best choice. However, if you enjoy carving tight turns and performing tricks, a carver longboard might be more suitable.

Consider Deck Length and Shape

The length and shape of the deck play a crucial role in the performance and handling of a longboard. Longer decks provide more stability and room for foot placement, making them ideal for cruising. Shorter decks, on the other hand, offer better maneuverability and agility, making them suitable for carving and tricks.

Evaluate Wheel Size and Durometer

Wheel size and durometer (hardness) are important factors to consider when choosing a longboard. Larger and softer wheels are ideal for cruising and commuting, as they provide a smooth and comfortable ride. Smaller and harder wheels offer better grip and responsiveness, making them suitable for carving and aggressive riding styles.

Test Before You Buy

If possible, test ride different cruiser and carver longboards to get a feel for their performance and handling. This will help you determine which board suits your riding style and preferences best.

Conclusion

To sum up, Cruiser and Carver Longboard are great for anyone traveling around town. Longboard cruisers are designed for cruising and commuting, while longboard carvers are designed for carving and surfing the streets.

The choice between a longboard cruiser and a carver comes down to personal preference, and the type of riding you plan to do. Consider your environment, experience level, and personal preferences when choosing between a longboard cruiser and a carver. You can enjoy the freedom, excitement, and thrill of longboarding with the right tricks and techniques.

FAQs