Cruisers FAQ
Cruiser skateboards combine the portability of a traditional skateboard with the smooth ride of a longboard. They're perfect for transportation, casual cruising, and exploring your neighborhood or campus. If you're wondering whether a cruiser is right for you, these frequently asked questions will help you choose the best board.
What's the difference between a cruiser board and a skateboard?
A cruiser board is designed for comfortable transportation, while a traditional skateboard is designed primarily for tricks and skateparks.
- Softer wheels
- Larger wheel sizes
- Smooth ride on rough pavement
- Easy transportation
- Comfortable for everyday riding
- Hard wheels
- Smaller decks
- Designed for flip tricks
- Better for skateparks and street skating
If your goal is getting from place to place comfortably, a cruiser board is usually the better choice.
What's the difference between a cruiser board and a longboard?
Cruiser boards and longboards both offer smooth rides, but they're designed for different uses.
- Shorter and lighter
- Easier to carry
- Often include a kicktail
- Great for quick trips and city riding
- Longer wheelbase
- Greater stability
- Better for longer distances
- Ideal for carving, downhill, and commuting
Cruisers prioritize portability, while longboards prioritize comfort and stability.
What's the best cruiser board for college campuses?
A compact cruiser is an excellent choice for campus transportation.
Look for:
- Deck length between 27" and 32"
- Soft wheels (78A–85A)
- Quality bearings
- Kicktail for maneuverability
- Lightweight construction
These features make it easy to carry into classrooms while still rolling smoothly across sidewalks and pavement.
What's the best cruiser board for travel?
The best travel cruiser is small enough to carry comfortably while still providing a smooth ride.
Popular features include:
- Compact deck
- Lightweight construction
- Soft urethane wheels
- Durable trucks
- Kicktail for quick turns
Mini cruisers are especially popular for vacations, public transportation, and everyday travel.
Are plastic cruisers better than maple cruisers?
Each material offers unique advantages.
Plastic Cruisers
- Lightweight
- Water resistant
- Low maintenance
- Bright colors and fun designs
- Great for casual cruising
Maple Cruisers
- More rigid
- Better board feel
- Traditional appearance
- Excellent durability
- Greater stability at higher speeds
Neither is objectively better. It depends on your riding style and personal preference.
Should I buy a large or mini cruiser?
Both sizes have advantages.
Mini Cruisers
- Easier to carry
- More maneuverable
- Great for city riding
- Fits easily into lockers, backpacks, and under desks
Larger Cruisers
- More stable
- More comfortable over longer distances
- Better for larger riders
- Smoother on rough pavement
If portability is your top priority, choose a mini cruiser. If comfort is more important, consider a larger cruiser.
Why do cruiser board use soft wheels?
Soft wheels absorb bumps, cracks, and rough pavement much better than hard skateboard wheels.
Benefits include:
- Smoother ride
- Better grip
- Less vibration
- Easier rolling over sidewalk cracks
- More comfortable commuting
Most cruiser wheels range from 78A to 85A, making them significantly softer than traditional skateboard wheels.
Can I take a cruiser board on an airplane?
In many cases, yes.
Mini cruisers are often small enough to fit inside carry-on luggage or overhead compartments, depending on the airline and board size.
Larger cruisers may need to be checked as luggage.
Before traveling, always check your airline's current baggage size restrictions and policies regarding skateboards.
Can you do tricks on a cruiser board?
Yes—but cruiser boards aren't designed for technical street skating.
Many riders perform:
- Ollies
- Manuals
- Small curb tricks
- Bonks
- Kickturns
- Shove-its (depending on the board)
Cruiser boards excel at transportation first, with basic tricks as a bonus.
What size cruiser board should I buy?
Most cruiser boards range from 27" to 32" long.
General recommendations:
- 27"–29" – Maximum portability
- 30"–32" – More stability and comfort
The best size depends on whether you value carrying convenience or ride comfort.
Are cruiser boards good for beginners?
Absolutely.
Cruiser boards are one of the easiest types of skateboards to learn because they feature:
- Soft wheels
- Stable trucks
- Comfortable ride
- Smooth rolling over rough pavement
Many new riders find cruising less intimidating than learning on a traditional skateboard with hard wheels.
Can cruiser board go over cracks?
Yes.
Their larger, softer wheels roll over sidewalk cracks, expansion joints, pebbles, and rough pavement much better than traditional skateboard wheels.
This is one of the biggest reasons cruiser boards are so popular for transportation.
Can I use a cruiser board at the skatepark?
Yes, although it depends on the setup.
Cruiser boards work well for:
- Pump tracks
- Bowls
- Cruising around the park
- Learning transitions
However, they aren't ideal for technical street tricks because the soft wheels generate more grip and the decks are often shaped differently than standard skateboards.
How fast can a cruiser board go?
Cruiser boards are designed for comfortable transportation rather than high-speed riding.
On flat ground, most riders cruise between 6 and 12 mph, although speed depends on wheel size, bearings, terrain, and rider effort.
For steep hills or downhill riding, a longboard is generally the safer and more appropriate choice.
How do I maintain my cruiser board?
Regular maintenance keeps your cruiser rolling smoothly.
We recommend:
- Cleaning bearings when necessary
- Rotating wheels to promote even wear
- Checking truck tightness
- Tightening mounting hardware
- Inspecting bushings for cracks or wear
- Keeping the board dry
- Storing it indoors away from excessive heat and moisture
With basic care, a quality cruiser board can provide years of reliable riding.
Can I customize my cruiser board?
Yes.
Many cruiser boards can be upgraded with:
Customizing your setup allows you to fine-tune how your board rides while keeping the deck you already enjoy.