Home » Skating Blog » Skateboard vs Cruiser

Skateboard vs Cruiser

If you’re new to skateboarding, you might be wondering what the difference is between a skateboard vs cruiser. Both are great ways to get around, but each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a look at the key differences between skateboards and cruisers:

Skateboards are typically smaller than cruisers, which makes them more maneuverable. They’re also lighter, which makes them easier to carry around. However, skateboards can be more difficult to ride, and they’re not always the best choice for long-distance travel.

Cruisers are generally larger and heavier than skateboards, which makes them more stable. They’re also easier to ride, and they’re a great option for long-distance travel. However, cruisers can be difficult to maneuver, and they’re not always the best choice for tricks or other types of skateboarding.

After defining both types of skateboarding, let’s dive in more deeply to understand what style of riding should beginner choose.

Skateboard Vs Cruiser- Key Differences

There are a lot of key differences that define why a cruiser is best for transportation and commuting and a skateboard is best for technical skating. All the differences are below:

Size

 Cruiser skateboards are usually larger than normal skateboards. So, if you are looking for a larger skateboard, then you should go for cruiser skateboards.

Shape

 Cruiser skateboards have a different shape than normal skateboards. The nose and tail of cruiser skateboards are usually rounder than normal skateboards.

Wheels

 Cruiser skateboards usually have larger wheels than normal skateboards. So, if you are looking for a skateboard with larger wheels, then you should go for cruiser skateboards.

Bearings

 Cruiser skateboards usually have better bearings than normal skateboards. So, if you are looking for a skateboard with better bearings, then you should go for cruiser skateboards.

Price

Cruiser skateboards are usually more expensive than normal skateboards. So, if you are looking for a more expensive skateboard, then you should go for cruiser skateboards.

Trucks

The trucks of a skateboard are shorter and wider than those of a cruiser. Skateboard trucks are designed to be lower and nearer to the ground, which makes them more stable at high speeds. The trucks of a cruiser are usually longer and narrower, which makes them more maneuverable but less stable.

The trucks of a skateboard are made of aluminum, while the trucks of a cruiser are usually made of steel. The aluminum trucks are lighter and more responsive, while the steel trucks are more durable.

 Deck

The deck of a skateboard is typically made of plywood, while the deck of a cruiser is usually made of plastic. The plywood decks are more durable, while the plastic decks are more flexible.

Grip Tape

The grip tape of a skateboard is usually made of sandpaper, while the grip tape of a cruiser is usually made of rubber. The sandpaper grip tape is more likely to tear, while the rubber grip tape is more comfortable.

Hardware

The hardware of a skateboard is typically made of steel, while the hardware of a cruiser is usually made of aluminum. The steel hardware is more durable, while the aluminum hardware is lighter.

Skateboard vs Cruiser – What Should Beginner Choose

Both cruisers and skateboards are great for beginners

Skateboards are often recommended for beginners because they are smaller and lighter, making them easier to control. Cruiser boards are also a good choice for beginners, as they are wider and more stable than skateboards.

Types of Cruiser Skateboards

 Cruiser skateboards are designed for casual riding in a standing position. They are shorter than standard longboards and have smaller wheels that make them ideal for skating around your neighborhood or getting to your next class.

Penny Boards

 Penny boards are a type of cruiser skateboard that is smaller and lighter than a standard cruiser. They are named for their penny-sized wheels and are ideal for beginners or skaters who want a smaller board for maneuverability.

Mini Cruisers

Mini cruisers are a type of cruiser skateboard that is even smaller and lighter than a penny board. They are named for their mini-sized wheels and are ideal for beginners or skaters who want the smallest and lightest board possible.

Longboard Cruisers

 Longboard cruisers are a type of cruiser skateboard that is longer than a standard cruiser. They are named for their longboard-style deck and are ideal for skaters who want a cruiser that is more stable at high speeds.

Features of Cruiser Skateboards

-Smaller wheels for increased maneuverability

-Shorter than standard longboards for easier transportation

-Lighter than standard longboards for easier carrying

-Ideal for casual riding around your neighborhood or campus

Skateboard Types

When it comes to different types of skateboards, it definitely refers to different styles of skateboarding. And this helps beginners to avoid wasting their time as well as protect from injuries while riding the wrong board for incorrect style.

Street Skateboards

Street skateboards are designed for riding on smooth surfaces such as sidewalks, concrete, or asphalt. They usually have narrower decks and smaller wheels than other types of skateboards, and they are not meant for doing tricks.

 Longboard

A longboard is a type of skateboard that is typically longer and wider than a regular skateboard. Longboards are usually used for cruising, downhill racing, slalom racing, or transportation.

Old School skateboard

Old school skateboards are the original style of skateboards that were popular in the 1970s and 1980s. These boards typically have wide, symmetrical decks with rounded noses and tails. They are also equipped with larger, soft wheels for a smoother ride.

Freestyle Skateboard

Freestyle skateboarding is a style of skateboarding that emphasizes tricks and skating in a more creative and technical way.

Vert Skateboard

A vert skateboard is a type of skateboard that is designed for performing tricks on vert (vertical) ramps. Vert skateboards are typically shorter and have softer wheels than street skateboards, making them more maneuverable and better suited for doing tricks.

Pool  Skateboard

A pool skateboard is a skateboard that is designed specifically for skateboarding in pools. Pool skateboards are usually made of sturdy materials such as aluminum or steel, and they often have large wheels to help the skateboarder navigate the pool.

 Bowl Skateboard

A bowl skateboard is a skateboard with a bowl-shaped deck. The bowl skateboard was invented in the 1970s by skateboarders who wanted to skate in bowls and pools.

 Ramp Skateboard

A ramp skateboard is a specialized skateboard designed for use on ramps and other skatepark features. Ramp skateboards are typically wider and have softer wheels than street skateboards, making them better suited for riding on rough surfaces. Many ramp skateboards also have special concave shapes that allow for more control when riding on ramps.

 Downhill & Freeride Skateboards

Downhill skateboards are designed for high-speed downhill racing. They are typically longer and wider than other skateboards, with softer wheels for a smoother ride.

Freeride skateboards are designed for versatile riding, with a focus on tricks and stunts. They are typically shorter and narrower than other skateboards, with harder wheels for a more responsive ride.

Features of Skateboard

1. Skateboards are typically made of a hardwood deck, with polyurethane or varnish used as a coating.

2. The deck is attached to the trucks, which are the metal axles that connect the wheels to the board.

3. The wheels are made of hard plastic or rubber and are typically about 65mm in diameter.

4. Skateboards also have bearings, which allow the wheels to rotate smoothly.

5. Skateboards are ridden by pushing off the ground with your feet and can reach speeds of up to 20mph.

6. Skateboarding is a great way to get around, and can also be used for tricks and stunts.

7. Skateboards are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most sporting goods stores.

FAQs

Yes, you can do tricks on a cruiser but would be very difficult to perform especially for beginners. Because this board is not made for tricks but for commuting.

Cruiser skateboards are good for beginners in terms of placing their foot properly on the board because these boards generally have a wider deck.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cruiser skateboards are better for cruising around town and skating at moderate speeds, while skateboards are better for performing tricks and going fast.

There really is no clear winner when it comes to skateboards vs cruisers. It really depends on what you are looking for and what you want to use the board for. Skateboards are typically better for tricks and cruising around town, while cruisers are better for transportation and commuting.

The things are elaborated about both types as deeply as this could be, still if you have questions let us know by leaving a comment.

Rate this post
Sharing Is Caring

Leave a Comment