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The Best Beginner Boards 2019
Now, I’m going to make a few assumptions here. 1) This is your first of potentially many longboards, so it’s okay to focus on single purpose boards. 2) You want a longboard for learning, something easy to start with. 3) You don’t currently have any longboarding or skating skills.
Why am I making those assumptions? You’re reading this article, so you’re likely new, and it’s impossible to find one longboard that will do everything you ever will want to do on four wheels.
So, let’s first discuss what makes a good beginner board, why I’m not recommending cheap ones from Amazon, and a few examples of excellent first boards.
Table of Contents
No Amazon Boards
Amazon, Walmart, Target, <insert big box store here> boards are all off the list. I don’t care if they’re cheap. The reason I’m not recommending these is because they’re typically low quality. They’re made with terrible wood that could snap under your feet at speed, causing injury. They often have cheaply made trucks that could break from riding, won’t give you smooth turns, and will make controlling your board difficult. The wheels are going to be garbage, they’re going to chunk, and you, again could get hurt. And, finally, the reason I didn’t get into skating earlier, because the bearings are going to be awful.
A little history of Danielle. I got my first skateboard with my brother when I was about 11. We skated for a bit. I never got good at anything. I couldn’t ollie, I barely learned a pop shuvit, and going anywhere was a hassle. That’s because they had terrible bearings, hard, garbage wheels, and you had to push constantly to keep it moving. My brother and I gave up. Our boards were Mongoose skateboards from a big box store. They were cheap, and we got what we paid for.
The other reason is that an investment in good equipment will push you to go out and ride. You’ll feel an obligation because you spent good money on something. In the beginning, learning is going to be very tough. Getting up to speed is going to take perseverance. My tips will make learning easier, but you’ll still need some financial motivation.
What to Look For
There’s a decent design for a super stable skateboard. You don’t have to completely match it, but this should be the easiest thing to ride. You’ll likely want a double drop longboard with reverse kingpin trucks, about 30-40″ in length, with at least 70mm soft wheels. They’re also going to need good bearings, like those from Bones, Oust, or even Zealous (the cheapest option). Here’s the “why” of each item.
Deck : Double Drop: A “double drop” deck drops down from where the trucks are mounted, and also allows the trucks to be mounted through the deck. This puts you as low to the ground as you can get. It’ll make learning to push and stop much easier, and also provide a stable base to learn on.
Trucks : Reverse Kingpin. Reverse kingpin trucks turn less for your lean than traditional kingpin trucks. Without explaining the geometry too much, they essentially have less rake, meaning they rotate less for your lean. This makes them less “twitchy” and easier for a beginner to learn to balance on. They’re also more stable at speed. Wide trucks are great for stability, but you might kick your wheels until you get used to them. In that case, thinner, 150mm trucks will work best.
Wheels : ~70mm and soft, 75a-80a. Soft wheels will grip more and absorb the shock from cracks in the pavement or rocks better. A softer ride means you’ll be bucked off less frequently. Depending on the deck, you could load up with 80mm to 85mm soft wheels for a really smooth ride, like I did for my Pantheon Ember.
Good Examples
I’ll include my references from reputable brands that make some great longboards. I haven’t ridden all of these, but I’ll mention what I can about each one.
Landyachtz Switch 35″ or 40″
This isn’t technically a double drop. However, the drop is so massive, it’ll bring you lower to the ground and give you great places for your feet. I like boards in the 35″ range, but if you’re tall, you may want to go with a 40″. I’m tall, 5’10”, but I still like the 35″ area. Many people my height do not.However, I recommended the Switch over the Switchblade for one reason: you can get it in that 35″ size. Beginners often feel a bit out of place carrying around a large board, and I want you out there and skating every day until it feels natural!
The “Tiger” design comes with some nice 70mm XL Fatty Hawgs, which I really love. They also come with the 181mm Bear 52º trucks. I recommend flipping them as soon as you get them, just to make them more stable and less lean-based to learn on. That’s the hangar of the truck, not the whole thing. The kingpin nut should still face outward. Then flip them around when you’re more comfortable.
- Switch Skull 35 (pictured above)
- Switch Skull 40
- Switch Tiger 35
- Switchblade 38
- Switchblade 40
- Evo 36 Falcon
- Evo 40 Falcon
To flip trucks, remove the nut on the kingpin, pull off the washer, bushing, and then the truck hangar. Flip it, without removing the truck or the bushing, and put it back together. Not all trucks work like this, but on the Bear trucks, you can flip them to ride them with a bit more stability.
A former coworker of mine got started with the Switch. He was a surfer, so taking to balance wasn’t difficult, but he was able to get used to skating very quickly, at least in part due to how easy this board is to skate on.
Worth Comparing: Landyachtz Switchblade and Evo
The Landyachtz Switchblade is, like the Switch, a drop pusher. It comes in 38″ and 40″ sizes. These are going to feel more stable than the Switch, so if you don’t mind the larger size, definitely go with these. How are they more stable? Top-mount drop decks like the Switch make your standing platform kind of like a pendulum. The standing area is low, but the pivot point is higher. I’m currently testing a Rain Board 2.0 that makes use of a deck design very similar to the Switch, and I found it surprisingly carvy and nimble, but worried it could be too much for a beginner.
That’s why, if you don’t mind the extra size, the Switchblade, with its lower mounting point, will feel a little more balanced. It’s just a feel, really, but you’ll feel more locked in.
You can also check out the Landyachtz Evo. The Evo is a bit different, made for downhill stability and distance pushing. The front truck offers more nimble turns, while the back truck is made for a stable platform. The end result is something that will turn and slide with ease. However, it also is a very stable setup. You might actually really like it as a beginner. During the Broadway Bomb this year, I saw a young kid skating one of these with his father. It was incredibly wholesome.
You could also try to learn on a large pintail. Pintails have a large standing platform and are a ton of fun. They sit high though, so pushing is more difficult. I’m currently testing Landyachtz’s Pinner 44 for a review, and, I’m spoiling that review a little bit, but, I love it so much. It’s so much fun.
Also: Landyachtz Drop Cat
Finally, there’s the Drop Cat. I’ve reviewed this myself and have some new advice. For beginners, I highly recommend it, as it sits low for pushing and, if you get the stock Bear trucks, you can flip them for stability. I now recommend the Drop Cat 33 or Drop Cat 38 for beginners, and I think you’d have a lot of fun on them. They cradle you, keep you low, and can be configured to be more stable than I realized in my initial review. You can also, as I suggest in my review, go for 43º trucks if you’re worried about stability.
Pantheon Trip
I got a friend into longboarding using one of Pantheon’s boards, the Ember. Now, I’m going to be upfront with you: all of Pantheon’s boards are amazing for beginners. The Ember is flexible and forgiving, while also being more nimble than the Trip. It’s better for cities, where you may have to dodge obstacles more often. The Pranayama is super low, but it’s stiff. It’s nimble like the Ember, but won’t absorb shocks as much. Then there’s the Trip. This is a stable platform, it’s forgiving, and it’s built around reverse kingpin trucks, which mean it’ll feel the most stable. I believe any of these boards would be excellent for a beginner, but recommend the Trip or Ember the most.
I bought an Ember when I broke my wrist and needed a super stable platform for skating (against doctor’s orders) in the city. I don’t recommend skating with an injury, but… well, I didn’t fall a second time while I was healing….
Loaded Icarus
The Icarus is a flexible and stable drop through deck. Loaded uses it for their electric boards, so you know it’ll be stable at speed. It can accommodate large wheels, has a large standing platform, is flexible and forgiving, and with your weight on it, comes close to the ground. It seems to be a fun board that would be forgiving for beginners. Just make sure you select the right flex level. I recommend more flex for lighter riders, so you can get closer to the ground. I’d say if you’re 170lbs or lower, go with their “Flex 2.”
If you prefer a longer board, you could go with the Dervish Sama. It’s an incredibly flexible board. Flexible boards will be more forgiving, bring you closer to the ground, and give you a springiness that you’re definitely going to appreciate as you start carving more.
Sector 9: “Platinum Series”
It comes with Sector 9’s Gullwing trucks, which I’ve found to be decently carvy. The ones that come with this seem to have double barrel bushings, which means it should be more stable than my setup from Sector 9 was. The wheels will be soft, but they’re too small and you’re going to want to replace them with something large. Furthermore, they come with ABEC 5 bearings, which are utter trash. If you go the Sector 9 route, I almost recommend just replacing the trucks, which aren’t too bad, with Bear or Paris, which I enjoy more, and large wheels, either from Hawgs, Powell Peralta, Orangatang, or even Sector 9’s own Butterballs. When you’re ready to learn to slide, you’ll have some fun on them.
This is a wide board, giving you a lot of forgiving space for your feet. I think that’s its strongsuit. This is a large board, but you won’t feel like you’re floating over the deck, you’ll have lots of room to find a sweet spot.
Bustin Boards Sportster
The Sportster uses the same (E)Core base as my Bonsai. It’s lightweight and surprisingly stiff. The top and bottom layers are still wood. There’s a double drop, and an aggressive concave to help you lock in. It’ll help you find your balance in the center of the board simple, and keep you in place as you carve or learn to slide. The Sportster isn’t too long, but, like the Pantheon Trip, the trucks begin and end the board. That gives you a long platform to work with.
I’m not a huge fan of their wheels, and, because mine came with Ace trucks, I haven’t tried Bustin’s trucks. However, their wheels are large enough to absorb some of the rough pavement on New York streets. They’ve got a sharp lip and lose a lot of speed while carving, so they’re beginner friendly, but you might find that they fray as you get better and start sliding them.
Arbor Axis Bamboo and Dropcruiser Flagship
Axis 40 Bamboo
This is a 40″ drop-through deck with reverse kingpin trucks. It’ll be stable, won’t turn super fast, and will be best for cruising, relaxed riding, and, of course, learning! Bamboo is excellent because it’s strong, incredibly flexible, and sustainable. A flexible board is going to be a bit surprising when you step on, but Arbor has set this up with a slight convex shape, so it’ll bend under your weight into something that’s a bit flatter. You’re not going to feel where to put your feet as easily with this, but I think the flexibility and shock absorption bamboo offers will be worth it.
Dropcruiser Flagship
This is a weird board. It’s actually wider in the back than the front, something you don’t usually see. It’s better for beginners to learn foot placement for their back foot though, so you might love it. The shape is a double drop for stability and to keep it low to the ground. It’s made out of 9-ply maple though, so it’s likely going to be very stiff. You might want some shock pads. Still, it’s a large platform with a double drop for stability and ease in pushing.
My Top Pick
Honestly? I love Landyachtz. They’re a great company. Every board from them has been a favorite. You’d do well going for the Switch, Switchblade, Evo Falcon, or Drop Cat. Plus, they plant a tree for every board sold!
However, for the absolute beginner, I think the Pantheon Trip might have them beat. The board is a bit more narrow, but this will make it more portable. You’ll be more likely to carry it around if it’s light. I’d say go for that unless you want a wider or stiffer board. If you have a local shop or even a Zumiez, you can shop around and try to find something that feels right under your feet.
My “Perfect” Beginner’s Board:
- Pantheon Trip Deck $120-$130
- Paris 150mm 50º RKP Trucks : $53
- 75A Speed Vent Wheels : $76
- MuirSkate Beasto 0.13″ risers with 1.25″ bolts : $8.95
- Bones Reds with Extended Races : $35.95
Total cost, if purchased separately: $277.90-$287.90, though you can get most of this through MuirSkate or a local skate shop for less. Pantheon is working on getting those trucks in again, and will be able to sell a similar setup for under $250. I believe I got my Ember for $230. Though MuirSkate doesn’t have the 150mm Paris Trucks and is out of stock on the Trip deck currently, this setup would get you going quickly.
Update: You can get this as a complte from Pantheon for just $247. You can also upgrade the bushings with those from Orangatang for extra rebound and springiness.
Heavier Rider? No Problem!
The Pantheon Trip is a great board, but it’s really only recommended for riders up to 230lbs. Jeff, the founder of Pantheon, has had videos of more than one person on a Trip at a time, definitely over 230lbs, but this could risk damage. Once you carve hard, you could find yourself bottoming out of breaking your board. So perhaps you’re heavier rider, want to ride it hard eventually, and therefore don’t want it to be too flexible. What then?
You’re going to want something that’s already quite stiff. For that, I recommend the Landyachtz Evo Falcon 40. Complete from Landyachtz, it’s $250 . However, you may want to add thin soft risers ( or thicker ones ) and better bearings , to smooth out your ride. This build I made on MuirSkate is only a little more, and would save you money on bearings upgrades. You could also flip the hangars of those Bear Trucks to give them more stability. You may only have to do the front one, but get a feel for it! The Evo will provide a super stiff ride, but it’ll handle whatever you throw at it. I think the Trip is better for riders under 230lbs, but anyone could be happy with the Evo.
For a cheaper ride? There’s the Landyachtz Switchblade, a fantastic and stable beginner board. There’s also the Drop Cat, Drop Hammer, and Switch, all great choices.
But I want to have FUN!
You’re going to have fun on all of them, honest! But I won’t lie, I tailored these suggestions for someone looking for the most stable and easy to ride board they could get. If you want a low, easy to push, and fun for skaters of all levels, check out the Drop Cat 33 or 38 . I will recommend flipping the Bear trucks right away if you want an easier learning experience, but it’s low, it’s fun, and it’s my everyday board for commuting and freeriding. It really is a blast. It will be more difficult to start with, but it’s a whole lot of fun.
What About Cruisers?
I love cruisers. I have too many but I’m definitely buying more. I started on a Landyachtz Dinghy , but it’s a short and tall setup that can be a little tricky to learn on. I’ve heard others express interest in the Landyachtz Tugboat for its larger size. I also liked the larger wheel sizes on the Bustin Bonsai , but, again, it’s going to be a tall setup. The Bonsai does have an interesting surface which can help with foot placement though.
You could also check out the new Loaded Coyote . It’s a versatile board that can have TKP or RKP trucks and a longer wheelbase. It has wheel wells and a kick tail. However, it’s going to sit tall. All cruisers will. That’s going to make pushing and balance more difficult. Once you get it though, cruisers are an absolute blast.
To Sum it Up…
You could buy any board. Really, anything. If you want, you could learn on a 22″ Penny Board. The only thing that will change is how long it takes you to learn. I learned on a Dinghy with 0.5″ hard risers. It had small wheels, a small deck, nimble trucks, and sat high. It was nearly everything I just recommended against, and I love it . But it took me longer to learn than I would have if I had followed my advice here.
No matter what longboard you get, you’re eventually going to love the sport. So what are you waiting for? Start loving your commute, trips to your friends places, and your weekends just a little bit more. Get a longboard.
About the author
Related posts.
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How to Flip Your Trucks
No beginner here, but looking for a low pushing board for next spring. Definitely considering the Pantheon boards, mostly the Ember. The Trip seems nice too but without a tail it seems impossible to kick it up in your hands (in city traffic, I think that is a must-have).
You can drop another 20 bucks off the price of the Pantheon Trip by going with Zealous bearings. They take a little to break in but perform just as well as the reds and will probably even last a bit longer due to the nano-ceramic grease they use.
The Arbor Axis is an excellent starter board, good addition to your article. I started on one (the 37 inch maple version) earlier this year and really like it so far. It is stable and has a little bit of flex for that nice surfy feeling. Another beginner tip would be the LY Drop Hammer, which is even more stable and – at least feels – lower to the ground because of the rocker. It is really stiff though. My skate buddy owns one and he pointed out that it felt easier to skate as an absolute beginner than my Axis.
(By the way, sorry for the profile pic. Way too formal and it really kills the casual skate vibe here – but it is up there and I don’t know how to change it…)
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Best Landyachtz Longboard By Riding Style [2023-2024]
Posted on Last updated: September 13, 2023
Categories Gear & reviews
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Most riders agree that Landyachtz ranks among the top longboard brands on the planet. With roots in hardcore longboard racing, they’ve always been on a mission to make top-quality boards that are both super durable and amazing to ride.
Aside from outstanding decks of all types and shapes, Landyachtz also designs and produces their own highly-regarded trucks under the Bear Trucks brand name, as well as the recognized Hawgs wheels . As a result, LY offers excellent end-to-end quality for their complete setups.
Landyachtz’s lineup of completes is quite impressive and it’s easy to get lost when trying to choose a complete.
I’ve compiled a comprehensive comparison table for the Landyachtz completes, with key features including target riding style, size and wheelbase, shape, kicks, recommended setup, and price.
Click on the table image below to view it in Google Sheets (or click here ):
If you still feel lost amidst the broad Landyachtz longboard lineup, here are my 9 favorite Landyachtz boards for different riding styles:
Dinghy | Mini cruiser | 28.5″ | 14″ – 15″ | $150 – $170 |
Butter | Surfskate | 31.2″ | 15″ – 17.1″ | $200 |
ATV Perfecto | Hybrid | 32″ | 14.375″ | $170 |
Rally Cat | Hybrid | 34.7″ | 18.2″ | $195 |
Switchblade | Freeride | 36″ to 40″ | 27.25″ to 31″ | $260 |
Obsidian | Racing | 31″ | 22.5″ – 23″ | $266 (deck) |
Drop Cat | Drop-through cruiser | 33″ – 38.6″ | 23.9″ – 29.3″ | $220 |
Ripper | Pintail w/ kick | 36.9″ | 24.9″ | $190 |
Stratus | Dancer | 40.5″ – 45.5″ | 22.3/24.5″ – 27.5/29.5″ | $230 |
In the rest of this post, I’ll review each of the longboards in Landyachtz’s lineup. Hopefully, this will help you choose the best one for your needs.
Landyachtz’s longboards can be categorized as follows:
- Urban cruisers
- Surf skates
- Drop-throughs
Table of Contents
Best Landyachtz urban cruiser
Landyachtz dinghy 28′.
The Dinghy is Landyachtz’s flagship mini cruiser. It is 28.5″ long and 8″ to 8.6″ wide with a 14.6″ to 15″ wheelbase depending on the version.
The Dinghy has a classic mini-cruiser surf shape with a huge kicktail, a small nose kick for tricks, and mellow concave with pronounced wheel flares for foot lock-in when riding faster and slashing hard.
The Dinghy comes fitted with responsive and quick-turning Polar Bear 105mm trucks, and soft 63mm Fatty Hawgs that fit the deck perfectly without wheelbite.
See my in-depth review of the Dinghy here or check it out directly on Landyachtz
Landyachtz Jammer 29.6″
The Jammer is a wide 29.6″ x 9.2″ directional cruiser with a short and snappy 14.1″ wheelbase. Like the Dinghy, it has a big fat tail and a significant nose kick, and medium+ concave for secure foot hold when slashing around.
Unlike the Dinghy, this cruiser’s 80s-style shape features pronounced taper around the nose and the base of the tail.
The Jammer is nice and comfortable for cruising around town. Meanwhile, the 7-ply maple construction makes it easy to pop over street obstacles and curbs for urban shredding. It’s also a decent board for some park riding.
The tapered deck and the wheel wells allow the Jammer to run narrow 130mm Polar Bear trucks which also contribute to making it super agile. The soft 60mm Chubby Hawgs, relatively big for the deck and truck size, result in a silky smooth and fast, grippy ride.
See the Jammer on Landyachtz
Landyachtz Tugboat 30″
The Tugboat is 30″ x 9″ with a 15″ wheelbase. It has a similar shape to the Dinghy, only bigger and with a slightly more mellow concave. This cruiser is ideal for bigger riders who find the Dinghy for their size or feet.
The larger foot platform results in a more comfy cruising experience, improved stability when riding fast, and increased confidence when landing tricks. The large kicktail and small functional nose kick make the Tugboat a great city slasher – including for banks, driveways, ditches, etc.
The Tugboat can be set up with narrow 130mm Polar Bear street trucks and 60mm Chubby Hawgs for a snappy and fast feel, or with wider 155mm Polar Bears + 63mm EZ Hawgs for more stability and slide-ability.
See the Tugboat on Landyachtz
Landyachtz Schooner 32.9″
The Schooner is a different type of cruiser with a very long 18.9″ wheelbase for its 32.9″ x 9″ size. It’s also noticeably flexier than the others due to the Fiberglass plies inserted in its maple layup.
The fiberglass results in a snappy flex that provides energetic feedback when carving and pumping.
The Schooner’s long wheelbase makes it super stable and more suitable than most small cruisers for fast riding including on decent hills. The rockered shape also results in good foothold and control.
The deck has a mellow (compared to the Dinghy and Tugboat) but effective kicktail, as well as a slightly uplifted nose for foot tucking.
The rocker and flex combine to provide a longboard-like carve and pump feel despite the short length. This results in fast and snappy turns and a comfortable, dampened ride even on rougher terrain.
The Schooner comes equipped with the narrow 130mm Polar Bear trucks for optimal carving response. The wheel flares allow running larger 70mm Hawgs Supreme wheels which result in a very fast roll and a grippy feel for longer rides.
See the Schooner on Landyachtz
Best Landyachtz surfskate
Landyachtz butter 31.2′.
The 31.2″ x 9″ Butter surf skate has a full outline though significantly flatter compared to the Dinghy, with a smaller and more mellow kicktail, flat concave, and no nose kick. It’s particularly well-suited for slashing down alleyways and pumping on banks.
The Butter’s flat shape slightly tapered around the nose is designed to provide complete freedom of movement for surf-style riding. The deck is equipped with soft-top grip tape for barefoot riding.
The Butter comes with Landyachtz’s 130 RKP Banger surf skate front truck for extreme turn and response, allowing for radical cutbacks and tailslides. The rear truck is a regular TKP Polar Bear 130mm for maximum grip and stability. The 65mm Hawgs surf skate wheels offer square lips and a glossy finish for high grip.
See the Butter on Landyachtz. Also check out my full review of Landyachtz surfskates here .
Landyachtz Pocket Knife 29.6″
Compared to the Butter, The 29.6″ x 9.1″ Pocket Knife has a smaller, more aggressive shortboard-style shape with a narrower nose and tapered tail. this results in a super nimble surf skate for very tight lines.
The adjustable 13.2″ to 15.3″ wheelbase lets you choose between super snappy tail slides and longer drawn-out surf curves.
While 1.6″ shorter than the Butter, it’s slightly wider toward the front where the nose starts, providing generous foot space above the front truck for highly responsive turns.
Compared to the popular Landyachtz Dinghy, the Pocket Knife is slightly longer and 1″+ wider, with a more shortboard-like outline.
The Pocket Knife’s kicktail is decent-sized but with a very mellow angle – just enough for kick turns when slashing a driveway or bowl, or for hopping on or off a curb. The rockered shape helps keep your feet in place when slashing.
This deck has a bit more concave than its big brother, with slightly raised edges that culminate around the wide point of the deck. This gives you good foot lock-in at this spot when carving tight or riding fast.
The Pocket Knife deck comes with soft-top grip for some sweet barefoot driveway carving. Its comes with the 155mm Banger Surf Skate truck set and grippy 65mm Surf Hawgs wheels.
See the Pocket Knife on Landyatchz’s website.
Landyachtz Surf Life 31.6″
The 31.6″ x 9.5″ Surf Life is the longest and widest of Landyachtz’s surf skates, about 1/2″ longer and wider than the Butter. Unlike the butter’s classic shortboard surfboard shape, the Surf Life boasts an 80s-style outline with a wide nose and tail, a deep kick, and a tapered “waist” for super-fast carves.
This shape is inspired by Landyachtz’s ATV Ditch Life , designed specifically for concrete ditches, pool, and tricks. The Surf Life, though, has much less concave, a flat nose, and a flatter kick for increased freedom of movement for surf-style carving and snap-backs.
Compared to the other Landyachtz surf skates, the Surf Line offers the most foot platform with a comfortable nose and tail. It also has the largest wheelbase, up to 17+” (vs 15″ for its siblings).
The long wheelbase combined with the tapered outline and roomy platform allows for faster and slashier surf skate styles, including in the pool, on street obstacles, on park ramps, and in concrete trenches. The shape also makes it comfortable for long and relaxed surf-style cruising.
The Surf Life also comes fitted with soft-top grip tape for added return and control and surf-style barefoot riding. It ships with the 130mm Banger surf skate truck set and 65mm Hawgs wheels.
See the Surf Life
Landyachtz Groveler 32.6″
The Groveler is a larger and ultra-wide deck with size 32.6″ x 10.3″ and an adjustable wheelbase between 17.7″ and 17.9″. Among the widest surf skates out there, this board provides a comfortable and highly responsive foot platform for deep surf-style carving.
The Groveler has a low concave providing complete freedom of movement when carving on bike paths and boardwalks. The rockered shape, however, helps keep your feet in place, and the deck’s medium flex also adds some bounciness to your carves.
The egg-style surf outline makes this surf skate super fun and comfy for longboard surfboard-style soul riding with nice drawn-out curves. Meanwhile, the 155mm Banger surf trucks enable extreme turns for surf-style maneuvers.
The big 65mm square-lipped Hawgs wheels offer both speed and a nice amount of grip for extreme surf-style turns.
The layer of foam in the grip tape (soft top) also adds stickiness and a nice cushioned feel when carving and pumping.
See the Groveler on Landyachtz
Best Landyachtz hybrid cruisers
Atv classic 32′.
At 32″ x 9″ with a 14″3/8 wheelbase, the ATV Perfecto is one of Landyachtz’s special hybrid boards for combining street riding and comfy cruising.
A classic dual-kick popsicle shape, the ATV Classic is designed for street skating, shuvits, riding fakie, kick tricks, etc, while still being capable of carving and fast riding.
This deck has durable and high-pop composite construction with noticeable concave and subtle foot pockets.
The complete comes with 155mm Polar Bear TKP trucks and fast-rolling, soft and grippy 60mm Lil EZ Hawgs.
Check out the ATV Classic here . See also my Landyachtz ATV review
ATV Perfecto 32″
The ATV Perfecto offers the same 32″ x 9″ size and 14 3/8″ wheelbase and large dual kicks as its Classic ATV brother. However, instead of a fully symmetrical popsicle shape, the Perfecto has a slightly directional shape for easier cruising with a slightly tapered nose for more responsive carving.
Just like the Classic, the Perfecto is a super capable hybrid deck that works wonders for street, bowl, transitions, and pop tricks. Thanks to its directional touch, it’s also a great board for slashy and fun urban cruising on narrow inner city streets, sidewalks, and back alleys.
The bottom graphic features an awesome pug coming straight from the galaxy. The complete comes with the same setup as the Classic with Polar Bear 155mm trucks and 60mm Lil EZ wheels.
See the ATV Perfecto on Landyachtz
Ditch Life 31″
A 31″ x 9.75″, the Ditch is a wide dual-kick hybrid cruiser designed by Landyachtz team rider Mackenzie Yoshida for shredding steep ditches and rough terrain. It has deep concave resulting in effective foot lock-in for solid aggressive skating.
the Ditch features a steep and super wide kicktail and a significant nose kick for tricks and street obstacle slashing. this board is great for radical riding as well as mellow and fun daily carving. the ample width and comfortable 15″ wheelbase also give it good stability at higher speeds.
the Dich Life ships with the usual AtV setup with the fast-turning 155mm Polar Bear trucks and the smooth and grippy 60mm 78a Chubb Hawgs wheels. the wheel wells below the deck allow you to run larger wheels and/or looser trucks.
the bottom side of the deck shows beautiful see-through sine waves layered on top of a unique color gradient.
See the Ditch Life here
Landyachtz Slim Jim 31″
The Slim Jim hybrid cruiser offers more footroom, larger kicks, and more concave than regular cruisers. It’s designed for a combination of easy cruising and tricks like ollies/nollies, manuals, switch riding, and tech slides.
While it has a directional shape, its highly functional tail and nose kicks are designed for serious tricks, e.g. for street skaters looking for something more comfortable to cruise or commute on daily without giving up the street fun.
The Slim Jim complete ships with Polar Bear 130 TKP trucks to suit the deck’s narrow 8.43″ width, and fast, grippy 60mm 78a Chubby Hawgs.
See the Slim Jim here
Best Landyachtz freeride longboard
Landyachtz switchblade 36′- 38′.
The Switchblade is another Landyachtz bestseller. A symmetrical double drop with large wheel cutouts and a big foot platform, it comes in 36″, 38″, and 40″ lengths with widths ranging from 9.75″ to 10″ and wheelbases 27.25″ to 31″.
This is a very versatile, low-riding board that’s extremely comfortable for distance pushing and good for carving and moderate freeride. It’s a stiff and durable 9-ply board with medium concave and deep foot pockets for solid lock-in at speed.
Check out my full review of the Switchblade here
Best Landyachtz drop-through
Landyachtz drop cat 33′ – 38′.
The Drop Cat is a rockered directional drop-through commuter longboard. It comes in two sizes, 33″ x 9 5/8″ (23.9 WB) and 38″ x 9.9″ (29.3″ WB).
The innovative high rocker makes this board low riding for pushing and distance and gives good foot lock-in for freeride. The mild flex helps absorb shocks from uneven ground without affecting stability when going fast.
The Drop Cat comes stock with smooth carving 180mm Grizzly Bear trucks and large and grippy 72mm Plow King wheels.
Learn more about this board in this post and this post .
Best Landyachtz pintail longboard
Landyachtz ripper 36.9′.
The Ripper is a 36.9″ x 9″ (WB 24.9″) cruiser with sort of a pintail shape but without the pin tail! It has a long and narrow shape with a squash kicktail that makes it look like a longboard surfboard.
This board has a nice angled kicktail and boasts a pretty good rocker that brings the deck closer to the ground for comfy cruising. The Ripper has a subtle concave, making it a good board for chill and stable riding.
The long wheelbase gives this board a surfy feel, while the tight Polar Bear 130mm RPK trucks, “smaller” 63mm wheels, and functional kicktail keep it responsive and smooth riding.
Best Landyachtz freestyle longboard
Landyachtz rally cat 34.7′.
A larger hybrid at 34.7″ x 8.9″, the Rally Cat is designed for a mix of cruising, freeride, and serious street/park. Its dual-kicks deck with a lot of rocker, making it low riding and easy to push on.
The Rally Cat has significant tail and nose kicks (almost symmetrical), medium concave, and pronounced wheel flares that create snug pockets for solid foot lock-in when fast riding and performing hard tricks.
This is a great board for serious tricks and smooth cruising. It comes with agile Polar Bear 130mm trucks and fast and smooth 63mm Fatty Hawgs.
See the Rally Cat on the Landyachtz website
Best Landyachtz dancing longboard
Landyachtz stratus 45.5′.
The symmetrical, double-kick Stratus has made a spot for itself among the top dancing and freestyle longboards out there. The Watercolour version is beautiful looking.
The popular dancer is 46″ x 9.25″ with a 27.5″ – 29.5″ adjustable wheelbase – though the Stratus also comes in length 40″ with a 22.3″ – 224.5″ wheelbase.
The full-size deck offers a large foot platform with minimal concave and grip tape for board walking and cross-stepping. It has energetic flex for smooth carving, and nice double kicks for freestyle tricks and quick turns.
The Stratus comes equipped with smooth and responsive Grizzly RKP trucks and relatively small 63mm Fatty Hawgs for low weight and grippy turns.
Learn more about the Stratus in this post .
Best Landyachtz downhill longboard
Landyachtz obsidian 31′.
31″ x 9″ with an adjustable wheelbase of 22-5″ to 23″, the Obsidian is the ultimate bullet-shaped carbon racing board.
This deck has a special shape with several flat leverage points on the side for the highest control in high-speed turns. It has a wide squash tail, no kick, and virtually no concave for optimal placement and freedom of movement when racing.
See the Obsidian here on Landyachtz’s website.
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Switchblade 40 – Chief Night
The Switchblade is perfect for riders who want a stable, easy-to-push board for commuting, learning to ride, and stepping up their freeride game. Its low ride height, thanks to the dropped platform and drop-through mounting , makes pushing a breeze and offers incredible stability at any speed. This board is also ideal for sliding and fast freeriding, with a symmetrical shape that lets you ride switch with ease. The
Key Features:
- Low to the ground for effortless pushing and enhanced stability
- Symmetrical shape for switch riding
- Perfect for freeriding, commuting, and downhill racing
The Switchblade 40 is the longer version, offering a more stable ride and slightly easier slide initiation, as well as being a bit more comfortable for taller riders.
*Deck Only option does not come with griptape. You can purchase a sheet here
Flex Rating
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DESCRIPTION
The Switchblade is a double dropped freeride shape that is designed to give you a low, comfortable platform for exploring big hills as well as getting around town as quickly as possible. Deep concave and foot pockets at the drops give you the reference points you need to explore the limits of your freeriding, and the 9 ply maple construction keeps the board stiff and under control. The 40 is the larger of the two sizes we offer, measuring 40″ long by 10″ wide and offers a driftier and more stable ride. This board comes set up with 180mm Gen 6 Grizzly trucks and 70mm Supreme Hawgs wheels for premium freeride capabilities straight out of the box.
Gen 6 180mm
Redesigned from the ground up and incorporating technology perfected in our high end DH and Freeride trucks, Gen 6 Grizzlies are the best performing cast trucks on the market today. Game changing strength and highly refined steering geometry are just the tip of the iceberg.
70mm Supremes
The ultimate all-rounders, we designed the 70mm Supremes to do anything you could want to do on your longboard and do it well. We use a medium sized plastic core to work with the shape of the wheel and a 78a urethane formula for good acceleration and roll speed while providing predictable slides and ample grip. Upgrade your ride today with a set of Supremes.
Spaceballs are our answer to all of your bearing problems. Never again can you lose your washers, or spacers because we’ve built them into the inner race! On the functional side, this means your bearings are always mated correctly which negates any bearing-induced chatter.
Orders are currently leaving our warehouses within 1 – 3 business days. For us, “business days” means Monday – Friday as we do not ship orders on weekends. From Monday to Friday our hours of operation are 9am – 5pm PST, excluding statutory holidays. Order processing times are subject to change and orders may ship out later (or earlier) than the aforementioned window – depending on how busy we are.
USA: Free Shipping on orders above $125*. Express/Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost.
- West Coast* – all orders shipped ground, average transit time is 2-3 days.
- East Coast* – all orders shipped express from our LA warehouse, transit time is usually around 5-7 days.
CANADA: Free Shipping on orders above $125*. Express/Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost
REST OF THE WORLD: Live rates based on destination. Customers are responsible for any local taxes, duties and customs clearance fees on their order.
At Landyachtz we have always aimed to improve the quality of the skateboard you ride and we strongly believe in the boards we make. You can rest assured knowing that, in the rare case of defect, our skateboards come with a 1 year warranty.
The more we know, the easier it is to help your claim! The best way to submit your warranty claim is using the form below . There you can provide all of the necessary information and images we require to assess your warrant y claim. Before completing the form please ensure you have photos that show the top and bottom of the board as well as detailed pictures of the affected area.
Please allow us 3-7 business days for us to asses your warranty claim and get in contact with you. We will do our best to make sure you’re back on a quality skateboard as soon as possible.
The following issues are not covered by our warranty:
- Impact damage, including snaps and cracks
- Run over by a vehicle (or horse)
- Scratches or minor chips
- Water damage
Customer Reviews
I got the switchblade as my second commune board and so far as served me well I got it mainly because it is a nine ply board and is able to carry my 240 pound weight, it rides very smoothly and like a dream able to get over bumps rocks, and those yellow button things you see on the edge of sidewalks. If you’re a heavyset guy looking for a nice long and wide board and you’re not scared of speed, I highly recommend this one it won’t steer you wrong and you have a smooth ride while learning to take on hills! Be sure to learn how to footbrake tho
It’s comfortable since the first moment, really fast even over rougher pavements, also I tried my first small hill with this board and hope to do some longer distance too, would recommend it for beginners (like me) to try some DH or Long distance as well.
now if I have to give my opinion on this board!? they say that Landyachtz has a rep of being the best and man they won't lying! when I was looking to get my first ever board, my eyes always had a spot for this board, and after spending time learning, finally got my hands on this as my gut told me this is a board for me and was more than right! I absolutely love this board to the point I don't want any other. if I was suggest this board, you wont be disappointed. and this is coming from someone who is not a downhill but with this, I may start.
I love this board. I've had it about 6 months now and I skate to/from the gym (3 miles round trip) multiple times a week. The board is super solid and I feel very stable on it. The wheels that come with board are the 69mm hawgs which are great wheels. My previous longboard that I got from Amazon has much smaller wheels and I think the larger wheels that this board has contribute to its stability. After several months of use I did decide to upgrade the wheels to 85mm orangutang wheels and I absolutely do not regret that decision. The board is absolutely unstoppable now and handles poor pavement like a champion. Highly recommend
When compared with a linear regression of similar prices cross indexed with other brands in several countries, this board has a +0.05% value compared to similarly priced boards matched with prior reviews. Fascinatingly, when this board's natural frequency is matched with a sin wave, the results imply the board is made of a much higher quality wood than other brands. When stress tested under volcanic conditions, this board performed admirably, and my associates were able to ride it around the lab without discernible difference in downhill/freeride performance. A microscopic cellular analysis of the composition of this board additionally revealed high capacity protein enzymes in the main deck, and the outer sealant may actually cure cancer in small rodents. All in all, this board has great value and I would definitely buy again.
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Flex Ratings
We’ve categorized the stiffness of our boards into 3 main groups, listed below. The general rule is the faster you’re skating, the stiffer the deck, but this is not universal.
Flexy – Soft and supple flex profile best suited for carving and cruising on longer boards. The bouncy nature of these decks lets you turn deeper and surf your surrounds.
Medium – The do it all of our boards, a perfect balance of stability and carve.
Stiff – From cruisers to downhill boards a stiff flex profile excels in stability and responsiveness. Whether you’re dipping into driveways or bombing a mountain pass you’ll be down with the stiffness.
COMMENTS
Evo is the outlier here. It is super stiff, made to race but also does well in LDP. It's got those angled truck mounts, very different setup from your other two choices.
Worth Comparing: Landyachtz Switchblade and Evo. The Landyachtz Switchblade is, like the Switch, a drop pusher. It comes in 38″ and 40″ sizes. These are going to feel more stable than the Switch, so if you don’t mind the larger size, definitely go with these. How are they more stable?
Either board would suffice then, I chose the switchblade because I liked the symmetrical design so I can ride it in either direction whereas the evo has a typical head/tail design. Pivot turns are where you press down on the tail and lift the front off just enough to turn.
Switchblade is better for carving since it's a springy drop through and not a thick ass dropped deck like the evo. Pushing dropped decks is really nice though since you're so close to the street. Tough call!
The Landyachtz Switchblade is a highly reliable and durable board that will help you get into freeride or downhill by offering you comfort, stability and security without losing maneuverability. A low-riding longboard, the Switchblade is also suitable for long-distance pushing and commuting provided you get used to the aggressive concave.
The Switchblade is another Landyachtz bestseller. A symmetrical double drop with large wheel cutouts and a big foot platform, it comes in 36″, 38″, and 40″ lengths with widths ranging from 9.75″ to 10″ and wheelbases 27.25″ to 31″.
Engineered with confidence-inspiring foot pockets to lock your feet in on those stand-up slides, plus a super durable 100% Canadian Maple construction, the Landyachtz Switchblade 40 Longboard Complete is the lively freeride board to rule them all.
The Switchblade doesn't care what you do, as long as you do whatever your doing fast. A double drop deck, with High W Concave, and a 10" width, this deck provides an ultra stable standing surface whether you plan on bombing hills or sliding high speed surface spins.
The Switchblade is perfect for riders who want a stable, easy-to-push board for commuting, learning to ride, and stepping up their freeride game. Its low ride height, thanks to the dropped platform and drop-through mounting , makes pushing a breeze and offers incredible stability at any speed.
The Landyachtz Switchblade is a symmetrical, dropped downhill/freeride deck that has been loved by countless riders since it's release. It was designed as a drop through, but can be topmounted. Potential buyers should be warned that it is a very heavy board, and is so low that you'll scrape the bottom on the ground going over speed bumps.