9 Best Longboard Skateboards of 2026

The Retrospec Zed isn’t just another longboard—it’s a rolling manifesto for eco-conscious riders who refuse to compromise on performance. With its 8-ply Canadian maple and bamboo hybrid deck, this 44-inch cruiser delivers a rare balance of springy flex and structural resilience, making every push feel alive. The reverse kingpin trucks and 70mm 85A wheels team up to create a carving experience so fluid, it’s like the board reads your mind—ideal for adults seeking a smooth, responsive ride that turns sidewalks into surfable terrain.

Out on real-world pavement, the Zed excels in urban cruising and moderate downhill runs, thanks to its engineered wheel wells that eliminate wheel bite—a common headache for beginners. The ABEC-7 bearings aren’t the fastest on paper, but they deliver consistent, buttery-smooth roll-over on cracked sidewalks and slight inclines. While it handles downhill with confidence, the softer bushings can feel a bit wobbly at very high speeds, so it’s best suited for relaxed descents rather than aggressive downhill bombing. It’s a commuter’s dream, but not a freeride specialist.

Compared to the stiffer, more aggressive FISH SKATEBOARDS downhill model, the Zed leans into comfort and versatility, trading raw speed for forgiving ride quality and eco-friendly craftsmanship. It’s a standout among best eco-friendly longboards, especially when stacked against the budget-focused Magneto kicktail. Where the Zed truly shines is in its all-around usability—it’s equally at home on a morning commute or a sunset cruise along the beach path. For riders who value sustainable materials without sacrificing performance, this board outshines many in its class with a refined balance of form, function, and conscience.

When the pavement drops and the wind picks up, the FISH SKATEBOARDS 41-inch downhill deck transforms into a high-speed command center, built for riders who crave control at velocity. Its 8-ply Canadian maple core and 7″ heavy-duty aluminum trucks create a rock-solid platform that stays planted even during aggressive leans, while the 82A 70mm HR wheels and SHR95A super-soft bushings absorb chatter like a sports car on adaptive suspension. This is not a casual cruiser—it’s a precision instrument for descent, engineered to dominate steep urban hills and winding trails.

In real-world downhill testing, the FISH board delivers remarkable stability, thanks to its low center of gravity and stiff flex profile. The ABEC-9 bearings offer quick acceleration and sustained momentum, making it a strong contender for speed enthusiasts who also dabble in freestyle tricks. The emery non-slip surface locks feet in place during sharp cuts, but the lack of wheel wells means riders must be cautious on tight turns—minor wheel bite can occur if the board is pushed beyond its intended limits. It’s optimized for downhill, but less forgiving on rough city streets.

Against the Retrospec Zed, the FISH board trades comfort for raw downhill capability, positioning itself as the go-to for aggressive riders who prioritize speed and rigidity over plush cruising. While the Magneto Drop-Through offers better shock absorption on uneven terrain, the FISH model wins in tracking precision and responsiveness at high speeds. It’s not the best for beginners looking to casually carve, but for those stepping into downhill riding, it offers pro-level build quality at a surprisingly accessible point. Performance-focused and unapologetically stiff, it’s the board you choose when control matters more than comfort.

The Magneto Drop-Through is a terrain-obliterating machine, purpose-built for riders who refuse to let cracked sidewalks, gravel paths, or potholed alleys ruin their roll. Its massive 100mm all-terrain wheels are the star of the show—big enough to roll over sticks, rocks, and uneven pavement with unsettling ease—making it the undisputed king of rough-road domination. Paired with a low-rider drop-through design, this board delivers a gliding, surf-like float that turns jarring bumps into ripples, all while keeping your stance stable and confidence high.

On real-world urban expeditions, the Magneto thrives where others falter. Whether you’re navigating construction zones, bike trails, or off-road detours, the 100mm urethane wheels act like suspension on a mountain bike—smoothing out chaos beneath your feet. The 8-ply wood laminate core adds durability without making the board feel like a plank, and the sand grit coating ensures solid foot traction even during sudden stops. However, the large wheels and low deck make pumping and pushing less efficient on flat ground, and the board feels sluggish in tight spaces—not ideal for technical carving or quick maneuvers.

Compared to the Retrospec Zed, the Magneto sacrifices agility for unmatched bump absorption, making it a better fit for commuters with rough routes than for dancers or downhill racers. While the TLHB offers sharper freestyle response, this Magneto model is in a league of its own when it comes to off-road capability and ride comfort. It’s the ultimate urban explorer’s board, especially for those who treat sidewalks as suggestions rather than rules. If your commute includes anything less than perfect pavement, this board delivers a smoother experience than any standard cruiser—even if it’s not the fastest or most nimble.

The SANTA CRUZ Screaming Hand isn’t just a longboard—it’s a rolling piece of skateboarding history, a premium artifact forged by one of the most iconic brands in the game. This 40-inch drop-through deck carries the legendary Screaming Hand graphic in crisp white, instantly setting it apart as a statement piece for purists and collectors alike. Built with high-grade maple and precision drop-through mounting, it offers a low, locked-in ride that’s both agile and stable—perfect for carving, commuting, or simply cruising with undeniable style.

In performance, the board delivers smooth, predictable handling thanks to its refined truck geometry and quality urethane wheels, though exact specs are sparse. What it lacks in technical detail, it makes up for in brand pedigree and build integrity—Santa Cruz has decades of refinement behind every curve and cut. The drop-through design reduces effort when pushing and enhances control during turns, making it a joy for city riding. However, without upgraded bearings or all-terrain wheels, it’s better suited for smooth pavement than rugged trails or high-speed downhill runs.

When compared to the budget-friendly Magneto models, the SANTA CRUZ stands tall as the definitive premium pick, offering superior craftsmanship, timeless design, and cultural weight that transcends specs. It’s not the fastest or most versatile, but it’s the one you choose when brand legacy and aesthetic authenticity matter as much as performance. For riders who want a longboard that feels like a classic, with the refinement of a pro-tier build, this board justifies its place at the top—even without flashy features, it earns respect through heritage and precision.

The Magneto Kicktail Cruiser is the everyman’s gateway to longboarding, a budget-friendly beast that punches far above its price tag with smart design and real-world usability. Its 44-inch deck with a functional kicktail opens up a world of possibilities—pivoting in tight corners, hopping curbs, or adding a pop to your dance moves—all while riding on 70mm 78A translucent wheels that glide over rough roads with surprising grace. The gravity-cast aluminum trucks and sand grit finish ensure durability and grip, making this board a reliable urban companion for daily commutes and spontaneous adventures.

On actual city streets, the kicktail model proves remarkably versatile, handling cracked sidewalks and sudden stops with confidence. The softer wheels absorb vibrations like a budget board should, though they lack the precision of higher-end urethane. The kicktail is functional but not pro-grade, meaning you can pivot and manual with ease, but don’t expect it to replace a dedicated freestyle deck. It’s optimized for stability and comfort, not technical tricks. Still, for the price, it delivers exceptional value—especially for teens and new riders building confidence.

Stacked against the Nattork or TLHB models, the Magneto kicktail trades some performance specs for affordability and practicality, making it the best budget entry point into longboarding. While the Retrospec Zed offers better eco-credentials and smoother carving, this Magneto model wins on urban maneuverability and price-to-function ratio. It’s the board you recommend when someone asks, “What’s a good first longboard that won’t break the bank?”—durable, stylish, and ready to roll out of the box, it’s the ultimate starter board with room to grow.

The Retrospec Rift is a commuter’s dream machine, engineered to turn daily rides into effortless, responsive journeys through the urban jungle. With its drop-through truck design and 41-inch Canadian maple deck, it offers a lower center of gravity that makes pushing and turning feel natural and fatigue-free—perfect for covering long distances without burning out. The 70x51mm 78A PU wheels and ABEC-7 stainless bearings deliver a smooth, quiet roll, while the extra grippy 80AB deck coating keeps your feet planted during sudden stops or wet pavement.

In real-world testing, the Rift shines during daily commutes and city cruising, where its agile turning radius and stable flex make weaving through traffic a breeze. The slant reverse kingpin trucks enhance responsiveness, allowing for quick pivots and controlled carves—ideal for navigating tight corners or avoiding obstacles. However, the board’s stiffness can make it harsh on very rough roads, and the lack of wheel wells means cautious turning at high speeds. It’s optimized for efficiency, not off-road adventures or freestyle tricks.

Compared to the Magneto Drop-Through, the Rift trades all-terrain capability for superior commuting agility and precision. While the Nattork offers better grip and ABEC-11 bearings, the Rift wins in handling and urban responsiveness, making it the best for riders who prioritize control and ride quality on smooth to moderate surfaces. It’s not the most forgiving board, but for daily riders who want speed, stability, and sharp handling, it delivers a refined, performance-driven experience that justifies its spot among the top choices.

The TLHB 9-ply longboard is a freestyle powerhouse, meticulously crafted for riders who want to dance, pivot, and slide with precision and flair. Its cold-pressed 9-ply natural maple deck delivers a perfect flex-stiff balance, offering enough spring for movement while maintaining structural integrity during high-impact tricks. The ABEC-11 carbon steel bearings are a standout—among the fastest in this lineup—providing instant acceleration and sustained roll, making it a top contender for speed and technical performance.

On the pavement, the TLHB excels in freestyle routines and downhill dancing, where its responsive 7-inch aluminum trucks and 78A PU wheels deliver predictable grip and smooth transitions. The symmetrical shape and double-kick tails allow for switch riding and quick pivots, while the ultra-elastic bushings enhance control during slides and carves. However, the board’s stiffness makes it less forgiving on rough roads, and the high-speed bearings can feel overkill for casual cruising. It’s built for performance, not plush comfort.

When compared to the FISH downhill model, the TLHB offers better trick versatility and bearing speed, though it sacrifices some raw downhill stability. Against the Nattork, it wins in freestyle agility and acceleration, but lacks the same level of vibration damping. It’s the best for riders who want a pro-level platform for dancing and technical riding, especially those stepping beyond basic cruising. With exceptional build quality and competition-ready specs, it’s a freestyle-focused board that outperforms its price tag in every meaningful way.

The Nattork 44-inch cruiser is the undisputed all-rounder, a well-engineered masterpiece that earns its title as the best overall longboard by excelling in nearly every category without compromise. Its 8-ply Canadian maple and bamboo hybrid deck delivers a perfect flex-to-strength ratio, absorbing vibrations like a luxury sedan while supporting riders up to 330 lbs—50% more than most competitors. The ABEC-11 chrome bearings are a game-changer, offering near-silent, frictionless roll that maintains momentum longer than any other in this lineup.

On real-world rides, the Nattork glides over cracks and rough patches with cloud-like ease, thanks to its 78A center-cored urethane wheels and aggressive diamond-grade grip tape. The double-kick tails and symmetrical design make it equally adept at tricks, commuting, and freeride slides, while the balanced concave keeps feet locked during sharp turns. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, light or heavy, this board adapts to your style—a rare feat in longboarding. It’s not the fastest downhill racer, but it’s the most versatile and rider-inclusive option available.

Compared to the Retrospec Zed, the Nattork offers superior grip, speed, and build quality, while outclassing the Magneto kicktail in performance and durability. It doesn’t specialize in one area like the FISH or TLHB models, but it dominates through balance and refinement. For riders who want one board to do it all—commute, carve, dance, and slide—this is the ultimate choice. With premium features, universal fit, and pro-level engineering, it delivers exceptional value across every metric.

The Magneto Hana Pintail is pure California soul on four wheels, a carving-obsessed cruiser that turns every ride into a rhythmic dance with the pavement. Its 8-ply maple and bamboo core delivers a lively, springy flex that responds to subtle weight shifts like a surfboard on foam, while the classic pintail shape and W-concave deck lock your feet in place for long, flowing carves. The 70mm 78A wheels roll smoothly over urban cracks, and the laser-etched graphics add a touch of artistry that stands out in a sea of generic boards.

In real-world use, the Hana shines during leisurely carving sessions and beachside cruises, where its natural flex and wheel wells prevent bite during deep leans. The smooth-rolling wheels and stable platform make it a joy for beginners and intermediates, though the lack of kicktails limits trick potential. It’s not built for downhill speed or freestyle moves, but for pure, meditative carving, few boards match its flow and feel. The ride is forgiving, quiet, and deeply satisfying—like gliding on air.

Against the Retrospec Zed, the Hana offers a more focused carving experience, trading commuting features for pure surf-style responsiveness. While the TLHB delivers better freestyle utility, the Hana wins in ride comfort and aesthetic appeal. It’s the board you choose when style, smoothness, and carving purity matter most. For riders who live for the turn, not the speed, this pintail cruiser delivers an unmatched sense of flow—a true carver’s dream at a wallet-friendly price.