Not every rider can afford a $200-$300 longboards, especially the beginners. Even I, many times, advise you to start with an affordable one. But don’t get me wrong that you have to pick a poor-quality product. I’m here to give you the best-priced longboards out there on the market but, in the meantime, also prove that good designs don’t need to cost the Earth. Read on! Read more:
- Top 18 Best Longboard For Beginners In 2020 Review – Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide
- The 14 Best Longboards for Heavy Riders Reviews 2020
- Top 13 Best Longboards for Cruising – 2020 Edition (UPDATED)
Table of Contents
Top 13 Good Cheap Longboards Under $100 Review In 2020
Quest Super Cruiser Longboard
If you are looking for a pro-style starter skateboard at a great price, this is good to go. Though its length is 44” – a little bit longer than the standard, the longer, the better, it shouldn’t be a problem to novice riders, even a kid. Highlight with sturdiness; it can hold up well with a heavy person weighing up to 230 lbs, without getting dinged up from regular use. My guess is, the better components of this longboard are the key to its better performance. ABEC 7 bearings, 7-ply hardwood maple deck, aluminum trucks, and take a look at it, hardly can you find such this beautiful artisan deck design with extra detail at this price range. Another good thing about the Quest Super Cruiser Longboard is it’s designed and made mostly by Quest, no third party. This allows them to control the quality of every single board released. I’m here to prove that! When riding on this board, two things that you can immediately feel are great maneuverability and smooth riding. You can loosen its trucks some more for better maneuverability (this is a preference problem). But I myself consider this as the top cruiser out there on the market.- Constructed from high-quality components made mostly by Quest with beautiful artisan design
- Emphasize great maneuverability and smooth riding
- Very slight camber
- Love the kick nose and tail
- No flex -> Highlight stability and control, good for beginners
- Excellent turn response
- Need to take off the trucks to remove all plastic wrap
VOLADOR 42inch Freeride Longboard
If you’re an environmentalist, the Volador Freeride Longboard is really worth considering as its entire 8-ply hard rock maple deck is utilized 100% epoxy glue – a non-toxic liquid glue – to be better for natural. On the other hand, this drop-down deck is very sturdy, emphasizing with decent shock absorption and super flex ability. In combination with the ABEC-9 bearings and speedy 78A PU wheels, it leverages the smoothness of a ride to many times. The adjustable reverse kingpin trucks are another mentionable feature of this 42” longboard. This is the decisive element for how great of its maneuverability. In comparison to the Quest above, I see no difference. You can easily adjust its trucks as 45 or 50 degrees due to preference and riding styles. The performance afterward will amaze you, for sure! With this Volador, it will surely take you where you need to go to an incredible amount of time. For carving and cruising, this won’t be a matter, even if you’re a heavy rider up to 250 lbs. But in case you want to do tricks on a cruiser, I guess it’s not a good idea at all.- Highlight smooth ride, good flex, maneuverability, and shock absorption
- Various color options with diverse graphics style, from avant-garde to strikingly vintage looks
- Use eco-friendly epoxy glue
- High-quality components
- Sturdy grip tape
- Cut the corners with ease
- No wobble or shake at high speed
- Good tail and nose
- Good choice for both beginners and professional riders
- Heavy riders might find the bearings aren’t as excellent as other components
- No matter how hard you tighten the trucks, they won’t be solid
Atom Pin Tail Longboard
This is another good cruiser for beginner longboard riders! However, the deck of this Atom model is a little bit different from the above ones, which features classic pintail shape to avoid wheel bite efficiently. In terms of material, it’s still the laminate maple wood with colorful design underneath and full coverage grip tape on its top. (But the colorway options might be less than the Volador or the Quest. Actually, there are only two: The woody and the Blue Surf.) Besides, its deck length is also smaller than other counterparts – 39”. I think this is surely a friendlier choice for any parents or grandparents who worry a 40+” longboard is too long for their kid to ride on. Plus, the board is pretty lightweight to carry around effortlessly and quickly. For adult riders, it’s still possible to work with average weight but you might need to loosen the trucks a lot. Other than that, it comes in high-quality components and well-built construction so, during a ride, I don’t find any wobbles at all. The wheels of this Atom longboard are also worth mentioning since they are extremely grippy, gummy and quiet. My recommendation for cruising and carving, but a no-no for gliding.- Easy to turn
- High-quality components
- Nice design
- Work well on the rain
- No wheel bite
- Nice and strong grip tape
- Ride smoothly
- Good for beginners
- The design on the back might be damaged if you grind
Atom Drop Through Longboard
For the best performance of downhill carving, this ultra-low-riding Atom Drop-Through Longboard with emphasis on decent stability will be your best pal. Two outstanding features are the wheels and the deck. The standard wheels are smooth as hell and shock absorbent to give you unsurpassed riding, even on rocky or rough roads. Then, about the deck, it highlights with the exclusive perimeter shape to avoid wheel bite perfectly during around-town commutes. In the meantime, it also leverages up to 9.6” into every turn so that despite a beginner, you can easily cut around tight corners or practice tricks like a pro. Just remember to loosen the kingpins. However, if you also want a good cruiser to glide around on the surfaces that aren’t downhill, my advice is to replace the standard bearings with some red ones. One last good thing, it arrives in fully assembled to readily ride as soon as opening the package. The only tool you need to equip yourself is a socket wrench to adjust the kingpins and wheels yourself. Or, simply, just take it to a nearby skate shop.- Rounded, huger wheels for better stability and easy rolling
- Snazzy underneath graphics
- Fantastic bearings
- Smooth and silent ride
- Solid wheels and trucks
- Can hold up a heavy load and different terrains
- Not excellent deck
RIMABLE Drop Through Longboard
The good news for heavy riders up to 250 lbs., the Rimable 41” Drop-through Longboard won’t be a worry of yours about breaking apart just after a while riding on. All components of this product are crafted from the highest quality materials with careful designs to ably load more weight than usual. I guess the key core features are its drop-through 7” aluminum trucks and 9-ply full maple laminated deck. But the real fun is despite such heavy load, the board delivers a phenomenally speedy performance thanks to the lubricant bearings and great-spinning PU wheels. This longboard is also one of the rare models that I don’t need to adjust a lot. It’s pretty dang loose out of the box. However, if you’re a beginner and prefer a stiff board for stability and better control, just spend 5 or 10 minutes to tighten up its bunch and bearings. Generally, the stiffness of a board will depend mostly on your body weight and based on your riding skill to consider whether you should adjust it or not. From my experience, this is a good choice for downhills and cruising for long-distance. Smooth ride, great handling, and super-fast speed!- Various colorways
- Can make hard turns
- No wheel bites
- Strong board with a slight flex
- Smooth ride
- Hold up well really a heavy load
- Grippy grip tape
- Good bushings
- Good choice for beginners and intermediates riders
- Do rattle sometimes
Yocaher Speed Drop Down Longboard
The Yocaher Drop-Through Stained Longboard is my recommendation for professional riders. Due to its high concave, ABEC-7 chrome bearings, 33” wheelbase, 78A hardness Q-ball wheels, and 9-ply maple deck without flex, it definitely satisfies your higher demand in speed. Plus, thanks to its well-built construction and high-quality components, its weight limit is increased up to 275 lbs. Hence, this turns out to be a versatile choice for all-age riders, from kids, teenagers, to heavy adult ones. A great option for cruising, downhills and particularly, sliding without wheel bite. But take note that, the lighter you are, the more difficult to glide, especially in long-distance. To solve this, it’d better replace the bearings, the bushings, and even the spacers. As this longboard is designed for pro, highlighting with its super-fast speed, I don’t suggest loosening anything on it. The looser they are, the slower you will receive – something that I bet no pro riders expect to. Another great thing about this Yocaher longboard is its grip. Thanks to the black grip tape and the wheels’ design, it’s decent through in the rain with smooth riding. Within this affordable price, I can’t ask for more.- Fully assembled to readily ride out of the box
- Perfect trucks and wheels
- Sturdy and durable deck
- Nice grip tape
- Hold up a heavy load well
- Ride smoothly and fast
- Have a slight warp on the deck
SCSK8 Natural Blank Longboard
SCSK8 is genius when they offer two sizes aside from providing different colorways to choose from. This is a win-win option since whilst the manufacturer can expand their customer segment scale, the riders are able to pick the most suitable one for their foot size, body weight, and preference. Whichever you select, it will all come in a sturdy 7-ply maple deck and durable 7” aluminum trucks to ably withstand a heavy load (up to 220 lbs.). The bushings and wheels are good as well. In consideration, this longboard is perfect for cruising and carving due to its good-rolling wheels and black grip tape. It also turns pretty well. But in the meantime, the high concave and non-flex deck shape stop this SCSK8 Longboard from power sliding. So, keep that in mind! If you’re looking for a deck without finishing to decorate it on your own, the good news is this one only has a clear finished coat so that you can easily get it off and sand and re-paint the deck yourself. Lastly, as coming in fully assembled, for a novice rider who has just got into longboarding, this is a good entry-level for the price.- Fully assembled
- Ride smoothly and fast
- Easy to learn and ride
- Easily repaint the deck yourself
- Can handle rough terrains
- Good choice for beginners
- Rarely get speed wobbles
Quest Rorshack Bamboo Longboard
Upon buying it, I found out the Quest Rorshack Longboard was not much flex due to its hard maple deck. Turns out it’s a good choice for beginners as they can control and keep the balance well during a ride. If you’re a pro and ask for more flexibility, some loosening might be in need. Featuring really soft wheels, I don’t consider it for sliding or gliding, but more about cruising and carving. Besides, the 34” longboard with decent lightness, kicktail and applied grip tape is a good choice for riders of 13 years old or younger to begin longboarding, transport, or stably perform. For adult ones, I don’t think it’s ideal even though the weight limit is up to 250 lbs. Why? Because of the narrow deck width and its lack of flex. You will find it difficult to balance and control during a ride. Neither, it’s too long for doing tricks so, don’t! It will work best on streets and sidewalks instead.- Support a heavy load up to 250 lbs.
- Make good turns
- Good design and shape
- Lightweight to easily carry around
- Solid wheels and trucks
- Cool graphics
- Ride smooth and quietly
- Good grip tape
- Don’t have removable shields on bearings
SCSK8 Speed Drop Down Longboards
- Ride smoothly like butter
- Great wheels and good trucks
- Amazing grip tape
- Can carry a heavy load pretty well
- Easy to customize
- Gorgeous wood paint
- Trucks aren’t as excellent as other components
Yocaher Speed Drop Down Longboard
This is another decently economy longboard for professional riders. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be a good entry for beginners. After a few tries, I’m pretty sure that you will quickly find out your standing point as well as get acquainted with its flex. In a long-term investment, its quality with emphasis on smooth riding and silently fast speed is well-worth every single penny of yours. That’s shown clearly through the durable black grip tape on the front. Unlike in other longboards that the detail tends to peel off soon, this isn’t the one. It’s strong and stays with time. Besides, the 41” 9-ply maple deck is a mentionable element to deliver a great weight limit of 250 lbs. with decent stability. In other words, it is good for cruising and carving in long-distance as a commuter. Even, it’s fine on small hills as well and any riders can try it, both kids and adults. About the wheels, I rank it as a 10. Very high-quality! My only gripe is the turning radio. It actually can’t make sharp turns unless you already loosen the trucks for more balance.- Diverse colorways
- No speed wobbles
- Beautiful design
- Ride well in snow and rain
- Great trucks and wheels
- Fully assembled
- You might need to replace the bearings
Quest Native Spirit Kick Tail Longboard
Quest longboards never disappoint me about their performance as well as design, especially in this price range. While other brands have to tradeoff between two of those elements, you can easily get a compliment whilst feel ease in mind of a timeless, durable piece to ride forever. Plus, no fear of breaking your bank. Whether it’s a ride across town or cruising to a pool/beach, its wheels absorb shocks effectively to deliver excellent road feel and smooth longboarding. Besides, is the sturdy, solid 7-ply hardwood maple deck with less flex to highlight its stability and controllability. They are an affordable option for beginners to start their longboarding journey. The construction is very rider-friendly. You can see it through the fully assembled, the decent carving performance despite no adjustment given on its trucks or the extra spacers for better balance. Importantly, it allows you to make good turns, but take note that they won’t be smaller than 40”.- No-flex deck for superb stability, good for cruising and carving
- Have mellow concave
- Good kick tail and nose
- Comfortable, durable and sturdy deck
- Great wheels and trucks
- Can ride on different terrains
- No durable graphics coating
Quest Tribes Pin Kick Tail Longboard
Last but not least, is the Quest Tribes Longboard. It’s a reliable model for beginners weighing up to 250 lbs. to have a good balance cruise. The width and length are both perfect for adult riders, but for the children, it doesn’t a matter at all. The board arrives in pre-assembled so that you can ride it immediately out of the package. It’s perfect in cruising, carving, and makes good turns as well. But during my 9 months of experience on it, there are two sincere pieces of advice for you:- Firstly, adjust the trucks as they always come in fairly tight.
- Secondly, if you plan to ride downhills or the roads in your living area are full of rock and other obstacles, try replacing for the Red bearings. It will bring a whole different world.
If you’re worrying about wheel bite and stuff like that then, don’t. This longboard isn’t a drop-through, which means it’s elevated decently. Unless you bend the deck a lot to either side, there’s surely no wheel bite at all. And finally, is the price, well, I have to say that this longboard is typical evidence for “Good design doesn’t need to cost the Earth”. Very well-worth money!
- Solid board, legit hardware, decently soft wheels
- Flexible and strong deck
- Nice designs and graphics
- Easy to learn
- Ride smoothly
- Make tight turns
- Amazing grip tape
- Have to take off spacers and trucks to remove the plastic
Skatro Mini Cruiser Longboard
No embarrassing, I’m a solid fan of Skatro for years, which is why I copped this Mini Cruiser right away because of its limited edition. However, I can fairly tell you, this is the most satisfying decision in my life. From the value to the performance, the board nails it! It highlights the Skatro Flexy Technology that you can feel its outperformance right through the lightweight GOLD aluminum trucks, the ABEC-7 bearings, and the 59mm urethane wheels. Every single component is assured of the highest quality and measurements to optimize the board flex. Not to say that, in this low-price range, the cruiser also includes a color-matching T-tool worth up to $10 as well as a warranty from the manufacturer. This is truly a good deal for beginners (both kids and adults as long as you are well under the weight limit of 220 lbs.) who are searching for a long-term but budget starter board. It works best on bus, subway, train, and plane with ease. The only pity is Skatro doesn’t sell wheels in different colors separately so that if you want to replace them due to preference, you should look for on other competitor brands.- Various colorways
- Good flex
- Include a T-tool for adjustment
- Make good turns
- Compact size and lightweight to carry around easily
- Ride smoothly and silently
- Might be hard to balance at first due to its flex
- Not stable, especially when riding on rocky roads
FAQs
1. Is it ok to get a cheap longboard skateboard? Yes, it absolutely is! Based on my years of testing skateboards from different longboard brands, I can assure you one thing: You will be always able to get a good longboard at any price range, including the low one. A longboard is cheap for many reasons, not just synonymous to be made with poor components. They might be in discounting old stock or running out sales. My collection above is the typical evidence for that! 2. What are some cheap longboards for beginners? For beginners, stability and maneuverability are two key elements when looking for a good cheap longboard. That’s why I will suggest these models: · Atom Pin-Tail Longboard · Skatro Mini Cruiser Skateboard. 22x6inch Retro Style Plastic Board Comes Complete · RIMABLE Drop-Through Longboard 3. Why are fake longboards so cheap? Fake longboards are usually so cheap for just one reason – they are made by really poor components. However, in long term use, I can 100% ensure that it will turn out to be expensive. Why? Because you need to replace almost every component for better performance, from bearings, wheels, to trucks. It ends up with you have to pay the extra cost which is even higher than the price of that fake longboard for all premium components. But, it’s all on a crap deck. Or, you will give up on this poor-quality product to spend some money on another, new premium longboard. It means you bought it twice! That’s the reason I always advise you to choose a cheap longboard for either it’s a discount old stock or running out sale. They are two good ideas to get a budget product with assured quality. Even though it’s obviously not as decent quality as a $200-$300 model, you won’t need to replace such that much.
Conclusion
During my research and analysis, I tried my best to filter out the best longboard in a specific aspect, such as based on age ranges, the board’s measurements, or its weight. It’s because I want to ensure as many riders can pick the most suitable longboard for their needs as possible. Hopefully, my hard work doesn’t waste it. Thanks for reading!
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