How to Choose Best Longboards for Heavy Riders: The Definitive Guide

I know that the longboard market provides an avalanche of choices for heavy riders. However, thinking twice, it’s much more overwhelming rather than helpful, isn’t it? To find out which is the most suitable for your weight (and even your height), in this article, I’ll outline what is essential to consider when picking a longboard. Also, is my collection of the best longboards for heavy riders. Read on! See Also:

• Top 18 Best Longboard For Beginners In 2020 Review – Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide
• The 13 Best Cheap Longboards Under $100 Review In 2020
• Top 13 Best Longboards for Cruising – 2020 Edition (UPDATED)

Top Longboard for Heavy Riders Reviews in 2020

Atom Drop Through Heavy Riders Longboard

I will start by pointing out that Atom overall is one of the best longboard brands out there. They manufacture the highest quality products and the Atom Drop-Through Longboard is no exception. The deck is combined two kinds of wood – bamboo, and maple – with photo heat transfer graphics, size 40” x 10” to be a perfect choice for big riders. Not to say that it’s an 8-ply deck to deliver a weight limit up to 275 lbs. Besides, it features a little more concave and grips coarse 46 grit for extra stability and balance on each ride. Many people wonder the differences between this and the Atom Drop Deck Longboard as in terms of the bushings, bearings, and trucks, they are both the same. But I myself prefer this one for many reasons:

• More affordable price
• Longer deck for better stability
• A little bit bigger wheels

The third element is a preference issue, which mostly depends on your riding styles. If you’re more about cruising, like me then this drop-through board is the best pal to choose. Conversely, for downhill riding, the other is much better.

Yocaher Speed Drop Down Heavy Riders Longboard

The Yocaher Professional Speed Drop-Down Longboard is a real tank. It’s super stiff and durable to withstand a load of up to 275 lbs., which is, I guess, mostly thanks to the 9-ply maple deck. For those hefty and tall guys who are worried if this board would support your weight, well, don’t. The board rides smoothly with no bow or deformation and plus, can cut the corners with ease. Though the board is stated to be for professional riders, I find it’s also friendly for beginners as well. From the longer deck with none flex, the full assembling, to the wide wheelbases, excellent grip tape, and heavy-duty trucks. In terms of stability, I rate it as a 10. The only thing you actually might spend some time to get used to is its high concave (High concave isn’t as easy to stay balanced and control as the lower one). But it’s minor, don’t you think?

White Wave Bamboo Heavy Riders Longboard

Long-distance commuters and downhill speed boards are often built stiffly and strongly, and the White Wave Bamboo Longboards fits perfectly that mold. Normally, these types of board are the enemies of heavy guys due to their extra flex. (A flexible deck will be more difficult to control and balance) However, this isn’t the one! The combination wise of 9-plywood material and a slight concave neutralizes two converse elements: Stability and flex to help hefty riders still have fun on this. It’s also the feature I appreciate the most in White Wave – they are so thoughtful! Aside from functionality, what drew my attention on the first time is its outlook. I initially went back and forth in some longboard brands prior to the decision of sticking with this bamboo longboard. Its stunning natural wood color is really more appealing to me than those with deck tape and crazy murals. Though you should spend 5-10 minutes with a staking tool to adjust the kingpin and trucks, I bet its performance afterward is phenomenal.

Santa Cruz Heavy Riders Longboard

This Santa Cruz longboard is sick. In comparison to the Landyachtz Switchblade (requested by many readers), I find the bearings are all the same. It’s hard to point out which is better because one is drop-through whilst the other is drop-down. But speaking of the stock wheels, these are really high quality. The deck is also quite durable to withstand my 220-lb weight and ride miles at a time with no issues. Along with that, are the great bushings, no doubt you can make a sharp turn with ease on this heavy wood 40” longboard. And, with no flex, it’s also a good choice for cruising and carving as well. However, if you intend to bomb some hills on this, my suggestion is to replace for some new wheels and trucks as the stock components aren’t designed to bear with such high speed.

Yocaher Punked Stained Pintail Heavy Riders Longboard

Here we have another Yocaher longboard and it’s really an excellent one for novice riders – The Punked Stained. Why? It’s because of the none concave design to deliver better balance and control rather than the Professional Speed Drop Deck. Plus, are the harder wheels. I’ve read mixed reviews about this board before dropping my pennies on. Many people advise to changing its bushings for better carving performance but I don’t feel the same way, especially the beginners. Unless your balance is set, such that replacement will lead to a super wiggly board to difficulty control. The stock bushings, at least from my experience, to deliver a good feeling of stability to needlessly replace. Combine with the grip tape, it’s really easy to ride on. For heavy riders, this is surely a budget choice for you. The deck is made out of 8-ply maple hardwood to bring a weight limit up to 275 lbs. Plus, it’s a flat surface to avoid deformation and bow efficiently. To cut the long story short, if you’d prefer to pay around 70 bucks for a decent longboard to cruise and carve all day, go for this one.

Magneto Bamboo Heavy Riders Longboard

When looking for a drop-through truck design for smoothly carving up the road, you might want to check the 38.5” Magneto Bamboo Longboard. Though bamboo isn’t as sturdy, solid and strong as the maple, its multi-ply design strikes back with an incredibly high weight limit of 275 lbs. Thus, I guess it’s fairly durable to serve you for years come. In terms of stability, the board is outfitted with sandblasting clear style grip to plant your feet firmly during a ride. The material itself is also good to mount a GoPro on so that you can record your longboarding journey. However, don’t plan to attach it on the bottom of the board because this is a drop-through deck, your GoPro might be riskily damaged. Normally, I don’t prefer this type of deck despite its decently smooth riding, but this one is an exception because of the attached risers. It prevents wheelbite perfectly. Overall, for transportation around town, this is the best.

Kahuna Heavy Riders Longboard

I know that there are countless of Chinese junks out there, which is why this USA-made longboard is like a life-saver for your bank to get an assured-quality product. Clearly, you can see it through the 9-ply Canadian maple deck outfitted with premium silicon sand-clear grip. Or, the meticulous artwork that’s drawn by the world-famous tattoo man – Su’a Sulu’ape FreeWind Samoan Chief. Everything is well-made with sophistication to surely serve you for years. Besides, heavy riders might want to opt for the Kahuma Creations Master Longboard for its up to 260-lb weight limit and outstanding stability at high speed. Since this is a “drop” deck with 2” lower from the top point, during a ride downhill, it doesn’t bring any wobbles at all. Moreover, is the optimal control. Dollar for dollar, this is the best board for a smooth and fast riding like a cruiser. Come in fully assembled, it’s ready to ride out of the box.

Sector 9 Meridian Heavy Riders Longboard

Sector 9 is one of the well-known longboard brands for manufacturing and designing top quality fun boards for both young and adult riders. The max weight of the Meridian Complete Skateboard is 260 lbs., making it a perfect choice for heavy riders. Though there is no upturned nose or kicktail, it strikes back with a slight concave for a little bit flex to help you with better commuting and freeriding performance. Wheel colors might vary, but in terms of quality, it’s all the 70mm 78A center set TS to optimize smooth rolling and durability. You can ride this board on different terrains thanks to their great shock absorption as well. Even a ride downhill with high speed isn’t a matter at all, its excellent grip tape can take the best role. I personally love this Sector 9 board for some reasons. The 8-ply maple material is the best thing for optimal sturdiness and strength. Plus, is the drop-through silhouette to minimize deformation as much as possible. I’ve been sticking with this longboard for 4 months and there’s no question about it being worth the money.

Landyachtz Drop Hammer Heavy Riders Longboard

Not all heavy riders are adult, which is the reason I include this 36.4” Drop Hammer Longboard for younger ones, such as teenagers, with smaller shoe sizes. And I guess there’s no much talking about Landyachtz, which is a so much reputable brand for high-quality longboards on the market. I just hope that you don’t equate smaller measurements with a lower weight limit. Despite its modest measurements, the board strikes back with 4-ply bamboo and 2-ply wet fiberglass deck to ably withstand a load up to 300 lbs. Impressive, isn’t it? Along with that, is a drop-through shape with the emphasis on easier pushing, faster riding but minimal deformation under higher stress. Hence, as long as your bodyweight doesn’t beyond that indicated limitation, this board can ride its best. Or, you try to add some shock pads for better performance. It’s a preference issue! Another fact is, this Drop Hammer is a 2015 edition, however, it still receives many compliments for the superb versatility up to now. With it, you can cruise, carve, slide, and even bomb some hills with ease. Would recommend this for a novice or intermediate riders.

Landyachtz Fiberglass Heavy Riders Longboard

Another 2015 Edition longboard from Landyachtz which makes no strange of many similarities between this and the Drop Hammer. You see, from the extremely sturdy bamboo/fiberglass deck, the smooth Bon ABEC-7 bearings to the drop-through silhouette. It’s not hard to realize! Come in only three distinctions, however, they are the decisive elements to make Drop Carve one of the best all-around boards available. Aside from the difference in measurements like the deck’s length and width or wheelbases, the additional slight kicks take the most influence. They allow riders to do tricks much easier and help with quicker changing your riding direction to avoid unwanted dodge with the slow walkers during a cruise in the city. Overall, if your budget is looser, this is surely a perfect choice for advanced performance in your serious longboarding life.

Landyachtz Switchblade Heavy Riders Longboard

The Switchblade highlights with its double drop deck. Sound strange, right? It’s actually a combination between the drop-through truck mounting and the dropped platform to bring the top mount drop board on the market. The biggest advantage of this reinvented silhouette is shortening optimally the distance between the deck to the ground. Hence, excel a stable ride. For those who have already been used to the high concave deck, this board might give you a feel of your grinding the ground. Surely, it will take some time to get acquainted with, but afterward, I can assure you of a wonderful performance. This is a versatile longboard that you can cruise, slide, freeride and freestyle on it, even a beginner. Come in fully assembled, you have got one less worry about installing things. I would definitely recommend this to those riders who are on the fence about it, your expectation will surely be blown out of the water.

Sector 9 Platinum Series Heavy Guy Longboard

If this is your very first longboard to step into the joyful longboarding world, I suggest the Sector 9 Platinum Series Fault Line Longboard. It features a versatile deck size – 39.5” x 9.5”, to easily fit riders of almost age ranges, from a kid, teenage to an adult. Particularly, ain’t no worry for heavy riders since the entire deck is crafted from durable 9-ply maple wood. Built as a specialized board for freeride and downhill riding, your extra weight is even a big bonus to keep better stability at high speed rather than the lighter ones. Besides, is a big thank you for its high-quality wheels and bearings for smoother riding. If you’re a beginner, just feel confident. Its large wheelbases, ECG grip tape, and moderately flexible deck will give you good traction as well as stability to ride with ease. Plus, is the full assemble. Overall, this is a thoughtful design for everybody to have fun.

Rayne Demonseed Gosha Heavy Guy Longboard

I understand the difficulty you’ve been through with your extra big feet, which is the reason I highly suggest the Rayne Demonseed Gosha Longboard for you. With longer wheelbase with tons of foot space, I believe you can find the most comfortable stance on it. Besides, is one less worry about the riding height as you are completely able to adjust it. The secret lies in the drop-through mounting as well as the 1” dropped platform. Even, you can make some adjustment on its truck angles as well thanks to the additional rider pads. I believe that on this beast, you can find the best stability as well as maximum versatility to ride with ease. From bombing a steep hill to gripping like a vice in the corners, it’s sure to bring you the dream speed with lots of control. A must-try for the professionals!

Arbor Drop Cruiser Heavy Guy Longboard

I will end this collection by an USA-made 40” longboard from Arbor. It is a new model, though. No strange that rare people know about it. HOWEVER, thank GOD that I have brought it home for a try. Out of the box, the board can be ridden immediately. It nails up with outstanding stability and fun to carve on. You can even take more skills on it, like cruising, sliding, and downhill riding. At high speed, amazingly, the board gives no wobbles at all if not saying that it’s super smooth and steady. One common issue coming up to Arbor longboards is their inefficient grip tape. They can’t handle well under wet conditions but in this model, seem like the manufacturer has put some more effort to improve that weakness. Grip tape is excellent, especially for beginners, once stepping on the board, just feel ease in mind that your feet will be planted firmly for better control.

How To Choose Best Longboards For Big Guys In 2019 – Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to choosing the best longboards for heavy riders, keep these factors in mind as a must. Deck To withstand a heavy load from 220 lbs. to 300 lbs., the board strength and sturdiness are the top priorities to keep in mind. From that point, there are three things about the deck you should take into consideration: Material, Concave, and Shape. Material Among 3 common types of material to craft a deck, maple is considered the stiffest. An 8-ply maple deck can withstand 220 lbs. to 250 lbs. But to leverage its weight limit, oftentimes, the manufacturer will sandwich them with 2 – 3 layers of fiberglass or bamboo. The combo of Maple + Fiberglass is the best for heavy riders weighing up to 300 lbs. whilst Maple + Bamboo is great to commute and cruise thanks to its little additional flex nature from bamboo (weight limit is roughly 275 lbs.). Whichever you go to, remember that an enough stiff and strong maple deck should be at least 8 plies. The 9-ply is even better. Concave Aside from material, concave also affects the board strength as well. The deeper the concave, the greater rigidity. Board Shape The board shape, on the other hand, is a little bit more complicated to consider. You need to look at from the side to distinguish its three common kinds: The Relatively Flat, The Downward Curve, and The Upward Curve. With heavy riders, never go for a downward curve deck because of it’s over flex nature. Remember this, your skateboard deck shouldn’t undergo too much deformation. Hence, choose either the relatively flat or the upward curve. (The best is an upward curve deck.) Bonus Another worth-considering issue relating to the deck is its height. With heavy riders, this is a tradeoff between the deck height and wheel bite if your riding styles are freeriding, freestyle, and commuting for long distances. But the good news is nowadays, there are some additional features to give you the best compromise between them, such as choosing the wheel wells, wheel flares, and wheel cutouts. Or, adding the wedges or risers to prevent wheel bite. If you’re a heavy and TALL rider, it’s synonymous to a higher gravity center. In this case, I highly recommend selecting a sturdy deck outfitted grip tape with a rocker. Besides, consider a longer and wider one for a better standing point. Bearings For good bearings, you shouldn’t skimp. The best material is high-quality steel – it’s strong and durable. On the contrary, don’t go for the ceramic bearings. They cost twice the price of steel models, but way structurally weaker. Wheels Speaking of wheels, you should pick the hard ones, sizing from small to medium. Why not big wheels? Well, it’s because of the higher force generating due to your weight, which results in a better grip for a more stable ride. Thus, big wheels, in this case, aren’t suitable at all. However, don’t go for too hard models since they will cause discomfort while you’re riding. In detail, the momentum when hitting an obstacle will be harder, making the skateboard very bumpy, even with a small rock. In terms of wheel indicates, 70 mm to 75 mm in diameter and 78A – 80A in durometer rating is ideal for heavy riders. Bonus: Bushings are also very essential to consider. You should look for 90A+ bushings for the best performance. If your concern is more about controllable ride and stability, my advice is equipping the back bushings with 4-6 higher rating than the front ones. Trucks Three must-remember factors when choosing trucks are High maneuverability, strength, and durability. Besides, is mounting. It’s closely related to your riding style. But don’t worry, this element won’t affect stability, but just on how maneuverable they are. The top-mounted board is perfect for downhill riding whilst the drop-through (usually pairing with wheel wells) is an ideal choice to avoid wheelbite. Also, consider the hangers and baseplates as well. Your no-go is nylon and plastic materials as they are super easy to crack under a heavy load. Instead, pick the aluminum. In terms of the kingpins and axles. My recommendation is steel material, featuring hollow shape. They are sturdy and strong enough for you.

FAQ

1. Do longboards have a weight limit? Yes, they do. For heavy riders, it’s ideal to be within 220 lbs. to 300 lbs. 2. How do I know what size longboard to get? Longboard size is measured in width and length. Both of them are important to deliver the best fit to your feet. Your height and shoe size are two decisive features to determine which size of a longboard to choose. With a shoe size of 9 and up plus, 5’3” tall and higher, a longboard with 7.5” or larger is perfect. And, in terms of length, it mostly depends on your riding styles.

Riding Style	Board Length (inch)
Cruising	28 – 46
Downhill	36 and up
Freeride	38 – 42
Freestyle	No limit

Besides, the wider and longer the board, the more stable it is. 3. Is riding a longboard easier than a skateboard? Well, the answer is based on some core differences between 2 activities. As a longboard is created specifically for smoothly cruising and turning over a long distance at high speeds, it’ll be easier to ride extended downhills or commuting. On the contrary, a skateboard is specialized in doing kickflips and rail slides, so, forgoing in vertical on half-pipes, hanging in skate parks, hitting the roads for some urban trick skating, skateboards will be the better choice. However, for beginners who want to get acquainted with the board, a longboard with its bigger deck and larger wheelbases will be easier to move around, taking less time to find a comfortable stance. 4. How heavy is a longboard? The weight varies from different longboard types:

• For downhill longboards, it weighs within 8.7 lbs. to 10 lbs.
• For dancing longboards, it’s within 9 lbs. to 12 lbs.
• For cruising/commuting longboards, it’s within 6.5 lbs. to 9 lbs.

Conclusion

As a rider with the current weight of 220 lbs. and plus, with my years of longboarding experience, I’m confident that you will find much useful information from this ultimate buying guide. Heavy or big riders definitely can ride a longboard! So, remember what I suggest you previously, pick the best one and be ready to have fun with pleasure, convenience, and ease. Thanks for reading!