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

By Bam Ericson // Last Updated February 12, 2022 , 11:03 pm (UTC)

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)

Table of Contents

Top Longboard for Heavy Riders Reviews in 2020

Atom drop through heavy riders longboard.

• More affordable price
• Longer deck for better stability
• A little bit bigger wheels
• Affordable price and various styles
• Lightweight for easy carrying
• Long, sturdy, and strong deck for extra stability
• Drop-through deck for no wheelbite
• High-quality components
• Pre-lubricated to readily ride fast out of the box, can reach 12-13 MPH on flat streets
• Slight concave and good grip tape
• Wider deck for bigger foot size
• A bit more fragile than the genuine maple deck
• Stiff bushings

Yocaher Speed Drop Down Heavy Riders Longboard

• Crafted from 9-ply maple wood for ultimate stiffness and durability
• Weight limit up to 275 lbs.
• Ride smooth and stably without wobbles at high speed or deformation under higher stress
• Friendly for both beginners and professionals
• Fully assembled
• Decent trucks and wheels
• Good grip tape
• Not good bearings

White Wave Bamboo Heavy Riders Longboard

• A little flex for riding downhill or commuting smoothly
• 9-ply bamboo/maple deck and excellent grip tape for extra sturdiness and stability
• Nice colorways and various option to choose from
• High-quality trucks, wheels, and bushings
• Easy to ride
• No washers so, the board can’t ride as fast as other counterparts

Santa Cruz Heavy Riders Longboard

• Sturdy, strong and stiff deck with reasonable length to withstand a hefty rider weighing up to 250 lbs.
• No flex for ultimate stability
• Affordable price for the quality
• Come in pre-assemble that you can ride it out of the box
• Good wheels, bearings, and trucks
• Catchy design
• Ride smoothly, even on rough roads
• Big wheels so, get wheelbite more quickly

Yocaher Punked Stained Pintail Heavy Riders Longboard

• Fully flat, sturdy, strong and durable maple deck
• 40” long to suitable for tall riders to find their own stance
• Various color options to choose from
• Really affordable price
• Come in assembled to ride immediately out of the package
• Good choice for beginners to cruise, carve and commute
• No flex and none concave for highest stability
• Turns greatly, no wheelbite

Magneto Bamboo Heavy Riders Longboard

• Affordable price for a long-term investment
• Ride smoothly and steadily
• No wheelbite
• Reasonable deck length with multiple layers of wood to withstand a heavy rider up to 275 lbs.
• Wide and long enough for big feet to dance with or stand on
• Perfect for cruising, carving, and commuting
• Not good wheels

Kahuna Heavy Riders Longboard

• Diverse colorways
• An USA-made longboard for assured quality
• Made from high-quality components
• Meticulous and cool artwork
• Ride smoothly and stable
• Weight limit up to 260 lbs.
• Optimal control
• A little bit soft bushing

Sector 9 Meridian Heavy Riders Longboard

• Different colors
• Sturdy deck with slight flex for better control
• Beautifully crafted
• Ride responsively and smoothly
• Good for commuting, carving, cruising and turning
• Good quality components
• Very support for big guys weighing up to 260 lbs.
• The decal isn’t durable very much

Landyachtz Drop Hammer Heavy Riders Longboard

• Compact and lightweight to easily carry around
• Durable, stiff and strong deck with the weight limit up to 300 lbs.
• Ride smoothly, quickly and effortlessly with no detects
• Versatility: Can slide, cruise, carve, and downhills
• Fully assembled before arriving to conveniently ride out of the box
• Durable decal
• Great maneuverability

Landyachtz Fiberglass Heavy Riders Longboard

• Cool artwork
• Slide smoothly and greatly
• Wider and longer deck to suit for bigger-foot riders
• Larger wheelbases for extra stability
• Additional slight kicks
• Good warranty and customer service
• Not have many color options

Landyachtz Switchblade Heavy Riders Longboard

• Highlight with double drop deck
• Ride stably, smoothly and effortlessly
• Versatility: Can slide, cruise, freestyle and freeride
• Easy to learn and ride
• Fully assembled to ride immediately out of the box
• Cool graphics design
• Excellent grip tape

Sector 9 Platinum Series Heavy Guy Longboard

• Versatile deck measurements for all age-range riders
• 9-ply maple deck to excel durability
• Deliver reasonable flex for smoother riding
• Grippy so that you can stand better on the board
• Good rolling wheels, and high-quality bearings
• Various colorways
• Include shock pads

Rayne Demonseed Gosha Heavy Guy Longboard

• Very long deck for extra stability and control when riding downhill
• Suitable for big-foot riders
• Highlight with superb flexibility, versatility, and easy adjustment
• Can adjust the trucks and riding height
• Deep tub concave to excel your comfort when making a turn or downhill ride
• Nice design
• Not diverse colorways

Arbor Drop Cruiser Heavy Guy Longboard

• Unique artwork of natural wood color and cool graphics on the underneath
• Long, sturdy and strong deck to withstand high weight capacity and handle big feet with ease
• Well-built components
• Advanced grip tape
• Ride smoothly and stable even at high speed
• Versatile enough to cruise, carve, slide and downhill
• A bit expensive

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.

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.

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.

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!  

Reader Interactions

July 14, 2020 at 10:40 am

I really want to learn how to longboard at 35! I’m pretty big at 6ft6 and 156kg! None of these boards can take my weight. My head is spinning because I can’t find a board for me. I’m working in my weight but thought skating would be a great way to get some exercise.

Bam Ericson

July 22, 2020 at 10:14 pm

Hello Kev, I appreciate you reaching out. I did some additional research and found that most of the longboard brands recommended weight limit is 250 lbs (113 kg). However, that’s the “recommended” limit so I would say you should try the Quest Downhill Style Slot Through Longboard . If it doesn’t last, it’s on the lower price point that you’re not losing out on a lot of money. If that doesn’t work, then I recommend you try the Solofit Balance Board to have the feel of riding a longboard and still accomplishing your goal of exercising. Once you’re within the 250 – 270 lbs (113 – 122 kg) range, then you can go for the Landyachtz Dinghy Emboss Black Mini Cruiser Longboard or VOLADOR 42inch Freeride Longboard Complete Cruiser . I hope this helps! Please keep us posted on your progress.

November 8, 2020 at 6:49 am

I’m 6’3″ 285lbs and I recently got a Beercan Board.

Aluminum deck and can easily support 350lbs.

November 9, 2020 at 8:57 pm

That’s great feedback, Jordan! Am sure other heavy riders will appreciate your authentic feedback; thanks for sharing. I found three great Beercan brand options on Amazon with fantastic reviews: Hard Cider 35″ Punisher Aluminum Skateboard , Oat Soda 42″ DPT Patriot Outlaw Flag Aluminum Skateboard , and 35″ Hard Cider Dragon Orange . They are all made with aluminum so they should be able to withstand any heavyweight and the best part is they’re made in the US so you can rest assured the quality is superb. I hope this info helps someone!

May 1, 2020 at 3:06 pm

Yocaher Punk Stained bites wheels if your weight is more than 90 kg. Wanted to dismount spacers for more stable ride while studying dancing but it would be worse. So carving is prohibited, pumping is prohibited. Only cruising, nothing more. But for its price this is really a great longboard with smooth riding and awesome practicability.

Bam, thank you for your helpful site and greetings from Russia !

May 3, 2020 at 11:20 pm

It’s our pleasure, Andrew! We’re glad you found what you needed and able to point you in the right direction. Enjoy!

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Landyachtz Switchblade Review: The Immortal Freeride Longboard

Posted on Last updated: March 7, 2024

Categories Freeride , Gear & reviews

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The Landyachtz Switchblade has been around for over a decade, yet it remains a highly regarded longboard for freeride and fast downhill riding, as well as for comfortable all-around transportation.

What is the Landyachtz Switchblade good at? It’s a super stable board at higher speed thanks to its large standing platform, double-drop construction, lowered platform, and affirmed concave for secure foot lock-in. Despite its high stability, the Switchblade is a responsive freeride board great for learning to slide, as well as a capable long-distance push commuter. It’s one of the most durable boards on the market.

Check out the pricing and reviews for the Landyachtz Switchblade on Amazon or on Landyachtz

See also: Best longboards for heavier riders

Landyachtz Switchblade shape and construction

The Switchblade is a solid and stiff, 9-ply maple wood deck with a fully symmetrical shape and huge wheel cutouts for ample wheel clearance.

An exception to the full maple construction is the pricier “Hollowtech” version of the Switchblade built using Landyachtz’s special technology. This construction results in a hollow core deck that’s astonishingly lightweight and is transparent in the light!

The tiny tail and nose (1.825″ each, no kicks) result in a large wheelbase and effective foot platform for each Switchblade size. Here are the width and wheelbase for each version:

• Switchblade 40″: 10″ wide, 31″ wheelbase
• Switchblade 38″: 9.8″ wide, 29″ wheelbase
• Switchblade 36″: 9.5″ wide, 27″ wheelbase

The Switchblade has a drop-through constructio n with the trucks mounted across the deck’s “wingtips” – the baseplate sits above the deck while the hanger sits below it.

The deck is also dropped , meaning the standing platform sits lower than the level of the truck mounts, which makes it a “ double-drop ” deck (since it also has a drop-through mount). Unlike other dropped decks, the drop is not vertical but slanted, allowing you to tuck your feet against it.

Another key complementary aspect of the deck’s shape is the prominent W concave which creates two deep pockets between each truck mount and the middle section of the deck.

So while the standing platform is globally lower than the truck mounts, the deep pockets at each end of the platform make are even lower to the ground than the midsection, cuddling your feet in a secure lock-in.

The drop-through mount and carefully engineered foot pockets make for a significantly reduced distance to the ground and hence a very stable, comfortable, and secure ride.

Landyachtz Switchblade riding experience

Again, the main impression from riding the Switchblade is one of sheer stability and security when going fast, due to the lowered center of gravity.

The board is also surprisingly responsive and maneuverable at higher speeds given its sheer size and wheelbase – even the 40″ version. The turny and carvy Grizzly Bear trucks make the board lively. The slanted dropped shape gives you good leverage over the trucks, noticeably better than with a classic vertical drop.

Due to the large wheel cutouts, you never experience wheelbite including when doing tight carves on a bigger slope – even with the big 70mm wheels the board comes stock with (see setup section).

Sliding on the Switchblade

Breaking into slides is easy due to the lower ride and gravity center. Learning to slide on the Switchblade is greatly facilitated by the secure feel provided by the deep foot pockets and the raised rails.

The foot lock-in, the great stability, and the responsive turning all combine to give you the confidence to push the board out sideways by pressing on the uplifted edges and shifting your weight off the board while facing downhill.

The Switchblade is truly an excellent board for a beginner freerider to build his/her sliding skills on. The symmetrical shape also makes switch riding and 180º slides easier. The absence of kicks, however, prevents more sophisticated freeride tricks.

Downhill riding on the Switchblade

It’s also a capable downhill board, again thanks to its outstanding stability at high speed and its uber-secure concave. The responsiveness in turns also makes it suitable for high-speed corners. Pre-drifting is easy on this board – although you probably won’t hold as tight and clean lines as on a top mount speed board.

Commuting on the Switchblade

The Landyachtz Switchblade is suitable for distance pushing and commuting, being a stable low-riding longboard. The large wheelbase makes it comfortable for kick-pushing over long durations. The only caveat is the strong concave and foot pockets which lock your feet in specific positions, hindering your ability to adjust your position when pushing.

While the Switchblade is a good downhill carver thanks to its maneuverable and lively ride, here again, many riders feel that the deep W concave sometimes restricts the foot movement in a negative way, e.g. when pumping which requires constant foot adjustments.

Also, while the big cutouts offer high wheel clearance for doing tight carves, the very low foot pockets may sometimes scrape the ground e.g. when encountering small terrain bumps in hard turns.

Landyachtz Switchblade setup

The Switchblade comes with Bear Grizzly GR852 trucks which are extremely smooth, responsive and carvy trucks. The 852s play a key role in the Switchblade’s overall responsiveness and high maneuverability in spite of its size and weight. I’ve used the GR852 for months and really love the way they feel (see my review of the Landyachtz Chief pintail for more details).

The Switchblade in all three sizes ships with 70mm Mini Zombie Hawgs wheels (80A duro ). The Mini Zombies are good round-lipped wheels with an offset core. Despite being relatively soft for smooth rolling on all kinds of terrain, these wheels break traction easily and offer a smooth slide and predictable hook-up. They are very suitable for learning to slide and are quite durable (less prone to flat spots).

The Bear Spaceball bearings that come with the Mini Zombies have built-in spacers, which help preserve the Grizzly trucks from premature damage when learning to slide.

Note: the Bear and Hawgs brands are owned by Landyachtz, which guarantees the quality of the components included in the Landyachtz setups.

Switchblade visual designs

The Switchblade comes in a few attractive, mountain-inspired graphic designs that convey the board’s freeride and downhill primary riding purpose:

Mountains Blue Fade 40″

Mountains Yellow Fade 38″

Mountains Green 36″

Hollowtech Mountains Yellow 40″

Mountains Blue 40″

Mountains red 38″

See the Landyachtz Switchblade’s pricing and buyer reviews on Amazon or on Landyachtz

Final words

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 quality stock setup that ships with the complete also contributes to making this board smooth rolling and fast turning, both on flat land and hills.

You can pick the right size Switchblade for your height, weight, and personal riding goals. You can also opt for the Hollowtech version for a more lightweight and portable board. Without a doubt, after all these years, the Switchblade is still great value for money.

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The Rayne Longboards Review You’ve Been Searching For

Table of Contents

*This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Rayne Longboards, created by a Canadian company that has specialized in longboards since 2004, is one of the most well-known longboard manufacturers. That’s thanks mostly to their unique construction techniques and sheer variety of products from which to choose. But how do they stack up against their competitors?

If you love cruising on a longboard, and who doesn’t, it’s important that you get the best board for your buck. Is Rayne a company you need to consider if you’ve been searching for a new longboard?

4.9 out o f 5 stars

The Rayne Darkside  is one of Rayne’s most famous boards. It’s also the first single kickboard they ever came out with. It’s a great all-around board that performs decently in any style of longboarding. In particular, it’s an excellent board for freeriding or going downhill.

The Rayne Darkside is 36 inches long and 10 inches wide by default. It also comes in two other sizes known as the Brightside and the Otherside. The Brightside is 34 inches long while the Otherside is 38 inches. Each board also comes with 3D wheel wells, a three-stage rocker, and a kicktail.

While the Darkside performs well in all areas, it doesn’t necessarily excel at anything. The kicktail doesn’t do much functionally, and you might find it difficult to land tricks. In the end, these are the Darkside’s only real flaws. It’s one of the best boards you can get if you’re looking for a board that does a little of everything.

Rayne Deelite Fortune

4.8 out o f 5 stars

The Rayne Deelite Fortune is one of the premier boards in the company’s Deelite series. Unlike most Rayne longboards, the Rayne Deelite Fortune is carbon-fiber foam instead of bamboo. This makes it 15 percent lighter than your average longboard. Even better, this happens without sacrificing any of its stiffness or durability.

The Rayne Deelite Fortune also features fat bottom technology which helps keep it stiff in the middle. The board itself is 36 inches long and 10 inches wide. It also has wheelbase options that can range from 25 to 27.25 inches.

Overall, this is an excellent board for anyone who enjoys racing downhill. However, the fact that it lacks a rocker can make freeriding a bit awkward. An experienced longboarder shouldn’t have any trouble, but beginners might have a hard time getting used to it. In any case, it’s a great board if you’re looking for something that’s both light and durable.

Rayne Demonseed

The Rayne Demonseed  is widely regarded as one of the best long-distance boards that Rayne has ever come out with. It’s a board you should seriously consider if longboarding is your preferred method of transportation. It works very well in terms of sliding and going downhill as well.

The Rayne Demonseed comes in various lengths. This ranges from 36 inches to an impressive 44 inches. Its wheelbase can vary from 33.5 inches to 34.5 inches. It also features a Deep Tub concave design, which gives the board a low center of gravity. This, in turn, gives you tons of stability.

This concave can take some getting used to for some longboarders. It can feel unnatural, and it also makes carving more difficult. That said, the Rayne Demonseed is a favorite among longboarders and is a great all-around board for the most part.

Rayne Supreme

The Rayne Supreme  is a board absolutely made for freeriding and freestyling. Many consider it to be one of the best longboards in this category. That’s thanks to its three-stage rocker and “Mean Cave” concave. Initially, it advertised as combining the best aspects of many previous Rayne longboards.

This board has a length of 42.5 inches and a 10-inch width. Its wheelbase can be either 30 inches or 31 inches. Rayne also has a similar board known as the Rayne Rival. This board has the same specs but features a 40-inch length.

While the Rayne Supreme is a fantastic freeriding board, it’s only average in other areas. In particular, it has a certain amount of flex that can make going downhill a challenge. It can still work as a downhill board, but it’s not the best for this style. Still, the Rayne Supreme is one of the best boards you can find if you love freestyling.

Of course, Rayne Longboards isn’t the only longboard manufacturer around. Here’s how some of their competitors measure up.

Like Rayne, Landyachtz  just so happens to have their base in Vancouver. This is appropriate, as the two companies share a lot of similarities. Both of their products are of a similar quality and are the same materials. They are also similarly priced.

Believe it or not, Landyachtz actually has an even more extensive selection than Rayne. However, this is splitting hairs in a lot of ways. Many of their products are comparable to each other, and Landyachtz’s larger selection doesn’t necessarily add anything of value. If anything, it will only confuse a first-time buyer.

One area where Landyachtz might have the edge over Rayne is in their environmental program. Landyachtz has promised to plant a tree for every board they produce. This is noticeably more ambitious than Rayne’s own environmental work. Aside from this, it’s difficult to say one company outperforms the other in any significant way.

Sector 9  is a company based out of San Diego, California. Along with longboards, they also sell products such as surfboards and skateboards. They have a reputation for being one of the best brands for beginners. Their boards are sturdy and made to ride smoothly.

Sector 9 has one very noticeable advantage over Rayne longboards: Its products are significantly cheaper. This is one of the main reasons why they’re popular with beginners.

However, Sector 9 ’s selection isn’t quite as impressive as Rayne’s. Their boards also tend to have fewer features and are somewhat lower quality. They still make good boards, but it’s not the same as Rayne or Landyachtz. While Sector 9 is a good brand for beginners, Rayne is for experienced longboarders who know what they’re looking for and want to upgrade.

Arbor Collective was founded twenty years ago and named after Arbor Day. As you might expect, this company has a strong focus on protecting the environment. Their Returning Roots program dedicates itself to rebuilding the Koa Forest of Hawaii, and they support organizations such as Surfrider Foundation and Grades of Green. This is a few steps above what Rayne does in their own eco-friendly efforts.

However, Arbor has a bad habit of using maple to make their boards. This is an inferior material when it comes to board construction. Maple is prone to receiving dents and chips over time. It might be a bit cheaper, but it’s not going to last as long.

Also, Arbor doesn’t have as high a selection as Rayne Longboards. While they have some good options for cruising and freestyling, they don’t offer much high freeriding or going downhill. If that’s what you’re interested in, you’re going to have to go with Rayne.

Loaded  has been making longboards since the 90s and is one of the top brands on the market. They have a good selection of midrange products, but they’re best known for their high-end longboards. These longboards are extremely lightweight and incredibly durable. They’re simply some of the best longboards in the world.

As you might expect, these boards aren’t going to be cheap. Of course, you’re buying quality when you shop with them. But you also have to ask if it’s really worth it.

Once again, Rayne has the advantage when it comes to selection. Like Arbor, Loaded tends to specialize cruising and freestyling longboards. There’s not as much to choose from when it comes to downhill or freeriding.

Pros and Cons

There’s no doubt that Rayne longboards have a lot going for them. They have an astounding range of high-quality products that can satisfy virtually any preference. However, their high prices might serve as a barrier to beginning longboarders.

• High-quality products that last long and perform well
• A wide range of boards that serve every niche
• Boards are eco-friendly materials
• Products can be a bit expensive
• Most boards only excel in one area

Our Verdict

Their vast selection of high-quality boards has made them one of the top longboarding brands in the world. The only thing that can be said against them is they might not be the best brand for a beginner. Their selection could easily overwhelm someone that’s new to longboarding, and the prices could scare people away as well. But once again, you get what you pay for.

If Rayne longboards catch your attention, the next step is to decide what you’re looking for. Do you plan to race down some hills or do some freeriding? Or maybe you just want to show off some new tricks. Whatever you’re looking for, Rayne has it. Start shopping today, and you’ll be enjoying a great, new longboard in no time.

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Landyachtz Switchblade Review : Everything You Need To Know!

Do you think Landyachtz Switchblade is the best longboard for riding downhills and at the same time a comfortable mode of transportation? Many riders consider this as one of the best longboards out there. But is it really that great?

What makes Landyachtz Switchblade stand out from the rest? Before you get yourself one, let’s see why many riders prefer this over the others and if it is the right longboard for you.

• Landyachtz Switchblade Chief Night Longboard Measures 40" x 10"
• Bear Grizzly Black 180mm Trucks
• Mini Zombie White 70mm 80a Wheels
• Black Landyachtz Grip Tape, Spaceball Bearings
• Comes Assembled With All Landyachtz Factory Components!

For more than two decades now, Landyachtz had been providing high-quality skateboards. It all started as a hobby and a source of entertainment for a group of young skaters. As they search for a more challenging and better set of a skateboard, Landyachtz was born.

At first, they were just skating around campus in between classes, trying to make their school days more exciting. But it didn’t stop them from exploring; they began to look for other places where they can skate freely, doing more challenging tricks and riding at more speed. Realizing that standard skateboards cannot withstand the constant abuse of riding at different speeds and terrains, they decided to create their own version.

Landyachtz is not your ordinary skateboard company. The team had put in a lot of hard work and dedicated a lot of time perfecting their products. They give great attention to detail, testing and trying their skateboards and pushing them to the limit. They believe that they cannot provide the best skateboard without trying it themselves and knowing how each board feels during the ride.

Riding the boards themselves is the only way they can know if their skateboards can withstand all possible abuse. This is the best way they can create strong, functional, comfortable, and fast skateboards. 

Aside from meticulous testing, Landyachtz makes sure they only use quality materials. The Canadian Maple wood they use is not just from any ordinary Maple tree. Their years of manufacturing and trials and errors had resulted in a deeper understanding of how to choose the right tree for their boards. All are handpicked to ensure that only the strongest and highest quality of wood is used.

Landyachtz skateboard completes were all created with one thing in mind – they should all be perfect and ready to use. Their goal is to create the perfect skateboard that you can ride immediately without the need for adjustments. To do this, all parts are paired perfectly with each other and all should be quality parts.

Because of it, they had decided to create and manufacture their own wheels, trucks, and bearings that will go well with their boards. Same with their decks, the wheels and trucks were carefully designed and had undergone thorough examination and testing.

Aside from completes, wheels, and trucks, they also sell other things like shirts, accessories, hats, gloves, and tools, and hardware. They’re like your one-stop shop for your skating needs. 

Landyachtz is one of those companies that believe in preserving the beauty of the planet. The brand is not only committed to providing quality skateboards but also to promoting sustainability. They plant a tree for every skateboard they make to replace the trees they’ve used.

An Overview of Landyachtz Switchblade

With their more than 22 years of providing quality skateboards, Landyachtz had gained the respect of many riders and their competitors too. One of the most talked-about Landyachtz products is the Landyachtz Switchblade which was first released over ten years ago. 

Even now, Switchblade is still getting a lot of attention from many riders, especially those who are looking for an all-around longboard. There’s no question when it comes to quality, Landyachtz had already proven that their products are strong and can last a long time even with constant abuse.

Landyachtz Switchblade is a super stable longboard even when riding at higher speed. It has a large standing platform that allows riders to stay steady even when they increase their speed. 

The double drop construction allows riders to tuck their feet opposite it. The Switchblade has a W concave providing a secure and steady foot lock-in. 

The Switchblade has 9-ply of 100% Canadian Maple wood making it stiff and easy to control. It also comes in two sizes the 38″ long with a 10″ width and the 40″ in length that is 10″ wide. The two sizes provide different riding experiences.  

The shorter one is light and fast while the longer board provides more stability and drift. When it comes to designs, the Switchblade has very few but attractive graphics. The price is just right considering the quality of each component.

Features of Landyachtz Switchblade

9-ply Handpicked Canadian Maple Wood

One of the strongest boards out there having a 9-ply of 100% Canadian Maple wood. Although Canadian Maple wood is pretty standard in the skating industry, 9-ply construction is not. Aside from that, Landyachtz doesn’t just use any kind of Canadian Maple wood, they thoroughly inspect it and make sure it has all the components needed to create a strong board.

It has a perfectly symmetrical shape perfect for freeride and downhill rides. This kind of shape allows riders to keep their stance even when riding regular or switch. It also has a wide wheel clearance due to its huge wheel cutouts.

Switchblade has a deep concave, allowing riders to have a better freeriding experience and explore their limits. It provides better foot lock-in while giving you more control while making it more responsive at the same time.

Drop Through Construction

The trucks on Switchblade are mounted over the board’s wingtips. It has a slanted drop that lets you tuck your feet opposite it, plus the standing platform is lower the truck mount’s level.

Gen 6 Grizzly Trucks

All of Landyachtz’s skateboards have the same quality as their decks. The Gen 6 Grizzly Trucks is a better version of Bear’s high-end Freeride and Downhill trucks. The improved Gen 6 Grizzly trucks are made stronger and have a more refined maneuvering geometry.

These trucks are highly customizable as they come in 3 baseplate angles and hangar widths. This will allow you to set up your trucks on how you wish them to perform.

70mm Mini Zombie Hawgs Wheels

The Hawg wheels have a round-lipped profile and an offset core. Switchblade has soft wheels that provide smooth rolling in almost any kind of terrain. These wheels are durable and offer smoother slides.

Bear Spaceball Bearings

The bearings on Switchblade have built-in spacers. This protects the Grizzly trucks from damage. Riders who are learning how to slide will find this very useful.

The Switchblade has limited designs but is still attractive. The illustrations are mostly mountains that signify the board’s main purpose of riding, which is downhill and freeride.

Pros and Cons

Do you like what you’re reading about Landyachtz Switchblade so far? To fully appreciate it, here are some of its pros and cons.

• Strong and durable deck

The 9-ply construction of handpicked Canadian Maple wood is something that makes all the difference from other standard Maple wood boards. The brand is committed to providing high-quality products that they only use first-rate materials.

• Large wheel cutouts

The large wheel cutouts prevent you from experiencing wheelbite even when performing tight turns on big slopes.

• Has smooth and responsive trucks

The trucks in the Switchblade make the board more responsive and offer a smoother ride. The trucks make the board agile and nimble but still easy to control.

• Has built-in spacers

The bearings come with built-in spacers that protect the trucks from getting damaged easily. Riders practicing their slide will appreciate the built-in spacers.

• Soft and durable wheels

The Mini Zombie has an offset core and a stone-ground polish that provides predictable hook-up and smoother slides.

• Aggressive deep concave

The concave on Switchblade allows your feet to lock-in comfortably as you ride. It gives you more stability even when carving.

• Easy to ride

No need to change your stance even when you ride regular or switch with its symmetrical-shaped deck. It makes the board more stable and easy to maneuver.

• Lots of opportunities when it comes to skating spots

Landyachtz Switchblade is suitable for riding in many skate spots. It gives a comfortable ride whether you’re in the city, campus, alleys, paths, hills, and mountains.

• Available in two sizes

No matter how short or tall you are, there’s a Switchblade available for you. It comes in two sizes which are 38″ and 40″ long with a width of both 10″. The length allows you to move freely on the board.

• Great for different kinds of riding

The Switchblade is perfect for those who are into freeriding, downhill rides, and even commuting. It’s a versatile board that you can use almost anywhere.

• Has high-quality components

Each part of Landyachtz Switchblade is high-quality. The trucks, bearings, and wheels that come with it are all products of Landyachtz and had undergone rigorous tests.

• No adjustments needed

All of Switchblade’s parts go well together. From the size and shape of the deck to the wheels and bearings. You can use it immediately right after you receive it. 

• Few design options

The switchblade has very few designs and all are mountain-inspired. The graphics are a bit plain and simple but are still attractive though. However, if you are looking for a wide range of colorful and striking graphics you might be a little disappointed with Switchblade.

• Can be hard to adjust the riding position

The deep concave may sometimes prevents you from adjusting or shifting your position while pushing and pumping as it requires a lot of foot adjustments.

• A bit pricey

It’s a bit expensive, especially for newbies. However, it’s a great investment considering the overall quality of the board.

• Slightly heavy

The 9-ply construction is a bit heavy for a longboard. However, they do have a more lightweight version of the Switchblade but it is more expensive.

How Does Landyachtz Switchblade Comapre To Other Boards?

Is the Switchblade worthy of its price? Is it really better than other longboards out there? Over the years, the brand had proven to be worthy of the attention and reputation it gained with the products it has released.

There is no doubt that Landyachtz is one of the few companies that believe in providing high-quality skateboards. Their products had undergone meticulous testings and they even try their own products before releasing them to the public. This guarantees that all are perfectly made for a specific purpose.

Their passion for finding and creating the best skateboards can be seen with their attention to detail and trying to learn everything they can about skateboards. They’ve even joined racing events just to test the limits of their products. They also have a deep understanding of the structure of a good maple tree. This only proves that they always go above and beyond just to create the perfect skateboard.

The Switchblade is no different. All components had undergone the same tests and trials just like all of their boards. Every part and even the littlest detail were done the right way. 

Every rider no matter what their size is will find the right setup for their Switchblade since it is available in two sizes. The setup is made not only for one riding style but for several functions too. You can use it for commuting, freeriding, and fast downhill riding. 

However, some may find that the price is more expensive than other longboards. But when it comes to quality, the Switchblade is still better even for its price. Also, the limited designs may not entice riders who like striking graphics. Riders who do a lot of pushing may find it hard to change foot positions due to its aggressive concave.

Verdict - Final Thoughts!

So what do you think of Landyachtz Switchblade’s overall performance? It does have a lot of nice points and it is a reliable and sturdy longboard. It’s great for long-distance commuting and pushing. The overall setup makes your board ready for riding with little to no adjustment needed. This is such a nice buy especially for riders who are into freeriding, commuting, and downhill riding.

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Lisa Hayden-Matthews

• August 15, 2023
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Finally a Landyachtz esk8 deck ??

42+" reinforced Evos and Switchblades.

End of thread.

What about the Stratus 46 Spectrum as the basis for this? 46 inches long, good width etc. Pretty long wheelbase. If it was more rigid, how would that work for someone of your height?

Long and wide tails will bite motors and larger wheels. 46" length is sweet though. We like big batteries.

Some key points for your guys: Esk8 has huge wheels compared to analog. As such, the biggest problem with what I consider your most popular decks in the electric scene(switchblade and Evo) is potential wheel bite(more so on the switchblade)

Vibration is constant and extreme. Reinforcing a deck is good, but what loaded did with the motherboard and TPU reinforcement for vibration dampening sounds awesome.

The main point of breakage is the mounting “tails,” almost every single time I see a deck break, that’s where it breaks. If you’re going to reinforce anything make it those necks.

Routed out bottoms are simple and awesome, more electronics inside, less bulk outside.

I think something with a drop will do more, when you put 110 wheels and add rizers to get clear of wheelbite you find yourself so high from the ground you have not the slightest chance of footbraking ever

Plutonium is sort of the biggest brother in the evo family, minus the the nose and tail angles

That makes sense. I’ve never riden an esk8 so this is useful for me.

As for the break points, I agree. From what I’ve seen online the failures almost always occur there and it’s way above our usual failure rates. Fiberglass should fix that though.

idealy it should keep some flew for dampening though, except if its for super fast builds, maybe you could propose the same deck with different numbers of plys like we do for mountainboards ?

This way off topic, but are any of you familiar with Beercan Boards? They’re all aluminum. They have a shape pretty similar to our Switchblade but it’s 42 inches.

It’d be tricky to mount a cradle to one to hold your controllers and battery etc, but it’d be a decent thing.

Yesssss beercan boards are nice. I’ve only seen one electrified so far. But, I was talking to them a few months ago and they’re also looking into electric-specific models. There whole lineup is pretty e-friendly anyways, if you ask me.

They are. We supply them with trucks at the moment so I only came across them by chance. Never seen one in real life.

The problem, from what I gathered, is that their machines are built specifically to bend the metal into that shape, hence the similar frame on all of them. While that frame is actually pretty ok for mounting an enclosure, it gets in the way of the electronics, useable space suffers hard.

If we’re talking about similarities the Rayne Demonseed is functionally similar to the Switchblade with a few more length options, and slightly better for electrification because of truck clearance and stuff. Could be worth looking into for ideas.

Honestly a Switchblade with the truck mounting holes an inch further out both sides and a corresponding fork reinforcement would probably solve most of the problems. We’d even be able to use our existing enclosures!

First I will add a +1 to the suggestions others mentioned for an esk8 version of the switchblade:

Esk8 Switchblade

• Truck mounting points need to be extended to help with wheelbite. + The concave of the deck is too close to the current truck mounting holes, so using a flat backing plate on the bottom doesn’t really work / the plate will bend
• Deck needs to be reinforced with fiberglass. If you were to extend the wheelbase on the current version, it flexes way too much (2nd board in this video): https://youtu.be/0GWpArT6uJA

And as a bonus feature, a lot of esk8 specific decks actually have the sides of the board thicker (for rigidity) and the middle cut out on the bottom so that there’s more space for batteries and electronics. Here’s a picture of the Hummie deck as an example:

(And of course, a middle cutout for more enclosure space is always awesome)

Other crazy esk8 deck ideas

• A Switchblade with angled deck ends for channel trucks / adjustable baseplates. Helps lower the standing platform for boards with really big wheels and trucks.
• A lot of people pay stupid amounts of money for this discontinued Lacroix Prototipo deck (manufactured by Zenith I believe):

That’s a lot of information! Thanks for the education on esk8’s there.

(Of course, there are some esk8 decks that do use CF for the strength / flex they want, but just know that it comes with its downsides)

I didn’t know carbon fiber did that! Fiberglass would be the most likely material to use anyway, it’s cheaper and easier to work with and maple/fiberglass layering is already a part of our manufacturing process for some decks such as the ATV-X models.

Also, what would be your thoughts on a foam grip tape to help control vibrations to your feet? If you check the landyachtz website you can see it on our snowskates. It’s kind of like a foam sandpaper.

Boards n' whatnot

Sunday, april 22, 2012, landyachtz switchblade 40.

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Switchblade 38 – Crown Peak

Designed to rally big mountain terrain and conquer World Cup podiums, the Switchblade has proven itself equally adept at getting you to the grocery store and ripping down your local hill safely. The mellow drops, long wheelbase and low ride height combine to offer a drifty, confidence-inspiring board for riders looking to up their freeride game. The Switchblade 38 is the more compact version, offering a little bit more agility and grip, as well as being easier to ride for smaller riders.

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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 8 ply maple construction keeps the board stiff and under control. The 38 is the smaller of the two sizes we offer, measuring 38″ long by 9.8″ wide and offers a little more grip and agility. This board comes set up with 180mm Gen 6 Grizzly trucks and 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.

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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 bought this board as a 6 ft 180 lbs guy who likes cruising and some hills as well as maybe learning to slide. I was worried the 40 inch may be too long with the 31 wheel base, but right out of the box it was responsive and nimble. I’ve never slid in my life and I decided to try it going down my neighborhood street and was able to get the tail end around within the first 5 minutes of cruising. The board is great quality and it rolls for what seems like forever with the 70 mm hawgs. Thanks Wolfgang for helping me with my order

I used to longboard a lot but stopped as I started traveling for work. I used to have a drop through drop deck Mercer and really liked that board. So as I wanted to get back into longboarding I was looking for the same board but found out that Mercer is warps and cracks which is exactly what happened to my old one. So I decided to go for the revered brand land yachtz and am not disappointed. Super thick board that doesn’t bend but still flexes really good. I’m very impressed with the Hawg supreme wheels but the bearings aren’t the best (which is okay for me right now since im still learning to ride again) but I have some bone swifts I’ll trade out when im ready. But all around good board, I’m enjoying it very much

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.

Bought my first switchblade when i was 15 and its served me well for the past 13 years, recently saw their summer sale and thought i'd finally treat myself to a new one!

Its so smooth to ride and loving it so far!

I'm new to long boarding and I bought this one after my Drop Hammer. Honestly I wasn't sure how I'd feel about the dropped grooves but oh my god I feel so secure and it makes carving so easy! I haven't tried out sliding yet but it really feels like it can be kicked out easy if needed. Perfect board for those who are just wanting to get into free riding, but it also amazing for just regular cruising as well. This board is so so versatile. I'm a Landyachtz fanboy at this point

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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.