Longboarding covers a lot of different riding intentions — getting to work efficiently, cruising beach paths on the weekend, carving hills for the feel of it, or going fast. The boards that do each of these well are genuinely different. Here's how to find the right one.
Best Commuter Longboard — Landyachtz Drop Cat
For Melbourne commuting — inner suburbs, bike paths, rough footpaths, mixed surfaces — the Landyachtz Drop Cat is the board we recommend most consistently. Drop-through truck mounting lowers the ride height and makes pushing less effortful over longer distances. Stable enough for riders who aren't longboard experienced, manoeuvrable enough for navigating pedestrians and intersections.
The Drop Cat comes in multiple lengths — the 33 for more responsive urban riding, the 38 for a more stable and comfortable platform over longer distances. If your commute is under 3km and involves lots of turns, go shorter. If you're covering longer ground and mostly straight paths, go longer.
Why Landyachtz specifically: they've been building longboards since the early 2000s and the quality of their complete setups — trucks, wheels and bearings — is consistently better than comparable price-point alternatives. The 1 board 1 tree sustainability commitment is worth noting if that matters to you.
Best Carving Longboard — Landyachtz Switchblade
If carving is the priority — generating speed through pumping, flowing down hills, the surfy movement pattern rather than straight commuting — the Landyachtz Switchblade is the pick. Drop-through mounting for stability at speed, reverse kingpin trucks for deep carving ability, available in 36 and 40 inch lengths.
The Switchblade suits Melbourne's inner-suburb hills well — enough stability to build speed confidently, enough carve response to make the descent engaging. Not a beginner board in the same way as the Drop Cat but accessible for a rider who's comfortable on a board.
Best Cruiser — Landyachtz Dinghy
The Dinghy is one of the most popular cruiser boards sold globally for a reason. Compact enough to carry everywhere, stable enough to ride confidently, soft wheels that handle Melbourne's rough footpaths and cracked concrete without vibrating your feet off the board. It's not a longboard — it's closer to a standard skateboard in size — but it fills the cruiser role better than most larger boards for city riding.
Who it suits: anyone who wants something portable that they can ride to the café, the train station, or around the neighbourhood without carrying a full-size board. Fits in a backpack, rides well, holds up to daily use. Available in multiple graphics and colourways each season.
The Tugboat is the Dinghy's slightly wider sibling — more stable underfoot, better for larger feet or riders who want a more planted feel without going full longboard size.
Best for Beginners — Sector 9 Complete
Sector 9 has been making beginner-accessible longboard completes for decades and their entry-level boards consistently offer good value — quality trucks, decent wheels, a stable platform that lets new riders find their footing without fighting bad components. For a first-time longboarder who doesn't want to research every component, a Sector 9 complete is a reliable starting point.
The Sector 9 complete suits flat to moderate terrain. If your area has significant hills, come in and we'll point you toward something more appropriate.
Wheels Matter More on a Longboard Than a Skateboard
The single best upgrade you can make to any longboard is the wheels. Stock wheels on lower-priced completes are often mediocre — adequate but not impressive. Orangatang and Seismic make longboard wheels that genuinely change how the board rides. If you buy a quality complete and find it feels sluggish or harsh, try new wheels before blaming the board.
For Melbourne cruising and commuting: Orangatang 4President 70mm 80a is one of the best all-round longboard wheels available. Fast enough to maintain momentum on flat ground, soft enough to absorb rough surfaces comfortably.
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