By now, you’ve hopefully narrowed down your riding style. If not, check this article which breaks down the different longboard styles.
Once your style is defined, it’s time to choose a longboard brand that fits your budget.
Transparency Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. Meaning we will receive a small commission if you buy something after clicking the link. It’s at no additional cost to you. We’d recommend these brands even if we didn’t have an affiliate partnership.
First, let’s start with the lower-end brands.
If your budget is under $100, check used marketplaces for brands like Landyachtz, Sector 9, or
Here’s more info on cheap longboards.
So, what if you want to buy something new and your budget is under $100?
My suggestion is to get something from Magneto. While their quality isn’t the best, for the price, they’re not too bad. They seem to have responsive customer service, which can be hard to find in this price range.
When I first published this post, I didn’t include any low-tier brands because of their quality. But they do make sense if you want to try longboarding without spending a lot.
Magneto
Magneto offers a 30-day warranty.
Based in Carlsbad, California, Magneto has been around for a few years. It’s pretty much impossible to browse Amazon without them appearing. I would consider them if you want something brand new, under $100. I’d only recommend them if you’re an absolute beginner and unsure if you’ll stick with longboarding.
Sector 9
Sector 9 offers a 120-day warranty.
Based in San Diego, California, Sector 9 started making longboards in 1993. My first longboard was a Sector 9 pintail, and I still have it. I often recommend Sector 9 to beginners that want something a little more high quality than Magneto. Their designs are inspired by the surf lifestyle.
Arbor
Arbor offers a 2-year warranty.
Based in Venice, California, Arbor has been around since 1997. They started by focusing on snowboarding, then expanded to skateboarding. One of the notable things about Arbor is its focus on sustainability. They’re known for their dark wood aesthetic.
Loaded Boards
Loaded offers a lifetime, original owner warranty.
Based in Culver City, California,
Landyachtz
Landyachtz offers a 12-month warranty.
What do you think of when you hear the word ‘yacht’? Probably, high quality, premium, and expensive, right? That’s a good description of what Landyachtz offers, except for a fair price. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Landyachtz has been around since 1997.
Bustin Boards
Bustin offers a 90-180 day warranty.
Started in New York, Bustin Boards opened shop in 2001. They offer high-quality push and electric longboards. Instead of mass-producing their boards, they make each one by hand.
Pantheon Longboards
Based in Indian Hills, Colorado, Pantheon started in 2014. The founder, Jeff Vyain, has been a skateboarder since 12 years old. When he got older, he gravitated toward long-distance skating. Even holding a world record for the skateboard marathon.
Zenit Longboards
Zenit offers a 12-month warranty.
Based in Montreal, Quebec, Zenit longboards started around 2012. They make everything handmade, controlling the whole process. Zenit uses epoxy resin to layer their boards, which is the same material used on surfboards and snowboards.
Original Skateboards
Original offers a 6-month warranty.
Original Skateboards started in New Jersey back in 2002. These guys were dominating YouTube back in the day. Dropping some of the best longboarding videos that perfectly captured the vibe. They’re now based out of Portland, Oregon.
Bottom Line
Of course, the quality will vary depending on your budget.
But, if you buy a longboard from one of the brands mentioned on this list, you’ll be in a solid position.
