Best Longboards For Heavy Riders
The right longboard should be easier to balance on due to its wide foot room and soft wheels. As a heavier-weighted person, finding a longboard that you can cruise on and maneuver without struggling is always a bonus.
Most longboards on the market have a weight capacity limit of 200 pounds. Although this works for most riders, as a heavy rider you may have a difficult time using such a board. Fortunately, there are longboards designed to help you handle the pressure and support your weight.
Our comprehensive guide explores some of the best longboards for heavy riders. We also give you valuable tips on what to look for when buying a longboard as a heavy rider.
Top 7 Best Longboards For Heavy Riders
Some of the best longboards include:
1. Magneto Bamboo Longboards
- MADE BY SKATERS All of our boards are designed by skaters and inspired by our location in Southern California, the birthplace of longboarding. Many of our design cues come from the local surf culture and natural materials, we let the simple aesthetics shine on their own. We also prioritize our customer service and want you to be completely stoked with your new board. All messages are replied to within 24 hours and we’ll do our very best to ensure satisfaction and maximum cruising on our boards.
- ULTIMATE CRUISER This board is one of our most popular boards for its smooth ride and ability to cruise and carve anywhere. The longboard’s deck features a drop through truck design for a lower center of gravity and smoother ride. It is designed for stability and performance and gives you the best of both worlds, making it perfect for cruising and carving along the coast, in the neighborhood, or on campus!
Features:
- Material: Bamboo, Aluminum
- Deck Width: 9 inches
- Deck length: 42 in
- Wheel Material: Polyurethane
- Durometer Hardness: 78A
The Magneto Bamboo Longboard features high-quality 3-ply bamboo that delivers excellent flexibility and lightweight construction. Its fiberglass reinforcement guarantees durability and as a heavy rider, you can enjoy cruising and commuting on this board.
Being a multi-ply design, the Magento Longboard can support up to 275 pounds, which makes it sturdy for heavy riders. You can use the board for downhill riding, carving, or freestyle riding.
Another outstanding feature is that the deck is made of a combination of fiberglass and bamboo for better stability and durability. The deck also has a drop-through style that reduces the center of gravity and ensures smooth riding.
Previous users found the longboard responsive as it provides the right flex whether you’re pushing out of turns or carving into turns. You won’t have to worry about your feet feeling stiff.
The longboard has a concave shape that provides added comfort and you can enjoy control during landings. Its trucks have rises stuck together to keep the board elevated off the ground. However, you may need to modify bushings as they are of medium quality.
The trucks have a 7-inch hanger with a kingpin angle of 50 degrees. Trucks may be challenging for some users, and you may have to adjust them to fit your needs.
Pros
- Provides ample flex for heavy riders
- It comes with a comfortable deck
- Durable and lightweight construction
Cons
- Some users felt that the trucks were a bit weak
2. Gonex 42 Inch Drop Through Longboard
Features
- Material: Maple and Aluminum
- Deck Width: 9 inches
- Deck Length: 42 inches
- Wheel Material: Polyurethane
- Durometer Hardness: 78A
The Gonex 42 Inch Drop Through is one of the best longboards for beginners through experienced riders.
Heavy riders who plan to cruise around on flat surfaces need a longboard that is fun to turn and easy to push. The Gonex 42 Inch Drop Through is an excellent choice for a rider looking for a board with a broader base and maneuverable trucks, thanks to their padded supports.
Made from nine plies of maple, this longboard build quality is impressive. It has a rated weight maximum of 330lbs.
With the slightest push, the Gonex is responsive and this is enhanced by carbon-steel ABEC 7 bearings and 70mm 78A polyurethane wheels. You’ll find the board’s 7-inch aluminum alloy trucks to be responsive and sturdy.
At 42 inches long and 9 inches wide, the drop-through longboard allows for sharp angles and speedy turns, while the long decks guarantee stability even at high speeds.
On the downside, reviewers noticed significant bowing in the deck when riding and the included tool is often missing from the packaging.
Pros
- Delivers smooth ride
- Perfect for cruising and carving
- Responsive to the ground
- Durable construction
- Has sturdy wheels and trucks
Cons
- Hard wheels
- Packaging leads to tool loss during shipping
3. Kahuna Creations Longboards
- Completely pre-assembled longboard with Bear Grizzly 180mm longboard trucks, Kahuna Creations 70mm 82A wheels (color varies) and premium bearings.
Features
- Material: Maple
- Deck Width: 10 inches
- Deck Length: 39 inches
- Wheel Material: Polyurethane
- Durometer Hardness: 82A
Kahuna is a renowned brand known for its quality boards for adults and kids. The Kahuna Creations Longboard has a maximum weight capacity of 260 pounds, which makes it great for heavy riders.
Made from Canadian maple and silicon sand, the longboard is durable and delivers a comfortable riding experience.
Another impressive feature is the two-inch drop that delivers the lowest and safest ride. The longboard provides you with maximum control and an easy ride for heavy riders thanks to its two inches lowered drop deck.
The high rebound wheels absorb shocks on the road. Its low center of gravity gives the riders ultimate safety, stability, and control. You’ll love the 10.5-inch width, which makes it perfect for heavy riders.
Unlike a regular longboard, the Kahuna Creations longboard has a unique design and art that makes the board attractive.
Additionally, the longboard boasts quality wheels, trucks, and bearings, making it one of the best longboards for heavy riders.
Pros
- Designed for heavy riders
- Durable construction
- Unique art design
- Provides stability and support with its two-inch drop deck
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Some users found that bearings can break over time
- The trucks may require adjustment
4. Volador Freeride Longboard
- LONGBOARD ENGINEERING – VOLADOR gives engineering specifically any extra attention. Drop-through mounting translates into greater stability and improved push efficiency. Aluminum 7” reverse kingpin trucks are adjustable to either 50°for carving/freeriding or 45° for cruising/commuting. Softer 70x51mm 78A PU wheels fitted with ABEC-9 precision bearings bring shock-absorption, kick efficiency, and maximum traction, making this board ideal for commuting situations.
- MATERIALS & MANUFACTURING – 8-Ply hardrock maple deck is durable and offers a generous platform at 42” x 9”. The A356 aluminum alloy used in trucks deserves more credit, which is a high-grade alloy used in the aerospace industry for high-strength applications like rocket engines and missiles.
Features
- Material: Maple
- Deck Width: 9 inches
- Deck Length: 42 in
- Wheel Material: Polyurethane
- Durometer Hardness: 78A
The Volador 42-Inch Freeride Longboard boasts a unique design and durable construction.
Featuring a deck that is 9-inches wide and 43-inches long, the Volador Longboard can accommodate up to 250 pounds, which makes it ideal for heavy riders. Its 8-ply heavy-duty maple allows this board to withstand the weight capacity.
You’ll also love the cambered and symmetrical design of the deck, a feature that helps to reduce wheel bites and ensures smooth rides.
Other fantastic features are the 7-inch reverse kingpin trucks, 78A wheels, and ABEC-9 bearings.
Pros
- Features high-quality wheels, trucks, and bearings
- Suitable for heavy riders with its weight capacity
- Affordable
- Has a shock-absorption design
- Symmetrical deck for stability and quick turns
Cons
- The grip tape might sometimes wrinkle
5. WiiSHAM Longboards
- Perfect Deck–42-inch Longboard Skateboard designed for cruising, made 9 layers of high-quality Canadian maple. Suitable weight and lighter weight makes freestyle slalom easier and dancing more stable.
- Sturdy–Super durable deck is made of high-quality maple,durable to withstand riders up to 330lbs,offers perfect balance between toughness and weight.
- High Speed and durable–70mm 80A PU wheels work with ABEC-7 presion bearings tolerance grade is ideal for high speed and extreme running accuracy, capable of handling all of your adventures.
- Cool Graphics Design：The patterns of our skateboards are bright and unique. Using thermal transfer technology, the pattern is not easy to fade, and can maintain gloss for a long time. You can choose a variety of styles, very suitable for boys, girls, and adults. All designs are unique, thank you so much for liking the patterns.
Features
- Material: Maple, Aluminum
- Deck Width: 9.5 inches
- Deck Length: 42 inches
- Wheel Material: Polyurethane
- Durometer Hardness: 83A
WiiSHAM Longboards are of premium quality and have over the years proven to be durable.
The longboard is made from durable Canadian Maple, which also makes this board lightweight and flexible. Its nine plies of maple make the longboard unbreakable.
You’ll love this board’s illustration of art and symmetrical deck, features that makes this longboard worth the price. The extra traction ensures maximum responsiveness when riding on indoor grounds or off-road surfaces.
On the downside, the WiiSHAM Longboard’s speed is slow.
Pros
- Comes with quality bearings, wheels, and trucks
- Affordable and reliable board
- Durable maple construction
Cons
- Some users find the longboards slow
6. White Wave Cobra Bamboo/Maple Longboard
- Long Boards Skateboard for Adults & Teen Skaters: Enjoy the 38″ Long x 9.75″ Wide longboard deck, crafted with multi-layered bamboo and canadian maple core. Experience exceptional durability with this long board 10-Ply construction. Ideal for beginners venturing into longboard experience and for advanced riders ready to elevate their downhill and freeride techniques.
- Warrior Bamboo Longboard: Unleash your longboard skateboard adventures with ease. Adult-friendly longboard features drop through trucks and a drop down deck for effortless riding. Long boards skateboard perfect for carving the neighborhood, campus cruising, or coastal Exploration. Its mild concave, low center of gravity, and symmetrical shape ensure seamless maneuverability for an unforgettable ride.
- Elevate Your Long Board Ride with Unmatched Stability and Strength: Glide effortlessly with our longboard heavy-duty 7″ (180mm) aluminum alloy trucks and 70 x 53mm smooth hooligan wheels. Engineered with a custom hooligan core for peak performance and unbeatable durability, experience the ultimate long board adventure.
Features
- Material: Maple, Bamboo
- Deck Width: 9.75 inches
- Deck Length: 41 inches
- Wheel Material: Polyurethane
- Durometer Hardness: 78A
If you’re looking for a quality longboard that has plenty of features that guarantee superior performance, you should check out the White Wave Cobra Bamboo/Maple Longboard.
Its solid 9-ply construction consists of layers of Canadian maple and bamboo that make it durable. Whether you’re diving or ducking at high speeds, the longboard has clearer grip tape and its concave shape allows you to stay on the board and have full control.
Its 33-inch wheelbase allows for a bigger weight capacity and allows for easy maneuverability as you can easily make turns. The bigger 1.25-inch dropdown makes skating effortless and stable.
Other features like the ABEC 9 Hellion bearings, 78A Hooligan wheels, and aluminum trucks also make this longboard worth its price.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Delivers smooth ride
- Provides a strong grip thanks to the combination of bamboo and maple
- Unique graphic design
Cons
- Some users found the trucks squeaky
- The longboard has no washers, which can be limiting
7. Atom Drop Deck Longboard
- Full maple laminate deck
- Reverse King Pin (RKP) longboard trucks (245mm axles)
- Wide-Lip 70x51mm super high rebound (SHR) urethane wheels
- ABEC 9 bearings with high-speed lubricant
- High quality 80S grip tape
Features
- Material: Maple
- Deck Width: 9.5 inches
- Deck Length: 41 in
- Wheel Material: Steel
- Durometer Hardness: 78A
The Atom Drop Deck Longboard is ranked as one of the best longboards for downhill riding for heavy riders. Featuring a drop deck, the board has a low center of gravity that allows you to land to the ground smoothly even at high speed.
Furthermore, the ABEC 9 bearings with lubricant, 9-ply male deck, and 80S grip tape contribute to the board’s stability and rider’s safety. The lubricant allows the wheels to turn smoothly and quickly, while the maple wood deck enhances a rider’s sturdiness down any hill.
The manufacturer also adds a 9.6-inch perimeter shape adds to the board’s maneuverability. Enjoy more leverage in every turn and also reduce wheel bite.
Atom Drop Deck longboards come with a limited one-year warranty against any defects.
On the downside, you may find this longboard’s wheels, trucks, and bushings average. You may need to change them if you’re planning for intense downhill action. Nonetheless, the Atom Drop Deck Longboard is an excellent product for leisure cruising and downhill rides.
Pros
- Comes with bearings with high-speed lubricant
- Has drop deck for stability when riding downhill
- Stable 9-ply maple deck
- Fitted with a 9.6-inch perimeter shape for turns
Cons
- The trucks, wheels, and bushings are average
Buying Guide: What Should You Look For in the Best Longboard for Heavy Riders?
Longboarding is not only for the slim. Modern longboards now have varying specifications that can fit any rider whether slim or heavy.
If you’re shopping around for the best longboard for heavy riders, you may come across different brands and shapes. Our detailed buyers’ guide has some essential tips and factors of what to consider when buying a quality longboard.
1. Check the Weight Capacity
The best longboard should be able to accommodate your weight. You can easily tell the weight capacity from the manufacturer’s specifications. The material of the deck can also give you an idea of the maximum weight limit a particular longboard can hold.
For example, carbon fiber longboards are durable, but light. They can comfortably handle up to 300 pounds. Artisan bamboo or multi-ply maple boards are sturdy, flexible, and durable. When combined with a layer of fiberglass, they are perfect for heavy riders.
2. Consider the Deck and Shapes
A longboard’s deck should be tough to hold up to 300 pounds. You’ll come across four types of deck materials when comparing longboards for heavy riders.
Experts recommend getting a deck with a material combination of two or more as this guarantees durability and sturdiness.
Heavy riders are better off with a deck made from bamboo and fiberglass as it allows easy and smooth cruising. A combination of bamboo and maple delivers extra flexibility, which makes the board best for commuting.
Don’t forget to check the deck layers. A quality board should have a minimum of eight layers. If you find one with nine layers, go for it as it provides extra support for heavy riders.
Additionally, you should consider the deck shapes. Common options include the upward curve, the downward curve, and the relatively flat shapes. Heavy riders need an upward curve deck, but flat decks are suitable because of their flex nature.
A concave-shaped deck adds subtlety and rigidity to a longboard.
3. Don’t Ignore the Trucks
You need to find a longboard with solid trucks that can bear the weight of a heavy and tall rider. Avoid any trucks made from plastic and nylon as they aren’t sturdy.
Find longboards with trucks made from steel and aluminum to give you a sturdy base. Quality longboards should have axles, kingpins, baseplates, and nuts. All these parts contribute to the durable construction of the longboard.
Don’t forget to check the mounting style of these trucks. Top-mounted trucks work well for a lot of downhill, while drop-through trucks are perfect for freestyle riders.
4. Check the Bushings
Bushings are something you should never ignore when comparing longboards.
A longboard with too hard bushing will cause bumpy rides, while soft ones lead to instability that can result in injuries and falls.
Get a longboard with right-shaped bushings to handle your weight. Barrel or cone bushings reduce the resistance when turning and increase the response at high speeds. 90A+ bushings maximize the performance, but anything between 78-80A works well.
5. Go for Quality and Renowned Brands
Renowned brands are known for their quality boards and use durable materials like bamboo, maple, and fiberglass.
Some renowned brands include Magneto, Kahuna Creations, Sanview, White Wave, and Atom.
Final Thoughts
Being a heavyweight person should not limit you from cruising and commuting on longboards. There are plenty of longboards for heavy riders to choose from based on your budget and the features you need.
