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Best Longboard For Kids – Awake Your Children’s Sporty Spirit!
Riding longboards is one of the most well-loved sports with kids of all ages. It not only improves the flexibility, foot strength but also positively contributes to the physical development of your kids.
Be it as it may, choosing an appropriate longboard for children is not a simple task at all, for a standard-sized one might be too big, and a mini-sized might leave no room for the kids to grow into.
Therefore, we are here to give you some recommended products through our best longboard for kids review. There will also be an all-inclusive buying guide to equip you with some basic knowledge. Now, let’s get started, shall we?
Product Review
Landyachtz Dinghy 28″ Complete Skateboard – Best For Size
If you are searching for a longboard in a doable size for kids but still leave some room for their later growths, this skateboard from Landyachtz might be worthy of your further research.
Firstly, let’s talk about its size, for it is often the earliest thing parents take notice while choosing a longboard for their kid. This buddy has a length of 28.5 feet, which is considered mini-size compared to the average 31-32 feet long one. With the perfect size, even small kids will find no discomfort learning their first skating tricks at all.
Also, the deck is constructed of 7 ply maple to make the longboard not only the right size for a kid’s body but also make it super lightweight so kids can easily carry them around town or campus.
However, this longboard shouldn’t be used on bumpy and uneven surfaces, for it will wear out the wheels prematurely. It would be best to install some shock pads to reduce the impact when skating on poorly paved roads.
Pros:
- Light and portable
- Durable material for long lifespan
- The tail has lots of pop for tricks
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- No support for riding on rough terrains
you can read about Landyachtz 28″ vs WHOME 31″ – Quick comparison in this post
Atom Drop Deck Longboard – Best For Stability
The movement control of a kid’s body might not be as balanced and stable as the bodies of full-fledged adults. Therefore, it is essential for parents to look for longboards like this one from Atom Drop, which can provide the maximum stability when riding.
To be more specific, the key feature giving the kids a sense of balance and steadiness is its drop-down design. The platform where you place your foot in the low-riding system is much closer to the ground than the standard one, giving kids the best control, especially when sliding or doing downhill carving.
On top of that, despite the closeness to the ground, there will be no wheel bite or weird hard turns, mainly thanks to the longboard’s unique perimeter shape. The design gives 9,6 inches of leverage into every turn to smoothen the move while completely eliminating wheel bites.
As for the downside, the wheels make it hard to unscrew the bolt for bearing cleaning, so you might find the cleanup quite time-consuming.
Pros:
- Ultra-low-riding design
- Ease of pushing
- No wheel bite
- 1-year warranty
Cons:
- Hard to clean up
Playshion Drop Through Freestyle Longboard – Best For Bushing System
Your kid just started out his skating journey, and you are on the quest to find the perfect beginning longboard for him? If that’s the case, take a quick look at this longboard, and it might do you some goods..
Generally speaking, beginners tend to tense up, and it can lead to physical injury in the feet area, especially when doing skating tricks like turning and braking.
With the construction of two soft, mushy urethane support cushions per truck located on the skate’s hangers, it gives a certain level of resistance to prevent any discomfort of your feet.
What is more, this longboard is equipped with a set of top-notch ABEC-9 bearings. This rating, along with the ABEC-7, is the perfect formula for the smoothest wheel spin and turning.
However, the board quality still remains a major concern with many purchasers. Doing tricks involving popping the kick tail can easily chip away the wood coating of the deck.
Pros:
- Strong and flexible maple deck
- High bearing for smooth rides
- Beginner-friendly
- Can hold up large capacity
Cons:
- The deck is easily scratched
VOLADOR 40inch Maple Longboard – Best Kingpin Truck Design
This maple longboard from VOLADOR is deserving of some sort of priority over the rest if you are in need of a longboard for kids that meet all requirements of a beginning skate while still ensuring smoothness at speed.
To make it clearer for you, as opposed to the application of traditional kingpin trucks in most longboards, VOLADOR decided to equip their skates with a set of reverse kingpin trucks. This kind of kingpin requires a further distance between the deck and the ground, making the movements much smoother and more flowy.
To add to the effect, this longboard has a super durable set of 80A PU wheels, together with ABEC-7 precision bearings, to enhance the maneuverability in each trick the kid makes.
On the negative side, this longboard has no kicktail to perform tricks requiring more techniques. However, this is exactly why we recommend this to kids who just started out.
Pros:
- Genuine aluminum reverse kingpins trucks
- Durable wheels
- Appealing graphic design
- Affordable
Cons:
- No kicktail included
WHOME Longboards Skateboard – Best For Grit Tape
This product from WHOME is another option if a longboard with small measurements but still provides enough versatility for cruising, freestyle, or dancing is currently on your radar.
Let us elaborate more on why this longboard is an ideal choice for any beginner who is into freestyling and dancing. It has to do with the grip tape that the brand provides the users with while purchasing the product.
Particularly, it is an 80-grit grip tape made from high-quality maple, which is the recommended rate for your grip tape if you are novice players who just started practicing sliding or turning.
Generally, when performing tricks with the speed of over 40mph, the feet are exposed to many sideways forces. This sturdy tape will lock your feet firmly on the deck to eliminate any unexpected detachment of the feet from the board, offering the kids a sense of stability and balance.
The only worth-mentioning weak point of this longboard is none but its capacity. Since it can only hold up to a maximum of 198lbs, it can not be used for long-term purposes, especially when kids keep growing up so fast.
Pros:
- Provide a lot of stability
- Keep your feet firmly
- PU bushing for speed control
- 1-year warranty
Cons:
- Small capacity
ReDo Skateboard San Diego Palms Longboard – Best For Cruising
With the longboard from ReDo, you can start out practicing some decent cruising skills and eventually be able to roam around confidently.
Just from a quick glance, you must have noticed how this longboard’s shape differs from the rest in the list. Instead of having a standard cutaway shape, the one from ReDo is designed to have a pintail form, which doesn’t include two cutaways at either end of the deck.
This pintail longboard is everything you could have ever asked for in a cruiser skate, for the design allows you to stump on the rails without putting too much pressure on the deck surface and make it bend.
What’s more, it will also work together with the 65mm-78A soft urethane wheels to offer you the most relaxing ride while reducing joints’ stres
Nevertheless, many people have raised concerns about the screws of the trucks, for they are too tight and seem to dig into the board.
Pros:
- Great for cruising
- Soft wheel for rough surfaces
- High maneuverability
- Smooth 88A medium bushings
Cons:
- The truck screws are too tight
Quest QT-NSC44C The Super Cruiser – Best For Value
When the topic of value is brought on the table, the QT-NCS44C longboard from Quest is utterly eligible to leave all the other contenders in the shade.
To be honest, stating that this longboard offers the best value for the price is not an exaggeration at all. By paying half the price of most boards on the market, you can already get your hand on a longboard with every essential feature that a high-end one possesses.
To be more particular, this product is constructed of an authentic, original bamboo material to provide a stronger and more flexible feel to the deck. Also, the board surface is covered with a bold graphic pattern to create a unique and high-end look.
In addition to that, it is packed with a set of authentic components, which include an ABEC-7 bearings, an aluminum truck for impressive performances, even if you are just making a start on your skating ride.
The only negative aspect of this product is related to its wheels. Due to the hard material of the wheels, you shouldn’t use the longboard when the surfaces are too rough and bumpy.
Pros:
- Flexible longboard
- Authentic components
- Deck made from bamboo
- ABEC-7 bearings
Cons:
- Not for bumpy road
SOLA Longboard Skateboard – Best Deck Material
This longboard from SOLA can please any skater who has a liking for bamboo-made decks, as this one has such a unique deck design with a matching combination of maple wood and a sprinkle of bamboo material.
To be more detailed, the board of this buddy is constructed of six hard-rock maple interior layers for a sturdy and impact-resistant base. What’s more, on top of them lies one finishing bamboo coat, providing the glossy-like look for the longboard as well as enhancing its capacity.
Thanks to the deck construction, this longboard can support any size rider without being bent or showing deck cracks. Therefore, your kid can ride on this buddy for such a long time without worrying that the deck can’t hold their weights anymore.
One drawback of this product that should be pointed out is that the truck bolts can be easily loosened if you perform tricks requiring too much wheel turns and brakings.
Pros:
- Sturdy material
- Two sizes available
- Good at stabilizing the movement
- Not making many sounds
Cons:
- Not for pro-skaters
Related:
The Best Types Of Longboards For Kids When Starting Out
Cruising Longboards
Cruising longboards are one of the most demanding longboard types, mainly for the stability and steadiness they provide the skaters on even when a poorly caved terrains.
It can run smoothly and relaxedly on any concrete surfaces, therefore, kids who just started out can ride a pintail to the park or roam around the city street to get familiar with the longboard without having to worry the wheels are going to break or become detached.
Carving Longboards
Carving longboards are often used to perform a surf-like skating, involving quick and successive S-shape turns.
Since this kind of technique can likely cause more unexpected accidents, the longboards specifically designed for it include a lot of safety and stability-enhancer features, which is coincidentally perfect for beginning skaters.
Carving longboards are usually equipped with a high-quality and squishy set of bushings for ultimate comfort in long-hour wear, which can reduce many joint stress and foot injuries for beginners.
Features To Look For In A Kid’s Longboard
Deck Materials
The deck material is one of the most important factors in determining the durability and capacity for the longboard. Three substances that the board is usually constructed of are plastic, maple, and bamboo.
As you can guess, the plastic longboards are the most fragile one and can be easily bent with just some forceful pressure on the surface. Also, plastic decks tend to give little suspension and stability for the feet; therefore, they are not the best option for someone who just started out skating.
On the other hand, hardwood maple and organic bamboo are more superior in terms of longevity, stability and the steadiness they offer you. If you are looking for a longboard to repeatedly endure strong physical contact or perform complicated skating tricks repeatedly, a board made of maple might give you the best performance.
However, if you are a complete beginner who just got down to the basic feet movement on the deck, then it is highly suggested you stick to a bamboo longboard at first. The reason for that is bamboo boards are much more lightweight and provide more flexibility when riding.
Size
Because you are searching for a kid’s longboard, it comes as no wonder why the standard criteria might be different from choosing one for grown adults. And size is probably the most essential factor to look into, for a kid can barely perform skating tricks skillfully on a longboard huger than their body.
Normally, an average longboard for adults will range from 40 feet to 45 feet. For that reason, longboards for kids will have some length reduction to work well with the kid’s body, which only varies from 30 to 40 feet long.
Another thing to keep in mind is to choose something that still leaves some room for the kid to grow into. By picking the one that is a few feet longer than the actual length you need, your kid will be able to have fun with the longboard for a long time.
Bearings
The smoothness and stability of the trucks are strongly affected by the quality of the bearings. You can estimate the durability and efficiency of the wheels by measuring the ABEC rating of the wheels.
Typically, the bearing which has a higher ABEC rating will give better performance than the one with low ABEC bearing. Therefore, you should check at these numbers thoroughly before deciding to purchase one.
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FAQs
What are some tips for small children who just started out skating on longboards?
For small children who just started out skating on longboards, it is essential that the parents find them a longboard made from reliable material like maple, bamboo. ALso, it should possess all the necessary foot support features like urethane wheels, high ABEC bearing and aluminum trucks.
What should I do to ensure safety for my kids when they skate?
To ensure the kids’ safety when they skate, besides focusing on the longboards’ quality, the parents should equip them with essential safety gear like a multi-sport helmet, elbow pad, wrist guard, and knee pad.
Are maple boards better than bamboo boards?
This pair of natural materials is the best materials that you can find on the market for high-quality longboards these days. If you are looking for a lightweight and flexible deck, go with the bamboo boards. But if you want to perform more intricate stuff without worrying about cracking and bending, then a maple board will do the job for you.
Are there any safety considerations when choosing a longboard for kids?
Yes, safety is paramount when choosing a longboard for kids. Ensure that the longboard has reliable braking mechanisms, such as reliable trucks and high-quality wheels with good grip. It’s also important to select a longboard with appropriate safety gear, including a well-fitting helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads. These protective measures can significantly reduce the risk of injuries. Additionally, it’s advisable to choose a longboard that is suitable for the child’s skill level, as attempting tricks or maneuvers beyond their capabilities could increase the chances of accidents.
What type of longboard is best for beginners?
For beginners, a longboard with a larger deck and wider trucks is typically recommended. This design provides greater stability, making it easier for beginners to find their balance and control the board. A longboard with a symmetrical shape and a medium flex can also be beneficial for learning different riding styles and maneuvers. It’s also worth considering a longboard with softer wheels, as they provide better grip and a smoother ride. As beginners become more comfortable and skilled, they can transition to narrower decks and stiffer boards that offer more maneuverability.
Can longboards be adjusted to accommodate a child’s growing height?
Yes, some longboards have adjustable features that can accommodate a child’s growing height. One common adjustable feature is the length of the longboard itself. Some longboards have extendable decks, allowing them to be lengthened or shortened to match the rider’s height. Adjustable trucks can also be beneficial, as they allow for different turning capabilities and responsiveness. It’s important to check the manufacturer’s specifications and instructions to determine if a particular longboard offers adjustable features.
What age range is suitable for riding a longboard?
The appropriate age range for riding a longboard can vary depending on factors such as the child’s physical development and their experience with balance and coordination. Generally, children around 8 years and older can start learning to ride a longboard. However, parental supervision and guidance are essential, especially for younger riders. It’s crucial to assess each child’s abilities and progress gradually, ensuring they are comfortable and confident before allowing them to ride without close supervision.
Remember to always prioritize safety and choose a longboard that matches the child’s age, size, and skill level. Regularly check the longboard for any signs of wear and tear, and encourage the child to practice in safe environments away from traffic or other hazards.
seemore about maple material here
Conclusion
So our best longboard for kids has eventually drawn to an end. With all the recommended products holding a lot of potential to be your kid’s best buddy in the future, alongside a comprehensive buying guide, hopefully you have gained some new knowledge about this topic.
The decision-making process undoubtedly might be challenging at first, but by sticking to your prioritized criteria and exploring further each product we suggest, you will find the one that works for you soon.
All in all, we wish you luck and remember to stay tuned for our next post!
One of the best surfboards for beginners that you can buy is a plastic one, because these beginner surfboards can be found at discount prices online or at flea markets. You will also find surfboards made out of wood at craft fairs, and this type of beginner surfboard can be more expensive but it will last a lot longer then a plastic surfboard.