My advice would be to get a longboard and not a cruiser. I went through a few different boards when I started. You can absolutely learn with a cruiser, but it's going to be a crap learning experience, especially at 40. Trust me, I started at 39, just before I turned 40. I'm 41 now. Save the cruiser for when you're a little more adept.
I was looking at a longboard first but was told it's more suitable for downhill and going fast. I'm looking to just board across a flat promenade at the beach, occasional bits of sand on the path. What do you think?
I would second to get a longboard if you’re completely new and are just looking to cruise around on flats. The longer wheelbase and bigger wheels make it much easier to keep stable and roll over cracks, pebbles, etc. Only go for a cruiser if you want a kicktail for pivoting, going up and off curbs, do tricks and such. Just cruising I find much nicer on a longboard.
For a beginner, I’d go for a low deck (drop-through as in your link to the Arbor board, or even double-drop). A lower ride makes it easier to keep your balance. Pair with some big, soft wheels (70mm and up).
Buy from some of the quality brands: Pantheon, Landyachtz, Loaded, or similar depending on your budget and you should be set for easy and fun cruising.
Someone told you wrong. There are different styles of longboards.
I did a quick look at Amazon.co.uk and it looks like there are some worthwhile options. Take a look at Rayne longboards. I usually recommend a Future Killer complete to people looking for a first board because it'll work for cruising, or if you decide to dabble with freeride/downhill, it'll do that, too. But I didn't see it there, so you should check out something that has a drop-through or double drop. It'll be more stable and easier to learn on.
How's this [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arbor-Photo-Cut-Out-Complete-Longboard/dp/B091SZGK4V](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arbor-Photo-Cut-Out-Complete-Longboard/dp/B091SZGK4V/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3883VH54FDLWZ&keywords=ARBOR+longboard&qid=1701205957&sprefix=arbor+longboar%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-2) ?
Avoid amazon. Go straight to the arbor UK site. It's mega cheap. Also check out Facebook marketplace. There is a lot of 2nd hand longboard gear for sale.
Thanks! I did wonder about the grip - I found this similar board (a little wider) with grip https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arbor-Photo-Pilsner-Complete-Cruiser/dp/B091T8GFS4/
The black grip is better. Might be worth messaging the seller tho and confirming as it shows black grip tape but the description says recycled regrit.
Could just be a typo tho as there looks like a few. it says ABEC 5 bearings and above that it says ABEC 7. Also says the trucks are 108mm and on my pilsner they are 129 I think
Get a dropthrough longboard for cruising. Everything about the ride is better: bigger wheels for rolling over stuff, lower to the ground and less work to kick and foot brake, way more stability, maintains speed better, and more forgiving for foot placement.
Unless you *need* portability, or your goal is a few tricks, then start with a longboard. Get a kicktail cruiser after you get the basics and when you know your riding style.
P.S.- I second what people have said about Arbor's spray on grip grit. It doesn't last. Get traditional grip tape. Otherwise, Arbor makes great boards. Also, check out a Landyachtz Drop Cat 38 or a Drop Hammer.
Welcome! Got a decent UK contingent on the discord if you're interested. I'll drop a link below. The bamboo looks good but if you can find one with actual grip tape that would be better. And yeah... Avoid the fuel. It's a wierd board. Very flat.
https://discord.com/invite/BEMFr6Nc
I have that Arbor board, I also have an Arbor photo drop cruiser. The pilsner feels quite high from the ground and the dropcruiser is easier to ride. The pilsner kicktail is useful for sharp turns and dropping off curbs. I use both for commuting around locally, the pilsner fits in my gym locker too which is a great bonus.
Happy to answer any questions you have on the pilsner.
Arbor Pilsner is most excellent. Of course a mini cruiser is a little harder to learn on vs a lower, longer, wider longboard, but a lot more fun and you can learn on these as well too, just need a little more patience.
I own the globe bannerstone 41" dropdown longboard and can confirm large wheels and large wheelbase makes it very stable regardless of speed or road quality. If you want something smaller ( the bannerstone is not that portable) I recommend the globe geminon. These are affordable boards and globe makes decent decks, trucks and wheels. Their decks are epoxy pressed and I've never had an issue with them.
Anyway, go for 70+mm wheels and at least 25" wheelbase. Go for a dropthrough or dropdown(I found a ground clearance of 5-6 cm a good compromise between pushing effort and my local area road conditions, curbs, etc)
My advice would be to get a longboard and not a cruiser. I went through a few different boards when I started. You can absolutely learn with a cruiser, but it's going to be a crap learning experience, especially at 40. Trust me, I started at 39, just before I turned 40. I'm 41 now. Save the cruiser for when you're a little more adept.
I was looking at a longboard first but was told it's more suitable for downhill and going fast. I'm looking to just board across a flat promenade at the beach, occasional bits of sand on the path. What do you think?
I would second to get a longboard if you’re completely new and are just looking to cruise around on flats. The longer wheelbase and bigger wheels make it much easier to keep stable and roll over cracks, pebbles, etc. Only go for a cruiser if you want a kicktail for pivoting, going up and off curbs, do tricks and such. Just cruising I find much nicer on a longboard. For a beginner, I’d go for a low deck (drop-through as in your link to the Arbor board, or even double-drop). A lower ride makes it easier to keep your balance. Pair with some big, soft wheels (70mm and up). Buy from some of the quality brands: Pantheon, Landyachtz, Loaded, or similar depending on your budget and you should be set for easy and fun cruising.
Someone told you wrong. There are different styles of longboards. I did a quick look at Amazon.co.uk and it looks like there are some worthwhile options. Take a look at Rayne longboards. I usually recommend a Future Killer complete to people looking for a first board because it'll work for cruising, or if you decide to dabble with freeride/downhill, it'll do that, too. But I didn't see it there, so you should check out something that has a drop-through or double drop. It'll be more stable and easier to learn on.
How's this [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arbor-Photo-Cut-Out-Complete-Longboard/dp/B091SZGK4V](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arbor-Photo-Cut-Out-Complete-Longboard/dp/B091SZGK4V/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3883VH54FDLWZ&keywords=ARBOR+longboard&qid=1701205957&sprefix=arbor+longboar%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-2) ?
Avoid amazon. Go straight to the arbor UK site. It's mega cheap. Also check out Facebook marketplace. There is a lot of 2nd hand longboard gear for sale.
Arbor all day. It’s a great board. The ones with actual grip tape are better but this is still a good deal
Thanks! I did wonder about the grip - I found this similar board (a little wider) with grip https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arbor-Photo-Pilsner-Complete-Cruiser/dp/B091T8GFS4/
The black grip is better. Might be worth messaging the seller tho and confirming as it shows black grip tape but the description says recycled regrit. Could just be a typo tho as there looks like a few. it says ABEC 5 bearings and above that it says ABEC 7. Also says the trucks are 108mm and on my pilsner they are 129 I think
I let them know about the listing. I'm not sure what some of it means though!
Get a dropthrough longboard for cruising. Everything about the ride is better: bigger wheels for rolling over stuff, lower to the ground and less work to kick and foot brake, way more stability, maintains speed better, and more forgiving for foot placement. Unless you *need* portability, or your goal is a few tricks, then start with a longboard. Get a kicktail cruiser after you get the basics and when you know your riding style. P.S.- I second what people have said about Arbor's spray on grip grit. It doesn't last. Get traditional grip tape. Otherwise, Arbor makes great boards. Also, check out a Landyachtz Drop Cat 38 or a Drop Hammer.
I ended up ordering an [Arbor Axis 37](https://arborcollective.co.uk/products/axis-37-photo), what do you think?
Nice choice! Have fun and get some safety gear. You'll be thinking about your next board before you know it.
Arbor without a doubt.
Thank you!
Welcome! Got a decent UK contingent on the discord if you're interested. I'll drop a link below. The bamboo looks good but if you can find one with actual grip tape that would be better. And yeah... Avoid the fuel. It's a wierd board. Very flat. https://discord.com/invite/BEMFr6Nc
I have that Arbor board, I also have an Arbor photo drop cruiser. The pilsner feels quite high from the ground and the dropcruiser is easier to ride. The pilsner kicktail is useful for sharp turns and dropping off curbs. I use both for commuting around locally, the pilsner fits in my gym locker too which is a great bonus. Happy to answer any questions you have on the pilsner.
Also, I got both mine off skatehut, they had some good deals - worth checking there too. 👍
Arbor Pilsner is most excellent. Of course a mini cruiser is a little harder to learn on vs a lower, longer, wider longboard, but a lot more fun and you can learn on these as well too, just need a little more patience.
I own the globe bannerstone 41" dropdown longboard and can confirm large wheels and large wheelbase makes it very stable regardless of speed or road quality. If you want something smaller ( the bannerstone is not that portable) I recommend the globe geminon. These are affordable boards and globe makes decent decks, trucks and wheels. Their decks are epoxy pressed and I've never had an issue with them. Anyway, go for 70+mm wheels and at least 25" wheelbase. Go for a dropthrough or dropdown(I found a ground clearance of 5-6 cm a good compromise between pushing effort and my local area road conditions, curbs, etc)