Your plus-size body should not bring a stop to your enjoyment and hobbies. If you like cruising around with your longboard, but your heavyweight is a major hindrance to your fun, don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
Many longboard manufacturers have identified the gap and are designing longboards for heavy riders. In this article, I’ve reviewed some of the best longboards for heavy riders that will allow you to ride without any stress, along with a handy guide to help you choose the right product.
Best Longboards for Heavy Riders Reviews
Volador 42-inch Freeride Longboard Complete Cruiser
The Volador 42-inch Freeride Longboard Complete Cruiser comes with 14 different unique designs, so you can choose one that suits your personality. It comes with an 8-ply maple wood deck that is strong enough to handle big guys. It has a concave shape, along with the grip tape that offers extra stability. It has 7-inch reverse kingpin trucks that can be adjusted to either 45 or 50 degrees. This 42-inch longboard is pretty easy on your pocket and highly portable.
Features
- 42-inch deck length
- Polyurethane wheel material
- 9-inch deck width
- 7-inch aluminum reverse kingpin trucks
Pros
- Attractive designs
- Easy to turn
- Lightweight
- Affordable
Cons
- Soft and squeaky bushings
Magneto Longboards Bamboo Longboards
If you’re looking for a quality longboard for cruising down the streets smoothly, this is a perfect choice. The Magneto Longboards Bamboo Longboards have a flexible deck designed with fiberglass and bamboo, making it flexible and sturdy. It has soft wheels that absorb vibrations and prevents bumpy feelings. It comes with a sanded grip that’s firm enough for your shoes. Additionally, this longboard has a stylish and simple appearance with a Magento logo.
Features
- Aluminum, bamboo material
- Polyurethane material
- 7-inch aluminum trucks
- U-shaped concavity
Pros
- Smooth and stable
- Flexible and strong
- Clean and sleek design
- Skate tool included
Cons
- Small kicks
WiiSHAM Longboards Skateboards
This heavy-duty longboard is among the most affordable and beginner-friendly models out there. The WiiSHAM Longboards Skateboards have a drop-down deck that gives your foot a secure surface and more control. It comes with impressive graphics of flowers that make it pleasing to the users. This longboard is ideal for non-demanding heavy riders who don’t engage in high-level riding.
Features
- 85A PU wheels
- ABEC-9 bearings
- 9 plies of Canadian maple
Pros
- Affordable
- Attractive design
- Perfect for beginners
Cons
- The deck is a bit weak
Atom Drop Deck Longboard
Stability is everything for heavy riders who love longboarding. The Atom Drop Deck Longboard is designed to give you the stability you need when riding at high speed. It comes with a sturdy 9-ply maple deck and ABEC 9 bearings that give you a smooth ride all day long. This longboard has a high-speed lubricant that enables the wheels to turn smoothly and fast. Additionally, it has a 9.6-inch perimeter shape that reduces wheel bite and gives you more leverage on every turn.
Features
- ABEC 9 bearings
- Full maple deck
- 80S grip tape
Pros
- 1-year warranty
- Stable deck
- Ideal for leisure cruising and downhill ride
Cons
- Average bushings, wheels, and trucks
Santa Cruz Lion God Rasta Drop Thru Cruzer Freeride Longboard
This longboard has gained popularity among longboarding fans because of its ease of riding and stability. It has large wheels that make the board ideal for cruising around the town. The Santa Cruz Lion God Rasta Drop Thru Cruzer Freeride Longboard design is a great piece of artwork that will please your eyes. The drop-through design, and 31-inch wheelbase make the board close to the ground and stable.
Features
- 40-inch length
- 31-inch wheelbase
- 75mm wheels
- ABEC 9 bearings
Pros
- Strong and flexible
- Easy to maneuver
- Durable
- Affordable
Cons
- Durability is questionable
Types of Deck Materials for Longboards
Maple
This is a dense and stiff type of wood. It can offer excellent durability and hardness. Maple-made longboard for heavy riders should come with at least 8 layers of wood. Anything below that will not handle the heavyweights.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a low-density material made of long glass fibers and resin. It is usually woven with bamboo layers to give a balance between its stiffness and strength.
Bamboo
Bamboo comes with fibrous and lower-density characteristics. Longboards that have bamboo material are naturally flexible and have good strength.
Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber is the least flexible and stiffest material. This material is used to make ultra-high-speed lightweight decks. The material is a combination of long strands of carbon fibers and epoxy. Generally, heavy riders prefer stiffness over flexibility. However, freestylers or carving riders may need flexibility in their boards.
FAQs
Is it Safe for Big Guys to Ride Longboards?
Longboarding and skateboarding are about moving your body weight. To control the board, you need to be balanced, which means distributing your weight evenly. To move the longboard, you have to create momentum and maintain it throughout the ride. This is achieved by pumping and pushing.
If you want to do some tricks, you need to put the right amount of force in the right place at the exact time. Therefore, if you have full control of your body, you can comfortably ride the boards.
Frankly, longboarding can be a bit tricky for heavy riders. For instance, heavy folks have big inertia, so turning a sharp corner can be hard. However, heavy guys can use their weight to their advantage. Greater mass can mean greater momentum. You should always avoid sudden shifts in weight. Your whole body has to move lithely.
Thankfully, heavy riders can ride heavy-duty longboards efficiently and safely with the right gear and enough practice.
How Would I Know the Right Size of the Longboard to Buy?
The width and length of the longboard are both crucial to fit your feet. You can choose a board using your shoe height and size.
Do Longboards Have Load Carrying Limit?
Absolutely! All longboards come with a weight limit. A heavy-duty longboard with a weight ranging between 220 pounds to 400 pounds is great for heavy guys.
Can I Lose Weight by Longboarding?
Yes, you can. Longboarding is an amazing kind of physical exercise. Longboarding can help you to lose about 300 calories in an hour. If you longboard frequently, you can lose close to 3000 calories per week.
Longboards for Heavy Riders Buying Guide
Before buying a skateboard for heavy riders, it is crucial to understand some factors that make the heavy-duty board. Here’s a buying guide with the things you should consider before placing a longboard on the cart.
Weight Capacity
When looking for the best longboard for heavy riders, you need to consider the weight limit. Good as the board is, it cannot comfortably hold your weight; it’s not worth your hard-earned cash. A low-weight capacity longboard will not only break after a few days but might cause serious injuries while riding. Fortunately, the weight limit is indicated in the specifications.
For big guys, look for multi-ply maple boards or artisan bamboo ones. Both are flexible and strong enough to reduce shock and improve maneuverability. Also, you can go for the carbon-fiber longboards, which are super durable and lightweight, but they are more expensive.
Trucks
Trucks of longboards have complicated parts like a kingpin, base plates, nuts, and axles. However, when coupled together, they offer a solid construction that can handle heavy weight. You should avoid plastic or nylon base plates because they are prone to cracking. Instead, aluminum base plates are amazing options to offer superior support, together with steel axles and kingpins.
Also, be keen on the mounting style, which allows you to ride in different riding styles. Drop-through trucks are the best for freestyle, while the top-mounted trucks are ideal for downhill riders.
Wheels and Wheelbase
Big riders should choose reasonably long wheelbases. Short bases make it hard to maneuver the longboard and reduce flexibility. Small-to-medium wheels are the best options for heavy riders because they are stable and maintain a better grip.
Deck Height and Length
If you are a heavy rider, it’s advisable to go for a strong, long, and wide deck with grip tape and rockers. Some longboards these days have additional features, so you can choose the one that suits your needs. You choose the wheel flare, wells, and cutouts, or you can include the riser to guard wheel bites.
Bearings
The longevity of the bearings you choose depends on the ratings. You don’t have to spend a fortune to acquire good bearings but don’t go for the cheapest. Especially if you’re heavy, you need durable and strong bearings that can withstand your weight. The best bearings are made of high-quality steel. Additionally, be keen on the ABEC rating.
Bushings
You can select several types of bushings, including double barrel, cone barrel, double cone, barrel stepped, hourglass, and barrel stepped. You should prioritize the hardness of the bushings. If you weigh 175lbs to 220lbs or above, 90a bushings are the best. If you’re into downhill, look for stiffer bushings.
Cost
Heavy-duty longboards come in a wide range of prices, starting from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. If you’re looking for an affordable longboard, you should not expect state-of-the-art features, but this doesn’t mean that there are no quality longboards at an affordable price.
Conclusion
The best longboards for heavy riders should be stable and durable to fit the rider’s style. You should be keen on the maximum weight capacity, the deck’s shape and materials, and the wheels’ quality. Always prioritize stiffness over flexibility. Good luck!
