Kicktail Longboards: The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Perfect Ride

Looking for a versatile longboard that can handle tricks and commuting? Kicktail longboards might be exactly what you need! I've been riding various boards for over 15 years and have tested dozens of kicktail models. Let me share everything you need to know to make the right choice.

Key Takeaways

• Kicktail longboards feature an upturned back end for enhanced maneuverability and tricks
• They're more versatile than pintails, allowing for both cruising and technical riding
• Popular brands include Punked, Landyachtz, Globe, and Sector 9
• Ideal for urban commuting, campus cruising, and casual trick riding
• Prices range from $60-250 depending on quality and components

What Makes a Kicktail Longboard Special?

Kicktail longboards represent a versatile and distinctive category within the longboarding world, blending the smooth cruising capabilities of traditional longboards with enhanced maneuverability and trick potential. These boards are characterized by their upturned rear end, which fundamentally transforms how riders interact with their board and the terrain beneath them.

When I first started riding, I went straight for a pintail - big mistake! While pintails are great for cruising, they lack the versatility of a kicktail design. After switching to a kicktail, my riding experience completely changed. I could hop curbs, perform basic tricks, and still enjoy smooth cruising between classes.

Kicktail longboards are distinguished primarily by their upward-curved tail section, a design feature that enables riders to lift the front of the board off the ground. This upward bend at the back of the deck allows riders to perform tricks, navigate obstacles, and execute quick maneuvers that would be difficult or impossible on flat-decked longboards. Beyond the namesake kicktail, these boards typically feature a concave deck profile that enhances foot grip and control during riding, providing better steering and maneuverability for various longboard tricks.

Popular Kicktail Longboard Models

Looking at the market today, there's a huge variety of kicktail longboards to choose from. Let's check out some of the most popular options you can find at LongboardsUSA:

This beautiful bamboo double kick is one of my favorites. The mirrored sea graphic looks awesome, and the double kick design (meaning there's a kicktail at both ends) gives you maximum versatility. It's a bit pricier than some basic models, but the quality construction makes it worth it.

Several longboard manufacturers have developed reputations for quality kicktail designs. Punked Longboards is specifically highlighted for their outstanding kicktails, focusing on precision, style, and versatility. Their commitment to craftsmanship and innovation is evident in their kicktail designs, which are engineered to excel in various riding environments.

The Punked 40" is a fantastic starter option. I've recommended this board to countless friends who were just getting into longboarding. It's affordable but doesn't sacrifice quality, making it perfect for beginners or anyone on a budget.

Landyachtz makes some of the highest quality boards on the market, and the Ripper is no exception. Slightly shorter at 36.9", this board is incredible for technical riding while still maintaining enough length for comfortable cruising. The watercolor design is stunning, too!

Kicktail vs. Other Longboard Types

When shopping for a longboard, you'll see lots of different types. Here's how kicktails compare:

While both kicktail and pintail longboards excel at cruising and carving, they differ significantly in maneuverability and trick capability. As explained in the search results, "The Pintail as well as the Kicktail longboards are great for cruising and carving around town, street or for commute. By a Kicktail board is the backend (tail) of the board slightly bent upwards, which give you to possibility to kick it and maneuver easily and/or do tricks. A pintail board is flat and doesn't have that tail".

I remember taking my friend's pintail for a spin after riding my kicktail for years - it felt like driving a boat! Super smooth, but I couldn't do any of the quick movements I was used to. That's when I realized how much the kicktail had become part of my riding style.

It's important to distinguish longboards from standard skateboards. While both may feature kicktails, they differ significantly in their overall design and intended use. Standard skateboard wheels typically have a diameter between 50mm and 60mm, while longboard wheels are usually larger than 60mm, with some reaching 70mm. This difference in wheel size contributes to longboards' smoother ride over rough surfaces and greater stability at speed, while the smaller wheels on standard skateboards offer quicker acceleration and responsiveness for technical tricks.

Another key difference is between single kicktail designs (just one raised end) and double kicktail boards (raised at both ends). Double kicktails like the Bamboo Double Kick give you more trick options but sometimes sacrifice a bit of cruising comfort. For most riders, a single kicktail hits the sweet spot of versatility.

How to Choose Your Perfect Kicktail Longboard

Picking the right kicktail longboard depends on several factors:

1. Deck Length

• 36-38 inches: More maneuverable, better for tricks
• 39-42 inches: Better stability, smoother for cruising
• 43+ inches: Maximum stability, best for beginners

2. Deck Material

• Maple: Durable and rigid, great for heavier riders
• Bamboo: Flexible and lightweight, absorbs road vibration
• Maple/Bamboo Composite: Best of both worlds

Most kicktail longboards are constructed from multiple layers of high-quality wood, typically maple. Paradise kicktail decks, for example, are comprised of seven plies of North American Maple, creating a balance between durability and responsiveness. The Arbiter KT longboard, another notable model, uses nine plies of Northeastern Maple in its construction, demonstrating the emphasis manufacturers place on strength without sacrificing the board's ability to flex appropriately during riding.

I've tried pretty much every deck material out there, and I gotta say, bamboo is my favorite for everyday riding. The subtle flex makes rough pavement so much more bearable on your joints, especially if your commuting on it daily.

3. Truck Type

• Traditional Kingpin (TKP): Better for tricks, lower to ground
• Reverse Kingpin (RKP): Better for carving and stability

4. Wheel Size

• 65-70mm: More acceleration, better for tricks
• 70-75mm: Balanced performance
• 75mm+: Maximum smoothness over rough terrain

This difference in wheel size contributes to longboards' smoother ride over rough surfaces and greater stability at speed, while the smaller wheels on standard skateboards offer quicker acceleration and responsiveness for technical tricks.

5. Budget Considerations

• Budget ($60-100): Punked, Yocaher, Krown
• Mid-range ($100-180): Globe, Sector 9, Arbor
• Premium ($180-250+): Landyachtz, Loaded, Rayne

Best Uses for Kicktail Longboards

Kicktail longboards excel in a variety of riding scenarios:

Despite their trick-oriented design, kicktail longboards excel at traditional cruising and carving - the flowing, surf-like turns that many riders enjoy. The kicktail actually enhances carving performance by allowing riders to execute sharper, more controlled turns than might be possible on other designs. This makes kicktail boards popular among riders who prioritize an expressive, dynamic riding style even when simply traveling from point to point.

Urban Commuting

Beyond performance advantages, kicktail longboards offer practical benefits for urban commuters. The ability to easily lift the front of the board allows riders to navigate curbs, small steps, and rough terrain transitions without dismounting. This feature makes kicktail longboards particularly well-suited for riders using their boards as transportation in varied urban landscapes, adding a layer of utility beyond recreational use.

When I was in college, my kicktail was my main transportation. Being able to quickly hop curbs without getting off the board saved me so much time! And when sidewalks got crowded, I could make tight turns around people way easier than my friends on their pintails.

Campus Cruising

The Punked Beach Series and similar shorter kicktails are perfect for campus environments. They're small enough to carry into buildings but still stable enough for comfortable cruising between classes.

Casual Trick Riding

The kicktail design particularly shines in freestyle applications, where riders perform technical tricks and maneuvers. The raised tail facilitates basic tricks like manuals (balancing on rear wheels), shuvits (rotating the board horizontally), and ollies (jumping with the board). These capabilities make kicktail longboards ideal for skatepark sessions as well as street riding, offering versatility that flat-decked longboards cannot match.

I'm not the most technical rider, but I've managed to learn a bunch of basic tricks on my kicktail that would be impossible on a standard longboard. Being able to pop the board up for an ollie or pivot on the tail has made my riding experience so much more fun!

Kicktail Longboards for Beginners

Kicktail longboards can be suitable for beginners, especially those interested in learning tricks and maneuvers. However, they may require more skill and balance to ride than traditional longboards, so beginners should choose a board appropriate for their skill level and experience. The extra maneuverability that makes kicktail boards versatile also creates a slightly steeper learning curve, as riders must develop the balance and control needed to manage the board's responsive nature.

If you're just starting out, I recommend a longer kicktail (40"+ inches) with wider trucks for stability. The Yocaher Earth Series boards are fantastic beginner options - affordable, stable, and they still give you that kicktail functionality to grow into as your skills develop.

Accessories for Your Kicktail Longboard

To get the most out of your kicktail longboard, consider these accessories:

1. Skate Tool: Essential for adjustments and maintenance. The Paris Trucks T-tool is my favorite.

2. Slide Gloves: If you want to learn slides, these are a must-have safety item.

3. Bearing Lubricant: Keep your bearings rolling smooth with regular maintenance.

4. Grip Tape: The Longboard Griptape collection has options to customize your board's look and feel.

5. Protective Gear: Always ride with a helmet at minimum! The Pro-Tec collection has great options.

Conclusion

Kicktail longboards offer an incredible blend of cruising comfort and trick capability that's hard to beat. Whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade your current setup, a good kicktail board will serve you well in almost any riding situation.

Kicktail longboards represent a versatile category within the broader longboarding universe, offering riders a compelling blend of cruising comfort and trick capability. Their distinctive upturned tail enables enhanced maneuverability, trick performance, and obstacle navigation while maintaining the smooth riding experience longboards are known for. As longboarding continues to evolve, kicktail designs remain popular among riders seeking balance in their riding experience rather than extreme specialization.

For potential longboard purchasers, kicktail designs warrant serious consideration, particularly for those who value versatility in their riding. Whether navigating urban environments, carving through neighborhood streets, or exploring the technical possibilities of freestyle riding, kicktail longboards offer a unique combination of capabilities that few other designs can match. Their historical significance, practical benefits, and ongoing popularity testify to the enduring appeal of this innovative longboard design.

After testing countless boards over the years, I still reach for my kicktail most often. The versatility just can't be beat - whether I'm heading to the store, cruising with friends, or practicing tricks at the local park.

Ready to find your perfect kicktail longboard? Check out the full Kicktail Longboard collection at LongboardsUSA!

FAQ

Q: Can I do tricks on a kicktail longboard?
A: Absolutely! While you won't be doing the same technical tricks as on a standard skateboard, kicktails allow for manuals, shuvits, ollies, and other basic tricks that flat longboards can't do.

Q: What size kicktail longboard should I get?
A: If you're primarily cruising or commuting, go for a 40-42" board. If you want more trick capability, look at 36-39" boards. Beginners usually benefit from longer boards (40"+) for stability.

Q: Are kicktail longboards good for beginners?
A: They can be! While slightly more challenging than a drop-through longboard, a longer kicktail (40"+) provides good stability while offering room to grow your skills. The Punked Kicktail is an excellent beginner option.

Q: What's the difference between a kicktail and a drop-through longboard?
A: Drop-through longboards mount the trucks through the deck, creating a lower riding height for stability. Kicktails are top-mounted with an upturned tail and are better for tricks and maneuverability, while drop-throughs excel at stability and pushing distance.

Q: How much should I expect to spend on a good kicktail longboard?
A: You can find decent beginner boards starting around $80-100. Mid-range boards with better components typically run $130-180. Premium setups with top-quality trucks, wheels, and decks can cost $180-250+.

Q: Can I use a kicktail longboard for downhill riding?
A: While you can use them for gentle hills, dedicated downhill longboards (like drop platforms or drop-throughs) are safer and more stable for serious downhill riding. Kicktails are primarily designed for cruising, carving, and freestyle riding.

Q: How do I maintain my kicktail longboard?
A: Regular maintenance includes cleaning and lubricating bearings every few months, checking and tightening hardware, and replacing grip tape when worn. Store your board in a dry place, and avoid leaving it in extreme temperatures or direct sunlight for extended periods.