Pintail Longboard Decks: The Ultimate Cruising Guide (2025)

Wanna feel like you're surfing on concrete? A pintail longboard might be just what you need. These iconic boards aren't just good-looking—they're specifically designed to give you that smooth, flowing ride that makes cruising so addictive. Whether you're a total newbie or you've been skating for years, pintails offer something special for cruising that keeps riders coming back.

Key Takeaways

• Shape Advantage: Pintail's teardrop shape prevents wheel bite during turns
• Size Range: Typically 36"-46" long, with 40"-44" being most common
• Best Materials: Bamboo (flexible, lightweight) or Maple (durable, stable)
• Ideal For: Cruising, carving, campus transportation, beginners
• Price Range: $80-$250 depending on materials and components
• Top Brands: Sector 9, GoldCoast, Bamboo Longboards, Punked

What Makes Pintail Longboards Perfect for Cruising

If you've ever seen someone gliding effortlessly down a boardwalk or campus path, chances are they might've been riding a pintail longboard. The distinctive teardrop shape isn't just for looks—it's designed with cruising in mind.

Pintail longboards got their name from the pointed tail that resembles a surfboard. This shape actually serves a practical purpose: it prevents wheel bite (when your wheels touch the deck during turns), which can throw you off balance or even cause crashes. The pointed tail and curved nose allow for tighter turning without this dangerous wheel contact.

The deck is typically top-mounted, meaning the trucks attach to the bottom of the board rather than through it (like with Drop Through Longboards). This gives you more height and leverage, making it easier to shift your weight for those smooth carving turns that make cruising so fun.

Unlike Kicktail Longboards, which have raised ends for tricks, pintails have a flat design that provides a stable platform. This makes them especially great for beginners or anyone who just wants to cruise without worrying about technical maneuvers.

I remember my first ride on a pintail—felt like I was floating down the street. The smooth glide was unlike anything I'd experienced on regular skateboards.

Key Features of Pintail Longboard Decks

Shape and Design

The pintail's distinctive shape isn't just for show—it's functional too. That pointed tail and curved nose create natural wheel clearance, so you don't get that dreaded wheel bite when turning sharply. The deck usually features:

• Pointed tail (pintail shape)
• Rounded nose
• Gentle concave (not too deep)
• No kicktails
• Top-mounted trucks

This shape is specifically designed to mimic the feel of surfing, giving you that flowy, carving experience that makes cruising so enjoyable. The gentle concave helps lock your feet in place without being too aggressive for casual riding.

Materials That Matter

Pintail decks come in different materials, each offering unique riding characteristics:

Bamboo: Lighter weight with natural flex, bamboo boards feel springy and responsive. They absorb road vibration well, making them comfy for longer rides. Bamboo Longboards are also eco-friendly and have that beautiful natural wood grain aesthetic.

Maple: Usually 7-9 plies of Canadian maple, these decks are more rigid and durable. They provide better stability at higher speeds but don't absorb vibration as well as bamboo. Maple is the traditional choice and tends to be less expensive.

Hybrid: Some boards combine bamboo with maple or other materials to get the best of both worlds—the flex of bamboo with the durability of maple.

I've tried all three, and honestly, bamboo is my go-to for cruising. That slight bounce makes even rough pavement feel smoother, and your feet don't get that numbness after riding for an hour.

Dimensions and Sizing

Pintail longboards typically range from 36 to 46 inches in length, with widths between 8.5 and 10 inches. The most common sizes you'll see are:

• Short: 36"-38" (more maneuverable, good for smaller riders)
• Medium: 40"-42" (versatile all-around cruisers)
• Long: 44"-46" (maximum stability, smooth rides)

Longer boards provide more stability and a smoother ride, making them great for beginners and relaxed cruising. Shorter boards are more agile for navigating tighter spaces like crowded campus paths.

The wheelbase (distance between trucks) affects how the board turns. Pintails typically have wheelbases between 24"-30", with longer wheelbases providing more stability and shorter ones offering more responsive turning.

Why Pintails Excel at Cruising

That Smooth Surfing Feel

There's something special about the way a pintail moves. With big, soft wheels and that surfboard-inspired shape, pintails deliver a fluid riding experience that's perfect for cruising. The deck height gives you good leverage for pumping (generating speed without pushing), and the shape naturally encourages smooth, flowing carves.

These boards absolutely excel on smooth pavement, boardwalks, and gentle hills. Cruising beachside on a pintail feels like surfing on land—it's that distinctive flowing sensation that keeps people coming back to this shape decade after decade.

Carving and Maneuverability

Despite their length, pintails are surprisingly nimble. Their shape allows for deeper turns than you might expect, especially when paired with responsive trucks. The top-mounted truck configuration gives you more leverage when leaning into turns, resulting in a lively, responsive feel.

When you're carving on a pintail, you can really lean into the turns, shifting your weight from toe-side to heel-side in a rhythmic flow. This carving motion isn't just fun—it's also how experienced riders generate and maintain speed without constantly pushing.

My favorite thing bout pintails is how they let you "surf" down gentle slopes without ever putting your foot down. Just shift your weight from side to side and you can maintain momentum for blocks.

Stability for Beginners

If you're just starting out with longboarding, pintails are one of the most forgiving shapes to learn on. The longer length provides inherent stability, making it easier to find your balance. The gentle concave helps keep your feet positioned without feeling restrictive.

The predictable turning and stable platform make pintails ideal for Longboards for Beginners. You can focus on getting comfortable with the basics of pushing, turning, and foot-braking without worrying about the twitchiness that can come with more technical boards.

Many people start with pintails before branching out to other shapes, but plenty of experienced riders keep a pintail in their collection just for those relaxed cruising days.

Versatility Beyond Cruising

While pintails are primarily designed for cruising, they're more versatile than they get credit for:

• Transportation: Perfect for campus commuting or neighborhood rides
• Mild hills: Can handle gentle slopes (though not ideal for serious downhill)
• Distance pushing: Comfortable for longer rides, especially bamboo models
• Light freeriding: Some riders even use them for basic sliding techniques

The versatility makes pintails an excellent "one-board solution" if you're not sure exactly what type of riding you'll be doing most. They excel at cruising but can adapt to other styles as you progress.

Popular Pintail Brands and Models

Bamboo Beauties

Bamboo pintails offer that perfect combination of flex, shock absorption, and environmental friendliness. Some standout models include:

Bamboo Pintail 44" Longboard: This classic model features 5-ply bamboo construction with maple reinforcement in high-stress areas. The natural flex pattern makes it incredibly comfortable for longer rides, and the clear grip shows off the beautiful bamboo grain. At around $120 complete, it's a solid mid-range option.

Bamboo Tiki Man 44": Similar construction to the classic bamboo model but with beautiful Polynesian-inspired graphics. The longer length makes it especially stable for beginners while still maintaining that characteristic bamboo flex.

Budget-Friendly Options

Not everyone wants to spend $150+ on their first longboard. Thankfully, there are quality pintails available at more affordable price points:

Punked Beach 40" Pintail: This complete setup comes in around $90 and features colorful beach-themed graphics on a 7-ply maple deck. While not as flexible as bamboo, it's durable and perfect for learning the basics of cruising.

Yocaher Pintail Earth Series: Available for under $100, these feature nature-inspired graphics and come complete with aluminum trucks and 70mm wheels. They're a bit heavier than premium options but offer excellent value for beginners.

I started on a budget pintail myself and rode it for two years before upgrading. They're totally capable boards for learning and casual cruising.

Premium Picks

If you're looking for top-tier performance and craftsmanship, these premium pintails deliver:

Sector 9 Maverick Stack 44": Sector 9 is legendary in the longboard world, and their pintails showcase decades of refinement. The Maverick features vertically laminated bamboo, Gullwing trucks, and their signature center-set wheels. At around $230, it's an investment in quality that will last for years.

GoldCoast Classic Series: These boards combine bamboo and maple in a 5-ply construction that strikes the perfect balance between flex and response. The clean aesthetic and premium components make them stand out in the $160-200 range.

I've had the chance to try most of these brands, and the difference in quality is definitely noticeable. Premium pintails have better components throughout—not just the deck, but also higher-quality trucks, wheels, and bearings that really improve the ride experience.

How to Choose Your Perfect Pintail

Deck Length: Finding Your Sweet Spot

The right pintail length depends on your height, weight, and intended use:

• Under 5'6': Consider shorter pintails (36"-38")
• 5'6' to 6': Medium-length boards (40"-42") usually work well
• Over 6': Longer boards (44"+) provide more stability for taller riders

Longer decks offer more stability and a smoother ride, making them great for beginners or relaxed cruising. Shorter boards are more maneuverable for crowded areas but slightly less stable. When in doubt, a 40"-42" pintail works well for most riders as an all-purpose cruiser.

Material Selection

Your choice of deck material significantly impacts how the board rides:

Choose Bamboo if you want:

• Lighter weight
• More flex and shock absorption
• Eco-friendly construction
• That springy, surfy feel

Choose Maple if you prefer:

• Greater durability
• More stability at speed
• Less flex (stiffer ride)
• Lower price point

Consider Hybrids if you want:

• Balance of flex and durability
• Reinforcement in high-stress areas
• Premium construction

I've found that bamboo provides the most comfortable cruising experience, especially on rough sidewalks, but maple tends to last longer through rough treatment. Your riding environment and personal preference should guide this choice.

Complete vs. Deck-Only

Most pintails are available as complete setups or deck-only options:

Complete Longboards come with everything assembled and ready to ride. This is perfect for beginners who don't want to worry about component compatibility. A quality complete will have matching components that work well together.

Deck-Only options let you customize your setup with specific trucks, wheels, and bearings. This is ideal if you already have components you like or want to fine-tune your ride experience. The downside is the additional cost if you're buying all new components.

For your first pintail, a complete from a reputable brand is usually the best choice. You can always upgrade individual components later as you develop preferences.

Setting Up Your Pintail for Optimal Cruising

Truck and Wheel Selection

The right trucks and wheels make a huge difference in how your pintail performs for cruising:

Trucks:

• Width: Match your deck width (usually 150-180mm)
• Angle: Higher angle kingpins (50°) for more responsive turning
• Style: Traditional kingpin (TKP) for technical riding or Reverse kingpin (RKP) for smoother carving
• Brands to consider: Paris, Caliber, Bear, Gullwing

Wheels:

• Diameter: 65-75mm (larger = smoother ride and higher top speed)
• Durometer: 78a-83a (softer = more grip and smoother ride)
• Shape: Rounded edge for smoother transitions between carves
• Brands to consider: Orangatang, Sector 9, Blood Orange

My personal sweet spot for cruising is 180mm Paris V3 trucks with 70mm 78a wheels. This combo provides enough turn response without being twitchy, and the wheels are big enough for a smooth ride without getting wheel bite.

Grip Tape Options

Unlike traditional skateboards that use black grip tape, many pintail longboards use clear grip to showcase the natural wood grain or graphics:

• Clear spray-on grip: Less aggressive, shows off the deck design
• Clear sheet grip: More durable than spray-on, still displays the deck
• Black standard grip: Maximum traction but covers the deck design
• Custom grip patterns: Some riders apply grip tape in patterns for both style and functionality

Many pintails come with grip applied, but replacing worn grip is easy and can refresh an older board. For pure cruising, you don't need extremely coarse grip—medium grit works fine and is gentler on your shoes.

Hardware and Accessories

Don't overlook these small but important components:

• Bushings: The small urethane pieces in your trucks that dramatically affect turn response. Softer bushings (85a-90a) are generally better for cruising.
• Bearings: ABEC 7 or ABEC 9 bearings provide a good balance of speed and durability.
• Risers: 1/8" to 1/4" risers can prevent wheel bite on pintails with larger wheels.
• Hardware: 1.25" to 1.5" bolts depending on whether you're using risers.

Upgrading bushings to match your weight is probably the most cost-effective improvement you can make to any pintail setup. They typically cost under $15 but can transform how your board feels.

Maintaining Your Pintail Longboard

Keeping your pintail in good condition isn't complicated, but regular maintenance extends its life and keeps it riding smoothly:

Regular Maintenance

1. Check hardware tightness: Before each session, make sure all bolts are secure but not overtightened.
2. Clean bearings: Every 1-2 months depending on riding conditions, clean and relube your bearings.
3. Rotate wheels: Every few weeks, rotate wheel positions to ensure even wear.
4. Inspect for cracks: Regularly check your deck for small cracks, especially around truck mounting areas.

Weather Protection

Pintails are often made of wood, which means they're vulnerable to water damage:

• Avoid puddles and rain: Water can delaminate layers and cause warping.
• Dry thoroughly: If your board gets wet, dry it completely before storage.
• Consider sealing: A clear wood sealer on exposed edges can prevent water damage.

I learned this lesson the hard way after leaving my first pintail out during a surprise rain shower. The deck was never quite the same afterward.

Storage Tips

How you store your pintail affects its longevity:

• Store horizontally: Leaning vertically for long periods can cause warping.
• Avoid extreme temperatures: Don't leave your board in hot cars or freezing garages.
• Wall racks: If space is limited, horizontal wall racks are better than vertical ones.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Prolonged sun exposure can fade graphics and affect some adhesives.

With proper care, a quality pintail can last for many years. My oldest is going on seven years and still rides great!

FAQ: Pintail Longboards for Cruising

Are pintail longboards good for beginners?

Yes, pintail longboards are excellent for beginners due to their stable platform and predictable turning. The longer length provides inherent stability, and the shape is forgiving while you learn balance and basic techniques. The absence of kicktails simplifies the learning process, letting you focus on the fundamentals of pushing, turning, and foot-braking.

What's the difference between a pintail and drop-through longboard?

The main difference is how the trucks mount to the deck. Pintails have top-mounted trucks attached to the bottom of the deck, while drop-through boards have trucks mounted through cutouts in the deck. This makes drop-through boards lower to the ground (more stable, easier to push) while pintails sit higher (more leverage for turns, more lively feel). Pintails also have that distinctive pointed tail shape, whereas drop-throughs typically have more symmetrical shapes.

Can you do tricks on a pintail longboard?

You can perform some basic maneuvers but not technical tricks. Pintails excel at carving, cruising, and some dancing steps, but their lack of kicktails limits trick potential. They're not designed for ollies, kickflips, or technical sliding maneuvers. Some riders can perform basic cross-stepping, pirouettes, and peter-pans on pintails, but if tricks are your main focus, a different board style would be better.

What size pintail should I get?

For most adults, a 40"-42" pintail provides the best balance of stability and maneuverability. Shorter riders (under 5'6") might prefer 38" boards, while taller riders often appreciate the added stability of 44"+ decks. Longer boards generally provide more stability and a smoother ride but are less maneuverable in tight spaces. For all-around use, a 40" pintail is a versatile choice that works well for most riders.

Are bamboo or maple pintails better?

Neither is objectively better—they offer different riding experiences. Bamboo pintails are lighter, have more flex (absorbing road vibration), and provide a springy, responsive feel that many cruisers prefer. Maple pintails are more rigid, offering better stability at speed and greater durability, but with less shock absorption. Bamboo typically costs more but offers a more comfortable ride for pure cruising, while maple is often preferred for versatility across different riding styles.

How long do pintail longboards last?

With proper care, a quality pintail can last 5+ years of regular use. Premium brands with better construction techniques and materials may last significantly longer. The deck is usually the first component to show wear, with pressure