landyachtz switchblade vs drop hammer

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The Best Beginner Boards 2019

Now, I’m going to make a few assumptions here. 1) This is your first of potentially many longboards, so it’s okay to focus on single purpose boards. 2) You want a longboard for learning, something easy to start with. 3) You don’t currently have any longboarding or skating skills.

Why am I making those assumptions? You’re reading this article, so you’re likely new, and it’s impossible to find one longboard that will do everything you ever will want to do on four wheels.

So, let’s first discuss what makes a good beginner board, why I’m not recommending cheap ones from Amazon, and a few examples of excellent first boards.

Table of Contents

No Amazon Boards

Amazon, Walmart, Target, <insert big box store here> boards are all off the list. I don’t care if they’re cheap. The reason I’m not recommending these is because they’re typically low quality. They’re made with terrible wood that could snap under your feet at speed, causing injury. They often have cheaply made trucks that could break from riding, won’t give you smooth turns, and will make controlling your board difficult. The wheels are going to be garbage, they’re going to chunk, and you, again could get hurt. And, finally, the reason I didn’t get into skating earlier, because the bearings are going to be awful.

A little history of Danielle. I got my first skateboard with my brother when I was about 11. We skated for a bit. I never got good at anything. I couldn’t ollie, I barely learned a pop shuvit, and going anywhere was a hassle. That’s because they had terrible bearings, hard, garbage wheels, and you had to push constantly to keep it moving. My brother and I gave up. Our boards were Mongoose skateboards from a big box store. They were cheap, and we got what we paid for.

The other reason is that an investment in good equipment will push you to go out and ride. You’ll feel an obligation because you spent good money on something. In the beginning, learning is going to be very tough. Getting up to speed is going to take perseverance. My tips will make learning easier, but you’ll still need some financial motivation.

What to Look For

There’s a decent design for a super stable skateboard. You don’t have to completely match it, but this should be the easiest thing to ride. You’ll likely want a double drop longboard with reverse kingpin trucks, about 30-40″ in length, with at least 70mm soft wheels. They’re also going to need good bearings, like those from Bones, Oust, or even Zealous (the cheapest option). Here’s the “why” of each item.

Deck : Double Drop: A “double drop” deck drops down from where the trucks are mounted, and also allows the trucks to be mounted through the deck. This puts you as low to the ground as you can get. It’ll make learning to push and stop much easier, and also provide a stable base to learn on.

Trucks : Reverse Kingpin. Reverse kingpin trucks turn less for your lean than traditional kingpin trucks. Without explaining the geometry too much, they essentially have less rake, meaning they rotate less for your lean. This makes them less “twitchy” and easier for a beginner to learn to balance on. They’re also more stable at speed. Wide trucks are great for stability, but you might kick your wheels until you get used to them. In that case, thinner, 150mm trucks will work best.

Wheels : ~70mm and soft, 75a-80a. Soft wheels will grip more and absorb the shock from cracks in the pavement or rocks better. A softer ride means you’ll be bucked off less frequently. Depending on the deck, you could load up with 80mm to 85mm soft wheels for a really smooth ride, like I did for my Pantheon Ember.

Good Examples

I’ll include my references from reputable brands that make some great longboards. I haven’t ridden all of these, but I’ll mention what I can about each one.

Landyachtz Switch 35″ or 40″

This isn’t technically a double drop. However, the drop is so massive, it’ll bring you lower to the ground and give you great places for your feet. I like boards in the 35″ range, but if you’re tall, you may want to go with a 40″. I’m tall, 5’10”, but I still like the 35″ area. Many people my height do not.However, I recommended the Switch over the Switchblade for one reason: you can get it in that 35″ size. Beginners often feel a bit out of place carrying around a large board, and I want you out there and skating every day until it feels natural!

The “Tiger” design comes with some nice 70mm XL Fatty Hawgs, which I really love. They also come with the 181mm Bear 52º trucks. I recommend flipping them as soon as you get them, just to make them more stable and less lean-based to learn on. That’s the hangar of the truck, not the whole thing. The kingpin nut should still face outward. Then flip them around when you’re more comfortable.

• Switch Skull 35 (pictured above)
• Switch Skull 40
• Switch Tiger 35
• Switchblade 38
• Switchblade 40
• Evo 36 Falcon
• Evo 40 Falcon

To flip trucks, remove the nut on the kingpin, pull off the washer, bushing, and then the truck hangar. Flip it, without removing the truck or the bushing, and put it back together. Not all trucks work like this, but on the Bear trucks, you can flip them to ride them with a bit more stability.

A former coworker of mine got started with the Switch. He was a surfer, so taking to balance wasn’t difficult, but he was able to get used to skating very quickly, at least in part due to how easy this board is to skate on.

Worth Comparing: Landyachtz Switchblade and Evo

The Landyachtz Switchblade is, like the Switch, a drop pusher. It comes in 38″ and 40″ sizes. These are going to feel more stable than the Switch, so if you don’t mind the larger size, definitely go with these. How are they more stable? Top-mount drop decks like the Switch make your standing platform kind of like a pendulum. The standing area is low, but the pivot point is higher. I’m currently testing a Rain Board 2.0 that makes use of a deck design very similar to the Switch, and I found it surprisingly carvy and nimble, but worried it could be too much for a beginner.

That’s why, if you don’t mind the extra size, the Switchblade, with its lower mounting point, will feel a little more balanced. It’s just a feel, really, but you’ll feel more locked in.

You can also check out the Landyachtz Evo. The Evo is a bit different, made for downhill stability and distance pushing. The front truck offers more nimble turns, while the back truck is made for a stable platform. The end result is something that will turn and slide with ease. However, it also is a very stable setup. You might actually really like it as a beginner. During the Broadway Bomb this year, I saw a young kid skating one of these with his father. It was incredibly wholesome.

You could also try to learn on a large pintail. Pintails have a large standing platform and are a ton of fun. They sit high though, so pushing is more difficult. I’m currently testing Landyachtz’s Pinner 44 for a review, and, I’m spoiling that review a little bit, but, I love it so much. It’s so much fun.

Also: Landyachtz Drop Cat

Finally, there’s the Drop Cat. I’ve reviewed this myself and have some new advice. For beginners, I highly recommend it, as it sits low for pushing and, if you get the stock Bear trucks, you can flip them for stability. I now recommend the Drop Cat 33 or Drop Cat 38 for beginners, and I think you’d have a lot of fun on them. They cradle you, keep you low, and can be configured to be more stable than I realized in my initial review. You can also, as I suggest in my review, go for 43º trucks if you’re worried about stability.

Pantheon Trip

I got a friend into longboarding using one of Pantheon’s boards, the Ember. Now, I’m going to be upfront with you: all of Pantheon’s boards are amazing for beginners. The Ember is flexible and forgiving, while also being more nimble than the Trip. It’s better for cities, where you may have to dodge obstacles more often. The Pranayama is super low, but it’s stiff. It’s nimble like the Ember, but won’t absorb shocks as much. Then there’s the Trip. This is a stable platform, it’s forgiving, and it’s built around reverse kingpin trucks, which mean it’ll feel the most stable. I believe any of these boards would be excellent for a beginner, but recommend the Trip or Ember the most.

I bought an Ember when I broke my wrist and needed a super stable platform for skating (against doctor’s orders) in the city. I don’t recommend skating with an injury, but… well, I didn’t fall a second time while I was healing….

Loaded Icarus

The Icarus is a flexible and stable drop through deck. Loaded uses it for their electric boards, so you know it’ll be stable at speed. It can accommodate large wheels, has a large standing platform, is flexible and forgiving, and with your weight on it, comes close to the ground. It seems to be a fun board that would be forgiving for beginners. Just make sure you select the right flex level. I recommend more flex for lighter riders, so you can get closer to the ground. I’d say if you’re 170lbs or lower, go with their “Flex 2.”

If you prefer a longer board, you could go with the Dervish Sama. It’s an incredibly flexible board. Flexible boards will be more forgiving, bring you closer to the ground, and give you a springiness that you’re definitely going to appreciate as you start carving more.

Sector 9: “Platinum Series”

It comes with Sector 9’s Gullwing trucks, which I’ve found to be decently carvy. The ones that come with this seem to have double barrel bushings, which means it should be more stable than my setup from Sector 9 was. The wheels will be soft, but they’re too small and you’re going to want to replace them with something large. Furthermore, they come with ABEC 5 bearings, which are utter trash. If you go the Sector 9 route, I almost recommend just replacing the trucks, which aren’t too bad, with Bear or Paris, which I enjoy more, and large wheels, either from Hawgs, Powell Peralta, Orangatang, or even Sector 9’s own Butterballs. When you’re ready to learn to slide, you’ll have some fun on them.

This is a wide board, giving you a lot of forgiving space for your feet. I think that’s its strongsuit. This is a large board, but you won’t feel like you’re floating over the deck, you’ll have lots of room to find a sweet spot.

Bustin Boards Sportster

The Sportster uses the same (E)Core base as my Bonsai. It’s lightweight and surprisingly stiff. The top and bottom layers are still wood. There’s a double drop, and an aggressive concave to help you lock in. It’ll help you find your balance in the center of the board simple, and keep you in place as you carve or learn to slide. The Sportster isn’t too long, but, like the Pantheon Trip, the trucks begin and end the board. That gives you a long platform to work with.

I’m not a huge fan of their wheels, and, because mine came with Ace trucks, I haven’t tried Bustin’s trucks. However, their wheels are large enough to absorb some of the rough pavement on New York streets. They’ve got a sharp lip and lose a lot of speed while carving, so they’re beginner friendly, but you might find that they fray as you get better and start sliding them.

Arbor Axis Bamboo and Dropcruiser Flagship

Axis 40 Bamboo

This is a 40″ drop-through deck with reverse kingpin trucks. It’ll be stable, won’t turn super fast, and will be best for cruising, relaxed riding, and, of course, learning! Bamboo is excellent because it’s strong, incredibly flexible, and sustainable. A flexible board is going to be a bit surprising when you step on, but Arbor has set this up with a slight convex shape, so it’ll bend under your weight into something that’s a bit flatter. You’re not going to feel where to put your feet as easily with this, but I think the flexibility and shock absorption bamboo offers will be worth it.

Dropcruiser Flagship

This is a weird board. It’s actually wider in the back than the front, something you don’t usually see. It’s better for beginners to learn foot placement for their back foot though, so you might love it. The shape is a double drop for stability and to keep it low to the ground. It’s made out of 9-ply maple though, so it’s likely going to be very stiff. You might want some shock pads. Still, it’s a large platform with a double drop for stability and ease in pushing.

My Top Pick

Honestly? I love Landyachtz. They’re a great company. Every board from them has been a favorite. You’d do well going for the Switch, Switchblade, Evo Falcon, or Drop Cat. Plus, they plant a tree for every board sold!

However, for the absolute beginner, I think the Pantheon Trip might have them beat. The board is a bit more narrow, but this will make it more portable. You’ll be more likely to carry it around if it’s light. I’d say go for that unless you want a wider or stiffer board. If you have a local shop or even a Zumiez, you can shop around and try to find something that feels right under your feet.

My “Perfect” Beginner’s Board:

• Pantheon Trip Deck $120-$130
• Paris 150mm 50º RKP Trucks : $53
• 75A Speed Vent Wheels : $76
• MuirSkate Beasto 0.13″ risers with 1.25″ bolts : $8.95
• Bones Reds with Extended Races : $35.95

Total cost, if purchased separately: $277.90-$287.90, though you can get most of this through MuirSkate or a local skate shop for less. Pantheon is working on getting those trucks in again, and will be able to sell a similar setup for under $250. I believe I got my Ember for $230. Though MuirSkate doesn’t have the 150mm Paris Trucks and is out of stock on the Trip deck currently, this setup would get you going quickly.

Update: You can get this as a complte from Pantheon for just $247. You can also upgrade the bushings with those from Orangatang for extra rebound and springiness.

Heavier Rider? No Problem!

The Pantheon Trip is a great board, but it’s really only recommended for riders up to 230lbs. Jeff, the founder of Pantheon, has had videos of more than one person on a Trip at a time, definitely over 230lbs, but this could risk damage. Once you carve hard, you could find yourself bottoming out of breaking your board. So perhaps you’re heavier rider, want to ride it hard eventually, and therefore don’t want it to be too flexible. What then?

You’re going to want something that’s already quite stiff. For that, I recommend the Landyachtz Evo Falcon 40. Complete from Landyachtz, it’s $250 . However, you may want to add thin soft risers ( or thicker ones ) and better bearings , to smooth out your ride. This build I made on MuirSkate is only a little more, and would save you money on bearings upgrades. You could also flip the hangars of those Bear Trucks to give them more stability. You may only have to do the front one, but get a feel for it! The Evo will provide a super stiff ride, but it’ll handle whatever you throw at it. I think the Trip is better for riders under 230lbs, but anyone could be happy with the Evo.

For a cheaper ride? There’s the Landyachtz Switchblade, a fantastic and stable beginner board. There’s also the Drop Cat, Drop Hammer, and Switch, all great choices.

But I want to have FUN!

You’re going to have fun on all of them, honest! But I won’t lie, I tailored these suggestions for someone looking for the most stable and easy to ride board they could get. If you want a low, easy to push, and fun for skaters of all levels, check out the Drop Cat 33 or 38 . I will recommend flipping the Bear trucks right away if you want an easier learning experience, but it’s low, it’s fun, and it’s my everyday board for commuting and freeriding. It really is a blast. It will be more difficult to start with, but it’s a whole lot of fun.

What About Cruisers?

I love cruisers. I have too many but I’m definitely buying more. I started on a Landyachtz Dinghy , but it’s a short and tall setup that can be a little tricky to learn on. I’ve heard others express interest in the Landyachtz Tugboat for its larger size. I also liked the larger wheel sizes on the Bustin Bonsai , but, again, it’s going to be a tall setup. The Bonsai does have an interesting surface which can help with foot placement though.

You could also check out the new Loaded Coyote . It’s a versatile board that can have TKP or RKP trucks and a longer wheelbase. It has wheel wells and a kick tail. However, it’s going to sit tall. All cruisers will. That’s going to make pushing and balance more difficult. Once you get it though, cruisers are an absolute blast.

To Sum it Up…

You could buy any board. Really, anything. If you want, you could learn on a 22″ Penny Board. The only thing that will change is how long it takes you to learn. I learned on a Dinghy with 0.5″ hard risers. It had small wheels, a small deck, nimble trucks, and sat high. It was nearly everything I just recommended against, and I love it . But it took me longer to learn than I would have if I had followed my advice here.

No matter what longboard you get, you’re eventually going to love the sport. So what are you waiting for? Start loving your commute, trips to your friends places, and your weekends just a little bit more. Get a longboard.

About the author

Related posts.

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Pushing and Stopping: A Beginner’s Guide

How to Flip Your Trucks

No beginner here, but looking for a low pushing board for next spring. Definitely considering the Pantheon boards, mostly the Ember. The Trip seems nice too but without a tail it seems impossible to kick it up in your hands (in city traffic, I think that is a must-have).

You can drop another 20 bucks off the price of the Pantheon Trip by going with Zealous bearings. They take a little to break in but perform just as well as the reds and will probably even last a bit longer due to the nano-ceramic grease they use.

The Arbor Axis is an excellent starter board, good addition to your article. I started on one (the 37 inch maple version) earlier this year and really like it so far. It is stable and has a little bit of flex for that nice surfy feeling. Another beginner tip would be the LY Drop Hammer, which is even more stable and – at least feels – lower to the ground because of the rocker. It is really stiff though. My skate buddy owns one and he pointed out that it felt easier to skate as an absolute beginner than my Axis.

(By the way, sorry for the profile pic. Way too formal and it really kills the casual skate vibe here – but it is up there and I don’t know how to change it…)

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Landyachtz Switchblade Review : Everything You Need To Know!

Do you think Landyachtz Switchblade is the best longboard for riding downhills and at the same time a comfortable mode of transportation? Many riders consider this as one of the best longboards out there. But is it really that great?

What makes Landyachtz Switchblade stand out from the rest? Before you get yourself one, let’s see why many riders prefer this over the others and if it is the right longboard for you.

• Landyachtz Switchblade Chief Night Longboard Measures 40" x 10"
• Bear Grizzly Black 180mm Trucks
• Mini Zombie White 70mm 80a Wheels
• Black Landyachtz Grip Tape, Spaceball Bearings
• Comes Assembled With All Landyachtz Factory Components!

For more than two decades now, Landyachtz had been providing high-quality skateboards. It all started as a hobby and a source of entertainment for a group of young skaters. As they search for a more challenging and better set of a skateboard, Landyachtz was born.

At first, they were just skating around campus in between classes, trying to make their school days more exciting. But it didn’t stop them from exploring; they began to look for other places where they can skate freely, doing more challenging tricks and riding at more speed. Realizing that standard skateboards cannot withstand the constant abuse of riding at different speeds and terrains, they decided to create their own version.

Landyachtz is not your ordinary skateboard company. The team had put in a lot of hard work and dedicated a lot of time perfecting their products. They give great attention to detail, testing and trying their skateboards and pushing them to the limit. They believe that they cannot provide the best skateboard without trying it themselves and knowing how each board feels during the ride.

Riding the boards themselves is the only way they can know if their skateboards can withstand all possible abuse. This is the best way they can create strong, functional, comfortable, and fast skateboards. 

Aside from meticulous testing, Landyachtz makes sure they only use quality materials. The Canadian Maple wood they use is not just from any ordinary Maple tree. Their years of manufacturing and trials and errors had resulted in a deeper understanding of how to choose the right tree for their boards. All are handpicked to ensure that only the strongest and highest quality of wood is used.

Landyachtz skateboard completes were all created with one thing in mind – they should all be perfect and ready to use. Their goal is to create the perfect skateboard that you can ride immediately without the need for adjustments. To do this, all parts are paired perfectly with each other and all should be quality parts.

Because of it, they had decided to create and manufacture their own wheels, trucks, and bearings that will go well with their boards. Same with their decks, the wheels and trucks were carefully designed and had undergone thorough examination and testing.

Aside from completes, wheels, and trucks, they also sell other things like shirts, accessories, hats, gloves, and tools, and hardware. They’re like your one-stop shop for your skating needs. 

Landyachtz is one of those companies that believe in preserving the beauty of the planet. The brand is not only committed to providing quality skateboards but also to promoting sustainability. They plant a tree for every skateboard they make to replace the trees they’ve used.

An Overview of Landyachtz Switchblade

With their more than 22 years of providing quality skateboards, Landyachtz had gained the respect of many riders and their competitors too. One of the most talked-about Landyachtz products is the Landyachtz Switchblade which was first released over ten years ago. 

Even now, Switchblade is still getting a lot of attention from many riders, especially those who are looking for an all-around longboard. There’s no question when it comes to quality, Landyachtz had already proven that their products are strong and can last a long time even with constant abuse.

Landyachtz Switchblade is a super stable longboard even when riding at higher speed. It has a large standing platform that allows riders to stay steady even when they increase their speed. 

The double drop construction allows riders to tuck their feet opposite it. The Switchblade has a W concave providing a secure and steady foot lock-in. 

The Switchblade has 9-ply of 100% Canadian Maple wood making it stiff and easy to control. It also comes in two sizes the 38″ long with a 10″ width and the 40″ in length that is 10″ wide. The two sizes provide different riding experiences.  

The shorter one is light and fast while the longer board provides more stability and drift. When it comes to designs, the Switchblade has very few but attractive graphics. The price is just right considering the quality of each component.

Features of Landyachtz Switchblade

9-ply Handpicked Canadian Maple Wood

One of the strongest boards out there having a 9-ply of 100% Canadian Maple wood. Although Canadian Maple wood is pretty standard in the skating industry, 9-ply construction is not. Aside from that, Landyachtz doesn’t just use any kind of Canadian Maple wood, they thoroughly inspect it and make sure it has all the components needed to create a strong board.

It has a perfectly symmetrical shape perfect for freeride and downhill rides. This kind of shape allows riders to keep their stance even when riding regular or switch. It also has a wide wheel clearance due to its huge wheel cutouts.

Switchblade has a deep concave, allowing riders to have a better freeriding experience and explore their limits. It provides better foot lock-in while giving you more control while making it more responsive at the same time.

Drop Through Construction

The trucks on Switchblade are mounted over the board’s wingtips. It has a slanted drop that lets you tuck your feet opposite it, plus the standing platform is lower the truck mount’s level.

Gen 6 Grizzly Trucks

All of Landyachtz’s skateboards have the same quality as their decks. The Gen 6 Grizzly Trucks is a better version of Bear’s high-end Freeride and Downhill trucks. The improved Gen 6 Grizzly trucks are made stronger and have a more refined maneuvering geometry.

These trucks are highly customizable as they come in 3 baseplate angles and hangar widths. This will allow you to set up your trucks on how you wish them to perform.

70mm Mini Zombie Hawgs Wheels

The Hawg wheels have a round-lipped profile and an offset core. Switchblade has soft wheels that provide smooth rolling in almost any kind of terrain. These wheels are durable and offer smoother slides.

Bear Spaceball Bearings

The bearings on Switchblade have built-in spacers. This protects the Grizzly trucks from damage. Riders who are learning how to slide will find this very useful.

The Switchblade has limited designs but is still attractive. The illustrations are mostly mountains that signify the board’s main purpose of riding, which is downhill and freeride.

Pros and Cons

Do you like what you’re reading about Landyachtz Switchblade so far? To fully appreciate it, here are some of its pros and cons.

• Strong and durable deck

The 9-ply construction of handpicked Canadian Maple wood is something that makes all the difference from other standard Maple wood boards. The brand is committed to providing high-quality products that they only use first-rate materials.

• Large wheel cutouts

The large wheel cutouts prevent you from experiencing wheelbite even when performing tight turns on big slopes.

• Has smooth and responsive trucks

The trucks in the Switchblade make the board more responsive and offer a smoother ride. The trucks make the board agile and nimble but still easy to control.

• Has built-in spacers

The bearings come with built-in spacers that protect the trucks from getting damaged easily. Riders practicing their slide will appreciate the built-in spacers.

• Soft and durable wheels

The Mini Zombie has an offset core and a stone-ground polish that provides predictable hook-up and smoother slides.

• Aggressive deep concave

The concave on Switchblade allows your feet to lock-in comfortably as you ride. It gives you more stability even when carving.

• Easy to ride

No need to change your stance even when you ride regular or switch with its symmetrical-shaped deck. It makes the board more stable and easy to maneuver.

• Lots of opportunities when it comes to skating spots

Landyachtz Switchblade is suitable for riding in many skate spots. It gives a comfortable ride whether you’re in the city, campus, alleys, paths, hills, and mountains.

• Available in two sizes

No matter how short or tall you are, there’s a Switchblade available for you. It comes in two sizes which are 38″ and 40″ long with a width of both 10″. The length allows you to move freely on the board.

• Great for different kinds of riding

The Switchblade is perfect for those who are into freeriding, downhill rides, and even commuting. It’s a versatile board that you can use almost anywhere.

• Has high-quality components

Each part of Landyachtz Switchblade is high-quality. The trucks, bearings, and wheels that come with it are all products of Landyachtz and had undergone rigorous tests.

• No adjustments needed

All of Switchblade’s parts go well together. From the size and shape of the deck to the wheels and bearings. You can use it immediately right after you receive it. 

• Few design options

The switchblade has very few designs and all are mountain-inspired. The graphics are a bit plain and simple but are still attractive though. However, if you are looking for a wide range of colorful and striking graphics you might be a little disappointed with Switchblade.

• Can be hard to adjust the riding position

The deep concave may sometimes prevents you from adjusting or shifting your position while pushing and pumping as it requires a lot of foot adjustments.

• A bit pricey

It’s a bit expensive, especially for newbies. However, it’s a great investment considering the overall quality of the board.

• Slightly heavy

The 9-ply construction is a bit heavy for a longboard. However, they do have a more lightweight version of the Switchblade but it is more expensive.

How Does Landyachtz Switchblade Comapre To Other Boards?

Is the Switchblade worthy of its price? Is it really better than other longboards out there? Over the years, the brand had proven to be worthy of the attention and reputation it gained with the products it has released.

There is no doubt that Landyachtz is one of the few companies that believe in providing high-quality skateboards. Their products had undergone meticulous testings and they even try their own products before releasing them to the public. This guarantees that all are perfectly made for a specific purpose.

Their passion for finding and creating the best skateboards can be seen with their attention to detail and trying to learn everything they can about skateboards. They’ve even joined racing events just to test the limits of their products. They also have a deep understanding of the structure of a good maple tree. This only proves that they always go above and beyond just to create the perfect skateboard.

The Switchblade is no different. All components had undergone the same tests and trials just like all of their boards. Every part and even the littlest detail were done the right way. 

Every rider no matter what their size is will find the right setup for their Switchblade since it is available in two sizes. The setup is made not only for one riding style but for several functions too. You can use it for commuting, freeriding, and fast downhill riding. 

However, some may find that the price is more expensive than other longboards. But when it comes to quality, the Switchblade is still better even for its price. Also, the limited designs may not entice riders who like striking graphics. Riders who do a lot of pushing may find it hard to change foot positions due to its aggressive concave.

Verdict - Final Thoughts!

So what do you think of Landyachtz Switchblade’s overall performance? It does have a lot of nice points and it is a reliable and sturdy longboard. It’s great for long-distance commuting and pushing. The overall setup makes your board ready for riding with little to no adjustment needed. This is such a nice buy especially for riders who are into freeriding, commuting, and downhill riding.

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Lisa Hayden-Matthews

• August 15, 2023
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Best Landyachtz Longboard By Riding Style [2023-2024]

Posted on Last updated: September 13, 2023

Categories Gear & reviews

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Most riders agree that Landyachtz ranks among the top longboard brands on the planet. With roots in hardcore longboard racing, they’ve always been on a mission to make top-quality boards that are both super durable and amazing to ride.

Aside from outstanding decks of all types and shapes, Landyachtz also designs and produces their own highly-regarded trucks under the Bear Trucks brand name, as well as the recognized Hawgs wheels . As a result, LY offers excellent end-to-end quality for their complete setups.

Landyachtz’s lineup of completes is quite impressive and it’s easy to get lost when trying to choose a complete.

I’ve compiled a comprehensive comparison table for the Landyachtz completes, with key features including target riding style, size and wheelbase, shape, kicks, recommended setup, and price.

Click on the table image below to view it in Google Sheets (or click here ):

If you still feel lost amidst the broad Landyachtz longboard lineup, here are my 9 favorite Landyachtz boards for different riding styles:

In the rest of this post, I’ll review each of the longboards in Landyachtz’s lineup. Hopefully, this will help you choose the best one for your needs.

Landyachtz’s longboards can be categorized as follows:

• Urban cruisers
• Surf skates
• Drop-throughs

Table of Contents

Best Landyachtz urban cruiser

Landyachtz dinghy 28′.

The Dinghy is Landyachtz’s flagship mini cruiser. It is 28.5″ long and 8″ to 8.6″ wide with a 14.6″ to 15″ wheelbase depending on the version.

The Dinghy has a classic mini-cruiser surf shape with a huge kicktail, a small nose kick for tricks, and mellow concave with pronounced wheel flares for foot lock-in when riding faster and slashing hard.

The Dinghy comes fitted with responsive and quick-turning Polar Bear 105mm trucks, and soft 63mm Fatty Hawgs that fit the deck perfectly without wheelbite.

See my in-depth review of the Dinghy here or check it out directly on Landyachtz

Landyachtz Jammer 29.6″

The Jammer is a wide 29.6″ x 9.2″ directional cruiser with a short and snappy 14.1″ wheelbase. Like the Dinghy, it has a big fat tail and a significant nose kick, and medium+ concave for secure foot hold when slashing around.

Unlike the Dinghy, this cruiser’s 80s-style shape features pronounced taper around the nose and the base of the tail.

The Jammer is nice and comfortable for cruising around town. Meanwhile, the 7-ply maple construction makes it easy to pop over street obstacles and curbs for urban shredding. It’s also a decent board for some park riding.

The tapered deck and the wheel wells allow the Jammer to run narrow 130mm Polar Bear trucks which also contribute to making it super agile. The soft 60mm Chubby Hawgs, relatively big for the deck and truck size, result in a silky smooth and fast, grippy ride.

See the Jammer on Landyachtz

Landyachtz Tugboat 30″

The Tugboat is 30″ x 9″ with a 15″ wheelbase. It has a similar shape to the Dinghy, only bigger and with a slightly more mellow concave. This cruiser is ideal for bigger riders who find the Dinghy for their size or feet.

The larger foot platform results in a more comfy cruising experience, improved stability when riding fast, and increased confidence when landing tricks. The large kicktail and small functional nose kick make the Tugboat a great city slasher – including for banks, driveways, ditches, etc.

The Tugboat can be set up with narrow 130mm Polar Bear street trucks and 60mm Chubby Hawgs for a snappy and fast feel, or with wider 155mm Polar Bears + 63mm EZ Hawgs for more stability and slide-ability.

See the Tugboat on Landyachtz

Landyachtz Schooner 32.9″

The Schooner is a different type of cruiser with a very long 18.9″ wheelbase for its 32.9″ x 9″ size. It’s also noticeably flexier than the others due to the Fiberglass plies inserted in its maple layup.

The fiberglass results in a snappy flex that provides energetic feedback when carving and pumping.

The Schooner’s long wheelbase makes it super stable and more suitable than most small cruisers for fast riding including on decent hills. The rockered shape also results in good foothold and control.

The deck has a mellow (compared to the Dinghy and Tugboat) but effective kicktail, as well as a slightly uplifted nose for foot tucking.

The rocker and flex combine to provide a longboard-like carve and pump feel despite the short length. This results in fast and snappy turns and a comfortable, dampened ride even on rougher terrain.

The Schooner comes equipped with the narrow 130mm Polar Bear trucks for optimal carving response. The wheel flares allow running larger 70mm Hawgs Supreme wheels which result in a very fast roll and a grippy feel for longer rides.

See the Schooner on Landyachtz

Best Landyachtz surfskate

Landyachtz butter 31.2′.

The 31.2″ x 9″ Butter surf skate has a full outline though significantly flatter compared to the Dinghy, with a smaller and more mellow kicktail, flat concave, and no nose kick. It’s particularly well-suited for slashing down alleyways and pumping on banks.

The Butter’s flat shape slightly tapered around the nose is designed to provide complete freedom of movement for surf-style riding. The deck is equipped with soft-top grip tape for barefoot riding.

The Butter comes with Landyachtz’s 130 RKP Banger surf skate front truck for extreme turn and response, allowing for radical cutbacks and tailslides. The rear truck is a regular TKP Polar Bear 130mm for maximum grip and stability. The 65mm Hawgs surf skate wheels offer square lips and a glossy finish for high grip.

See the Butter on Landyachtz. Also check out my full review of Landyachtz surfskates here .

Landyachtz Pocket Knife 29.6″

Compared to the Butter, The 29.6″ x 9.1″ Pocket Knife has a smaller, more aggressive shortboard-style shape with a narrower nose and tapered tail. this results in a super nimble surf skate for very tight lines.

The adjustable 13.2″ to 15.3″ wheelbase lets you choose between super snappy tail slides and longer drawn-out surf curves.

While 1.6″ shorter than the Butter, it’s slightly wider toward the front where the nose starts, providing generous foot space above the front truck for highly responsive turns.

Compared to the popular Landyachtz Dinghy, the Pocket Knife is slightly longer and 1″+ wider, with a more shortboard-like outline.

The Pocket Knife’s kicktail is decent-sized but with a very mellow angle – just enough for kick turns when slashing a driveway or bowl, or for hopping on or off a curb. The rockered shape helps keep your feet in place when slashing.

This deck has a bit more concave than its big brother, with slightly raised edges that culminate around the wide point of the deck. This gives you good foot lock-in at this spot when carving tight or riding fast.

The Pocket Knife deck comes with soft-top grip for some sweet barefoot driveway carving. Its comes with the 155mm Banger Surf Skate truck set and grippy 65mm Surf Hawgs wheels.

See the Pocket Knife on Landyatchz’s website.

Landyachtz Surf Life 31.6″

The 31.6″ x 9.5″ Surf Life is the longest and widest of Landyachtz’s surf skates, about 1/2″ longer and wider than the Butter. Unlike the butter’s classic shortboard surfboard shape, the Surf Life boasts an 80s-style outline with a wide nose and tail, a deep kick, and a tapered “waist” for super-fast carves.

This shape is inspired by Landyachtz’s  ATV Ditch Life , designed specifically for concrete ditches, pool, and tricks. The Surf Life, though, has much less concave, a flat nose, and a flatter kick for increased freedom of movement for surf-style carving and snap-backs.

Compared to the other Landyachtz surf skates, the Surf Line offers the most foot platform with a comfortable nose and tail. It also has the largest wheelbase, up to 17+” (vs 15″ for its siblings).

The long wheelbase combined with the tapered outline and roomy platform allows for faster and slashier surf skate styles, including in the pool, on street obstacles, on park ramps, and in concrete trenches. The shape also makes it comfortable for long and relaxed surf-style cruising.

The Surf Life also comes fitted with soft-top grip tape for added return and control and surf-style barefoot riding. It ships with the 130mm Banger surf skate truck set and 65mm Hawgs wheels.

See the Surf Life

Landyachtz Groveler 32.6″

The Groveler is a larger and ultra-wide deck with size 32.6″ x 10.3″ and an adjustable wheelbase between 17.7″ and 17.9″. Among the widest surf skates out there, this board provides a comfortable and highly responsive foot platform for deep surf-style carving.

The Groveler has a low concave providing complete freedom of movement when carving on bike paths and boardwalks. The rockered shape, however, helps keep your feet in place, and the deck’s medium flex also adds some bounciness to your carves.

The egg-style surf outline makes this surf skate super fun and comfy for longboard surfboard-style soul riding with nice drawn-out curves. Meanwhile, the 155mm Banger surf trucks enable extreme turns for surf-style maneuvers.

The big 65mm square-lipped Hawgs wheels offer both speed and a nice amount of grip for extreme surf-style turns.

The layer of foam in the grip tape (soft top) also adds stickiness and a nice cushioned feel when carving and pumping.

See the Groveler on Landyachtz

Best Landyachtz hybrid cruisers

Atv classic 32′.

At 32″ x 9″ with a 14″3/8 wheelbase, the ATV Perfecto is one of Landyachtz’s special hybrid boards for combining street riding and comfy cruising.

A classic dual-kick popsicle shape, the ATV Classic is designed for street skating, shuvits, riding fakie, kick tricks, etc, while still being capable of carving and fast riding.

This deck has durable and high-pop composite construction with noticeable concave and subtle foot pockets.

The complete comes with 155mm Polar Bear TKP trucks and fast-rolling, soft and grippy 60mm Lil EZ Hawgs.

Check out the ATV Classic here . See also my Landyachtz ATV review

ATV Perfecto 32″

The ATV Perfecto offers the same 32″ x 9″ size and 14 3/8″ wheelbase and large dual kicks as its Classic ATV brother. However, instead of a fully symmetrical popsicle shape, the Perfecto has a slightly directional shape for easier cruising with a slightly tapered nose for more responsive carving.

Just like the Classic, the Perfecto is a super capable hybrid deck that works wonders for street, bowl, transitions, and pop tricks. Thanks to its directional touch, it’s also a great board for slashy and fun urban cruising on narrow inner city streets, sidewalks, and back alleys.

The bottom graphic features an awesome pug coming straight from the galaxy. The complete comes with the same setup as the Classic with Polar Bear 155mm trucks and 60mm Lil EZ wheels.

See the ATV Perfecto on Landyachtz

Ditch Life 31″

A 31″ x 9.75″, the Ditch is a wide dual-kick hybrid cruiser designed by Landyachtz team rider Mackenzie Yoshida for shredding steep ditches and rough terrain. It has deep concave resulting in effective foot lock-in for solid aggressive skating.

the Ditch features a steep and super wide kicktail and a significant nose kick for tricks and street obstacle slashing. this board is great for radical riding as well as mellow and fun daily carving. the ample width and comfortable 15″ wheelbase also give it good stability at higher speeds.

the Dich Life ships with the usual AtV setup with the fast-turning 155mm Polar Bear trucks and the smooth and grippy 60mm 78a Chubb Hawgs wheels. the wheel wells below the deck allow you to run larger wheels and/or looser trucks.

the bottom side of the deck shows beautiful see-through sine waves layered on top of a unique color gradient.

See the Ditch Life here

Landyachtz Slim Jim 31″

The Slim Jim hybrid cruiser offers more footroom, larger kicks, and more concave than regular cruisers. It’s designed for a combination of easy cruising and tricks like ollies/nollies, manuals, switch riding, and tech slides.

While it has a directional shape, its highly functional tail and nose kicks are designed for serious tricks, e.g. for street skaters looking for something more comfortable to cruise or commute on daily without giving up the street fun.

The Slim Jim complete ships with Polar Bear 130 TKP trucks to suit the deck’s narrow 8.43″ width, and fast, grippy 60mm 78a Chubby Hawgs.

See the Slim Jim here

Best Landyachtz freeride longboard

Landyachtz switchblade 36′- 38′.

The Switchblade is another Landyachtz bestseller. A symmetrical double drop with large wheel cutouts and a big foot platform, it comes in 36″, 38″, and 40″ lengths with widths ranging from 9.75″ to 10″ and wheelbases 27.25″ to 31″.

This is a very versatile, low-riding board that’s extremely comfortable for distance pushing and good for carving and moderate freeride. It’s a stiff and durable 9-ply board with medium concave and deep foot pockets for solid lock-in at speed.

Check out my full review of the Switchblade here

Best Landyachtz drop-through

Landyachtz drop cat 33′ – 38′.

The Drop Cat is a rockered directional drop-through commuter longboard. It comes in two sizes, 33″ x 9 5/8″ (23.9 WB) and 38″ x 9.9″ (29.3″ WB).

The innovative high rocker makes this board low riding for pushing and distance and gives good foot lock-in for freeride. The mild flex helps absorb shocks from uneven ground without affecting stability when going fast.

The Drop Cat comes stock with smooth carving 180mm Grizzly Bear trucks and large and grippy 72mm Plow King wheels.

Learn more about this board in this post and this post .

Best Landyachtz pintail longboard

Landyachtz ripper 36.9′.

The Ripper is a 36.9″ x 9″ (WB 24.9″) cruiser with sort of a pintail shape but without the pin tail! It has a long and narrow shape with a squash kicktail that makes it look like a longboard surfboard.

This board has a nice angled kicktail and boasts a pretty good rocker that brings the deck closer to the ground for comfy cruising. The Ripper has a subtle concave, making it a good board for chill and stable riding.

The long wheelbase gives this board a surfy feel, while the tight Polar Bear 130mm RPK trucks, “smaller” 63mm wheels, and functional kicktail keep it responsive and smooth riding.

Best Landyachtz freestyle longboard

Landyachtz rally cat 34.7′.

A larger hybrid at 34.7″ x 8.9″, the Rally Cat is designed for a mix of cruising, freeride, and serious street/park. Its dual-kicks deck with a lot of rocker, making it low riding and easy to push on.

The Rally Cat has significant tail and nose kicks (almost symmetrical), medium concave, and pronounced wheel flares that create snug pockets for solid foot lock-in when fast riding and performing hard tricks.

This is a great board for serious tricks and smooth cruising. It comes with agile Polar Bear 130mm trucks and fast and smooth 63mm Fatty Hawgs.

See the Rally Cat on the Landyachtz website

Best Landyachtz dancing longboard

Landyachtz stratus 45.5′.

The symmetrical, double-kick Stratus has made a spot for itself among the top dancing and freestyle longboards out there. The Watercolour version is beautiful looking.

The popular dancer is 46″ x 9.25″ with a 27.5″ – 29.5″ adjustable wheelbase – though the Stratus also comes in length 40″ with a 22.3″ – 224.5″ wheelbase.

The full-size deck offers a large foot platform with minimal concave and grip tape for board walking and cross-stepping. It has energetic flex for smooth carving, and nice double kicks for freestyle tricks and quick turns.

The Stratus comes equipped with smooth and responsive Grizzly RKP trucks and relatively small 63mm Fatty Hawgs for low weight and grippy turns.

Learn more about the Stratus in this post .

Best Landyachtz downhill longboard

Landyachtz obsidian 31′.

31″ x 9″ with an adjustable wheelbase of 22-5″ to 23″, the Obsidian is the ultimate bullet-shaped carbon racing board.

This deck has a special shape with several flat leverage points on the side for the highest control in high-speed turns. It has a wide squash tail, no kick, and virtually no concave for optimal placement and freedom of movement when racing.

See the Obsidian here on Landyachtz’s website.

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• Drop Through Longboards | Drop Thru Longboard

Landyachtz Drop Hammer Skate Or Dye Drop Thru Complete Longboard

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Description

The Landyachtz Drop Hammer Skate or Dye Drop Thru Longboard Complete is a light, stiff and highly carvable board.  The Drop Hammer is great for anyone looking to spice up their commute, carve down a mellow hill, get rad on their way to class or just get out for an afternoon ride with friends. Drop mounted, symmetrical and packed full of awesomeness!

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Family owned since 2006, The Longboard Store offers quality brand-certified longboard completes, longboard decks, trucks, wheels, and accessories. Longboarding is a unique skating experience and we offer only the highest quality longboards and related tech to guarantee a smooth ride. We offer longboard completes with all brand certified equipment. However, if customization is what you’re after, we offer a wide variety of decks, trucks, wheels, and other accessories for your longboard. The longboard community is a unique crew so even if you start off with a complete, you can switch up your trucks and wheels depending on your mood and destination. Check out the different longboard brands we sell like Arbor , Landyachtz , and Sector 9 . By shopping with us, you’re guaranteed free USA shipping and no sales tax. Start browsing our high quality selection today and find the longboard that perfectly matches your riding style.

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Drop Hammer – Skate or Dye

Light, stiff and highly carvable. The Drop Hammer is great for anyone looking to spice up their commute, carve down a mellow hill, get rad on their way to class or just get out for an afternoon ride with friends. The Skate or Dye features a vibrant new graphic we cooked up in-house that is sure to bring some brightness to your day every time you grab your board and head out your front door.

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DESCRIPTION

The Drop Hammer is a symmetrical drop-through longboard measuring 36.5″ long and 10″ wide. Its low ride height makes it an ideal city commuter and its medium concave and reasonably stiff construction make it a perfect board for an introduction to freeriding and carving on bigger hills. The Drop Hammer has been modified to work perfectly with the new Grizzly Gen 6 180mm trucks for maximum turning and super deep carves. 70mm 78a Supremes finish the set up off for super smooth slides.

Gen 6 180mm

Redesigned from the ground up and incorporating technology perfected in our high end DH and Freeride trucks, Gen 6 Grizzlies are the best performing cast trucks on the market today. Game changing strength and highly refined steering geometry are just the tip of the iceberg.

70mm Supremes

The ultimate all-rounders, we designed the 70mm Supremes to do anything you could want to do on your longboard and do it well. We use a medium sized plastic core to work with the shape of the wheel and a 78a urethane formula for good acceleration and roll speed while providing predictable slides and ample grip. Upgrade your ride today with a set of Supremes.

 Spaceballs are our answer to all of your bearing problems.  Never again can you lose your washers, or spacers because we’ve built them into the inner race!  On the functional side, this means your bearings are always mated correctly which negates any bearing-induced chatter. 

Orders are currently leaving our warehouses within 1 – 3 business days. For us, “business days” means Monday – Friday as we do not ship orders on weekends. From Monday to Friday our hours of operation are 9am – 5pm PST, excluding statutory holidays. Order processing times are subject to change and orders may ship out later (or earlier) than the aforementioned window – depending on how busy we are.

USA:  Free Shipping on orders above $125*. Express/Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost.

• West Coast*  – all orders shipped ground, average transit time is 2-3 days.
• East Coast* –  all orders shipped express from our LA warehouse, transit time is usually around 5-7 days.

CANADA:  Free Shipping on orders above $125*. Express/Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost

REST OF THE WORLD:  Live rates based on destination.  Customers are responsible for any local taxes, duties and customs clearance fees on their order.

At Landyachtz we have always aimed to improve the quality of the skateboard you ride and we strongly believe in the boards we make. You can rest assured knowing that, in the rare case of defect, our skateboards come with a 1 year warranty.  

The more we know, the easier it is to help your claim!  The best way to submit your warranty claim is using the form below .   There you can provide all of the necessary information and images we require to assess  your warrant y  claim. Before completing the form please ensure you have photos that show the top and bottom of the board as well as detailed pictures of the affected area.

Please allow us 3-7 business days for us to asses your warranty claim and get in contact with you. We will do our best to make sure you’re back on a quality skateboard as soon as possible.

The   following issues are not covered by our warranty:

• Impact damage, including snaps and cracks
• Run over by a vehicle (or horse)
• Scratches or minor chips
• Water damage

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Flex Ratings

We’ve categorized the stiffness of our boards into 3 main groups, listed below.  The general rule is the faster you’re skating, the stiffer the deck, but this is not universal.

Flexy – Soft and supple flex profile best suited for carving and cruising on longer boards. The bouncy nature of these decks lets you turn deeper and surf your surrounds.

Medium – The do it all of our boards, a perfect balance of stability and carve. 

Stiff – From cruisers to downhill boards a stiff flex profile excels in stability and responsiveness.  Whether you’re dipping into driveways or bombing a mountain pass you’ll be down with the stiffness.