Best Dancing Longboards for 2021

Out of all the different styles of longboarding that have emerged in recent years, longboard dancing, (when done properly) is certainly the most alluring. If you’re unfamiliar with longboard dancing or uncertain as to what constitutes “proper” technique, take a look at this short video:

To the untrained eye, it might seem like simply walking up and down the length of the board. Experienced longboarders, however, understand the delicacy of shifting your weight on the deck and its consequences.

Longboard dancing is one of the best longboard tricks you can do, and you can learn how with enough patience and work. It takes impressive skill and a light touch to learn this mesmerizing form of longboarding, but don’t underestimate how important board selection is to successfully dancing on a moving longboard. 

We’ve set out to determine which Dance Longboards are the best-in-class for 2020. There have been a lot of changes to the industry this year, and brands that have been around forever are now just simply gone. This can make it hard to know what’s worth buying or which new brands you can trust.

As cash-grabbing import distributors and other Ecommerce opportunists seek to fill the void left in the wake of these companies’ departures, there are suddenly many lower-priced options available, begging the question – Were longboards overpriced, to begin with? Why are they so much cheaper? Well, as we talked about in our discussion on electric longboards, the high production costs associated with making a top-quality longboard keep profit margins slim. Cheaper boards are much easier (and cheaper) to manufacture, but inferior materials will longevity and enjoyability of your purchase. 

If you have a hard time finding a specific longboard model, try checking the manufacturer’s websites for “B-stock” product offerings. B-stock refers to stock that is normally re-processed through different channels due to imperfections, blemishes, damages, etc., and not sold through the normal outlets. With the ongoing market issues of 2020, many companies that have faced disruptions in getting materials for production have reverted to selling this B-stock at a discount. It’s a win-win that isn’t very well marketed because nobody was spending money trying to sell it until recently.

We’re going to take an in-depth look at the most popular products on the market and give you the Pros & Cons of each. We’re also going to make sure you have access to the latest pricing information so that you can find the longboard that brings the value you need.

Top 5 longboards for dancing

[1] Loaded Boards Tarab

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Product Features: 

• The Loaded Tarab is designed to push the boundaries of modern longboard dancing. Loaded Boards launched their first Dancer in 2008, followed by the Bhangra in 2010. The Tarab builds on that history. Lightweight, durable, and technical, the Tarab is intended to further the level of longboard dancing and modern freestyle.

• Form and Function — Rocker, concave, symmetrical shape, kicktails, grab rails, and purposeful griptape combine to form an elegantly ergonomic platform for flowy footwork and the most frenetic freestyle dancing.

• Damp and Durable — Bamboo and basalt construction keeps the Tarab light, lively, and durable. A cork top layer complements the griptape design, providing secure yet non-abrasive traction across the standing platform while also damping vibration. Urethane-reinforced kicktails and unique UHMWPE rails enhance durability, protecting against a wide array of freestyle-inflicted damage.

• Versatile Variations — Available in two distinct flexes. Flex 1 features an extra bamboo veneer for added stiffness and damping. Flex 2 is slightly lighter and noticeably more lively. Both flexes feature two truck-mounting options to accommodate a variety of riding preferences.

Specs:

Length: 47” (119.38 cm)

Width: 9.5” (24.13 cm)

Wheelbase: 31.25” and 32.25” (79.38 cm and 81.92 cm)

Flex ranges:

Flex 1: 140-270+ lbs (63.5 kg – 122.5 kg)

Flex 2: 80-190+ lbs (36.3 kg – 86.2 kg)

This complete dance longboard setup includes Paris 180mm matte black, 50° reverse-kingpin trucks, Loaded Jehu V2 bearings, and Orangatang 70mm Stimulus wheels in a choice of softer 80a (great for cruising, carving, and commuting) or firmer 86a (ideal for tricks and sliding).

Loaded Boards (company website) is a progressive manufacturer of longboards and snowboards that was founded in 2000. They strive to grow the industry, community, and dynamic culture of board sports by producing a broad product line that pushes the established boundaries of the industry.

They have been around a long time and their longboards are considered top-shelf within the longboarding community – particularly their dance longboard lineup. 

The Loaded Tarab, as most would call it, is essentially a modern crossover between Loaded’s dance and freestyle longboarding designs. This means it is well-suited for freestyle riders that incorporate dancing into their longboard routine and vice-versa. Its symmetrical concave shape and built-in grab rails make freestyle tricks & kicks come naturally, while the generous 47” deck provides ample room for letting the rhythm take you.

We love Loaded as well as Rayne – you’ll find them in our 10 best longboard brands resource where you can learn more about them.

[2] Rayne Whip (Peacock Deck)

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Product Features: 

• Top-Quality Construction – The deck’s vertical lamination uses a custom blend of Bamboo and Triaxial Fiberglass; this reinforces the bamboo and creates a board that is extremely light & durable and will never sag or lose flex throughout its life.

• Sublimated Artwork – Scratch-resistant ink is “tattooed” right into the deck on both sides, allowing the beautiful & modern design to make a lasting impression over the life of the board.

• Rounded Deck Edges – Deck edges are rounded to prevent damage to both the deck and the rider. The chamfer eliminates chipping of the deck material, which can lead to delamination, and allows for easier grabbing by hand in freestyle situations.

• Medium-Firm Flex – Made for riders between 130 and 220lbs.

• Twin Shape – The symmetrical deck design allows for riding the longboard in any position, making it ideal for freestyling and dancing.

• Micro-Drop Platform – This deck design features a very subtle platform drop, which provides easy footing reference to know where your feet are – but won’t get in the way of cross-steps or other footwork. The Micro-Drop also provides extra stability similar to what is found in drop decks without compromising the dancing utility of the longboard.

• 3D WheelWells – Layers of the core are machined out before the layers are pressed, allowing for a “wheel-well” to be pressed into the bottom sheet. This gives your board extra durability, superior water protection, and a longer life.

• Concave Deck Design for Leverage – The Rayne Whip has a narrow flat center and turns up at the ball of your toes to provide an even, linear-lever effect when leaning. This increased leverage makes the board easier to turn, even for beginner riders.

• Universal Variable-Top Mounting – An assortment of mounting-hole patterns lets you pick the wheelbase that works best for you and your truck/wheel setup. Not all trucks are designed with the same mounting, and furthermore, multiple wheelbase options allow you to customize your truck placement to optimize stability, turning, and getting the perfect amount of “pop” from the tail when freestyling.

• Bee Orange Finish – You’ll notice the distinct citrus smell on unboxing your new Rayne board – this is due to the organic finishing that is used in place of harmful & toxic chemicals.

Specs: 

Length: 47” (119 cm)

Width: 9.5” (24 cm)

Weight Ranges: 130 – 220 lbs. (59 kg – 100 kg)

Like every other board made by Rayne Boards, the Whip 47 aims to dominate its class. This is largely accomplished by reliance on high-quality material during manufacturing; materials such as bamboo and triaxial fiberglass may cost more and raise production costs but they pay off in terms of a longboard that lasts a lifetime.

Another unique feature that speaks to this longboard’s longevity is the scratch-resistant, sublimated graphic that is embedded into the grain of the deck itself. All but the deepest scratches remain virtually invisible and keep the board looking fresh a lot longer than boards with printed-on graphics.

The manufacturer does caution that the board’s generous flex might scrape the ground when landing hard freestyle tricks but reaffirms that such flexion does no structural damage to the bamboo/fiberglass composite deck. The 3D-inlaid wheel wells and Micro-Drop deck are also subtle nods to this longboard’s versatility as a freestyle rig as well as a premium dance floor. 

[3] AODI 46″

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Product Features: 

• The deck is manufactured from durable 7-ply Canadian maple hardwood, an industry standard. 

• Wheel hardness of 85 A – An extra-firm urethane wheel that’s great for incorporating slides into the dance routine.

• LED-backlit wheels are charged by their own rotation – no batteries or charging required!

• Hot-stamped graphics on the underside of the deck are bold and vibrant.

• Aluminum Trucks w/ ABEC-7 bearings provide a balance between push-efficiency and top speed.

Specs: 

Length: 46” (117 cm)

Width: 10” (25.4 cm)

Weight Range: Up to 250 lbs. (113.4 kg)

This longboard from AODI is a more affordable option than the others on our list, as it is one of the import models that has stepped in as the more recognizable longboard brands regroup.

While we admittedly include it to help illustrate a point, we don’t mean to imply that simply because it is an imported product it is necessarily inferior. This particular product stands out as exceptional amongst many of the other imported longboards for a few reasons, even though it doesn’t really make the best use of its product descriptions. 

One of the reasons consumers have gotten scared to buy Chinese longboards is the negative stigma of Chinese maple and inadequate lumber industry protocols. Basically, the idea is that the Chinese maple is an inferior product and runs a higher risk of warping after exposing the board to humidity. 

While we aren’t here to review the Chinese maple industry, we can say that by using Canadian maple in their deck, AODI has already risen to the top of the pile amongst its competitors.

Additional features are similar to other products in this pricing tier; features like a wide variety of graphic options and LED light-up wheels are common on these longboards. Combining the value and benefit you get from a Canadian Maple deck, a choice of aesthetics, and LED-backlit wheels that require no external charging or battery makes this an incredible longboard for beginners.

In fact, the majority of reviews we looked at were from customers that bought this longboard as a gift for children and grandchildren. The only negative review had to do with packaging and seemed to be an isolated incident. 

[4] Loaded Boards Bhangra

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Product Features: 

• SPACIOUS DANCING PLATFORM – The “Loaded Bhangra” is a well-known pro-level longboard especially designed for dancing. This is the iconic dance longboard and belongs in the hands (or under the feet) of anybody that’s truly passionate about their longboard dancing.

• FUNCTIONAL DESIGN – A generous platform with a gently concave rocker profile cradles your weight for extra stability through your entire routine. Large nose and tail kicks have been fitted with a more coarse grip tape than the main deck, encouraging the addition of shuvits and other freestyle elements into your dance ensemble. The less-aggressive grip that covers other parts of the deck helps ensure confidence when sliding and hard carving; without being too tough on your shoes! Built-in wheel wells virtually eliminate the risk of wheel bite and allow for extra-deep carving.

Dancing and commuting through urban, commercial, and campus environments is in the DNA of this longboard – it’s what it was built for.

• HIGH-PERFORMANCE FLEX – Bamboo and cork provide a comfortable amount of flex that is perfect for showing off your footwork and freestyle tricks. 
  • Flex 1 is an ideal option for heavier riders or aggressive tricksters seeking more stiffness and stability. 
  • Flex 2 is a better choice for lighter riders or those looking for a more responsive board; may scrape on hard landings with heavier riders or aggressive freestylers.

• PARIS TRUCKS – Paris 180mm, 50° matte black longboard trucks are premium-quality hardware and will offer years of incredible performance and stability while dancing, cruising, carving, etc.

• ORANGATANG WHEELS – Orangatang 70mm Stimulus (86a) wheels provide just the right amount of traction and slide potential for dancing and freestyle both in a balanced, lightweight design. The softer (80a) orange formula is better-suited for cruising, carving, and commuting, with its propensity for absorbing cracks and crevices in the riding surface. The Loaded Bhangra is also fitted with Loaded Jehu V2 bearings, completing the premium hardware fitting – right out of the box!.

Specs:

Length: 48.5” (123 cm)

Width: 9.5” (24 cm)

Wheelbase: 32.75” (83.2 cm)

Flex ranges

Flex 1: 150-270+ lbs. (68 kg – 122.5+ kg)

Flex 2: 90-190+ lbs. (40.8 kg – 86.2+ kg)

In any conversation about dance longboards, the Loaded Bhangra really needs no introduction (but we’re going to do one anyway). 

If you want to see the potential of this longboard, check out Lotfi Lamaali’s work on Youtube:

We know, we know – that’s not bhangra music in the background. Why these guys aren’t making videos to authentic bhangra music, we can’t say. At any rate, the Loaded Bhangra longboard brings it all no matter what music you’re dancing to.

This is a professional piece of equipment that is a must-have for any longboard dancer that is serious about taking their dancing to the next level. It’s also a status symbol that reflects the rider’s investment and commitment to that same goal. And most of all – it’s designed and built to make every second of longboard dancing as fun and enjoyable as it can be, without inferior gear detracting from the experience.

[5] DB Longboards CoreFlex Dance Floor

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Product Features: 

• The Mobile Dance Floor: The DB Dance Floor is built from a 2-piece, vertically laminated bamboo core that is structurally reinforced by triaxial & biaxial fiberglass. This provides responsive flex & generous wheel clearance – in other words, a perfect platform for dancing.

• Proprietary CoreFlex Tech: This deck’s CoreFlex construction is impact, scratch and water resistant and has flex like you wouldn’t believe. The engineering behind this deck combines fiberglass, epoxy, hi-density plastic, and bamboo to create a perfect harmony of performance and strength.

• Pacific Northwestern Inspiration: Since the beginning, DB longboards has been about chasing adventure & riding the best boards possible. Finding inspiration in the hills, waves, beaches & mountains was super-easy thanks to the company HQ being located in the Pacific Northwest.

• World-Class Customer Service: DB Longboards was founded out of a passionate love for all things longboarding; with a mission to create the best custom longboards in the world, to do it sustainably, & to treat customers & employees like family.

Specs:

Length: 46” (116.8 cm)

Width: 10” (25.4 cm)

Weight Range: 

• Flex 1: Up to 170 lbs. (77.1 kg)
• Flex 2: 170 lbs. To 250 lbs. (77.1 kg to 113.4 kg)

Our last item up for review is actually a deck-only offering – meaning it does not ship with trucks, wheels, or any other hardware. 

If you are already an experienced longboard rider/dancer and are consequently familiar with the differences in hardware, consider this excellent deck as the first step towards a perfect dance deck build.

DB Longboards has been around since 2003, and has been a premiere manufacturer of custom longboards since that time. Being located just outside Seattle, WA in the Pacific Northwest has kept them in close proximity to the emerging longboard subculture and allowed them to stay relevant to the scene during all the highs and lows that have plagued the industry.

This board, especially,  is demonstrative of DB’s high-quality production and distinctive design methods. The deck’s underside is gorgeous in a minimalist way, and the lack of kicktails only emphasizes what this board is made for.  

It wastes no time trying to do everything; this deck is no jack-of-all-trades.

This is a rolling dance platform; and it enters the room like the Rolls Royce of its peers. If you know that you are about that dancing and only the dancing – give the 47” DB CoreFlex Dance Floor a look.

[Bonus Item] Skate Tool

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Any skater or longboarder knows the importance of having one of these tools. More versatile than it seems at first glance, this truly all-in-one tool allows you to adjust axle nuts, mounting hardware, and even the kingpin nut on the top of the trucks! 

The tool’s design includes 3 different socket sizes (3/8″, 1/2″, 9/16″) for tightening nuts and a slide-out Phillips head screwdriver (for tightening mounting hardware) that stores in the top of the handle when not in use. 

At this price, can you afford not to keep one of these tools in your pocket or backpack?

FAQ

What is the best longboard for dancing?

• The best longboard for dancing is likely the “Loaded Bhangra”, manufactured by Loaded Boards. This is according to the most popular sentiment running through the longboarding subculture, and is based on the long-standing performance reputation of the board as a dance longboard.
  
  Loaded Boards followed up the Bhangra with the Tarab, which is intended to be a more modern take on the Bhangra. And, presumably, superior in terms of performance as well. The Bhangra’s reputation is solid, however, and while the Tarab does get respect as being a pro-level dance board…the Bhangra is still considered #1 by virtually everyone.

Is longboard dancing hard?

• This is a fairly subjective question with a ton of factors that can impact the answer. Nevertheless, let’s take a look at some of the considerations in starting out with longboard dancing.
  
  First, your level of comfort in learning the basic dance techniques like a Cross-Step or Peter Pan is going to be determined by your existing level of comfort just cruising on the board. If you’re already good at getting up to speed and getting in a little pumping and carving, longboard dancing is going to be much easier to pick up compared to someone who has spent 15 minutes total on a longboard.
  
  Second, your build, weight, and athletic ability are going to have quite a bit to do with how “easy” it feels learning to do some of these techniques. A 150 lb. person hopping around on a rolling longboard deck is going to experience a much different sensation of leverage than a 250 lb. person, and already having a strong core and good balance will go a long way towards being able to master longboard dancing techniques.

How do you dance on a longboard?

• Dancing on a longboard is honestly the sort of thing that is going to be difficult to teach through the written word. As such, we dug around and found a few good videos to help beginners get a good grasp of the fundamentals to longboard dancing. This can help you get started with some of the basic techniques, or maybe just decide if this longboard dancing thing is right for you.
  
  Fundamentals of Longboard Dancing – Hans Wouters
  
  Let’s Dance – The First Steps. – Simple Longboards

And if you just simply insist on reading your way to longboard dancing glory, then check out this write-up by a fellow beginner on Medium.

Well, that concludes our look at the best dance longboards of 2020. We reviewed 5 longboards that are all incredibly well-suited for dancing, and also answered a few of the more salient questions that come up when discussing dance longboards. 

We hope you found the information here to be helpful, and maybe we even helped you find exactly what you were looking for!

At any rate, thanks for reading, and stay safe out there!