What would be the best mini longboard?

Which is better for me? Longboard or mini-cruiser?

• I went to a friend's house where they had a Z-Flex Jay Adams (or Jimmy Plummer) and I rode it a bit. I'm still not very good but I can ride it and I've decided I want to get one myself. However since I've looked on the internet, I'm kinda confused. What are the advantages and disadvantages for mini cruisers and longboards? I want a board that's going to last me a while, that is easy to manoeuvre, quite fast and good for general cruising and transportation, probably not racing or tricks. I've heard that I should get one with a kicktail and not one that's for a special purpose (like slalom or downhill). My terrain will be mainly suburban roads, most of which will be going uphill or downhill, but also some will be flat. Speed would be good. I am not a big/tall guy. My budget is $200, including helmet and other stuff. Longboard or mini-cruiser? Is Z-Flex good for either? Anything I should look out for when buying? Good brands? Should I buy off eBay?

• Answer:

  I recommend a longboard if you want to have a much more versatile board. The feeling of a longboard will be nicer than a cruiser. Z-Flex seems alright, but there are better options. Look at brands such as Earthwing, Landyachtz, Comet, Jet, Gravity, Never Summer, Bombsquad, Eastside, and Kracked Skull. Do not buy boards off eBay!!! Those cheap generic boards are horrible quality and are not worth it. If you want to use it as transportation, I would recommend the38" Earthwing Superglider! It was designed as a commuter board in NYC. It is also fairly cheap at $150 from StokedSkateboards. It has a kicktail if you need it, and is also light. It is 4 or 5 plys of Canadian maple inbetween fiberglass. The board also has carbon stringers to give it a next snappy flex, while also being stiff enough for a decent amount of speed. If you want, there is also the 33" Earthwing Miniglider.