Ten Toes longboard review: quick verdict
Short answer: Ten Toes longboards are a sensible budget choice for beginners, casual cruising and short commutes. They offer a stable, approachable ride and attractive surf-inspired designs, but this guide has no measured durability or ride-quality comparison against premium boards. Check the exact model and component specification rather than assuming all Ten Toes generations are identical.
Best for: first-time riders and relaxed cruising.
Main limitation of this review: no measured long-term durability comparison.
Skip it if: you want serious downhill, freeride, dancing or a board you will not soon outgrow.
Ten Toes later became part of the Retrospec brand. If this is your first board, pair this review with our step-by-step beginner longboarding guide.
Ten Toes vs Two Bare Feet: different brands
Ten Toes and Two Bare Feet are not the same company. This page reviews Ten Toes/Retrospec boards. Riders searching for a Two Bare Feet longboard review should compare that brand separately rather than treating the names as interchangeable.
If you’ve been scrolling through longboard reviews online, chances are you’ve seen the name Ten Toes longboard pop up. Maybe it was the Zed Bamboo Cruiser with its vintage surf style, or the Drop-Through model promising stability and speed. Either way, Ten Toes (also known as Retrospec) has carved a place for itself as a go-to brand for beginner and budget-friendly longboards.
But the big question is: Are Ten Toes longboards actually worth it?
That’s exactly what this guide will cover. We’ll break down the history, types, pros, cons, comparisons, and everything you need to know before buying a Ten Toes longboard.
What is a Ten Toes Longboard?
Ten Toes started out as Ten Toes Board Emporium, a company inspired by the laid-back surf culture of the 1960s. Over time, it rebranded as Retrospec, but most skaters and longboarders still know the boards as Ten Toes longboards.
Unlike ultra-premium brands like Loaded or Landyachtz, Ten Toes focuses on entry-level longboards. They’re designed for:
- Beginners learning to ride.
- Cruisers who just want a stylish, fun board.
- Budget-conscious skaters who don’t want to drop $200+ on their first board.
Types of Ten Toes Longboards
Ten Toes has released several popular models, each serving a slightly different riding style. Here are the main ones:
Zed Bamboo Cruiser (44”)
The Zed is probably the most famous Ten Toes longboard. With its 44-inch pintail shape, bamboo + maple deck, and vintage Americana graphics, it screams beach boardwalk vibes.
- Best for: Cruising, carving, commuting.
- Pros: Stylish, stable, affordable.
- Cons: Heavy, not great for tricks.
Ten Toes Drop-Through / Drop-Down
This board sits closer to the ground, giving you more stability and control. Wheel clearance still needs to be checked with the actual wheels, bushings and rider load; symmetry does not prevent wheel bite.
- Consider for: relaxed commuting and pushing, after checking the exact model. A low platform alone does not establish suitability for downhill.
- Pros: Very stable, smooth ride.
- Cons: Parts are lower quality compared to higher-end brands.
Ten Toes Quip Mini Cruiser
The Quip is a small, lightweight cruiser that feels more like a skateboard than a longboard.
- Best for: Urban riding, college campuses, short commutes.
- Pros: Compact, portable, fun to ride.
- Cons: Not ideal for speed or long distances.
Other Styles
- Kicktail models for sharper turns and tricks.
- Special editions with retro-inspired graphics.
- Discontinued boards that still pop up on resale sites.
Verified current Zed specification
Research method: The author has not personally tested Ten Toes or Retrospec models. This guide uses documentary sources and distinguishes current manufacturer specifications from older product descriptions. It contains no original durability, speed or ride-comfort measurements.
Manufacturer specification and model checks
The current Retrospec Zed listing specifies a 44 × 9.5-inch bamboo/maple deck, reverse kingpin trucks and 85A wheels. These details describe that listing, not every older Ten Toes board. This page does not report measured speed, braking or durability tests.
Specifications to check on older boards
Treat the following as a checklist, not a universal specification. Check the model label and seller documentation for each item:
- Deck: Bamboo + Canadian maple, giving a balance between flex and strength.
- Trucks: Reverse kingpin aluminum trucks for stability.
- Wheels: 70mm PU wheels (soft enough for cruising).
- Bearings: Verify the specification for the exact model. An ABEC label alone does not establish durability or complete-board performance.
- Bushings: Medium hardness, decent for beginners.
- Design: Retro surf-inspired graphics that stand out.
Benefits of Choosing a Ten Toes Longboard
Why do so many beginners choose Ten Toes as their first board?
✅ Beginner-friendly – Stable and forgiving.
✅ Affordable – Usually under $100, making it cheaper than most longboards.
✅ Stylish design – Vintage surf look that feels timeless.
✅ Versatile – Good for commuting, cruising, and learning to carve.
✅ Widely available – Easy to buy on Amazon, Retrospec, and other retailers.
Downsides & Common Complaints
Of course, Ten Toes isn’t perfect. Here are some common complaints found in reviews and rider forums:
Before buying: Inspect the deck, mounting hardware, bushings, axles and bearings, particularly on a used board. This guide has no verified failure-rate data and cannot rank kingpin reliability.
❌ Not for advanced riders – These boards aren’t built for hardcore downhill, dancing, or freestyle tricks.
❌ Heavier boards – Especially the Zed, which can feel bulky to carry.
Pro Tip: If you buy a Ten Toes longboard, consider upgrading the trucks and wheels over time for a much smoother ride.
Ten Toes Longboard vs Other Brands
How does Ten Toes stack up against the competition?
Ten Toes vs Sector 9
- Sector 9 = higher-quality, surf-inspired, more expensive.
- Ten Toes = budget-friendly, entry-level, similar vibe but not as durable.
Ten Toes vs Arbor
- Arbor = eco-friendly builds, premium wood, stylish.
- Ten Toes = cheaper alternative with similar looks.
Ten Toes vs Loaded Boards
- Loaded = high-performance, used by pros, $200+.
- Ten Toes = under $100, good for casual cruising.
Ten Toes vs Landyachtz / DB Longboards
- Landyachtz/DB = legendary durability, technical riding.
- Ten Toes = only good for beginners, not meant for advanced tricks.
Who Should Buy a Ten Toes Longboard?
Ten Toes longboards are ideal if you are:
- A beginner learning how to ride.
- A casual cruiser who wants a stylish board for beach boardwalks or city streets.
- A student commuting around campus.
- A budget rider who doesn’t want to overspend.
If you’re an experienced rider or want to do advanced tricks, you’ll outgrow a Ten Toes pretty quickly.
Tips for Riding and Maintaining Your Ten Toes Longboard
To get the most out of your Ten Toes:
- Upgrade parts: Swap out trucks, wheels, and bearings for better performance.
- Check hardware regularly: Inspect mounting bolts and follow the truck maker’s kingpin adjustment instructions. Do not crush bushings by overtightening.
- Protect your deck: Nose & tail guards help prevent chips.
- Ride safely: Helmet, pads, and gloves if you’re downhill riding.
- Store properly: Keep it dry and avoid leaving it in the sun or rain.
Did Ten Toes Make a Penny Board?
Yes—older resale listings document a Ten Toes Board Emporium 22-inch plastic cruiser commonly described as a penny board. It should not be confused with a board made by Penny Skateboards, because “Penny” is also a separate brand name. In informal searches, riders often use “penny board” generically for compact plastic cruisers.
The Ten Toes plastic cruiser appears mainly in used-market listings rather than the current Retrospec range, so availability, specifications and replacement parts may be limited. Before buying one second-hand, inspect the deck for cracks or UV damage, confirm that the trucks are secure, check the bushings and make sure every wheel and bearing rotates without excessive play.
Ten Toes penny board vs Ten Toes longboard
A 22-inch plastic cruiser is compact and easy to carry but offers much less standing room than a Zed-style bamboo longboard. The larger longboard is generally more forgiving for beginners, relaxed carving and longer rides. The small plastic board suits short, portable trips for riders already comfortable with a narrow stance and quicker steering.
Where to Buy Ten Toes Longboards
You can find Ten Toes longboards at:
- Amazon – compare the exact model, seller, shipping cost and return policy.
- Retrospec official site – direct from the brand.
- Longboard retailers – both online and physical skate shops.
- Second-hand sites – eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace.
Best Alternatives to Ten Toes Longboards
If you want to explore other options, here are some solid alternatives:
- Budget: Yocaher, Magneto.
- Mid-range: Arbor, Landyachtz Dinghy.
- Premium: Loaded Boards, Sector 9.
FAQs About Ten Toes Longboards
Are Ten Toes longboards good for beginners?
Yes! They’re stable, affordable, and easy to ride, making them perfect for newcomers.
What size Ten Toes longboard should I get?
The 44” Zed is great for cruising and beginners. The 41” Drop-Through works for longer rides and stability. The Quip mini cruiser is best for portability.
Are Ten Toes and Retrospec the same brand?
Yes. Ten Toes rebranded under the name Retrospec, but the boards are still widely known as Ten Toes.
Can I upgrade the trucks and wheels?
Absolutely! Many riders recommend upgrading for a smoother, longer-lasting ride.
How long do Ten Toes longboards last?
There is no verified service-life estimate here. Rider weight, water exposure, impacts and maintenance all matter; replace damaged parts rather than relying on an age estimate.
Conclusion
The Ten Toes longboard is one of the best entry-level boards out there. It’s not going to win any awards for professional downhill racing or freestyle tricks, but that’s not the point.
If you’re new to longboarding, want a stylish board to cruise around town, or need an affordable ride to get from A to B, Ten Toes is a fantastic choice. It looks good, rides smooth enough, and won’t break the bank.
And hey—once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll know exactly what kind of longboard to upgrade to. But for now? Ten Toes gets the job done.
