Im going to buy a longboard but im unsure what makes are the best out there at the moment ive got my eyes set on a 9' Trim king 2 by Nineplus.

Any advice on longboards which brands to look at etc thanks!

If you got your mind set on that maker, get one that will
''fit'' you. How tall are you, and what is your weight?
Those two measurements will determine what size board
will ''fit'' you. Just do not get a board, to get a board, or just
because of it is shape or looks. If that is the case, get a custom one made that will suite you.

The reality with long boards is that they r big enough that anybody can ride them. So basically a nine foot board would work for anybody up to probably 250 pounds, maybe more.

What u need to look at is the shape & how that fits with ur surfing style (or what u envision ur style will be). Do u plan on a more progressive modern style or r u more old school? This all makes a difference with long boards in what the shape & fin setup is.

If you're not sure I'd go with something that has some nose concave, soft rails & a 2 + 1 fin setup so u can pull the side bites out if u decide to rock it old school.

Depends on how u want to ride it. If u want something with more 'glide' & a noserider - stick with the heaver, wider, single fin longboards (concave in the nose & tail helps). If u want to surf more from the tail, consider slightly narrower, thinner, 2+1 finned longboards. Definitely get one that has the 3 fin boxes so u can switch from single to 2+1 as u wish.

If you're in the OC area, I'd loop up Stewart. If you're LA county, I'd recommend Walden.

Do not be afraid to try EPS construction longboards if u want more of a performance rider - they ride great.