Longboard! One of the most exquisite marvels you can explore in your life. But do you know the actual reason behind the fun of such a board? Obviously, it’s the wheels. Today you are going to read our complete best longboard wheels reviews. They add that life to the longboard so you can taste all the flavors of riding and sliding.
So if you think you got a decent deck and you will just need wheels to kick-start your longboarding, then this article will help you a lot in this.
Not only you will get to know about, the 15 best longboard wheels but also realize a lot of its characteristics other than just rolling around. So, here you go:
Best Longboard Wheels: Make Your Own Choice!
In this section, we reviewed 15 of the best longboard wheels for you. What are these? Let’s see the list:
- Orangatang Kilmer 69 mm, 80a
- Orangatang in Heat 75 mm, 83a
- Bigfoot Longboard Wheels Stalkers, 70mm by 51mm
- Shark Wheel Mako Longboard Wheels 70mm, 80a
- Rider Approved Designs Release 72mm 80a
- Fireball Beast 76mm Longboard Wheels
- Shark Wheel Sidewinder 70mm, 78a
- Orangatang Stimulus 70 mm Freeride Longboard Skateboard Wheels
- Orangatang Kegel 80 mm Downhill Longboard Skateboard Cruising Wheels
- Orangatang Caguama 85 mm Longboard Wheels for Cruising
- Orangatang Caguama 85 mm Longboard Wheels for Cruising, DIY Electric Skateboards, Boards (Set of 4)
- Shark Wheel 60 mm 78a Skateboard Wheels | California Roll | 4-Pack
Bigfoot Longboard Wheels 76mm 80A SHR Mountain Cruisers
- Ricta Wheels Clouds 92a Skateboard
- MBS All-Terrain Longboard Wheels
1. Orangatang Kilmer 69 mm, 80a: For Speed!
The Kilmer by Orangatang is basically a freestyle-focused wheel so if you are someone who enjoys free-ride longboarding then this is a must-have.
We also have a detailed review on Orangatang Kilmer Review in case you want to check that out.
This is a 69 mm center-set longboard wheel that seems decently large enough to offer good speed and rolling above obstacles with ease. Coming light in weight, you will find it awesome for slides and tricks.
Coming in orange, it has a durometer rating of 80a which means you can explore the great amount of speed that it offers.
Moreover, the Kilmer comes with slightly beveled sidewalls and has a rounded tip so it can ease the break into sliding.
The brand has stone ground the 39.5mm contact patch so it can ensure a smoother ride. However, you might still find it a little unpredictable as it sometimes slides with moderate resistance. But that’s not a big deal.
Not only the wheel offers a balanced blend with its Peachy Thane urethane formula, but also promotes even wear with a 3 mm center-set core and a deep valley-shaped cross-section that supports the lip firmly.
Key Feature:
- FREESTYLE / FREERIDE WHEELS
- PERFECTLY SIZED
- SMOOTH SLIDES
- PEACHY THANE
- LARGE, SUPPORTIVE CORE
Pros
- Great for slides and tricks.
- Peachy Thane formula promotes fast and even wear.
- Kicks out effortlessly.
Cons
- Medium resistance in slides causes unpredictability.
2. Orangatang in Heat 75 mm, 83a: Quality Wheel!
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This is another entry from the same brand and offers a similar level of quality. Meet In-heat, another one of the quality full best longboard wheels to give a try.
We also have a detailed review on Orangatang Wheel Review in case you want to check that out.
This particular one comes in a purple tint and the brand has given it a durometer rating of 83a so you can guess how much speed you can get from the wheel.
The brand boasts it offers great grip so it happens to be ideal for downhill, pumping, hard carving, and long-distance pushing.
Being 75mm in diameter, the purple tire rolls smoothly over all kinds of obstacles over the pavement. So, it promotes a satiating balance. It’s just you will need to avoid riding on wet concrete, the wheel would perform worst on it.
Moreover, the wheel brags to provide progressive rebound with its rippled urethane pattern. And it comes with a sharp, square lip so it can offer the highest grip with smooth sliding.
Speaking more of its smooth sliding, you can also give credit to its encapsulated core that maintains that as well as supports the lips for crisp slides and amazing tractions.
A little gripe is that it might take a lot of your energy for pushing around but other than that, it’s worth buying.
Key Feature:
- VERSATILE LONGBOARDING WHEELS
- FAST AND BALANCED
- MAXIMUM TRACTION
- HAPPY THANE
- STRONG, SUPPORTIVE CORE
Pros
- Great for downhill, pumping, hard carving, and long-distance pushing.
- Offers a great grip.
- Provides crisp slides and amazing tractions.
Cons
- Not ideal for wet concrete terrain.
- Might take a lot of energy to push around.
3. Bigfoot Longboard Wheels Stalkers, 70mm by 51mm: Best Wheel!
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Stalkers might give you a bad vibe whenever you come around them, but when it comes to the Bigfoot Stalkers, the matter becomes completely different.
At a very reasonable price, you can have 4 stalkers in your hand. This means you will get a set of 4 wheels that has all the traits to be the best longboard wheels.
They will come in white and offer you a 70 mm diameter with a 48 mm contact patch. So, it explains a lot about how the much smoother ride and controllable grip it will offer just to experience. You can also give credit to its square lip profile for this trait.
With a 78a rating of durometer, it happens to fall on the slightly short side, so it will give slower slides comparatively.
The core of the wheels is placed off the center so the wheels are able to offer a fine balance of grip and slip as well.
Key Feature:
- Diameter: 70mm
- Width: 51mm
- Contact Patch: 48mm
- Durometer: 81a
- Lip Profile: Square
- Core Placement: Offset
- Wheel Surface: Smooth
Pros
- Offers a great grip.
- Wheels let you have a fine balance between grip and slip.
- Gives off a decent speed.
Cons
- Might not offer you a quicker slide.
4. Shark Wheel Mako Longboard Wheels 70mm, 80a: Best For Riding & Sliding!
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Are you craving to have the best longboard wheels as soon as possible? Then why not have a look at this one by Shark Wheel which has been designed only for you?
Although the look of the wheels has been designed very differently unlike other traditional rivals, they are able to give the same benefit.
The big plus is that this wave pattern will give you nothing but an adequate amount of speed and a wide footprint.
Being 70mm in diameter, the wheels make a great choice for riding and sliding.
It has a durometer rating of 78a which means the white wheels will offer great grip and control by being on the soft side. Not just that, they also offer speed and easy-sliding with their 3 lips of the Shark Wheel Mako formula to give you the best experience of longboarding.
However, the rider who is into harder wheels might not prefer this set of 4 packs. But, if you love the softer ones, these are the wheels for you.
The only gripe you might have is that the wheels don’t do a great job dampening rough pavement. But, it has certainly proven its worth on smoother roads with little debris on them.
Key Feature:
- Brand: Shark Wheels
- Wheel Size: 70mm
- MAKO FORMULA 80A Perfect wheel for speed, sliding, and overall performance. A downhill beast!
- Wheels sold in sets of 4 only.
- Shark Wheels are made in California, USA
Pros
- Great for its speed and easy sliding.
- Offers great grip and control.
- Comes in a set of 4.
- Gives an amazing performance on smoother roads.
Cons
- Not ideal for people preferring harder wheels.
- Might not work well with the rough roads.
5. Rider Approved Designs Release 72mm 80a: Best For Downhill Riders!
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Present yourself the pack of 4 best longboard wheels that has set the stage for downhill rides. Rider Approved Designs have given the wheels all the traits that make them the best of all.
We also have a detailed review on Paris V3 Trucks Review & Paris V2 Trucks Review in case if you want to check that out.
If you are looking for a set that will offer an extra grip with a lower durometer, then this is the wheel for you. With an 80a rating of durometer, the wheels provide a fair grip with awesome speed.
You will get the wheels 72mm in size which is big enough for rolling on the surface with ease and control.
Not just that, its ultra-sticky hold also enables you to drive through the rough pavement no matter how the surface has cracks and pebbles lying.
The wheels include a 51mm contact patch which is another proof of them being grippier than most of its competitors.
However, the wheels might not be meant for cruising and carving, so make sure you think of your requirement at first before jumping into buying them.
Key Feature:
- 1 set (4 wheels) of RAD Release Freeride Wheels (Red)
- 72mm 80a
- Width: 62mm
- Contact Patch Width: 51mm
- Brand New
Pros
- Great for the downhill ride.
- Offers a great grip.
- The wheels can roll with speed.
- Performs great on rough pavement.
Cons
- Not for cruising and carving.
6. Fireball Beast 76mm Longboard Wheels: Best Urethane Wheel!
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These Fireball wheels do not only look like fireball but act like it too. The brand has made it in such so that it can blend free-ride and grip to give a perfect combination of longboarding.
The wheels come in 76mm diameter and the quality of the wheels is great to impress. For offering the optimum slide and grip, its Beast Urethane has been specially formulated.
We also have a detailed review on Enkeeo Skateboard Review in case you want to check that out.
It happens to come with an offset core having beveled lips so it can let the wheels swivel over cracks and debris with ease.
The brand has also boasted it has Slide prepped which happens to be their trademarked stone grinding process. This process removes the mold from the wheel contact patch so you can experience great slides right after unpacking it.
The white ones have the softest durometer rating with 81a so you can control the wheels just the way you want.
Key Feature:
- DESIGNED FOR DOWNHILL LONGBOARDS SKATEBOARDS & CRUISERS
- CRUISE OVER ROCKS, CRACKS & DEBRIS
- SLIP & GRIP
- USA MADE
- 76MM SET OF 4 WHEELS
Pros
- Performs great on cracks and debris.
- Great for a free ride.
- Offers great grips.
- The wheels have been Slide prepped.
- Comes in a set of 4.
Cons
- No drawbacks have been found.
7. Shark Wheel Sidewinder 70mm, 78a: Best For Decent Rider!
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Yet again, a new entry by the brand Shark Wheel. If you want the best longboard wheels and if smoke black is your color then you must think of taking it.
We also have a detailed review on Shark Wheel in case you want to check that out.
You will get a set of 4 wheels and all of them tend to provide crisp slides just like you desire. They are fairly big with 70 mm diameter, so you can expect them to give a decent ride. If you have a bigger deck such as pintail or long-drop, the set will make a great pick.
Another plus point to note down is that the wheels let you experience more traction with a durometer rating of 78a no matter whatever terrain you ride on.
However, the only drawback is that the wheels will be a little slow on their speed, other than that, the wheels will be great to have.
Key Feature:
- Skate on all Surfaces
- Less Friction, More Speed
- More Grip & Slide Control
- More Traction Over Various Terrain
Pros
- Rollover obstacles impressively.
- Offers grip.
- Provides a smooth ride.
Cons
- Might offer slow speed.
8. Orangatang Stimulus 70 mm: Freeride Longboard Skateboard Wheels
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When you are out there showing off, digging through all the tricks you’ve mastered over the years, you need strong and big wheels. Yes, that’s what our topmost product is all about at 70mm diameter. For outstandingly swift movement, there’s no match to such an item.
We also have a detailed review on Landyachtz Dinghy Review in case you want to check that out.
You will love the way they’ve made the lips perfectly rounded. Such a design means no more haphazard or all-over-the-place slides. Hence, this might be the wheel for you if you are new to the show. Moreover, the stone-ground contact patch ought to take your breath away.
Another worth mentioning thing about this piece is the encapsulated core it comes with. It will offer you the smoothest of rides. Not only that but there will also be even wearing throughout making it easy for you to predict the durability of the wheels. What’s more, the colors it comes in are homely.
Now, what’s not very cool is that one user found some materials missing. Also, another purchaser had to endure unoriginal packaging. And that’s the last thing he was expecting after spending the bucks. Another customer would’ve loved the wheels if they left thane.
Key Feature:
- VERSATILE FREERIDE WHEELS
- PERFECTLY SIZED
- SMOOTH SLIDES
- HAPPY THANE
- STRONG, SUPPORTIVE CORE
Pros
- For outstanding swift movement, there’s no match
- The lips are perfectly rounded for confident slides
- An encapsulated core offers you the smoothest of rides
- The stone-ground contact patch; is too good
Cons
- Didn’t leave thane for one user
9. Orangatang Kegel 80 mm: Downhill Cruising Wheels (Set of 4)
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Love speed? Well, check out this one then. It’s the design that will play a vital role in making it furiously fast. And, at 80mm diameter, this one can triumph over sticks, cracks, and whatnot.
Therefore, the wheels will allow you a lot of styles, namely pumping, hard carving, long-distance pushing, and most amazingly, skateboard racing. Now, guys over there made a challenging move. They went for square lips.
And after going through the customer reviews, I have to say that they’ve done the right thing. The manufacturers took a risk by going for square lips. But, a quick glance at the review section showed us that it paid off.
I was also impressed with the sharpness of the lips. Such a design will let you slide smoothly. Now, what are the color options? Well, it comes in beautiful blue, orange, and purple. So, not only is the plushness of it you going to enjoy, but you will also admire its lively appearance.
What’s also incredible is the size of the core. At 46mm in diameter, it will blow you away with very speedy acceleration.
However, for a user, the edges of the wheels started chipping after a while. He stated that it was the cracks and small rocks that were wearing it down. Also, a couple of users found it a disappointment after only 6 months.
Key Feature:
- DOWNHILL LONGBOARDING WHEELS
- ROLL OVER ANYTHING
- MAXIMUM TRACTION
- HAPPY THANE
- LARGE, SUPPORTIVE CORE
Pros
- The design plays a vital role in making it furiously fast
- At 80mm in diameter, it can triumph over sticks and cracks
- Allows a lot of styles- pumping, hard carving, and long-distance pushing
- The sharpness of the lips will let you slide smoothly
Cons
- For a user, the edges of the wheels started chipping after a while
10. Orangatang Caguama 85 mm Longboard Wheels: Best For Cruising, DIY Electric Skateboards!
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Here’s an excellent choice for electric longboards. At 85mm diameter, they say that it’s going to rule the rocks, cracks, sticks, and any of those rough roads. You can also use the wheels for carving and pumping. It will gain you momentum in no time, thanks to the spot-on design it has.
I also want to speak highly about the 56mm contact patch on the wheels feature. If you are worried about the grip, then it’s time you put an end to the feeling. The surface skin of the patch will make you confident.
Also, when you look at the rounded edges, you don’t feel apprehensive about taking on the pavement cracks.
The formula should be plush and smooth if we consider the positive reviews it earned. What’s more, you will be impressed with the 46mm core it offers. So, you can imagine how extremely light the wheels are going to be. And such lightness only means two things; speed and momentum.
Now, it would be greater if the ride wasn’t sadly stiff for one user. He hurt his ankles riding this thing. And it wasn’t cool that he could feel the bumps. Also, the edges were chipping away faster than he had anticipated. Plus, one customer wanted its color to remain the same, which wasn’t the case.
Key Feature:
- BIG, SMOOTH LONGBOARD WHEELS
- FAST AND COMFORTABLE
- FUNCTIONAL DESIGN
- HAPPY THANE FORMULA
- LARGE, SUPPORTIVE CORE
Pros
- At 85mm in diameter, suitable for rocks, cracks, sticks, and rough roads
- Gains you momentum in no time, thanks to the spot-on design
- The surface skin of the patch will make you confident
- With the 46mm core, it’s extremely light
Cons
- The ride was stiff for one user
11. Shark Wheel 60 mm 78a Skateboard Wheels: Best For Speed!
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Want to check out an outstandingly well-designed wheel? And let me charge up your enthusiasm saying that you will feel very little friction with this one.
Also, what’s crazy is that the manufacturers went out of their way to provide you with the most confident grip.
Additionally, this product was designed with three lips. It is guaranteed to be the most confident grip which is a bold and challenging claim. Nonetheless, it does what it claims to do so it’s very efficient.
It’s brilliant how the wheels break away and recover ever so swiftly. Furthermore, it comes with that anti-friction property, which guarantees you swift and high speed. Thanks to the wave pattern design, the portion of the contact patch that touches the ground will be very thin.
Therefore, considering such a unique design, you can bet that the ride will be extremely quick. What’s also excellent is the design of the grooves. They’ve designed them with alternating patterns. And this way, you have the firmest of contact patches gripping the ground like nothing else.
Now, one user thinks that the bearings won’t manage to hold on for long. Another customer was thrown off his board when a drain cover caught the wheels. Also, it would be more appropriate if the product picture didn’t contain any bearings because they aren’t included in the package.
Key Feature:
- Skate on all Surfaces
- Less Friction, More Speed
- More Grip & Slide Control
- More Traction Over Various Terrain
Pros
- Outstandingly well-designed wheel for very little friction
- Confident grip with the three lips
- Wheels break away and recover ever so swiftly
- The portion of the contact patch that touches the ground will be very thin
Cons
- One user thinks that the bearings won’t manage to hold on for long
12. Bigfoot Longboard Wheels 76mm 80A SHR: Best For Mountain Cruisers!
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Let us check out another fine piece of cruising item. What’s special about this product is the stability it provides when you are at high speed. This is because of the 80A SHR hardness it comes with. And when you go through its dimensions, you cannot be more convinced that they’ve hit the bull’s eye.
When you are dealing with those turns, you want something reliable to assist you throughout the challenging tasks. And that’s where the wheels step in with the incredible offset core. They offer you an amazing grip. What I am also counting on is the slide characteristics they show.
In terms of control and predictability, the customer reviews give us a good impression. And why wouldn’t it be the case when the wheels are designed for fast riders? Moreover, its measurement allows you to maintain the speed without losing it in corners.
Now, it might not be fun to get the bearings in. They could’ve made the bearing rim better. They will eventually make way, but you are going to have to endure the annoying creaking sound in the process. Also, one user thinks that the wheels are too jumpy for slides.
Key Feature:
- Diameter: 76mm
- Width: 53mm
- Contact Patch: 50mm
- Durometer: 80a
- Lip Profile: Round
- Core Placement: Offset
- Wheel Surface: Smooth
Pros
- Stability with real speeds because of the 80A SHR hardness
- An incredible offset core offers you an amazing grip
- Its measurement allows us to maintain the speed without losing it in corners
- Excellent in terms of control and predictability for fast riders
Cons
- It might not be fun to get the bearings in
13. Ricta Wheels Clouds 92a Skateboard: Best For Rough Terrains!
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It was our quest to find some great products for rough terrains. And among the ones that satisfied us in that aspect is this model. It will be a lovely companion when you are taking on the pools and ditches. What I also appreciate is that they’ve made it suitable for almost any terrain with spot-on dimensions.
Another awesome fact about it is that it provides extremely reliable traction. Thanks to the smooth surface, you shouldn’t have any accidents messing up your wonderful riding experience. And looking at the design, you can expect that sliding with it will be fun.
Moreover, the product is versatile. It offers a smooth rolling experience while providing amazing slides. And you will have a decent grip too. Now, I would recommend this model for beginners.
Because it’s difficult to find a hard-soft combination like this one. To develop your riding style, there’s hardly any match to it.
Now, one user wasn’t too happy with the fact that he had to push the ride from time to time. He stated that the rough terrain do slow the ride down. Another customer noticed a small crack after some bumpy rides. And the wheels aren’t the best options for tricks, as another purchaser stated.
Key Feature:
- 54mm Clouds Black 92a Ricta
- NRG Hi-Energy urethane formula
- Perfect Cruzer/ditch wheels
Pros
- Suitable for almost any terrains with the spot-on dimensions
- Extremely reliable traction, thanks to the smooth surface
- Offers a smooth rolling experience while providing amazing slides
- A hard-soft combination for developing your riding style
Cons
- Might have to push the ride from time to time
14. MBS All-Terrain Longboard Wheels: Best For Speed!
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If versatility and freedom of choosing any terrain are your priorities, then you should consider the wheels we are about to review. It has this wonderful size that allows it to tackle any tough situation. At 100mm x 65mm, it shouldn’t have any problem with the tough tasks.
Now, what’s the best thing about it? Speed! Yes, you got to check out the rebound urethane it comes with. So, if you are a longboarder looking to improve your style, this could well be the model you are looking for.
What are the terrains it will be best suitable for? Well, sidewalks, grass, and hard pavement come to mind. And what’s lovely is that the street traction only gets better with time.
The more the wheels wear down, the better your grip will be. And the width of it will surely please you when you are off-road.
Now, does it wear down too fast? As much as we wouldn’t think this to be the case, one customer found that it does. Another user wanted it to be lighter.
And it would’ve been cool if the poor guy didn’t find one wheel warped. So, although it’s an all-terrain model, it’s better for some terrains than others.
Key Feature:
- 100mm x 65mm all-terrain longboard wheels
- Cast with 78a super-high-rebound urethane for unparalleled speed
- Perfect addition to any long border’s quiver
- Add off-road capabilities to your existing longboards
- Ride sidewalks and pavement hard packed dirt or short grass
Pros
- At 100mm x 65mm, causes no problem with the challenging tasks
- The furious speed with the rebound urethane
- The street traction only gets better with time
- Perfect for a longboarder looking to improve riding skills
Cons
- Did wear down fast for one user
15. CCS Skateboard Wheels Set of 4: Best Quality Wheel!
This CCS beginner skateboard bundle set of wheels is exactly what you need if you want to use your complete Skateboard for commuting and doing tricks. These are a standard 0 complete skateboard set of parks/street wheels, which just like their name is for riding on streets. Whatever scheme you want to do, these are the perfect 7-inch skateboard-sized wheels to do them in.
When it comes to quality, these are top-grade. Parks and street wheels are known for having the hardest urethane. As a result, you get the ccs skate tool slipping factor, making it easier to move and flip around. On top of that, this set has a durometer of 100a. So, it’s also one of the most complex ccs wheels you will find.
These are durable and resilient. However, that also means this will be more sensitive to pebbles and grits on the roads. But if you get used to riding it, you can get over it quickly. This is recommended for beginners because these are the standard kind of wheels you start with.
Unlike ccs longboard or soft ccs wheels, which are for skating on specific terrains, these are more for all-terrain wheels. So, if you’re thinking of buying a deck for your child, we recommend going with this one. As this is slippery, it has added push that beginners would love to cash in before getting more control.
But that doesn’t mean it’s only for beginners. These wheels are great for ccs skating through the city and doing tricks, and many pro skaters use this as well. Also, their affordable ccs skateboard price adds to their value.
Key Feature:
- From the same CCS millions of skaters have trusted. since 1985.
- Set of 4 wheels
- High-quality professional-grade wheels
- Wheel Type: Street/Skatepark
- 100A Durometer / Riding Surface: Treaded
Pros:
- Great for commuting within the city
- Perfect for flip tricks, ollies, and other tricks
- Strong, hard, and slippery
- Recommended for commuters and beginners
Cons:
- Sensitive to pebbles
What should look like before buying longboard wheels!
Size:
The first factor that you will need to chase down while looking for longboard wheels is their size. When it comes to longboard, most of the wheels come in between 64 mm to 80 mm in diameter with 70 mm being the most mainstream size. The rule of thumb says that the bigger the wheels, the slower the acceleration will be.
However, these bigger wheels also offer higher top speed and you can roll over rough terrain like a breeze. Contrary to that, smaller wheels tend to have quicker acceleration yet you will find them having slower top speed.
One of the most vital things that you must note down while selecting the size is if they’ll fit on your setups without causing any kind of wheel bite.
Longboards basically come with reverse kingpin trucks that tend to be taller so they can provide you with more wheel clearance than the standard ones.
If your longboard features larger cutouts, then you can fit any sized wheels. Nonetheless, if your deck features smaller cutouts or even if there is none, then you might require to add one or more riser pad of about ¼-inch so you can fix wheels that come in a bigger size than 70 mm.
It would be great if you opt for 65 mm wheels with a ¼-inch riser pad as they work wonderfully in turning a park board into an all-city cruiser.
Durometer:
The rating of the durometer basically measures the hardness of a wheel. The majority of the longboard wheels come with a durometer from 75a to 88a which makes them somewhat softer compared to ordinary skateboard wheels having a durometer rating of 90a to 101a.
So, generally, the lower the rating of the durometer, the gripper the wheels will have and the slower they will roll. In contrast, the higher the rating of the durometer, the lesser grip the wheels will have and the quicker they will roll.
The hardness of wheels also impacts slide traits. The harder wheels around 83a to 88a would usually slide faster and they will slow you down less. Besides, wheels in such a range tend to glide across the surface of the pavement.
As for the softer wheels around 75a to 80a, they will slide slower typically and will slow you down fast. Moreover, these ranged wheels tend to smear urethane across the surface of the terrain.
Wheels that come with soft smeary slides are commonly described as buttery. Although they tend to wear out fast you will find they very easy to maneuver and control.
Whenever you look for longboard wheels, it is recommended that you opt for a range between 78a to 80a as the range offers a satiating grip, decent speed, and great slides.
Contact Patch:
The contact patch of the wheel is the rounded surface that swivels and makes contact with the terrain. Longboard wheels comprise contact patches ranging from 29 mm to 70 mm. Although, the most common range is found to be between 38 mm to 55 mm to be precise.
The wider the contact patch, the gripper the wheel will be. The narrower the contact patch, the lesser grip the wheels will be. However, while the wider contact patch is stated to be ideal for the downhill zone, the narrower one is generally preferred to free-ride.
Speaking more of the wider contact patch, it also tends to slow you down quickly and offers you more control over the deck. Not just that, it also comes with a quicker transition from grip to slip and tends to be fairly difficult to kick initiate.
Stoneground contact patch has grabbed great popularity for free-ride wheels within these years. You will find shiny coatings on the surface of the wheels when they newly come out of their molds. It has been referred to as the skin or mold release of the wheels.
The skin of the wheels tends to be very grippe which makes them extremely tough to slide. It happens to take a couple of slides just so that it can wear the skins off and enable you to slide smoothly and quietly. That’s why now many manufacturers stone grind the skins off the patches so the wheels can slide well even right after out of the box.
It is highly recommended for beginners to look for wheels that have already been stone ground if they want to learn to slide efficiently.
Lips:
The lip of the wheels is referred to as the outer edge of the contact patch. The lips’ shape explains a lot regarding the way it will ride. While the sharp or thick square lips allow the wheels to have great grips, the rounded ones enable the wheels to break tractions more effortlessly providing a smooth transition from grip to slip.
Thus, people tend to prefer rounded-lipped wheels for free-ride and sharp-lipped wheels for downhill.
If you are someone who uses a longboard for carving or regular riding, then you can skip this factor. However, in case if you are not planning to slide the wheels, then you can take lipped wheels into account as they will let you carve deeper and corner lighter minus worrying about losing tractions.
The Core:
The core refers to a circular hard plastic ring that happens to seat the bearings and provide rubbery polyurethane a place for attachment.
If you are an average rider, then the size and shape of a core will make a slight difference. However, you must note that opting for the bigger core will cause less deformation of the urethane and boost the slide-ability of the wheels.
The importance of the core is its placement within the wheels and its influences on tractions. The wheels will bear the most force put on the inner lips when you will be going into the slides.
It’s the placement of the core that will determine how much urethane is available for supporting the grip of the wheels. There are generally 3 placements for this:
Center-set:
This core found in wheels has been made exclusively for making slide tricks. The reason is, the center-set core makes the wheels flip around with a symmetrical urethane shape while prolonging their life.
Such wheels also come with the most efficient grip. Moreover, it has also been seen that these wheels possess a high rating of durometer and a small contact patch.
Offset:
The offset cores are placed off-center which is nearer to the internal side of the wheels. Or you can say this is a combination of side-set and center-set cores.
The majority of the wheels come with offset core as they provide a fine balance of slip and grip so they can fit most of the rides. If particular characteristics of the wheels are preferred, the durometer, shape, and thickness of the urethane are modified so they can fulfill a designer’s purpose.
Side-set:
Side-set cores are placed extremely close to the inward lip of the wheels. However, they are greatly popular for providing effortless slides caused by minimal urethane on the inner lip that you would use for tractions. Not only do they help you control drift but also offer a comfortable and easy ride.
Advantages:
Longboard wheels come with a lot of perks that make them deserving to make a purchase. So, we have answered the reason why should you buy longboard wheels over other ones.
- Wheels add great stability to the speed so there will a lesser chance of wobbles if you have good pairs. However, you will still need to keep your center of gravity low if you want to have control.
- Longboards usually demand wheels of about 78a to 85a durometer to be fixed on their truck. Such wheels in this range of hardness tend to be harder and harder wheels mean higher speed.
- You can get to enjoy the grip of the longboard once you understand the use of wheels properly.
- Longboard wheels can be used on a skateboard as well which defines the versatility of their use.
- Such wheels are able to absorb bumps smoothly so you can have a smoother ride with ease.
- You will find them to use lesser energy than skateboard wheels which allow you to ride the board more energetically.
- Longboard wheels will not require you to kick often especially if you are someone who prefers riding overtricks.
Wheel Types:
Although you will find a variety of designs when it comes to the type of wheels, there are definite patterns that are dominant for different styles of riding.
Here, I have highlighted 4 general types of wheels depending on the riding styles so you understand how they are different from each other:
Park/Street Wheels:
Such kinds of wheels tend to be smaller and harder. It’s because, with this, the riders will be able to accelerate quickly and perform more tricks easily on smooth surfaces. The hardness of the wheels provides you some slighter give on landings with lesser hang-up on ledges or rails.
Specifications of such wheels are:
- Height: 50mm to 60mm
- Contact Patch: 15mm to 20mm
- Durometer: 90a to 100a
- Round lips.
- Basically elliptical.
- Center-set Core.
Cruising Wheels:
Whatever someone prefers in a longboard cruising wheel would vary greatly from person to person. However, the majority of you will agree to opt for larger height and width wheels with softer durometers will give you more benefits as they are able to tackle any kind of pavement or surface.
Not just that, such kinds of wheels also come with a fair amount of grip.
Specifications of such wheels are:
- Height: 70mm to 80mm
- Contact Patch: 45mm to 55mm
- Durometer: 75a to 80a
- Square/Round lips
- Basically thick.
- Side-set or Offset Core.
Downhill Wheels:
These types of wheels change a little relying on the application. The rider who wants sheer speed would opt for something bigger and harder. If you demand a more technical downhill zone, then slightly smaller and softer ones will make a great option.
Specifications of such wheels are:
- Height: 70mm to 80mm
- Contact Patch: around 55mm
- Durometer: 78a to 83a
- Square or Sharp lips
- Offset Core.
Free-ride wheels:
The majority of the free-ride wheels basically resemble traditional ‘short-board wheels’ in shape. However, they are bigger and possess softer durometer urethane.
You might find them center-set but in fact, they tend to be slightly offset so they can boost a decent balance between slide and grip. Free-ride wheels, in general, possess the biggest spectrum of versatility in durometer, shape, and core position.
It’s because the way riders slide is very reliant on the size, riding style, and weight of an individual. However, there will be a risk of sliding poorly if you go over 75mm for free-ride wheels.
Because the urethane at the height will deform and grip which will make the slides less predictable and hard to kick start.
Specifications of such wheels are:
- Height: 65mm to 70mm
- Contact Patch: around 45mm
- Durometer: 78a to 86a
- Rounds lips
- Offset, Side-set, Center-set Cores.
Wheels on Different Terrains:
In addition to all the stuff highlighted in the guide, the performance of longboard wheels is directly correlated to the terrain you ride on. For instance, the wheels will roll remarkably differently on smooth asphalt terrain than on rougher cement terrain.
So in this section, you will be enlightened about how wheels act differently on different surfaces and how the terrain affects the wheels.
- Smooth asphalt: Very grippy generally and need lesser grippy wheels for sliding.
- Rough asphalt: Lesser grippy than the previous.
- Smooth cement: Fairly less grippy but will slide faster. Wheels on smooth cement have a coating so they can make easy slides.
- Rough cement: Lesser grippy than all the previous ones.
- Brick or stone: Very less grippy but the wheels will have a groove to cause drag and friction while sliding.
- Wood: Least grippy but extremely easy to make slides, particularly with Masonite which is generally found on skate ramps.
- Sand or dirt or grass: It would be extremely tough to move over these terrains as they are filled with obstacles. So, if you actually want to roll the longboard, it is advised to avoid these surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs):
1. What are the shark wheels?
Shark wheels happen to be one of the innovative ideas of the manufacturers. Such wheels are equipped with a mix of both rounded and square shapes.
These peculiarly shaped wheels provide traction even on the wet surface while offering seamless rolling and sliding. In addition to this, the wheel also comes with a unique look that will draw your attention at the very first.
When it comes to longboard rides, these oddly shaped wheels have revolutionized the field of cruising.
2. What is Thane?
Thane is regarded as the urethane or polyurethane formula of an individual company.
As the main characteristic of the wheel ride is derived from a urethane material, the majority of the riders end up valuing it more due to its secret formula.
Which of the wheels will be suitable for a beginner when it comes to longboarding?
If you are a beginner, then you should go for softer and wider wheels for longboarding since they come with a better grip and also offer a smoother ride.
3. What is the role of a durometer in the wheels of a longboard?
A durometer is a gauge that measures the hardness of the wheels. There is a range of durometer rating that serves different purpose. Understanding the role of durometer for better wheels. Here is the guide to the durometer so you can relate well to its purpose:
- 78a to 87a: Great for rough terrain and riding over obstacles and offers a great grip as well as easy swiveling.
- 88a to 95a: The wheels are found to be a bit harder, yet they will still have a softer feel. The wheels in this range are great for streets and rough surfaces.
- 96a to 99a: This one happens to be a range where all-rounder wheels fall into. The wheels offer great speed as well as satiating grip. They also perform amazingly on ramps and smooth surfaces.
Final Words:
When it comes to the wheels of a longboard, you will find the market to be very vast and mixed. And that’s a big plus as it gives you a chance to explore all kinds of options.
Although at some point, it might end up confusing you about what to take once you note down your preference and opt for matching the wheels with the list, it will get a lot easier.
Also, we have managed to narrow down this vast market so it can clear your confusion even a little. So, when you step out to buy one, you can have options for the ones that are literally ruling the market.
It’s just you need to decide at the very onset what purpose your longboard must serve. This decision along with the information in this best longboard wheels article will help you have the right choice.
Hi, my name is Gabriel. I am completed my MBA from private university and my subject was IT (Information Technology) and also I complete my graduation form South East University and Department from CSE (Computer Science & Engineering). I am author and blogger of this website who loves to write about different topics that are related to the board sport. From beginner tips to intermediate advice, I want to offer you quality content that will help improve your skill set and make you a better rider. Thanks for checking out my site!
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