Choosing the right longboard wheels is essential for a smooth, enjoyable ride, whether you’re cruising down city streets or carving through a park. The wheels you select can dramatically impact your speed, stability, and overall experience. But with so many options out there, how do you know which ones are best for you?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing longboard wheels. From the basics of durometer and diameter to understanding the importance of material and shape, we’ll make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Plus, we’ll recommend the best longboard wheels for different styles of riding, ensuring that you pick the perfect set for your needs.
Best Longboard Wheels for Different Styles
When it comes to longboarding, the right wheels can make all the difference in how you ride. Depending on your style—whether you’re cruising, carving, downhill racing, or freeriding—the best wheels for you will vary. Here are our top picks for different riding styles:
1. Orangatang Stimulus 4.75″ – Best for Freeride
Orangatang Stimulus wheels are designed for riders who love slides and freeride tricks. With a 4.75” diameter and 83A durometer, these wheels offer the perfect blend of grip and control for smooth slides.
They are known for their durability and versatile performance, making them ideal for freeriders seeking both stability and the ability to break traction when needed. These wheels provide a buttery feel on various terrain types.
2. Sector 9 Butterballs 58mm – Best for Cruising and Carving
The Sector 9 Butterballs are perfect for cruisers and carvers who want smooth, consistent performance. Their 58mm diameter allows for quick turns and tight carving, while their 78A durometer offers a nice balance of grip and slide.
The square-edged design of the wheels ensures you have a solid grip while carving, but they can easily break loose for controlled slides when you want. They’re excellent for mellow cruising, but versatile enough to handle some aggressive carving.
3. Loaded Longboards Jehu V2 65mm – Best for Downhill Racing
The Loaded Jehu V2 wheels are the go-to choice for downhill racers. With a 65mm diameter and a 77A durometer, these wheels offer the perfect combination of speed and grip for high-speed descents.
The performance-oriented urethane material ensures smooth, fast rides even on rough asphalt. Riders appreciate the Jehu V2 for its stability and control during fast carving and tight turns, providing the confidence needed for downhill racing.
What is the best diameter for longboard wheels, and how does it affect my ride?
When choosing the right diameter for your longboard wheels, it’s important to understand how it impacts your ride. The diameter of your longboard wheels affects your speed, ride smoothness, and ability to handle different terrains. Longboard wheels typically range from 50mm to 60mm or more in diameter. Here’s how the diameter influences your riding experience:
- Smaller wheels (50mm-54mm): These wheels are best for technical street skating or technical downhill, where responsiveness and control are key. Smaller wheels offer more grip and stability but may not perform well on rough surfaces. They are also slower than larger wheels due to their reduced surface area.
- Medium wheels (54mm-56mm): These are the most versatile wheels. They provide a good balance between speed, grip, and ride comfort. Riders who want an all-around experience for cruising, carving, or freeriding often opt for these sizes, as they provide a nice middle ground for various conditions.
- Larger wheels (57mm-60mm and beyond): Larger wheels are designed for speed and performance on rougher terrain. They roll over cracks and bumps more easily, making them ideal for downhill riding, freeriding, and even some types of carving. If you’re a downhill racer or a long-distance cruiser, larger wheels will offer more control and speed on rough asphalt. They do, however, tend to lose some of the responsiveness that smaller wheels provide, especially in tight turns.
For your ride, think about where you typically ride: If you’re cruising on smooth pavement, smaller wheels might suffice. However, for rougher surfaces or faster downhill rides, larger wheels are the better choice. Ideally, choose a diameter that complements the type of riding you enjoy most.
What does wheel durometer mean, and how does it impact my ride?
Wheel durometer is a measurement of a wheel’s hardness, and it plays a crucial role in how your longboard wheels perform. The durometer scale ranges from soft to hard, typically represented by a number followed by an “A” or “B” (e.g., 78A, 87A, 101A). Understanding the durometer of your wheels can significantly affect how your board rides, grips, and slides.
Here’s how durometer influences your ride:
- Soft Wheels (78A – 87A): Softer wheels offer a smoother ride, especially on rough terrain. These wheels are ideal for downhill riding, cruising, and freeriding because they absorb more vibrations from cracks, bumps, and rough asphalt. Soft wheels also provide better grip, making them excellent for situations where traction is necessary. However, the trade-off is that they don’t slide as easily as harder wheels. If you’re a downhill rider or just cruising through city streets with rougher pavements, soft wheels will offer a more comfortable and stable ride.
- Medium Wheels (88A – 95A): These offer a good balance of grip and slide. Medium durometer wheels are great for riders who want a versatile wheel for cruising and carving without sacrificing too much in terms of speed or performance. They allow for more controlled slides while still offering grip. Riders who use their longboards in varied conditions often choose medium durometer wheels.
- Hard Wheels (96A – 101A): Harder wheels are perfect for technical street riding or when you need to slide more easily, such as in downhill racing or freeride competitions. These wheels provide less grip but are faster on smooth, clean surfaces like skateparks. They excel on smooth concrete, where they can maintain speed without being slowed down by rough patches. However, they offer less comfort on uneven surfaces, and riders may feel more vibrations.
The right durometer for you depends on your preferred riding style and the terrain you ride on. Softer wheels are better for rough roads and cruising, while harder wheels suit those who need speed and are riding on smooth surfaces.
What is the difference between square-edged and round-edged longboard wheels?
When selecting longboard wheels, one important aspect to consider is the edge shape of the wheel. The edge of a longboard wheel can be either square-edged or round-edged, and each offers different performance characteristics, depending on your riding style.
- Square-edged wheels: These wheels feature sharp, flat edges that provide more grip and traction. Square-edged wheels are excellent for riders who want maximum stability and control. The sharp edges allow for better traction when turning or carving, especially at low to medium speeds. As a result, square-edged wheels are commonly preferred for downhill racing, freeriding, and technical riding. The added grip makes them more stable, giving you the confidence to ride at higher speeds or on more challenging terrain.
However, the square edges also make them harder to slide. When you need to break traction, the sharp corners can make it difficult to initiate a slide, which might not be ideal for freeriders or anyone who enjoys sliding. These wheels perform best on rough or uneven terrain where control and grip are essential.
- Round-edged wheels: Round-edged wheels have a more curved edge, which makes them better for sliding and freeride tricks. The rounded edges reduce the amount of grip, making it easier to break traction and slide when you need to. These wheels are great for freeriders and cruisers who want to have a fun and controlled slide without sacrificing speed. The rounded edges are also more forgiving, as they won’t catch or “bite” as easily, which is beneficial when you’re carving or making quick turns.
While they don’t offer as much grip as square-edged wheels, round-edged wheels excel on smooth pavement and are ideal for those who want a mix of speed and the ability to perform tricks. If you’re more into carving, cruising, or simply enjoying a more relaxed ride, round-edged wheels are a solid choice.
How does the material of longboard wheels affect performance?
The material used in longboard wheels is one of the most important factors in determining how they perform on various surfaces. Most longboard wheels are made from urethane (a type of synthetic rubber), but there are different formulations and qualities that can dramatically affect your ride. Let’s break down how different materials influence your performance.
- Standard Urethane: The most common material for longboard wheels is urethane because it offers a good balance of grip, durability, and smoothness. Urethane wheels are ideal for various types of riding, including cruising, carving, and downhill racing. They provide excellent traction on smooth pavement while maintaining durability, so they can withstand rough roads without wearing down quickly.
The key to urethane’s success is its shaping ability: manufacturers can adjust the formula to create different durometers (hardness) and shapes, allowing riders to customize their wheels for different styles. Whether you need hard, fast wheels for street riding or soft wheels for rough terrain, urethane wheels can handle it.
- Performance Urethane: Some high-end longboard wheels use performance urethane, which is a specially formulated type of urethane that offers improved grip and smoothness over standard urethane. These wheels are made for advanced riders who want the best performance for downhill racing or freeriding. Performance urethane is more responsive to variations in road texture, making it ideal for high-speed rides where control and precision are paramount.
Performance urethane typically has a higher rebound rate, which translates to better responsiveness when carving or going over rough patches. While it is more expensive than standard urethane, riders who are serious about their performance often invest in this material for the added edge it provides.
- Soft vs. Hard Urethane: The hardness of the urethane used in the wheel also impacts how it performs. Softer urethane provides more grip and is better suited for rougher surfaces, absorbing vibrations and offering a smoother ride. Harder urethane, on the other hand, provides a faster ride with less grip, making it suitable for smooth pavement or sliding. Depending on your riding style and terrain, the specific type of urethane will influence how comfortable and fast your ride is.
What type of longboard wheels are best for downhill riding?
Downhill longboarding is an adrenaline-packed activity that demands the right set of wheels to ensure safety, control, and speed. When it comes to downhill riding, the wheels you choose must be able to withstand high speeds, offer excellent grip, and maintain stability on rough roads. Here’s what to look for when selecting the best downhill longboard wheels:
- Larger Diameter Wheels (55mm – 60mm and above): Larger wheels are essential for downhill riding because they allow you to maintain speed and roll over bumps, cracks, and rough terrain with ease. At high speeds, larger wheels help reduce vibration and provide a smoother ride. They also allow you to keep a steady pace without constantly slowing down due to obstacles in the road.
A larger wheel diameter (around 55mm to 60mm or more) ensures that you can keep your momentum during long descents and won’t lose control due to road imperfections. It’s important to note that larger wheels also provide more grip on rough surfaces, which is a key feature when you’re traveling at higher speeds and need stability.
- Lower Durometer (78A – 82A): The durometer of your wheels will affect how much grip you have on the road. For downhill riding, softer wheels (78A – 82A) are generally preferred because they offer better traction and grip. Softer wheels are able to conform to the rough surface of the road, which improves control and minimizes the chances of slipping or sliding. This added grip is essential when you’re tackling steep hills and high speeds, as it keeps your board stable and secure under your feet.
Softer wheels also absorb vibrations more effectively, making the ride smoother and more comfortable. While harder wheels (e.g., 83A and above) are faster on smooth surfaces, they can lose grip on rough pavement, which makes them less ideal for downhill riding.
- Wide and Square Edges: Wheels with square edges offer more grip, which is crucial when you need stability at high speeds. The flat edges help you maintain traction during sharp turns, ensuring you can control your board without fear of losing grip. For downhill riding, square-edged wheels are generally recommended, as they enhance stability and control.
However, if you plan on doing any sliding or freeriding during your downhill runs, you may want to opt for wheels with slightly rounder edges, as they make it easier to break traction and initiate slides when needed.
- Material Composition: For downhill wheels, urethane is the material of choice because it combines durability with excellent performance. High-quality urethane wheels maintain their shape and provide consistent performance, even at high speeds. This ensures you can count on your wheels for reliability when you need it most.
What’s the difference between longboard wheels for cruising versus sliding?
When choosing longboard wheels, it’s important to understand how your wheel choice can impact your ride, especially if you’re focused on cruising or sliding. These two styles of riding demand very different types of wheels, and selecting the right one will improve your performance and comfort. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences and what to look for in each case:
Wheels for Cruising
Cruising involves riding smoothly and comfortably over various terrains, often through urban streets, parks, or long-distance routes. The goal is to enjoy the ride and get from point A to point B with as little disruption as possible. When choosing wheels for cruising, focus on comfort, smoothness, and stability.
- Wheel Size: For cruising, you’ll want larger wheels (around 50mm to 54mm), as these provide a smoother ride over bumps and cracks. Larger wheels have more surface area, which makes them better at rolling over imperfections in the pavement. They also offer better control and speed on long rides.
- Softer Durometer (78A – 82A): Soft wheels are ideal for cruising because they absorb shocks and vibrations more effectively. If you’re riding on rough surfaces, softer wheels will give you a smoother experience by providing cushion over bumps and cracks in the road. They also offer excellent grip, making them more stable on uneven pavement, so you’re less likely to slip or lose control.
- Rounded Edges: Rounded edges on cruising wheels allow for smooth turns and the ability to handle small obstacles, such as rocks or debris, without causing you to lose momentum or control. These wheels are less prone to “catching” on the pavement during turns, making them a safer option for casual rides.
Cruising wheels should prioritize comfort, grip, and versatility. Soft, large, rounded wheels are ideal for absorbing road vibrations and ensuring a relaxed ride, whether you’re commuting, longboarding for fun, or simply enjoying a leisurely ride through your neighborhood.
Wheels for Sliding
Sliding involves intentionally breaking traction with the wheels to make controlled skids or drifts. Whether you’re freeriding, downhill sliding, or just practicing tricks, the ability to slide requires a different wheel set-up compared to cruising.
- Wheel Size: For sliding, smaller wheels (around 50mm to 54mm) are typically preferred. Smaller wheels are easier to initiate slides with, as they provide less grip than larger wheels. The reduced contact area with the pavement allows for more controlled slides, making it easier to break traction when you need to.
- Harder Durometer (83A – 101A): Harder wheels are essential for sliding because they provide less grip. When you’re trying to initiate a slide, you want the wheels to break traction easily, and harder wheels make that possible. The trade-off, however, is that these wheels might not perform as well on rough terrain. Hard wheels are best for smooth pavement, such as skateparks or downhill tracks.
- Square Edges: Wheels with square edges are preferred for sliding because the sharp edges give you more grip when you need it, but they also allow for more predictable slides when you break traction. These edges help you control your slides, making them an ideal choice for freeride and downhill sliding.
For sliding, choose harder wheels with square edges and a smaller diameter. These features will give you the ability to break traction easily, control your slides, and perform tricks with precision.
How do I maintain and care for my longboard wheels?
Maintaining your longboard wheels is essential to keep them performing at their best, whether you’re cruising, sliding, or racing downhill. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your wheels but also improves the overall safety and comfort of your ride. Here are the key steps to keep your longboard wheels in top shape:
1. Regularly Clean Your Wheels
Dirt, debris, and dust can accumulate on your wheels, affecting their performance. Cleaning your wheels is a simple process that can be done at home with minimal tools.
- How to Clean: To clean your wheels, start by removing them from the truck using a wrench. Once removed, use a soft cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris. For a deeper clean, use soap and water to scrub the wheels, ensuring to clean the grooves and contact area where the wheel meets the pavement.
- Pro Tip: For wheels with more buildup, consider using a toothbrush to scrub between the grooves. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the urethane.
Cleaning your wheels after every few rides, or whenever you notice a build-up of dirt, will help maintain smooth rolling and prolong the life of the urethane.
2. Check for Wear and Tear
Longboard wheels naturally wear down over time due to their contact with pavement. Regularly checking the condition of your wheels is crucial for maintaining a safe ride. Here’s what to look for:
- Flat Spots: If you notice flat spots or uneven wear, it’s a sign that the wheels are wearing down unevenly. Flat spots can cause vibrations and make your ride uncomfortable, especially at high speeds. This can happen from heavy braking or frequent sliding.
- Cracks and Chips: Cracks or chips in the urethane indicate that your wheels are damaged. These imperfections can cause instability, so it’s important to replace damaged wheels to avoid safety issues.
- Uneven Wear: Check if the wear is uniform across all wheels. If one wheel is significantly more worn down than the others, this could indicate an alignment issue with your truck or a riding style that stresses that particular wheel.
3. Rotate Your Wheels Regularly
To avoid uneven wear, it’s a good idea to rotate your longboard wheels periodically. This ensures that all four wheels wear evenly, extending their lifespan.
- How to Rotate: Simply swap the positions of the wheels on your truck, moving the front wheels to the back and vice versa. You can also swap the left and right wheels if you want to ensure all wheels receive equal wear.
- When to Rotate: It’s recommended to rotate your wheels every few weeks or whenever you notice uneven wear. Doing this will help maintain your wheels’ performance and keep your ride smooth and stable.
4. Tighten or Loosen Wheel Nuts
If your wheels feel loose or too tight, it can negatively impact your ride. Tightening or loosening the wheel nuts ensures that your wheels spin freely while maintaining the right amount of stability.
- Tightening: If your wheels wobble or move too much, you may need to tighten the nuts. But be cautious not to overtighten them, as this can create friction and slow down your ride.
- Loosening: If your wheels are too stiff and not spinning freely, loosen the nuts just slightly to allow for more fluid motion. Properly tightened wheels should spin smoothly without excessive resistance.
5. Store Your Longboard Properly
When you’re not using your longboard, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to heat or UV rays can degrade the urethane in the wheels, causing them to crack or become brittle over time. By storing your longboard properly, you’ll ensure your wheels maintain their integrity and last longer.
Conclusion
Choosing the right longboard wheels is crucial to enhancing your riding experience, whether you’re cruising down the street, racing downhill, or learning to slide.
The material, size, durometer, and shape of your wheels all play a significant role in how your board performs on different terrains and at various speeds.
By understanding the key factors that affect wheel performance, such as hardness, diameter, and edge shape, you can select wheels tailored to your specific riding style and needs.
From the soft, large wheels that provide comfort and smooth rides for cruising, to the harder, smaller wheels that offer control and precision for sliding, there’s a perfect set of wheels out there for everyone.
Regular maintenance, like cleaning, checking for wear, and rotating your wheels, will keep your longboard in peak condition, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride for longer.
Remember, the right choice of wheels can elevate your longboarding experience, whether you’re an experienced rider or just starting out. Keep exploring, experimenting with different types of wheels, and most importantly, have fun on your longboard!