Longboards are typically better for riding around towns because they are built for larger wheels, making them quicker and a more convenient mode of transportation. In order to ride around smoothly, you need appropriate wheels for them.
Whether you want to slide across your campus, attempt new tricks, or crouse through mountains, finding the right wheel is key. And, in order to help you with your selection of the best longboard wheels, we will provide you with a buying guide along with the top options available on the market.
Firstly, you should understand that the kinds of longboard wheels have a combination of endurance and functionality. Furthermore, for longer cruises, quality is essential. As a result, you must consider significant aspects such as wheel size and durometer. We will see more of that later.
With the information provided in this article, you should be able to find the best option for your needs.
Our Top 7 Best Longboard Wheels
To get the most bang for your buck, invest in one of these longboard wheels, which not only provide smooth skating but also ensure protection. You’ll find a selection of the top longboard wheels on the market below.
01. FREEDARE Longboard Wheels 70mm with ABEC-7 Bearings
Let us begin by introducing our overall best contender for longboard wheels. From Freedare, this particular set contains 4 pieces of pretty large-sized wheels, which helps your longboard achieve optimum performance.
Just like the name suggests, Freedare is a company that promotes freedom and the courage to take risks.
Designed Perfectly for Smooth Performance
As mentioned above, these wheels are big-sized, having diameters of 70 mm and a width of 51 mm. Larger-diameter wheels have a smoother ride. Besides, it has 83A durometer polyurethane wheels, which allow wheels to quickly pass over irregularities without any difficulty.
All-Terrain Skating
Thanks to its smooth skating abilities, it is versatile enough for both surface skating and skateboard park conditions. In fact, if you want to ride on rough terrain, this is still an excellent option.
Preinstalled Steel Bearings and Spacers
Besides, this longboard wheelset includes ABEC-7 bearings and spacers made from heavy-duty steel. And, they come attached with wheels.
Now, the ABEC-7 is the second-highest rating for ball bearings strength, which describes the durability of the wheels.
Sleek and Customisable Design
The wheels’ exterior design is extremely simple, giving them a streamlined appearance. This particular model is available in black. However, it is also offered in a few brighter colors.
You can easily customize it yourself if you want something more personalized!
If you choose to travel on rough terrain, pick wheels with a larger diameter, as they will assist you in moving over rough and rocky terrain without difficulty. And, this Freedare set is the best option out there.
Pros
- Comes in a plain design, which can be easily customized
- Has a polyurethane design to ensure smoother rides on rough terrains
- Equipped with high-performance ABEC-7 bearings
- Perfect for most terrains, including pavements, skate parks, and uneven roads
Cons
- Might not last very long
02. Orangatang Kegel Downhill Longboard Wheels 80mm
Next, we have another set that includes large-sized wheels, which makes them super effective for maintaining momentum when cruising.
Designed for Downhill Long-boarding
Like most sets of wheels, this one includes four individual pieces. These sets come with wheels that are configured for optimum speed and traction during downhill activities.
Whether you’re skateboarding, carving, pushing long distances, or pumping, these wheels will make the ride a whole lot smoother.
Large Sized for Rough Roads
These wheels are very wide, with each having an 80 mm diameter. As a result, they drive right over holes, rocks, gravel, and the most uneven roads at incredible speeds.
So, if you’re interested in cruising downhill over rocky roads, this is the one to consider.
Need for Bearings and Spacers
Apart from the wheels, 8 individual bearings are included with this package. These are Loaded Jehu V2 bearings, having extended inner raceways. So, you won’t need any additional spacers or speed rings for these wheels.
Topnotch Quality and Performance
Happy Thane formula is used in the construction of these wheels. And urethane is used for additional traction and lightness. In addition, they also have a 46 mm core, which lightens the load while allowing for fast acceleration and clean rolls.
These are the perfect downhill longboard wheels you can find right now.
So, what are you waiting for?
Pros
- Have a sleek urethane finish with square lips for spectacular grip
- Includes 46 mm core to lighten the load for faster acceleration
- Ensures maximum grip and smooth slides with the appropriately designed lips
- Includes bearings in the package
- Doesn’t require any additional spacers or speed rings
Cons
- Can display scuff marks on certain parts, like edges
- Doesn’t last for a long time
03. MBS All-Terrain Longboard Wheels 100mmx65mm
The MBS All-Terrain Longboard Wheels have a decent diameter of 100 mm and have a smooth and stable ride on all sorts of roads.
Hardness and Performance
Having a 78A durometer, these wheels are incredibly bouncy, and they provide additional acceleration.
Now, these wheels are designed with an extremely high rebound that allows you to ride comfortably while also providing excellent acceleration. So, they ride effortlessly on rugged and difficult surfaces.
Size Related Issues
These are some of the largest-sized wheels you can find for longboards. And, they are mostly great for a number of reasons.
However, these 100 mm diameter wheels can sometimes be a little too big for certain boards. So, you have to make sure your deck is big enough to handle these, or else they can induce wheel bite.
Quality
You can travel over ridges on the streets without seeing any change in the quality of your ride. Moreover, these wheels won’t let you sense any bumps when cruising over rough ground.
Design and Compatibility
Owing to the versatility of the design, these wheels are comfortable, particularly when riding in slippery and muddy environments. So, if you plan to get them, make sure they match the measurements of the board first.
Not only are they perfectly mountable on most longboards, but they also work on most roads too. Off-road tracks, such as gravel or concrete roads with large gaps, are ideal for these tough wheels.
Pros
- Can be used to ride on almost any surface
- Has the biggest diameter of all
- Ensures maximum speed, thanks to its softness
- Provides a secure grip on rides and ensures absolute safety
Cons
- Costs relatively high
- Might get wheel-bite with small-sized boards
04. Shark Wheel Sidewinder 78a Longboard Wheels
These incredibly stylish square-shaped wheels are meant for you if you’re interested in something fresh and unorthodox.
Brand and Popularity
Shark Wheel is a California-based organization committed to creating the most creative, revolutionary, and high-tech wheels on the market. As opposed to conventional wheels, the Shark Wheels have several scientifically established benefits.
After appearing on Shark Tank, Discovery Channel, FedEx commercials, and several other shows, they received a boost in sales. In fact, they are also used by a number of Fortune 500 companies.
Bright Yellow Design
With their unique take on classic longboard wheels, the creative team from the brand has redefined wheels in general. Rather than being manufactured in the traditional round form, these are exquisitely designed in square shapes.
Equally Great Quality and Performance
As it has high-quality construction, it is able to absorb impact and ensure consistent results on all kinds of roads.
Despite popular belief, they are not slippery, and they are not difficult to ride. They are, in effect, lighter than conventional options.
Moreover, these wheels are three times faster than normal urethane wheels, making them ideal for professionals.
All in all, these Shark Wheels have the best all-terrain performance.
Good Size and Even Better Hardness
Unfortunately, the wheels are not the biggest in size. They are moderately sized with diameters of 60 mm. So, they provide decent speed and momentum and work just fine for the everyday commute.
The wheels, on the other hand, are made of 78A urethane, which makes them capable of handling tricks when skating.
Pros
- Offers three times the speed and balance than regular wheels
- Ensures outstanding performances on all kinds of surfaces
- Provides resistance from water and humid climates
- Can be used by professional players
Cons
- Doesn’t come in a traditional design, which some might find off-putting
05. Orangatang Caguama Longboard Wheels for Cruising 85mm
If you want to ride at full speed and intensity, this Orangatang Caguaama Set is undoubtedly the best choice for you.
Dimensions and Design
The wide, rounded wheels have an 85-mm diameter for maximum speed. At the same time, they also accommodate stability and agility for heavy-duty riding.
Besides, these wheels can also be used to push and carve great distances when connected to electric longboards. So, that is one feature you should look out for!
You can quickly pass over reinforced concrete thanks to the 56 mm contact pad. The surface layer provides a secure grip, and the slightly angled edges aid in the smooth operation of the wheels.
Speedy Performance
Having one of the largest wheels, with diameters of 85 mm, these wheels allow you to swerve through rocks, shards, and even the most difficult terrain conveniently.
In addition, they also have a big, wide center of 46 mm, which helps reduce weight while increasing momentum and traction. Overall, this is one of the best options for speed.
Quality of Hardness
It comes in a light blue color with a subtle pattern on top. These have a hardness rating of 77A, which makes them highly flexible.
And, the urethane wheels’ fundamental composition makes them plain, elegant, delicate, and tight.
Compatibility
They can work with any electronic skateboard that can carry Orangatang Kegels, providing a smooth ride.
Pros
- Has a strong core for quick and steady rides
- Has a sleek and elegant design
- Comes in a larger-than-normal size
- Can be used with electronic boards for increased efficiency
Cons
- Costs a lot more than its competitors
06. Bigfoot Longboard Wheels 80A SHR Cruisers 76mm
As these wheels were created with mountain cruisers in mind, they deliver succeeding pace and agility. If you want to attempt freestyle, slalom, or ride down hills, these are among the best choices for you.
Basic Parameters
Now, these wheels are on the slightly larger side, measuring 76 mm in diameter. Their sizes assist you in achieving full acceleration.
Besides, they have an unrivaled defense with an 80A hardness rating. The right amount of softness on the wheels allows you to maintain a strong grip at all levels.
Perfect Quality for Optimum Use
The Bigfoot Mountain Cruisers were built with the ideal soft texture and comparatively larger scale to live up to their reputation.
Skateboarding requires a set of wheels that are specifically designed to make the ride fast and easy. Otherwise, you can feel a build-up of stress in your feet, making it difficult to proceed. And, these very wheels were designed to enable you to travel quickly without having to be fully conscious of gravel or puddles on the ground.
Not only that, but the Mountain Cruisers are also the best skateboard wheels for simply cruising around town.
Overall Performance
The wheels are optimized for users who want to go fast and eventually be able to maintain maximum speed while navigating around turns and intersections perfectly.
The offset core helps you in grasping around sharp turns.
Pros
- Works great for quick, everyday rides
- Comes with high-quality construction, which makes it highly durable
- Has a long-lasting pace, thanks to its wheel size
- Delivers unparalleled pace and agility for mountain cruisers
Cons
- Cannot be used on all kinds of roads
07. Sector 9 Slide Butterballs Skate Wheels Set of 4
As the Sector 9 Wheels were created with versatility in consideration, they have a much tighter grip than regular rounded wheels. In addition, they can be used on any longboard or skateboard to ride quickly and conveniently.
If that sounds like something you’d want, check out the rest of the features.
Perfect for Sliding and Freeriding
These longboard wheels have durometers of 80A. Not only do they glide well, but they also have great control, all thanks to their softness. When you want to go freeriding, they will perform flawlessly, almost as great as it slides.
Appropriate Traction and Overall Balance
Now, these wheels have a Cosmic Centerset Core, which provides far more traction and uniform use than most similar options. As they have even wear, they work for a longer period.
They also have contact patches of 38 mm that make them large enough to grip tightly while remaining small enough to slide. As a matter of fact, these are some of the best wheels on the market as of now.
Ideal for Beginners
Due to the great sliding feature, these wheels are perfect for people learning to slide. With this, beginners are totally safe and will be able to get over the learning curve very fast.
Pros
- Works as great sliding wheels for beginners
- Includes Cosmic Centerset Core to ensure even use
- Has strong traction, which makes them great for freeriding and trying freestyle
- Has the perfect durometer to roll smoothly over rough roads
Cons
- Doesn’t last long if it is used regularly for sliding
Factors to Consider When You Purchase The Best Set of Longboard Wheels
The following factors are very important to consider in order to find the most suitable option for your specific needs.
01. Diameter
When it comes to longboard wheels, an essential decision you must take is regarding the size. The majority of longboard wheels range somewhere between 64 mm and 80 mm in diameter. And, the most common size is 70 mm. Before we get into the size differences, you must remember to check whether the wheels will match without causing a wheel bite on your board.
i. Lower Diameter
Wheels having smaller sizes will be able to fit in more configurations and accelerate quicker. Their maximum speed, however, will be much lower.
ii. Higher Diameter
Wheels having larger sizes accelerate slower but have a much higher maximum speed. Besides, they can ride over rough and rocky roads more quickly. You should be able to attach wheels of all sizes as long as your deck has big cutouts.
02. Durometer
In order to measure whether a skateboard or longboard wheel is hard or soft, Durometer ratings are used. These ratings are obtained from the Shore A scale. Generally, longboard wheels have a durometer within a range of 75A and 88A. This range indicates much softer wheels compared to skateboard wheels.
Skateboard wheels generally range between 95A to 101A hardness levels. Longboard wheels with a smaller durometer have far more traction but move slowly, while those with a larger durometer have less traction but roll more quicker.
I. Softer Durometer
Wheels within 75A to 80A are considered softer. They will slow you down quickly, so you will be able to take sharp turns and twists easily. But this also means that they are not very durable.
II. Harder Durometer
On the contrary, wheels within 83A to 88A are considered relatively harder. Harder wheels like these are less likely to decline the speed, so you can easily slide and glide using these wheels. This increases their durability and renders them an excellent option for cruising at low speeds.
03. Contact Patch
Now, this is the part of the wheel that touches the ground as it moves forward. A wheel with a larger contact patch has much more traction and is usually given for downward riding. On the other hand, a wheel with a thinner contact patch has very little traction and is strongly recommended for freeride and freestyles.
04. Urethane Formula
Although the durometer is a fairly good reference for carefully choosing your longboard wheel possibilities, not all wheels with the same rating perform equally well. The urethane composition of a wheel has a significant impact on how it works. Each urethane formulation is special, with various levels of grip, toughness, and sliding properties. You’ll know what kind to choose depending on your needs because many manufacturers classify their formulations as freeride or downhill. Basically, freeride compositions can slide smoother and quicker than downhill formulations while having less control and longevity.
05. Cores
Longboard wheels are commonly divided into three types of core positioning.
- (a) offset,
- (b) centerset, and
- (c) sideset.
The output and slide dynamics from each of these types will have subtle differences.
What Are Longboard Wheels?
Longboard wheels are much larger in size than regular skateboard wheels. These wheels have a range between 65 mm to 100 mm. Bigger wheels roll quicker and accelerate slower.
Smaller wheels, on the other hand, accelerate quicker and have a slower average speed. Although it depends on your particular needs, bigger wheels are considered the best wheels generally.
So, if you want the best, try to get the biggest size you can find. But you will have to consider a few other factors as well. We will see more about that a little later in the article.
Wrapping Up
Whether you have a particular kind of longboard wheels in mind, or you’re researching to find out which kind suits your needs best, you can find your answer here.
Above, we have extensively analyzed the top options for skateboards you can currently find on the market. All our recommended options are well-researched and highly reliable.
Our first piece of advice for you is to follow the buying guide before making the final purchase decision. It includes the key factors that will ensure you choose the best longboard wheels for your needs.
If you have an electronic board, you can get the Orangatang option designed for those boards. And, if you want a budget option, our Everland set provides great value for money.
But, if you don’t have any particular preference or needs, you can go with our first option as it is the best from an overall perspective.