Top 13 Best Longboard Wheels Reviews

It’s always important to consider the most suitable wheels when it comes to longboarding because wheel types can dramatically affect the ride you’re going to get. Sadly many companies make wheels for longboards with little consideration of the riders and what they want to do on their board. As a result, stock wheels are not always ideal for your skating style. That’s why I’m here to help you find the best longboard wheels. Read on! See Also:

• Top 18 Best Longboard For Beginners In 2020 Review – Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide
• The 20 Best Longboard Brands Reviews In 2020
• Top 13 Best Longboards for Cruising – 2020 Edition (UPDATED)

Best Longboarding Wheels For Cruising

Shark Wheel Sidewinder Longboard Wheels

Speaking of the Shark Wheel Sidewinder, if truth be told, what drew my attention to them in the first place was the wheels’ signature wavy-edged shape. They are not like any other popular standard silhouettes that I have seen, such as rounded, bevelled, and squared. They are much more like an interesting hybrid between a sphere and a cube. I bought them with doubt because I had no idea how they would roll with such a strange figure. But anyway, I still I had peace of mind due to the money-back warranty. You know what, after several cruising sessions, their high speed and smooth riding soon blew my mind. They look like a rough cube but very different being truly dead flat on six sides. Therefore, it turns out these wheels gave me better control and traction than the traditional ones do for a stable slide on different terrains. The wheels were so good that I did not need to paddle too many times before reaching my desired speed and maintain it. The wheels are also suitable for urban mushing (aka skatejoring) as well. Based on such phenomenal performance, I can prove that this reinvention isn’t just for a different look, but scientifically developed for better performance.

Big Boy 70mm Gel Solid Longboard Wheels

If you are on a tight budget, these are your go-to wheels. They are considered the cheapest of the 4 choices for the best cruising longboard wheels! Moreover, at almost $23, you not only get 2 pairs of wheels but also bearings and spacers. Really good value! Speaking of the skating styles of these wheels and my 4-month experience on them, this is a versatile solution. I mean, aside from cruising and commuting, these bad boys are also suitable for riding the downhills and carve a little bit. Whichever you decide to do, they are amazing and work well. I didn’t replace anything in the 4 months, including the stock bearings. They are hard and sturdy,  ansd getting into the wheels was easy with a  ride smooth as warm butter. In brief, I have not come across such hig quality wheels and bearings at such an affordable price like these. The spacers might be unnecessary for professionals, but beginners should take advantage of them for extra grip and stability. Highly recommended!

Orangatang Caguama 85 mm Longboard Wheels

These are my choice for heavy riders or more extreme use longboarder. They are built to reach maximum speed with less paddling and along with a decent grip comes very smooth cruising. I guess the key for such phenomenal performance lies in their extra-large rounded-edge wheels – 85 mm diameter with 56mm contact patch. And, for such the large measurements, there is no need for extra risers because they will not get wheel bite at all. For those who are concerned about durability, these wheels are able to cruise smoothly over pavement cracks, sticks, rocks and even the roughest roads with minimal damage or wear. Like other Orangatang products, these wheels come with 46mm cores that provide plenty of momentum with quick acceleration whilst reducing weight significantly. In fact, if you would like to fit them on electric skateboards for an even smoother and faster ride, feel free. They work well with Bone Reds bearings or any other 608-sized skateboard bearings.

Seismic Speed Vent Longboard Wheels

What really turns me on about these Seismic Speed Vent wheels is their higher inertia compared to other models from Orangatang Kegels and in Heats, Abec11 Bigzigs, and 3dm Avilas. Just give them a push and they roll forever (This is also the top feature to consider when choosing good cruiser wheels for long distances). Along with this, their perfect compromise of fast speed and good balance makes them amazing. No matter whether it is a cruise, a long-distance push, a downhill ride or ride on an electric skateboard, they deliver outstanding grip to lock you into any corners. No scrubbing for sure! Amazingly, I had no feeling of instability under fast speeds. My guess is that their 52mm width and heavier weight than other wheels are what make the difference. Finally, their ride is, again, as smooth melted butter although you may need some time to break them in like the Fireball Beast. Take note of its high price tag if you are on a tight budget. However, if you are not in a hurry, save up to give them a try and you will never regret it.

Best Downhill Longboarding wheels

Orangatang Kegel 80 mm Longboard Wheels

Number one on the list of best downhill longboarding wheels is the Orangatang Kegel. They nail up with three core features: balance, high-roll speed, and grip that few others can compete with. Their 80mm diameter with 56mm wide is the best thing to discuss here as they deliver not only high maximum speed but impressive slide response and a versatile balance of traction. This is why when on downhills, despite the high speed, you feel few wobbles and almost no unsteadiness at all. Meanwhile, the cantilevered outer lip delivers consistent performance when the wheels themselves get worn. Plus, they deliver exceptional grip keeping you stable when you make sharp turns. If your concern is about the urethane formula, thankfully it is the exclusive Happy Thane one – the key for predictable, smooth drifts and excellent traction. All in all, if you have the budget and you are looking for versatile longboard wheels, this is your best bet.

Orangatang in Heat 75 mm Longboard Wheels

If you’re looking for the super planted wheels for good control when riding downhills, these are the best option for you. They ride freely like a Cadillac with superb stability and a smooth ride like melted butter over different obstacles found on roads such as sticks, rocks, and cracks. On top of this, the high maximum speed easily enables you to et to your destination quickly. Tip: It is best to pair these with Orangatang bushings, but if your budget is tight, these wheels alone can give you a better experience compared to the stock wheels. Aside from downhills, these wheels are also good for cruising. I appreciated the phenomenal performance in the acceleration of these wheels as well as the long-lasting ability where a single push can ride me around a city block corner. Amazing, right? However, compared to the previous Orangatang Kegel, I feel these ones are less smooth and slower, which (I guess) is the reason why the In Heat is less expensive. Note: Beginners, you shouldn’t ride these on a wet surface.

Fireball Beast 76mm Longboard Wheels

Next up is the Fireball Beast. I have used them for nearly 5 months and now, I can assure you of at least two things: durability and quality. Their construction is very solid with reasonable heft and fast spin. Without being attached to the board, they can roll for 35-40 seconds plus, almost silently. There is more: 76mm diameter with offset core, high durometer, and bevelled edges. From the first time using them on a ride downhill, the perfect balance of grip and slip made me clearly feel that they were very predictable wheels. No matter how high of the hills, they delivered a good response and tight control to help you ride happily. In the meantime, safety is not overlooked. One final bonus is that they come at a really affordable price with functional bearings included as well.

Cloud Ride! Freeride 70mm 83a Longboard Wheels

These Cloud Ride wheels are absolutely amazing. I had a lot of compliments when riding down the street with these because of their outstanding and unique design. They fit on my 40” longboard like a glove and ride downhill perfectly. Under high speed, they hold up well with superb stability ideal for helping beginner riders with their riding capabilities. On the other hand, if you want really smooth riding, I highly recommend installing them with the Bone Reds. They are almost born for each other and you will be amazed how good performance is. Due to the sharply beveled lips, these buddies deliver a massive amount of grip as well. In other words they are a good transition between slidey and grippy and worth investing in.

Sector 9 Race 73Mm 80A Longboard Wheels

The last choice  of wheels for downhills are these Sector 9 Race. They are my favorite friend recently due to the striking versatility. Aside from the flat surface, these wheels can ride smoothly with good shock absorption on roads, pavements, and hills scattered with rocks, sticks, and cracks. What impressed me the most is their stability. Even on a high slope with some obstacles like rocks, they roll on like a breeze with no wobbling or damage. Plus, the superb good grip saved me from falling off the board. With that being said, these are worth every penny, at least in my standards.

Best Sliding Longboard Wheels

Orangatang Stimulus 70 mm Longboard Wheels

If I could have just one set of longboard wheels to slide for the rest of my life, these would be the wheels . These wheels are so exceptionally durable that after riding a terribly bumpy rocky road in my neighborhood, I found no signs of scratches or cracks on them. That is insane! I used to replace the stock bearings of my Landyachtz Dinghy 28″ with the pairs of 63 Hawgs Tracers but they weren’t as fast and smooth as I wanted. So, I removed them and replaced them with these Orangatang sliding wheels. Just three words sum up the result – absolutely my style! The wheels are not only faster and smoother when riding but they also deliver more and are less problematic when sliding through cracks. Plus, their coloring are much better than the Hawgs.

Orangatang 4 President 70 mm Longboard Wheels

For those with more budget, the Orangatang 4 President Wheels are really worth a try. Unlike the Shark Wheel’s that are specialized for cruising only, these wheels are more multifunctional and ideal for those riders who enjoy challenging themselves in different skating styles, such as hard carving, downhill, pumping, slalom, commuting and general cruising. They are the same diameter as the Stimulus – 70mm, but these Orangatang offer a  much smoother ride with more support on the lips to help with crisp slides and that require good traction. My guess is, the encapsulated core is the key to these wheels being so good. If you are concerned about acceleration, they are really quick out of turns and carves. Plus, they carry speed well. In general, you just need 2 or 3 paddles before reaching your desired speed. And, they are reliable at high speed.

Shark Wheel Mako Longboard Wheels

These are some other wheels from Shark Wheel, and as always, the most interesting part is their shape. Don’t let the square-alike look fool you, these wheels are dead flat on 6 sides. But compared to the Sidewinder, these Mako’s are very different in design. They are built to win speed competitions. The high-rebound polyurethane makes them roll over almost everything on the road with ease. Another superb feature is their 78a durometer – soft wheels – for better shock absorption. Take note that, never use the wheels for gliding unless you want wheel bite.

Blood Orange Liam Longboard Wheels

Many riders say that wheels make little difference in slide performance, however I don’t think this is always true. A typical example is when I bought these for my 15-year-old nephew who is a beginner skater. Unlike the stock wheels, where he struggled to keep his balance due to the lack of grip, these wheels solved the problem. I remember that he spent nearly a week learning to slide around like a pro before trying other longboarding skills. If the wheels hadn’t required time for breaking in, I think the time may have been less. But compared to other wheels, a week was not bad. Because they are freeriding wheels, you could consider choosing different bearings with built-in spacers for an extra smooth ride and easier switching. This is especially good for beginner skaters.

How To Choose Best Longboard Wheels In 2019

Diameter

There is a close relationship between wheel diameter and deck length. The basic rule of thumb is, the longer the deck, the larger the wheels. Some professionals enjoy challenging themselves by selecting smaller wheels for their longboard to reach higher speeds. In turns, this lacks stability, which is not a good for beginners. On the flip side, large wheels cannot work with a small deck because they are too bulky to carve, this also means there is a tendency for more wheel-bite than usual, causing the longboard to stop suddenly. Speaking of wheel diameter, the millimetre is the official unit of measure Depending on the deck length, there are three major groups of wheel diameters: For 34” decks and below The smaller the board, the smaller wheelbase. That is why in this first group, a wheel sizing of 60-67mm is best so that your skateboard won’t be top heavy. For example:

• Blood Orange Liam Morgan Pro Model Longboard Wheels

For 34”-42” decks My recommendation is a wheel between 68-72mm. For example:

• Big Boy 70mm Gel Solid Skateboard Wheels
• Shark Wheel Mako Longboard Wheels
• Cloud Ride! Freeride 70mm 83a Skateboard Wheels

For 40” deck and above You should select 72-85mm wheels For example:

• Sector 9 Race 73mm 80A
• Orangatang in Heat 75mm Downhill Longboard Skateboard Cruising Wheels
• Orangatang Kegel 80mm Downhill Longboard Skateboard Cruising Wheels
• Seismic Speed Vent Longboard Wheels

If pushing is your concern, my pro tip is to choose smaller wheels (within this range) for easier pushing whereas the bigger wheels (within this range) will help you with higher speed. Durometer

As mentioned in other skateboard-involving articles, durometer is used to measure the hardness of wheels. In general, the harder the wheels, the faster of speed whereas there is also less grip. This element is influenced by deck measurement and rider weight. In a nutshell, the wider and longer the deck, the softer the wheels should be. Why? It’s because a soft wheel is a  better shock absorber than a hard wheel, leading to more stability. Furthermore, the heavier the rider, the harder of the go-to wheels. This is important since if you’re too light for the wheels, there will be not enough pressure to keep them gripping the surface. However, if you are too heavy for the wheels this will lead to a more sensitive feeling with every crack you ride over and the board itself will travel very slowly Speaking of units of measure, there are two. Almost all skateboard companies utilize the Durometer A Scale to measure the hardness of a wheel, rating from 1 to 100. The smaller the number, the softer the wheels. There is also the Durometer B Scale. This is less popular because it is mainly used for extremely hard wheels that the Durometer A Scale cannot measure. In summary, Durometer B measures 20 points lower than the Durometer A Scale. For example, a 70b durometer is equivalent to a 90a durometer. The most popular range of wheel durometers is between 75a-90a.

If you are a light rider, my recommendations are:

• Shark Wheel Sidewinder Longboard Wheels
• Big Boy 70mm Gel Solid Skateboard Wheels
• Orangatang Caguama 85 mm Longboard Wheels
• Seismic Speed Vent Longboard Wheels

For a medium-weight rider, you should go for:

• Sector 9 Race 73Mm 80A
• Orangatang Kegel 80 mm Downhill Longboard Skateboard Cruising Wheels
• Fireball Beast 76mm Longboard Skateboard Wheels
• Shark Wheel Mako Longboard Wheels

And finally, if you are a heavy rider, these are recommended:

• Cloud Ride! Freeride 70mm 83a Skateboard Wheels
• Orangatang 4 President 70 mm Cruising Longboard Skateboard Wheels

Shape There are three major shapes of wheel: squared edge, rounded edge, and bevelled edge. You should choose the one most suited you your needs, whether you can catch a perfect turn and advance or slip out during a ride downhill. Rounded edge

These are the perfect choice for those who intend to use their longboard for sliding and carving only because they deliver less friction on the ground. It is very much like driving a car, completely square tires will drift on a turn turn. For example:

• Orangatang Stimulus 70 mm Freeride Longboard Skateboard Wheels
• Blood Orange Liam Morgan Pro Model Longboard Wheels

Bevelled edge The bevelled edge is a combination between the rounded and the squared wheels. It is not completely round or flat at the edges but cut at an angle on the side to create a nice contact patch. For this reason, riders usually choose them when bombing hills to ensure a better turn. For example:

• Sector 9 Race 73Mm 80A
• Fireball Beast 76mm Longboard Skateboard Wheels
• Cloud Ride! Freeride 70mm 83a Skateboard Wheels

Squared edge

This type is famous for its superb grip. Those riders with higher demand for a wheel’s contact patch size will be smitten by these for because the squared edge can maintain the speed well. For example:

• Orangatang 4 President 70 mm Cruising Longboard Skateboard Wheels
• Big Boy 70mm Gel Solid Skateboard Wheels
• Seismic Speed Vent Longboard Wheels

Contact patch size You might be wondering what this term means, right? It is the area of the wheel that makes contact with the ground. There is a rule of thumb whereby the larger the wheels, the larger the contact patch is. This feature is important as a large contact patch helps the wheels go faster distributing the rider weight over a larger area. The purpose is to decrease the urethane’s compression in the wheels whilst reducing the roll resistance. Importantly, the wheel shape influences the size of the contact patch. This is why a squared wheel excels in contact with the pavement whereas a rounded wheel is less so. Wheel core

Last but not least, the wheel core. When browsing through hundreds of skateboard wheels on the market, chances are that you may notice two types of wheels: One made completely of polyurethane and the one has a plastic or dual core. What is it used for? Under high speed, the rotating bearings get extremely hot that they need something to spread and dissipate the heat through the wheels to avoid deforming or melting. The wheel core serves this purpose. There are three main cores: Sideset cores Located in between the center and backset cores, the sideset cores are by far the grippiest wheel in the world. It is because of the support from the core near the wheel’s back as well as the weight distribution towards the wheel’s outside. In turns, they cannot do a flip. Centerset cores Located in the center of the wheels, centerset cores are the best choice for riders when they want to flip and rotate well. It serves the purpose of distributing rider weight equally through your wheels delivering a longer lasting shape with no failure while skating. Backset cores Finally, backset cores. These are the go-to option for many riders who enjoy sliding and carving because the wheel’s core becomes even with its back allowing more play on the outside.

FAQs

1. Are 60mm wheels good for cruising?

This is good if your deck is 34” long or below and if you are a light rider. 2. What skateboard wheels are best for cruising? My recommendations are:

• Shark Wheel Sidewinder Longboard Wheels 70mm
• Orangatang 4 President 70 mm Cruising Longboard Skateboard Wheels
• Shark Wheel Mako Longboard Wheels 70mm
• Big Boy 70mm Gel Solid Skateboard Wheels
• Orangatang Caguama 85 mm Longboard Wheels

3. What does durometer mean for longboard wheels?

This is mentioned in detail in the Buying Guide section, take a quick look here. 4. How do you clean longboard wheels?

Cleaning is very easy! Here is my step-by-step guide. It might take you 10-15 minutes to have your wheels looking like new again. You will need:

• Skate tool
• A washcloth
• A large bowl filled with dishwashing soap and warm water. (Invest on a Mr. Clean magic eraser bottle for better cleaning if you can afford it)
• Two rags
• An old toothbrush

Step 1: Flip over the skateboard. Use a skate tool to pop the wheels off. Remember to gather nuts, spacers, and washers up to avoid losing anything when reassembling them. Step 2: Pop out the bearings by pushing the wheel back onto the truck halfway whilst tilting the axle. Now, take a lever and pop out the bearings. Repeat this step for other bearings and again, gather them up. Step 3: Use the washcloth that you’ve prepared, get rid of all gravel and rocks that are stuck in the wheel core or wheel surface. Step 4: Soak your wheels in the liquid for 10-15 minutes. Step 5: Take them out and use a rag to scrub them one by one thoroughly. To clean the crevices, you can use a toothbrush. Step 6: Wipe the wheels dry with a clean, dried rag. (Or, paper towels are okay) Step 7: Reassemble the wheels back into its position on the deck. 5. Can you use longboard wheels with a skateboard? Yes, you can! Just ensure that you have enough clearance to avoid unwanted wheel bite. Usually, smaller longboard wheels can work well with a normal skateboard. 6. I just got a new high-end longboard and one of the wheels is slow. What should I do?

This is common! The main reason is that your axle butt is too tight. Try loosening it. If the problem is not solved, chances are that the shield of the bearing has been damaged while assembling, but this one is really rare in any new longboard. If you have used it for a couple of times, the bearings and wheels may get dirty. Gravel and rocks can also cause your wheels to roll slowly. Other than that, there must be a factory fault somewhere. You should contact the manufacturer for help. 7. What are some of the best longboard wheel brands? Based on my experience, the best longboard wheel brands are Orangatang, Sector 9, and Shark Wheel. I’ve listed out some of their must-try wheels above, take a quick look here. 8. What do you think of the new longboard wheels called Shark Wheels?

I have a few sets of these, and they are really good to ride. Don’t let the squared look fool you, they give no flat spot or lumpy feeling at all, not to mention of their superb performance the wet with plenty of grip that the normal wheels cannot compete with. Compared to the grooved rain wheels, they are little different. Take note that if on a Penny board, these Shark wheels may deliver some wheel bite when turning because their regular wheel size is 70 mm, too big for such a small board.

In conclusion

I think this article says enough about choosing the best longboard wheels. If you are in other trouble than the those that I mentioned above, feel free to ask me for help. Otherwise, in case you want me to write a review about a certain longboard wheel, don’t hesitate to comment down below. I’ll try my best!