Ever looked at a longboard and wondered about those big, smooth-rolling wheels? They’re not just for looks! Longboard wheels are super important for how your board rides, whether you’re cruising down a hill or just rolling to the park. But with so many different sizes, shapes, and materials out there, picking the right ones can feel like a real puzzle. It’s easy to get confused and end up with wheels that just don’t feel right under your feet.
Don’t worry, though! This post is here to help you figure it all out. We’ll break down what makes longboard wheels tick. You’ll learn about the different types and what they’re best for. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for so you can choose wheels that make your longboard feel amazing. Get ready to upgrade your ride!
Our Top 5 Longboard Wheels For Skateboards Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Longboard Wheels For Skateboards Detailed Reviews
1. NONMON 4X Skateboard Wheels 60mm 78A LED Light Replacement Longboard Wheels Cruiser Wheels with ABEC-9 608ZZ Bearings
Rating: 8.5/10
Get ready to light up your ride with the NONMON 4X Skateboard Wheels! These 60mm, 78A blue cruiser wheels are a fantastic upgrade for your skateboard, longboard, or cruiser. They’re perfect for beginners and come with everything you need for a smooth and fun experience on almost any surface.
What We Like:
- These wheels are a great size, 60mm by 45mm, making them perfect for beginners. They work well on sidewalks, concrete, and even ramps.
- The wheels are made from strong PU material with a 78A hardness. This means they are tough and give you a steady ride.
- You get 8 ABEC-9 carbon steel bearings. These bearings are super smooth and quiet, making your cruising feel effortless.
- The cool blue wheels have 3 LED lights inside. They glow brightly, adding a fun touch when you’re skating at night or in the skate park.
- These wheels are easy to ride and are suitable for skaters of all ages and skill levels.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the LED lights are fun, their brightness might vary depending on the speed of your roll.
- The wheels are designed for cruising and general skating. They might not be the best choice for advanced tricks or very rough terrain.
Overall, the NONMON LED Skateboard Wheels offer a bright and smooth ride for skaters of all levels. They are a fun and reliable choice for anyone looking to enhance their cruising experience.
2. LOOEEL 70mm Longboard Wheels 80A Contains ABEC-9 Bearings and Spacers
Rating: 9.0/10
Ready to upgrade your ride? The LOOEEL 70mm Longboard Wheels offer a fantastic package for anyone looking to cruise or tackle street skills. These transparent frosted wheels are designed for smooth performance on various surfaces, from rough pavement to smooth concrete. They come pre-equipped with ABEC-9 bearings and spacers for a fast, quiet ride, plus riser pads and hardware to get you rolling right away. This kit is a solid choice for longboarders of all levels.
What We Like:
- The 70mm size and 80A hardness provide a comfortable, smooth ride, absorbing bumps well.
- ABEC-9 bearings and included spacers ensure fast, quiet rolling.
- The complete package with riser pads and hardware makes installation easy.
- Durable PU material is wear-resistant and grips well for confident cornering.
- Great value for beginners and experienced riders alike.
What Could Be Improved:
- The transparent frosted look might not appeal to everyone’s aesthetic.
- While durable, extreme tricks might wear these wheels down faster than specialized street wheels.
Overall, the LOOEEL 70mm Longboard Wheels are a great all-around upgrade. They deliver a smooth, reliable ride perfect for cruising and learning new tricks.
3. Cloud Ride! Wheels Iceeez 59mm 78A Longboard Wheels
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready for some serious fun with the Cloud Ride! Wheels Iceeez 59mm 78A Longboard Wheels. These wheels are designed for an awesome sliding and freeriding experience. They are super slick, which means you can slide without losing too much speed. If you love carving, cruising, downhill, or just freeriding, these wheels are a great choice for your longboard.
What We Like:
- Super slick “Ice” formula for smooth slides that keep your speed.
- Grippy lips and a softer feel help you control your slides.
- High resiliency urethane means they keep their shape and last a long time.
- Consistent slides right out of the box because they come pre-ground.
- Great for learning to slide and freeride your longboard.
- Cloud Ride makes quality urethane wheels with great attention to detail.
- They compare well to other popular wheel brands like Orangatang and Sector 9.
What Could Be Improved:
- At 59mm, they might be a bit small for some riders looking for maximum roll speed on flatter terrain.
- The ultra-slick nature, while great for sliding, might feel less grippy for riders who primarily focus on sharp carving without intentional slides.
These wheels are perfect for riders wanting to get into freeriding and learn to slide. They offer a fun and controlled experience, making them a fantastic upgrade for your longboard.
4. Bigfoot Longboard Wheels 76mm 80A SHR Mountain Cruisers Translucent Blue
Rating: 9.3/10
If you’re looking to fly down hills and carve through turns, the Bigfoot Longboard Wheels 76mm 80A SHR Mountain Cruisers in Translucent Blue are a fantastic choice. These wheels are built for speed and control, making them ideal for downhill and slalom riding. Their large size and special hardness mean you can keep your momentum and handle corners with confidence.
What We Like:
- Big Size for Speed: At 76mm, these wheels are large. This helps you maintain your speed and makes it easier to go fast.
- Great Grip and Stability: The 80A SHR hardness gives these wheels excellent grip. This keeps you stable, even when you’re going really fast.
- Smooth Turning: The offset core design helps the wheels grip through turns. You get predictable and controlled slides when you need them.
- Built for Speed Demons: These wheels are made for riders who love downhill and slalom. They help you achieve your top speeds.
- Eye-Catching Color: The translucent blue looks really cool on your longboard.
What Could Be Improved:
- Might be Too Big for Some Setups: For smaller or lighter longboards, 76mm wheels could be a bit too large and might cause wheel bite if not set up properly.
- Not Ideal for Cruising Around Town: While great for speed, their size might make them a bit less comfortable for casual cruising on rougher pavement compared to smaller, softer wheels.
These Bigfoot Mountain Cruisers are a top-tier option for any serious downhill or slalom longboarder. They offer a thrilling ride with excellent control.
5. BRAVORD Longboard Wheels 70mm 78A PU
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready to cruise in style with the BRAVORD Longboard Wheels! These 70mm, 78A PU wheels come in a cool mix of purple and black, perfect for adding some flair to your cruiser or longboard. They’re built tough for all your skating adventures.
What We Like:
- These wheels use really good polyurethane, so they last a long time and soak up bumps well.
- They measure 70mm wide and 51mm across, which gives you a great mix of speed and staying steady.
- The purple and black colors look awesome and stay bright, making your board stand out.
- They have a classic shape with cool designs and show the BRAVORD logo and size clearly.
- These wheels work great on different surfaces, whether you’re just cruising around or going downhill.
What Could Be Improved:
- The specific color mix (Mix-Purple) might not be everyone’s favorite.
- While durable, they might wear down faster on very rough terrain compared to harder wheels.
These BRAVORD wheels are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to upgrade their ride with both performance and eye-catching style. They offer a smooth, stable experience for all kinds of skaters.
Choosing the Best Longboard Wheels for Your Skateboard
Picking the right longboard wheels makes a big difference in how your skateboard rides. Whether you cruise down hills or carve smooth turns, the wheels are super important. This guide will help you find the perfect set.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for longboard wheels, keep these things in mind:
- Diameter (Size): Wheels are measured in millimeters (mm). Bigger wheels roll faster and smoother over cracks and rough spots. Smaller wheels are lighter and easier to control for tricks. For cruising and downhill, look for wheels between 70mm and 80mm. For freeride or dancing, 65mm to 75mm is a good range.
- Durometer (Hardness): This is how hard the wheel is. It’s shown by a number followed by “A” or “B” (like 78A or 99A). Softer wheels (lower numbers, like 75A-85A) give you more grip and a smoother ride. They are great for cruising and rough roads. Harder wheels (higher numbers, like 95A-101A) are faster and slide easier. They are good for freeriding and tricks. Longboard wheels are usually softer than skateboard wheels.
- Contact Patch: This is the part of the wheel that touches the ground. A wider contact patch means more grip. A narrower contact patch means less grip and easier sliding. For cruising and stability, a wider wheel is better. For sliding and tricks, a narrower wheel is preferred.
- Shape: Wheels come in different shapes. Some have rounded edges, while others have sharp edges. Rounded edges make it easier to slide and change direction. Sharp edges give you more grip.
Important Materials
Most longboard wheels are made from polyurethane. This material is strong and durable. It also provides a good balance of grip and slide. Different types of polyurethane can affect how the wheel performs. Some are designed for maximum grip, while others are made for sliding.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of longboard wheels depends on a few things:
- Manufacturing Process: How the wheels are made matters. High-quality wheels use good molds and pouring techniques. This makes them round and consistent. Poorly made wheels might be lopsided or have air bubbles. This can make your ride bumpy.
- Urethane Formula: The specific mix of chemicals in the polyurethane affects the wheel’s performance. A good formula provides durability, grip, and smooth rolling.
- Bearing Seat: This is where the bearings go. A well-made bearing seat ensures the bearings fit snugly. This helps the wheels spin freely. A bad bearing seat can make your wheels wobble.
User Experience and Use Cases
Different wheels work best for different styles of skateboarding:
- Cruising: If you want a smooth ride on sidewalks and bumpy paths, choose larger, softer wheels (70mm+, 78A-85A). They absorb shocks well. They give you good grip.
- Downhill: For speed and stability, bigger, harder wheels (73mm+, 78A-85A) are good. They hold speed well. They offer good control at high speeds.
- Freeride/Sliding: If you like to slide and do tricks, you’ll want wheels that are easier to break traction. Wheels that are 65mm-75mm with a narrower contact patch and a harder durometer (90A-99A) are good choices.
- Dancing/Carving: For longboard dancing and smooth carving, medium-sized wheels (65mm-75mm) with a bit of grip are ideal. They allow for fluid movements and controlled turns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best wheel size for beginners?
A: For beginners, wheels around 65mm to 70mm are a good starting point. They offer a balance of speed and control. Softer wheels (around 78A-85A) are also recommended for a smoother ride.
Q: Can I use longboard wheels on a regular skateboard?
A: Yes, you can. However, longboard wheels are usually larger and softer. They might not fit on a regular skateboard without larger trucks. They can also make the board feel heavier and less agile for tricks.
Q: How often should I replace my longboard wheels?
A: It depends on how much you ride and what you do. If your wheels are getting flat spots from sliding or are worn down, it’s time for new ones. This could be anywhere from a few months to a year or more.
Q: What does “offset” mean for longboard wheels?
A: Offset refers to the position of the bearing seat within the wheel. An offset wheel has the bearing seat closer to one side. This can affect how the wheel grips and slides. A more offset wheel usually offers more grip.
Q: Do I need to buy bearings separately?
A: Yes, wheels usually do not come with bearings. You will need to purchase bearings separately. Make sure the bearings fit the axle size of your trucks.
Q: What is the difference between 78A and 85A durometer?
A: 78A is much softer than 85A. Softer wheels (78A) provide more grip and a smoother ride. Harder wheels (85A) are faster and slide more easily.
Q: How do I clean my longboard wheels?
A: You can clean your wheels with soap and water. Remove the bearings first. Gently scrub the wheels and let them air dry completely before putting the bearings back in.
Q: Will bigger wheels make my board slower?
A: Larger wheels actually roll faster because they can maintain momentum better. They also go over cracks and bumps more easily, making your ride smoother and faster.
Q: What are “slide wheels”?
A: Slide wheels are designed to help you slide. They are usually harder and have a narrower contact patch. They also often have rounded edges to make it easier to initiate slides.
Q: Can I mix and match wheel brands or sizes?
A: While you can technically mix and match, it’s generally not recommended. Using wheels of the same size and hardness will give you a more consistent and balanced ride. Mixing can lead to uneven wear and affect your board’s handling.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.