Imagine cruising down a sun-drenched street, the wind in your hair, and your longboard gliding effortlessly beneath you. What’s the secret to that smooth ride? More often than not, it’s all about the wheels! But step into a skate shop or browse online, and you’re met with a dizzying array of shapes, sizes, and colors. It can feel overwhelming, right? You want wheels that grip the pavement for carving, roll fast for speed, and absorb bumps so your ride isn’t jarring. Finding the perfect match for your longboard and your riding style can be a real challenge.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’re here to break down the world of longboard wheels, making it easy for you to understand what makes one wheel different from another. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly what to look for. We’ll cover everything from diameter and durometer to urethane formulas, helping you ditch the confusion and pick wheels that will truly elevate your skating experience. Get ready to transform your ride from good to absolutely epic!
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
Light up your ride with the NONMON 4X Skateboard Wheels! These cool blue wheels are designed for fun and function, whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned skater. They’re perfect for skateboards, longboards, and cruisers, and they roll smoothly on almost any surface. Get ready for a brighter, smoother ride!
What We Like:
- These wheels are a great size, 60mm by 45mm, making them perfect for beginners learning to skate.
- You can ride them everywhere! They work on all kinds of ground, like ramps, sidewalks, and even bumpy concrete or asphalt.
- Made from tough PU material with a 78A hardness, these wheels are built to last and give you a steady, smooth ride.
- You get 8 super smooth and quiet ABEC-9 carbon steel bearings. They make cruising really enjoyable.
- The wheels have 3 bright LED lights built into their blue centers. They light up the street and skate park when you ride.
- These easy-to-ride cruiser wheels are awesome for skaters of almost any age and skill level.
What Could Be Improved:
- The LED lights could be a bit brighter for really dark conditions.
- While durable, more advanced skaters might want a harder wheel for certain tricks.
These NONMON wheels offer a fantastic combination of performance and fun. They’re a great upgrade for anyone looking to add some flair and smooth rolling to their ride.
2. LOOEEL 70mm Longboard Wheels 80A Contains ABEC-9 Bearings and Spacers
Rating: 9.5/10
Ready to upgrade your ride? The LOOEEL 70mm Longboard Wheels in black offer a fantastic package for any skateboarder looking for a smoother, faster experience. This kit comes with everything you need to get rolling, including high-quality wheels, ABEC-9 bearings, spacers, riser pads, and all the necessary hardware. Whether you’re cruising down the street or practicing new tricks, these wheels are designed to perform.
What We Like:
- The 70mm diameter and 80A hardness make these wheels great for all types of pavement, from rough sidewalks to smooth concrete.
- They provide a soft grip, which helps you take corners smoothly and confidently.
- The included ABEC-9 bearings are built for high-speed rotation without annoying noise, letting you slide and cruise with ease.
- Bearings and spacers are already installed, saving you time and hassle.
- This set is super versatile and fits many types of skateboards, including longboards, mini cruisers, and retro boards.
- The complete kit includes riser pads and hardware, so you have everything needed for installation right out of the box, making it ideal for beginners.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 80A hardness is good for most surfaces, some advanced riders might prefer a slightly harder wheel for pure speed on very smooth surfaces.
- The black color, while classic, might not appeal to those looking for more vibrant wheel options.
Overall, the LOOEEL 70mm Longboard Wheels are an excellent choice for anyone wanting to enhance their skateboarding setup with a reliable and comprehensive kit.
3. LOOEEL 70mm Longboard Wheels 80A Contains ABEC-9 Bearings and Spacers
Rating: 9.5/10
Upgrade your ride with the LOOEEL 70mm Longboard Wheels! These transparent frosted wheels are designed to make your longboarding experience smoother and more enjoyable. They come with everything you need to get rolling, including ABEC-9 bearings, spacers, riser pads, and hardware screws. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider, this kit is a fantastic choice for your longboard, cruiser, or mini cruiser.
What We Like:
- Large 70mm diameter wheels offer a smooth ride over various surfaces.
- 80A hardness provides a good balance of grip and speed.
- Pre-installed ABEC-9 bearings and spacers make setup a breeze.
- Durable PU material withstands wear and tear on different pavements.
- The complete kit includes riser pads and hardware for easy installation.
- Quiet and fast-rolling bearings enhance your street skills.
What Could Be Improved:
- The transparent frosted design might not appeal to everyone’s aesthetic.
- While suitable for general use, extreme tricks might require harder wheels.
This LOOEEL wheel set offers a comprehensive and high-quality upgrade for your longboard. It provides a smooth, fast, and stable ride right out of the box.
4. Bigfoot Longboard Wheels 76mm 80A SHR Mountain Cruisers Translucent Blue
Rating: 9.3/10
Looking for wheels that can handle serious speed and keep you in control? The Bigfoot Longboard Wheels 76mm 80A SHR Mountain Cruisers in Translucent Blue are built for riders who love to push their limits. These wheels are big and designed for speed, making your longboard fly down hills and carve through turns like never before.
What We Like:
- These wheels measure 76mm by 53mm.
- They have an 80A SHR hardness, which means they offer great grip and stay stable even when you’re going really fast.
- The offset core helps the wheels grab the road in turns.
- This design gives you predictable slides, so you can control your board better.
- The Mountain Cruiser wheels are made for riders who want to go fast, like for slalom or downhill riding.
- Being 76mm, these are large wheels, which makes it easier to keep your speed up.
- The translucent blue color looks really cool!
What Could Be Improved:
- Because they are larger and designed for speed, they might feel a little less forgiving on rougher roads compared to smaller, softer wheels.
- For brand new longboarders, the speed and grip might take a little getting used to.
If you’re serious about speed and want wheels that offer excellent control and grip, these Bigfoot Mountain Cruisers are a fantastic choice. They’ll help you conquer hills and carve with confidence.
5. Cloud Ride! Wheels Iceeez 59mm 78A Longboard Wheels
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready for some serious fun with the Cloud Ride! Wheels Iceeez 59mm 78A. These urethane longboard wheels are designed for riders who love to slide and carve. They’re slick, fast, and built to last. Whether you’re a beginner learning to slide or a seasoned freerider, these wheels will help you shred.
What We Like:
- Ultra Slick and Fast: The special “Ice” formula makes these wheels super slick, letting you slide easily without losing speed.
- Controlled Slides: Grippy lips and a softer formula help you stay in control during slides.
- Durable and Long-Lasting: The high resiliency urethane keeps the wheels in shape, so they last a long time.
- Ready to Ride: They come pre-ground, so you can start sliding right out of the box.
- Great for Learning: These wheels are perfect for anyone learning how to slide and freeride.
- Quality Urethane: Cloud Ride pours quality urethane into every wheel for great durability.
- Compares Well: These wheels are a great alternative to top brands like Orangatang and Sector 9.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Size Options: At 59mm, they might be a bit small for some riders looking for a larger wheel.
- Focus on Sliding: While they are versatile, their primary design is for sliding, which might not be ideal for riders who only cruise or carve without sliding.
The Cloud Ride! Wheels Iceeez 59mm 78A are a fantastic choice for freeriding and learning to slide. They offer a fun, controlled, and durable experience.
Finding the Best Longboard Wheels for Your Skateboard
Are you ready to upgrade your ride? Longboard wheels can make a huge difference in how your skateboard feels and performs. They are the parts that touch the ground, so choosing the right ones is super important. This guide will help you pick the perfect wheels for your adventures.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for longboard wheels, you’ll see a few important things.
- Diameter (Size): This is how big the wheel is. Bigger wheels roll over cracks and bumps more easily. They also go faster. Smaller wheels are good for tricks and quick turns. For cruising and downhill, bigger is usually better.
- Durometer (Hardness): This tells you how hard the wheel is. It’s measured by a number followed by an ‘A’ (like 78A or 101A). Softer wheels (lower numbers) grip the road better and give a smoother ride. They are great for cruising and rough surfaces. Harder wheels (higher numbers) slide easier and are faster on smooth surfaces. They are good for tricks and skateparks.
- Contact Patch: This is the part of the wheel that touches the ground. A wider contact patch means more grip. A narrower one means less grip, which helps with sliding.
Important Materials
Longboard wheels are usually made from polyurethane. This material is strong and lasts a long time. It also gives a good balance of grip and slide. Different types of polyurethane can change how the wheel feels. Some are softer, and some are harder.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a longboard wheel depends on a few things.
- Manufacturing Process: How the wheels are made matters. Good manufacturing makes the wheels last longer and perform better. Cheaper wheels might wear out faster. They might also feel bumpy.
- Shape and Cut: The shape of the wheel’s edge can affect how it slides and grips. Some wheels have rounded edges for smoother slides. Others have sharper edges for more grip.
- Core: Some wheels have a special core inside. This core can make the wheel lighter and stronger. It also helps the wheel keep its shape when you ride hard.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who you are and what you do on your skateboard helps decide the best wheels.
- Cruising: If you like to ride around town or along the beach, you want soft, big wheels. These wheels soak up bumps. They give a smooth and comfortable ride. Look for wheels around 78A-85A.
- Downhill: For going fast down hills, you need wheels that are stable and grip well. Bigger wheels help with speed. Wheels that are a bit harder can help you control slides. Wheels around 78A-85A are common here too, but the shape is also important.
- Freeride/Sliding: If you want to do slides and tricks, you need wheels that slide easily. Harder wheels are good for this. A narrower contact patch also helps with sliding. Wheels around 90A-101A are popular for freeride.
- Carving: For making smooth turns, you want wheels that grip well. Softer wheels with a wider contact patch are great for carving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best wheel size for beginners?
A: For beginners who want to cruise and learn, wheels between 65mm and 75mm are a good start. They offer a good balance of speed and stability.
Q: Can I put longboard wheels on a regular skateboard?
A: Yes, you can. However, longboard wheels are usually much larger and softer than regular skateboard wheels. This can make your skateboard feel slower and harder to do tricks with. They are best for cruising.
Q: How do I know if my wheels are too soft or too hard?
A: If your wheels feel sticky and don’t slide easily, they might be too soft for what you are trying to do. If your ride is very bumpy and you feel every little pebble, they might be too hard.
Q: Do I need to change my trucks if I get longboard wheels?
A: Usually, you don’t need to change your trucks. However, if you get very large longboard wheels, they might rub against your deck. This is called wheel bite. You might need riser pads to prevent this.
Q: How long do longboard wheels last?
A: The lifespan of longboard wheels depends on how much you ride and what kind of surfaces you ride on. With regular use, they can last for many months to a few years.
Q: What does “78A” mean on a wheel?
A: “78A” is the durometer rating. It means the wheel is quite soft. Softer wheels give a smoother ride and more grip.
Q: What does “101A” mean on a wheel?
A: “101A” means the wheel is very hard. Harder wheels are faster and slide easier, but they make the ride bumpier.
Q: Are expensive wheels always better?
A: Not always. While higher-quality materials and manufacturing often cost more, you can find great wheels at different price points. Focus on features that match your riding style.
Q: Can wheel color affect performance?
A: No, the color of the wheel does not affect its performance. It’s just for looks!
Q: How often should I check my longboard wheels?
A: You should check your wheels regularly for flat spots, cracks, or uneven wear. This ensures a safe and smooth ride.
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.