Ever feel like your longboard is stuck in first gear? You push and push, but it just doesn’t glide the way you want. That’s often because of your wheels! Choosing the right longboard wheels can be super confusing. There are so many sizes, shapes, and colors, and it’s hard to know which ones will make your ride smooth and fun.
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! Picking the wrong wheels can make your longboard feel slow, bumpy, or even wobbly. But getting it right? That’s where the magic happens. Imagine carving down hills with ease, cruising effortlessly, or mastering your favorite tricks. The right wheels can totally change your longboarding experience.
In this guide, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about longboard wheels. We’ll talk about what makes them different and how to pick the perfect set for your ride. By the end, you’ll be a wheel wizard, ready to roll out with confidence and enjoy every single push.
Our Top 5 Longboard Wheels Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Longboard Wheels Detailed Reviews
1. Bigfoot Longboard Wheels 76mm 80A SHR Mountain Cruisers Translucent Blue
Rating: 8.9/10
Conquer the streets with the Bigfoot Longboard Wheels 76mm 80A SHR Mountain Cruisers in a cool translucent blue. These wheels are built for speed and control, making them a fantastic choice for longboarders who love to push their limits.
What We Like:
- These wheels measure 76mm by 53mm. They have a hardness of 80A, which is called Super High Rebound (SHR).
- The 80A SHR hardness gives you great grip. This helps you stay stable when you’re going really fast.
- The offset core design is smart. It helps the wheels grip turns and corners.
- You get predictable and controlled slides with these wheels. This means you can slide with confidence.
- The Mountain Cruiser wheels are made for riders who want to go fast. They are great for slalom and downhill riding.
- At 76mm, these are bigger wheels. Bigger wheels make it easier to keep up your top speed.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for speed, their larger size might make them feel a bit less nimble for casual cruising or tricks.
- The translucent blue color is eye-catching, but some riders might prefer more color options.
If you’re looking to pick up serious speed and maintain control, these Bigfoot Mountain Cruiser wheels are a solid pick. They offer a smooth ride and the confidence to take on any downhill challenge.
2. NONMON 4X Skateboard Wheels 60mm 78A LED Light Replacement Longboard Wheels Cruiser Wheels with ABEC-9 608ZZ Bearings
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready to light up your ride with the NONMON 4X Skateboard Wheels! These cool blue wheels are perfect for anyone who loves to cruise or practice on their skateboard or longboard. They’re designed to roll smoothly on almost any surface, from sidewalks to skate parks, making them a great choice for skaters of all ages and skill levels. Plus, with built-in LED lights, you’ll be sure to stand out, especially when skating at night!
What We Like:
- These wheels are a great size, 60mm, which is perfect for beginners.
- They’re made from strong PU material with a 78A hardness, so they last a long time and give you a steady ride.
- You get 8 ABEC-9 bearings that are super smooth and quiet when you’re rolling.
- The bright LED lights in the blue cores look awesome and make you visible.
- They work well on all sorts of ground, like smooth concrete, asphalt, and ramps.
- These wheels are easy to ride and fit almost all skaters, no matter their age or how good they are.
What Could Be Improved:
- While these wheels are great for cruising and general skating, they might not be ideal for very advanced tricks that require harder wheels.
- The LED lights are powered by the rolling motion, so they won’t light up if you’re not moving.
Overall, the NONMON 4X Skateboard Wheels offer a fun and reliable way to enhance your skating experience. They are a fantastic option for anyone looking to add some flair and smooth performance to their board.
3. Shark Wheel 72mm 78a Longboard Cruising Wheels
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready to upgrade your longboard experience with the Shark Wheel 72mm 78a Cruising Wheels in Sapphire! These wheels are designed to help you cruise smoothly and maintain your speed, even on bumpy roads. Their special wave pattern helps push away small rocks and debris, so nothing stops your ride. Made with quality in mind, these wheels are built to last and let you skate with confidence on any path.
What We Like:
- These wheels help you build and keep your speed, even on rough surfaces.
- The unique wave pattern deflects debris and obstacles, so you can keep rolling smoothly.
- They are made with quality materials for long-lasting durability.
- Shark Wheels are made in the USA, using the best local materials.
- They offer reduced friction, increased longevity, and improved off-road performance.
- You can use them on various surfaces like roads, parks, beaches, ramps, and rails.
What Could Be Improved:
- While they handle rough terrain well, some riders might find the initial feel different from traditional round wheels.
- The unique design might take a little getting used to for those accustomed to standard wheels.
These Shark Wheels offer a fantastic way to enhance your longboarding adventures. They provide a durable and smooth ride, perfect for exploring different terrains.
4. Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers & Washers Bundle
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready to upgrade your skateboard with the Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers & Washers Bundle! This awesome package gives you everything you need to make your wheels spin faster and smoother than ever before. Bones Reds are known for their quality, and this bundle makes it super easy to get them installed. You’ll feel the difference right away!
What We Like:
- The single, non-contact rubber shield is easy to clean and keeps friction low.
- High-speed Nylon ball retainers make your wheels stronger and faster.
- They come pre-lubricated with Speed Cream racing lubricant for top performance.
- “Skate Rated” means they are built with the best clearances, materials, and lubricant for awesome speed and lasting power.
- The bundle includes 4 spacers and 8 washers, so you have all the parts you need.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for most skaters, serious downhill racers might want even more specialized bearings.
This Bones Reds bundle is a fantastic way to boost your skateboarding experience. It’s a smart choice for anyone who wants smoother rides and better performance.
5. LOOEEL 70mm Longboard Wheels 80A Contains ABEC-9 Bearings and Spacers
Rating: 9.4/10
Ready to upgrade your ride? The LOOEEL 70mm Longboard Wheels in a cool transparent frosted finish offer a fantastic package for any longboard or skateboard enthusiast. This kit comes with everything you need to get rolling smoothly, including pre-installed ABEC-9 bearings and spacers, riser pads, and all the necessary hardware. These wheels are designed for versatility, handling various surfaces with ease.
What We Like:
- The 70mm diameter and 80A hardness provide a smooth and comfortable ride, perfect for cruising and handling rougher streets.
- ABEC-9 bearings are included and already installed, meaning you can get riding faster. They promise fast and quiet performance.
- The kit includes riser pads and hardware, so you have all the essential parts for installation right out of the box.
- Durable PU material ensures these wheels will last and offer good grip for carving and cornering.
- They fit a wide range of boards like cruisers, longboards, and mini cruisers.
What Could Be Improved:
- While suitable for beginners, advanced riders might want a different hardness or size for specific tricks or terrain.
- The “transparent frosted” description is a bit vague; more specific color details could be helpful.
This LOOEEL wheel set is a solid choice for anyone looking to refresh their longboard or skateboard. It offers great value and convenience, making it easy to get back on the road.
Longboard Wheels: Your Guide to Smooth Rolling
Choosing the Right Longboard Wheels
Longboard wheels are super important. They help you glide smoothly and control your ride. Picking the right ones makes a big difference. This guide will help you find the perfect wheels for your longboard.
Key Features to Look For
1. Diameter (Size)
Wheel size matters. Bigger wheels roll faster and over cracks easier. Smaller wheels are lighter and good for tricks. Most longboard wheels are between 65mm and 80mm.
- 65mm-70mm: Good for cruising and freeriding. They are quick to accelerate.
- 70mm-75mm: Great all-around size. Works for cruising, carving, and downhill.
- 75mm+: Fastest and best for downhill. They can handle rough roads.
2. Durometer (Hardness)
Durometer tells you how hard a wheel is. It’s measured on an “A” scale. Softer wheels grip better and feel smoother. Harder wheels slide easier and are faster.
- 75A-85A: Soft wheels. They are grippy and absorb bumps well. Good for cruising and rough surfaces.
- 85A-95A: Medium wheels. A good balance of grip and slide. Versatile for many styles.
- 95A+: Hard wheels. Best for sliding and smooth surfaces. They are faster but can be bumpy.
3. Shape and Contact Patch
The shape of the wheel and how much of it touches the ground (contact patch) affects grip and sliding. A wider contact patch means more grip. A narrower one is better for sliding.
- Rounded lips: Make sliding easier.
- Sharp lips: Offer more grip.
Important Materials
Most longboard wheels are made from polyurethane. This material is strong and bouncy. Different types of polyurethane can change how the wheel feels. Some wheels might have a different core material inside to make them lighter or stronger.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality Urethane
Good quality urethane lasts longer. It also keeps its shape better. Cheaper urethane can get flat spots easily or wear down fast.
Core Design
A strong core helps the wheel keep its shape. It also helps transfer energy from your push to the roll. A weak core can make the wheel flex too much.
Manufacturing Process
How the wheels are made matters. Good manufacturing means they are round and balanced. This makes for a smoother ride.
User Experience and Use Cases
Cruising
For cruising, you want soft wheels (75A-85A). Bigger wheels (70mm+) help you roll over cracks and bumps. This makes your ride smooth and fun.
Carving
Carving is like making smooth turns. You need wheels that grip well. Softer wheels with sharp lips are good. A medium size (70mm-75mm) works well.
Freeriding/Sliding
Freeriders do slides. Harder wheels (85A+) with rounded lips are best. They let you slide easily without gripping too much. Smaller to medium wheels help with control.
Downhill
Downhill requires speed and stability. Larger wheels (75mm+) are faster. Medium to hard wheels (85A-95A) offer good grip at high speeds. A wider contact patch helps with stability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best wheel size for beginners?
A: For beginners, a medium-sized wheel (70mm-75mm) is a good choice. It offers a balance of speed and control.
Q: Should I get soft or hard wheels?
A: It depends on your riding style. Soft wheels grip better and are smoother. Hard wheels slide easier and are faster.
Q: How do I know if a wheel is good quality?
A: Look for wheels made with good urethane. They should feel smooth and not wobble when you spin them. Brands known for quality usually have better wheels.
Q: Can I use skateboard wheels on my longboard?
A: Generally, no. Longboard wheels are bigger and softer than skateboard wheels. They are designed for different types of riding.
Q: What does “urethane” mean for wheels?
A: Urethane is the material the wheels are made of. It’s a strong plastic that makes the wheels bouncy and durable.
Q: Will bigger wheels make my longboard slower?
A: Bigger wheels are faster once they get going. They take a little more effort to start rolling, but they maintain speed better and roll over obstacles easier.
Q: How often do I need to replace my longboard wheels?
A: It depends on how much you ride and what kind of riding you do. If they get flat spots, are worn down, or you want a different feel, it’s time for new ones.
Q: What is a “contact patch”?
A: The contact patch is the part of the wheel that touches the ground. A wider contact patch gives more grip, while a narrower one helps with sliding.
Q: Are expensive wheels always better?
A: Not always, but often more expensive wheels use better materials and manufacturing. It’s important to find wheels that fit your needs and budget.
Q: Can I mix different types of wheels on my longboard?
A: It’s not recommended. Using the same type of wheels on all four trucks gives you consistent performance and control.
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.
My name is Gareth Lewis, and I’m the voice behind CampingGuider.com.. I created this space to share my passion for camping and the great outdoors. With years of experience and countless adventures under my belt, I aim to inspire and guide fellow enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a curious beginner, my goal is to provide you with practical tips, honest reviews, and insights to help you make the most out of your outdoor escapades. Join me on this journey, and let’s explore the beauty of nature together!