Longboarding is one of the most exhilarating wheel-sports for thrill seekers. With the right longboard and wheels equipment, you can not only enjoy this sport but also develop the skills to be a pro. When it comes to setting up the ride, wheels are, of course, of utmost importance.
Top 10 Best Longboard Wheels Comparison Table
| Picture | Name | Features | Rating (1-5) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Blood Orange Liam Morgan Pro Model | Rounded & beveled edges Long, wide thane lines Large offset cores 2 color options | 2.5 | $ |
 | MBS All-Terrain Longboard Wheels | Textured tread pattern Larger size 4 color options | 3 | $$ |
 | SLIDERZ Longboard Wheels | Trendy color-scheme Designed exclusively for sliding Can also be used for skateboards Made with SHR urethane Low price | 3 | $ |
 | Orangatang Stimulus 70 mm Wheels (Set of 4) | Rounded & beveled edges Can also be used for skateboards 3 color/ durometer options Made with high-rebound urethane | 3.5 | $$ |
 | Shark Wheel Sidewinder Longboard Wheels | Futuristic design for high speed Textured tread pattern More durable 9 color options | 4 | $ |
 | Bigfoot Longboard Wheels Mountain Cruisers | Designed exclusively for mountain cruising Made with SHR urethane Larger size 4 color options Low price | 4 | $ |
 | Fireball Beast 76mm Wheels WITH BEARINGS | Larger size Large side-set cores SlidePrepped technology Can also be used for skateboards 3 color/ durometer options | 4.5 | $ |
 | Orangatang Keanu Freeride Wheels | Rounded & beveled edges Peachy Thane formula Large, uniquely designed center-set cores Can also be used for skateboards 3 color/ durometer options | 4.5 | $$ |
 | Orangatang Kilmer 69 mm Freeride Wheels | Rounded & beveled edges Can also be used for skateboards 3 color/ durometer options Peachy Thane formula | 4.5 | $$ |
 | Orangatang Kegel 80 mm Downhill Cruising Wheels | Larger size Beveled & square-shaped edges Happy Thane formula 2 color/ durometer options Designed exclusively for downhill sliding More enduring & durable | 5 | $$ |
Like in any other vehicle, they can prove to be the difference between a smooth and rough ride. So, whether you want to own these for downhill riding, for tricks or for daily commuting, your choice of wheel can make or break your riding experience.
However, finding that right wheel is not facile. It can be an intimidating process, given the overwhelming number and varieties of wheels on market. Purchasing a wheel that looks cool but does not suit your riding style or purpose is a sure way to be disappointed.
To make things trouble-free, we have compiled a comprehensive buyer’s guide which includes everything you need to know about longboard wheels. This includes the characteristics that differentiate longboard wheels and the best longboard wheels on market. So, sit back and relax as we help you choose the best!
What Types of Longboard Wheels Are There?
Longboard wheels are generally differentiated by size/diameter, hardness (measured in terms of durometer), shape and core placement.
The diameter of a typical longboard wheel can range from 65 -107 mm. The larger a wheel is, the faster the longboard can go. A large wheel also allows overcoming larger obstacles.
This makes it ideal for riding on rough, uneven roads and also, downhill as it helps attain more speed. Small wheels provide a slower ride and they are best suited for commuting boards.
The other significant specification is hardness of the wheel. Generally speaking, harder wheels go faster but softer wheels allow better grip on road.
As of shape, they come in 3 different shapes: square, round and beveled. The square shaped wheels have squared off edges, which gives them firm grip on road. The round ones have rounded edges, just like the tires of a car.
These offer less friction and smooth sliding even when taking turns. The beveled ones are a mix of the two. Their edges are neither perfectly flat, nor perfectly rounded. They cut at an angle from the side so that the contact patch is at the very edge of the wheel. This allows smooth turn and just the right amount of grip.
The core of the wheel also determines the grip and overall ability. While some wheels have a plastic insert inside them (where the bearings rest), others have polyurethane used in there. This core material divides heat equally around the wheel, preventing it from melting or deforming when riding at high speed while also reducing its weight.
Cores placed at the back of the wheels are known as backset or offset cores and they are best suited for carving and sliding. Center-set cores, which are placed at the center of the wheel, allow even distribution of weight and thus, they are more enduring and longer-lasting than others.
They give a longboard the agility to flip and rotate. However, the positioning of side-set cores, which exist right in the middle of backset and center-set cores, hinders a longboard’s ability to flip. Wheels with side-set cores have greater grip though.
Benefits of Best Longboard Wheels
The best longboard wheels are a mix of durability and design. They should be sturdy and of the right size, durometer, shape and core placement as per your riding style. Talking of size, they should be able to sustain the weight of the board and the person using it. The larger a wheel is, the more surface area (also known as contact patch) there is on road, which gives better balance and faster speed.
But this does not mean that you should randomly pick any large sized wheel for longboarding. The wheel size should be proportionate to the size of your deck. For a deck larger than 42”, the range of 73-107mm is ideal. For 34”- 42” deck, 68-72mm range can be used and for small decks measuring 33” and below, wheels of 65-67mm diameter are best. Similarly, texture is an important element of design.
Wheels with durometers in the range of 73A-87A have soft feel. They give excellent grip and are ideal for extremely rough surfaces such as pebbles and gravel. Those measuring 88A-95A are slightly harder and are best suited for riding on streets and rough terrains. Those measuring 96A and above are all-purpose wheels which work well for ramps as well as smooth surfaces.
The core placement of wheel also reflects on the hardness. For instance, a side-set wheel deforms more than a centre-set wheel which is sturdier and longer-lasting. It’s only the best wheels that ensure safety and allow best riding experiences. Those that are best for you may not be best for another person but unless you are a professional, seek all-purpose wheels offering the best balance of grip and speed.
Downsides of Longboard Wheels
The only minor drawback with longboard wheels is that many a times, they are difficult to fit on board. If your longboard has large cut outs, then you should be able fit any size wheel with it.
However, if it has small cut outs, the wheel clearance will be less and you are likely to get wheel-bites when riding. To avoid this, you may need to add riser pads to the board to better accommodate the wheels.
10. Blood Orange Liam Morgan Pro Model Longboard Wheels
The design of Blood Orange’s pro model wheels comes straight from the brain of freeride longboarder Liam Morgan who is definitely one of the best in the field. The wheels come in two sizes (60mm and 65mm) and both have a rating of 80A durometer.
The texture is thus buttery soft. They have rounded and beveled edges, so their contact patches range from 46mm at their widest to just 32mm. This means that they are neither too slippery, nor too rigid in terms of grip, resulting in a smooth and consistent ‘sugary slide’.
They are made of high quality urethane and the long, wide thane lines they leave on sliding can make any longboarder beam with pride. Inside the wheels, there are large, offset cores which give extra support and stability while sliding.
They can thus handle downhill riding but they aren’t racing wheels in the strictest sense. They do not grip super fast but offer exceptional predictability and consistency, even at high speeds. These are wheels for every occasion, riding style and terrain.
Their large cores do encourage even wear-out but because they are offset by placement, these wheels cannot be flipped. They come in blue and green colors and both look equally refreshing. Even price-wise, they are easily affordable, making Pro Model wheels one of the best options for beginners.
Pros:
- Rounded & beveled edges
- Long, wide thane lines
- Large offset cores
- 2 color options
Cons:
- Cannot be flipped
9. MBS All-Terrain Longboard Wheels
As the name suggests, these are all-terrain wheels. Made with high quality urethane, they have a good overall balance of hardness and softness for smooth, quite ride. With 78A rating, they seem to be too soft but the good thing is that they also have a textured tread pattern like car tires.
This ensures a plenty of grip when riding over rough terrains. The pattern, however, isn’t very thick, so the wheels are likely to develop a bald strip down the center pretty fast. Measuring 100mm, the MBS wheels are larger than most other longboard wheels, giving a greater point of contact and stability.
Because of their large size, they can be used in both longboards and skateboards. Measuring 2 pounds, they aren’t bulky either. Overall, they are well-designed and can be used by anyone from beginners to intermediates.
This product comes as a set of 4 wheels and in 4 different colors (black, blue, green & yellow) to choose from. The price is a bit higher than normal but for the functionality its offers, it’s worth it.
Pros:
- Textured tread pattern
- Larger size
- 4 color options
Cons:
- High price
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8. SLIDERZ Longboard Wheels | Skateboard Wheels, Sliding & Tricks- by Magneto
The SLIDERZ Longboard Wheels, in their unique black, orange & white color scheme, are one of the most stylish wheels on market. They are designed basically to handle sliding technique, which is used every so often by frequent riders.
They aren’t all-purpose wheels but are great at what they do. They have a diameter of 70mm and a durometer of 83A, both of which are good enough for smooth longboarding experience. Because of their large size, they can also be used for skateboards.
The wheels have strong center-set core and grip, which allows sliding at fast speeds without the risk of falling off. Because they are made of super high rebound (SHR) urethane, they also work great for tricks and jumps.
They are sturdy, long lasting and the existing customers seem to be very happy with their experiences. The wheels come as a pack of four and at a very affordable price. In fact, they are one of the cheapest longboard wheels available.
Pros:
- Trendy color-scheme
- Designed exclusively for sliding
- Can also be used for skateboards
- Made with SHR urethane
- Low price
Cons:
- Bearings are not included
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7. Orangatang Stimulus 70 mm Freeride Longboard Skateboard Wheels (Set of 4)
The Orangatang Stimulus wheels can be called jack of all trades. These longboard wheels are equally adept at slides, freestyle tricks, dancing and commuting. Their cores are strong, supportive and placed at their back, contributing to versatile functionality.
The wheels are 70mm tall, which is a good height for quick acceleration and enhanced control. Due to their rounded and beveled edges, they have a 42mm wide contact patch, which provides impressive grip. Wide wheels have some drawbacks as well but the geometry and high-rebound urethane formulation Orangatang uses helps get around them.
They are color coded according to durometer ratings, so you get 80A wheels in orange, 83A in purple and 86A in yellow color. Though the coding seems to prevent confusions, it can be disappointing if your favorite durometer is not in your favorite color.
Other than that, the Orangatang Stimulus wheels are a good pair of all-purpose wheels which are apt for all riding styles and terrains. They do everything a wheel can do but excel at none, which is fine if that’s what you are looking for.
They come as a set of four and the standard pack does not include bearings. There is, however, an option to order Jehu V2 bearings (set of 8) with extended inner raceways at an additional price.
Pros:
- Rounded & beveled edges
- Can also be used for skateboards
- 3 color/ durometer options
- Made with high-rebound urethane
Cons:
- The standard pack does not include bearings.
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6. Shark Wheel Sidewinder Longboard Wheels 70mm, 78a
The Shark Wheel Sidewinder Longboard Wheels have a unique shape that looks like a fusion between a cube and a sphere. The shape, obviously, does not fit the traditional mold of a longboard wheel and analyzing it, it’s natural to wonder how the wheels deliver a consistent, smooth ride.
Well, this shape is designed with an emphasis on speed. Each part of the wheel is curved to look cube-like but provides the seamless rolling of a regular shaped wheel. This gives greater control and traction, even on wet surfaces.
Also, they have a rigged texture like a car’s tread, which helps ride better through uneven surfaces, dirt patches or even through rain and snow. Basically, they perform well in all weather conditions.
This also makes them one of the most durable wheels for daily use. The Shark Wheel Sidewinder Longboard Wheels are 70mm tall and have a durometer of 78A, so they are buttery soft.
They come in amber, blue, green, orange, red, black, transparent red, transparent green and turquoise colors, offering a mind-blowing variety to choose from. Owing to their uniqueness, they are in great demand but the price is reasonable, which again makes them a great option to consider.
Pros:
- Futuristic design for high speed
- Textured tread pattern
- More durable
- 9 color options
Cons:
- Some users complained that the paint peels off quickly.
5. Bigfoot Longboard Wheels 76mm 80A Shr Mountain Cruisers
As the name suggests, the Bigfoot Longboard Wheels are designed exclusively for mountain cruising. They are made with SHR urethane and have a durometer rating of 80A, which gives them good grip and stability at high speeds.
At 76mm, they are slightly taller than average, which is again an advantage as larger-sized wheels have better ability to maintain top speeds. Weighing 1.5 pounds, they are light-weight as well. The contact patch is 50mm wide and the wheel surface is completely smooth.
The wheels come in translucent blue, green, red and black colors. Because of their translucent appearance, you can see the actual core. The core is offset, so that again gives them greater ability to grip through turns and corners.
Designed as mountain cruisers, these wheels are great for sliding down mountains at high speeds but not for other riding styles or commuting. Interestingly, these are also the lowest priced wheels on our list. So, if you are into mountain cruising and are looking for an inexpensive option, these are the best longboard wheels to consider.
Pros:
- Designed exclusively for mountain cruising
- Made with SHR urethane
- Larger size
- 4 color options
- Low price
Cons:
- Some users complained that the bearings are not of good quality.
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4. Fireball Beast 76mm Longboard Skateboard Wheels (Set of 4 Wheels) WITH BEARINGS
The Fireball Beast wheels are designed with a balance of slide and grip. They are 76mm tall and maintain high speeds with very little rolling resistance. Due to their large size, they can also be used for skateboards.
They are made with urethane and have large side-set cores for improved grip but due to this core placement, longboard’s ability to flip is also hindered. They come in three different durometer ratings, allowing you to pick a hardness that fits your unique purpose and riding style. The wheels are color coded according to ratings.
So, the 81A wheels come in white, the 84A wheels come in red and the 87A wheels come in black color. They are 65mm wide and because of beveled edges, they have a contact patch size of 49mm.
With beveled edges and Fireball’s trademarked ‘SlidePrepped’ technology, the wheels balance slide and grip perfectly. They are well-designed for downhill riding but if, for any reason, you are not happy with the way they work, you can return them and get a 100% refund. The customer service is also fast and easy.
Pros:
- Larger size
- Large side-set cores
- SlidePrepped technology
- Can also be used for skateboards
- 3 color/ durometer options
- 100% money back guarantee
Cons:
- Cannot be flipped.
3. Orangatang Keanu 66 mm Freeride Longboard Skateboard Wheels (Set of 4)
The Orangatang Keanu is named after the famous actor Keanu Reeves and it’s an all-purpose wheel with stone ground finish for buttery-smooth slides. At 66mm, it is relatively small but has large 38mm center-set core which is uniquely designed with valley-shaped cross section for extra support.
Due to the centered placement of core, it is longer-lasting and agile enough for tricks and slides. Measuring 139 grams, it is light-weight as well. Made with Orangatang’s ‘Peachy Thane’ urethane formula, the Keanu wheels offer a balanced blend of control, smooth slides and durability.
This is a brand new formula combining Orangatang’s original ‘Happy Urethane’ and their long-lasting ‘Euphorethane’. The wheels also have gently bevelled and rounded edges for the right grip. Like all other Orangatang’s wheels, these are also color-coded according to their durometer ratings.
The 80A wheels come in orange color and though they deliver satisfying buttery slides, they are least durable. The 83A wheels, which come in purple color, give the best of both worlds of sliding and decent wear. The 86A, yellow wheels are known for long slides and interesting wear patterns.
Overall, they have bullet-time reflexes and great slide characteristics to be apt for all riding styles and terrains. They come as a set of 4 wheels, for which the price is reasonable. The standard pack does not include bearings but there is an option to get loaded Jehu V2 bearings at an additional price.
Pros:
- Rounded & beveled edges
- Peachy Thane formula
- Large, uniquely designed center-set cores
- Can also be used for skateboards
- 3 color/ durometer options
Cons:
- The standard pack does not include bearings.
2. Orangatang Kilmer 69 mm Freeride Longboard Skateboard Wheels (Set of 4)
This one is named after the famous actor Val Kilmer. It is the 69mm freeride-focused wheel from Orangatang. As it is mid-sized and weighs just 159 grams, it offers great agility for freestyle tricks, dancing, and downhill sliding. It is 48mm wide and has a 39.5mm contact patch with slightly beveled and rounded edges for grip.
The patch also has stone ground finish for easy rolling. It comes with a 38mm center-set core featuring a deep valley-shaped cross section. As it’s made with ‘Peachy Thane’ urethane formula, it offers a balanced blend of control, smooth slides and durability.
It comes with a wide, center-set core and multiple durometer options to allow tailoring of ride characteristics. The softest one has 80A rating and it’s orange in color. The 83A wheel comes in purple and the 86A wheel comes in yellow color. The product comes as a set of 4 wheels and offers great value for money.
Pros:
- Rounded & beveled edges
- Can also be used for skateboards
- 3 color/ durometer options
- Peachy Thane formula
Cons:
- High price
1. Orangatang Kegel 80 mm Downhill Longboard Skateboard Cruising Wheels (Set of 4)
The Orangatang Kegel is your ticket to high-speed action. For those who love speed, these are probably the best longboard wheels. Measuring 80mm, these wheels are really large and can smoothly roll over anything at breakneck speed. They have wide beveled and square-shaped edges for race-worthy traction.
The width of 56mm also ensures balance and quick response when sliding. As large and wide as they are, they are perfect for downhill sliding and skateboard tricks. The wheels also have large, 46 mm cores featuring deep valley-shaped cross section for greater acceleration and support.
They are made with Orangatang’s original ‘Happy Thane’ urethane formula which offers great vibration damping to prevent slippage or accidents. They come in 2 different colors according to durometer ratings – 80 A in orange and 83 A in purple.
Thanks to the sturdy material, core and width, the Kegel wheels are highly enduring and durable. They have a maximum weight capacity of over 200 pounds, so people of all different sizes can use them. All this comes with a heavy price tag but it’s totally worth it.
Pros:
- Larger size
- Beveled & square-shaped edges
- Happy Thane formula
- 2 color/ durometer options
- Designed exclusively for downhill sliding
- More enduring & durable
Cons:
- High price
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Editors Choice of Best Longboard Wheels
Analyzing all the popular options, we think that the Kegel wheels from Orangatang are the best longboard wheels. They are made with a very superior ‘Happy Thane’ urethane formula and have rarely seen square-shaped edges for grip. These are large, perfectly wide and have strong, agile core for downhill sliding and skateboard tricks.
Most speedy wheels are light-weight and cannot accommodate heavy weights, which is very frustrating for users who aren’t that slim & trim. But these ones also have an impressive weight capacity. They are sturdy, durable and users seem to be very happy with their performance. This is why we also happily recommend these to our readers.
Which ones do you think are the best longboard wheels? Do let us know your views or experiences by leaving your comments in the box below.
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