When it comes to longboarding or skateboarding, one of the most important components you need to consider is the wheels. Longboard wheels are the essential parts that affect the stability, speed, and traction of your skateboard. As the market is flooded with numerous options, finding the best longboard wheels for skateboards could be overwhelming. To make things easier for you, we have researched and listed the top best longboard wheels for skateboards based on their durability, size, hardness, and performance. So, let’s dive into the detailed reviews and purchase guide of the best longboard wheels for skateboards.
Get ready for our reviews on the best longboard wheels for skateboards, but first, here are some related Amazon products to check out:
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Best Longboard Wheels For Skateboards
Everything you Need to Know About Longboard Wheels For Skateboards
Longboard wheels are an important component of any skateboard as they can have a significant impact on how the board performs. These wheels are specifically designed for longboards, which are popular for their stability and speed. Longboard wheels come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials, with each type offering unique benefits to the rider.
Wheels with a larger diameter usually provide a smoother ride and can reach higher speeds, making them ideal for downhill skating. Conversely, smaller wheels may be better for tricks and quick turns. The hardness of the wheels, known as durometer, also plays a role in performance. Softer wheels provide greater grip and are better suited for cruising, while harder wheels offer less grip but greater speed and slide ability. It’s essential to choose the right longboard wheels that match your riding style and preferences to ensure an enjoyable skating experience.
What Makes Purchasing Longboard Wheels For Skateboards Essential?
Longboarding has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. It’s a fun way to cruise around town, explore new places, and get in some exercise. One crucial component of a good longboard is the wheels, and for those looking to upgrade their setup, there are several key reasons to consider investing in longboard wheels specifically designed for skateboards.
Better grip
Longboard wheels are generally softer than regular skateboard wheels. This softness allows for better grip on the road surface, especially when carving or making sharp turns. When riding a skateboard, the wheels might slide or slip, causing the rider to lose control. However, longboard wheels offer better traction and control since they have a larger contact area with the pavement.
Another advantage of longboard wheels for better grip is that they can absorb shocks better than regular skateboard wheels. This means that they are great for riding on rough surfaces or uneven asphalt. They are also better for cruising and commuting, as they offer a more stable and comfortable ride. Overall, if someone is searching for better grip and control while riding their skateboard or longboard, they may need to invest in some longboard wheels.
Smoother ride
Longboard wheels for skateboards are bigger and softer than regular skateboard wheels. This makes them perfect for cruising and commuting on rougher surfaces. The larger size reduces the impact of cracks and pebbles on the road, making for a smoother ride. The softness of the wheels also makes it easier to maintain control and balance, even over bumps and uneven terrain.
These wheels are designed to absorb vibrations and shocks, making them ideal for long rides. With longboard wheels, you can travel longer distances without feeling fatigued or discomfort. The smoother ride also reduces the risk of injury, allowing you to skate with ease and confidence. So, if you want to enjoy a comfortable and stress-free ride, investing in longboard wheels for your skateboard is a smart choice.
Increased speed
Longboard wheels are larger and softer than regular skateboard wheels, making them ideal for cruising and carving. They also provide faster speeds due to their larger size and increased surface area. The larger wheels can cover more ground with each rotation, allowing riders to pick up speed quickly and maintain it over longer distances. Additionally, longboard wheels have a higher durometer rating, which means they are less likely to lose momentum, resulting in a smoother, faster ride. Overall, investing in longboard wheels can provide a significant boost in speed for skateboarders and longboard enthusiasts.
Improved stability
Longboard wheels are larger and wider than traditional skateboard wheels. This difference in size provides improved stability when cruising or carving. The extra width allows the wheels to grip the pavement better and reduces the likelihood of wobbling or slipping.
The larger size also means that the wheels can roll over small bumps and cracks in the road that would otherwise cause a traditional skateboard to lose speed or even toss the rider off. This added stability and ease of maneuverability make longboard wheels a popular choice for commuters and casual riders, as well as more experienced longboarders looking for a smoother and more comfortable ride.
Guide to Choose the Best Longboard Wheels For Skateboards
Selecting the ideal longboard wheels for skateboards is crucial because it can significantly impact your overall riding experience. It is essential to take certain factors into consideration to ensure that your wheels provide the desired grip, speed, and stability on different terrains.
Size
Size is an essential factor to consider when selecting longboard wheels for skateboards. The size of the wheel determines its performance and suitability for different riding styles. The larger the wheel, the faster the ride, and the smoother it can glide over rough surfaces. Smaller wheels, on the other hand, are slower yet more stable, providing better control for tricks and slides. It’s crucial to pick the appropriate wheel size based on the rider’s skill level and the type of riding they’ll be doing. Bigger wheels are a better option for cruising and downhill rides, while smaller wheels are ideal for more technical trick riding.
Additionally, the size of longboard wheels also affects their compatibility with trucks and decks. The size of the wheel and height of the truck determine how much clearance there is between the deck and the ground, which can impact the rider’s stability and control. It’s essential to pick the appropriate wheel and truck combination to ensure a smooth and steady ride. Therefore, considering the wheel size before buying is crucial in ensuring the rider’s comfort, safety, and overall performance level.
Material
Materials used in longboard wheels play an important role in determining the performance and durability of the wheels. Different materials come with distinct properties that affect the speed, grip, and smoothness of the ride. For instance, polyurethane is the most commonly used material for longboard wheels because of its durability and versatility. It can be formulated with different hardness levels and shapes to suit different styles of riding.
Hence, choosing the right material for your longboard wheels is crucial to ensure that you get the desired ride quality and longevity. Factors such as the type of surface you ride on, your level of experience, and riding style should be taken into account when selecting the material for your wheels. By doing so, you can get the most out of your longboard experience and maximize the value for your money.
Shape
Longboard wheels come in different shapes and sizes, and each shape has a specific purpose that determines the type of terrain it is best suited for. For example, if you want to ride a longboard on flat ground, then you might prefer larger, softer wheels with a rounded edge. On the other hand, if you are looking to do tricks and slides, smaller, harder wheels with a square edge might be a better fit. Therefore, understanding the shape of longboard wheels is crucial in determining the type of longboard discipline you want to pursue.
Furthermore, the shape of longboard wheels affects their speed, grip, and slides. Different shapes have different rolling speeds and acceleration rates, with flatter shapes having more speed and rounder shapes having more grip. The right shape also affects slides, which can be useful for performing tricks or avoiding obstacles. So, before buying longboard wheels, it is essential to consider the shape and how it matches your longboard’s purpose.
Durometer/hardness
Durometer/hardness is an important factor to consider while buying longboard wheels for skateboards. Durometer refers to the hardness of the wheel, measured in A-scale. Wheels with a higher durometer rating are harder and more durable, while lower ratings signify a softer, more grippy wheel.
Choosing the appropriate durometer is essential as it directly impacts the performance of the skateboard. Softer wheels with lower durometer ratings offer a smoother ride and better grip, suitable for cruising and carving. Harder wheels with higher durometer ratings are ideal for high-speed and sliding as they offer less grip, slippery and precise grip. Understanding the durometer of the wheel helps in achieving the desired performance of the skateboard for the user.
Contact patch
The contact patch of a longboard wheel refers to the area of the wheel that comes in contact with the ground. This is an important factor to consider when choosing longboard wheels because it affects the level of grip and stability you will have while riding. The size and shape of the contact patch can vary greatly among different brands and types of wheels, so it’s important to choose the right kind for your riding style and preferences. For example, if you are planning on doing a lot of downhill riding, you will want wheels with a larger contact patch for added stability and grip on steep slopes.
In addition to grip and stability, the contact patch also plays a role in the overall speed and efficiency of your ride. A larger contact patch can create more resistance and slow you down, while a smaller contact patch may sacrifice some grip in exchange for faster speeds. Ultimately, the type of contact patch you choose will depend on your individual riding style and preferences, so it’s important to do your research and try out different wheel options to find the perfect fit.
Core placement
Core placement is an important factor to consider before buying longboard wheels for skateboards. The placement of the core affects the wheel’s performance and the ride experience. Wheels which are designed with a center-set core allow for more even wear and a consistent ride, making them ideal for freeriding and sliding. On the other hand, wheels with offset cores are great for carving and cruising due to the increased grip and traction they provide.
Therefore, it is important to consider your riding style and decide which type of core placement would be most suitable for you. The wrong placement can result in a less enjoyable and uncomfortable ride experience, as well as decreased wheel lifespan. By choosing the right core placement, you can improve your riding performance and have a more enjoyable time on your skateboard.
FAQs
What is the difference between longboard wheels and regular skateboard wheels?
Longboard wheels are typically larger and softer than regular skateboard wheels. Longboard wheels can range from 60mm to 107mm and are often around 75-85a durometer. Regular skateboard wheels are usually smaller and harder, ranging from 49mm to 60mm and around 99a durometer. Due to their larger size and softer durometer, longboard wheels absorb shock better and provide a smoother ride. Regular skateboard wheels are designed for quick acceleration and maneuverability, while longboard wheels are designed for stability and speed over longer distances.
How can I choose the right size of longboard wheels for my skateboard?
Choosing the right size of longboard wheels for your skateboard depends on a few things. One of the main factors is the type of riding you will be doing on your longboard. If you plan to cruise and carve around town, you may want bigger and softer wheels to provide a smoother ride. Smaller and harder wheels are better for technical tricks and riding in skateparks. The size of the wheels also affects the overall speed of your skateboard. Larger wheels may be faster, but smaller wheels offer more control and maneuverability. It’s essential to consider the size of your trucks and the clearance between your board and wheels to avoid wheel bite while riding.
Another factor to consider when choosing the right size of longboard wheels is your weight and height. Heavier riders may benefit from larger and softer wheels, while lighter riders may prefer smaller and harder wheels. Taller riders may need bigger wheels to prevent the board from feeling too low to the ground. Ultimately, the right size of longboard wheels for your skateboard comes down to personal preference and the type of riding you plan to do. It’s helpful to experiment with different sizes and hardness levels to find the perfect fit for your riding style and needs.
What are the benefits of using larger or smaller longboard wheels?
Yes, 20-inch fat tire electric bikes can be ridden on rough terrain and off-road trails. These bikes are designed with wider and thicker tires that provide better stability and traction on uneven surfaces, such as dirt, gravel, sand, and snow. The fat tires also absorb shock and impact, making the ride smoother and more comfortable.
Moreover, electric fat tire bikes provide additional assistance through their motor and battery system, which allows riders to tackle steeper hills and longer distances with less effort. However, it is important to note that not all 20-inch fat tire electric bikes are created equal in terms of durability and performance, so it is recommended to choose a quality model that fits your needs and budget.
Are all longboard wheels suitable for all types of skateboarding styles?
Key Takeaways
To choose the best longboard wheels for skateboards, one must consider factors such as size, shape, durometer, and construction material. Our top 11 picks cover a diverse range of longboard wheels to cater to every rider’s preferences and styles. Whether you are into carving, cruising, downhill, or dancing, there is a perfect match for you. Make sure to assess your needs carefully and consult our buying guide before making your final choice. With the right set of longboard wheels, you can enhance your ride quality, speed, and maneuverability, and enjoy the ultimate joy of skateboarding.