Ever feel like your longboard is just… okay? You’ve got the deck, the trucks, and the bearings, but something’s missing. That “something” is often your wheels! They are the unsung heroes of your ride, connecting you to the pavement and dictating how smoothly, quickly, and comfortably you cruise. But walk into any skate shop, or browse online, and the sheer number of wheel sizes, shapes, and durometers can feel overwhelming. It’s like trying to pick the perfect pair of shoes without knowing if you’re going for a sprint or a stroll!
Choosing the wrong wheels can turn a dream ride into a bumpy, sluggish disappointment. Too hard, and you’ll feel every pebble. Too soft, and you might get stuck on cracks. Too small, and you’ll lose momentum. Too big, and you might get wheel bite! It’s a lot to consider, and it’s easy to make a mistake that costs you time and money. But don’t worry, we’ve all been there.
This guide is here to break down the mystery of longboard wheels. We’ll explain what all those numbers and terms mean, and how they affect your ride. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to pick the perfect wheels for whatever kind of longboarding you love to do, whether it’s carving smooth lines, cruising to class, or just enjoying the open road. Let’s get rolling and discover what makes a great longboard wheel!
Our Top 5 Long Board Wheels Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Long Board Wheels Detailed Reviews
1. LOOEEL 70mm Longboard Wheels 80A Contains ABEC-9 Bearings and Spacers
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to cruise with the LOOEEL 70mm Longboard Wheels! These cool transparent frosted wheels are designed to make your longboard rides smoother and more enjoyable. They come with everything you need to upgrade your skateboard, including bearings, spacers, riser pads, and hardware. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refresh your ride, this set is a fantastic option.
What We Like:
- Big 70mm wheels offer a smooth ride over rough surfaces.
- The 80A hardness provides a good balance of grip and smooth rolling, perfect for carving turns.
- ABEC-9 bearings are pre-installed and spin fast and quiet, helping you go further with less effort.
- The included riser pads help prevent wheel bite, which is when the wheels rub against the deck.
- You get all the necessary hardware (screws, nuts, washers) to easily install everything.
- These wheels fit a variety of skateboards like longboards, cruisers, and mini cruisers.
- The transparent frosted look adds a stylish touch to your board.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, very aggressive riding might eventually show wear.
- For very advanced tricks, some riders might prefer a different wheel hardness or size.
This LOOEEL wheel set is a great value for anyone wanting to improve their longboarding or cruising experience. It’s a complete package that makes upgrading your board simple and effective.
2. NONMON 4X Skateboard Wheels 60mm 78A LED Light Replacement Longboard Wheels Cruiser Wheels with ABEC-9 608ZZ Bearings
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to light up your ride with the NONMON 4X Skateboard Wheels! These cool blue wheels are designed for fun and performance, whether you’re cruising around town or hitting the skate park. They’re perfect for anyone just starting out or looking to add some extra flair to their existing setup. Plus, the built-in LED lights make you super visible and add an awesome glowing effect as you roll!
What We Like:
- The 60mm x 45mm size is just right for beginners on skateboards, longboards, and cruisers.
- You can ride these wheels on almost any surface, from smooth sidewalks to bumpy asphalt and even ramps.
- Made from tough PU material with a 78A hardness, these wheels are built to last and give you a steady, smooth ride.
- They come with 8 high-quality ABEC-9 bearings that make your board roll smoothly and quietly.
- The bright LED lights inside the blue cores flash as you ride, making night skating safer and way more exciting.
- These wheels are super easy to install and work with most skateboards, longboards, and cruisers.
What Could Be Improved:
- The LED lights rely on the spinning motion of the wheels, so they won’t light up if the wheels aren’t rolling.
- While durable, they might not be the best choice for advanced skaters doing very technical tricks that put a lot of stress on wheels.
Overall, the NONMON 4X Skateboard Wheels are a fantastic upgrade for anyone wanting a fun, reliable, and eye-catching ride. They offer a great combination of performance and cool factor for skaters of all levels.
3. Skateboard Wheels with Bearings
Rating: 9.1/10
Upgrade your ride with these black skateboard wheels! This set of four 60mm wheels comes with bearings already installed, making them ready to roll right out of the box. They offer a great balance of speed and control, perfect for hitting the streets or the skate park.
What We Like:
- The 60mm size is just right. It helps you go fast but you can still control your board easily. This makes them great for street skating and park riding.
- These wheels are tough! The 92a hardness means they grip well and won’t wear out too quickly. You get good performance and they last a long time.
- You get everything you need in one package. Four wheels and pre-installed bearings mean you can start skating right away without any extra steps.
- They work for all kinds of skating. Whether you like cruising around, doing tricks, or riding in the park, these wheels will give you a smooth ride.
- Putting them on your board is simple. They are a standard size so they fit most skateboard trucks and decks easily.
What Could Be Improved:
- The black color is classic, but a few more color options would let skaters show off their personal style even more.
- While the bearings are good for many riders, some very advanced skaters might want to swap them for even higher-end bearings for ultimate speed.
These wheels are a fantastic upgrade for any skateboarder. They offer a great mix of performance, durability, and convenience for a smooth and enjoyable skating experience.
4. Bigfoot Longboard Wheels 76mm 80A SHR Mountain Cruisers Translucent Blue
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready to fly down hills with the Bigfoot Longboard Wheels 76mm 80A SHR Mountain Cruisers. These big blue wheels measure 76mm by 53mm. They are made with Super High Rebound (SHR) material, which means they are extra bouncy and will give you a smooth ride. The translucent blue color looks really cool too!
What We Like:
- These wheels offer great grip and keep you steady when you’re going fast.
- The offset core helps you hug corners and slide in a way that feels in control.
- They are built for riders who love speed, like those who do slalom or downhill longboarding.
- At 76mm, these are big wheels that help you keep your speed up easily.
- The 80A SHR hardness gives a good balance of grip and slide.
What Could Be Improved:
- Larger wheels might feel a bit heavier for very casual cruising.
- The translucent blue color might show dirt more easily than opaque wheels.
If you want to experience speed and control on your longboard, these Bigfoot Mountain Cruisers are a fantastic choice. They’re built to handle fast descents and tight turns, letting you push your limits.
5. LOOEEL 70mm Longboard Wheels 80A Contains ABEC-9 Bearings and Spacers
Rating: 8.8/10
Ready to upgrade your ride? The LOOEEL 70mm Longboard Wheels in black offer a smooth and stable experience for your longboard or cruiser. This complete kit comes with everything you need to get rolling, from the wheels themselves to the bearings, spacers, riser pads, and hardware. Whether you’re cruising down the street or practicing new tricks, these wheels are designed to handle various surfaces with ease.
What We Like:
- The 70mm diameter and 80A hardness make for a smooth ride over rough pavement.
- ABEC-9 bearings and included spacers ensure fast, quiet rolling.
- The PU material is wear-resistant and provides good grip for cornering.
- This kit includes riser pads and hardware, making it a convenient all-in-one solution for upgrades.
- They fit a wide range of skateboards, including longboards, cruisers, and mini cruisers.
What Could Be Improved:
- While 80A is good for cruising, more advanced skaters might want a harder wheel for tricks.
- The included bearings are great for beginners, but seasoned riders might prefer higher-end bearings for extreme speed.
This LOOEEL wheel set is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their longboard’s performance. It provides a great balance of smoothness, speed, and durability for everyday skating.
Choosing the Right Longboard Wheels: Your Ultimate Guide
Longboard wheels are super important for how your board rides. They affect your speed, grip, and how smoothly you roll over bumps. Picking the right ones makes a big difference in your skateboarding fun!
Key Features to Look For
When you’re looking at longboard wheels, here are the main things to check out:
- Diameter (Size): This is how big the wheel is. Bigger wheels roll faster and smoother over cracks and rough spots. Smaller wheels are quicker to accelerate but might slow down more on bumpy surfaces.
- Durometer (Hardness): This tells you how hard the wheel is. It’s measured with a number and a letter, like “78A” or “99A.” Softer wheels (lower numbers) give you more grip and a smoother ride. They’re great for cruising and sliding. Harder wheels (higher numbers) are faster and slide easier, good for freeriding and downhill.
- Contact Patch: This is the part of the wheel that touches the ground. A wider contact patch gives you more grip. A narrower one means less friction and easier sliding.
- Shape: The edges of the wheel matter too. Rounded edges make it easier to slide. Sharp edges offer more grip.
Important Materials
Most longboard wheels are made from polyurethane. This is a strong plastic that can be made soft or hard. Different types of polyurethane give wheels different feels. Some are designed for extra durability, while others focus on speed or grip.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a wheel good or not so good?
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Good Quality:
- Smooth bearings: Good wheels have smooth bearings that let them spin freely for a long time.
- Even urethane pour: The plastic needs to be poured evenly so the wheel is balanced. This stops wobbles.
- Strong core: The center part of the wheel, the core, holds the bearings. A strong core keeps the wheel from deforming.
- Durable urethane: High-quality urethane wears down slowly. It keeps its shape and performance for longer.
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Lower Quality:
- Rough bearings: Cheap bearings can be stiff and slow. They don’t spin well.
- Uneven urethane: This can make your ride bumpy and wobbly.
- Weak core: A weak core can crack or break, ruining the wheel.
- Urethane that chunks: Some cheap wheels lose pieces of their urethane, especially when sliding.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who uses what wheels and why?
- Cruising and Commuting: If you just want to roll around town, go to school, or enjoy a smooth ride, you’ll want softer wheels (around 78A-85A). They soak up bumps and give you good grip. Bigger wheels also help you roll over things easily.
- Freeriding and Sliding: For sliding and doing tricks, harder wheels (around 95A-101A) are better. They slide more easily and are faster. You might also want wheels with rounded edges for smoother slides.
- Downhill: Speed is key here. Downhill riders often use larger wheels for maximum speed and stability. They might choose wheels that are a bit harder but still offer good grip to stay in control at high speeds.
- Carving and Dancing: These styles involve smooth turns and long steps on the board. Wheels that offer a good balance of grip and slide are ideal. Medium-hard wheels (around 85A-95A) often work well.
Frequently Asked Questions about Longboard Wheels
Q: What is the most important thing to consider when buying longboard wheels?
A: The most important things are the wheel’s size (diameter) and hardness (durometer). These two factors greatly affect how your board rides.
Q: Should I get big wheels or small wheels?
A: Big wheels roll faster and smoother over bumps. Small wheels are quicker to get going. Choose based on where you ride and what you want to do.
Q: What does “78A” mean for wheel hardness?
A: “78A” means the wheel is soft. Softer wheels give you more grip and a smoother ride. They are good for cruising.
Q: What does “99A” mean for wheel hardness?
A: “99A” means the wheel is hard. Harder wheels are faster and slide easier. They are good for tricks and sliding.
Q: How wide should my wheels be?
A: Wider wheels have more grip. Narrower wheels slide easier. Pick a width that matches your riding style.
Q: Do wheel shapes really matter?
A: Yes, the shape of the wheel’s edges affects how it slides. Rounded edges slide more easily than sharp ones.
Q: Can I use skateboard wheels on a longboard?
A: Generally, no. Longboard wheels are usually bigger and softer than skateboard wheels. They are made for different types of riding.
Q: How do I know if my wheels are good quality?
A: Good wheels spin smoothly, feel balanced, and wear down slowly. Check reviews and look for wheels made with good urethane.
Q: What happens if my wheels are too hard or too soft?
A: If your wheels are too hard, you might slip out easily. If they are too soft, you might not be able to slide, and they could feel slow.
Q: How often should I replace my longboard wheels?
A: You should replace them when they get too small from riding, start to chunk (lose pieces), or have flat spots from sliding. This depends on how much you ride and how you 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.
William has over three years of experience in building gazebos. He started AskGazebo.com to assist his clients.