Imagine this: you’re cruising down a smooth hill, the wind rushing past your face, and you feel the urge to go faster. But your board just isn’t keeping up. It’s a common feeling for longboarders who dream of picking up serious speed. Choosing the right wheels can feel like a guessing game. There are so many sizes, shapes, and materials, and it’s tough to know which ones will actually help you fly.
If you’re tired of feeling like you’re stuck in second gear, you’re in the right place. This post is all about unlocking that extra speed on your longboard. We’ll break down what makes certain wheels perfect for going fast and what to look out for. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for to make your board feel like a rocket ship.
So, let’s dive in and discover the secrets to faster longboarding. Get ready to leave your old speed limits in the dust!
Our Top 5 Longboard Wheels For Speed Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Longboard Wheels For Speed Detailed Reviews
1. Bigfoot Longboard Wheels 80A Shr Mountain Cruisers
Rating: 9.4/10
These Bigfoot Longboard Wheels are built for speed and control. They’re called Mountain Cruisers, and they’re designed for riders who love to go fast, whether they’re doing slalom or downhill. The black color looks sharp on any board.
What We Like:
- These wheels measure 76mm by 53mm. That’s a good size for going fast.
- The 80A Super High Rebound (SHR) hardness gives you a strong grip. This helps you stay stable when you’re moving quickly.
- The offset core helps the wheels grip corners well. You get predictable slides that you can control.
- They make it easier to keep your top speed because they are larger wheels.
What Could Be Improved:
- The larger size might make them feel a little heavier for some riders.
- For beginners just learning to skate, the speed focus might be a bit much.
If you want to push your speed limits and maintain control, these Bigfoot Mountain Cruisers are a fantastic choice. They offer a smooth ride for downhill and slalom enthusiasts.
2. Cloud Ride! Wheels Street Cruiser 65mm 78A Longboard Wheels
Rating: 9.1/10
The Cloud Ride! Wheels Street Cruiser 65mm 78A wheels are super fun and can handle almost anything you throw at them. They are great for cruising around town, carving up hills, or even doing some freeriding. These wheels are made for longboards and skateboards, and they feel amazing no matter what you’re doing.
What We Like:
- These wheels are really versatile. They work well on double kick cruisers and any setup where you want to skate everything.
- They are undeniably fun to ride.
- The rounded lip and special cruiser urethane make them easy to slide. This is perfect for long stand-up slides and just playing around on your board.
- The stone-ground finish means they slide right away. You don’t have to break them in like smooth wheels. They give you predictable slides without any extra work.
- These 78A wheels grip well when you turn. They also roll over cracks, small rocks, and rough surfaces without a problem.
- When you slide, you get great control. They slow you down fast, wear down a bit, and leave awesome thane lines.
- They are ideal for cruising, carving, freeride, and downhill riding.
- Cloud Ride makes these wheels with quality urethane. They focus on making them last and pay close attention to every detail.
- They compare well to other top wheel brands like Orangatang and Sector 9.
What Could Be Improved:
- These wheels wear down quickly when sliding, which is expected for a freeride wheel, but might mean you need to replace them sooner than harder wheels.
- While they offer great control for sliding, they might not be the absolute fastest wheels for pure downhill speed compared to specialized downhill wheels.
If you want a fun, versatile wheel that’s ready to slide and roll over anything, the Cloud Ride Street Cruisers are a fantastic choice. They offer a great balance of grip and slide for all kinds of riding.
3. Cloud Ride! Wheels Iceeez 59mm 78A Longboard Wheels
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready for some serious fun with the Cloud Ride! Wheels Iceeez 59mm 78A longboard wheels. These wheels are designed to make your rides exciting, whether you’re cruising, carving, or getting into freeriding. They’re made with a special “Ice” formula that makes them super slick, so you can slide with ease without losing too much speed. This means you can learn new tricks and have a blast on your board.
What We Like:
- Ultra slick feel: The “Ice” formula helps you slide smoothly and easily.
- Control in slides: Grippy lips and a soft formula keep you in control when you slide.
- Durable and long-lasting: High resiliency urethane keeps the wheels in shape for a long time.
- Consistent slides: They come pre-ground, so you can slide right out of the box.
- Great for learning: Perfect for beginners who want to learn how to slide and freeride.
- High-quality urethane: Cloud Ride pours quality urethane into every wheel.
- Attention to detail: The wheels are made with great care and focus on durability.
- Competitively priced: They stand up well against other popular wheel brands.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited height: At 59mm, they might be a bit small for some riders or setups.
- Softer durometer: The 78A durometer is great for sliding but might feel a little soft for pure downhill speed.
These Iceeez wheels bring a playful and fun element to your longboard. They are an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore freeriding and sliding. Grab a set and leave your mark!
4. Bigfoot Longboard Wheels 76mm 80A SHR Mountain Cruisers Translucent Green
Rating: 8.6/10
Are you ready to fly down hills and carve through corners? The Bigfoot Longboard Wheels 76mm 80A SHR Mountain Cruisers in Translucent Green are built for speed and control. These big wheels are designed to help you go faster and keep your ride smooth. Their bright green color also makes your board look awesome.
What We Like:
- The 76mm size helps you keep your speed up.
- The 80A Super High Rebound (SHR) hardness gives you great grip.
- You get good stability, especially when going fast.
- The offset core helps you grip turns and slide predictably.
- These wheels are perfect for riders who love speed, like in slalom or downhill.
- The translucent green color looks really cool.
What Could Be Improved:
- Because they are larger, they might feel a bit heavier for some riders.
- The 80A hardness might be a little stiff for casual cruising on rougher roads.
If you want to push your limits and experience thrilling speed, these Bigfoot Mountain Cruiser wheels are a fantastic upgrade. They deliver the performance you need for high-speed adventures.
5. BRAVORD Longboard Wheels 70mm 78A PU
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready to roll in style with the BRAVORD Longboard Wheels! These 70mm, 78A PU wheels come in a cool mix of purple and black, perfect for making your cruiser or longboard look awesome. They’re built tough and designed for a super smooth ride, whether you’re just cruising around town or hitting some bigger hills.
What We Like:
- Premium Materials: Made from really good quality polyurethane (PU), these wheels are strong and soak up bumps well. They can handle lots of skating and keep your ride smooth.
- Precision Specifications: At 70mm big and 51mm wide, these wheels give you a great mix of speed and staying steady. They don’t vibrate much and are quiet, making them comfy for all kinds of longboarding.
- Striking Appearance: The purple and black colors are super bright and look fantastic. They’ll stay vibrant, so your board will always catch the eye.
- Artistic Design: These wheels have a classic shape with cool surface designs. You’ll see the BRAVORD logo and size clearly, adding a unique touch to your board.
- Adaptable Performance: These wheels work great on different kinds of paths. They give you solid grip and stability for commuting, park cruising, or downhill skating, making your ride fun and smooth.
What Could Be Improved:
- The mixed-color design might not appeal to everyone’s personal style.
- While durable, intense downhill skating might show wear faster than on specialized downhill wheels.
These BRAVORD wheels are a fantastic choice for anyone wanting a stylish, smooth, and versatile ride. Upgrade your longboard today and experience the difference!
Longboard Wheels for Speed: Go Faster, Ride Smoother
Are you ready to feel the wind rush past as you blaze down hills? Choosing the right longboard wheels is super important for speed. These wheels are designed to help you pick up and maintain momentum. Let’s dive into what makes a great speed wheel.
Key Features to Look For
Diameter: Bigger is Often Better for Speed
When you’re looking for speed wheels, you’ll notice they are often larger. Larger wheels have a bigger circumference. This means they roll over bumps and cracks more easily. They also carry momentum better. Think of a small pebble versus a big rock. A big wheel will roll over the pebble with hardly any slowdown.
Durometer: Finding the Right Balance
Durometer is a fancy word for how hard a wheel is. It’s measured on a shore scale, usually A or D. For speed, you generally want wheels that are on the harder side. Harder wheels have less friction with the ground. Less friction means you can go faster. However, too hard can make your ride bumpy. A good range for speed wheels is often between 80A and 86A. Some riders even go higher.
Contact Patch: How Much Wheel Touches the Ground
The contact patch is the part of the wheel that touches the road. A narrower contact patch usually means less friction. Less friction helps you go faster. However, a very narrow wheel might not give you as much grip. Grip is important for control, especially when you’re turning.
Shape: Smooth Edges for Speed
The shape of the wheel’s edge matters too. Wheels with rounded lips or edges help reduce drag. Drag is the force that slows you down. Smooth, rounded edges let the wheel slide more easily over the pavement. This keeps your speed up.
Important Materials
Urethane is King
Almost all good longboard wheels are made from urethane. Urethane is a strong, flexible plastic. It can be made in different formulas to create wheels with various properties. The quality of the urethane formula is a big deal. Better urethane means the wheels will be more durable. They will also perform better for longer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Manufacturing Precision
How the wheels are made is crucial. High-quality manufacturing means the wheels are perfectly round. They also have a consistent density throughout. Imperfect wheels can cause vibrations. Vibrations slow you down and make your ride uncomfortable.
Bearing Compatibility
Your wheels need to fit your bearings and trucks properly. If the wheel hub is too tight or too loose, it can affect how well the wheel spins. Perfectly fitting wheels spin freely. This is essential for maximizing your speed.
Wheel Wear and Tear
Even the best wheels will wear down over time. You can improve their lifespan by rotating them. Rotating means switching them around on your board. This helps them wear more evenly. If wheels become misshapen or develop flat spots, they will slow you down. Taking care of your wheels helps them last longer and perform better.
User Experience and Use Cases
For the Downhill Racer
If you love bombing hills, speed wheels are a must. They help you reach top speeds and maintain them. You’ll feel more stable and in control. These wheels are designed for long, straight runs where speed is the main goal.
For the Commuter Who Wants to Cruise Faster
Even if you’re not racing, speed wheels can make your commute more enjoyable. You’ll be able to push less. You’ll cover more ground with each push. They make getting from point A to point B quicker and smoother.
When to Stick with Softer Wheels
While speed wheels are generally harder, sometimes softer wheels are better. If you ride on very rough pavement, softer wheels offer more shock absorption. They provide a smoother ride. They also offer more grip for carving and turning. For pure speed, though, harder is usually the way to go.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best wheel size for speed?
A: Larger wheels, typically 70mm to 80mm or even larger, are generally best for speed. They roll over obstacles more easily and maintain momentum.
Q: How does wheel hardness affect speed?
A: Harder wheels (higher durometer) have less friction with the ground, allowing you to go faster. Softer wheels offer more grip and a smoother ride but are slower.
Q: Should I choose narrow or wide wheels for speed?
A: Narrower wheels usually have less friction, which helps with speed. However, wider wheels can offer more stability and grip.
Q: What does “contact patch” mean for speed wheels?
A: The contact patch is the part of the wheel that touches the ground. A smaller contact patch means less friction and more speed.
Q: Are rounded wheel edges important for speed?
A: Yes, rounded edges help reduce drag and allow the wheel to roll more smoothly over the pavement, which increases speed.
Q: What is the best durometer range for speed wheels?
A: A good range for speed wheels is typically between 80A and 86A. Some speed enthusiasts prefer even harder wheels.
Q: Can I use speed wheels for carving and tricks?
A: While speed wheels are great for going fast in a straight line, they might not offer as much grip for aggressive carving or as much cushion for landing tricks.
Q: How do I maintain my speed wheels?
A: You can maintain your speed wheels by rotating them regularly to ensure even wear and keeping them clean from debris.
Q: Will larger wheels slow me down when I’m starting?
A: Larger wheels require a little more effort to get rolling initially, but they maintain speed much better once you are moving.
Q: What material are most longboard speed wheels made from?
A: Most longboard speed wheels are made from high-quality urethane, which offers durability and good performance.
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.