The Cuei Killers have earned a reputation for being a top contender in the downhill longboarding scene, despite their seemingly simple design. This review dives deep into what makes these wheels so successful, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and unique characteristics that set them apart from other race wheels.
Cuei Killers Wheel Review
Specifications
- Diameter: 74mm
- Width/Contact Patch: 65.5mm
- Core Placement: Offset
- Durometer Options:
- Power Thane: 75a, 77a, 82a
- Flow Thane: 80a
- Price: $68 (Muirskate)
This review primarily focuses on the 77a green Cuei Killers.
Detailed Look at the Cuei Killers 77a
Core Strengths
The Cuei Killers aren’t about flashy tech; they excel in the fundamentals. While they might not have the raw grip or top speed of some race wheels, they consistently secure podium finishes. This success comes down to three key factors: rapid acceleration, exceptional nimbleness for precise lines, and clear feedback at the edge of traction. These qualities, in the hands of a skilled rider, can be game-changers in a race.
Cuei killers 77a
The Cuei’s aggressive nature is a defining trait. They don’t offer the most braking power, but their quick response and feedback allow riders to push their limits confidently. This aggression, however, demands skill; if not managed properly, it can feel overwhelming.
The “Special” Factor
The Cuei wheels are the creation of Thiago Lessa, a highly accomplished Brazilian downhill skateboarder. His influence is evident in the wheel’s design, which prioritizes performance through fundamental characteristics. The Cuei team also boasts a roster of talented riders, many of whom consistently dominate podiums worldwide.
What’s intriguing is that the Cueis are remarkably simple. They lack the complex features of many other high-end race wheels, such as dual durometers or massive cores. Yet, they consistently outperform their more technologically advanced competitors. This simplicity raises a key question: what makes these seemingly basic wheels so successful in the competitive world of downhill longboarding?
Speed and Acceleration
Acceleration Prowess
The Cuei Killers stand out for their impressive acceleration. They get off the line quickly, leaving other race wheels like the Cheetahs or Magnums in their dust. This rapid acceleration is likely due to their smaller 74mm diameter, relatively narrow 65.5mm width, and dense urethane composition.
Top Speed Capabilities
While the Cueis accelerate rapidly, their top speed is comparable to other race wheels, though they don’t excel in this category. Riders may feel the wheels plateauing, whereas other wheels continue to gain speed. However, this difference is less noticeable when drafting, where the Cueis perform exceptionally well, accelerating quickly within the draft.
Ultimately, while speed is important, other factors such as strategy, tuck, lines, and rider weight can have a more significant impact on overall performance. For those focused on top speed, harder durometer Cueis or other specialized race wheels might be better suited.
Cuei killers 77a vs 74a Magnums vs 75/85a Cheetahs
Cruising and Nimbleness
The Cueis are also a pleasure to cruise on. Their lightweight design and nimble nature make them easy to push, perfect for casual rides. Their responsiveness makes them feel playful, allowing for quick direction changes and a smooth overall experience.
Nimble Handling
The Cuei Killers’ lightweight construction and relatively narrow contact patch make them exceptionally nimble. This quick responsiveness is enhanced by the stiff lips in relation to the core, enabling the wheels to react immediately to rider input. They feel more agile than larger, more sluggish race wheels, making it easier to change direction rapidly. Compared to the Seismic Alphas, the Cueis offer superior agility.
The Advantage of Nimbleness
The nimbleness of the Cuei wheels translates to better line selection. Riders can make quick adjustments, scrubbing less through corners and maintaining momentum. With larger wheels, a slight miscalculation in entry lines can lead to understeer and loss of speed. The Cueis, on the other hand, allow for more precise control and smoother transitions. Their nimbleness also facilitates faster initiation of slides, although the slide itself isn’t necessarily easy.
Cuei wheels on Bear Smokies on a Rocket Micro
Momentum and Slide Characteristics
Momentum Limitations
The Cuei Killers don’t have the best momentum. They tend to lose speed more quickly on flat surfaces where maintaining momentum is crucial. This characteristic is noticeable when compared to wheels that hold their speed longer.
Aggressive Slide Behavior
The urethane in the Cueis is designed for grip, not sliding. This translates to an aggressive feel at the edge of traction, providing significant feedback that some might find unnerving. However, with experience, this feedback becomes an advantage, allowing riders to push their limits and make minute adjustments to maintain optimal lines. This aggressive feedback helps find good lines, making the wheels a tool for competitive riding.
longboard slide on the cuei killers
The Double-Edged Sword
The aggressive nature of the Cueis is a double-edged sword. Riders need time to adapt and become comfortable with the unique feedback. It’s recommended to break in a set of these wheels before racing on them, to better understand their characteristics.
The transition from grip to slide is not smooth; it can feel sudden and requires faith in the wheels’ capability. While the slide itself isn’t problematic, the initial transition can be challenging, similar to the Abec 11 HD Reflex Bigzigs.
Braking Power and Slide Feel
When scrubbed, the Cueis exhibit a grippier feel compared to other scrubbed race wheels. However, when the skin is intact, they don’t offer the same level of grip. Despite this, they provide sufficient slow-down power. The 75a version likely offers better grip, and depending on the pavement the slow-down power can vary significantly.
The slide feels unique, almost rubbery, when not chattering. The wheels tend to chatter if they aren’t weighted correctly, highlighting the need for proper weight distribution in slides.
The Cuei Spacer
Chatter during slides can hinder performance and control. Cuei has developed a custom spacer designed to mitigate this issue. While the wheels performed well with Zealous bearings, the use of other spacers may cause chatter. If using non-built-in bearings, the precision Cuei spacers may be a worthwhile investment.
zealous bearings
Durability Assessment
The lips on the Cuei Killers have shown good durability, withstanding rough pavement conditions better than the 74a Mags. However, more extensive use is needed to fully assess their long-term durability.
lip wear on the cuei wheels
Freeride Suitability
While impressive slides are possible, as demonstrated by riders like Nick Broms, the Cuei Killers aren’t designed primarily for freeride. They are more difficult to stand up slide on some setups than others. For most, these are race wheels, not freeride wheels.
Drawbacks
High Rebound
The Cueis’ high rebound can cause them to bounce on cracks and rough surfaces, which can feel unstable, particularly in corners. In comparison, wheels like the 74a Magnums absorb road imperfections and offer a more stable ride on poor surfaces. The 75a Cueis might be better suited to such conditions.
74a magnums being squeezed
Limited Open-Road Confidence
The Cueis’ aggressive nature might feel less forgiving for open road riding compared to other wheels, requiring more focus and confidence to manage.
Bearing Compatibility
Bearing fit can be inconsistent, sometimes causing issues, though this is a common issue across various wheels and bearings and not unique to Cuei.
Future Developments: Dual Duro Cuei Wheels
Cuei is planning a dual duro wheel, which is expected to address the current wheels’ lack of top-end speed, while potentially improving slide characteristics. These new wheels are expected to be a game-changer in the longboard racing scene.
