Riding a bowl on your longboard is an incredibly fun and rewarding experience, offering both a great workout and a unique sense of flow. However, the right setup is crucial for optimal performance, and arguably, the most important part of that setup is your wheels. Choosing the correct wheels for your local bowl can be the difference between a smooth, enjoyable session and a frustrating series of slams. This guide will break down everything you need to know about selecting the best longboard wheels for bowl riding.
The best longboard wheels for bowl riding generally have a larger radius and a wider, grippy contact patch. For slippery bowls, a 56mm wheel with a durometer of 97A is often ideal. If you’re riding on grippy concrete, a range of 54mm to 58mm wheels with a durometer between 99A and 104A might be better suited. Let’s dive into the specifics.
Top Longboard Wheel Recommendations for Bowls and Pools
Before we get into the specifics, here’s a quick overview of what to look for. The wheels I’ve listed below are based on personal testing and research but remember, what works best for one rider may not work for another. It’s essential to consider the type of bowl you’re riding on, and always check the surface condition before you drop in.
Generally, aim for these specifications:
- Size: Look for wheels between 54mm and 58mm.
- Durometer: For slippery bowls, aim for wheels between 95A and 99A. 97A often provides a good balance.
- Concrete Type: Modern bowls often use grippy, fast concrete, which pairs well with 100A+ wheels. If you prefer technical tricks, you might consider a 54mm wheel.
Avoid extremely hard and slick wheels on slippery surfaces, or you’ll learn the hard way that you won’t have enough grip. I’ve personally experienced this on a wooden, dusty bowl while riding 58mm 84B wheels, resulting in frequent and painful slams. When gaining speed, wheels with inadequate grip can easily slide out from under you.
Below are my top recommendations, ranging from 54mm/104A to 56mm/97A. I’ve also included an option for those who ride older, cracked concrete bowls or prefer maximum grip and stability.
- Spitfire Formula Four Conical Full
- Spitfire Formula Four Conical
- Spitfire Classics
- Santa Cruz Slime Balls Vomit Mini 2
- Bones Rough Riders
- Bones SPF P5
Bones SPF P5 84B/56mm are excellent for maximum speed on grippy concrete bowls but can be slippery on dusty or sandy surfaces.
Spitfire FF Conical Full 97A/56mm offer great stability and increased grip, ideal for slippery bowls. The 97A durometer provides ample grip for turns, while the wider contact patch enhances stability.
Spitfire FF Classics 97A to 101A/56mm are versatile all-around wheels for bowl riding. Choose your durometer based on the type of bowl you usually ride.
1. Spitfire Formula Four Conical Full
Spitfire Formula Four Conical Full skateboard wheels
The Spitfire Conical Full is a top pick. After switching from the 99A to the 97A version, I noticed a significant difference. The slightly softer 97A provides much more grip, which is crucial, especially in dusty indoor bowls, where losing grip can lead to painful slams. These wheels enhance confidence and improve the overall riding experience.
Note, however, that 101A versions work well on modern, grippy concrete. It’s a matter of finding the perfect balance for your local environment.
The Conical Fulls’ extra width provides great balance when carving transitions. This ensures your wheels stick to the surface, offering a stable ride. The softer versions may require more effort when pumping, but you’ll quickly adapt.
- Wheel Profile: Extra wide for maximum grip.
- Wheel Shape: Conical Full for enhanced locking.
- Recommended Sizes: 54mm, 56mm, 58mm.
- Recommended Durometers: Wood: 97A, Sticky concrete: 101A, Slippery concrete: 97A or 99A.
- Purpose: All-around bowl skating, mini ramps, and skate parks (if you opt for the 54mm/99a/100A).
Pros of Spitfire Conical Fulls
The main advantage of the Spitfire Conical Fulls is their superior grip, especially compared to the Spitfire Classics. They instill confidence and help to prevent unexpected slides. These wheels are also great for mini ramps, though they require slightly more effort to pump compared to the Bones SPF.
Cons of Spitfire Conical Fulls
Some skaters may find that the wider profile limits their coping tricks, and they aren’t the best for street skating over 54mm. At 97A, they might be a bit too soft for technical street and park skaters. These wheels can also be hard to find, especially the 56mm version. If you choose the 58mm size, consider 1/8” risers, especially if you ride with loose trucks, to avoid wheel bite.
2. Spitfire Formula Four Conical
The Spitfire Formula Four Conical offers a balanced approach, combining a wider contact patch with good speed and the ability to lock into coping tricks. These wheels provide a bit of everything, making them well-suited for basic grinds and stalls.
While I find these wheels great for grip and speed, I have experienced occasional loss of grip during sharp turns in slippery wooden bowls, while they perform excellently on concrete.
- Wheel Profile: Wide enough for both stability and technical skating.
- Wheel Shape: Conical.
- Recommended Sizes: 54mm, 56mm.
- Recommended Durometers: 99A for slick concrete, 101A for grippy concrete.
- Purpose: Bowl carving and coping tricks; the 53mm and 54mm sizes are also suitable for skate parks.
Pros of Spitfire Conical Wheels
They offer an excellent blend of speed and performance for those seeking a versatile bowl wheel. With the 54mm version, you can easily transition between bowl skating, parks, and street. No need to change wheels before sessions, perfect for skaters who enjoy variety.
Cons of Spitfire Conical Wheels
At 54mm, these wheels require slightly more effort to push and have less grip than the 56mm version, especially compared to the Conical Fulls 97A. Unfortunately, the Conical wheels are only available in 99A and 101A, but it’s still a wheel worth considering. Though pricier, they are certainly worth the investment.
3. Spitfire Classics
Spitfire Classics 99a longboard wheels
I’ve personally experimented with both the 99A and 97A classics. The 97A variant gives a grippier ride, while the harder version works well on grippy concrete bowls. The Classics have the slimmest contact patch in this list but provide excellent grip.
- Wheel Profile: Slim.
- Wheel Shape: Rounded.
- Recommended Sizes: 54mm, 56mm.
- Recommended Durometers: 97A for slippery bowls, 99A for slick concrete, 101A for grippy concrete.
- Purpose: Carving bowls and technical coping tricks.
Pros of Spitfire Classics
Spitfire classics are among the best available and are versatile enough for both street and transition. The slightly softer 97A version is great for skate parks, bowls, and vert skating. They also excel in tricks like 50-50s, Smith grinds, and Krooked grinds, giving a good balance between speed, carving, and technical bowl tricks.
Cons of Spitfire Classics
The slimmer contact patch means they are not as grippy as other options. At 99A, you might still slip when you make a mistake or encounter a dusty spot. The 97A variant addresses this, but requires a bit more push effort.
4. Santa Cruz Vomit Mini 2 Slime Balls 97A
Santa Cruz Vomit 2 longboard wheels
These wheels offer a unique blend of street and bowl performance. The Santa Cruz Vomit wheels are designed for skaters who want to carve the bowl and then hit the park. The asymmetrical shape (conical on the inside, rounded on the outside) makes them versatile for coping tricks.
- Wheel Profile: Slim.
- Wheel Shape: Conical.
- Recommended Sizes: 54mm, 56mm.
- Recommended Durometers: 95A or 97A for slippery bowls.
- Purpose: Carving bowls and more technical coping tricks.
Pros of the Vomit Mini 2 Slime Balls
These wheels are a good choice if you love both street and bowl skating. The asymmetrical design improves coping tricks and grinding abilities. They are also more affordable than Spitfires, making them a cost-effective option.
Cons of the Vomit Mini 2 Slime Balls
The smaller riding surface provides less grip. However, the 95A or 97A durometer should mitigate this. They may not be the best choice for extremely grippy concrete bowls. More testing is needed to draw a decisive conclusion on this specific wheel.
5. Bones ATF Rough Riders 56mm/80A
For riders who regularly tackle old or cracked bowls, the Bones Rough Riders are a must-consider. Their extremely wide contact patch and 80A durometer will handle any cracks or rough surfaces. These wheels are great for cruising and still work well in bowls.
- Wheel Profile: Very Wide.
- Wheel Shape: Conical.
- Recommended Size: 56mm.
- Recommended Durometer: 80A (only available in this option).
- Purpose: Carving rough bowls with lots of cracks and cruising.
Pros of the ATF Rough Riders
These wheels are perfect for worn-out parks, allowing riders to easily compensate for cracks and holes without risking a slam. They are also great for cruising and carving.
Cons of the ATF Rough Riders
These wheels require more push effort, which can lead to fatigue. They are also not ideal for coping tricks or ollies due to their bouncy nature and may stick to the bowl walls during tail slides.
6. Bones SPF P5 84B
Bones SPF P5 58mm and 56mm
The Bones SPF P5 is ideal for skaters who have the privilege of riding in modern, grippy concrete bowls. They are incredibly fast, resistant to flat spots, and provide excellent lock-in. You’ll be surprised how quickly they accelerate when you first drop in.
- Wheel Profile: Medium.
- Wheel Shape: Conical.
- Recommended Sizes: 54mm, 56mm.
- Recommended Durometer: 84B for grippy concrete.
- Purpose: Carving quality bowls, technical coping tricks, and mini ramps.
Pros of Bones SPF P5
They deliver superb performance in the right conditions. They are also great for mini ramps, but less suited for vert skating. They are the fastest wheels tested, reducing the need to pump. They enable longer sessions, longer grinds, and great lock-in for tricks.
Cons of Bones SPF P5
These wheels will struggle in dusty, wooden bowls. The resulting slams will make for a frustrating and painful experience.
Selecting the Right Wheels for Your Bowl
The ideal wheels for bowl skating offer a balance of speed, grip, and stability. While a 56mm wheel is often recommended, many bowl riders use 60mm or larger. Keep in mind that bigger wheels are ideal for carving but may make technical tricks more challenging.
Here’s a general guideline:
- For carving and basic coping tricks, choose a wider contact patch.
- If you focus on airs and coping tricks, a slimmer contact patch is best.
Also, consider the bowl’s transition. Steeper transitions need fast-rolling wheels for tight turns.
Understanding Wheel Size
Larger wheels are better for those who want speed and less physical effort. A bigger diameter provides enhanced speed and stability, allowing you more time to focus on your next trick. Smaller wheels provide quicker acceleration but at the cost of top speed.
Understanding Durometer
The hardness of your wheels matters a lot, and will change depending on your skate park or bowl surface. To choose the best durometer, consider your local bowl:
- Slippery bowls require wheels between 80A and 97A.
- Grippy bowls need wheels between 100A and 104A (or 84B) for maximum speed.
Understanding Contact Patch
A wider contact patch is great for beginners and intermediate riders who focus on carving, while more technical bowl riders will prefer a smaller contact patch.
Considering Different Types of Bowls and Wheels
Longboarder doing a handplant in a bowl
Most bowls are concrete, but some are wooden. Softer wheels will work for both, but if the concrete is old and cracked, you might need even softer wheels.
Quick tip: Always remove sand and dust before dropping in!
Concrete Bowls
Concrete skate bowl
Several factors can influence the best wheel choice:
- Slippery bowls with specific concrete formulas require softer wheels.
- Cracks and wear may need softer wheels to ensure stability.
- Dusty bowls need softer wheels because they can be slippery.
- Fast and grippy concrete bowls work well with hard wheels like Bones SPF P5 84B.
Wooden Bowls
Longboarder doing a handplant in a bowl
Wooden bowls are generally more slippery and will benefit from softer wheels that provide good grip. Larger and softer wheels are ideal, especially in old buildings where dust is a problem.
Final Thoughts
Riding bowls is an enjoyable experience and a great way to stay fit. Be sure to train those legs for longer sessions and take breaks to look at what other skaters are doing and pick up some pointers. You can also check out recommended setups for bowl skating. A wider deck, carvy trucks, and the right bushings are also worth investing in.
If you are new to bowl skating, learning from others will help you improve quickly. It’s also a great way to socialize, and most bowl skaters are pretty laid back and enjoy cheering each other on.
Be sure to wear a helmet and pads for safety.
Ruben Vee, longboard author
Author: Ruben Vee
As an experienced skateboarder and gear enthusiast, I’ve been riding for over 25 years. I love testing skateboard equipment and sharing my insights.
