Are you looking to leave thick, dumb lines of urethane on the pavement? The Free Wheel Co. Free Dumbs might be exactly what you need. But are they just for thane? Let’s dive into this comprehensive review to find out more about these unique longboard wheels.
Free Dumbs Specs
- Diameter: 65mm
- Contact Patch: 44mm
- Durometer: 78A
- Lip Profile: Round
- Surface: Stoneground
- Core Placement: Centerset
- Price: $35
Free Wheel Co. Free Dumbs Review: A Deep Dive
Summary
Free Wheel Co. has a reputation for producing wheels that leave massive amounts of thane, and the Free Dumbs are no exception. If your goal is to mark your territory and upset the neighborhood with visible urethane lines, these wheels are definitely for you. They’re known for being prolific “pasters,” leaving very noticeable thane lines during slides.
slightly worn down free dumb wheels
Surprisingly, the Free Dumbs offer a consistent and controllable slide. Even when performing fast stand-up slides, they feel stable and comfortable. However, the trade-off for massive thane is significant wear. These wheels wear down rapidly and can be cored within just one or two sessions. If your goal is to reach the core quickly, that’s great, but durability is definitely not their strong suit. Also, their tendency to wear down quickly means they are prone to flat spots, especially if your slides aren’t precise. A single extended slide at 90 degrees can render these wheels unusable due to flat spotting.
Despite their focus on sliding, they roll surprisingly well, handling cracks, pebbles, and rough surfaces without issue, which makes them suitable for mini-cruisers as well. If you go into using them understanding these characteristics, you will enjoy using them. If your expectations are not aligned with their performance, they might leave a bad taste in your mouth.
Speed & Rolling
The Free Dumbs are surprisingly quick. While they might not be the fastest for pushing around or accelerating, they do well when going downhill. I didn’t feel the need for more speed while sliding with these wheels, which might be because I was performing stand-up slides. For a 65mm wheel, they handle speed well enough to be enjoyable.
They’d also be great on a mini-cruiser. You can bust quick slides and leave thane lines while cruising around, without having to worry too much about cracks and roughness. Their ability to roll over imperfect road surfaces without transmitting excessive vibration to the feet is a major benefit for this use case.
Slide Performance
These wheels are exceptionally easy to slide, with a controlled feel that makes them a joy to use. They offer a unique slide experience, feeling somewhere between icy, chalky, and buttery, making for a very interesting ride. The balance between “on top of the pavement” and “in the pavement” feel adds to their unique character.
A video of the Free Dumbs in action, showing their smooth, controlled slide and the thane lines they leave behind.
They also offer consistent feel between sliding and not sliding, which increases the control you have. Also, they are very forgiving. Even if you mess up, they’re unlikely to throw you off your board, and they can continue to slide even over rough surfaces without issue.
The Initial Slide is Unique
Out of the box, the stone-ground surface allows for easy sliding, but it can feel a bit too slidey at first. Once you get through that initial layer, the true character of the wheel is revealed. This is when you’ll get the performance this review is focused on.
Slide Consistency & Wear
The Free Dumbs maintain their slide consistency thanks to the rounded/beveled lip design which extends to about ¾ of the wheel’s diameter.
free dumbs lip bevel
As you wear through the beveled part, the transition from grip to slip becomes more defined, and they will not slide as smoothly as before.
Durability
The Free Dumbs are not durable. They can easily be worn through in 1-3 sessions of casual riding. A more intense session will see them worn down even quicker. If you skate on roads with a lot of braking or sliding, you could easily core them in a single run.
Flatspot Prone
One single slide at a 90-degree angle can cause flat spots. These wheels are incredibly easy to flatspot, so caution is needed when riding them.
Performance on Rough Roads
The Free Dumbs perform surprisingly well on a variety of road surfaces. They perform as well as any other wheel on smooth roads and handle rough roads well, despite their smaller size. They roll over cracks and other imperfections with ease, absorbing vibrations and maintaining speed.
They also slide well on rough roads.
Who Should Ride These Wheels?
These are the perfect wheels for anyone looking to quickly core a set of wheels, leaving massive thane lines behind. If you are a thane hunter, these wheels are for you.
Who Should Not Ride These Wheels?
If you don’t have good slide control, you will likely flat spot these wheels as they require precise and controlled sliding. These are not recommended for beginners learning to slide, or those who plan on doing stand-up slides with them, especially if you aren’t yet fully confident in your abilities.
Worth the Money?
If your primary goal is to leave huge lines of thane, these wheels are absolutely worth the investment. However, if you’re looking for durability or something to learn on, they’re a quick way to waste $35.
Tips to Maximize the Life of the Free Dumbs
Keep Your Slides Controlled
Avoid 90-degree slides to prevent flat spots. Given how fast they wear, a flat spot can quickly ruin the wheel.
Rotate Your Wheels Regularly
Because these wheels wear down so fast, ensure you rotate them often to maintain even wear, extending their usability. If not rotated, they will wear down unevenly, and the wheel becomes unusable once one side is too small.
diagram on how to rotate your longboard wheels for even wear
Swap diagonally, back left to front right, and front left to back right. Pay attention to your wheels so that the wear is even.
free wheel co. free dumbs review – wear pattern on these wheels
Drawbacks
Requires Precise Control
The Free Dumbs demand precise slide control. One bad 90-degree slide can cause a flat spot, especially if you are trying to perform very big slides, so you must be in control at all times.
Niche Wheels
These wheels are designed for a very specific purpose: painting lines. As long as you use them appropriately, and with their weaknesses in mind, there aren’t many other things to complain about.
If you flat spot these wheels, that’s on you. They are designed to dump thane, so fast wear and easy flat-spotting is part of the deal.
Final Thoughts
Free Wheel Co. Free Dumbs on a Longboard
The Free Dumbs are a straightforward wheel. These wheels are for those who prioritize thane lines and are okay with the fast wear. Hopefully, this review has given you enough information to decide whether they are the right fit for you.
If you want early access to reviews, join the Patreon to see them before they drop.
Big thanks to all my patrons for the support – David, Squirrels Adventures, Mike, Jed, Mowgii, Jan, Josh, Jay, Jay, Bryan, @owencampbell777, @dkwan, Alex, Kasajja, @pablo.vega.andrade, Vlad Helge, DeLacoste, Peder, Josh, Mike, Anthony, @issishreds, Greg, Jackson, Slipa, Louisa, Steve, and Justin. I couldn’t write articles like this without you guys’ support.
