Choosing the Right Longboard Wheels: A Comprehensive Guide

Selecting the appropriate longboard wheels is crucial for your riding experience, influencing speed, grip, and overall performance. This guide will help you navigate the world of longboard wheels, covering everything from size and hardness to shape and material, ensuring you pick the perfect set for your style and terrain.

Longboard wheels, unlike their skateboard counterparts, are designed for covering distances, carving, and cruising at higher speeds. Therefore, the selection process requires careful consideration of several factors, including your preferred riding style, the types of surfaces you usually ride on, and your skill level. Understanding these elements will significantly enhance your longboarding adventures.

Table of Contents

Understanding Longboard Wheel Types

Longboard wheels are not one-size-fits-all. They vary significantly to cater to different riding styles and preferences. Let’s delve into the key characteristics that define a wheel’s performance.

Wheel Diameter

The diameter of a longboard wheel, measured in millimeters (mm), significantly affects its speed and acceleration. Larger wheels generally provide higher top speeds and maintain momentum better, while smaller wheels accelerate quicker and are more responsive.

Large Wheels (70mm+): Ideal for long-distance cruising, downhill riding, and covering rough terrain. These wheels maintain speed well and roll over obstacles with ease.
Medium Wheels (65mm-70mm): A versatile choice suitable for carving, cruising, and some freestyle tricks. These wheels offer a balance between speed and maneuverability.
Small Wheels (60mm and under): Best for technical slides, freestyle, and trick-focused longboarding. They provide quick acceleration and are more responsive but may not hold speed as well as larger wheels.

Wheel Durometer

Durometer refers to the hardness of the wheel’s urethane, measured on the “A” scale. This scale ranges from 0A (very soft) to 100A (very hard). The durometer rating determines the grip, smoothness, and overall feel of the wheel.

Softer Wheels (75A-83A): Provide excellent grip, absorb vibrations well, and offer a smooth ride, making them ideal for cruising, carving, and rougher surfaces.
Medium Wheels (84A-89A): Offer a balance between grip and slide, suitable for freestyle, sliding, and general-purpose riding.
Harder Wheels (90A+): Best for technical sliding and tricks on smooth surfaces. They provide less grip but are more responsive and roll faster.

Wheel Shape

The shape of a longboard wheel impacts how it grips, slides, and distributes your weight. Different shapes cater to various riding styles:

Square-Lipped Wheels: Offer maximum grip and are ideal for carving and cruising, providing a stable and predictable feel.
Round-Lipped Wheels: Promote smoother slides and are great for freestyle, freeride, and technical downhill riding.
Beveled-Lip Wheels: A blend between square and round lips, offering a balance of grip and slide, suitable for a range of riding styles.

Contact Patch

The contact patch is the area of the wheel that makes contact with the ground. A larger contact patch provides more grip and stability, while a smaller contact patch offers more slide and maneuverability.

Wider Contact Patch: Best for cruising, carving, and downhill, providing excellent grip and stability.
Narrow Contact Patch: Better for freeride and sliding, offering less grip and easier slide initiation.

collection of skateboard wheels

Core Placement

The core is the hard plastic part in the center of the wheel that holds the bearings. Its placement can affect the wheel’s performance:

Centerset Cores: Versatile and allow for even wear, often preferred for freestyle, freeride, and general cruising.
Offset Cores: Place the core closer to the edge of the wheel, enhancing grip and responsiveness.
Sideset Cores: Place the core at the very edge of the wheel, maximizing slide and drift capabilities.

Choosing Wheels for Different Riding Styles

The ideal longboard wheels depend significantly on your preferred riding style. Here’s a breakdown:

Cruising

For cruising, you’ll want wheels that are comfortable, smooth, and capable of handling a variety of surfaces.

Diameter: 65mm to 75mm.
Durometer: 78A to 83A (soft).
Shape: Square-lipped for maximum grip, or round-lipped for smoother rides.
Contact Patch: Wider for stability and grip.

Carving

Carving involves smooth, flowing turns, so you need wheels that offer grip and responsiveness.

Diameter: 65mm to 70mm.
Durometer: 80A to 85A (medium-soft).
Shape: Square-lipped or beveled-lip.
Contact Patch: Medium to wide for stability and responsiveness.

Downhill

Downhill longboarding requires wheels that are stable at high speeds and offer excellent grip.

Diameter: 70mm to 75mm or more.
Durometer: 78A to 85A (soft to medium).
Shape: Square-lipped or beveled-lip for grip, depending on course conditions.
Contact Patch: Wide for maximum grip and stability.

Freeride

Freeride involves sliding, drifting, and controlling speed. You’ll want wheels that break traction smoothly.

Diameter: 65mm to 70mm.
Durometer: 80A to 89A (medium).
Shape: Round-lipped for easy sliding.
Contact Patch: Medium to narrow for easier slide initiation.

Freestyle

Freestyle longboarding involves tricks and technical maneuvers. The wheels need to be responsive and not too grippy.

Diameter: 60mm to 70mm.
Durometer: 82A to 89A (medium).
Shape: Round-lipped or beveled-lip for both grip and slide control.
Contact Patch: Medium for versatility.

Wheel Maintenance

Proper care for your longboard wheels is crucial for longevity and performance:

Rotate Wheels: Regularly rotate your wheels to ensure even wear.
Clean Wheels: Periodically clean your wheels to remove dirt and debris, which can affect grip and performance. Use warm soapy water and a soft brush.
Check for Damage: Inspect your wheels for cracks or damage, and replace them if necessary.
Store Properly: When not in use, store your wheels in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat.

spitfire classics

Longboard Wheel Technology

Longboard wheel technology continues to evolve, with manufacturers introducing new materials and designs to improve performance. Some notable technologies include:

Urethane Formulas: Different urethane formulas can provide variations in grip, rebound, and durability. Look for reputable brands that use high-quality urethane.
Stone-Ground Finish: Some wheels come with a stone-ground finish, which helps break them in faster and provides a smoother slide.
Core Designs: Advanced core designs improve bearing fit, speed, and wheel integrity.

Conclusion

Choosing the right longboard wheels is a personal decision that depends on your specific needs and preferences. By understanding the key factors, such as wheel diameter, durometer, shape, contact patch, and core placement, you can make an informed decision that will enhance your longboarding experience. Always consider your riding style, the terrain you ride on, and your skill level when making your choice. Experimentation may be necessary to find the perfect set, but the effort will pay off with smoother rides, better control, and more fun on your longboard.

Bones SPF P5 - 58mm and 56mm Bones SPF P5 – 58mm and 56mm