Loaded and Orangatang are highly respected brands within the longboarding community, and their products are often viewed with a certain level of prestige. The Orangatang Kegel wheels have long been on my radar, and for good reason. They’ve been a dominant force on downhill podiums, used by top skaters like Patrick Switzer and Mauritz Armfelt to set track records, and are also popular for long-distance pushing and electric longboarding. They seem to be a truly versatile wheel. I finally got to try them out, and they haven’t left my setup since. In this review, I’ll break down their performance, highlighting both their strengths and weaknesses, to help you determine if they’re the right choice for you.
Orangatang Kegel Specs
- Diameter: 80mm
- Width: 56mm
- Contact Patch: 56mm
- Durometer: 77a, 80a, 83a
- Bearing Seat: Offset
- Formula: Happy Thane
- Core: High-strength, high-stiffness, heat-resistant urethane
Orangatang Kegel 80a Review
Initial Expectations
Given the Kegel’s impressive track record, I expected a high level of performance. These aren’t just any wheels; they’ve proven themselves on the race circuit. With a price point on the higher end, they needed to justify their cost with tangible results. My focus was on how the 80mm height affected performance, ease of pushing and sliding, durability, and momentum.
The Impact of Wheel Height
Orangatang Kegel Height ComparisonInitially, the 80mm height was intimidating, as I had never skated anything taller than 76mm. I was concerned about added weight, wheel bite, and difficulty sliding. However, the reality was quite different. The increased urethane did add weight, which affected acceleration and momentum. However, the worry about wheel bite was unfounded. Unless I was making very slow and deep turns, it wasn’t an issue.
The most significant benefit of the wheel’s height was the remarkably smoother ride. The Kegels handled rougher roads, cracks, and pebbles with ease, making a noticeable difference in ride comfort. This was particularly evident on a local spot with wavey pavement that had previously felt unstable. With the Kegels, I was able to maintain a full tuck with much more confidence and control, as the height smoothed out the twitchiness and provided a calmer, more controlled ride.
My setup also required some adjustments. I had to lower my front truck angle to 44 degrees from 50 degrees to maintain similar turning and leaning characteristics compared to my previous wheels. This adjustment improved my ability to slide and control the wheels. You might need to experiment with your setup to find the sweet spot for these taller wheels.
Momentum and Speed
The Kegels are definitely on the heavier side, and getting them up to speed initially requires more effort. Pushing from a standstill to top speed is more challenging, and it drains your energy faster. However, once these wheels are moving, they hold speed incredibly well.
This increased momentum allowed me to carry speed through corners and maintain speed on flat sections, ultimately requiring less pushing overall. As a result, I was able to skate some routes faster than usual. Keep in mind that air braking might be less effective with the Kegels, so you might need to adjust your braking technique accordingly.
Acceleration
As mentioned earlier, the heavier weight makes initial acceleration difficult. However, once you reach a reasonable speed, the Kegels accelerate at a similar rate to a 75mm wheel. They felt quick once I was in my tuck.
Weight Considerations
The added weight due to the height and extra urethane is a factor to consider. If you’re commuting and need to carry your board frequently, the extra weight might be a drawback. However, for general skating and freeriding, the weight is less of a concern, and you get used to it over time.
Sliding Performance
When the wheels are new with the skin on, they offer a decent amount of grip and provide a controlled slide. However, they aren’t the best choice for downhill racing when compared to modern race wheels. The technology in today’s race wheels surpasses that of the Kegel, as evidenced by Patrick Switzer’s performance in the 2017 Kozakov finals. He was the only racer using Kegels, while the others were using wheels with superior racing technology. This signaled that the Kegel’s racing career is over. However, these wheels still make great rain wheels and are still being used on the circuit.
Once the skin is worn off, the wheels shine in freeride and open road downhill situations. The slide becomes effortless, offering a predictable and manageable slowdown. The Kegel’s performance on various surfaces and textures is also impressive.
Slide Consistency
The slide of the Kegel can sometimes feel unpredictable, though not to a worrying degree. The grip-to-slip initiation is consistent, but the sliding feel can vary depending on how you weight your board and initiate your slide. It’s a sugary and in-the-pavement feel, which can become more buttery and sugary on rougher roads, and more on-top-of-the-pavement on smoother roads.
Durability
The Kegels wear reasonably well. Unless you’re skating extremely demanding downhill runs, they should last a considerable time. They’ve worn only 4mm since I started using them, which is acceptable considering their buttery slide and performance characteristics. A more durable wheel would mean a trade-off with its sliding capabilities.
Limitations
The Kegels are a true jack-of-all-trades, but this also means they don’t excel in any single category. If you’re looking for a dedicated race wheel, the Kegel isn’t the best option due to the availability of more modern, faster wheels. Current downhill skate wheels boast larger cores, higher rebound urethane, and wider contact patches, providing faster roll speed, grip, and slowing power.
I believe they would perform well for long-distance pushing, but I lack the experience to fully support that claim. Their excellent momentum is great for maintaining speed, but the urethane’s rebound isn’t optimal for fast acceleration.
Best Use Cases
For freeriding, open road downhill skating, and commuting, the Kegels truly stand out.
For freeriding, the wheels offer a smooth and predictable transition between gripping and slipping, thanks to the forgiving Happy Thane formula. They’re easy to stand-up slide, and also great for putting hands down and taking downhill lines.
For open-road downhill skating, the Kegels are ideal, especially for beginners. They provide decent slowing power and are easy to control, allowing you to confidently tackle downhill lines without worrying about icing out or high siding. The 80mm size is excellent for smoothing out the ride on wavey and rough pavement.
For commuting and general pushing, these wheels are fantastic. Once you get used to the weight, the momentum they carry is a game-changer, allowing for a very comfortable experience on various surfaces.
Who Should Ride the Kegels?
Beginner/Intermediate Downhill Skaters
These wheels are an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate downhill skaters who want to improve their sliding skills, as they provide a smooth and predictable slide. The square-ish lips offer a good balance between control and challenge, encouraging better technique. Complete beginners, however, should start with more forgiving wheels.
Commuters
The large diameter provides a smooth riding experience over cracks and pebbles, making for a very comfortable commute. The momentum they carry will also keep you rolling smoothly over flat surfaces.
Freeriders
While smaller wheels are often preferred for their ease of pushing out, the Kegels provide a unique feel for stand-up slides. They offer more roll speed and momentum, making for bigger slides and smoother rides.
Open Road Downhill Skaters
These wheels are ideal for open road downhill skating due to their predictability, decent slowing power, and ability to maintain control on varying pavements. The Kegels perform consistently, helping you maintain speed and control on those longer rides.
Where to Buy
You can purchase Orangatang Kegel wheels at Stoked Ride Shop.
Are They Worth It?
The Orangatang Kegel wheels are definitely worth the investment if you have the right use case in mind. As a versatile wheel that performs well in several disciplines, they deliver great value. Although not the most durable or the best for racing, the Kegels are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. You can purchase a set on the Loaded website here. They are a fantastic all-around wheel that perfectly balance performance and fun.
