I’ve spent the last couple of months putting the Seismic 80.5mm Alpha wheels through their paces, and I’m excited to share my detailed review. You’ve likely seen them in some of my recent videos, and today, I’ll be breaking down everything you need to know about their rolling, sliding, and overall performance. If you’re curious about the 75.5mm version, you can find that review here.
Seismic Alpha 80.5mm Specifications:
- Diameter: 80mm
- Width: 61mm
- Contact Patch: 60mm
- Durometer: 76a, 78a
- Urethane: Defcon
- Core Placement: Slightly Offset
Seismic Alpha 80.5mm Longboard Wheel
Performance on the Road
These wheels have been a blast to ride, especially given my local terrain. The roads here aren’t particularly steep, so maintaining speed can be a challenge. However, large wheels like the Seismic Alphas are fantastic at holding their speed, making for a more enjoyable and faster experience.
Exceptional Speed and Acceleration
The first thing that struck me about these wheels was their incredible speed. They don’t feel sluggish at all, which is surprising for such large wheels. I was able to push hard and accelerate quickly. When compared to my previous wheels, the Slide Perfect Fluxx, the Alphas were noticeably faster, adding a couple of mph to my runs. The acceleration was so quick, it took a little getting used to.
Seismic Alphas on a Longboard
It’s a common consensus that the Alpha’s are one of the fastest wheels available. If speed is your goal, you’ll find many riders using Alphas or wheels made with Defcon urethane.
Unparalleled Durability
The dense Defcon urethane used in these wheels results in exceptional longevity. Whether we’re talking about the skin, the lips, or the wheel itself, the Alphas don’t wear down easily. After months of regular use, I’ve only seen a few millimeters of wear, and they’ve maintained their shape incredibly well.
When wear does occur, the skin is usually the first to go, followed by the lips. However, even the lips take a considerable amount of time to lose their shape.
Seismic 80mm Alpha Wheel Lip
Momentum and Speed Carry
The 80mm diameter of these wheels provides significant momentum, which helps maintain speed, especially on less steep sections. This means you can stay tucked and let the wheels carry you forward, without needing to push.
However, the downside of this momentum is that they also take a bit longer to slow down. The weight and speed of these wheels mean you need to adjust your braking points. Air braking alone is not enough; you will need to incorporate foot braking or brake earlier on a hill.
Surprising Agility
Despite their size, these wheels don’t feel slow or sluggish when turning. Compared to the 80mm Kegels, which I found slow to change direction, the Alphas feel surprisingly nimble and quick. While they still don’t turn as quickly as smaller wheels, they definitely outshine other 80mm options in this regard.
Seismic 80mm Alphas on a Longboard Deck
Sliding Performance
Smooth Slides Out of the Box
One of the most surprising aspects of these wheels is their smooth slide, even when fresh. Most wheels tend to feel grippy and can even skip when new. However, the Alphas slide smoothly from the very first run, almost as if they’ve been broken in. Despite the smooth slide, they also provide excellent traction and stopping power.
This smooth sliding performance is likely due to the large core and dense urethane, which support the lips. The stiffness allows for consistent slides without needing to be overly precise, making them more forgiving. If you are looking for a smooth slide right from the get go, these wheels are definitely something to consider.
If you’re new to sliding and not super experienced, you might want to consider the smaller 75.5mm option.
Performance After Break In
Once broken in, the wheels feel more like free ride wheels than downhill wheels. They slide even more smoothly and become easier to control. Even less experienced riders will find them easy to handle after some use. However, they still offer enough traction for confident cornering and fast lines.
The line between grip and slip is very clear, making these wheels easy to slide in tight spaces. But if you’re looking for a downhill wheel that will continue to challenge you after they are broken in, these wheels are not the best option. They are best for riders who want something that performs consistently from the get go and stays that way over the long run.
Seismic Alphas heelside slide
The Downsides of the Alphas
Reduced Braking Power
Compared to other wheels, the Alphas don’t offer as much braking power. Wheels like the Venom Magnums or Abec 11 HD Big Zigs have a better grip and slow you down more quickly. If strong braking power is a priority, these wheels might not be the best choice.
Not Ideal for Rough Roads
The Seismic Alphas are not suitable for bumpy or rough roads. The 75mm versions I used previously ended up with chunks and cracks, requiring reshaping. While this set hasn’t had such problems, this was because I consciously avoided rough terrain. So, if you’re planning to skate on rough roads, be prepared for chunks of urethane to be missing from your wheels.
Road Vibration Feedback
These wheels transmit a lot of road vibration, which can make things feel a bit unstable, especially on rougher surfaces. Every crack and wave in the pavement is felt more intensely with these wheels compared to other wheels like the Slide Perfect Fluxx or Magnums. This can cause twitch in your trucks, but if you remain calm and relaxed, it’s not something to worry about. This effect will likely get more intense as the wheels wear down.
Price Point
The Seismic Alpha wheels are among the most expensive on the market, costing around $85. This high price is due to the specific type of urethane used and the large core. However, their consistent performance and durability make them a worthwhile investment for many.
Ideal Riding Styles for the Seismic Alphas
- Downhill: The primary design of these wheels is for downhill riding, making them an excellent choice.
- Long-Distance Pushing (LDP): Their speed and momentum make them a popular choice for LDP. There’s even a narrower LDP version available for reduced weight and inertia.
- Slalom: While not commonly seen in slalom, their quick turning and great traction make them a suitable option.
- Downhill Racing: Many racers have seen success using these wheels.
Who Should Use the Alphas
- If you want a fun and fast downhill wheel, the 80mm Alphas are an excellent option.
- If you’re competing in a grip-focused race and want the best speed possible, these wheels are a great choice.
Who Should Avoid the Alphas
- If you’re not experienced with sliding 80mm wheels, the Alphas might be a challenge.
- If you’re not going to be riding fast, they may not be the most appropriate choice.
Final Thoughts
The Seismic Alpha 80.5mm wheels are among my favorite downhill wheels. They are fast, offer great control, and have a smooth sliding performance. They provide enough slide to keep things interesting while also offering great traction for confident cornering. I love skating these wheels and look forward to using them more in the future.
References
- Seismic Alpha 75.5mm Review
- Slide Perfect Fluxx Review
- Orangatang Kegel Review
- Abec 11 HD Big Zigs Review
