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Best cruising longboard wheel

  Sep 27, 2023 10:58 AM

When deciding on a wheel, there are a number of things to consider. Are you a novice or a seasoned professional? Do you prefer to downhill cruise, slide, dance, or race? Before you buy a wheel, learn what to look for.

Which longboard wheels should you buy? Longboard wheels should have the following characteristics.


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    Shark Wheel
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    Cloud Ride!
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    Ghost Long Board

Last update on 2023-09-27 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


Buying buide

Size - Diameter
Difficulty riding over rocks and sticks is affected by the wheel's diameter.
In general, 70mm longboard wheels are the most common size. Smaller wheels are preferable for cruising, whereas larger wheels are faster for downhill racing.
When determining wheel size, consider the deck's size. Wheel bite occurs when a wheel is overly big or mounted on a longboard without cuts.
Wheel bite can cause you to fall off your board because your wheels are stuck against the board.
If your longboard wheels are too big, you can use 14 riser pads to help reduce wheel bite.
The wheel size affects speed and acceleration. However, larger wheels can attain top speeds and roll over trash easier, which is perfect for downhill riding.
A smaller wheel gives you better control but less overall speed when traveling through the city.
A larger wheel will allow you to roll over debris much easier. If you prefer this, get a longboard with cutouts.
Just remember that deck size counts. The wheel grows with the deck. See our best longboard decks post.
Durometer and Urethane Formula
The A next to the numerals indicates the wheel's softness. The softer the wheel, the lower the A number.
The softer wheels are more grippable, but the ride is slower.
Softer wheels leave thick thane lines, which quickly wears them. Why in a wheel? A safer ride with wheels that leave thane lines.
Harder wheels have more speed but less grip. 1 These wheels glide well.
Orangatangs Happy Thane or Fireballs Dump Thane are two examples of urethane formulas.
The formulas are either built for freeriding (such cruising, smooth slides) or downhill riding (like durability and grip).
The wheel's durometer may also vary based on the rider's weight. Heavy riders should strive for tougher wheels. If you weigh above 200lbs, get a wheel with a durometer of 83a-90a.
 


Lip/Edge Shape

The wheels' outermost contact patch is defined by the lips. The lip's shape dictates how readily the wheel can be steered in the opposite direction.
Square Lip - Best lip for maximum grip
Thick, angular lips are known as "square lips." This style of lip profile is designed for downhill riders that need to maintain a steady grip and traction. Aside from that, it's ideal for taking tight turns and carving out deep turns.
 


Rounded Lip – Best Longboard Wheel for Sliding

Breaking traction is the primary goal of the rounded form. Many free riders prefer a round lip on their wheel if they want to smoothly shift from sliding to grasping. When sliding, the rounded lip is extremely predictable.

Bevelled Lip – Best for cruising rough terrain

Wheels with a beveled lip improve your ride's overall smoothness. Invest in a bevelled lip if you ride over difficult terrain and trash while cruising
Square and round-lipped wheels are used to create the beveled edge. They provide the same effect as a square lip, but they're more comfortable.
 


Acute Angled Lip – Best for slalom course riding

You should use a wheel with an acute-angled lip if you wish to slalom. In order to perform better in the corners, the wheels are slanted, allowing them a greater ability to stick to the ground and adapt to the terrain. If you want to slide, stay away from the acute-angled lip.

Contact Patch Size

Contact patch = circumference of rim from lip to lip The contact patch grows with wheel size.
Less contact patch implies less friction and faster wheels.
Grip is improved with broader contact patches.
The skin of some wheels is stone-ground, providing optimum grip. If you have trouble slipping on one of these wheels, keep riding.
Another set of wheels is ready to go. These wheels have a bare contact patch and are only for sliding riders.
Beginners should stick to stone-ground wheels to learn on the job.
 


Wheel Core

The strongest grip and easiest to operate core is the center set core, which sits in the wheel's center. Beginner riders should use centerset cores.
Side set cores are close to the inner lip of the tire, reducing traction, making them ideal for epic slides.
This core combines side and centerset core. It provides good grip and control during slides.
Also, if a wheel is offset, you cannot flip it if it cones. A center-set wheel can be flipped, extending its life and distributing wear.
 


The Different Types of Longboard Wheels

Depending on your riding style, you can choose from a variety of various longboard wheels.
If you like to slide, ride bumpy roads, cruise, commute, downhill race, or freeride, there are a few things you should look for in a wheel.
When purchasing a longboard wheel, here are a few things to keep in mind.
 


Best Longboard Wheels for Sliding and Freeriding

Look for a sliding wheel that is firm and spherical. Better rounded and tougher. You need a wheel with a rounded lip for predictable slides.
Experienced riders should use a smoother wheel. So you can slide directly out of the box without breaking in the wheels.
If you are a beginner, I recommend getting a wheel with more grip. The harder the better.
Some prefer wheels with urethane lines (thane lines), which provide control and predictable sides. The drawback is faster wheel wear.
The Shark Wheel Sidewinder Longboard Wheels and the Orangatang Stimulus 70mm Longboard Wheels are the greatest for sliding.
 


Best Longboard Wheels for Commuting and Cruising

Many new longboarders start out for commuting or cruising.
Look for wheels with a tougher shell for increased traction and a smaller contact patch for smoother pushing and acceleration.
You need a wheel that can roll over garbage, absorb shocks, and get up a curb without tripping you.
I suggest the Sector 9 Nine Ball and Orangatang Caguama.
If you do a lot of cruising, you'll need a good skateboard backpack to carry all of your gear.
The most popular longboard wheel brand is Orangatang.
They developed the urethane formula with the happy thane formula and create wheels for sliding, cruising, and downhilling.
The shark wheel's distinctive shape is making waves. Shark wheels are polarizing, yet they are good quality and among the best longboard wheels available.
Sector 9 rules the longboard sliding wheel market. They are ready to use and make excellent thane lines.
 

 


Benefits of Using Different Longboard Wheels

For cruising, freeriding, dancing, or downhill racing, many riders have different decks. Beginners should focus on one longboard they will use frequently.
This will allow you to feel the difference in wheel softness and hardness, how the cores are positioned, and what lip shape feels best for you.
Consider the best longboard bearings for your longboard wheels. I also suggest reading my post on the greatest longboard brands to assist you choose.
A skate tool is required to adjust longboard wheels. Get the right skating tool for you.
 

 


Conclusion

The perfect longboard wheel for you depends on your riding style. Just like choosing the finest grip tape for your board, choosing the best longboard wheels is critical. It should increase performance, safety and budget.
The Orangatang Caguama is my favorite cruising wheel.
Orangatang Stimulus is my favorite longboard wheel for sliding.
My favorite downhill longboard wheel is the Orangatang Kegel 80mm Longboard Wheels.
The Big Boy 70mm Gel Solid longboard wheels or the Freedare 70mm longboard wheels are the most affordable.
 


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