Choosing the right longboard wheels can dramatically affect stability, grip, and how smoothly you glide, slide, or carve. This guide highlights five versatile sets that cover learning to slide, cruising city streets, and off-road capable adventures. Each option balances speed, grip, and durability to help riders of different styles and terrains find their perfect match.
| Brand | Name | |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud Ride! | Iceeez 59mm 78A | 59mm, 78A |
| Cloud Ride! | Street Cruiser 65mm 78A | 65mm, 78A |
| ANTWHEEL | All-Terrain 100mm 78A | 100mm, 78A |
| LOOEEL | 70mm 80A with ABEC-9 | 70mm, 80A |
| Benchwheel | All-Terrain 100mm 78A | 100mm, 78A |
In the following sections, each wheel set is explored for its intended use, performance characteristics, and compatibility with common longboards. The selections are based on the user-friendly profiles, durability, and riding versatility that appeal to a broad American audience of skaters, cruisers, and freeride enthusiasts.
Cloud Ride Iceeez 59mm 78A
These 59mm wheels are designed for slide-centric riding, offering a soft 78A urethane that promotes easy kickouts and controlled slides. The smaller diameter helps with nimble carving and quicker acceleration, making Iceeez ideal for learning and perfecting slides on a variety of longboard setups. A special “Ice” formula emphasizes slickness without a significant speed drain, while grippy lips and high-resiliency urethane help maintain shape and longevity during repeated slides. Pre-ground for a consistent slide from the first ride, Iceeez wheels are a playful choice for freeride and carving enthusiasts who value predictability and fun in their runs.
LOOEEL 70mm Longboard Wheels 80A
These 70mm wheels balance grip and maneuverability with a comfortable 80A hardness, suitable for a range of surfaces from rough pavement to smooth concrete. They come with 608 black ABEC-9 bearings and spacers already installed, saving setup time. The wear-resistant PU material provides reliable slide potential and smooth rolling, helping riders execute tighter lines and controlled slides. The combination of larger diameter and high-quality bearings makes them a versatile option for street skills and all-around cruising on varied terrain.
ANTWHEEL All-Terrain 100mm
All-terrain wheels sized at 100mm with 78A high-rebound urethane are designed to tackle diverse surfaces—from city sidewalks to light trails. The larger diameter improves momentum and stability at speed while maintaining the flexibility needed for smoother rides on rough patches. These wheels are a strong pick for riders who want confident grip and speed across mixed terrain, while still delivering reliable performance for carving and light downhill runs on less-than-perfect pavement.
Bigfoot 76mm 80A SHR
Bigfoot’s 76mm wheels use an 80A SHR (Super High Rebound) compound to deliver strong grip and stability at higher speeds. The slightly larger diameter supports smoother rides over cracks and rough patches, while the offset core aids in turning and slide predictability. This setup is well-suited for riders who combine aggressive carving with controlled slides on urban streets and hills, offering a balance between acceleration and steady, predictable performance in fast downhill maneuvers.
Benchwheel All-Terrain 100mm
Benchwheel’s 100mm all-terrain wheels fuse all-terrain versatility with a 78A high-rebound urethane. The 100mm diameter improves momentum and smooths out rough surfaces, while the 78A rating maintains a forgiving slip profile for controlled slides and easy transitions between crumbling asphalt and pavement. This wheel set aims to satisfy riders who want long, stable cruises with the ability to carve and slide on mixed terrain without swapping wheels frequently.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
When selecting longboard wheels, several factors influence performance and satisfaction. Understanding these can help you compare options effectively and match a wheel set to your riding style.
- Diameter and riding style: Smaller wheels (50–60mm) excel at maneuverability and learning slides, while larger wheels (70–100mm) offer smoother rides over rough surfaces and maintain speed longer.
- Hardness (durometer): Softer wheels (70–78A) provide better grip and slip control on rough pavement, ideal for cruising and carving. Harder wheels (78–85A) slide more predictably and wear longer on smooth surfaces; they’re common for freeride and downhill when grip remains manageable.
- Urethane formulation: High-rebound formulas improve speed and return, but softer mixes can enhance grip during slides. Some wheels feature specialized formulas for slick slides or longevity under repeated use.
- Bearings and spacers: Integrated bearings save setup time and ensure consistent rotation, while spacers prevent bearing play. Look for wheels that include quality bearings if you value plug-and-play convenience.
- Surface compatibility: All-terrain wheels are designed for mixed surfaces, while street-focused wheels prioritize smooth, predictable slides. Consider your typical riding environment—urban roads, parks, or light off-road trails.
- Pre-ground vs. new surface: Pre-ground wheels offer immediate slide predictability with established grind lines, reducing break-in time for sliding enthusiasts.
- Core design and offset: Core placement affects stability in turns and slide behavior. An offset core can enhance grip during aggressive carving and provide smoother transitions into slides.
In practice, riders seeking learning-to-slide capability should prioritize softer, 50–70mm wheels with pre-ground surfaces, while those focused on cruising and all-terrain use might favor 70–100mm wheels with 78A–80A durometers and robust bearings. Compatibility with your current truck setup, deck width, and axle clearance is essential to prevent wheel bite and ensure smooth turning.
For a balanced setup, consider combining a 65–70mm wheel with 78A hardness for cruising and controlled slides, paired with a high-quality bearing set. If you ride varied terrains or plan light off-road usage, 100mm all-terrain wheels with 78A–80A can maintain speed while offering sufficient shock absorption and grip on imperfect surfaces.
Always verify product specifications and compatibility with your board’s width and truck baseplate to ensure a harmonious riding experience. The selections above aim to provide a range of reliable options that align with common longboarding goals in the American market: learning slides, carving through city streets, and confidently cruising on mixed terrain.
Add a Comment