The best longboard wheels are sector 9 78a, orangatang 4president 80a and abec 11 flashbacks 81a. Longboard wheels come in different sizes, shapes, durometer, and core placements.
Choosing the right set of wheels depend on the type of riding you’ll be doing, so understanding their different attributes can help you make a wise decision. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know and show you some of the best options on the market. From cruisers to downhill, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned veteran, keep reading to take your longboarding experience to a whole new level.
Credit: lushlongboards.com
Factors To Consider When Choosing Longboard Wheels
Longboarding is a fun and exhilarating sport that has become increasingly popular in recent years. From cruising down hills to racing through city streets, longboards offer a unique riding experience. However, the ride experience depends heavily upon selecting the right wheels that match your riding style and terrain.
In this section, we will discuss the factors you should consider when selecting longboard wheels, including wheel size, shape, durometer, contact patch, and lip profile.
Wheel Size
One of the most critical factors you should consider when choosing longboard wheels is wheel size. It determines the speed, stability, and maneuverability of your longboard. Typically, longboard wheels range from 60mm to 75mm in diameter.
How Wheel Size Impacts Ride Experience
The size of your wheels impacts your ride experience in several ways. Larger wheels allow for a higher top speed, more stability, and a smoother ride over rough terrain. Smaller wheels are easier to accelerate and have better maneuverability, making them ideal for tricks and slides.
Matching Wheel Size To Riding Style
Matching your wheel size to your riding style is crucial. If you plan on cruising or commuting on your longboard, larger wheels offer a smooth ride over cracks and bumps. If you are into freeriding or downhill, smaller wheels give you better control and maneuverability.
Wheel Shape
Wheel shape is another crucial factor that affects your longboard’s performance. Different shapes offer different benefits, and it is essential to select the right shape based on your riding style and terrain.
Different Wheel Shapes And Their Benefits
- Rounded edges – offer better grip and control for carving and cruising.
- Square edges- provide more speed in downhill riding and sliding control.
- Beveled edges- give the rider the best of both rounded and square edges, making them versatile.
Consideration Of Your Preferred Terrain
The terrain on which you will ride your longboard should heavily influence your choice of wheel shape. Sharp edges are ideal for smooth concrete surfaces, while rounded edges work best for rougher terrain.
Wheel Durometer
Durometer is the measure of a wheel’s hardness or softness and is measured on a scale ranging from 0a to 100a. Soft wheels have a lower durometer rating and are better at absorbing shocks and vibrations. Hard wheels have a higher rating and are better for speed and hard turns.
Understanding Durometer And Its Impact On Ride Experience
Softer wheels provide a smoother ride, while harder wheels offer better speed and more stability. Additionally, softer wheels provide more grip, while harder wheels offer less friction, allowing for more slides and tricks.
Selecting The Right Durometer For Your Riding Style
As with wheel size and shape, selecting the right durometer relies heavily on your riding style and preferred terrain. Harder wheels are ideal for downhill riding, while softer wheels work best for cruising and commuting.
The Importance Of Matching Contact Patch To Wheel Size
Contact patch refers to the area of the wheel that comes into contact with the ground. The size of your contact patch should match your wheel size for optimal performance.
How Contact Patch Affects Speed And Control
A larger contact patch provides more grip and stability, better for carving and cruising. A smaller contact patch results in faster speeds and better control, providing optimal performance for freeriding and downhill.
Differentiating Between Sharp And Rounded Lip Profiles
Lip profile is the shape of the wheel’s edge. Lip profile affects grip and slide, and different profiles offer different benefits.
How Lip Profile Affects Grip And Slide
Rounded lip wheels offer better grip, while sharp lip wheels offer easier slides. A bevelled edge provides a balance between grip and slide, making it versatile for different riding styles.
Selecting the right longboard wheels is crucial for having an enjoyable ride. Consider your riding style, terrain, and personal preference factors when choosing the size, shape, durometer, contact patch, and lip profile of your wheels.
Top Picks For Longboard Wheels
Longboarding has become one of the most popular outdoor activities over the past few years. The spark of interest in longboarding has seen an influx of riders, from beginners to advanced level riders. Inevitably, different longboard wheels are designed to suit various riding styles.
Overview Of The Best Longboard Wheels In The Market
Finding the best longboard wheels could be overwhelming, considering the variety of wheels available in the market. Nevertheless, our research has found the top four longboard wheels based on bestseller lists and customer ratings.
- Orangatang stimulus
- Shark wheel california roll
- Sector 9 nineball
- Abec 11 flashbacks
Balanced Selections For Different Riding Styles
While selecting the best longboard wheels, it is essential to consider your riding style. Four primary riding styles in longboarding are cruising, downhill, freeride, and carving.
- Cruiser: orangatang stimulus
- Downhill: sector 9 nineball
- Freeride: abec 11 flashbacks
- Carving: shark wheel california roll
Description And Benefits Of The Best Wheels For Cruising
If you enjoy taking long and casual rides on your longboard, cruising wheels are the perfect fit for you. Cruiser wheels generally have a softer durometer (a measure of the hardness of the wheel) and provide a smooth ride. The orangatang stimulus is the perfect cruiser wheel, with its versatility, durability, and made from high-quality urethane.
Factors that make these wheels ideal for cruising:
- Soft durometer for a smooth ride.
- Medium size for versatility.
- Made from high-quality urethane for durability.
Description And Benefits Of The Best Wheels For Downhill Riding
Downhill riding involves high-speed and intense maneuvering on steep hills. Downhill wheels possess a harder durometer, enhancing better grip and stability at high speeds. The sector 9 nineball stands out as the ideal wheel for downhill riding, with its large diameter, rounded edges, and superior grip.
Factors that make these wheels ideal for downhill:
- Large diameter for improved speed.
- Hard durometer for better grip and stability.
- Rounded edges for smooth maneuverability.
Description And Benefits Of The Best Wheels For Freeride
Freeriding combines the technicalities of downhill riding with artistic expression, where the rider performs tricks and slides. Freeride wheels should be durable and provide a perfect balance between speed and slide. The abec 11 flashbacks are top picks for freeriding wheels, with their high-quality urethane and smooth sliding capabilities.
Factors that make these wheels ideal for freeride:
- Soft durometer for smooth sliding.
- Rounded lips for consistent slide initiation.
- High-quality urethane for durability.
Description And Benefits Of The Best Wheels For Carving
Carving, also known as cruising with the addition of turns, is more of a fluid and artistic style of riding. Carving wheels should be soft and grippy to allow for high-speed and sharp turns. The shark wheel california roll is the perfect carving wheel, with its unique design providing increased speed and grip.
Factors that make these wheels ideal for carving:
- Unique shape for increased speed and grip.
- Soft durometer for a smooth ride.
- Perfect fit for sharp and high-speed turns.
Longboarding is an adventurous and exciting sport that requires the right gear. Choosing the best longboard wheels is critical for maximum performance and enjoyment. With our top picks, you can get the perfect wheel suitable for your riding style, providing the stability and durability required for a memorable longboarding experience.
Longboard Wheels for Beginners GUIDE (SFD)
Conclusion
After examining different types of longboard wheels, we can confidently conclude that the best wheels are those that cater to your riding style and terrain. The type of wheel should be considered based on hardness, size, and shape. However, the most important feature to look out for in longboard wheels is their grip.
The better the grip, the easier it will be for you to maneuver through turns and slides. Our top picks are the orangatang kegel, powell-peralta g-slides, and shark wheel california roll. Keep in mind that your preference might differ based on your individual riding style and terrain.
So, experiment with different types of wheels and find the ones that work best for you. Great longboard wheels can dramatically improve your riding experience, so make sure you invest in quality wheels and ride safely!
