Those that are just starting out with longboards will often be surprised that this type of board needs its own specific set of wheels. In general, the best longboard wheels are softer so that they grip better, provide easily controlled slides and will offer a faster overall speed.
Even for those that know a lot about longboards will get lost when looking at the sheer variety of wheels available. To make sense of it all we have created a list of the top ten available products on the market and provided all of the tips you will need to make the right choice.
Things to Consider When Buying Longboard Wheels
Here are some points to keep in mind whilst you browse our list:
- Lips. This refers to the edges of the wheel. A straighter lip will grip better and a curved lip will allow the rider to navigate tighter corners.
- Contact Patch. One of the most important parts of a wheel is what comes into contact with the ground. Generally, a longboard wheel will have a wider contact patch than most others but they do still differ from one another.
If you are looking for a long and steady ride, then you should opt for a wider contact patch. For those that want to freeride, the narrower patch options are recommended.
- Core. For those really looking to specialize their wheels to their exact needs, they will need to look at the core of the model. Here are some things to keep in mind while exploring the options:
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- A larger diameter core makes the wheel roll faster.
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- The harder the material, the less warp that will occur during slides but this feature will also make your slides faster.
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- The placement of the core is important, here are the main three:
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- Center. This placement provides the most amount of grip due to the large lip that is created.
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- Side. There is no inner lip with this type of placement. This allows for smoother sliding but compromises on control.
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- Off. Somewhere between side and center. This placement provides a varying set of benefits from both of the previous types of placement.
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Top 10 Longboard Wheels Table
| Picture | Name | Diameter | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Orangatang Kegel 80mm 80a Orange Longboard Wheels Set of 4 New | 80mm | $$$$ | 4.9 |
 | 2. Shark Wheel Sidewinder Longboard Wheels | 70mm | $$$$ | 4.7 |
 | 3. Sector 9 Slide Butterballs Longboard Wheels | 70mm | $$$ | 4.7 |
 | 4. Bigfoot Longboard Wheels | 76mm | $$$ | 4.6 |
 | 5. Pro Gel Color Longboard Skateboard Wheels | 60mm | $ | 4.4 |
 | 6. Longboard Cruiser LED Light Up Clear Wheels + ABEC 7 Bearings | 70mm | $ | 4.3 |
 | 7. SCSK8 LONGBOARD Skateboard TRUCKS COMBO set | 70mm | $$ | 4.3 |
 | 8. LONGBOARD Skateboard TRUCKS COMBO set | 71mm | $$$ | 4.2 |
 | 9. Choice 78a Longboard Wheels | 70mm | $$ | 3.8 |
 | 10. Big Boy Blank Gel Color Pro Longboard Cruiser Wheels | 70mm | $ | 3.7 |
Tips to Getting Good Longboard Wheels
While there are many factors that you should keep in mind whilst you are looking for the right longboard wheels for you, there is one aspect that should be held above all others: size.
Here we will look at exactly what the difference is between larger and smaller wheels and why they are important. It is such a key aspect that we have included it as the main feature on our list of the top ten best longboard wheels.
- Larger Wheels. The larger the diameter the slower the board will accelerate. This is countered, however, by the fact that the board will then eventually hit a higher speed. The larger diameters also have the added benefit of being able to deal with rougher surfaces.
- Smaller Wheels. The smaller diameter options have the complete opposite characteristics. They will cause the board to accelerate faster but will not reach the same kind of top speeds. The benefit for those just starting out is that the smaller diameter wheels will fit onto most boards.
- Tip. Always consider the cutout of your board. If you have a large cutout space for the wheels then you won’t need to worry about size at all.
On the other hand, if you are working with no cutout then you need to double-check the wheels will fit under your board without you having to buy an additional riser pad.
Top 3 Best Longboard Wheels Reviews
1. Orangatang Kegal
The Orangatang Kegal wheels are the best way to get higher speeds and smooth rolling action all in one. The design of these wheels means that they are great in terms of traction and they will respond in exactly the way you want them to at all times.
These wheels will really roll over any and every thing, as they are quite large too. From bumps and rocks to more, there is no wheel more durable or better suited for a range of conditions.
These wheels are more expensive than other options that seem similar but the Orangatang Kegals are made of such high-quality materials that they will last for many years. The investment is more than worth it in terms of performance as well.
2. Shark Wheel Sidewinder
Aside from upgrading your skateboard in the looks department, the Shark Wheel Sidewinder wheels are amazing for added performance and abilities too. These wheels will let you roll over any difficult surfaces.
These wheels also have a unique design that makes them especially appealing to the eye. They look like squares as you are skating, which definitely means you will have a unique board.
You really won’t regret buying these wheels for your board when you see the way that these look and feel how they ride. They come in a variety of colors too so you can get them to match your board perfectly or stand out.
3. Sector 9 Butterballs
The Sector 9 Butterballs are the perfect wheels for an experienced rider. They are a good size without looking overly chunky or limiting agility in any way. These wheels will also let you slip and slide when you want, which is always fun.
These are the best longboard wheels because they enhance the skating experience in more ways than one. Not only is sliding better but depending on the size that you get, there can also be speed advantages.
The high-quality materials, overall design and build of the wheels mean that they will last for a long time. Getting your money’s worth is always a good thing.
