Choosing between longboard and skateboard wheels is key to a great skating experience. Your decision depends on your skating style, the places you skate, and what you need from your ride.
Longboard wheels are bigger, usually 63mm to 80mm in diameter. They’re perfect for new skaters and those who love a smooth ride. These wheels are also softer, ranging from 75A to 85A. This makes them grip better and ride smoother on rough roads. Longboard wheels give you stability and balance.
Skateboard wheels, on the other hand, are smaller, about 52mm to 58mm. They’re made for speed and trick skills. These wheels are harder, ranging from 85A to 104A. That makes them good for smooth surfaces and doing technical tricks. They give less bounce, which helps when landing a trick.
Longboards usually cost more at the start than skateboards. They’re bigger and have specialized parts. But, they last longer and are easier to learn on, with less risk of injury. Skateboards, however, are lighter and easier to carry. They’re better for street skating and tricks, making up half of the market.
Knowing the differences between longboard wheels and skateboard wheels helps you choose the best setup. It ensures a fun and personalized skating time.
What is the difference between longboard wheels and skateboard wheels?
Knowing how longboard wheels differ from skateboard wheels can make your skating better. Their size, shape, hardness, and design differ, matching the needs of various skate styles.
Longboard wheels and skateboard wheels vary in size. Longboard wheels are bigger, often over 70mm, reaching more than 100mm. Skateboard wheels are smaller, usually below 60mm. Bigger wheels on longboards mean a smoother ride and more stability, perfect for cruising and downhill.
Longboard wheels are typically softer, with a durometer of 70A to 80A. This makes for a smoother ride with better grip. Skateboard wheels, on the other hand, are harder. They range from 90A to 101A+, ideal for tricks and skating on rough surfaces.
The wheel shape also matters. Longboard wheels have a wider contact area, improving grip and traction. They can have rounded or square edges. Rounded edges help with smooth slides, and square edges enhance grip. But skateboard wheels are shaped for easy trick maneuvers with a smaller contact area.
The decks and trucks of longboards and skateboards also differ. Longboards have thicker decks and more flexible trucks for steady downhill races. Skateboards have thinner decks and stiffer trucks, better for flips and grinds. This makes each type suitable for its activities.
- Longboard wheel diameters typically over 70mm, up to 100mm.
- Skateboard wheels are smaller, under 60mm.
- Longboard wheels have a softer durometer (70A-80A).
- Skateboard wheels are harder (90A-101A+).
- Longboard decks are thicker with lower flex.
- Skateboard decks are thinner with higher flex.
- Longboard trucks are wider; skateboard trucks are narrower.
Understanding the differences helps you choose the right wheels. It depends on your riding style and what you want to achieve.
Size and Diameter of Wheels
Longboard wheels are different from skateboard wheels in size. Longboards range from 60mm to over 100mm. Skateboards are smaller, from 48mm to 60mm. This size difference impacts the ride’s speed, stability, and smoothness.
Impact on Speed and Acceleration
Larger longboard wheels mean faster speeds. They cover more ground per turn. Most longboard wheels are around 70mm. Skateboard wheels are smaller, good for quick starts and tricks.
Effect on Stability and Smoothness
Larger longboard wheels smooth out rough rides. They absorb shocks and stay steady at high speeds. Skateboard wheels are smaller, perfect for skate parks and quick moves.
Longboard and skateboard wheels also differ in hardness. Longboard wheels are softer for a better grip. They range from 75a to 88a. Skateboard wheels are harder, between 95a to 101a, offering precision for tricks and slides. This shows each is made for specific uses: longboards for cruising and skateboards for tricks.
Wheel Durometer: Hardness Ratings
The durometer scale measures a wheel’s hardness. It affects your ride’s grip, slide, and performance. Knowing the longboard wheels durometer scale and skateboard wheels hardness rating can improve your skate experience, whether you prefer longboarding or skateboarding.
Durometer Scale for Longboard Wheels
Longboard wheels are softer, usually between 78a and 85a. This makes them perfect for cruising on rough surfaces. They provide grip and comfort. For example, wheels for beginner longboarders are often in the 78a-82a range. They offer a smooth ride. Wheels like Venom Skateboards Magnum Mach-1 GALLO24 and Boa Wheels Hatchling V3 are typical.
Durometer Scale for Skateboard Wheels
Skateboard wheels range from 99a to 101a. They’re harder, making them best for smooth areas, like skate parks and ramps. These wheels have less grip but improve speed and sliding. Examples include Powell Peralta Dragon Formula Off White, which represents these skateboard wheel features well.
Performance Based on Surface Types
Wheel performance depends on fitting the durometer to the surface type. Longboarding vs skateboarding wheels clearly shows this difference:
- Softer longboard wheels (75a-85a) are great on rough surfaces because of their grip.
- Harder skateboard wheels (99a-101a) work better on smooth, concrete areas thanks to their speed and slide ability.
Choosing the correct durometer rating is key. It ensures you get the right mix of grip, speed, and maneuverability for where you skate.
| Wheel Type | Durometer Range | Optimal Surfaces |
|---|---|---|
| Longboard Wheels | 78a – 85a | Rough surfaces, cruising |
| Skateboard Wheels | 99a – 101a | Smooth concrete, skate parks |
| Softer Longboard Wheels | 75a | Maximum grip on rough roads |
| Harder Skateboard Wheels | 85a | Easy sliding on smooth surfaces |
Shape and Edges of Wheels
The shape and edges of wheels are crucial for the ride of longboards and skateboards. Knowing the differences between sharp, beveled, and radiused edges will help you pick the best wheel. This choice depends on your riding style and what you like.
Sharp vs. Bevelled vs. Radiused Edges
Sharp edges give the most grip, perfect for fast downhill longboarding where you need stability. But, they’re not great for sliding because of the extra grip. Beveled edges mix grip with easier sliding, making them good for many styles. Radiused edges are best for the smoothest slides, perfect for freeride longboarding.
- Sharp Edges: Best for maximum grip, reduce sliding ease. Ideal for downhill racing.
- Bevelled Edges: Offer balanced grip and slide. Ideal for varied riding styles.
- Radiused Edges: Provide the smoothest slides. Ideal for freeride and trick sliding.
Influence on Grip and Sliding
The shape and edges of wheels impact grip and sliding a lot. For example, sharp edges keep your grip during fast moves. Radiused edges are better for sliding because of their round shape. Beveled edges are in between, letting you grip and slide easily.
Looking at longboard and skateboard wheel features is key. The shape and edges greatly affect your ride’s performance. Sharp, beveled, and radiused edges each have unique pros and cons. Choosing right is crucial for the perfect mix of grip and slide.
Contact Patch and Wheel Width
The contact patch is where the wheel meets the ground. It’s vital for grip and how the wheel slides. Knowing how the contact patch size and wheel width work together helps pick the right wheels for your needs.
Wider Contact Patch for More Grip
A bigger contact patch means more grip. This is great for keeping stable and in control. In a longboard and skateboard wheel comparison, longboard wheels have a larger contact patch. This helps with traction, which is key for downhill racing or cruising. You get more stability and less chance of wheel wear.
Narrow Contact Patch for Easier Sliding
On the other hand, a smaller contact patch makes sliding easier. Skateboard wheels are designed this way for better tricks and park skating. This reduces friction, allowing for smoother slides. So, if tricks and quick moves are your goals, go for skateboard wheels with a narrow contact patch.
In conclusion, the choice between a wider contact patch for grip and a narrow contact patch for easier sliding hinges on what you want from your ride.
Wheel Core Positions and Effects
The position of the wheel core changes how skating feels. It’s crucial for wheel grip, slide ability, and how fast it wears out. Let’s look at the different wheel core positions and effects to understand their impact on longboarding and skateboarding.
Centerset Cores
Centerset cores spread weight evenly. This means better balance and wheels that last longer. You’ll find this core in longboard wheels, which helps with control and stability.
It’s perfect for cruising and commuting. Thanks to balanced wear, the wheels stay durable over time.
Offset Cores
Offset cores sit closer to the wheel’s inside edge. This gives you more grip, which is great for downhill and freeride longboarding. They balance grip with slide ability.
This makes them good for different terrains and styles of riding.
Backset Cores
Backset cores align with the wheel’s back edge. This setup is best for freeride skateboarding, where you need controlled slides. It moves the weight towards the back edge.
This enhances slide performance but keeps enough grip when you need it.
Knowing the difference between centerset, offset, and backset cores is key to picking the right wheels. Each core position affects stability, grip, and how long wheels last. Think about what you need to choose the best longboard wheel cores for your style.
Material and Urethane Rebound
Skateboard and longboard wheel performance depends a lot on the urethane they are made of. The quality of urethane affects how fast and smoothly a wheel moves. It also impacts the grip on different surfaces.
Advantages of High Rebound Urethane
High rebound urethane has many benefits. It makes the wheels return to shape faster after they bend, making them roll better and faster. This is especially good for skateboarding tricks where you need quick movements and to keep your speed.
For longboards, softer urethane is great for cruising because it grips well on many surfaces. This helps with riding downhill and making smooth turns. On the other hand, harder urethane wheels are good for skateboarding tricks because they slide well. Knowing when to use different types of urethane is key. Check out the differences for the best wheel choice.
Impact on Speed and Grip
Urethane type changes how fast and grippy a wheel is. Wheels with high rebound urethane keep up speed better, especially on rough ground. They work well for fast riding because they can speed up and slow down quickly.
Longboard cruising wheels with urethane have good grip, making them stable and easy to control. Skateboard trick wheels, however, are made to slide well. Finding the right mix between grip and slide is crucial for both cruising and tricks. The rebound of urethane really shapes how wheels perform.
| Wheel Type | Urethane Rebound | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Longboard Wheels for Cruising | High Rebound Urethane | Enhanced grip, stability, control |
| Skateboard Wheels for Tricks | Higher Rebound Urethane | Efficient rolling, speed maintenance, long slides |
When you’re setting up your board for either cruising or tricks, high-rebound urethane makes a big difference. Always think about what you need and where you’ll ride to get the best performance.
Wheel Maintenance and Longevity
Keeping your longboard and skateboard wheels in top shape is key. Regular upkeep, like cleaning bearings and rotating wheels, makes them last longer. Avoiding extreme heat or cold is also important.
To keep wheels running smoothly, clean them with soapy water often. Bearings should get a silicone-based lubricant. This routine ensures good speed and grip, vital for boarding.
Skateboard wheels need more care than longboard wheels because they’re smaller and harder. They’re between 50mm and 60mm, with a hardness of 95a to 101a. These wheels get more wear from tricks and rough ground.
Longboard wheels, however, are larger and softer. They range from 64mm to 80mm and have a softness of 75a to 90a. While they last longer, they still need regular checks to keep up their performance.
Longboard wheels offer smoother rides and better stability on bumpy roads due to their size and softness. But, skateboard wheels, which are harder, are great for street skating. They need more frequent checks for damage to keep them working well.
Rotating your wheels every so often is crucial. It evens out wear and tear, making your wheels last longer. Also, knowing about the contact patch and wheel width helps. It lets you choose the best wheels for your needs, improving grip and control.
| Type of Wheels | Diameter (mm) | Durometer (a) | Maintenance Needs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street/ Park Wheels | 50-60 | 95-101 | High |
| Cruiser Wheels | 54-60 | 78-90 | Moderate |
| Longboard Wheels | 64-80 | 75-90 | Moderate |
| Freestyle Wheels | 54-55 | 98 | High |
Taking care of your wheels doesn’t take much time but it’s worth it. Good maintenance keeps them performing well. This way, you enjoy boarding, whether you’re longboarding or skateboarding.
Choosing Between Longboard and Skateboard Wheels
Choosing the right wheels for your skateboard depends on your skating goals. You need to think about the ground you’ll skate on, your style, and how much grip or slide you want. Knowing the differences between longboard and skateboard wheels helps you choose better.
Longboard wheels are bigger and softer. They give more stability and comfort for long rides and racing downhill. These wheels are 60-75mm wide and have a softness rating of 75-85a. They’re great for moving around, cruising, carving, and going downhill fast. Longboards are longer and wider than skateboards, which makes them more stable, especially for new skaters.
Skateboard wheels are smaller and harder. This design makes them perfect for tricks and fast moves. The wheels range from 50-54mm, with a hardness rating of 95-101a. This setup is great for ramps, sharp turns, and street skating. Skateboards are shorter and not as wide, giving them better movement but also needing more skill to control. They’re ideal for those who focus on tricks and park skating.
Choosing the right wheels starts with knowing what you want to achieve. For easy and smooth city rides, a longboard works best. It’s stable and glides smoothly. But, if you want to do tricks and master skate park moves, get skateboard wheels. They react faster and give better control. For more details, check out the Pros and Cons of Longboards. Another useful guide is here. Always think about how and where you’ll skate to make the best choice for you.
I’m John Peterson, a passionate skater, blogger, and lifelong enthusiast. I’ve been skating for over 9 years and have gone on to write a blog dedicated to the sport of skating and its culture. Through my blog, I strive to share my knowledge and experience of the sport with all who are interested. From beginner tips, tricks, and equipment reviews to interviews and event coverage, I cover it all. So read my blog as I explore the wonderful world of skating!