If you’re thinking about starting skateboarding or longboarding, you may wonder if they use the same wheels. The truth is, their wheels are different in a few key ways. These differences affect how they perform, how they handle, and what riding them feels like.
Skateboards came around first, made to be small and good for doing tricks. That’s why they have smaller, harder wheels. On the other hand, longboards are built for going fast and giving a smooth ride on bumpy roads, so they have bigger, softer wheels. It’s important to know about these wheel differences.
Key Takeaways
- Longboard wheels vs skateboard wheels: Longboards have larger and softer wheels.
- Skateboard wheel differences: Skateboards use smaller, harder wheels that are better for tricks.
- Longboard wheel size: Generally ranges from 54mm to over 60mm.
- Performance: Longboard wheels provide a smoother ride on rough terrains.
- Handling: Skateboard wheels are optimized for agility and precision in tricks.
- Suitability: Longboard wheels are excellent for cruising and transportation, while skateboard wheels excel in trick performance.
Understanding Longboard and Skateboard Wheels
Choosing the right wheels means knowing the longboard wheel types and skateboard wheel materials. They’re mainly made of urethane. This includes various sizes and durometer ratings for different styles. Longboard wheels often range from a durometer of 78-85a. This makes them softer and perfect for cruising and racing downhill.
On the other hand, skateboard wheels are smaller and harder. They have durometer ratings from 99-101a. This hardness aids in performing tricks and maintaining control on smooth surfaces. Skateboard wheels are also built tougher for street skating’s demands.
Wheel size also sets them apart. Longboard wheels range from 70mm to 111mm in diameter. This size helps with speed and grip on uneven grounds. Freeride wheels, usually about 70mm, offer a good mix of grip and control. They’re great for slides and turns.
Wheels for slalom racing are often between 65-72mm. This size is for fast starts. Meanwhile, larger wheels, 70mm-80mm, are chosen for downhill races. They offer better stability and grip. For most riders, a durometer of 78-82a hits the sweet spot for grip and speed.
Skateboard wheels range from 50mm-60mm. Some specialty riders pick over 60mm for more speed and to handle rough spots. High-quality urethane wheels, like the Venom Skateboards Magnum Mach-1 GALLO24 (78mm, 74a, $85.99) and ABEC 11 Superfly (111mm, 74a, $138.99), offer top grip and slide control. This boosts wheel performance skateboarding.
Key Differences Between Longboard and Skateboard Wheels
When looking at longboard vs skateboard wheels, wheel size difference matters a lot. Longboard wheels are bigger, usually 54mm to over 60mm. This makes them more stable and smooth on rough ground. For new riders and those who are bigger, choosing wheels between 54mm and 59mm works well. Downhill riders often go for wheels that are 60mm or larger.
Another key difference is the durometer, or wheel hardness. The longboard vs skateboard wheel durometer can vary a lot. Longboard wheels are usually softer, between 75a to 90a. Softer wheels, around 78a-87a, grip better and are great for rough areas and cruising. Skateboard wheels are harder, which means less grip but more speed. This is perfect for street skating and tricks.
Wheel shape also affects how they perform. Longboards have wheels with square, beveled, or rounded edges. Square-edged wheels are great for slalom and downhill because they touch the ground more. Beveled and rounded edges help with grip and sliding, important for carving and sliding moves.
The wheel’s core position plays a role in stability and wear. Center-set cores are good for longboards. They allow even wear by rotating equally. Side-set cores, usual in skateboard wheels, grip well but you can’t flip them. Longboard wheels have larger contact areas which means less resistance and even weight distribution. This makes them excellent for cruising and long rides.
Core placements like backset, centerset, and sideset have different impacts. Backset cores give more freedom on the wheel’s edge, boosting carving and sliding. Centerset cores mean wheels rotate equally, keeping their shape longer. Side-set cores grip the best in skateboarding but you can’t flip them because of where the core is.
How Wheel Material Affects Performance
The material of skateboard or longboard wheels, mainly polyurethane, is key to how they perform. Their hardness, size, and core setting change how long the wheels last and how well they work.
Softer polyurethane wheels, with hardness between 75a to 78a, are great for uneven roads. They give the best grip and smooth rides. Longboard wheels are usually 63mm to 75mm wide. They can go over different surfaces well and give a stable ride for long trips. Wheels like the Blood Orange Morgans are designed for even sliding and wear, thanks to their smart core setup.
On the other hand, skateboard wheels for performing tricks are 48mm to 60mm wide with a hardness of 88a-101a. These harder wheels slide easier but roll faster, making them ideal for smooth grounds and doing tricks. The Venom Cannibals model, for example, goes fast yet keeps grip because of its soft urethane and big cores. This is especially good for downhill races.
The core placement also plays a big part in wheel performance. Offset cores help with grip and sliding, centerset cores wear down evenly and you can flip them over. Sideset cores give least grip, making them perfect for slides. Knowing about these materials will help you pick the right wheels. They’ll make your wheels last longer and enhance how well they work, fitting your own style of riding.
| Type | Diameter Range | Durometer Range | Core Setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longboard Wheels | 63mm – 75mm | 75a – 90a | Offset, centerset, sideset |
| Skateboard Wheels | 48mm – 60mm | 88a – 101a | Offset, centerset, sideset |
Choosing the Right Wheel for Your Riding Style
Picking wheels that match how you skateboard is key to a great ride. Whether it’s changing skateboard wheels or looking at a longboard wheel guide, it’s important to know about wheel size, hardness, and shape. This helps you find the ideal skateboarding wheels.
For those who like street and park skating, choose smaller wheels. They are usually between 50-54mm wide and have a hardness rating of 95-101A. These harder wheels are great for doing tricks and riding on smooth surfaces. They are a smart choice for beginners and park skaters, offering a mix of long-lasting performance and control.
Longboard wheels are bigger, usually 60-75mm. Their hardness is between 75-85A, which makes for a comfy ride. These wheels are great for daily commutes, cruising, and rough roads. Downhill skaters also prefer these big wheels for their optimal grip or stability when going fast downhill.
An important tip from a longboard wheel guide is to consider wheel cores and shapes. Wheels with a center core last longer because they wear evenly. Sideset cores increase grip because of how they distribute weight. Narrow wheels are better for street tricks, while wider ones offer more grip for faster riding and bowl skating.
When customizing skateboard wheels, think about the contact patch size and hardness. For bumpy roads, softer wheels (78A-90A) are better because they grip well and are comfy. Harder wheels (96A-101A) are better for smooth surfaces and doing tricks. Wheels that are medium-hard (90A-98A) are versatile, good for street skating on rough surfaces and for beginners.
In summary, choosing the right wheel depends on how and where you skate. Whether you’re into longboarding or street skating, knowing these details helps you pick the best wheels for skateboarding.
Maintenance Tips for Longboard and Skateboard Wheels
Keeping your skateboard and longboard wheels in top shape is key for best performance and long life. Cleaning your wheels regularly helps remove dirt and debris. Use soap and water and a brush for effective cleaning for smooth, safe rides.
Checking your wheels for damage like flat spots, chips, or cracks is vital. Good storage is also crucial for both longboards and skateboards. Keep your board in a cool, dry place to stop wheels from warping and to extend their life.
Rotate your wheels to wear them down evenly, which helps if you slide a lot. When selecting longboard wheels, think about size, hardness, and core type. Bigger wheels can go faster on bumpy roads. Softer wheels (78a-87a) are better for rough ground because they grip and ride smoother.
Bearings are also important for a great ride. Use a top-quality lubricant, like Bones Speed Cream, after cleaning and drying your bearings. Make sure they’re totally dry before lubricating to keep them in good shape.
Truck issues like squeaking often come from the pivot cup or bushings. Tightening or changing these parts can fix that quickly. Always keep axle nuts and speed washers tight when changing wheels. This keeps parts from getting lost and makes riding safer.
Lastly, changing wheels is faster with a power drill and a 1/2″ socket driver. This method is great for skaters who want to change wheels fast, whether you’re at home or out and about.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision
Knowing the difference between longboard and skateboard wheels is key to picking the right gear. We’ve looked at how the size and hardness of the wheels, as well as the material, change how you skate. Skateboard wheels usually come in 50mm to 58mm sizes and have different levels of hardness. It’s important to choose based on how and where you plan to skate.
For tricks and street skating, smaller (50mm-53mm) and harder wheels (90A and up) work best because they’re fast and easy to handle. But, if you like cruising or riding on rough surfaces, bigger wheels (54mm or larger) make the ride smoother. Beginners or those who weigh more might prefer wheels that are 54mm-59mm with a durometer of 88A-95A. These offer the right mix of stability and grip, as mentioned in our longboard purchase guide.
Keeping your wheels clean and checking for damage helps them last longer and improves your skating. With these tips, you have the skateboard setup advice you need to choose the best wheels. Select based on what you like and your skating goals for the best experience. The right wheels make all the difference, whether you’re cruising or doing tricks.
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!