Are you looking to buy a longboard and wondering what size wheels are best for your needs? You’re in the right place! Longboard wheels come in a variety of sizes, each having its own benefits. Choosing the correct size wheel is essential for getting the most out of your ride.
In this article, we’ll explore how big longboard wheels can be and which ones are best suited for different riding styles. We’ll also look at wheel durometer ratings and other considerations when selecting the perfect set of longboard wheels.
Get ready to become an expert on all things related to longboards and their wheels!
Overview of Longboard Wheels
Longboard wheels come in all shapes and sizes, so you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your riding style! From soft urethane and hard polyurethane wheels to hybrid materials, there’s something for everyone.
Depending on your terrain preferences, wheel materials can make a big difference in terms of grip styles. Soft urethane offers more grip on rough surfaces while hard polyurethane lets you slide better. Hybrid compounds offer the best of both worlds!
Wheel Sizing Chart
Check out the wheel sizing chart to find the perfect size for your skate setup!
Longboard wheels come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from 45mm – 75mm. The size you choose depends on:
- Type of terrain:
- Harder wheels for smoother surfaces
- Softer wheels for rougher surfaces
- Types of bushings:
- Harder bushings require larger wheels
- Softer bushings require smaller wheels.
Browse through the range of wheel shapes to find the best fit for your style!
Benefits of Small Wheels
Small wheels offer numerous benefits that make them a popular choice among riders. Firstly, their compact size provides excellent maneuverability and control. This makes them ideal for navigating tight turns and shorter rides. With small wheels, you can confidently maneuver through crowded areas and easily change directions as needed.
The improved grip offered by small wheels also enhances your connection to the board, giving you a more stable and secure ride. Additionally, the reduced size of these wheels results in increased acceleration compared to larger wheels. This means you can enjoy a smoother ride with greater ease of acceleration. Moreover, small wheels are highly recommended for performing technical tricks due to their enhanced maneuverability and superior grip.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, small wheel sizes can offer you a smoother and more enjoyable ride overall.
Benefits of Large Wheels
You may have noticed that longboards come with different wheel sizes. Larger wheels typically provide an increased speed and smoother ride than smaller wheels, making them a great choice for those looking to get the most out of their boards.
With bigger wheels, you can cover more ground in less time while also having a much smoother experience as you cruise around town. Whether you’re riding through the city or up a mountain, large wheels are sure to give you an exhilarating ride.
Increased speed
By choosing larger longboard wheels, you’ll enjoy increased speed with your ride. Larger wheels accelerate faster and maintain their momentum better than smaller ones. They also provide:
- Faster turns and greater grip control for sharper corners.
- Improved stability at higher speeds.
- Increased shock absorption when riding on rough surfaces.
Enjoy a smooth ride while speeding up quickly and turning on a dime with larger longboard wheels!
Smoother ride
Gliding along with bigger wheels gives you an ultra-smooth ride. Bigger wheels offer greater flexibility and grip control, which is especially advantageous when riding on rough surfaces.
The added size of the wheel provides a more comfortable and consistent ride, cushioning any bumps in the road or sudden impacts. Additionally, larger wheels can help provide an even smoother experience by allowing for a lower center of gravity and increased stability.
With improved balance and maneuverability, riders will have better overall control of their board while enjoying a much smoother glide.
Wheel Durometer
When it comes to longboard wheels, the durometer of the wheel material is an important factor to consider. Soft wheels, typically made from urethane, have a lower durometer rating (around 75a-85a). These wheels offer greater cushioning and grip on rougher surfaces.
On the other hand, harder wheels (around 90a-101a), often made from polyurethane, provide more speed but less grip compared to softer wheels.
Depending on your style of riding, it may be necessary to have a combination of soft and hard wheels to achieve optimal performance on your board.
Soft wheels
Soft longboard wheels, typically ranging from 65mm-80mm, offer a smooth ride and plenty of grip. They’re perfect for riders who want an edge in their cornering control and maximum grip when carving.
Here’s what they offer:
- Increased traction for better edge grip
- Maximum maneuverability on tight corners
- Superior performance at higher speeds
- Smooth ride over rough surfaces
- Better cornering control and braking power
Hard wheels
Hard wheels provide an exhilarating ride, with fast acceleration and lightning-quick turns. For maximum grip levels, choose urethane types that offer high abrasion resistance and durability.
With hard wheels, you’ll cruise faster than ever before but need to be aware of the increased risk for speed wobbles.
Hard longboard wheels come in a variety of sizes from 65mm to 75mm and higher, so make sure you select the right size for your board setup.
Choose wisely – hard wheels are designed for experienced riders who can handle their power!
Considerations for Choosing the Right Wheel Size
Considering the right wheel size for your longboard is crucial for an enjoyable ride. There are several factors to consider when choosing the right wheel size:
- Deck Shape: A concave shape offers more grip and control. On the other hand, a flat deck requires bigger wheels for better stability.
- Grip Tape: The type of grip tape used can also affect the size of wheels needed. Coarser grip tape requires bigger wheels for a smoother ride.
Choose wisely to make the most out of your longboarding experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between longboard and skateboard wheels?
You may be wondering, what are the differences between longboard and skateboard wheels?
Both types of boards use grip tape to help riders stay on board, but that’s where the similarities end.
Longboards typically have larger wheels with tire treads designed for greater stability at higher speeds.
Skateboard wheels, on the other hand, tend to be smaller and harder, made to do tricks faster with less friction.
Generally speaking, longboard wheels will measure anywhere from 65-75mm in diameter while skateboard wheels range from 50-60mm depending on riding style and preference.
What type of terrain is best suited for longboard wheels?
When it comes to longboard wheels, the terrain they are best suited for depends on their size and hardness. Generally speaking, bigger wheels with softer durometers (measured in hardness) are better suited for rougher surfaces like streets and sidewalks. On the other hand, smaller, harder wheels are great for smoother terrains such as boardwalks and cruise-style roads.
Proper maintenance of your longboard is essential to ensure optimal performance of the wheels. Factors like bearing lubrication can help you get the most out of your wheel’s features. With the right care and knowledge of your environment, you can take advantage of whichever type of wheel works best for you!
Are longboard wheels more expensive than skateboard wheels?
Yes, typically longboard wheels are more expensive than skateboard wheels.
This is mainly due to their larger size which requires more materials and production time.
The average wheel size for a longboard is 70-75mm while the average wheel size for a skateboard is 50-60mm.
Additionally, many longboard wheels feature higher quality urethane compounds that give them more grip and durability than standard skateboard wheels.
This can be beneficial if you plan on doing downhill riding or sliding tricks.
All in all, the cost of longboard wheels usually reflects their increased size and better performance capabilities.
How often should longboard wheels be replaced?
You should replace your longboard wheels depending on how often you ride and the type of wheel hardness. The harder the wheel, the longer it will last.
If you plan to use your longboard for cruising or downhill riding, a larger size wheel is recommended as it will provide more stability and speed. A smaller size wheel is better if you plan to do tricks like sliding or grinding.
Ultimately, replacing your wheels depends on what kind of terrain you’ll be on and how often you’re using them.
Are longboard wheels better for tricks than skateboard wheels?
You may be wondering if longboard wheels are better for tricks than skateboard wheels. Generally speaking, longboard wheels are larger and softer than skateboard wheels. This can make them more suitable for tricks in certain areas of skatepark culture.
The extra weight of the board combined with the wheel size and hardness will give you more stability while doing tricks like slides and grinds. It also provides greater control when navigating tighter spaces.
In comparison, skateboard wheels tend to be smaller and harder. This makes them better suited for faster speeds but less agility when it comes to trick-based activities.
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!