Longboard Wheels

Longboard wheels define how your board rolls, grips and slides. They come in various diameters, widths and durometers, affecting acceleration, top speed and ride comfort. Urethane formulas and core designs also play key roles in performance. Whether you’re carving, downhill racing or freeriding, choosing the right wheels enhances your experience. For more on selecting wheels, see our Skateboard Wheels Buying Guide.

Longboard Wheels are built for smooth, stable rides across cracks, gravel, or urban terrain. Designed with large diameters (often 70mm+) and softer durometers, they absorb shock and maintain momentum over rough surfaces. Options include classic round-lipped wheels for cruising and carve-style wheels for tight turning. High-precision bearings and core designs optimise longevity and roll. These wheels are essential for serious riders building longboards for commuting, downhill runs, or relaxed cruising.
For precision tuning, pair them with parts from the Longboard Parts collection.

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Why buy Longboard Wheels?

Q

How does wheel diameter affect longboarding?

A

Larger wheels (70–80 mm) maintain momentum and roll over cracks easily, making them ideal for downhill and cruising. Smaller wheels (60–70 mm) accelerate quickly and are lighter, suiting freeride and technical sliding.

Q

What does wheel durometer mean?

A

Durometer indicates hardness on the Shore A scale. Softer wheels (78A–83A) grip well and absorb vibration, ideal for rough surfaces and carving. Harder wheels (86A–90A) slide easier and perform well on smooth surfaces for freeriding and tricks.

Q

What is the contact patch?

A

The contact patch is the width of the wheel that touches the ground. Wider contact patches (50–60 mm) offer more grip and stability for downhill or cruising. Narrower patches (40–50 mm) break traction more easily, suiting sliding and freestyle.

Q

How do lips affect performance?

A

Square lips provide grip and control, preferred for downhill and racing. Rounded lips break traction smoothly, allowing controlled slides for freeride. Beveled lips balance both, offering predictable drift and cornering.

Q

What is core placement?

A

Centerset cores distribute wear evenly and allow wheels to be flipped. Offset cores place the core closer to the inside edge, improving grip by adding leverage. Side-set cores create the easiest initiation of slides, suitable for freeriding.

Q

Do I need to match wheel size to my trucks?

A

Ensure wheel diameter doesn’t cause wheel bite (contact with the deck during turns). Use riser pads if needed. Larger wheels may require higher trucks or angled risers to prevent rubbing.

Q

Can wheels be swapped between boards?

A

Yes. As long as the wheel size, width and core placement suit the deck and trucks. However, different setups (e.g., drop-through vs top mount) might require adjustments like risers or truck angles.

Q

How do I maintain longboard wheels?

A

Rotate wheels regularly to even out wear and avoid coning. Clean urethane with mild soap and water. Replace wheels when the urethane thins significantly or develops cracks.