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Below are the top-selling longboard wheels on the market today. These wheels are made out of the highest quality materials and perform excellently on any surface. While each of these wheels is better at certain actions, one of the reasons these wheels are best sellers is that they are great wheels for downhill, sliding, and commuting. With the bright colors displayed, each of these wheels will make your longboard stand out.
| Sector 9 Top Shelf Nineballs | Orangatang In Heat | Sector 9 Butterballs | Orangatang Kegel |
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Wheel Specifications
First, let’s understand how each wheel is rated. Longboard wheels have two main specifications that determine how the wheel will perform in certain conditions: diameter and durometer of the wheel which is more commonly known as the softness of the wheel. The diameter can range from 65 -107 mm while the softness of the wheel ranges from 73A-100A.
In terms of size, the larger the wheel the faster the longboard can go overall. However, the smaller the wheel the quicker it will accelerate. This means that the best longboard wheels for downhill are often larger to obtain more speed while the best longboard wheels for commuting boards are often smaller.
Larger longboard wheels can go over larger obstacles too. This makes them ideal when there is a lot of debris on the road. However, because there is a larger contact patch with the ground larger longboard wheels are not recommended for sliding.
The other significant specification is durometer or softness of the wheel. Generally speaking, harder wheels go faster but softer wheels have better grip. One factor to consider is that the longer your longboard is the more likely it is that you will require larger and softer wheels to provide stability at high speeds.
Best Unique Longboard Wheels
LED Light-Up
WheelsShark
Wheels
LED light up wheels
Consistently the most eye-catching of any wheels on the best longboard wheels list, this wheel lights up the road ahead of you as you ride. While they function perfectly well as regular longboard wheels adequate for all kinds of longboarding, the main function of these wheels is to light up. They are available in different colors and are very cheap for the visually stunning look that they provide any longboard.
Shark Wheels
Funded through Kickstarter, the aim of Shark Wheels was to revolutionize the carving experience on a longboard. They do not look like a typical wheel but through personal experience with them, the crew at Review Longboards can attest to their capability. With a mix of a square and sphere shape, each part of the wheel is curved to look square like but provide the seamless rolling of a regular shaped wheel. These wheels not only allow you to give you more control over your slides but also provide more traction on wet surfaces. Overall, these wheels make your longboard look unique and provide it with more capabilities over different surfaces than any other wheel.
Best Longboard Sliding Wheels
Sliding wheels are typically characterized by allowing a loss of friction between the board and the road. The best sliding wheels make sliding on a longboard extremely easy while the wrong type of wheels can often make it impossible to slide on a longboard.
Commonly seen on the most popular sliding longboards, the Sector 9 Slide Butterballs are regarded as the best longboard sliding wheels on the market currently. They are sold in sizes ranging from 65-80mm with a 65 mm diameter being the most popular.
| Sector 9 Butterballs | Sector 9 Skiddles | Santa Cruz Slimeballs |
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Sector 9 Butterballs
The Sector 9 Butterballs are called that because they produce a “buttery” and smooth slide on any longboard. These wheels also do not wear as fast as similar sliding wheels and produce quick acceleration on any board.
Sector 9 Skiddles
Sector 9 continues to dominate the best sliding wheels for longboards with the #2 spot on the list, the Sector 9 Skiddles. Commonly described as the Sector 9 Butterballs for cheaper and with different colors, the Sector 9 Skiddle wheels produce beautiful slides at the slightest shift of the rider’s weight. These wheels measure 70 mm in diameter and are a little harder than other wheels with a 78A softness rating.
Santa Cruz Slimeballs
Another good choice for sliding wheels for longboards are the Santa Cruz Slimeballs. These wheels are smaller than the rest with a diameter of 54mm but this small diameter only allows the wheels to slide even quicker. The smaller diameter of the Slimeballs also allows quick acceleration of the board. The main aspect that places them on the top sliding wheels for longboards is their ability to control the slides. One disadvantage of the wheels is the 97A hardness which is one of the hardest forms of wheels.
Best Downhill Wheels for Longboards
The most important aspect for a good downhill wheel is the grip. Professional riders who exclusively ride downhill always choose wheels with a sharp edge on either side. This prevents the wheel from sliding on sharp curves and provides stability when going fast.
Another factor to consider is the wheel diameter. Too small and the wheel will wear out too quickly while if the wheel is too big the wheel bite will start to become a big issue. The ideal range of diameters for a downhill wheel is in the 70 to 80 mm range.
| Sector 9 Race Formula | Orangatang Kegel |
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Sector 9 Race Formula
The highest quality downhill wheel for longboards is the Sector 9 Race Formula wheels. While the price tag does not show it, these wheels were designed for professional racers who race longboards all over the world. These wheels are not out of reach for beginner to intermediate riders. With a diameter of 70mm and a hardness of 78A, these wheels provide the perfect mix between speed and stability at an excellent price.
Orangatang Kegel
Orangatang Wheels makes a showing here also. Orangatang is known for their vibrantly colored wheels and the Orangatang Kegel is no exception. With a diameter of 80mm, a full 10mm larger than the Sector 9 Race Formula, the Orangatang Kegels offer increased stability going downhill like no other wheel before it. The square edge on the wheel means that these wheels won’t slide out from underneath you on curves either.
Best Longboard Wheels for Commuting
While a number of riders do not use wheels specifically for commuting, Review Longboards would recommend their use. Using wheels designed for commuting can drastically change the feel of your longboard for the better. Often commuting wheels have a harder shell to provide more traction around turns and to absorb vibrations from the road. At the same time, commuting wheels will usually have a smaller contact patch with the road to make it easier for riders to push. The use of these wheels will also protect your other sets of wheels from wear.
| Sector 9 Top Shelf Nineballs | Orangatang In Heat | Orangatang Stimulus |
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Sector 9 Nine Ball
The Sector 9 Nine Ball longboard wheels have been a top seller in the wheels market for years now and for good reason. With a diameter of 70mm and a softness of 78A these wheels are perfect for commuters. The small contact patch with the pavement makes these wheels very easy to push. The wheels are soft enough to absorb vibration and provide a steady ride while hard enough to not wear out over miles of riding.
Orangatang In Heat
Mentioned before at the start of the article, the Orangatang In Heat wheels not only make your longboard eye-catching but also give it more capabilities. The Orangatang In Heat has a midrange wheel size of 75mm and a softness rating of 80A. The wheel size allows them to go fast while the hardness of the wheel prevents the wheel from losing traction. These wheels are not great for sliding but are perfect for making those sharp 90 degree turns commonly found on roads and sidewalks.
Orangatang Stimulus
With the vibrant orange characteristic of Orangatang wheels, the Orangatang Stimulus longboard wheels are certain to have passerby glancing at your board as you go by. These wheels have a diameter of 70mm and a softness rating of 83A. The small diameter provides the longboard wheels with the best overall mix of quick acceleration and overall speed. Made out of the hardest surface of all three of the best commuting longboard wheels, the Orangatang Stimulus wheels are certain to last even under extreme endurance riding.
