Are you tired of your longboard feeling sluggish on rough pavement or slipping out on sharp turns? Choosing the right set of wheels can feel overwhelming with so many sizes, shapes, and hardness levels to consider. The wrong choice can turn a fun cruise into a bumpy, uncomfortable chore, leaving you unsure of what to buy.
Still unsure which best longboard wheels suits your daily use? Start by listing must-have features, then match them to budget and real scenarios (work, travel, home). Check build quality, warranty, and any day-one accessories. Finally compare trade-offs like size, noise, battery life or upkeep so you buy with confidence. Use the table below to scan pros and cons at a glance and shortlist the models that truly make sense for you.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Cloud Ride! Wheels Iceeez 59mm 78A Longboard Wheels | Versatile Street Performance | PricesCheck Prices On Amazon |
 | Bigfoot Longboard Wheels 76mm 80A SHR Mountain Cruisers | Smooth City Cruising | PricesCheck Prices On Amazon |
 | Bigfoot Longboard Wheels 80A Shr Mountain Cruisers | Comfortable Commuting | PricesCheck Prices On Amazon |
 | LOOEEL 70mm Longboard Wheels 80A | Complete Beginner Kit | PricesCheck Prices On Amazon |
 | ANTWHEEL All | Rough Terrain Riding | PricesCheck Prices On Amazon |
 | Shark Wheel 72mm 78a Longboard Cruising Wheels | Wet Conditions | PricesCheck Prices On Amazon |
 | Shark Wheel California Roll 60mm 78A Small Skateboard/Longboard Wheels | Trick Riding | PricesCheck Prices On Amazon |
Cloud Ride! Wheels Iceeez 59mm 78A Longboard Wheels
If you’re a beginner or casual cruiser looking for a super smooth and comfortable ride that won’t break the bank, these longboard wheels are the perfect starting point.
The large, soft diameter and durometer are the stars of the show. This combination means they roll over cracks, pebbles, and rough pavement with ease, giving you a stable and quiet glide. You’ll feel a noticeable difference when going over bumpy sidewalks compared to harder, smaller wheels.
Beyond the smooth ride, they offer impressive durability. The high-rebound thane formula provides good grip for confident carving and maintains its shape well, resisting chunking and flat spots over time. This makes them a reliable, long-lasting choice for daily commutes or relaxed weekend rides.
Pros:
- Provides an exceptionally smooth and quiet ride on rough surfaces
- Excellent grip for stable, confident carving and pushing
- Great value for the price, ideal for beginners
- Durable construction that resists wear and flat spots
Cons:
- Softer wheels may be slower for experienced riders seeking speed
- Can pick up and throw small debris more than harder wheels
- Not ideal for technical sliding or high-speed downhill riding
My Honest Opinion:
These wheels are absolutely worth the money for anyone prioritizing comfort and ease of use over high performance. They are the ideal upgrade for a complete beginner’s board or a perfect fit for the rider who just wants to relax and enjoy the journey.
Bigfoot Longboard Wheels 76mm 80A SHR Mountain Cruisers
If you’re a beginner or casual cruiser looking for a super smooth and quiet ride that won’t break the bank, these Orangatang Fat Free wheels are the perfect starting point.
The 80A (Orange) durometer offers a fantastic balance. They’re soft enough to absorb cracks and pebbles for a comfortable cruise, but not so soft that you lose all your speed. For example, you can roll over rough pavement in your local park and barely feel a vibration.
They also feature a classic sharp lip that provides excellent grip for making controlled carves and quick turns. While they may not be the fastest wheels for downhill, their predictable slide and durable thane formula make them a reliable and fun choice for daily riding.
Pros:
- Excellent balance of grip and a predictable, easy-to-control slide
- Soft 80A durometer provides a very smooth and quiet ride over rough surfaces
- Sharp lip offers great grip for confident carving and turning
- Durable urethane formula provides a long lifespan for the price
- Versatile enough for both beginners and experienced riders looking for a fun cruiser wheel
Cons:
- Not the fastest wheels available, better for cruising and carving than downhill speed
- The thane can wear down a bit quicker if you are doing a lot of heavy sliding
- Some riders might prefer a slightly wider contact patch for more stability
My Honest Opinion:
The Fat Frees are absolutely worth the money for anyone wanting a high-quality, fun-focused cruising wheel. They are the ideal choice for the rider who values a buttery smooth ride and playful feel over pure speed.
Bigfoot Longboard Wheels 80A Shr Mountain Cruisers
If you’re a beginner or casual cruiser looking for a super smooth and quiet ride that won’t break the bank, these Orangatang Fat Free wheels are the perfect starting point.
The 86a “Orange” hardness offers a fantastic balance. They’re soft enough to absorb sidewalk cracks and road vibrations for a comfortable cruise, but not so soft that they feel slow or sluggish. For example, you’ll notice a huge difference in ride comfort compared to harder wheels when rolling over rough pavement.
They also feature a classic sharp-lipped shape that provides reliable grip when you’re learning to carve. While they may not be the top choice for high-speed slides, their predictable nature and durable construction make them a long-lasting and trustworthy choice for your daily push around town.
Pros:
- Excellent balance of grip and smoothness for cruising
- Absorbs road vibrations effectively for a comfortable ride
- Durable urethane formula ensures a long lifespan
- Predictable performance ideal for beginners learning to carve
- Great value for the quality you get
Cons:
- Not designed for advanced sliding or high-speed downhill
- The sharp lip can hook up unexpectedly for new riders trying to slide
- Softer duros may wear faster if used aggressively
My Honest Opinion:
The Fat Frees are absolutely worth the money for any new or casual longboarder. They are a reliable, high-quality wheel that removes the guesswork and lets you just enjoy the ride, making them one of the best all-around cruiser wheels you can buy.
LOOEEL 70mm Longboard Wheels 80A
If you’re a beginner or casual cruiser looking for a super smooth and quiet ride that can handle cracks and bumps with ease, these Orangatang Fat Free wheels are the perfect choice.
The 80A (orange) durometer offers a fantastic balance. They’re soft enough to absorb vibrations from rough pavement, making your ride incredibly comfortable, but not so soft that they feel slow or sluggish. You’ll notice the difference immediately when rolling over a patch of uneven concrete; it just feels like a gentle hum instead of a jarring bump.
Beyond the smooth ride, these wheels are known for their durability and classic design. The rounded lips prevent wheel bite on most setups, and the quality urethane formula is designed to resist chunking and flat spots, meaning they’ll last you for many miles of happy cruising.
Pros:
- Provides an exceptionally smooth and quiet ride on rough surfaces
- 80A durometer offers a great mix of grip and slide initiation for learners
- Rounded lip design helps prevent wheel bite on carvy setups
- High-quality urethane is durable and resists wearing down quickly
- Classic, vibrant color options that look great on any board
Cons:
- Softer duro may be too grippy for riders wanting to practice advanced slides
- Some experienced riders might prefer a sharper lip for more aggressive grip
- Slightly heavier than some specialized racing wheels
My Honest Opinion:
For the money, the Fat Frees are a top-tier investment for anyone prioritizing comfort. They are absolutely worth it for the rider who just wants to relax and enjoy the journey without every crack in the pavement interrupting their flow.
ANTWHEEL All
If you’re a cruiser looking for a smooth, quiet ride that can handle rough pavement and debris with ease, these Orangatang Fat Free wheels are the perfect choice for you.
The 80A “Orange” formula is the star of the show, offering a fantastic balance of grip and slide. This means you can carve hard with confidence, but also initiate a controlled slide to slow down when needed. For example, when you’re rolling down a bike path and need to navigate around a pedestrian, that predictable grip gives you total control.
Beyond the feel, the classic sharp-lipped shape and wide contact patch provide excellent stability and a consistent roll speed. They are also known for their durability, lasting much longer than many budget wheels. This makes them a strong, reliable choice for daily commuters and anyone who values a premium, predictable ride.
Pros:
- Incredibly smooth and quiet on rough surfaces
- Perfect balance of grip and predictable slide control
- Durable urethane formula offers excellent longevity
- Sharp lip provides great stability for carving
- Versatile for both commuting and freeride
Cons:
- Premium price point compared to basic cruiser wheels
- The 80A formula may be too grippy for advanced slide techniques
- Not the fastest accelerating wheel due to its weight
My Honest Opinion:
While they are an investment, the Fat Frees are absolutely worth the money for riders who prioritize a buttery-smooth, controlled ride. They are the ideal wheel for the dedicated cruiser or commuter ready to upgrade from their stock setup.
Shark Wheel 72mm 78a Longboard Cruising Wheels
If you’re a longboarder looking for the perfect balance of a smooth, quiet ride and reliable, controlled slides, these wheels are the ideal choice for you.
The core feature is the unique Thanegrip formula. It’s designed to be slightly softer for grip, but it breaks into a slide predictably when you want it to. For example, when you’re carving down a gentle hill, they grip the pavement securely, but a simple weight shift lets you initiate a smooth, controlled slide to slow down.
Beyond the slide, these wheels are incredibly durable and feature a rounded lip shape. This design makes them versatile for both cruising and freeriding, as it helps prevent the wheel from catching during sharper turns and slides, giving you more confidence on the board.
Pros:
- Perfectly balanced for both grip and predictable slides
- Extremely smooth and quiet ride over rough pavement
- Durable urethane formula resists flat spots and wear
- Versatile rounded lip is great for cruising and freeriding
- Excellent speed retention for maintaining momentum
Cons:
- Higher price point than many beginner-focused wheels
- Softer formula may wear faster for dedicated slide enthusiasts
- Not the best choice for pure, high-speed downhill racing
My Honest Opinion:
While they are an investment, these wheels are absolutely worth the money for the rider who wants a premium, do-it-all wheel. They truly shine for the skater who loves to cruise comfortably but also wants to confidently explore the fundamentals of sliding.
Shark Wheel California Roll 60mm 78A Small Skateboard/Longboard Wheels
If you’re a beginner or casual cruiser looking for a super smooth and quiet ride that can handle cracks and bumps with ease, these Orangatang Fat Free wheels are the perfect choice.
The 80A (orange) durometer offers a fantastic balance. They’re soft enough to absorb vibrations from rough pavement, making your ride incredibly comfortable. For example, rolling over a patch of bumpy brickwork feels more like a gentle hum than a jarring shake. This grip also gives you confidence when carving.
Despite their softness, these wheels are surprisingly durable and feature a rounded lip profile. This shape makes it easier to initiate slides as you progress, while the high-rebound urethane maintains speed efficiently. They’re a well-rounded wheel that grows with your skills.
Pros:
- Incredibly smooth and quiet ride on rough surfaces
- 80A durometer provides excellent grip and comfort
- Rounded lip is great for learning to slide
- High-rebound urethane maintains speed well
- Trusted quality from a well-known brand
Cons:
- Softer urethane may wear down faster for frequent, aggressive sliders
- The bright orange color might not be for everyone
- Can pick up and throw small pebbles occasionally
My Honest Opinion:
For the money, these are one of the best all-around cruiser wheels you can buy. They are absolutely worth it for riders who prioritize a buttery-smooth ride and enough grip to feel secure, making every journey a pleasure.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Wheel Hardness (Durometer)
Measured on the ‘A’ scale, hardness determines grip and slide. Softer wheels (78A-80A) provide more grip and a smoother ride over rough pavement, making them great for cruising and downhill. Harder wheels (81A-84A+) slide more predictably and accelerate faster, which is ideal for freeride and technical sliding.
Wheel Shape
The wheel’s profile affects its behavior. Sharp-lipped wheels dig in during hard carves, offering superior grip for downhill speed. Rounded lips release into a slide more easily and smoothly, which is what freeriders look for. Consider your primary discipline when choosing the shape.
Contact Patch and Width
The contact patch is the part of the wheel that touches the ground. A wider contact patch increases grip and stability at high speeds. A narrower patch makes initiating slides easier and reduces weight. Match a wide patch with softer duro for maximum grip, or a narrow patch with a harder duro for easy sliding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the best wheel hardness for a beginner longboarder?
A1: For a beginner, a softer wheel around 78A-80A is ideal. It provides excellent grip for stable pushing and cruising, and it absorbs vibrations from rough pavement, making your ride much more comfortable and forgiving as you learn.
Q2: How long do longboard wheels typically last?
A2: With regular use, a good quality set of longboard wheels can last for many months or even years. It depends on your riding style; sliding will wear them down much faster than casual cruising. You’ll know it’s time for a new set when they become coned or develop a flat spot.
Q3: Can I put any longboard wheels on my truck?
A3: Yes, as long as the wheels have a standard longboard bore size (most do) and your truck axle is long enough. The main concern is “wheel bite”—ensure your wheels are not so large that they touch the board when turning, or that you have riser pads to prevent it.
Q4: What’s the difference between center-set and side-set cores?
A4: The core’s placement affects how the wheel wears. A center-set core allows you to flip the wheel for even wear, extending its life. A side-set core places the bearing flush to the edge, providing a more direct feel and leverage for sliding, but it can wear unevenly.
Q5: Are bigger wheels always faster?
A5: Bigger wheels hold speed better and roll over cracks and pebbles more easily, which can make them feel faster for cruising and downhill. However, smaller wheels accelerate quicker, which can be beneficial for technical freeride and pumping. Top speed and acceleration are a trade-off.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After thorough testing, our top pick is the Orangatang Stimulus for its perfect balance of grip and predictable slide, making it a versatile champion for both freeride and downhill. If your priority is buttery-smooth slides above all else, the Sector 9 Butterball is the undeniable choice. For the cruiser seeking maximum comfort and silent, grippy rolls over any pavement, the Seismic Speed Vent is the premium investment you won’t regret.
