Here’s our comprehensive guide to the best longboarding wheels of 2023 for cruising, downhill, and sliding. As a leading authority on longboarding, we’ve scoured the market and tested countless wheels to bring you our top picks. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from the basics of longboarding wheels to specific recommendations for different riding styles.

Understanding Longboarding Wheels

Before we dive into our top picks, let’s take a look at some key features of longboarding wheels.

Wheel Size

Longboard wheels come in a range of sizes, typically measured in millimeters (mm). The size of your wheels will impact your ride in a number of ways, including speed, stability, and maneuverability. Generally speaking, larger wheels are faster but less maneuverable, while smaller wheels are slower but more nimble.

Durometer

Durometer refers to the hardness of a wheel, measured on a scale of 1-100 (higher numbers indicate harder wheels). Softer wheels have more grip, making them ideal for cruising and carving, while harder wheels are better for sliding and downhill riding.

Contact Patch

The contact patch is the area of the wheel that makes contact with the ground. A wider contact patch will provide more stability, while a narrower patch will be more maneuverable.

Our Top Picks for Cruising

For cruising around town, you’ll want a wheel that’s comfortable and smooth. Here are our top picks:

1. Orangatang Stimulus

The Orangatang Stimulus is a classic cruising wheel, known for its smooth ride and excellent grip. With a durometer of 80a, these wheels are soft enough to absorb bumps and cracks in the road while still providing plenty of traction.

2. Sector 9 Nineballs

The Sector 9 Nineballs are another great option for cruising. These wheels have a durometer of 78a, making them even softer than the Stimulus. They also have a wide contact patch, which provides excellent stability.

Our Top Picks for Downhill

If you’re into downhill longboarding, you’ll want a wheel that’s fast and stable. Here are our top picks:

1. Abec 11 Big Zig

The Abec 11 Big Zig is a high-performance wheel designed for downhill riding. With a durometer of 81a, these wheels are hard enough to provide a smooth, fast ride, while still maintaining good grip.

2. Blood Orange Liam Morgan Pro

The Blood Orange Liam Morgan Pro wheels are another great choice for downhill riding. These wheels have a durometer of 80a and a wide contact patch, providing excellent stability at high speeds.

Our Top Picks for Sliding

Sliding is a popular longboarding technique that requires a wheel with good slipperiness. Here are our top picks:

1. Seismic Bootleg

The Seismic Bootleg is a popular sliding wheel, known for its smooth, controlled slides. These wheels have a durometer of 79a and a narrow contact patch, making them ideal for sliding.

2. Remember Collective Hoots

The Remember Collective Hoots are another great choice for sliding. With a durometer of 80a and a narrow contact patch, these wheels are perfect for advanced slide techniques.

Conclusion

When it comes to longboarding wheels, there are a lot of factors to consider. The size, durometer, and contact patch of a wheel can all impact your ride in different ways. Whether you’re cruising around town, bombing hills, or practicing your slide techniques, there’s a perfect wheel out there for you. We hope this guide has helped you find it!

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