Quick Guide: Longboard Wheel Information

Wheels are a critical part of the longboard. You’ll notice that longboard wheels come in a variety of sizes which effect the ride. Longboard wheels can come in different diameters and widths. And they each have a set of bearings inside. The larger the longboard wheel the higher the top speed, but this will result in slower acceleration. Small wheels on the other hand, will accelerate quickly but do not have as high of a top speed.

Longboard wheels are made of polyurethane and are rated by hardness which is called a durometer. Hard wheels slide well across pavement while soft wheels grip well across pavement. Durometer ratings start around 70a which is soft. Soft is great for speed and grip for controlled turns. The durometer rating can go as high as 90a + which is hard and great for down hill sliding. The edge of the wheel is also an important feature designed for specific riding styles. A round edge on a wheel is great for sliding and a hard edge will help lock in turns at high speeds.

As I mentioned above, inside of each wheel is a set of bearings. There are also a variety of bearings to choose from. Most are steel ball bearings but there are also aluminum and ceramic bearings. Ceramic bearings are nice because they won’t rust if used in the rain, but they usually cost more. Bearings come with an abec rating. An abec rating is an industry accepted standard for the tolerances of a ball bearing. The higher the rating, the more precise the bearing components are. Most longboards have bearings rated abec 5-9.

There are many different types wheels for your longboard, so choose the wheel that complements your styles of riding. Have fun and stay safe!! If you’re riding and the thought pops into your head “should I have a helmet on for this?” The answer is always YES.

Thanks for Reading this Longboard Wheel Info Guide!

We hope you found this article helpful and informative! If you have any additional questions or comments, let us know in the comment section below.

For more informative articles about longboards, check out the links below:

• Pintail Longboard Shape
• Fishtail Longboard Shape
• Freestyle Longboard Shape
• Drop Through Longboard Shape

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