Longboards and skateboards, both have almost similar components except for the size. Of course, the longboard wheels are bigger than the skateboard wheels. And that’s why they give you a lot smoother and better rides even on bumpy roads. But still, many people ask this question a lot are bigger longboard wheels better?
We must say in many terms they are the best. But according to the expert opinion, this is something that every individual prefers in their style. Hence, we’ll describe to you all the longboard wheel types, sizes, materials, dimensions, and other details. The rest is up to you on how you decide your best pairs of wheels.
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Are Bigger Longboard Wheels Better?
It depends on many things so you cannot just say out loud straight whether the bigger wheels are better or not. The wheel size, dimensions, type, diameter, durometer, and the edges of the wheels determine if they’re good for you or not.
If you have decided to ride your longboard and do sliding, cruising, and free riding, then the round-edged wheels will be the best for you. On the other hand, only the straight-edged wheels will help you in downhill racing and get a better grip on the road.
Longboard Wheels Diameter
Longboard wheels are already bigger than normal skateboard wheels. But this is not just a coincidence there’s a logic behind this type of design. The larger longboard wheels spin faster than any other smaller wheels. Also, they provide you with smoother rides as compared to smaller wheels on bumpy roads.
So, just to answer your question simply, yes, bigger longboard wheels are better.
Now let’s move on with our topic and have a look at the wheel sizes of longboards.
Longboard wheel sizes are measured in millimeters (mm), and usually, the longboard wheels are approx. 54 mm. But this size can go as high as up to 60mm so different sizes depend upon their usage and the environment you will use them in.
i. Smaller Longboard Wheels
Smaller longboard wheels are typically between 60-65mm in diameter. These wheels are best suited for riders who are interested in performing tricks or riding in a skatepark. Smaller wheels are lighter and more maneuverable, making them ideal for riders who want to do tricks such as ollies and kickflips.
ii. Medium Longboard Wheels
Medium-sized longboard wheels are typically between 66-75 mm in diameter. These wheels are a good all-around option for most riders. They offer a good balance between speed and maneuverability, making them ideal for cruising and commuting.
iii. Large Longboard Wheels
Larger longboard wheels are typically between 76-85mm in diameter. These wheels are best suited for riders who are interested in long-distance riding or downhill racing. Larger wheels can roll over bumps and cracks more easily, providing a smoother ride. They also have a higher top speed, which can be beneficial for riders who want to go fast.
iv. Extra-large Longboard Wheels
Last but not least, there are extra-large longboard wheels, which are typically over 85mm in diameter. These wheels are best suited for riders who are interested in high-speed downhill racing. They offer the smoothest ride and the highest top speed, but they can be challenging to maneuver due to their size and weight.
Longboard Wheels Shape
In addition to size, the shape of a longboard wheel can also impact its performance. There are three main shapes of longboard wheels: round, square, and beveled.
1. Round Longboard Wheels
Round longboard wheels have a smooth, rounded edge that allows them to roll smoothly over rough terrain. These wheels are great for cruising and commuting because they offer a comfortable ride.
However, they may not provide as much grip when carving or making tight turns.
2. Square Longboard Wheels
Square longboard wheels have a flat edge that provides a larger surface area for the wheel to grip the ground. This shape is ideal for riders who want more traction when making tight turns or carving down hills.
Square wheels also provide a more stable ride, making them a popular choice for downhill racing.
3. Beveled Longboard Wheels
Beveled longboard wheels have a slightly angled edge that combines the benefits of both round and square wheels. The angled edge provides more traction than a wheel but allows for smoother slides than a square wheel.
Beveled wheels are a popular choice for freeriding, which involves making controlled slides while riding at high speeds.
It’s important to note that the shape of a longboard wheel is just one factor to consider when selecting wheels. The durometer or hardness of the wheel also plays a significant role in how the wheel performs.
Harder wheels (measured on the durometer scale) are better for sliding and high-speed riding, while softer wheels provide a more comfortable ride and better grip.
Longboard Wheels Rating on Durometer
Durometer is a term used to describe the hardness of a longboard wheel. It is measured on a scale of 1 to 100, with higher numbers indicating a harder wheel. The durometer of a wheel can significantly affect its performance and how it feels when riding.
a. Soft Wheels
Softer wheels, typically rated between 75A to 86A, are more comfortable to ride because they absorb more shocks and vibrations from rough surfaces. They provide a better grip, especially on rough or uneven surfaces, making them a good choice for cruising, commuting, and carving.
Softer wheels also make it easier to initiate slides, which is why they are the preferred choice for freestyle riders who want to perform tricks and slides.
b. Harder Wheels
Harder wheels, typically rated between 90A to 101A, offer better speed and are more durable. They slide more easily, making them suitable for downhill riding, freeriding, and sliding. Harder wheels also have a higher rebound rate, which means they will retain their shape and provide more consistent performance over time.
Ultimately, the best shape and hardness of longboard wheels will depend on your personal preferences and riding style. It’s essential to experiment with different shapes and hardness levels to find the perfect wheels for your longboarding needs.
Read More:
Do Bigger Wheels Make You Go Faster On A Longboard?
Yes, the bigger wheels of a longboard make your rides easy, smooth, and faster. This is because they spin and complete their round on a big area on the road. But since they’re big, they also take more power to gain such speed.
What Do Bigger Wheels Do On A Longboard?
Bigger wheels give you extra speed and a smooth riding experience. But this is not done yet because bigger wheels take more power from you to run. Also, the chances of wheel bite increase as the size of the wheels increases.
What Size Wheel Is Best For A Longboard?
If you want to enjoy your rides smooth and faster, but with no wheel bite or anything like that, 70mm – 76mm longboard wheels size is the best. But you can also change the size according to your preferences and the skill level you are at.
Are Bigger Wheels Better For Cruising?
Yes, bigger wheels like 59mm or even more than that are usually used for cruising. Although the bigger the wheel size the more chances of wheel bite and fewer options for tricks. But for normal cruising, it is best to get a bigger wheel.
What Is The Disadvantage Of Larger Wheels?
The major disadvantage of using larger wheels on a longboard is that you cannot perform too many tricks because of the increased weight of the overall longboard. It’s because the longboard deck itself is heavy and then you use larger wheels and it becomes almost impossible to do anything.
Conclusion
According to our experts, the size of the longboard wheels is very important for comfortable and smooth rides. Though it depends on your personal preference and that’s why you need to try them all one by one.
But even if you haven’t tried many longboard wheels because you found comfort in your current wheels, it’s still good. But are bigger longboard wheels better? Yes, for sure they are a lot better for smoother and more comfortable rides.
