Does It Really Matter?

So, after all of that hype on longboard wheels, aren't they just a piece of rubber, "does it matter if I just get a knock of brand and save some money?" That of course is an option, but keep in mind that your longboard wheels go through a lot, they are what take the initial brunt of all the bumps, cracks, and rough surfaces you ride over. Just imagine your hand getting road rash from falling on the hill you were bombing the other day.....your longboard wheels have to deal with that non-stop, especially if you are doing any sliding. Though they may cost a little more up front, the better known wheel manufactures make a more quality product that will last you a lot longer than the cheap ones and save you quite a bit in the long run.

Longboard wheels durometer?

What is all this talk about hard wheels and soft wheels and everything in between? 75a longboard wheels, 80a, 78a, 96a. What are they talking about? All are hardness ratings for your longboard wheels, and those numbers, though they may seem like random numbers are very clear indicators of how your wheels will perform. The lower the number, the softer your wheel. The softer your wheel the smoother the ride yes, but that's just the beginning, the hardness of your wheels will affect how your board handles. The harder the wheel the less grip, which is very important for those riders looking to slide their board. Others look for a softer wheel, which gives you much more grip and the chance to carve quickly back and forth and maintain your grip on the road. Look for the wheel rating that best fits your style of riding and what you want out of a board.

Longboard wheels

There are many things to look at when getting longboard wheels, their size and hardness are two very key things. The bigger your longboard wheels the faster, it's simply physics, the bigger the wheel, the fewer rotations your wheels and bearings have to make to get you where you are going, thus less friction endured in your ride and a quicker ride. Though it may seem insignificant, your longboard wheels really are an integral part of your ride and can effect the feel of your ride quite a bit. Smaller wheels bring a slower ride, bigger ones a quicker one. Bigger wheels also provide a smoother ride and will often get you over a crack that smaller wheels would get stuck in. The advantage to smaller wheels is that they are easier to slide and less likely to get wheel bite (contact between your longboard wheel and your deck, causing slowing, often abruptly that can throw you off your board) if your wheels sit under your board, they are also easier to slide with. The hardness of the wheels will be discussed later on in our blog, so make sure to read on.