A Longboarding without sliding is just like a body without a soal. There are several tricks that may be performed on a longboard, but the greatest pleasure comes from doing a perfect longboard slide.
When it comes to longboarding, there are a few key things that you need to make sure you have in order to enjoy the experience fully. One of those things is a good set of wheels that are designed for sliding.
A Longboard sliding is a technique used by longboarders to make turns and other maneuvers. It involves using the friction between the board and the ground to slow down or change direction.
So If you’re looking to get into sliding or just want to improve your current sliding game, you need to make sure you have the right wheels. Longboard wheels are not all the same, and some are more suited for sliding than others. This buyer’s guide will show you what to look for in the best longboard wheels for sliding and give you our top picks.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best longboard wheels for sliding, there are a few things you need to consider. First, you need to think about the durometer, or hardness, of the wheel. Softer wheels will grip the ground more, making them better for carving and turning. However, they will also wear down faster.
Harder wheels will glide easier, but they may not grip the ground as effectively while turning or stopping. The longboard wheels for sliding and cruising are rated between 78A and 83A. This ensures that the wheels are strong enough to be used for the sliding technique.
Next, you need to consider the size of the wheel. Larger wheels will roll over obstacles more easily and provide a smoother ride, but they will also be more difficult to control when sliding. Smaller wheels will be easier to control but may get caught on small bumps in the road.
Finally, it would be best if you thought about the wheel’s shape. The shape is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing longboard wheels. The two most common shapes are square lips and round lips. Each has its advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before making a purchase.
Square lip wheels are known for their grip and stability. They are great for carving and downhill racing, thanks to their ability to grip the road. However, they can be less forgiving than round lip wheels if you make a mistake while riding.
On the other hand, Round lip wheels are known for their speed and agility. They are perfect for sliding and freestyle riding, thanks to their loose design. However, they may not provide as much grip as square lip wheels, so they may not be the best choice for beginners.
How to Choose Longboards Wheels for Sliding?
Longboard wheels come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and hardness. So, which ones should you choose for sliding? Here are a few factors to consider:
Wheel Diameter
1. The larger the wheel, the faster it will roll. However, large wheels can be more difficult to control when sliding. Most beginners think that a larger wheel diameter is better for sliding, but this is not necessarily the case.
2. A smaller wheel will slide better than a larger wheel because it will have less rolling resistance.
3. The ideal wheel diameter for sliding is around 65-70mm. We recommend going with something in the lower end of that range if you’re just starting. Once you get more comfortable with sliding, you can experiment with different wheel sizes to find what works best.
Wheel Durometer
1. This is a measure of how hard or soft the wheel is. Softer wheels grip the ground better and are better for cruising. Harder wheels slide easier but aren’t as comfortable to ride on rough surfaces. We recommend choosing a durometer of 78A-82A for sliding and cruising.
CONTACT PATCH
1. This is the part of the wheel that touches the ground. A larger contact patch will provide more grip but can make the ride less smooth. We recommend choosing a contact patch between 38-and 45mm if you’re starting. With a contact patch of this size, you should be able to safely and effectively slide your longboard without too much difficulty.
2. For longboard sliding, it is best to have a contact patch that is large enough to provide stability and traction but not so large that it makes the board difficult to control. The ideal contact patch size for longboard sliding will vary depending on the specific setup and rider preference.
3. If your board feels unstable or slippery, you may need to increase the size of your contact patch. Conversely, if your board has grippy wheels, you may need to decrease the size of your contact patch.
Wheel Core Material
1. The core is the wheel’s inner part and helps determine how the wheel will perform. Softer cores are better for cruising, but harder cores are better for sliding. We recommend choosing a wheel with a medium-hardness core for sliding and cruising.
2. There are different wheel cores, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. The three most popular wheel cores material for longboard sliding are the urethane core, the plastic core, and the aluminum core.
3. Urethane cores are the most popular type of wheel core for longboard sliding. They are very durable and provide a smooth ride. However, they are also the most expensive type of wheel core. Plastic cores are less expensive than urethane cores, but they are not as durable. They can also be more difficult to control when sliding.
4. Aluminum cores provide the finest performance. Aluminium cores provide additional mass for greater rotational inertia per revolution and good speed. They can, however, be more difficult to break into.
4. When choosing a wheel core for longboard sliding, it is important to consider your budget, riding style, and the type of terrain you will be sliding on. If you are a beginner, it is often best to choose a less expensive option such as a plastic core.
5. If you are an experienced rider, you may want to invest in a more expensive urethane or aluminum core. Whatever wheel core you choose, make sure it is compatible with your longboard deck and trucks.
Wheel Material
1. The material of the wheel also affects its performance. Urethane is the most common material used for longboard wheels and offers a good balance of grip and speed. If you’re just starting, we recommend choosing urethane wheels.
2. There are a few different wheel materials that are good for sliding. Polyurethane is also a good option and is similar to urethane in terms of properties. Another material that is sometimes used for wheels is polycarbonate, which is harder than urethane and can be more durable.
3. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference for what wheel material you use. Some people prefer one material over another, so it varies depending on the skater.
Now that you know the basics of longboard wheel selection, it’s time to choose the right wheels for sliding.
Below are the Top 10 Best Longboard Wheels for Sliding
1. Orangatang Stimulus 70 mm
Orangatang Stimulus 70 mm
amazon
ebay
ubuy
The Stimulus has a mid-sized, 70mm diameter that provides lots of momentum and speed while remaining light enough for difficult slides. It’s 49mm stone-ground contact patch provides a smooth, predictable glide from the time you place them on your board.
The Stimulus is the jack of all trades who has won our hearts year after year, equally excellent in slides, stunts, dancing and commuting. To make its wheels, orangutan uses their own unique urethane compound known as happy thane. It’s a formula they swear by and have bet their name on; it makes their wheels quick and smooth, and it allows them to grip any surface you’re skating on.
The Stimulus is the perfect freeride wheel for those who want to push their limits and breathe new life into their ride.
2. Sector 9 Butterballs
Sector 9 Butterballs
amazon
ebay
ubuy
Are you looking for a completely smooth, high-speed ride? Take a look at Sector 9’s Butterballs Wheels. These 70mm diameter wheels are ideal for your longboard trip since they are made of high-quality materials and are meant to last.
They have an 80a hardness and give a long-lasting and responsive ride. Butterballs are stone ground to increase normal riding grip, but their rounded lips mean that with a single flip of your deck you’ll be in the middle of sliding territory.
They may not be the fastest wheel in the world, but they are among the most slippery of sliders and are made from precision urethane to ensure that they won’t rub flat after a couple of sessions and will keep right on rolling and sliding. Slide Butterballs Wheels will provide you with the glide you require to take your longboarding to the next level.
3. Blood Orange Morgan Pro Series
Blood Orange Morgan Pro Series
amazon
ebay
ubuy
Do you need a high-performance slide wheel? Take a look at the Blood Orange Liam Morgan Formula Wheels. With a diameter of 70mm and a durometer of 82a, these wheels are ideal for anybody searching for a smooth, quick ride.
Blood Orange is composed of high-quality urethane. Its rounded edges and relatively soft composition ensure that the free ride is designed to withstand extreme punishment and keep rolling no matter what.
The offset core and broad contact patch give stability and control when skating, making these wheels suitable for all levels of skaters, from beginners to pros. So, what are you holding out for? Order your Blood Orange Liam Morgan Formula Wheels as soon as possible!
4. Orangatang 4 President
Orangatang 4 President
amazon
ebay
ubuy
Are you looking for a high-speed wheel that can handle a wide range of surfaces? Your ticket to high-speed steamroller action is the Orangatang 4 President. These wheels create fast roll speeds while delivering a varied combination of traction and sliding responsiveness thanks to their big 70mm diameter.
Sharp, square lips give maximum grip while allowing for smooth sliding when required. The fully exposed 53mm core saves weight while allowing rapid acceleration and clean slides. Overall, these wheels are a full package for spectacular slides.
5. Powell Peralta Snakes Wheels
Powell Peralta Snakes Wheels
amazon
ebay
ubuy
Powell Peralta Snakes Wheels are a lightweight but durable slide. Powell Peralta Snakes are freeride-capable all-terrain wheels. Their 69mm height and soft, grippy urethane ideal for rough terrain make them an excellent choice for anyone looking to get into freeriding. Snakes can handle almost anything you throw at them with ease.
Their 69mm height places them in the middle of the pack, but their 75A durometer is the softest on the list. These wheels provides More traction and stability at high speed so you’ll be less likely to slip out of your line. These Smooth wheels come with a shiny coating on the riding surface that feels grippy at first, but wears away quickly.
6. Dadywheels 70mm 78A Longboard Wheels
Dadywheels 70mm 78A Longboard Wheels
amazon
ebay
ubuy
Do you want a cruising wheel that is soft and smooth? Dadywheels 70mm, 78A Longboard Wheels are an excellent choice. These soft and smearing wheels are great for carving and cruising because they are easy to control at high speeds. These wheels provide a smooth ride on your street surfaces thanks to their round lip profile and centerset core placement.
The 50mm width ensures a stable platform, and the 70mm diameter allows for fast roll speed. The 38mm contact patch provides good traction, and the centerset core placement keeps you in excellent control. Overall this is a great product at a great price.
7. Fireball Tinder 70mm Longboard Wheels
Fireball Tinder 70mm Longboard Wheels
amazon
ebay
ubuy
Are you looking for a comfortable ride on your smaller longboard, mini-cruiser, or double-kick skateboard? Fireball has you covered with their 70mm Tinder Wheels.These California-made vehicles are made of Beast Urethane and have a centerset fiberglass core that provides maximum strength and predictable slides throughout its life.
The 81a rating allows for smooth transitions over rough roads and rocks and cracks without getting stuck somewhere; additionally, they are ready to take on any downhill run thanks to the SlidePrepped finish (TM). So, if you’re looking for a thrilling ride at your favourite freeride spot, get these wheels today.
8. Orangatang Cage 73 mm Longboard Wheels
Orangatang Cage 73 mm Longboard Wheels
amazon
ebay
ubuy
The Orangatang Cage 73mm Longboard Wheels are made for fast, smooth-riding, and excellent maneuverability on rough terrain. They have a large contact patch (the area of the wheel that makes contact with the ground) and a stone-ground surface to ensure long-lasting performance.
The ideal wheel is both fast and smooth, allowing you to carve through corners at high speeds without feeling like you’re skating on ice. The Orangatang Peachy Thane urethane formula provides a well-balanced combination of buttery speed control, long slides, and a cush ride with outstanding reliability and flat-spot resistance.
9. Hawgs Landyachtz Zombies 70mm & 76mm Wheels
Hawgs Landyachtz Zombies 70mm & 76mm Wheels
amazon
ebay
ubuy
The Hawgs Mini Zombies Wheels are ideal for beginning riders who want to learn how to slide. These wheels are ideal for anyone starting, with a medium price range and an 80a durometer.
The rounded lip profiles and freeride-oriented formula of Hawgs Mini Zombies make learning to slide simple. With a height of 70mm, they are ideal for boards that cannot accommodate larger wheels, such as the 76mm Zombie Hawgs.
Their 80a formula allows you to kick out slides easily and effectively while remaining soft enough not to lose control. They are priced in the middle, and for that price, you get good all-around slide wheels for beginners.
10. Orangatang Kegel 80 mm
Orangatang Kegel 80 mm
amazon
ebay
ubuy
A Kegel, a massive 80-millimeter-diameter wheel, rounds off our lineup of best sliding wheels here. Large wheels have the drawback of accelerating slowly but have a greater peak speed than the small wheels thus when you get to the top speed it’ll win you races. it’s 56 millimetres width offers it excellent balance and reflex.
Kegel is a master of traction. These square lipped wheels are created for traction but it also has a cantilevered outside lip that provides it a big grip while you’re drifting this will ensure that you’re in control even when the wheel goes down there’s simply no compromise on the grip. Overall, this is an excellent wheel that will provide you with a terrific combination of tight grip and effortless sliding with its smooth urethane composition.
FAQs
Q: What are the best longboard wheels for sliding?
A: The best longboard wheels for sliding are hard and durable materials. They should also be able to grip the road well so that you can control your board while sliding.
Q: How do I choose the right size wheel for my longboard?
A: The size of the wheel will depend on the weight of the rider and the type of riding you plan on doing. If you plan to do a lot of downhill racing, you will want a larger wheel. A smaller wheel will suffice if you just want to cruise around town.
Q: Can you slide with any longboard wheels?
A: While any longboard wheel can technically be used for sliding, not all wheels are created equal. For the best results, you will want to use a specifically designed wheel for sliding. These wheels will be made of a harder material and have a special tread pattern that helps them grip the road better.
Q: What is the best way to clean my longboard wheels?
A: The best way to clean your longboard wheels is first to remove any dirt or debris on them. You can do this by using a brush or compressed air. Once the wheels are clean, you can then apply a light lubricant layer to help keep them spinning smoothly.
Q: How can I make my longboard wheels slide better?
A: If you want your longboard wheels to slide better, you will want to use a wheel specifically designed for sliding. These wheels will be made of a harder material and have a special tread pattern that helps them grip the road better. You can also try applying a light lubricant layer to the wheels to help them spin more smoothly.
Q: What are the risks of sliding on my longboard?
A: Sliding on your longboard can be dangerous if you do not know what you are doing. Always wear protective gear when sliding, such as gloves and a helmet, is important. You should also avoid sliding in areas where pedestrians or other vehicles are.
Conclusion
The final takeaway from this discussion is to choose best longboard wheels for sliding wisely. Before investing in any option, it is best to check all of the cons and benefits.
We’ve covered a list of the top 10 best longboard wheels for sliding, based on customer feedback and reviews. So whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned pro, these wheels should serve you well.
You can also check some excellent deals and a guide if you plan to buy your first longboard. You can check our guide on – Best Longboard for Sliding.
Happy sliding!