Best Downhill Wheels for Longboards: Top Picks for Speed, Control, and Freeride
Finding the right downhill longboard wheels can transform your ride, from smooth cruising to high-speed carving and controlled slides. Below are five top choices designed for stability, grip, and predictable slides across urban and hill terrain. Each product is chosen for a balance of speed, durability, and performance in freeride and downhill disciplines.
Summary of chosen products
| Product | Brand | Size & Durometer | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud Ride Iceeez | Cloud Ride! | 59mm, 78A | Intro slides, learning to slide |
| Rayne Envy | Rayne | 70mm, 80A | Downhill cruising, all-around |
| Orangatang Kegel | Orangatang | 80mm, 80A | Speed, grip, and long-distance rolling |
| BRAVORD 70mm | BRAVORD | 70mm, 82A | All-around carving and sliding |
| Bigfoot | Bigfoot | 76mm, 80A | High-speed cruising and controlled slides |
Cloud Ride Iceeez 59mm 78A Longboard Wheels
Iceeez wheels are designed for ultra slick slides with a 59mm diameter and a soft 78A durometer. The ultra slick urethane is paired with a specialized Ice formula to minimize drag while maintaining speed. Preconditions for freeride, including a grippy lip and high resiliency, help maintain control during slides. Pre-ground wheels offer consistent slides right out of the package, suitable for learning slides and freeride sessions on longboards.
Rayne Envy 70mm 80A Longboard Wheels
The Envy line from Rayne emphasizes smooth yet predictable sliding with rounded lips to reduce chatter. Side-set cores support easy, all-day freeride while maintaining grip when needed. These wheels are built with eco-friendly materials and processes, aiming for durability and consistent performance across downhill, cruising, and trick sessions.
BRAVORD 70mm 82A Longboard Wheels
BRAVORD Ninja-70 wheels offer 70mm diameter with 82A hardness, providing solid grip and durability for cruising, carving, and sliding. The frosted surface enhances slip resistance across different terrains, while 70mm sizing balances speed and stability for urban hills and parks. The design emphasizes durability and smooth response during transitions and slides.
Bigfoot 76mm 80A Shr Mountain Cruisers
Bigfoot shr 80A wheels measure 76mm by 53mm with an offset core to support stable grip in turns while enabling controlled slides. The 80A SHR hardness provides a balance of speed and grip for high-speed cruising and mountain routes, with predictable slide behavior for beginners and experienced riders alike.
Rayne Envy 70mm 77A Longboard Wheels
The Envy 70mm 77A variant shares Rayne’s focus on smooth free riding with rounded lips and a durable urethane composition. It supports versatile downhill cruising, easy carving, and slides, combining grip and release for a broad range of street and hill conditions.
Orangatang Kegel 80mm 80A
Designed for downhill speed and grip, Kegel wheels offer a large 80mm diameter with square lips for maximum traction and smooth sliding. The 80A durometer supports hard carving, downhill runs, and long-distance pushing, delivering reliable performance on rough roads.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Downhill Longboard Wheels
- Wheel diameter: Larger wheels (70–80mm) roll over cracks more easily and maintain higher speeds, while smaller wheels (59–70mm) are more nimble for quick slides and tighter turns.
- Durometer (hardness): Softer wheels (60–82A) provide grip and a smoother ride on rough pavement but wear faster in slides; harder wheels (80A+ including SHR) offer longer life and faster slides with reduced grip on rough surfaces.
- Lip shape: Round lips promote stability and predictable slides; square lips help with grip during aggressive carving and downhill pushing.
- Core position: Side-set cores reduce wheel wobble and improve smoothness in slides; offset cores influence grip and turning characteristics.
- Material and construction: Urethane quality and formulation affect slide consistency, speed, and durability; eco-friendly materials may appeal to sustainability-minded riders.
- Riding style: Choose wheels based on your primary use—downhill racing, freeride, or all-around cruising—to ensure predictable performance in your typical courses.
- Terrain compatibility: Consider pavement quality and typical hills. Smoother roads benefit larger, faster wheels; rougher urban terrain may benefit softer formulations for grip and comfort.
Tips for choosing and using downhill longboard wheels include matching wheel size to your truck clearance, ensuring proper wheel bite clearance to avoid wheel bite, and rotating wheels to maximize wear evenly. For beginners, starting with a softer durometer and a slightly larger diameter can improve stability while learning slides and downhill control.