The sun-kissed pavement stretches out before you, inviting the rhythmic sound of spinning wheels. As you hop on your trusty skateboard, a surge of excitement courses through your veins, ready to embark on a smooth cruising adventure. But what if I told you that the wheels beneath your deck hold the key to an unparalleled cruising experience?
Prepare to be captivated by a world where effortless glides, unmatched stability, and ultimate control converge. Today, we unveil the crème de la crème of skateboard wheels, meticulously crafted for the art of cruising. Get ready to witness a symphony of motion as we delve into the realm of the best skateboard wheels, promising you a ride unlike any other.
Best Wheels for Cruiser Skateboards Review
Here’s a table showing my top picks.
Product | Wheel Diameter | Wheel Width | Durometer | Formula | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Shark Wheels High Performance DNA Formula | 54mm/ 60mm/ 72mm | 53mm | 78A | DNA Formula | $$$$ | Check BEST Price | |
FREEDARE Skateboard Wheels | 60mm | 45mm | 83A | FREEDARE | $ | Check BEST Price | |
RICTA Cloud White 56mm 78A | 56mm | 34mm | 78A | Cruiser formula | $$$ | Check BEST Price | |
OJ Super Juice 60mm 78a | 60mm | 45mm | 78A | Reinforced Plastic Core | $$$ | Check BEST Price | |
Orangatang Fat Free 65mm 77A | 65mm | 45mm | 77A, 80A, 83A, 86A | Fat Free (Round Lips, Rough Skin) | $$$$$ | Check BEST Price | |
Powell Peralta G-Slides 85A | 56mm/ 59mm | 38mm/ 40mm | 85A | Soft Slide | $$$$ | Check BEST Price |
1. Shark Wheel High Performance DNA Formula
Company Overview –Shark Wheel is a forward-thinking technology company that specializes in the design and production of innovative wheels for a variety of applications. The company was founded in 2012 by David M. Patrick and has since made significant strides in revolutionizing the wheel industry with its unique and patented design.
The inspiration behind Shark Wheel’s creation stemmed from observing the shapes of shark teeth and gills in nature. This natural wonder captivated the founder, David Patrick, and he recognized its potential to enhance wheel performance across multiple sectors.
Shark Wheel’s commitment to quality and innovation has earned them numerous accolades and industry recognition. The company holds multiple patents for its groundbreaking wheel design and has established a reputation for delivering outstanding performance and longevity.
Characteristics
Size – The Shark Wheel Skateboard Wheels are sold in three sizes, measuring either 54mm, 60mm or 72mm in diameter.
Each diameter offers distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and styles.
The 54mm diameter wheels are considered small-sized wheels. These wheels are typically preferred by skateboarders who prioritize technical tricks and street skating. Smaller wheels provide increased maneuverability and responsiveness, allowing skaters to execute flip tricks, grinds, and slides with greater control. They are also lighter, which can contribute to a quicker rotation and easier execution of tricks requiring fast movements.
The 60mm diameter wheels fall into the medium-sized category. These wheels strike a balance between maneuverability and speed. They are suitable for a variety of activities including street skating, park skating, and even cruising. The slightly larger size offers more stability and a smoother ride while still allowing for agile maneuvers and the ability to navigate obstacles with ease.
The 72mm diameter wheels belong to the larger end of the spectrum. These wheels are commonly chosen by skateboarders who prioritize speed, long-distance cruiser, and downhill riding. The larger diameter provides increased momentum and a higher top speed, making them ideal for covering long distances or tackling steep hills. Additionally, the larger size helps to roll over cracks, pebbles, and rough surfaces more easily, enhancing the overall ride comfort.
Wide selections of colors – Besides being able to customize its size, you are able to customize its looks.
Some colors that you can choose from include Black, Clear Black, Clear Blur Hub, Clear Mint, Clear Red, Clear with Blue Hub, Clear with Mint Hub, Clear with Purple Hub, Clear with Red Hub, Gecko Green, Green Gecko, Ibiza Blue, Ice Blue, Lava, Orange, Purple, Red, Sapphire, Seafoam, Transparent Amber, Transparent Emerald, Transparent Red, Turquoise and White.
Durometer – The wheels have a rating of 78A, which indicates that the wheels have a relatively soft composition. Softer wheels provide several advantages including better grasp and a smoother ride, especially on rough or uneven surfaces.
This rating means that these wheels are ideal for riders who prioritize comfort and a more forgiving ride over hard impacts.
Alternating grooves – The wheels have grooves that alternate, aiding in reducing rolling resistance when riding over sand, water, and dirt. These grooves are a series of alternating channels or ridges that run along the circumference of the wheel.
These grooves help reduce contact area between the wheel and the ground, which allows the wheel to roll smoothly. Furthermore, the grooves also helps channel debris, water and other substances away from contact patch.
Thin contact patches – Each wheel has thinner contact patches on its lips, which enhance riding speed by channeling dirt and liquid away.
The thin contact patches of Shark Wheel skateboard wheels help to reduce friction between the wheels and the ground.
The thin contact patches contribute to the wheels’ ability to navigate various terrains. By having a smaller area in contact with the ground, the wheels are better equipped to handle uneven surfaces and obstacles.
Features
Less friction – The scientifically proven advantages of these wheels include reduced friction, making them ideal for various surfaces.
Shark Wheel skateboard wheels allow for smoother and more efficient rolling. With less resistance between the wheels and the ground, skaters can maintain higher speeds with less effort.
The decreased friction also results in improved energy efficiency. Skaters can conserve more of their energy as they ride.
Long lifespan – The wheels are built to have a long-lasting performance.
This company have designed the skateboard wheels with functionality and quality in mind.
The company employs rigorous manufacturing processes and utilizes premium materials to build durable skateboard wheels.
Grip and sliding control – The 3-lip wavy design of the wheels enhances grip and sliding control during rides.
Grip refers to the wheel’s ability to adhere to the riding surface, providing traction and preventing the skateboard from slipping or sliding uncontrollably. The improved grasp ensures that skateboarders can confidently execute turns, carves, and maneuvers without fear of losing control.
Sliding control refers to the wheel’s ability to allow controlled sliding when intentionally initiating a slide or executing tricks such as power slides or drifts. The alternating grooves and the shape of the wheels allow for controlled slides, giving skateboarders the flexibility to execute slides when desired while still maintaining overall stability.
Channeling dirt, water, and sand – The alternating grooves on the wheels facilitate the expulsion of dirt, water, and sand, thereby maintaining optimal performance.
This is crucial for ensuring optimal traction and performance in various conditions.
Dirt, water, and sand can create a slippery surface, which can compromise control and stability.
By channeling these elements away from the contact patch, it prevents them from accumulating and interfering with the wheel’s hold on the riding surface.
High speed – The thin contact patches on the wheel’s lips improve riding speed compared to wheels without a similar design.
The 3D sine wave shape reduces friction and drag, which allows the wheel to roll efficiently.
Since these wheels are smooth, these wheels can give you some of the best speed you’ll ever have while skating even if you change different types of bearings.
Wavy design – The wheels feature a unique 3-lip design with waves, which serves both an aesthetic purpose and improves lateral hold.
This design gives a myriad of benefits including enhanced traction, better maneuverability, helps in channeling away debris and contributes to the overall versatility.
Control during turns – The wavy design promotes better control when making turns, particularly on downhill roads, resulting in smoother sliding and quick recovery.
The wavy shape allows for there to be multiple contact points on the ground when turning. The increased surface area increases traction.
My Thoughts
Smooth ride on cracked roads – The wheels provide a smooth ride even when encountering wide road cracks or uneven surfaces.
The wave-like design of Shark Wheels also contributes to their ability to navigate cracked roads. The wheels’ shape helps to reduce the impact of the cracks by absorbing shocks and vibrations more efficiently. This absorption capability provides a more comfortable riding experience and reduces the strain on the rider’s body.
Suitable for rugged terrain – These wheels are designed to be used on rough and uneven surfaces due to its unique design and performance characteristics.
The unconventional shape of Shark Wheels allows for increased surface area contact with the ground compared to traditional circular wheels. This enhanced contact patch provides improved traction, which is essential for navigating rugged terrain.
Scientifically proven advantages – The wheels offer benefits such as reduced friction and a long lifespan.
It’s not just me, there are many others which talk about the benefits I explained above like having better speed and having better control while equipping these wheels.
2. FREEDARE Skateboard Wheels
Company Overview –FREEDARE is a skateboard wheel brand focused on providing high-quality and affordable wheels for skateboarders. Their mission is to create wheels that enhance the experience for riders of all levels.
Their wheels are designed by a group of professional French designers.
Freedare was established in year 2013, originally with the intention to manufacture sports and leisure equipment.
FREEDARE has established itself as a reputable brand, offering wheels designed to meet the diverse needs of skateboarders.
FREEDARE aims to deliver reliable performance, durability, and smooth rides to skateboarders, allowing them to enjoy their sessions and improve their skills.
Characteristics
Wheel Size – The size is 60mm (diameter) x 45mm (width).
With a diameter of 60mm, these wheels strike a balance between maneuverability and stability.
The wheel has a size of 60mm diameter and 45mm width.
They are great as a cruiser, for commuting, and general street skating. The medium-sized diameter allows for easy acceleration while providing stability for cruising at higher speeds.
Durometer – The 83A rating indicates that these wheels offer a medium level of hardness.
This hardness provides a good amount of control, allowing riders to maintain control on various surfaces, including pavement, sidewalks, and smooth concrete. It strikes a balance between balance and slide, making them versatile for being a cruiser and for executing tricks.
Equipped with ABEC-7 Bearings – The inclusion of bearings and spacers is a notable feature of these wheels.
The wheels come with ABEC-7 high steel bearings.
ABEC-7 refers to the rating system used to measure the precision of bearings. Higher ABEC numbers generally indicate better precision. ABEC-7 bearings are known for their high level of precision, which means they roll more smoothly and efficiently.
The ABEC-7 bearings are equipped for enhanced performance.
The ABEC-7 high steel bearings help the wheels roll smoothly and efficiently.
Equipped with Spacers – Spacers are small metal rings that sit between the bearings inside the wheel.
Their purpose is to keep the bearings evenly spaced and aligned. Spacers are equipped for stability and ensuring wheel alignment.
By maintaining proper spacing, spacers help reduce friction and prevent the wheels from wobbling.
Durable Construction – The wheels are designed with durability in mind, allowing them to withstand the demands of a cruiser. This durability ensures a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and providing value for skateboarders.
The durability is good enough for street skating.
Features
Performance and Versatility – These wheels are designed to deliver smooth and consistent performance, whether you’re cruising, commuting, or engaging in general street skating. Their hold and stability allow for confident turns and maneuvers, while their versatile hardness rating makes them suitable for both cruising and executing tricks.
Good grip on various surfaces – The good grip is attributed by various factors including having a durometer rating of 83A and design of the wheels.
A good grasp helps skateboarders maintain control while executing turns, maneuvers, and tricks. It ensures that the wheels have sufficient traction to prevent slipping or sliding out of control.
With the ability to maintain good hold on various surfaces, skateboarders can confidently ride on different terrains and adapt to different conditions.
Versatile for different riding styles – These are versatile because of its 60mm diameter which help strike a balance between maneuverability and stability. It is also contributed by the 83A rating which helps provide a good hold on various surfaces.
As a result, you can be cruising, commuting or street skating comfortably with these. These wheels are designed to accommodate these different riding styles. Their versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of activities and environments.
Designed to withstand the demands of skateboarding – They are built to withstand the demands of skating because its built from durable materials, with the ability to resist wear, cracking, and deformation.
Reliable and durable for prolonged use – They are built to be durable for skating on the street and skate parks.
My Thoughts
Roll Smoothly – These wheels are optimized to roll smoothly. By including high-quality bearings, suitable wheel design and spacers, these wheels are able to roll smoothly.
Particularly, the high-quality ABEC-7 bearings ensure smooth rolling of the wheels. These bearings are known for their precision and ability to minimize friction.
By being able to roll smoothly, you can conserve energy because there are less friction between the bearing and axle.
Furthermore, you will be able to have better stability if your wheels can roll smoothly. This is important for maintaining your balance while you’re on the wheel.
Perfect Cruiser – They are excellent as a cruiser on the road and are great for early street tricks.
They roll well on both smooth concrete or asphalt too.
Affordable and Suitable for Beginners – These wheels are recommended for beginners who don’t want to spend too much money but are looking for decent wheels.
Despite being lower-priced compared to other similar high-quality wheels, these FREEDARE wheels are well-known for their smooth riding and high-quality bearings, making them a popular option at an affordable price.
They provide an enjoyable and easier riding experience compared to smaller and harder trick riding wheels, which makes them beginner friendly.
Good Quality Wheels – These wheels built with high quality materials and will be able to help you enjoy a smooth ride, especially when used for skating outside. They perform well on various surfaces, including cracks, bumps, and pebbles, providing a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Bearings Upgrade – You can replace the original bearings with higher-quality ones for improved performance. While the included bearings are okay, an upgrade to better bearings like the Bone Reds can enhance the overall ride experience.
Durable and Reliable – These wheels are durable and resistant to chipping which makes them a reliable option. Their sturdy construction allows them to withstand the demands of regular activities.
Suitable for Beginners and Cruising – The soft wheels are appreciated for their suitability for beginners learning to skate and for cruising comfortably, especially for those starting out. Although the bearings may not be as high-quality, but this doesn’t detract from their overall performance and value for money.
3. RICTA Cloud 56mm Clouds White 78A Skateboard Wheels
Company Overview – Ricta Wheels was founded since 1.1.2002 by Jeremy Fox and Ian Deacon.
They wanted to bring in technological advancement for the wheels.
Currently, Ricta Wheels is owned by NHS, Inc., a sports distribution company based in California.
RICTA is a well-respected brand in the community, known for producing high-performance wheels that are trusted by professional skateboarders.
Characteristics
Wheel Size – The RICTA Clouds White skateboard wheels have a diameter of 56mm, making them ideal for all-around activities, from street to park riding.
While it has a width of 34mm.
Of course, this size is similarly perfect for a cruiser.
Durometer Rating – These wheels have a rating of 78A.
The 78A rating indicates that these wheels are relatively soft. These ratings typically range from very soft (e.g., 78A) to very hard (e.g., 101A).
A lower rating, such as 78A, means the wheels are more forgiving and have a higher level of shock absorption. This softness allows the wheels to roll smoothly over rough surfaces, cracks, and small debris. You will be able to experience a more comfortable and enjoyable ride while cruising around town with these.
Material – The wheels are strategically made from urethane using Ricta Cloud’s formula.
The 78A soft urethane is perfect for rolling smoothly and quickly while cruising.
All-Terrain Performance – The Clouds White wheels are designed to handle a wide range of terrains, including rough pavements and cracks, allowing skaters to ride comfortably and confidently in various conditions.
Comfort and Stability – The softer durometer and cloud formula contribute to a more comfortable ride, reducing vibrations and impact during landings. This also adds to the wheels’ stability, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced skateboarders.
Color – The wheels only comes in one color, which is white with blue fonts.
78D Core – A 78D core indicates that the core is relatively hard compared to the softer outer material, which has a durometer rating of 78A.
Hence, it’s a combination of a softer outer material (78A) and a harder core (78D).
The presence of a harder core (78D) provides several benefits including improved durability, increased speed and reduced deformation.
Features
Cloud Formula – RICTA’s Cloud formula is a proprietary blend of high-quality urethane that provides excellent shock absorption and a smooth ride over rough surfaces. This formula enhances the wheels’ overall performance and longevity.
High-Quality Construction – These are crafted with precision and attention to detail, ensuring a consistent and reliable product.
The high-quality construction makes them more durable.
Versatile Performance – These wheels are designed to be well-suited for all types of styles, whether it’s for a cruiser, technical tricks, or transition riding in skate parks.
Durable and Long-Lasting – RICTA’s Cloud formula is known for its durability, minimizing wear and tear on the wheels even after prolonged use.
Easy Installation – The standard size of 56mm allows for easy installation on most skateboard trucks, making them accessible for skateboarders of all levels.
Enhanced Control – The combination of the softer 78A rating and cloud formula provides better traction and control, allowing skaters to execute tricks and maneuvers more precisely.
Reduced Wheel Bite – The softer rating also reduces the likelihood of wheel bite, providing a smoother ride and preventing sudden stops during tight turns.
My Thoughts
Versatile – While the RICTA 56mm Clouds White 78A wheels are excellent for being a cruiser, they are also versatile enough to handle various surfaces and styles. They are good enough for street tricks, park riding, and transition skating.
Stylish Design – The Clouds White wheels feature an appealing white color, giving skateboarders a stylish option to complement their skateboard setup.
The fact that its not bulky and the fact that it comes with modern design means you’ll be able to cruise to various functions without being out of place.
Perfect for Rough Terrain – These are perfect if you like a soft and quiet ride even on rough terrains.
They are excellent at handling rough terrain and bad roads, making them ideal for cruising on uneven surfaces.
Smooth and Quiet Ride – The wheels’ softness and cloud formula provide a smooth and quiet riding experience, likened to riding on a cloud.
You can basically cruise on smoothly without worrying about bumps and rocks.
Great for Beginners – The wheels are highly recommended for beginners, as they offer a comfortable and stable ride. This helps make pushing the board much easier, and you’ll be able to learn much faster.
Not Ideal for Sliding – While the wheels excel in comfort and are great for a cruiser, they are not designed for sliding maneuvers due to their softness.
Suitable for Commuting – The wheels are well-suited for commuter decks and basic pushers, offering a pleasant and smooth ride for everyday transportation.
Definitely the go-to option if you want something to commute smoothly.
4. OJ Super Juice 60mm 78a
Company Overview – These are manufactured by OJ Wheels.
OJ Wheels is owned by NHS, Inc, which is a conglomerate in this space.
Therefore, you can bet that the these will be high-quality just by knowing which company manufactured it.
Characteristics
Size and Shape – It has a diameter of 60mm.
This size strikes a good balance between stability and agility, making them suitable for a variety of styles, from being a cruiser to being suitable for downhill rides.
60mm in diameter is relatively larger compared to what’s available in the market.
It’s more stable because it will have a wider wheelbase which makes it easier to maintain stability.
Plus, larger diameter wheels maintain momentum more efficiently because the wheels can maintain rotational energy. Of course, the downside is that you’ll need more energy to push in the initial phase.
The wheels are also known for their straightforward round shape, which helps ensure a smooth ride on various terrains.
Durometer (Hardness) – It has a rating of 78A.
This indicates that they are on the softer side of the hardness scale.
The 78A hardness provides excellent shock absorption, resulting in a smoother ride over rough surfaces.
As a result, you’ll be able to easily roll over cracks and pebbles without being heavily impacted, which helps make your ride smoother.
High-Rebound Urethane – These wheels are crafted from high-quality urethane material, known for its superior rebound properties.
This means that the wheels can compress and release energy efficiently, offering an extra burst of speed with each push. The high-rebound characteristic also contributes to maintaining momentum, reducing the need for frequent pushes, and prolonging the lifespan of the wheels.
This is why it can allow you to experience a smooth ride, some may even say the wheels are ‘buttery’.
Reinforced Plastic Core – These comes equipped with reinforced plastic core, which enhances the wheels’ overall performance and durability.
The core is the inner part of the wheel, hidden beneath the outer layer of urethane, and it is crucial for providing stability and strength to the wheels.
With this core, you will have improved stability because the reinforced plastic core ensures that the wheels maintain their shape and structure, even on rough surfaces.
This core also helps to distribute weight evenly, which helps maintain the wheels’ rotational balance. This is important to reduce chances of wobbling or uneven wear and tear.
Redesigned Chip-Resistant Shape – The redesigned chip-resistant shape is an improvement in the wheels’ construction, which helps to enhance durability and longevity.
With this characteristic, it becomes more resilient to impact and abrasions. This helps prevent the risk of chunks breaking off while cruising on rough roads. Therefore, it will have a longer lifespan.
This characteristic also help maintain its performance to be consistent over time. This is because there will be less deformations over time which negatively impact its performance.
Features
Bright Color Options – OJ Super Juice 60mm 78a wheels are available in a variety of eye-catching colors, providing skaters with the opportunity to customize their setups and showcase their personal style.
You’ll be able to choose from an array of colors such as Black, Blue, Citrus, Green, Mocha and Yellow.
High-Quality Construction – OJ Wheels is a reputable brand known for producing durable and reliable skateboard wheels.
With various characteristics such as the reinforced plastic core and chip-resistant shape, you can be confident in its quality.
Easy Installation – These wheels come with a standard skateboard wheel hub design, making them compatible with most skateboard trucks, allowing for a straightforward and hassle-free installation process.
Impact Absorption and Vibration Damping -The urethane material used has excellent shock absorption properties.
This feature not only provides a more forgiving ride but also helps reduce the amount of vibration transmitted to the rider’s feet and legs. Consequently, skaters can enjoy longer sessions without experiencing fatigue.
My Thoughts
Cruising and Longboarding Performance – These are made to excel in cruising and longboarding scenarios.
Due to their larger size and softness, they provide a smooth and stable ride, even at higher speeds. This makes them an ideal choice for skaters who enjoy relaxed rides and those who love commuting or covering long distances on their boards.
Versatile Terrain Usage – These wheels are designed to handle various terrains, including rough asphalt, sidewalks, and even some light downhill runs.
You’ll be able to roll smoothly over various terrains, including rough pavement, sidewalk cracks, and small gravel with ease.
Their 78A hardness and 60mm size offer a good balance of stability and slide capabilities, allowing skaters to maintain control on different surfaces while also having the freedom to perform slides and tricks.
Smooth and Versatile – These will allow you to experience a smooth ride even on harsh surfaces.
They will be able to roll smoothly over various terrains, including rough pavement, sidewalk cracks, and small gravel.
Basically, most obstacles won’t be a hindrance to you when you are equipped with these.
Perfect Cruiser – With these wheels, you will be able to cruise through rough pavements, bumpy roads and even sidewalk cracks with ease.
Therefore, these are perfect for cruising and commuting, as they provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience during longer rides.
Durable and Long-lasting – With its reinforced plastic core and chip resistant shape, these wheels can last a long time.
If you don’t believe me, bring it to the test. After skating with them, you will be able to see how these wheels are durable and have a long lifespan, making them a reliable choice for regular sessions.
5. Orangatang Fat Free 65mm 77A
Company Overview – The Orangatang Wheels is a subsidiary of Loaded Boards Inc., a company based in the United States.
The Orangatang Wheels was founded in 2008.
The team is driven by passion and a commitment to creating high-quality skateboard wheels for riders around the world.
The team focus on product quality and aim to make environmental conscious designs. The designs focus are to be functionally driven.
Characteristics
Size and Shape – These are 65mm in diameter, which strikes a balance between smaller, agile wheels and larger, more stable wheels.
With this size, you will be able to accelerate and maneuver with ease.
This size makes them versatile for various riding styles, including freeriding, carving, and downhill.
Durometer Rating (Hardness) – They come in 4 ratings: 77a (blue), 80a (orange), 83a (purple) and 86a (yellow).
With a rating of 77a to 86a, they are considered relatively soft.
These ratings offer a good blend of stability and slide capabilities, allowing riders to have control during slides while maintaining traction for carving and cruising.
Round-Lipped Design – They feature a rounded lips design, which promotes smooth and predictable slides.
This design is well-suited for freeride and slide tricks, as it allows riders to initiate and control slides more easily.
Thane Formula – Orangatang wheels are renowned for their proprietary Orangatang “thane” formula, which refers to the specific urethane blend used in their construction.
The urethane formula is made to ensure that the wheels can roll fast and smooth.
The premium urethane allows you to enjoy a buttery-smooth slide and excellent durability.
Features
Freeride Performance – They are designed with freeriding in mind, making them an excellent choice for riders who enjoy sliding and performing tricks.
Their soft durometer and round-lipped design provide the necessary characteristics for smooth and controlled slides.
These are designed to provide easy slides on smaller sized longboards such as double-kick skateboards and minis.
Smooth and Comfortable Ride – The 65mm diameter and 80a hardness are vital in letting you experience a smooth and comfortable ride.
These characteristics are great at absorbing minor bumps and cracks on the road. This ensures a more enjoyable experience during longer rides and freeride sessions.
Versatile Terrain Usage – These wheels can handle various terrains, from smooth pavements to slightly rougher surfaces.
They offer enough traction for carving and cruising, yet they are slide-friendly, giving riders the freedom to explore different environments and styles.
Durable Construction – Orangatang’s proprietary “thane” formula contributes to the wheels’ durability and resistance to wear, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of freeride and extended use.
This formula also helps prevent chunking, where large pieces of urethane break off due to bumps.
This helps ensure that the wheels retain their shape and performance, which is crucial for long-term use.
High-Quality Materials – Orangatang is known for using top-quality materials in their wheel manufacturing process.
These wheels are no exception, where it is built to be a high-performance product that meets the demands of freeride enthusiasts.
My Thoughts
Smooth Slides – These perform very well for slides, offering a smooth and controlled experience.
Ripping – Since they are soft, if you ride them carelessly on rough roads, they will eventually start splitting.
This is the drawback of having wheels with a softer hardness.
Excellent for Freeriding – The wheels were appreciated for their suitability in freeride longboarding, allowing for big slides and enjoyable rides.
These helps make your commute much more fun and smooth.
Reduced Noise – Due to it being softer, it has reduced noise when riding on bumpy roads, contributing to a more comfortable cruiser experience.
6. Powell Peralta G-Slides 85a
Company Overview – Powell Pereta is a renowned multinational conglomerate with a rich history.
The company was founded in 1957 by two visionary entrepreneurs, George Powell (engineer from Stanford University) and Stacy Peralta (a professional skateboarder), who combined their expertise and resources to establish a business that would eventually become a global leader in various industries.
One of the key factors behind Powell Peralta’s continued success is its unwavering focus on innovation and research. The company invests heavily in research and development, ensuring that they stay at the forefront of emerging technologies and industry trends.
This commitment to innovation has enabled them to develop cutting-edge products and services that cater to the evolving needs of their global clientele.
Characteristics
Durometer rating – They come with a rating of 85a, which means they are relatively soft.
This softness provides a smooth and forgiving ride, making them suitable for various terrains and enhancing traction for better control.
Having an 85a rating helps strike a balance between grip and slide performance, making them great cruiser wheels which are suitable for carving and freeride activities.
Urethane construction – These wheels are crafted using high-quality urethane, ensuring durability and resistance to wear and tear. The robust construction allows the wheels last longer.
Additionally, polyurethane has good shock-absorbing properties, which can help reduce vibrations and impacts when riding over cracks, bumps, or uneven surfaces. This feature contributes to a smoother and more comfortable ride.
Wheel Size – These wheels come in two sizes, 56mm in diameter or 59mm in diameter.
With 56mm in diameter, it will have a width of 38mm. With 59mm in diameter, it will have a width of 40mm.
Smaller wheels, like the 56mm ones, are generally preferred by skateboarders who prioritize technical tricks and street skating. They offer a lower center of gravity, which can aid in stability during tricks and maneuvers.
While the 59mm ones are suitable for cruising, downhill riding, and to be used on rough or uneven surfaces. The increased diameter allows the wheels to roll more smoothly over cracks, rocks, and other obstacles, providing a more stable and comfortable ride on challenging terrains.
With these options, you will be able to choose the diameter that best suits your preferences and style.
Soft Slide Wheel Formula – Having the soft slide wheel formula means that these are designed to offer excellent sliding capabilities although it has a softer durometer rating.
This proprietary formula was made to enhance the wheels’ slide performance.
Therefore, this is a top choice among freeride and slide enthusiasts. These wheels excel in executing slides while maintaining control and stability.
Features
All-terrain Performance – The versatile characteristics of the G-Slides allow them to perform well on different types of terrain.
Whether it’s concrete parks, ramps, or rough streets, these wheels maintain a consistent level of performance, enhancing the overall experience.
Smooth ride and grip – The 85a rating ensures a smoother ride over rough surfaces and better traction on various terrains, contributing to a more enjoyable and controlled skateboarding experience.
Durable – Thanks to the high-quality urethane construction, the G-Slides offer excellent durability, making them a reliable and long-lasting choice for skateboarders.
Versatility – These wheels are designed to cater to different styles. Whether you’re into carving, cruising, performing tricks, or high-speed runs, the G-Slides offer a versatile performance for skateboarders of all skill levels.
Built with a Core – The G-Slides comes with a core.
The core reinforces the wheel’s structure and provides better support during extreme skateboarding sessions. The enhanced core also contributes to the wheel’s overall strength and durability.
They are not too heavy too because they have a core.
My Thoughts
Excellent for Cruising – You can basically cruise on almost any surface with these.
You will be able to ride comfortably and with minimal worries because they will be able to absorb all the impact.
Their smooth rolling capabilities will allow you to glide over rough and uneven surfaces with ease.
Versatile – The G-Slides are considered an all-around wheel, catering to various skateboarding styles, from being a cruiser to street skating to sliding longboard setups.
They’re able to get you through rough roads smoothly, and you’ll still be able to slide with them.
It’s one of the best ones around for travelling from your street to a skate park.
Can Slide – The fact that these wheels can slide is a big bonus!
Despite a softer rating, they still have the ability to slide, making them suitable for performing tricks and maneuvers with control and consistency.
Amazing Grip and Speed – The wheels offer a good balance of balance and speed, making them effective for different terrains and scenarios.
With its amazing traction and smooth roll, you’ll feel much safer on your skateboard.
Conclusion
I hope we have given you an in-depth look on the best candidates for cruising in the market.
Do reach out to us if you have any questions or comments!
I am Jeremy, the outdoor enthusiast behind Survive the Outdoor. I love all things about backpacking, travel, hiking and just spending my time in nature. After years of experience testing out various gears, I’ve decided to write this blog to help out as many people as possible.