Best Longboard Wheels for Sliding and Freeride You Can Buy
The best longboard wheels for sliding are those that balance easy breakouts with predictable control. This guide helps buyers choose wheels designed for sliding, freeride, and carving, with a focus on softer durometers and slide-friendly shapes. Ideal buyers include beginners learning to slide, intermediate riders exploring freeride, and downhill fans who want smoother slides without losing grip in turns.
| Product | Diameter | Durometer | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud Ride! Slusheez | 62 mm | 78A | Beginner to intermediate sliding, smooth kicks, easy slides |
| Cloud Ride! Iceeez | 59 mm | 78A | Learning to slide, compact setups, stable freeride |
| Rayne Envy | 70 mm | 80A | Downhill cruising, smooth slides, all-around freeride |
| BRAVORD 70mm | 70 mm | 78A | Durable, versatile sliding and cruising |
| Orangatang Stimulus | 70 mm | 86A | Freeride tricks and controlled slides |
Fireball Beast 76mm Longboard Wheels 87a
Brand: Fireball. These wheels use a USA-made ‘R-Type’ formula designed for downhill cruising and sliding on longboards, skateboards, and cruisers. The 76mm diameter with 87a urethane offers a fast ride with smooth roll over debris. Beveled edges and an offset core provide a balanced slip-to-grip ratio. SlidePrepped surface helps initiate clean slides. Best for riders who want aggressive downhill capability with the option to slide on command. Caution: higher durometer may require more technique for easy slides on rough surfaces. Suitable for advanced freeride and downhill setups.
Cloud Ride Slusheez 62mm 78A
Brand: Cloud Ride!. Slusheez are described as a slidey freeride wheel with the “Slush” urethane formula and rounded lips. They are pre-ground for consistent slides and feature an offset bearing mount for balance across riding styles. Best for riders who want a gentle transition into slides with predictable control on pavements and sidewalks.
- Best for: new to intermediate sliders seeking forgiving slides
- Limitations: slightly smaller diameter may feel slower on tall hills
Cloud Ride Iceeez 59mm 78A
Brand: Cloud Ride!. Iceeez are ultra slick, small-diameter wheels with a special “Ice” formula for smooth slides and consistent speed. Their softer urethane helps maintain grip in the initial phase of a slide and supports long, predictable drifts. Best for riders learning slides or needing a compact setup for trickier terrain.
- Best for: learning slides, compact boards, smooth freeride
- Limitation: smaller diameter can reduce top speed on long descents
Bigfoot 76mm 80A SHR
Brand: Bigfoot. 76mm diameter with 80A SHR (Super High Rebound) offers solid grip at high speeds and stable turns, with an offset core to promote more controlled slides. Best for riders who want reliable high-speed downhill capability with dependable slide entries. Caution: higher rebound may demand stronger carving technique on rough pavement.
Rayne Envy Longboard Wheels
Brand: Rayne. This wheel balances downhill cruising with sliding capability. At 70mm and 80A, Envy wheels are designed for durability and predictable slides. Best for riders who want a versatile wheel that handles street cruising, freeride, and quick bus-stop slides. Limitation: a little less float for long, slow slides compared to softer 78A wheels.
BRAVORD 70mm 78A Pack
Brand: BRAVORD. A 70mm wheel with 78A polyurethane, designed for cruising and sliding on diverse surfaces. The frosted surface provides slip resistance, aiding control during turns and slides. Best for riders who want a stable, colorful wheel with durable construction. Caution: smaller diameter may feel less stable at very high speeds.
Orangatang Stimulus 70mm 86A
Brand: Orangatang. The Stimulus is a versatile freeride wheel at 70mm with 86A durometer. It supports smooth, predictable slides and is well-suited for riders who want performance in both sliding and freestyle tricks. Best for experienced riders who prefer a quicker slide release with a stable plan on hills. Caution: firmer than typical slide wheels, which may require more edge control in rough conditions.
Buying Guide
What wheel size should I pick for sliding? Smaller diameters (around 59–62 mm) are easier to initiate slides and require less momentum, which helps beginners. Medium sizes (66–70 mm) offer a balance of speed and stability for freeride and downhill. Larger wheels (72–76 mm) roll over debris better and can feel more stable at speed but may be less forgiving for early slides.
What durometer is best for sliding? Softer wheels (78A–80A) provide more grip during the initial slide and easier slide initiation. Firmer wheels (82A+) slide less predictably but offer longer wear and faster roll on smooth pavement. Choose 78A–80A for consistent, controllable slides.
Should I prefer rounded lips or square lips? Rounded lips help with smooth, entry-level slides and easy release, while square lips deliver more bite and control for advanced riders performing punchier slides. Pre-ground wheels (as listed) help ensure consistent slides straight out of the package.
What about core position and offset? Offset cores shift urethane mass to promote stable slides and predictable grip during carving. Wheels with offset cores often feel more balanced on diverse terrains.
Durability and riding surface: Softer wheels wear faster on rough asphalt. If you ride mostly on rough pavement, consider a slightly firmer 80A wheel with a durable urethane blend, but expect a trade-off in slide ease.
FAQ
- What wheel size is easiest for sliding novices? Smaller diameters (around 59–62 mm) are easiest to initiate slides and require less momentum.
- Are softer wheels better for sliding? Yes, 78A–80A wheels generally offer more predictable slides and easier initiation than harder wheels.
- Can I mix wheels for sliding on a single setup? Yes, many riders mix a softer wheel in the rear for stability and a slightly firmer wheel in the front for grip and control.
- Do rounded lips improve sliding? Rounded lips usually provide smoother entry and predictable slides, ideal for beginners and intermediates.
- Is a higher diameter better for downhill sliding? Larger wheels roll over debris more easily and can maintain speed, but may be less forgiving on slides for beginners.
- Which wheel is best for all-around cruising and sliding? Wheels like Rayne Envy offer a blend of downhill capability and slide performance, suitable for riders seeking versatility.