Cruising with small, hard wheels isn’t a fun time. If that sounds like your setup, it’s time for some soft skateboard wheels.
Here’s a list of the best cruising wheels based on my experience.
What are the best skateboard wheels for cruising?
Powell, OJ, Hawgs, Seismic & Orangatang use quality urethane formulas. Depending on your setup/riding style, go for a 55-65mm size. You can go larger but will run into wheelbite issues. Regardless of the size, you’ll probably need thicker riser pads to prevent wheelbite.
59mm Powell G-Slides
Durometer: 85a
Lip Profile: Rounded
Core Placement: Centerset
Powell Peralta is a veteran of the skate industry. The G-Slides are an extremely versatile cruiser wheel. They also offer it in 56mm size.
60mm OJ Super Juice
Durometer: 78a
Lip Profile: Rounded
Core Placement: Offset
The OJ Super Juice wheels are the brainchild of NHS Skate Direct. They started in the 70s when the skate wheel went from clay to urethane.
63mm Fatty Hawgs
Durometer: 78a
Lip Profile: Rounded
Core Placement: Offset
Hawgs is Landyachtz’s wheel company. Their urethane formula never disappoints. Not to mention they have many colors to choose from.
63mm Seismic Hot Spot
Durometer: 81a – 92a
Lip Profile: Sharp
Core Placement: Offset
Seismic Skate Systems has been making wheels for over two decades. They’re probably the most dedicated company when it comes to innovating.
65mm Love Handles
Durometer: 77a – 81a
Lip Profile: Sharp
Core Placement: Offset
Orangatang is
How to choose a cruiser wheel?
Below are things to consider when picking a cruiser wheel.
- Size
- Hardness
- Lip profile
- Core placement
If you want a deeper dive into wheels, check this guide.
Wheel Size
You’ll want something beefier / softer than your average street wheel. A small wheel will accelerate faster, but a larger one will have a higher top speed. Your setup probably has traditional kingpin trucks, offering less clearance than reverse kingpins. Be careful of wheelbite!
If you upgrade to larger wheels, you’ll likely need thicker riser pads.
Urethane Durometer
Durometer is the measurement used for the softness/hardness of the wheel. The higher the number (example – 101a), the harder the wheel. Usually, street skateboards have 99a+ wheels. But what works with a street setup won’t be ideal for a cruising skateboard.
You’ll want a softer wheel that absorbs rougher terrain, making for a smoother ride. 78a-85a range is average for cruising skateboard wheels.
Lip Profile
The lip profile is the edge of the wheel. To keep it simple, there’s a sharp or rounded lip. The purpose of a sharp lip is to grip the pavement more effectively when doing deeper carves. Rounded lips are easy to break traction for slides.
Core Placement
Offset cores are placed closer to one side, which provides more grip for carving. Centerset cores are placed (you guessed it) in the center and are easier to slide.
