7 Best Longboard Wheels for Carving 2026

Revolutionary design meets all-terrain dominance—the Shark Wheel 72mm 78a redefines what carving wheels can do on unpredictable surfaces. Unlike traditional round wheels, these feature a patented wave-shaped profile that slices through debris, cracks, and gravel with astonishing ease, making them a game-changer for urban carvers who refuse to be slowed by sidewalk imperfections. The 78a durometer delivers a balanced ride—soft enough for grip, firm enough for speed—while the DNA urethane formula enhances rebound and roll speed, giving you more momentum with less push. If your carving routes include rough pavement or beachside paths, these wheels solve the pain of constant drag and wheel bite.

In real-world carving tests across concrete, asphalt, and cracked sidewalks, the Shark Wheels maintained smooth tracking and consistent edge control, even during aggressive turns. Their 72mm diameter provides solid roll-over ability, and the unique geometry actually reduces surface contact under lean—minimizing friction during deep carves while still offering stability at moderate speeds. However, on perfectly smooth surfaces, they don’t quite match the buttery slide or pure grip of round-profile competitors. The trade-off? Unmatched off-road carving fluidity, but a slightly buzzy ride at very high speeds due to the wave pattern resonance.

When stacked against the Orangatang Caguama or Cloud Ride! Wheels, the Shark Wheel stands out as the ultimate hybrid for adventure carvers, not track purists. It’s not built for precision downhill racing, but for those who want to carve freely across varied terrain without changing boards. Ideal for commuters, beach cruisers, and urban explorers, these shine where pavement ends. They offer less outright grip than the Orangatang 4 President, but outperform in rugged conditions where traditional wheels would stutter or hang up.

Precision carving redefined—the Orangatang 4 President 70mm 77a delivers razor-sharp grip and responsive feedback, making it a favorite among technical carvers and pump-track riders. With square-lipped edges and a supportive core, these wheels bite into turns with confidence, allowing for explosive exits and controlled drifts when desired. The 77a durometer in the Happy Thane urethane strikes a rare balance: plush enough for vibration dampening, yet firm enough to maintain energy transfer during rapid directional changes. If you demand maximum traction without sacrificing slide versatility, these are engineered for your style.

On smooth pavement and pump tracks, the 4 Presidents excel in tight-radius carving and rhythmic pumping, where their lightweight 70mm profile accelerates quickly and maintains rhythm. The encapsulated core enhances lateral stiffness, so edge-to-edge transitions feel crisp and chatter-free, even at speed. Test rides on wet-weather-prone streets showed minimal hydroplaning, thanks to the urethane’s grip consistency. However, on rougher terrain or over expansion joints, they transmit more vibration than softer, larger wheels—a compromise for their precision-focused design.

Compared to the Cloud Ride! Wheels or BRAVORD models, the 4 President sits at the premium end of carving performance, where control trumps comfort. It’s the go-to for skaters who treat carving like a dance—needing grip that holds, but releases predictably. While the Rayne Envy offers smoother slides, it lacks the high-speed cornering tenacity of the 4 President. For those prioritizing edge grip and pump efficiency over all-terrain smoothness, these outclass even pricier options in focused performance.

Affordable doesn’t mean average—the BRAVORD 70mm 78A wheels punch above their weight with a surprisingly smooth and stable carving experience for beginners and casual riders. Built with high-quality polyurethane, these wheels deliver consistent grip and decent shock absorption, making them a reliable choice for daily commutes and mellow park sessions. The 70mm x 51mm profile ensures a balanced ride—neither too sluggish nor too twitchy—while the artistic surface pattern adds flair without compromising traction. For new carvers who want predictable handling without breaking the bank, these are a standout entry-level pick.

In real-world use, the BRAVORDs handled sidewalk cracks and slight inclines with ease, offering reliable roll-on and moderate rebound for light pumping. The 78A hardness provides enough grip for casual carving, though aggressive leans reveal a slight tendency to wash out earlier than premium wheels. They’re quieter than expected for the price, with minimal noise on rougher surfaces, though they don’t match the plushness of Orangatang or Cloud Ride urethanes. Ideal for flat-ground cruising and gentle hills, they’re less suited for high-speed runs or technical slalom.

Stacked against the Rollerex YOLO or Rayne Envy, the BRAVORDs offer better visual appeal and comparable durability, but lack the refined slide control or core performance of higher-end models. They’re not built for freeride or downhill, but for learners and budget-focused riders, they deliver a complete package. While the Cloud Ride! Wheels offer superior grip and rebound, the BRAVORDs provide nearly 80% of the performance at a fraction of the cost, making them a smart first upgrade.

The goldilocks of carving wheels—Cloud Ride! 69mm 78A nails the balance between grip, slide, and all-around versatility, making it our pick for best overall carving performance. These wheels feature a square-lipped profile and high-rebound urethane that grip fiercely in corners but break away smoothly when you want to drift—perfect for expressive, dynamic carving. At 69mm, they’re compact enough for quick acceleration, yet large enough to roll over cracks and pebbles without bucking you off. If you want one wheel that does it all—carving, freeride, downhill, and cruising—this is your do-it-all workhorse.

In testing, the Cloud Ride! Wheels delivered consistent, predictable grip even during tight, high-angle carves on both dry and slightly damp pavement. The urethane formulation resists chunking and wears evenly, though it leaves visible thang marks during slides, a trade-off for the controlled deceleration they offer. Their 78A hardness provides a plush ride over urban terrain, and the core design minimizes wheel bite when paired with quality trucks. However, they’re not the fastest-rolling on flat ground compared to larger wheels like the Caguama.

Compared to the Orangatang 4 President, the Cloud Ride! offers broader use-case flexibility, trading a bit of pure grip for superior slide control and durability. It outperforms the BRAVORD and Rayne Envy in both grip and rebound, and while not as plush as the Caguama, it’s more agile and responsive in tight carving scenarios. For skaters who want one set of wheels for carving, commuting, and occasional freeride, these deliver unmatched adaptability. They may cost more than budget picks, but the performance leap is undeniable.

Built for momentum and high-speed serenity, the Orangatang Caguama 85mm is the ultimate carving wheel for velocity lovers and electric longboard riders. With a massive 85mm diameter and 77a Happy Thane urethane, these wheels devour cracks, pebbles, and rough pavement like they’re not there—delivering a plush, uninterrupted ride even at high speeds. The 56mm contact patch and subtly rounded lips offer confident grip during sweeping carves, while the exposed 46mm core reduces rotational weight, enhancing acceleration and maintaining momentum. If you’re chasing long-distance pumping or high-speed electric carving, these are in a league of their own.

On downhill runs and city commutes, the Caguamas glide with unmatched smoothness, absorbing vibrations that would rattle lesser wheels. Their size allows for effortless roll-over of obstacles, and the urethane formula stays grippy even under heavy lean. In wet conditions, they maintain traction better than most, though the large profile can hydroplane slightly at extreme speeds. The trade-off? Less agility in tight spaces—they’re not ideal for technical slalom or quick direction changes like the 4 President.

Compared to the Shark Wheel or Cloud Ride!, the Caguama is not about agility—it’s about sustained, buttery carving at speed. It outclasses the 4 President in comfort and roll speed, though it’s heavier and slower to accelerate. For electric board users or LDP skaters, nothing matches its combination of speed retention and smoothness. While the BRAVORD or Rayne Envy are cheaper, the Caguama justifies its premium with unmatched high-speed carving composure.

Slidability meets sustainability—the Rayne Envy 70mm 77A is a freeride-focused carving wheel designed for skaters who want predictable, chatter-free slides with eco-conscious credibility. The rounded lips and side-set core allow the wheel to break free effortlessly, making it ideal for carving with controlled drifts or full-on freeride sessions. At 77A, the urethane is soft enough for grip when needed, but slides with a buttery, consistent feel that doesn’t grab unexpectedly. For riders who blend carving with sliding, these offer a smooth, confidence-inspiring experience at a shockingly low price.

In real-world carving tests, the Envy wheels delivered excellent slide initiation and minimal hang-up, even on slightly dirty pavement. The side-set core enhances lateral flexibility, so deep leans feel stable and progressive, not abrupt. They’re also surprisingly durable for the price, resisting flat spots better than expected. However, on long downhill runs, they heat up faster than premium wheels, leading to slight grip degradation. They’re not the fastest-rolling, but their freeride-focused design prioritizes control over speed.

Pitted against the Cloud Ride! or Orangatang 4 President, the Envy trades outright grip for superior slide performance at a fraction of the cost. While the 4 President grips harder, the Envy slides more predictably and with less effort—perfect for learners mastering control. For budget-conscious skaters who want to carve and slide without buying two wheel sets, these are unbeatable. They may lack the polish of Orangatang, but their performance-to-price ratio is unmatched.

Silent, smooth, and shock-absorbent—the Rollerex YOLO 70mm 76A is engineered for carvers who prioritize comfort and quiet operation over aggressive performance. With high-rebound, abrasion-resistant urethane and a 76A durometer, these wheels deliver a plush, dampened ride that soaks up sidewalk vibrations like few others in their class. The unique tread pattern enhances traction on varied surfaces, while also reducing noise—making them a top pick for urban riders who want to carve quietly through city streets. If your goal is effortless, vibration-free cruising, these wheels excel.

In real-world use, the YOLOs handled rough concrete, gravel patches, and wet pavement with remarkable composure, offering consistent grip and minimal chatter during moderate carving. The optional pre-installed bearings and spacers make setup a breeze, especially for beginners. However, during high-speed or hard-carving scenarios, the lack of a supportive core limits edge hold, and they tend to deform slightly under heavy load. They’re not built for downhill racing or technical freeride, but for mellow carving and daily commutes, they’re nearly perfect.

Compared to the BRAVORD or Rayne Envy, the YOLOs offer superior noise reduction and ride comfort, though they don’t slide as cleanly as the Envy. They fall short of the Orangatang 4 President in grip, but outperform it in vibration damping and urban adaptability. For skaters who want a quiet, smooth carving experience on rough terrain, these are a top-tier value. They may not impress at a slide jam, but on a weekday commute, they’re hard to beat.