8 Best Longboard Wheels for Cruising 2026

The Rayne Envy isn’t just another wheel—it’s a cult classic born from real-world feedback and relentless testing. With a 70mm diameter and 77A durometer, these wheels strike a rare balance: soft enough to grip during high-speed carves, yet firm enough to break free into predictable, chatter-free slides. The rounded lips and side-set core are engineered for freeride dominance, making them a favorite for skaters who demand maximum slide control without sacrificing downhill stability. If you’re tired of wheels that either stick too hard or slide out unexpectedly, the Envy delivers the sweet spot in freeride performance.

Out on the pavement, these wheels shine in urban environments where sudden stops and technical slides are part of the ride. Whether you’re slashing alleys, hitting a slopestyle run, or just commuting with flair, the Envy handles transition from grip to slide like a pro. They roll smoothly over minor cracks and maintain momentum well, though their 70mm size means they’re not ideal for extremely rough terrain. While they offer solid shock absorption, deeper potholes can still jar your ride—this is a precision freeride wheel, not an all-terrain monster. Still, their consistent urethane formula ensures long-term reliability and clean, thick thane lines.

Compared to the larger Orangatang Caguama, the Envy trades raw roll-over ability for agility and slide responsiveness. It’s the go-to choice for skaters focused on technical downhill and freeride, rather than long-distance pushing. Against the Cloud Ride Cruiser 69mm, it offers a slightly more playful, community-refined feel with better breakaway predictability. For riders who want a trusted, slide-optimized wheel that’s been battle-tested by thousands, the Rayne Envy stands tall—even if it doesn’t dominate on ultra-rough streets.

When it comes to smooth cruising over rough city streets, the BRAVORD 70mm 82A wheels deliver an unexpectedly refined ride. The frosted surface texture isn’t just for looks—it actively enhances traction and slip resistance, giving you confidence on wet paint, slick crosswalks, or dusty pavement. At 82A, the durometer strikes a smart middle ground: firm enough for speed and durability, soft enough to absorb vibrations from cracked sidewalks and uneven concrete. These are engineered for comfort, making every commute feel like a glide rather than a grind.

In real-world use, these wheels excel at urban carving and casual pushing, where reliability and ride quality matter most. Their 70mm size rolls over debris and cracks with ease, and the noise-reducing urethane means you won’t be announcing your presence with every revolution. However, their harder compound isn’t built for aggressive sliding—expect resistance when trying to break free, and minimal thane line feedback. They grip well in turns, but lack the high-rebound responsiveness of premium freeride formulas, making them less ideal for downhill or technical riding.

Compared to the Cloud Ride Cruiser 69mm, the BRAVORD wheels offer a smoother, quieter ride on poor surfaces but fall short in versatility. They don’t slide as easily, nor do they have the same playful character. Against the Rayne Envy, they lose points for slide performance, but win for sheer comfort in daily cruising. If your priority is a plush, dependable roll over broken pavement without breaking the bank, the BRAVORD set makes a compelling case—even if it doesn’t thrill advanced riders.

The Shark Wheel 72mm 78A defies convention with its DNA-inspired wave design, a radical departure from traditional circular profiles. This isn’t just aesthetic flair—the zig-zag tread pattern actively deflects pebbles, cracks, and debris, allowing the wheel to maintain momentum where others would stutter or hang up. At 78A, the durometer balances grip and roll, while the 72mm diameter offers extra ground clearance, making these one of the most all-terrain capable options in the lineup. For skaters navigating construction zones, gravel patches, or uneven sidewalks, these wheels offer unmatched obstacle handling.

On the street, the Shark Wheels deliver a surprisingly smooth and fast ride, especially on fragmented pavement. The unique shape reduces surface contact dynamically, minimizing drag and vibration. You’ll notice fewer speed-killing interruptions, even on roads that would normally require detours. However, this innovation comes at a cost: sliding is inconsistent. The alternating contact points make breakaways unpredictable, and carving feels less fluid than with round wheels. They’re not built for freeride or downhill control, and the lack of thane feedback leaves advanced riders wanting more.

Against the Orangatang Caguama, the Shark Wheel loses in sheer comfort and grip due to its reduced contact patch, despite being nearly the same size. Compared to the BRAVORD 70mm, it handles rougher terrain better but sacrifices ride quality on smooth surfaces. These are niche wheels for niche riders—ideal for explorers and off-the-beaten-path cruisers who value terrain adaptability over traditional performance. While they don’t replace a true freeride or LDP setup, their innovative design opens new possibilities for urban navigation.

The Cloud Ride Street Cruiser 65mm 78A is a masterclass in versatile urethane engineering, delivering a ride that’s equally at home on a downtown cruise or a steep hill run. Despite their compact 65mm size, these pre-stone-ground wheels break in instantly, offering predictable, controllable slides right out of the box—no tedious wear-in period needed. The 78A durometer and well-rounded lip create a sweet spot between grip and slip, making them ideal for beginners learning to slide and intermediates who want consistency. Whether you’re setting up a double-kick cruiser or a park-and-street board, these wheels adapt effortlessly.

In practice, they roll smoothly over cracks and small rocks, though their smaller diameter means they’re more sensitive to deep gaps than larger wheels. The high-rebound urethane gives them a lively feel, enhancing responsiveness during carves and kick-turns. They slow you down effectively during slides and leave thick, satisfying thane lines, a badge of honor for freeriders. However, their faster wear rate means they won’t last as long as harder compounds, especially with frequent sliding. They’re also not the best choice for long-distance pushing due to smaller diameter and reduced momentum.

Pitted against the Cloud Ride Cruiser 69mm, the Street Cruiser trades some grip and roll speed for greater agility and slide ease. Compared to the RaceBon 60mm, they offer superior smoothness and control, despite a higher price. These wheels are the Swiss Army knife of cruising: not the fastest, not the grippiest, but exceptionally well-rounded. For skaters who want one set of wheels to handle carving, commuting, and freeride, the Street Cruiser is a top-tier choice with few compromises.

The GHOST BOARDS Jelly Phantoms 70mm 78A stand out not just for performance, but for instant readiness and visual flair. These wheels come pre-installed with ABEC-7 bearings, eliminating setup hassle and letting you roll immediately—perfect for beginners or anyone upgrading a board quickly. The 78A urethane delivers a plush, vibration-damping ride, gripping confidently on asphalt and concrete while still allowing for smooth slides when desired. Their 70mm size offers a balanced blend of speed and maneuverability, making them ideal for street cruising, light carving, and park sessions.

On real-world terrain, the Jelly Phantoms absorb bumps and cracks with ease, thanks to their soft, responsive PU compound. They handle transitions and curbs better than smaller wheels and maintain stability at moderate speeds. The semi-transparent, glow-enhanced design adds visibility in low light, a thoughtful touch for evening riders. However, the included ABEC-7 bearings are functional but not high-performance—don’t expect race-level speed or longevity. And while the wheels are durable, they’re not built for aggressive downhill or constant sliding, where faster wear becomes noticeable.

Compared to the RaceBon 60mm set, the Jelly Phantoms offer better ride quality and larger diameter, along with superior aesthetics. Against the BRAVORD 70mm, they’re more focused on style and convenience than raw durability. These wheels are best for recreational riders who value ease of use and standout looks without sacrificing too much performance. While they don’t match premium urethane in slide control, they deliver solid all-around function with a glow-up bonus—making them a smart pick for urban cruisers who ride after dark.

The Orangatang Caguama 85mm is the undisputed king of effortless momentum and plush cruising, engineered for skaters who prioritize smoothness, speed, and terrain domination. With a massive 85mm diameter and 56mm contact patch, these wheels plow over cracks, pebbles, and rough pavement like nothing else in the lineup. The Happy Thane urethane is legendary—plush, grippy, and fast-rebounding—delivering a ride that feels both stable and alive. Whether you’re pushing for miles or building speed on an e-board, the Caguama keeps rolling with minimal resistance.

In real-world testing, these wheels redefine what’s possible on poor surfaces. They maintain speed beautifully, thanks to their large, lightweight core that enhances acceleration without sacrificing durability. The subtly rounded edges ensure smooth crack crossings, reducing chatter and wobble. However, their size and grip make them overkill for technical sliding or tight urban carving—they resist breakaway and feel sluggish in quick turns. They’re also heavier, which can affect board flick for trick-focused riders. But for long-distance pushing, downhill cruising, or e-skate builds, few wheels match their composure.

Compared to the Shark Wheel 72mm, the Caguama offers a smoother, more stable ride on both rough and smooth surfaces, despite lacking debris-deflecting geometry. Against the BRAVORD 70mm, it’s in a completely different league—larger, faster, and far more refined. These are premium wheels for premium setups, ideal for riders who want the best overall performance without compromise. While they’re not slide-focused, their unrivaled roll and comfort make them worth every penny for distance and commuter riders.

The Cloud Ride Cruiser 69mm 78A hits the perfect equilibrium between grip and slide, making it one of the most well-balanced wheels for mixed-terrain riders. At 69mm and 78A, it offers more roll speed and bump absorption than smaller wheels, while still being agile enough for quick turns and controlled slides. The square-lipped design provides strong cornering grip, yet the high-rebound urethane allows it to break free smoothly when leaned into a slide. This duality makes it ideal for skaters who cruise one minute and freeride the next.

On the street, these wheels handle cracks and gravel with confidence, maintaining stability at speed without feeling sluggish. They offer rapid deceleration during slides and leave bold thane lines—proof of their freeride pedigree. However, like all 78A urethanes, they wear faster under heavy sliding, so frequent freeriders may need replacements sooner. They’re also not the quietest option, with a slight hum on smooth pavement. Still, their durability and attention to detail reflect Cloud Ride’s commitment to quality.

Compared to the Street Cruiser 65mm, the 69mm version offers better roll speed and grip, making it more suited for downhill and LDP. Against the Orangatang Caguama, it loses in sheer size and momentum but wins in slide versatility and agility. These are the ultimate hybrid wheels—not the biggest, not the softest, but optimized for riders who do a bit of everything. If you want one set to handle carving, cruising, and freeride, this is the gold standard.

The RaceBon 60mm 78A is the ultimate budget-friendly starter wheel, designed for new skaters or DIY builders who want functionality without frills. At just 60mm, these wheels are compact and lightweight, making them ideal for penny-style boards or small cruisers where agility matters more than speed. The 78A durometer offers a smart balance—soft enough for grip, firm enough to slide—and the high-resilience PU ensures a decently smooth ride on clean pavement. Plus, they come with free 608 steel bearings and spacers, so you’re ready to roll immediately.

In real use, they perform well on smooth surfaces, offering responsive turns and basic shock absorption. They’re perfect for short commutes, sidewalk cruising, or learning basic slides. However, their small size struggles on rough terrain—cracks and pebbles can jolt your ride, and they lose momentum quickly. The included bearings are pre-lubricated and low-friction, but they’re not high-speed or long-lasting, best suited for casual use. And while the wheels are durable for the price, they lack the refined urethane feel of premium brands.

Compared to the GHOST BOARDS Jelly Phantoms, they’re smaller and less comfortable, but nearly half the price. Against the Cloud Ride Street Cruiser, they’re less versatile and less smooth. Still, for beginners or budget builds, the RaceBon set delivers essential performance with zero setup hassle. It’s not built for speed or advanced tricks, but as a starter wheel that gets you rolling, it’s hard to beat.