How Are Longboard Wheels Measured

Do you love longboarding but find yourself confused about how longboard wheels are measured? Understanding the measurement system for longboard wheels is essential for choosing the right wheels for your riding style and preferences. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, knowing how to measure longboard wheels will help you make an informed decision and enhance your riding experience.

Longboard wheels come in various sizes, durometers, and shapes, and understanding the measurement system is crucial for selecting the perfect wheels for your needs. By understanding how longboard wheels are measured, you can ensure a smooth and comfortable ride, achieve optimal performance, and have better control over your longboard.

In this article, we will dive into the world of longboard wheels and explore the different aspects of their measurement, including diameter, durometer, and contact patch, to help you make the best choice for your longboarding adventures.

The measurement of longboard wheels.

Longboard wheels are measured using a combination of factors that determine their size, durometer, width, contact patch, and lip profile. These measurements play a crucial role in determining the performance and suitability of the wheels for different riding styles and terrains.

Wheel size is measured in diameter, typically ranging from 60mm to 75mm or more. Larger wheels provide a smoother ride over rough surfaces and offer more speed for downhill riding. Smaller wheels, on the other hand, are preferred for freeride and flip tricks due to their quick acceleration.

Durometer refers to the hardness of the wheel, which is measured using a scale from 78A to 101A. Harder wheels (85A and above) are ideal for sliding and riding on rougher surfaces, while softer wheels (78A to 84A) offer more grip and a smoother ride on smooth surfaces.

1. Exploring the anatomy of longboard wheels.

Longboard wheels are a crucial component of a rider’s setup, and understanding their anatomy is essential for choosing the right wheels for your riding style and terrain. Longboard wheels are measured and characterized by various factors, including size, durometer, width, contact patch, and lip profile. The size of the wheel is measured in diameter and can range from 60mm to over 75mm.

Larger wheels offer a smoother ride on rough surfaces and are favored for downhill riding, while smaller wheels are preferred for freeride and tricks. Durometer determines the hardness of the wheel, with harder wheels being ideal for sliding and rough terrain, and softer wheels providing more grip on smooth surfaces. Wheel width and contact patch play a role in stability and grip, with wider wheels and larger contact patches offering more stability and being suitable for downhill riding and rough terrains.

Understanding Longboard Wheel Anatomy

Longboard wheels are essential for providing traction, stability, and control while riding. To fully comprehend their anatomy, it’s important to consider three main components: size, durometer, and shape.

1. Size: Longboard wheels are measured by their diameter, typically ranging from 50mm to 75mm or more. Larger wheels offer smoother rides by gliding over cracks and rough surfaces more easily, whereas smaller wheels provide quicker acceleration and are better for technical tricks and maneuvers.
2. Durometer: Wheel hardness is measured on the durometer scale, ranging from 78A (softest) to 101A (hardest). Softer wheels (78A-87A) absorb vibrations and offer a smoother ride, making them ideal for cruising and tackling rougher terrain. Harder wheels (88A-101A) are faster and more responsive, making them suitable for downhill riding and sliding.
3. Shape: The shape of a longboard wheel refers to its contact patch and core placement. A wider contact patch results in more grip, ideal for downhill riding and maintaining control. On the other hand, a narrower contact patch allows for easier slides and flip tricks. The core placement can be centers, sides, or offsets, affecting the balance between grip and slide.

Experimenting with different wheel setups will help riders find their perfect balance of comfort, grip, and maneuverability.

The Basic Components of Longboard Wheels

Longboard wheels consist of several essential components, each contributing to the wheel’s overall performance and ride quality. Understanding these components is key to choosing the right wheels for your riding style. Here are the basic components to consider:

1. Hub/Core: The hub, or core, forms the central part of the wheel. It serves as the anchor point for mounting the wheel to the longboard trucks. The design of the core can affect the weight, acceleration, and stability of the wheel during maneuvers.
2. Urethane: Urethane is the material used to construct the outer layer of the wheel. The durometer (hardness) and formulation of the urethane influence the wheel’s grip, slide, and durability. Softer urethane provides better grip, making it ideal for carving and cruising, while harder urethane offers smoother slides, perfect for downhill and freeride disciplines.
3. Lip: The lip refers to the rounded edge of the wheel. Its design impacts how the wheel initiates and releases slides. A rounded lip enables smoother transitions into slides, while a square lip provides more abrupt and predictable slides.
4. Diameter: The diameter of the wheel is the measurement from one side of the wheel to the other, passing through the center. It significantly affects the overall ride and performance of the longboard. Larger diameter wheels roll faster and maintain momentum efficiently, making them suitable for downhill and high-speed riding. In contrast, smaller diameter wheels offer more maneuverability and responsiveness, ideal for technical tricks and street cruising.

Understanding these basic components will help you choose the right longboard wheels for your riding style, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable ride.

Different Wheel Parts and Their Functions

To gain a comprehensive understanding of longboard wheels, let’s break down the different parts and their functions:

1. Contact Patch: The contact patch is the area of the wheel that makes direct contact with the ground. It influences the wheel’s grip and traction on different surfaces. A wider contact patch provides more grip, enhancing stability during turns and slides, whereas a narrower contact patch reduces friction, promoting faster slides.
2. Bearings: Although not technically a part of the wheel itself, bearings play a crucial role in the wheel’s overall performance. These small, circular components sit within the wheel’s hub, enabling smooth rotation. The quality and precision of the bearings impact the wheel’s rolling efficiency, affecting speed and ride quality.
3. Cores and Hub Designs: Longboard wheels come in various core and hub designs, each catering to specific riding styles. Centerset cores allow for even wear, making them favored by free riders and slide enthusiasts. Sideset cores enhance slide initiation, making them popular among freestylers. Offset cores strike a balance between grip and slide performance, making them versatile for all-around riding.
4. Flatspots: Flatspots occur when a portion of the wheel’s contact patch wears unevenly, causing a flat surface. This phenomenon can hinder smooth riding and sliding. Proper technique and rotation can help prevent flat spots.

Whether you’re carving down winding hills or perfecting your sliding techniques, the intricacies of wheel components are crucial to achieving peak performance.

2. The Importance of Longboard Wheel Measurement

Proper longboard wheel measurement is essential for achieving optimal performance and ride quality. One crucial factor to consider is wheel hardness, which is measured on the durometer scale. Harder wheels (higher durometer rating) are ideal for smooth surfaces and downhill riding, providing maximum grip and quick acceleration.

Larger wheels provide a smoother ride, especially on rough terrains, while smaller wheels offer better maneuverability, making them suitable for flip tricks and tight turns. Measuring and selecting the right longboard wheels based on hardness and size ensures a balanced ride, enhancing overall control and enjoyment.

The Importance of Longboard Wheel Measurement

Longboard wheel measurement plays a significant role in optimizing your longboarding experience. The size of the wheels directly affects your performance on the board. Larger wheels are known for their speed, stability, and ability to maintain momentum during downhill racing. They provide a smoother ride, especially on rough surfaces.

Conversely, smaller wheels offer quick acceleration and increased maneuverability, making them ideal for technical tricks and street riding. These wheels are also lighter and more responsive, allowing for easier maneuvering in tight spaces.

3. How Are Longboard Wheels Measured

Measuring longboard wheels involves considering several key factors. Firstly, the size of the wheels, usually measured by their diameter, determines the overall ride experience. Larger wheels offer a smoother ride, excel on rough surfaces, and are ideal for downhill riding. Smaller wheels, on the other hand, provide quick acceleration and increased maneuverability, making them suitable for technical tricks.

Apart from size, the hardness of the wheels, measured in a durometer, plays a vital role in performance. Harder wheels offer maximum grip, making them suitable for downhill and freeride styles. Softer wheels, on the other hand, provide a smoother ride and are more forgiving on rougher surfaces.

Wheel width and lip profile also impact performance. Wider wheels with a wider contact patch provide more traction and slide control, ideal for downhill riding. Narrower wheels, with a narrower contact patch, are better for flip tricks and street riding.

How Are Longboard Wheels Measured?

Longboard wheels are measured using several key dimensions, each of which plays a vital role in determining their performance on different terrains and riding styles. Understanding these measurements is crucial for optimizing your ride and tailoring it to your specific needs.

The size of longboard wheels is typically measured by their diameter. Larger wheels provide a smoother ride and excel on rough surfaces, making them ideal for downhill riding. Smaller wheels, on the other hand, offer quick acceleration and increased maneuverability, making them suitable for technical tricks.

The width and lip profile of the wheels also impact performance. Wider wheels with a wider contact patch provide more traction and slide control, making them ideal for downhill riding. Narrower wheels with a narrower contact patch are better suited for flip tricks and street riding.

Diameter Measurement:

The diameter of longboard wheels refers to their overall size, usually measured in millimeters. This measurement is crucial as it directly affects the performance and compatibility of the wheels with different terrains.

Larger wheel diameters provide several advantages. They offer higher top speeds and better momentum retention, making them ideal for downhill racing and faster rides. With larger wheels, riders can maintain stability and control even at high speeds.

Smaller wheel diameters, on the other hand, have their benefits. They provide quicker acceleration and increased maneuverability, which is advantageous for performing technical tricks and navigating through crowded urban areas.

Durometer Measurement:

Durometer measurement is crucial in determining the hardness of longboard wheels. Measured on the “A” scale, with higher numbers indicating harder wheels and lower numbers representing softer ones, the durometer directly affects a wheel’s grip and slide performance.

Softer durometer wheels provide excellent traction, making them well-suited for smooth surfaces and maneuvers that demand superior grip. These wheels excel in scenarios where a smooth ride is desired, such as cruising on smooth pavement or carving on a well-maintained road.

On the other hand, harder durometer wheels offer smoother slides and are more appropriate for rougher surfaces and tricks that require controlled slides. Their increased hardness allows for faster and more controlled slides, making them ideal for freeride or downhill skateboarding on less-than-perfect terrain.

Width Measurement:

When measuring longboard wheels, one important aspect to consider is the width of the wheel. The width refers to the distance between the inner edges of the contact patch, which is the part of the wheel that makes contact with the ground. This measurement is usually expressed in millimeters.

The width of a wheel plays a crucial role in determining the traction and slide control of the longboard. Wider wheels generally offer more grip because they have a larger contact patch with the ground. This increased surface area provides greater stability and control, making wider wheels a good choice for riders who prioritize these factors.

Contact Patch Measurement:

The contact patch of a longboard wheel is the area of the wheel that makes contact with the ground while riding. This measurement is crucial as it directly affects the grip and traction of the wheel.

A larger contact patch provides more surface area, resulting in increased grip. This is beneficial for riders who engage in carving and downhill racing, where stability and control are paramount. The larger contact patch allows for a more secure connection to the ground, enhancing grip and reducing the risk of sliding out.

Conversely, a smaller contact patch offers less grip and traction. This makes it easier to initiate slides and perform maneuvers in tricks and slides. Riders who prioritize smooth slides and maneuverability, such as freestyle riders, prefer wheels with smaller contact patches.

Lip Profile Measurement:

The lip profile of a longboard wheel plays a crucial role in determining its performance during slides and grip while cornering. It refers to the shape of the wheel’s outer edge.

Sharp-edged lips provide increased grip, making them suitable for high-speed turns and racing. These wheels maintain a strong connection with the pavement, allowing riders to confidently maneuver through corners. The sharp lip profile ensures stability and enhances traction, enabling riders to maintain control even at high speeds.

On the other hand, rounded lips allow for smoother slides, making them ideal for freeriding and technical tricks. These wheels offer less resistance against the pavement, enabling riders to initiate slides more easily. The rounded lip profile promotes a smooth and predictable sliding motion, allowing riders to execute precise maneuvers and tricks.

4. Choosing the Right Longboard Wheels

When it comes to choosing the right longboard wheels, there are several factors to consider. The type of wheels you choose can greatly impact your ride and overall longboarding experience.

From the hardness of the wheels to their size and shape, each aspect plays a role in determining the performance and capabilities of your longboard. In this article, we will explore the different aspects to consider when choosing longboard wheels, helping you make an informed decision that best suits your riding style and preferences.

Choosing the Right Longboard Wheels

Selecting the perfect longboard wheels is crucial for an enjoyable and high-performing ride. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing your longboard wheels:

1. Matching Wheels to Your Riding Style:

Tailor your wheels to your style of riding. Different riding styles require different types of wheels. Consider the following:

• Downhill Racing: Opt for larger and harder wheels (70mm+ and 80A+) for increased speed and stability.
• Street Skating: Choose smaller and softer wheels (50-60mm and 78A-87A) for improved agility and grip.
• Freestyle and Tricks: Go for medium durometer wheels (78A-84A) with rounded lips for better slides.

2. Ideal Wheel Measurements for Disciplines:

Understanding the key measurements and their significance is important. Consider the following:

• Diameter: Larger wheels provide more speed, while smaller wheels are better for quick acceleration and tricks.
• Durometer: Softer wheels offer better grip, while harder wheels are ideal for slides and tricks.
• Width: Wider wheels offer more stability, while narrower wheels provide increased maneuverability.

3. Considering Terrain and Surface Conditions:

Adapt your wheel choice to the terrain and surface conditions you’ll be riding on. Consider the following:

• Smooth Roads: Opt for larger and softer wheels for better grip and a smoother ride.
• Rough Roads: Choose smaller wheels with a higher durometer for improved shock absorption on rough surfaces.
• Downhill Runs: Go for larger and harder wheels to ensure stability at high speeds.
• Skate Parks: Select smaller wheels with a medium durometer for tricks and slides.

5. Popular Longboard Wheel Measurements Explained

When it comes to longboard wheels, understanding the key measurements is essential for finding the perfect fit for your riding style and terrain. Here are some popular longboard wheel measurements explained:

• Diameter: The diameter of the wheel plays a significant role in the performance of your ride. Larger wheels generally offer more speed, making them ideal for downhill racing. On the other hand, smaller wheels are great for quick acceleration and tricks.
• Durometer: The durometer refers to the hardness of the wheel. Softer wheels provide better grip, making them suitable for smoother surfaces and maximizing control. Harder wheels, on the other hand, are ideal for slides and tricks, as they offer less grip and more slippery characteristics.
• Width: The width of the wheel is another important measurement to consider. Wider wheels provide more stability, giving riders confidence and control on various terrains. Conversely, narrower wheels offer increased maneuverability, making them ideal for tricks and agile street skating.
• Contact Patch Size: The contact patch refers to the area of the wheel that comes in contact with the ground. A larger contact patch provides more traction and stability, making it suitable for downhill riding and rough terrain. A smaller contact patch, on the other hand, offers less grip but allows for easier slides and tricks.

Popular Longboard Wheel Measurements Explained

Choosing the right longboard wheel measurements is crucial for achieving the best riding experience. Here are some key measurements to consider:

1. Diameter: The diameter of the wheel greatly affects performance. Larger wheels offer higher speeds, making them ideal for downhill racing. Smaller wheels provide quicker acceleration and are better for tricks and flips.
2. Durometer: The durometer indicates wheel hardness. Softer wheels offer more grip, making them suitable for smooth surfaces and maximizing control. Harder wheels are perfect for slides and tricks as they provide less grip and more slip.
3. Width: The width of the wheel is important for stability. Wider wheels provide more stability and control, making them great for various terrains. Narrower wheels offer increased maneuverability, perfect for tricks and agile street skating.
4. Contact Patch Size: The contact patch is the area of the wheel that touches the ground. A larger contact patch offers more traction and stability, making it suitable for downhill riding and rough terrains. Smaller contact patches provide less grip but allow for easier slides and tricks.

Professional riders often customize their wheel measurements to suit their specific needs, taking into account riding style, terrain, and personal preference. Understanding these popular longboard wheel measurements will help you choose the right wheels for your riding style.

Exploring Common Wheel Sizes and Their Applications:

When selecting the right longboard wheels for a particular riding style, terrain, and performance needs, it’s important to consider the common wheel sizes available. There are several popular longboard wheel sizes, each offering its own benefits depending on the rider’s needs. Popular sizes include 69mm wheels, 70mm wheels, 72mm

1. 60-65mm Wheels: Perfect for Tricks and Maneuverability:

• These smaller wheels, ranging from 60-65mm, are highly popular among freestyle riders and beginners.
• Designed for street and park skating, they offer enhanced maneuverability and quick acceleration.
• The smaller size allows riders to perform tricks and slides with ease, making them ideal for freestyle riding.

2. 66-75mm Wheels: Balancing Speed and Versatility:

• Falling into the mid-range, these wheels (66-75mm) strike a balance between street and downhill riding.
• They provide moderate speed and stability, making them suitable for various terrains and riding styles.
• These wheels are versatile enough to handle both tricks and downhill rides, offering a well-rounded riding experience.

3. 76-85mm Wheels: High Speeds and Long-Distance Cruising:

• Larger wheels within the 76-85mm range are the top choice for downhill racers and enthusiasts who enjoy long-distance cruising.
• With their larger size, they ensure higher top speeds and excellent stability, allowing riders to maintain momentum on long stretches.
• Perfect for downhill racing or cruising along open roads, these wheels provide riders with an exhilarating and comfortable ride.

4. 86mm+ Wheels: Maximum Speed and Control for Downhill Specialists:

• Reserved for downhill specialists, these gigantic wheels, 86mm or larger, offer the ultimate in speed and control.
• These wheels are specifically designed for intense downhill runs, providing riders with the confidence to tackle steep descents.
• They prioritize stability and control, allowing riders to maintain their line and handle high speeds with ease.

By understanding the different wheel sizes and their applications, riders can choose the right measurements to suit their preferred riding style, whether it’s freestyle tricks, downhill racing, or long-distance cruising.

How Pro Riders Customize Wheel Measurements for Their Needs:

Professional longboarders customize their wheel measurements to suit their riding style and the specific demands of their discipline. They carefully consider the diameter, durometer, width, and lip profile of their wheels to optimize performance.

For technical freestyle riding, smaller diameter wheels are preferred as they allow for quick spins and rapid tricks. On the other hand, larger-diameter wheels are chosen for downhill racing to provide stability and speed during high-speed descents.

The width of the wheel’s contact patch also plays an important role. Narrow contact patches enhance slide control, making them ideal for freestyle and technical tricks. On the other hand, wider contact patches offer improved grip, which is beneficial for downhill and carving enthusiasts.

Conclusion:

Understanding how longboard wheels are measured is crucial for any rider looking to customize their ride and enhance their performance. By considering factors such as diameter, durometer, and shape, you can find the perfect wheels to match your riding style and preferences.

So, get out there, measure up, and hit the pavement with confidence, knowing that you’ve got the right wheels to take you on an epic journey!