#1 Choice
Want the best skateboard wheels for cruising and tricks? Sometimes the standard issue skateboard wheels just won’t cut it. If you want to have some of the cruising capabilities of a longboard while still being able to pull of tricks, then consider this top 5 best skateboard wheels for cruising and tricks list your handy guide. From vintage longboard style wheels for speed and cruising, all the way to modern skateboard wheels, there’s something in our buyer’s guide for every skater. Personally I prefer to throw longboard wheels on my main skateboard and go for speed, but I know a ton of people trick way better than I do. With that in mind we put together this list to find the perfect balance between wheels that are best at both cruising and tricks.
Spitfire Classic Series High Performance Skateboard Wheel (Set of 4)
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The Spitfire Classic Series are hand shaped and made in the USA so you know you’re not getting any defects or cheapness. They’re not like the other wheels you’ll find on Amazon, with cheap prices and cheaper materials. They don’t lose durometer like a lot of other brands and it’s what makes Spitfire the sought after wheel for skaters who crave quality. They really do feel smooth and it’s hard to go wrong with the classics. If you’re looking for pure speed, even if the wheels feel a little rougher than gel wheels, then Spitfire Classics are the way to go. See the reviews for yourself but you’ll find that most skaters know that Spitfire is the way to go for affordability and quality!
Powell Peralta Rat Bones Re-Issue Skateboard Wheels
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Next up is probably one of the best looking wheels on the market in my opinion, the Powell Peralta Rat Bones Re-Issue just have a classic look about them. The Powell Peralta’s were originally launched 30 years ago, and were well known at the time for being grippy, smooth, and great for cruising. Today they still hit all of those same heights and then some. If you’ve never tried this style of vintage wheel, you’ll be surprised to find out it falls somewhere between modern skateboard wheels and longboard wheels. Once you glide on these Rat Bones you’ll understand what all the hype is about and why Powell Peralta still reigns over most of the skateboard industry today. They feel great and best of all they sound great too, not terribly loud but plenty smooth. If you fall in love with Powell Peralta Rat Bone’s as much as we have then you might find it hard to go back to traditional wheels. I’ve been using either these vintage styled wheels, or longboard type wheels for cruising for the last decade and I love it.
Orangatang Fat Free 65 mm Freeride Longboard Skateboard Wheels (Set of 4)
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The Orangatang 65 mm Skateboard Wheels are lightweight and actually provide some pretty decent slides if you’re a fan of that. They roll great and they’re exactly what you’d expect from a longboard type wheel. The bearings are Jehu V2’s and they’re pretty smooth should last for years. The Orangatangs are smooth, have plenty of grip, and provide predictable sliding for tricks. So if you’re more into the smooth riding experience of a longboard wheel then we highly recommend the Orangatangs for pure style and function.
Cloud Ride! Wheels Street Cruiser 65mm 78A Urethane Longboard Wheel Set
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The Cloud Ride Street Cruiser Wheels are perfect for cruising and tricks. There’s an undeniable versatility to these wheels that you’ll feel right away. Excellent for skaters who prefer the smooth ride of longboard wheels but still want to be able to do tricks like a normal skateboard. The wheels feel amazing from the start and there’s no break in period with the Cloud Rides like some other cheaper brands. Like the Orangatang’s there’s a predictable slide to the Cloud Rides, so you can safely trick with ease. Great control with the Cloud Ride’s so they’re plenty grippy and essentially they’re ideal for cruising, carving, and yes even tricking. Since these are 78a wheels rolling over cracks and rough streets is not an issue. Cloud Ride’s are known for their quality urethane by reviewers and it’s apparent with these street cruiser wheels.
FREEDARE 70mm Longboard Wheels with ABEC-7 Bearings and Spacers(Set of 4)
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Last up are the FREEDARE 70mm Longboard Wheels. They measure up at 70mm so they’re on the smaller side of the longboard wheels on the market. That’s why we love them though, the cruising power of long-boards packed into a wheel only slightly larger than a regular skateboard wheel. For the stylistic folks the wheels come in 4 different themes which is cool to be able to match your board. So there’s wind(eagle), fire(dragon), mountain(tiger), forest(deer). These 70mm wheels roll over rough roads and small bumps no problem. They’re smoother and more solid than other wheels in their class and we’re pretty sure more durable too. If you’re all about rolling speed but still want to pop the occasional ollie to win a bet, these are the way to go if you like the style.
Takeaways
If you want the best of the best for cruising and tricks but still want a standard skateboard wheel then the Spitfire Classic Series is perfect. If you want a classic retro skateboard wheel that combines speed and control perfectly then the Powell Peralta Rat Bones Re-Issue. The Orangatangs, Cloud Rides, and FREEDARES are also absolutely amazing for cruising and tricks so if they match your board go for it!
