Downhill longboarding is the most extreme type of longboarding. It requires plenty of confidence, balance, and trust in your board setup. You can only safely ride downhill if you have great wheels. So, what are the best wheels for downhill longboarding?
The best wheels for downhill longboarding are the Orangatang Kegel 80mm, Fireball Beast 76mm, and Bigfoot 76mm Longboard Wheels. These 3 wheel options offer the best in control, speed, and they are super durable so they will last a long time.
Look for downhill longboarding wheels that are made of high-rebound polyurethane. This can reduce speed wobble and help grip the surface.
What To Look For When Buying Downhill Longboard Wheels
Texture and diameter (size) are the most important factors when you choose wheels for downhill longboarding. Longboarding wheels are either soft or hard, this is measured in durometer. The higher the number the harder the wheel, this measurement is used for rollerblade wheels, skateboard, and all related rubber wheels. The durometer rating should be 74a and 83a for downhill longboarding wheels.
Hard wheels offer plenty of speed, but it comes at the cost of control. It’s not recommended to use hard wheels for downhill longboarding.
Soft wheels can better grip the road, and that makes them ideal for downhill longboarding. You don’t have to worry about lacking speed as riding downhill will automatically give you a speed boost.
When it comes to diameter, larger wheels are better when you ride downhill, it helps you with your balance.
75mm-80mm wheels are perfect for downhill longboarding. They require a little bit more momentum to pick up speed, but you will quickly go faster as you make your way down the hill.
Additionally, downhill longboarding wheels should have square edges. Square edge wheels for longboarding have a straight or 90-degree edge, which provides better grip and stability, making them ideal for downhill longboarding and fast cornering. They also have a larger contact patch, which allows for better control and faster acceleration. However, they are less forgiving than round edge wheels and may be more difficult to slide for tricks and maneuvers.
10 Best Downhill Longboarding Wheels
1. Orangatang Kegel 80mm
Orangatang Kegel 80mm wheels are the best wheels for downhill longboarding. Soft and large, they are just as good for cruising as they are for riding downhill. Their large size means that you won’t be as susceptible to debris and cracks in the gravel.
The core of these wheels is their most unique factor. It almost serves as an extra internal wheel that measures 46mm and helps balance your wheels and trucks. I strongly recommend these wheels as they serve multiple purposes and support any longboarding style.
2. Fireball Beast 76mm
Many of the best wheels for downhill longboarding are no different than standard wheels besides their size. The Fireball Beast 76mm Longboard Wheels are standard, soft wheels with a large diameter. These are great wheels even if you don’t ride downhill because they tightly grip any surface that you roll over.
They are also compatible with nearly any set of bearings on the market, so you won’t have to adjust your setup too much. Fireball Beast 76mm wheels also measure 65mm wide, so you get plenty of surface area. This helps to push debris out of your way while you roll forward.
3. Bigfoot 76mm Longboard Wheels
Bigfoot 76mm Longboard Wheels are the perfect size for downhill longboarding. These wheels aren’t quite as soft as other downhill longboarding wheels, but they don’t sacrifice stability. This means that you will be able to fly as quickly downhill as possible without a huge risk of speed wobble.
They are only 53mm wide which is somewhat narrow for the diameter, but you still get plenty of surface grip. Don’t let the price tag fool you as these wheels aren’t cheaply made.
4. Keenso Electric Longboard Wheels
Electric longboarding has become more popular than ever. Luckily, the electric longboarding industry has caught up to the skateboarding industry and impressive wheels are readily available. Keenso Electric Longboard Wheels are a perfect example of how an industry can adapt to support a different type of board.
Made of polyurethane, these wheels measure 90mm and provide plenty of grip. They are softer than standard electric longboard wheels which makes them perfect for downhill longboarding. Their unique texture also makes them ideal for almost any surface.
5. Shark Wheel 72mm
The bizarre shape of Shark Wheel 72mm wheels may throw you off at first. However, it is the unique shape that makes them so great for downhill longboarding. Designed to grip the road and breeze past debris, these wheels ensure that you can quickly and safely ride downhill.
The use of high-rebound polyurethane enables these wheels to absorb as much shock as possible. Anyone who has bombed a huge hill knows that shock absorption is critical to safely riding downhill.
6. Orangatang in Heat 75mm Downhill Longboard Wheels
Orangatang in Heat 75mm Downhill Longboard Wheels are just as impressive as their other wheels. The 75mm diameter makes them comfortable and practical for riding downhill. They aren’t too big or soft that you sacrifice speed, but they’re big enough to breeze past cracks and debris.
Orangatang uses a unique urethane formula that is meant to provide as much traction as possible.
7. MBS All-Terrain Longboard Wheels
All-terrain longboards have become more popular over the past few years. The MBS All-Terrain Longboard Wheels are the best all-terrain downhill longboarding wheels I’ve come across. They measure 100 millimeters in diameter which gives you more than enough surface area.
However, the biggest selling point for these wheels is the unique, tire-style texture. MBS used polyurethane for these wheels which is standard, but the texture makes them stand out. These are built to last which makes them worth their price tag.
Do not use these downhill riding on paved roads as they are not designed for such riding.
8. Cal 7 97mm
Cal 7 makes some of the best longboarding wheels on the market. Their 75mm Longboarding Wheels lend themselves to riding downhill because of their size. Available in 9 colors, these wheels can complement any longboard setup.
You get great value with this package as it comes with four wheels and a set of spacers and bearings. This is a great option if you are setting up a new longboard.
9. Fireball Tinder 70mm Longboard Wheels
Not all 70mm wheels are great for downhill longboarding, but the Fireball Tinder 70mm wheels certainly are. That is because they are designed for freeriding which goes hand in hand with downhill longboarding. Soft and wide, these wheels offer a perfect mixture of grip and speed.
They are also great for sliding which is often necessary for downhill longboarding. It doesn’t take long to break these wheels in either as they are made of high-rebound polyurethane.
10. 90mm Longboard Flywheels Wheels
Check out 90mm Longboard Flywheels Wheels if you want downhill longboarding wheels that offer plenty of value. Spacers and bearings are included with these wheels, and I recommend using them. The spacers work wonders to help balance your board setup.
Don’t let the 90mm size intimidate you if you aren’t used to riding with that big of wheels. The extra size only serves to help give you more stability. Available in orange, purple, or blue, these wheels look good with any longboard deck.
Final Thoughts
Downhill longboarding is the type of longboarding that requires a specific type of wheel that can offer control, speed, and durability. When looking for longboarding wheels choose a set of soft wheels with a diameter of 75mm-80mm being ideal. Square edge wheels are recommended for better grip and stability.
Orangatang Kegel 80mm, Fireball Beast 76mm, and Bigfoot 76mm Longboard Wheels are the best wheels for downhill longboarding. Consider Shark Wheel 72mm and MBS All-Terrain Longboard Wheels if you want as much stability as possible. Typically, 75mm wheels are perfect for downhill longboarding, but anything over 70mm is perfect.
Enjoy your next downhill sesh!
Check out our recommended longboarding gear articles:
- 10 Best Longboarding Gloves For Beginners
- 5 Best Longboarding Backpacks
- 10 Best Longboarding Shoes
- 10 Best Longboard Bearings
- 5 Best Longboarding Wheels For Cruising
Nick Durante is a professional writer that primarily focused on action sports. Skateboarding and Longboarding are his particular areas of expertise. When he isn’t writing about action sports, he is catching up on the world of skateboarding and spending time outside.