August 15th, 2023
Imagine gliding through the streets on a skateboard, feeling the wind in your face and the pavement beneath your wheels. There’s nothing quite like cruising around town, exploring new neighborhoods, and soaking up the scenery. But to truly enjoy this experience, you need to have the right wheels for your skateboard.
Our team of skaters has tried and tested the top 9 best wheels for cruising on a skateboard for you. We have looked at various factors that add to the profile of a skateboarding wheel in order to enhance your skateboarding experience.
So sit back and get ready to dive into the world of Skateboard wheels.
What Makes A Skateboard Wheel Good For Cruising?
If you’re looking for the best skateboard cruiser wheels, there are a few key factors to consider. The following factors will help guide you in choosing the right cruiser wheels for your skateboard.
Wheel Hardness
When choosing cruiser wheels, consider your skating style and the surfaces you will be riding on. Softer wheels may wear down faster than harder ones, but their ability to offer a more comfortable ride is well worth it for many skaters.
Softer wheels with a durometer of 78A to 85A are recommended for cruising, as they absorb bumps and rough cement better than harder wheels, providing you with a smoother ride.
However, harder wheels are better suited for skatepark use and tricks. If you are looking to ride on pavements, the hard wheel might be the way you want to go. Harder wheels guarantee performance and ensure that you can ride confidently.
Wheel Size
Choosing the right wheel size for your skateboard is crucial for ensuring a comfortable and smooth ride. Cruiser wheels are designed in a way to give you a smooth ride on rough terrain.
If you are looking to cruise around, you need to get a wheel that is 55mm to 60 mm in size. This size balances out the acceleration and rolling speed of the skateboarding ensuring a safe ride.
Another aspect you should watch out for is the terrain. While smaller wheels and cruiser wheels are best for pavements and skateparks, you will need bigger-diameter wheels to ride on tough terrains as well as perform tricks.
Ultimately, the right wheel size depends on your personal preference and how you want your skateboard to perform when cruising.
Contact Patch Width
When you’re looking for the right cruiser wheels, you need to consider the contact patch width of the wheel.
Wider contact patches provide better grip, and a smoother ride, and guarantee stability on rough surfaces and streets. Furthermore, wider contact patches provide you with any extra grip you might require when skateboarding.
However, narrow contact patches make it easier to slide and drift around corners when on the street. If you plan on doing slides and tricks, narrower wheels may be a better fit.
Additionally, you need to consider the shape of your deck when choosing the width of your cruising wheels. Wider decks pair well with wider wheels while narrower decks pair well with narrower wheels.
Best Skateboard Wheels for Cruising
Our top picks for cruiser wheels include Ricta Clouds, Powell Peralta Snakes, Bones ATF Rough Riders, Orangatang Fat-Free wheels, and EasyRider Bogart wheels.
top 1
Fireball Tinder 60mm – 81A
- Stone-grounded surface provides great traction on rougher surfaces
- Soft enough for a smooth ride but hard enough for basic tricks
- The fiberglass core prevents coning
top 2
Ricta Clouds – Cruising & Tricks
- Can handle both cruising and basic tricks.
- The narrow profile provides good control while still being comfortable.
- Great for filming skateboarding sessions.
top 3
OJ Super Juice 60mm/78A (Best Budget Wheel)
- Budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality
- Great for cruising with good stability and control
- Can handle basic tricks
Best Skateboard Wheels for Cruising
1. Fireball Tinder 60mm – 81A
Get ready to cruise and do tricks with the Fireball Tinder wheels – they’re perfect for short-distance cruising, the skatepark, and the streets.
The medium wheel profile, at 61mm in size and 81A durometer, offers a smooth ride while still being hard enough to handle ollies. The smaller diameter of the wheel ensures that the wheels roll faster and absorb vibrations on rough surfaces.
One of the standout features of these wheels is their fiberglass core which helps prevent coning and keeps them from deforming too much on landing tricks. Simply put, this means less urethane wear down over time ensuring speed and performance.
The wheels are available in multiple sizes (61mm, 65mm, and 70mm) so you can choose the best fit for your skateboard setup.
Pros
- Stone-grounded surface provides great traction on rougher surfaces
- Soft enough for a smooth ride but hard enough for basic tricks
- The fiberglass core prevents coning
Cons
- Sliding will wear down the wheels faster
- May not be suitable for advanced trick skating
2. Ricta Clouds – Cruising & Tricks
If you’re looking for a versatile wheel that can handle cruising and basic tricks, Ricta Clouds might be the right choice for you. These wheels are known for their smooth ride, provide support for short-distance cruising, and film your skateboard sessions.
The narrower profile of these wheels makes them easier to control during tricks while still providing enough cushioning for a comfortable ride.
Pros
- Can handle both cruising and basic tricks.
- The narrow profile provides good control while still being comfortable.
- Great for filming skateboarding sessions.
Cons
- You'll need to push more often due to the harder durometer.
- Compared to dedicated street wheels, Ricta Clouds may feel bouncier during ollies and flips.
3. OJ Super Juice 60mm/78A (Best Budget Wheel)
A budget-friendly option that still delivers on performance? The OJ Super Juice 60mm/78A wheels are definitely worth considering. These buttery soft wheels are perfect for cruising around town and trying out some basic tricks.
With a wide wheel profile and smooth surface, the OJ Super Juice wheels offer great stability and control while cruising. They fit on almost any setup and can handle hopping curbs or small obstacles.
Pros
- Budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality
- Great for cruising with good stability and control
- Can handle basic tricks
Cons
- May chunk if used heavily
- Will wear down quickly if using a smaller 55mm size
4. Orangatang – Fat-Free 65mm 77A (Fastest Wheel)
You’re in for a treat with the Orangatang Fat-Free 65mm 77A wheels – they’re the fastest cruiser wheels on the list and will make your rides feel like a breeze (take our word for it).
These wide-profile, stone ground wheels are perfect for cruising longer distances, as they offer speed like no other wheel in the skateboard world.
Despite their softness, these wheels are very durable and will take a long time before you can chew through the urethane.
Pros
- Fastest cruiser wheels on the list
- Durable despite their softness
- Sticky and grippy for carving and turning
Cons
- More expensive than other cruiser wheels
- Require riser pads due to large diameter
5. Cloud Ride
With their super soft and fast performance, Cloud Ride wheels are a great choice for long-distance cruising while providing necessary support. These wheels will make you feel like you’re gliding on air.
These 77a wheels come in a wide 70mm size, making them perfect for replacing the wheels on any of your cruiser boards without needing to add extra height with riser pads.
Furthermore, their smooth surface allows for easy rolling over cracks and pebbles, while the durability means they can handle riding up-angled curbs without needing to adjust your stance.
Pros
- Excellent performance for long-distance cruising
- Super soft and fast rolling
- Can handle riding up angled curbs without adjusting the stance
Cons
- May not be suitable for short commutes or technical riding
- Require riser pads when assembling your own setup
6. Powell Peralta Snakes (The Best)
Get ready for the ultimate cruising experience with Powell Peralta Snakes – they’re the best in the business!
These wheels offer superior performance and a buttery smooth ride that will keep you rolling for miles. Their softness allows for a comfortable cruising experience without sacrificing slide ability, making them perfect for those who enjoy long-distance rides.
However, if you love powerslides and want a more durable wheel, then these might not be the best option for you.
Pros
- Superior performance
- Butter smooth ride
- Great for long-distance cruising
Cons
- The graphic comes off easily
- Tend to chunk due to their softness
7. EasyRider Bogart Wheels (Budget)
The EasyRider Bogart wheels are a great budget option for short commutes and are one of the best options available for cruising skateboard wheels.
The wheels are available in 61mm size, which will fulfill your cruising requirements. The wheels work best on smooth surfaces ensuring a comfortable ride.
Pros
- Comfortable cruising experience
- Great budget option for short commutes
- Soft durometer provides plenty of grips
Cons
- Not ideal for rough terrain or trick riding
- More prone to wear and tear than some other options
8. Bones ATF Rough Riders
If you’re a beginner skateboarder looking for a versatile wheel that can handle ollies and basic tricks, the Bones ATF Rough Riders are the wheels for you!
These wheels come in 56mm or 59mm size options with a durometer of 80A. They’re perfect for those who want to learn how to ride first before moving on to technical tricks.
Despite being less wide compared to dedicated cruiser wheels, they still offer enough clearance to prevent wheel bite at 56mm.
Pros
- Fast and comfortable ride
- A versatile wheel that can handle both cruising and basic tricks
- Provides stability and allows beginners to learn the basics of riding without worrying about obstacles
Cons
- Not as wide as dedicated cruiser wheels
- May require more pushing compared to larger wheels
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the importance of wheel diameter and durometer for cruising on a skateboard?
Choosing the right wheel diameter and durometer is crucial for a smooth cruising experience on your skateboard. The diameter affects acceleration and pushing frequency, while the durometer determines grip and stability.
What are some reputable brands for cruiser wheels?
Venom, 88wheels, Santa Cruz, and 3dm are all great options. Consider wheel size, durometer, and contact patch when choosing the best wheels for your cruising needs.
How do riser pads affect the cruising experience?
Riser pads provide extra clearance for larger wheels, preventing wheel bite. They raise the center of gravity and can make beginners feel wobbly, but are necessary for a smoother ride over rough terrain.
What are the pros and cons of using larger or smaller wheels for cruising?
For cruising on a skateboard, larger wheels (60mm-65mm) offer better acceleration and speed retention but require larger riser pads to avoid wheel bite. Smaller wheels (56mm-59mm) feel less wobbly and need smaller riser pads, but hold speed less effectively.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve just discovered the top 8 best wheels for cruising on a skateboard. From Fireball Tinder 60mm – 81A to Bones ATF Rough Riders, each wheel has its own unique features that make it perfect for cruising.
So next time you hit the streets with your skateboard, make sure to have one of these wheels attached. Trust us when we say that your cruising experience will be elevated to a whole new level. So, strap on these wheels and get ready to ride around town.
Shane Hill is a skateboard performer and trains skateboarding in various academies in Australia. He is passionate to teach skateboarding to beginners and has dedicated his career to this sport.