Best Wheels for Cruising on a Skateboard

Whether it’s cruising around town, across campus, or traveling far distances to uncharted territory, we all like skating. I got a Best Wheels for Cruising on a Skateboard and put them to the test. Some are fantastic for traveling larger distances, while others let you do simple stunts.

Depending on the wheel diameter, truck height, and softness of your bushings, the majority of the cruiser wheels mentioned below are appropriate for standard skateboard setups. You might need to choose new hardware and install riser pads, but I’ve got you covered.

A excellent method to start skating or just how to ride properly is using cruiser wheels. They are large and comfortable, provide a ton of grip and stability, and keep you from becoming worn out after a short while.

Best Wheels for Cruising

I personally try every piece of equipment I suggest, and I wouldn’t suggest something I didn’t enjoy. I prefer to buy my own things, and I want it to stay that way. Remember that there are a variety of cruiser wheels to choose from. Skateboard wheels for cruising should typically be large and supple. Choose wheels with a size range of 60mm to 69mm and a Shore Durometer range of 78A to 81A.

Given the length of this text, I suggest the following cruiser wheels for certain uses:

• Best for cruising and tricks: Ricta Cloud
• Best for long distance cruising: Powell Peralta Snakes
• Best all around cruiser wheel: Bones ATF Rough riders
• Best for speed: Orangatang Fat Free
• Best Budget Cruiser wheels: EasyRider Bogart

1. Fireball Tinder 60mm – 81A

Fireball Tinder

• Diameter: 60mm
• Durometer: 81a
• Shape: Rounded
• Contact Patch: 34mm
• Features a stone-ground finish for smooth slides and reduced friction.

The Fireball Tinder wheels are soft enough for cruising and firm enough for fundamental ollies, so let’s start with them. The wheels are somewhat quicker and less prone to coning thanks to the fiberglass core. The plastic core helps keep the wheels from deforming too much when landing tricks even though there is less urethane to chew through.

81A tires may seem a little too firm for a smooth ride, but they really feel rather soft on bumpier ground. They are excellent for sliding on slick terrain, roll quickly, and absorb vibrations. Excellent for cruising and, if you’re experienced enough, a few simple tricks.

Naturally, sliding on these wheels will cause them to deteriorate more quickly, but that is true of all the huge, soft wheels on our list. They pick up speed immediately and keep rolling for a long time. In most cases, adding risers is unnecessary to avoid wheel bite. However, that is dependent upon your weight, the height of your trucks, the tightness of their ride, and how soft their bushings are.

My wheels arrived with candy and are really good wheels for the price. As my son ate them all, I am unable to remark on the Fireball candies.

2. Ricta Clouds – Cruising & Tricks

Ricta Clouds

• Diameter: 54mm
• Durometer: 78a
• Shape: Rounded
• Contact Patch: 33mm
• Made with Ricta’s “Clouds” formula for a smooth ride and enhanced grip.

In reality, Ricta Clouds are filmer wheels, but they’re also excellent for cruising and stunts. There are numerous different sizes and durometers of Ricta Clouds, with some being tougher than others. Clouds are a respectable alternative for individuals who just want to glide and do a few simple acrobatics.

Although they are comfortable and don’t seem excessively bouncy, you will need to push more often when cruising.

If you wish to accomplish this, choose the 56mm and 92A variant. While not as large as 60mm cruiser wheels, they are larger than street skate wheels. Even though they are noticeably less comfortable than softer 78A wheels, they nevertheless provide a smooth ride at 92A. Fair enough, you can’t expect to do tricks all day long with buttery smooth wheels.

Consider 58MM+ wheels if you prefer a lighter exercise while maintaining your pace. Additionally, Ricta sells 60mm wheels with a 78A durometer, which are better suited for cruiser wheels. I would advise purchasing OJ Super Juice Wheels at this time. same specifications, but more affordable and reliable.

When performing ollies and flips, they feel a little bouncy in comparison to specialized street wheels, but at 92A, they ought to perform better. Before making a purchase, determine what you want from your wheels.

The hue of the print varies, but it disappears soon. If you wish to get the 60mm version to install risers, don’t forget to do so. Make sure the hardware is suitable; a riser of 1/8″ or 1/4″ should be plenty.

Remember that performing tricks on softer wheels is more challenging than performing tricks on tougher wheels. Landing stunts is much more challenging on wheels that bounce a lot. A smooth ride and regular skating may both be achieved using rictas.

3. OJ Super Juice 60mm/78A

OJ Super Juice

• Diameter: 60mm
• Durometer: 78a
• Shape: Rounded
• Contact Patch: 40mm
• Designed for cruising and carving with a larger size and soft durometer.

OJ is a well-known brand and a component of NHS. Although OJ has several other excellent cruiser wheels, I chose the Super Juice brand.

I chose them since they are incredibly soft, suit practically any setup, and even allow you to perform some simple feats. I am aware that there are some warnings and that this appears too good to be true. Olies are manageable, but you will feel them bounce back up if you enjoy power slides. It shouldn’t be difficult to jump a few curbs, but I would recommend leaving the difficult terrain to more seasoned skaters.

These are also available from OJ in 55mm @ 86A, which are excellent for stunts and cruising. Basic ollies and a kickflip should be possible, but there won’t be any sophisticated tre-flips or hospital flips. Due to their propensity to chunk, they are poor for ledge stunts. This is generally true of all soft cruiser wheels, but I still felt it was important to add.

Remember that the smaller 55mm version will wear out quicker if you choose it. If you ride 60mm wheels long enough, they will eventually shrink to 55mm. Although the smaller 55mm wheels accelerate more quickly and are more fun, 60mm wheels are advised for a stable cruising experience.

The OJ Super Juice are the finest option in terms of price. For a wonderful price, you may purchase reliable wheels from their brand. Think about putting in riser pads; at least 1/8″ will stop wheel biting. Due to the extreme stickiness of these wheels, you won’t be bothered by small rocks, fissures, or gravel.

4. Orangatang – Fat Free 65mm 77A

Orangatang

• Diameter: Varies depending on the model
• Durometer: Varies depending on the model
• Shape: Varies depending on the model
• Contact Patch: Varies depending on the model
• Known for their high-quality urethane and smooth ride.

As cruiser wheels get closer to longboard size, 65mm is enormous. Not to worry, they function flawlessly, and the first thing you notice about them is how very quick they are. If you’re building a unique cruiser configuration at this stage, you’ll need risers and pads.

If you want to slap these on a typical setup, you actually need risers due to their huge diameter. On a cruiser already in existence, replacing them shouldn’t be difficult.

These are also a little more expensive than the other cruiser wheels, but they are a wise investment if you want to travel far and quickly.

With a hardness of 77A and a 65mm diameter, these are the fastest wheels you can buy (on par with the Powell Snakes in terms of speed).

On the first push, orangatang wheels will make you grin and are perfect for cruising.

They just overlook any minor obstacles you run across, so you rarely detect any cracks or pebbles. They maintain their speed for a considerable amount of time but accelerate a little more slowly than smaller wheels. Angled curbs may simply be ridden into without the slightest ollie.

Although they are not the cheapest, Orangatang Fat Free wheels are among the best cruiser wheels available. Despite being soft, these wheels are incredibly strong, and it will take a while before the urethane is chewed through. I put them to the test with Arbor Pilsner and my Dinghy.

When riding them for the first time, they could create a squeaky noise because to how sticky and slippery they are. After a while, this will go away. With regular Bones Red, Bones Swiss 6, Zealous, and Bronson Raw bearings, I put them to the test. There is no need for pricey bearings because these wheels are so quick.

Zealous bearings are suggested if you intend to do longer rides. Despite performing effectively on conventional bearings, Zealous bearings maintain momentum for a longer period of time but accelerate more slowly.

The Arbor EasyRiders or OJ Superjuice are wonderful alternatives if the Orangatangs are just a little bit out of your price range.

Depending on your present setup, 65mm wheels require riser pads (1/4′′ or larger); simply make sure there is enough room to prevent wheel biting.

5. Cloud Ride

Cloud Ride

• Diameter: 69mm
• Durometer: 78a
• Shape: Rounded
• Contact Patch: 35mm
• Designed for cruising and carving with a larger size and soft durometer.

Cloud Rides are suitable for both longboarding and cruising at 70mm. These 77a chunky wheels may be used to replace the wheels on any cruiser, but if you put your own rig together, riser pads are needed.

For example, the Arbor Pilsner or Landyachtz Dinghy don’t require any additional height. They had some de-colorization when I bought them, but it had no effect on how well they worked.

Wheels that are so soft they adhere to the ground and make cracks and stones almost invisible. I was able to ride them over inclined curbs without even needing to change my posture since they are quick and sturdy. They are quick and need less pushing than 60mm wheels, making them a perfect option for lengthy rides.

6. Powell Peralta Snakes (The Best)

Powell Peralta Snakes

• Diameter: 66mm
• Durometer: 75a
• Shape: Square-lipped
• Contact Patch: 44mm
• Designed for downhill skating with a wider contact patch and square lip for more grip and stability.

Amazing snakes are the Powell Peralta Snakes. I picked the neon green because I love the color but also own a neon orange set that came with my Comet Cruiser.These puppies rock and also feature the neon orange wheels that came with my Comet Cruiser, but they simply look so cool.

The 75A wheels are the softest on our list; they provide a buttery smooth ride while still allowing for slips. They also have a tendency to chunck because of their softness. If you enjoy powerslides and want a more robust wheel, you should probably seek elsewhere.

Powell Peralta snakes are pricey but perform better than average. There’s a reason the Comet, the greatest complete cruiser money can buy, chose these wheels for the pinnacle of cruising.

They are ideal for long-distance sailing with minimal effort at 69mm. Yes, cruising is a little bit of a workout, but I’ve found that compared to the OJ Super Juice wheels, I can keep going for longer.

For individuals who don’t anticipate making long travels and want wheels that accelerate a little more quickly, they also available in 66mm.

It’s astonishing how much quality matters when your board is 69mm; you simply need to push a bit and it will stay running forever.

It doesn’t appear very appealing that the graphic comes off so rapidly. For that reason, I would put the graphic on the inside.

7. EasyRider Bogart Wheels

EasyRider Bogart Wheels

• Diameter: 65mm
• Durometer: 78a
• Shape: Rounded
• Contact Patch: 42mm
• Designed for cruising and carving with a larger size and soft durometer.

The EasyRider Bogart wheels provide a very pleasant cruising experience and are excellent for short commutes. Consider these wheels if you’re on a tight budget and want top performance at a reasonable cost.

They actually came with my Arbor Pilsner, but they are also available independently and are excellent for low-cost setups.

Depending on how loosely you ride your trucks, you can need 1/8″ or 1/4″ riser pads at 61mm. They performed as expected, and after using them for over a year, I can state with certainty that they are reliable enough for routine cruising.

When power sliding, chunking and cracks can happen to certain persons. I wouldn’t be concerned about it because most wheels under 80A tend to chunk. I believe Arbor did a fantastic job, especially in light of how inexpensive they are. They are ideal for a lightweight cruiser configuration.

They perform admirably when used with a standard skateboard setup but feel bouncy while ollieing curbs. Not the best for stunts, but fantastic for cruising.

8. Bones ATF Rough Riders

Bones ATF Rough Riders

• Diameter: 56mm
• Durometer: 80a
• Shape: Rounded
• Contact Patch: 33mm
• Features Bones’ All-Terrain Formula for a smoother ride on rough surfaces.

For individuals who want to do a little bit of everything, Bones ATF wheels are fantastic. With a little extra work, you can skate them in a bowl, cruise around town, and still perform simple tricks. I adore these wheels and made my own personalized cruiser/trick configuration.

They still have some bounce to them, but not as much as some of the other cruiser wheels on this list. These, in my opinion, are the ideal wheels for new riders who wish to master the fundamentals of riding before tackling more difficult maneuvers.

Although they are not as broad as wheels made specifically for cruisers, they are nevertheless wide enough to offer the necessary stability. They let you practice skateboarding fundamentals without being concerned about rocks or fractures obstructing your wheels.

With 56mm of clearance, wheel bite may be avoided without the need of riser pads. Only when I fitted the wheels to GrindKing trucks did I experience wheel biting. Since these trucks are really loose—I honestly didn’t even notice—you won’t need to worry too much about them. Not just via carving and cruising, but also during ollies and kickflips.

Despite its ‘small’ 56mm size, they nonetheless provide a very fast and pleasant ride. They may require a little bit more frequent pushing than 65mm wheels, but they are excellent for a hybrid cruiser trick configuration.

Just starting out skating and want to learn the basics? Want to learn to ollie while having a steady, smooth riding experience? The ideal option is The Bones ATF Rough Riders.

9. Fatty Hawgs 63mm – 78A

Fatty Hawgs

• Diameter: 63mm
• Durometer: 78a
• Shape: Rounded
• Contact Patch: 41mm
• Designed for downhill skating with a larger size and soft durometer for more grip and smoother slides.

Because they are decent but not the finest skateboard wheels for cruising, they are last on the list. Despite being less costly and requiring more pushing, Fatty Hawgs 63mm can withstand power slides without chunking right away.

Even though they don’t provide the best cruiser experience, they are decent cruiser wheels on a price that I enjoy. For people who can’t afford to buy new wheels every six months, it’s a terrific option given what you spend for them and how long they last.

They need a little bit more effort to move than the other wheels on our list, but they maintain their momentum for a respectable amount of time. Compared to the Orangatang Fat Free wheels, a little bit more of a workout.

They manage cracks and other tiny obstacles effortlessly and provide a comfortable ride, much like all the other wheels on our list. I was able to travel on gravel and the rare grassy area while riding. After a wet day, I found that they don’t provide much grip, for one reason.

This wheel is excellent for beginners because of its large 50mm contact patch, which provides a ton of stability. Curbs that are hopped function well, but if you try to perform more intricate acrobatics, they will bounce. After all, these are cruiser wheels and not trick wheels.

There are several colors to choose from, however I would stay away from the white wheels. After a few sessions, they won’t look as good.

Ensure that you include riser pads and the necessary hardware. The dimensions of riser pads and the appropriate hardware are explained in the chart I’ve included at the conclusion of this post. It’s annoying to buy new wheels only to discover that the skateboard hardware you purchased was the incorrect size.

Buying Guide for Skateboard Cruiser Wheels

What do you want to do? ask yourself. Or do you also want to be able to perform a few tricks? Do you just want to cruise around without exerting any effort? All of the wheels I described are suitable for cruising and hitting a few curbs. Smaller wheels like the Ricta Clouds are preferable if you want to get more technical.

There is more to it; be sure to include shock or riser cushions as necessary and confirm that your bolts still fit. You shouldn’t disregard your weight or the suppleness of your bushings either.

Brands of Skateboard Cruiser Wheels

I only named a handful of the many companies who make excellent cruising skateboard wheels. Generally speaking, choosing from a reputed brand is a smart choice. The quality of the urethane mix of the wheels frequently makes a difference.

It featured cheap cruiser wheels from Magneto that were advertised as being 78A but actually felt more like 86A (avoid them). When you examine a variety of wheels from various companies, you will realize that cheap wheels are frequently less trustworthy and durable.

I didn’t include any trustworthy brands, but here are a couple you may select from:

• Venom: fantastic cruiser wheels
• 88wheels: Has incredible longboard and cruiser wheels.
• St. Cruz: Slime Balls are excellent for stunts and cruising.
• 3dm: Numerous sizes of cruising and slalom wheels

Keeping Space to Avoid Wheel Bite

Wheel bite may be avoided by keeping a certain space between the wheels and the deck, however risers are typically needed for wheels that are 60mm in diameter. It also depends on how tightly you ride your stunts; slack trucks are riskier (but less carvy) for wheel bite than tight trucks.

The hardness of your bushings and your weight are further factors. More turny but less stable are softer bushings. Generally speaking, you should choose bushings that can support your weight, however it also depends on personal choice.

Choosing riser pads that are 1/8′′ or 1/4′′ or even 1/2′′ above 60mm wheels can give you more room. This is only a general recommendation; as no two setups are the same, see what works for you.

Riser Pads And Hardware

You can think about putting riser pads or 1/8″ shock pads on your 58mm or larger wheels. Skateboard decks typically have seven plies, however there are a few outliers that can call for different bolts. Check the chart below to determine if the risers you have in mind are compatible with the hardware you currently have.

A set of shock pads will work up to 58mm, but anything higher requires additional room. Hardware that sticks out too much will put you at risk of becoming trapped on ledges. You can’t attach your trucks to your board if your hardware is too short. It’s not difficult; just something to be aware of.

Message Patch

The size of the contact patch is among the most crucial characteristics to consider. The flat portion of a wheel that makes touch with the ground is this. Although it is less carvy and more difficult to slide, a bigger contact patch offers greater stability. Wide contact patches are particularly forgiving on uneven ground and excellent for a balanced and steady ride.

Larger contact patches are advantageous for smaller setups because they offer a more stable ride. Because the size of the deck itself and larger trucks already provide you tons of stability, wider setups can manage both smaller and broader contact patches.

Depending on the manufacturer and kind of wheel, the contact patch size varies. Depending on the form and size of the wheel, some wheels offer larger contact patches. Your ride becomes less stable but is simpler to do tricks when you have a smaller contact patch, like Ricta Clouds do.

Durometer (hardness)

The selection of the proper Durometer (and size) is crucial. Hard wheels struggle on bumpy surfaces, whereas soft wheels are considerably better at navigating them. For cruising, a safe zone is between 78A and 92A. The most comfortable ride is provided with 78A cruiser wheels, which are less useful for stunts.

Choose wheels between 86A and 92A if you want to cruise and do stunts. When training stunts, softer wheels bounce all over the place; this might lead to a flawless landing.

92A is a wonderful option if your riding terrain is challenging and you want to concentrate more on tricks. With some sophisticated maneuvers, you can ride rather comfortably. You’ll have to push more frequently when skating skate parks.

Size

Larger wheels will accelerate more slowly but will require less pushing. Smaller wheels accelerate significantly more quickly, but require more frequent pushing.

For cruising, anything between 60mm and 65mm is ideal. Smaller wheels are not advised for commuting because you would have to push more frequently. For more clearance, larger wheels also require riser pads.

Bearings

Without good bearings, you won’t travel very far, but you also don’t have to spend a lot of money. For sailing, I advise Zealous bearings. They take a while to stop, go along more slowly but for a longer period of time.

Additionally, you can get away with basic bearings like Bones or Bronson, disregard ABEC ratings, and avoid purchasing low-quality imitation products.

Are new trucks necessary?

Unless you put some monster wheels on your current vehicles, you probably don’t need to get new ones. The tightness with which you ride your trucks and the abrasiveness of your bushings are two considerations. Wheel bite can be caused by loose trucks and wheels larger than 59/60 mm. Add risers as necessary.

The top configuration has 1/2′′ risers in the rear and 63mm Hawgs mounted to the trucks. When you contrast the front and back trucks, the difference in clearance is rather evident. The front wheels are a little too near to the surface in this situation, thus it might be a good idea to attach riser pads. 56mm Ricta Cloud wheels are used in the bottom arrangement, therefore riser pads are not necessary.

For instance, this system, which uses 60mm OJs, has been working pretty well so far. Although a little bouncy for tricks, this cruiser configuration is ideal and affordable. So there is no need for riser pads even at 60mm with a tighter truck. Your weight and the adjustments you make to your vehicles truly matter.

My most recent illustration uses a 56mm wheel bit. The mushy bushings and loose trucks are to blame, along with my little increased weight from the previous year. In this instance, 1/*’ or 1/4′′ risers should fix the issue, however to be really honest, I never even noticed the wheel bite.

Conclusion

Choosing cruiser wheels is simple, despite the abundance of alternatives that initially seem confusing. All you need are large, soft wheels, and to plan your route. Larger wheels are needed for lengthy distances and softer wheels are needed for rough terrain.

Although I can’t mention them all, I had a great time trying these wheels. Just keep in mind that for cruising, anything between 60mm and 65mm with a hardness of 75A to 86A works. Be sure you purchase from a trustworthy company and stay away from the inexpensive wheels on Amazon.