
Longboard wheels have their own unique characteristics. They are designed primarily for speed and traction, unlike freestyle skate wheels that are designed to minimize speed and lower the center of gravity. Depending on how you ride, the right wheels can make a considerable difference.
There are two important measurement numbers that one should consider when buying longboard wheels. The first number usually refers to the diameter of the wheel, with larger wheels providing lower rolling resistance. The second number is called the "durometer", which refers to the hardness of the wheel.
Both of these numbers can impact the performance of your longboard wheels. Softer wheels tend to have a much better grip than harder wheels, but are usually slower as well. If you're interested in speed, harder wheels are generally recommended.