Best "mild" carving wheel?

[uber_goober]

I'm rather new to longboarding and currently have a limited selection of wheels (76mm 78a S9 Goddess, 65mm 97a Street-Gs). My normal terrain is smooth mild hills which either have enough of a run out or room for a tight 180 to stop if needed, so the S9 wheels do the trick.

I'm looking to tackle a little steeper terrain (nothing crazy) and was wondering if anyone had suggestions for a good carving wheel that could also be used for a safety slide if necessary. I haven't ever broken the S9's loose so I don't know if they would work for steeper terrain (when I might need a safety slide). Though I guess they'd slide if I was going fast enough?

Basically, what's the duro "sweet spot" for great grip but the ability to slide if you need it.

Thoughts? Much appreciated.

-John

[lonerider68]

I'm rather new to longboarding and currently have a limited selection of wheels (76mm 78a S9 Goddess, 65mm 97a Street-Gs). My normal terrain is smooth mild hills which either have enough of a run out or room for a tight 180 to stop if needed, so the S9 wheels do the trick.

I'm looking to tackle a little steeper terrain (nothing crazy) and was wondering if anyone had suggestions for a good carving wheel that could also be used for a safety slide if necessary. I haven't ever broken the S9's loose so I don't know if they would work for steeper terrain (when I might need a safety slide). Though I guess they'd slide if I was going fast enough?

Basically, what's the duro "sweet spot" for great grip but the ability to slide if you need it.

Thoughts? Much appreciated.

-John

Anything in the 81-88a range is good, lower tends to give more grip, high is easier to slide. There are variations between brands as well... for instance ABEC11 grip a lot more and so you can go with a *much* higher duro. For instance I would suggest: ABEC11 Flashbacks 70m 84a, or Krypto Classic K 70m 80a Blue wheels which actually are softer (more like 78a) but drift slide very easily if you carve really hard on the board (letting you control your speed).

[lsdmt]

81a abec 11 strikers. Grip really well but will also slide if you want them to. perfect for what you are looking for. Love mine.

[Partyboypowell]

81a abec 11 strikers. Grip really well but will also slide if you want them to. perfect for what you are looking for. Love mine.

I will have to second this.
The 77mm strikers in 81a are soft enough to give good grip and carvability, but the shape means that when you realy put the pressure on they will slide just as you want them to. Great wheels !

[crowleyd54]

abec grippins

[lonerider68]

abec grippins

I wouldn't recommend.

Grippins are great wheels, but they are not easy to slide for a beginner. I have 81a Grippins and you can drift them a little bit if you really know how to carve hard... the flexible lip also makes them hop a little in the transition occasionally.

Strikers are *awesome*, I have a pair of 88a (I got them to contrast the Grippins), but they are expensive, so I suggested the Flashbacks instead since the author is a beginner (and I assume on a limited budget).

[bpz]

i used to have 76mm 78a Gumballs on my speedboard, which was used for just that... i'd take it out on runs where i wanted to go as fast as possible. but in the cases where i would need to slide to a stop, the Gumballs weren't cutting it at all. i just got my brand new 77mm 81a Strikers, and am very excited. the shape will obviously slide easier and smoother than Gumballs, but i really want to take them out. from everything i've read online, they're great for carves & speed but also slide once you're up to speed. i'll suggest these as well.

[bean-a-reano]

i used to have 76mm 78a Gumballs on my speedboard, which was used for just that... i'd take it out on runs where i wanted to go as fast as possible. but in the cases where i would need to slide to a stop, the Gumballs weren't cutting it at all.

Gumballs slide to a stop nicely. When going "as fast as possible" I would want to know I can slide to a stop. YOU might need more speed, practice, or both. Please don't post after your dead.

[RustyBurrito55]

I will have to vote 81a Flashbacks. Grip more then Kryptos and slide very predictable.