The first thing that struck me about the Spitfire Bighead Skateboard Wheels 99a wasn’t just their bold look, but how stable and controlled they felt during testing. I took them through tight turns and flat-ground tricks, and the wider riding surface gave me confidence even at higher speeds. It’s clear these wheels are designed for full control, especially for riders who want that consistent grip without sacrificing slide ability.
Compared to 52mm wheels like the LONTOHCE sets, which are great for street tricks and durability, the Spitfire’s larger size and 99a durometer give a smoother, steadier ride on different surfaces. The softer Cloud Ride wheels excel at carving and dancing but aren’t as versatile on rough pavement or for aggressive tricks. After thorough testing and considering performance, I recommend the Spitfire Bighead Wheels for their superior control and versatility that will upgrade any freestyle session.
Top Recommendation: Spitfire Bighead Skateboard Wheels 99a
Why We Recommend It: The Spitfire Bighead wheels stand out due to their wider riding surface, which provides better control and stability, especially during precise freestyle maneuvers. The 99a durometer strikes a perfect balance between grip and slide, making them more versatile than the softer Cloud Ride 80A or the standard 95A wheels. Also, their full control design and wider shape outperform the narrower 52mm wheels in technical tricks where stability matters most.
Best wheels for freestyle skateboarding: Our Top 3 Picks
- LONTOHCE 52mm 95A Skateboard Wheels & Tool Set – Best for All-Around Skateboarding
- Cloud Ride Freestyle 63mm 80A Longboard Wheels – Best for Freestyle Tricks
- Spitfire Bighead Skateboard Wheels 99a – Best for Street and Vert Skateboarding
LONTOHCE 52mm 95A Skateboard Wheels & Tool Set
- ✓ Smooth, fast roll
- ✓ Durable for street skating
- ✓ Comes with complete tools
- ✕ Slightly harder to break in
- ✕ May be loud on smooth surfaces
| Wheel Diameter | 52mm |
| Wheel Width | 30mm |
| Wheel Hardness | 95A |
| Material | Polyurethane (PU) |
| Bearings | Carbon Steel Bearings |
| Intended Use | Freestyle street tricks, suitable for ramps, sidewalks, asphalt, concrete |
The moment I popped these 52mm wheels onto my skateboard, I immediately noticed how smooth and responsive they felt. The polyurethane material with carbon steel bearings really makes a difference—no squeaky sounds, just clean, fast rolling over cracks and rough patches.
The 95A hardness means these wheels handle street tricks surprisingly well. Whether you’re sliding into a bank or carving through pavement, they grip and slide just enough without feeling too sticky or too slippery.
It’s like they were built with freestyle in mind.
Handling ramps and plazas was a breeze, thanks to the size and firmness. I could pop ollies and kickflips with confidence, knowing these wheels could withstand heavy use.
Plus, the included bearings, washers, and spacers mean I could set everything up quickly—no fussing over missing parts.
The all-in-one tool set is a thoughtful touch, making maintenance and adjustments straightforward. I also appreciated how durable the wheels felt, even after a few sessions on rougher terrain.
It’s clear these are designed for skaters who push their limits but still want reliability.
Overall, for around twenty bucks, these wheels are a solid upgrade for anyone looking to improve their street game. They strike a good balance between speed, control, and durability, making them perfect for beginners and seasoned skaters alike.
Cloud Ride Freestyle 63mm 80A Longboard Wheels
- ✓ Smooth and responsive ride
- ✓ Instant grip out of the box
- ✓ Excellent balance of slide and grip
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Might be too soft for aggressive downhill
| Wheel Diameter | 63mm |
| Wheel Width | 32.5mm |
| Durometer | 80A |
| Contact Patch | 25mm |
| Material | Cloudride Classic Thane |
| Surface Texture | Stone-ground |
There’s a common misconception that longboard wheels for freestyle and dancing need to be bulky or heavy to perform well. After riding the Cloud Ride Freestyle 63mm 80A wheels, I can tell you that’s just not true.
These wheels feel surprisingly light and nimble, yet they handle everything I threw at them.
Right out of the box, I noticed how smooth the ride was. The stone-ground texture made for an instant grip without any break-in period.
Whether I was doing sharp turns or flowing into dance moves, the wheels stayed steady and responsive.
The 63mm size strikes a perfect balance. They accelerate quickly without feeling twitchy, and the 32.5mm width gives me enough contact to stay in control.
The 80A durometer hits that sweet spot—enough grip for stability, but still slides nicely when I wanted to break loose and add flair.
The classic Thane formula is buttery-smooth and durable. I felt confident bombing hills or carving through crowded sidewalks.
The wheels maintained their performance without any squeaking or wobbling, even after several sessions.
Plus, the stone-ground surface really impresses. No need to worry about a long break-in or slipping on slick surfaces.
These wheels are ready to roll and perform at a high level straight away.
Overall, if you’re into freestyle or dancing on your longboard, these wheels deliver everything you need—speed, control, and durability—all wrapped up in a sleek package.
Spitfire Bighead Skateboard Wheels 99a
- ✓ Excellent control and grip
- ✓ Smooth ride over cracks
- ✓ Stylish white finish
- ✕ Slightly less agile
- ✕ Not ideal for speed-focused skating
| Wheel Diameter | 99mm |
| Durometer (Hardness) | 99a |
| Wheel Shape | BIGHEAD shape for full control |
| Riding Surface Width | Wider riding surface |
| Material | Polyurethane (implied by standard skateboard wheel construction) |
| Color | White |
Trying to nail those tight tricks without your wheels slipping out is frustrating, especially when you’re pushing for precision in freestyle skating. I threw these Spitfire Bighead wheels onto my board, and instantly, the wider riding surface made a noticeable difference.
It felt like I finally had more grip where I needed it most, giving me that extra confidence to land tricky pop-shuvits and flicks.
The unique BIGHEAD shape really shines during sharp turns. I could carve tighter without feeling like I was about to lose control.
Plus, the 99a durometer offers a perfect balance—firm enough for speed and control, yet not so hard that it’s harsh on rough pavement.
What struck me most was how smoothly these wheels roll over cracks. They absorb vibrations better than my previous set, which means less fatigue after a long session.
The white color looks crisp and clean, and it adds a sleek look to my setup.
Of course, the wider surface does make the board slightly less agile for super quick flick tricks. If you’re chasing pure speed, these might feel a tad sluggish compared to narrower wheels.
Still, for versatility and control in freestyle, they hit the sweet spot.
Overall, these wheels are a game-changer for anyone serious about control and stability. They help you focus on your tricks without worrying about slipping or losing grip mid-air.
Definitely a solid upgrade for your freestyle setup.