The first set of longboard wheels I’ll review are one of my all time favorites; Abec 11 Gumballs. I’ve personally used Gumballs on my Loaded Vanguard and they are easily one of the best set of longboard wheels I’ve ever rode on.
Let’s start with some basic technical information:
- Developer: Abec 11
- Name: Gumballs
- Diameter: 76mm
- Width: 53mm
- Contact Patch: 46.5mm
- hub: 25mm
- hub setting: OS Offset
- Edge Profile: Square
- Composition: Urethane
- Durometers: 75A/78A/81A/84A/88A
- Colors: Green or Pink
The Abec 11 Gumballs have been developed primarily for the downhill race discipline however they make for perfect all around skating. Their improved traction makes them especially useful for hard carving such as slalom and giant slalom. Because longboarding is a sport that revolves around speed and maneuvering, these wheels fit for almost any longboarder. They come in various durometers depending on the softness you desire ranging from 75A to 88A. One notable thing about gumballs is that once they are broken in after a decent amount of runs, they actually break into well controlled slides. So if you are looking for a good high traction downhill wheel yet you want to try stand up sliding or learning the Coleman slide, these wheels will work for you. I’ve tried sliding before on a sector 9 complete with sector 9 wheels and had a piece of the wheel actually chip off from only one days worth of sliding. Believe me when I say that the Abec 11 Gumballs are one of the highest performing and highest quality longboard wheels in existence. I personally use 78A Gumballs on my Loaded Vanguard setup and they’ve been my favorite wheels for years. I easily recommend these wheels for anybody serious about longboarding so give them a shot! You won’t be disappointed.
Image courtesy of www.abec11.com
