Orangatang Kilmer 69mm Longboard Wheels

The Orangatang Kilmer is the medium-sized second-generation freeride wheels from Orangatang. At 69mm, it sits in between the smaller 66mm Orangatang Keanu and the bigger 73mm Cage.

The Kilmer is, in many ways, an updated version of the original 70mm Stimulus freeride wheel. It shares a stoneground running surface and rounded lips for a slippy, slidey ride.

The four big changes are:

1. New urethane. This is Orangatang's "Peachy" thane, which is freeride specific for better durability and smoother slides.
2. Slightly narrower contact patch. This makes the wheel slide a little sooner than the Stimulus.
3. A much bigger core, which supports the urethane way better and gives a faster roll speed, smoother and more controlled slides, and helps the wheel wear down more evenly.
4. The core position is totally centerset, so you can flip them if they start to cone for a longer life. Great if you slide a lot!

The only real downside to that bigger core is that the ride is a little harsher than the Stimulus, but if you're looking for a freeride-specific wheel, we think that the benefits of a bigger core outweigh this dramatically.

The Kilmer is available in three duros:

• 80A (Orange) - a really nice softer slide wheel, with a smoother release than the harder versions. Better if you are lighter and you like to push your wheels hard. They won't last as long though.
• 83A (Purple) - maybe a bit harsh on rougher roads, but better suited to heavier skaters, faster and longer lasting than the 80A. The release is a little more "on/off" than the Orange, but this is still a very controllable slide wheel.
• 86A (Yellow) - harder, faster, more durable - but the release from grip into a slide isnb't quite as nice as the other two duros, and we usually don't recommend it unless you really like a more technical slide wheel. Give us a shout and we'll get them in for you if you want!

All in the Kilmer is a really, really awesome freeride wheel. At 69mm it's right at home on small to medium length freeride and slide setups, ideal for faster UK conditions and not too bad when you get to the bigger stuff either. Not cheap, but once you get on them you'll see where your money is going.

Also it's named for Val Kilmer, everyone's favourite shot glass twizzler, F-14 pilot and Elvis impersonator. What's not to like??