As electric skateboards get faster and more powerful, your choice of electric skateboard wheels matters more than ever for ride comfort, stability and safety. Two of the most popular options riders compare are Mad Max 125mm wheels and Cloudwheel, especially for daily riding and mixed road conditions.
Both are well-known wheels, but they are designed with different priorities. This comparison breaks down contact patch, durometer, diameter and core design so you can pick the right wheels for how you ride.
Last updated: October 2026.
Mad Max 125mm vs Cloudwheel at a glance
| Mad Max 125mm | Cloudwheel | |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 125 mm | 105 mm and 120 mm options |
| Width and contact patch | 80 mm, full flat contact surface | Curved tread with rounded edges |
| Durometer | 70A (softer) | About 78A (firmer) |
| Core | Hollow pour core with 15 hollow pockets | No hollow core structure |
| Feels best | Stable at speed, comfortable on rough roads | Agile carving and cruising at lower speeds |
1. Contact patch: why wheel width matters
One of the biggest differences is how much of the wheel touches the ground.
Mad Max 125mm wheels have a full 80mm-wide flat contact surface. The whole width of the wheel stays evenly on the road, which gives noticeably better straight-line stability and confidence at higher speeds.
Cloudwheel uses a curved tread profile. The center is fairly flat, but the effective contact area is narrower, with rounded edges on both sides. That works well for carving and smooth transitions at lower speeds, but at higher speeds the smaller flat area can feel less planted on uneven pavement.
- Cloudwheel feels playful and agile at low speed.
- Mad Max feels solid and stable as speed increases.
It is the same reason performance cars use wide tires: stability comes from consistent ground contact.
2. Stability at speed vs carving feel
Cloudwheel shines for relaxed cruising and carving. The rounded edges let the board roll from edge to edge, so slow-speed carving feels effortless.
That does not mean Mad Max wheels carve badly. The wide contact patch still turns smoothly once you adjust your stance and bushings. They simply favor high-speed stability over exaggerated carving feel.
With modern electric skateboards reaching higher top speeds, many riders find that stability at speed matters more than extreme carve.
3. Durometer: 70A vs 78A
Durometer measures how hard the urethane is. A lower number is softer.
- Mad Max 125mm: 70A
- Cloudwheel: about 78A
A softer 70A urethane absorbs more vibration and road chatter on rough asphalt and cracks. That means a smoother, quieter ride and less foot fatigue on longer sessions. Cloudwheel's harder compound rolls efficiently and feels responsive, but it passes more vibration to your feet on rough roads.
For everyday commuting on real-world surfaces, the softer compound gives Mad Max a comfort advantage without costing control.
4. Wheel diameter: rolling over cracks and debris
Diameter decides how easily a wheel rolls over cracks, debris and uneven pavement.
- Mad Max: 125 mm
- Cloudwheel: 105 mm and 120 mm options
Larger wheels reduce sudden jolts when you hit small imperfections. Compared with 105mm wheels, the difference at speed is easy to feel. The 120mm Cloudwheel narrows the gap, but the combination of larger diameter and wider contact patch still gives Mad Max an edge on rough roads.
5. Hollow pour core and shock absorption
Mad Max 125mm wheels use a hollow pour core design with about 15 hollow pockets molded into the core. These pockets absorb impacts and cut vibration without weakening the wheel.
Cloudwheel does not use a similar hollow core, so the core itself absorbs less shock. Its tread pattern still provides grip and flexibility.
6. Which electric skateboard wheels are right for you?
Choose Cloudwheel if you:
- prefer relaxed cruising and low-speed carving
- ride mostly on smoother surfaces
- like an agile, playful turning feel
Choose Mad Max 125mm wheels if you:
- ride a faster electric skateboard
- want maximum stability at speed
- commute on rough or imperfect roads
- put comfort, control and confidence first
Other wheels worth a look: the 105mm Mad Wheels V2, the 120mm Cloud Wheels Discovery, the 120mm CloudWheel Donut, the 150mm all-terrain pneumatic wheels, the 160mm airless wheels and the 165mm Cloudwheel Rover. You can compare them all in our electric skateboard wheels collection. Planning to ride on gravel, grass or dirt tracks? Read our off-road electric skateboard guide.
Verreal electric skateboard wheel prices
Starting prices in US dollars, based on the lowest-priced configuration of each model. Your final price depends on the options you choose (pulleys, belts) and is shown on the product page.
- 105mm Mad Wheels V2: from $149 (4 wheels, bearings and spacers)
- 120mm CloudWheel Donut: $149
- 120mm Cloud Wheels Discovery: from $169
- Mad Max 125mm: from $169 (4 wheels, bearings and spacers)
- 150mm pneumatic wheels: full combo from $209
- 160mm airless wheels: full combo $139 (4 wheels, 2 pulleys, 2 belts, bearings and spacers), single wheel $39
- 165mm Cloudwheel Rover: $249
Check compatibility before you buy
Wheel size, pulleys and your board's drivetrain must match. For example, Mad Max 125mm wheels are not compatible with Onsra Kegel pulleys. Bearings and spacers are included. If you are not sure whether a wheel set fits your board, contact our support team before ordering.
Electric skateboard wheels FAQ
What size wheels are best for an electric skateboard?
It depends on your roads and your board. Smaller wheels around 90 to 105 mm are light and responsive on smooth pavement. Larger wheels of 120 to 125 mm or more roll over cracks and debris better and feel steadier at speed.
Are softer wheels better?
Softer wheels such as 70A absorb more vibration, so they are more comfortable on rough roads. Harder wheels around 78A roll efficiently and feel responsive on smooth surfaces.
Are bigger wheels always better?
No. Bigger wheels are more stable and comfortable, but they add weight and need to fit your trucks and drivetrain. Choose the largest size that your board supports and your riding style needs.
Pneumatic or airless wheels for off-road riding?
Pneumatic wheels like our 150mm all-terrain tires use inner tubes, which can puncture and may need replacing over time. Our 160mm airless wheels are solid, so there are no inner tubes to puncture or buy later, and they absorb vibration well on rough ground. Read the off-road electric skateboard guide to compare the options.
Are Mad Max wheels good for commuting?
Yes. They are designed as a dependable everyday wheel for commuting and casual riding, with a soft 70A compound and a wide contact patch. They are not designed for racing.
How do wheels affect battery range?
Wheels with higher rolling resistance, or a poorly maintained drivetrain, make the motors work harder. Read our battery care guide for more ways to protect your range.
Final thoughts
There is no single best wheel for everyone. For riders focused on high-speed stability, comfort and rough real-world roads, Mad Max 125mm wheels are built to deliver consistent performance on imperfect pavement. If you prefer relaxed carving on smoother streets, Cloudwheel is a good choice. Browse every option in the Verreal wheels collection.
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