Mad Max 125mm Wheels vs Cloudwheel: Which Is Better for Real-World Riding?

As electric skateboards continue to get faster and more powerful, wheel choice plays a bigger role than ever in ride comfort, stability, and safety. Two popular options riders often compare are Mad Max 125mm wheels and Cloudwheel, especially for daily riding and mixed road conditions.

Both are well-known electric skateboard wheels, but they are designed with very different priorities in mind. After riding and closely examining both designs, the differences become clear—especially once speeds go up and roads get less than perfect.

1. Contact Patch: Why Width Matters More Than Many Riders Think

One of the biggest differences between Mad Max 125mm wheels and Cloudwheel is the contact patch with the ground.

Mad Max 125mm wheels feature a full 80mm-wide flat contact surface. This means the entire width of the wheel stays evenly in contact with the road. At higher speeds, this wide and consistent contact patch provides noticeably better straight-line stability and confidence.

Cloudwheel, on the other hand, uses a curved tread profile. The center section is relatively flat, but the effective contact area is narrower, with rounded edges on both sides. This design works well for carving and smooth transitions at lower speeds, but at higher speeds the reduced flat contact area can feel less planted, especially on uneven pavement.

In simple terms:

1. Cloudwheel feels playful and agile at low speed
2. Mad Max feels solid and stable when speed increases

It’s the same reason high-performance cars use wide tires—stability comes from consistent ground contact.

The wide and consistent contact patch is one of the main reasons many riders prefer Mad Max 125mm electric skateboard wheels for faster electric skateboards and rough road conditions.

2. Stability at Speed vs. Carving Feel

Cloudwheel genuinely shines when it comes to relaxed cruising and carving. The rounded edges allow the board to roll smoothly from edge to edge, making slow-speed carving feel effortless and fluid.

That doesn’t mean Mad Max 125mm wheels carve poorly—they don’t. The wider contact patch still allows smooth turns, especially once riders adjust their stance and bushings. However, Mad Max wheels clearly prioritize high-speed stability over exaggerated carving feel.

With modern electric skateboards pushing higher top speeds than ever before, many riders are finding that stability matters more than extreme carve at speed. Mad Max wheels reflect that shift in riding style.

3. Durometer: 70A vs 78A Makes a Real Difference

Durometer is another major factor that affects comfort and control.

1. Mad Max 125mm wheels: 70A durometer
2. Cloudwheel: approximately 78A durometer

A softer 70A urethane absorbs more vibration and road chatter, especially on rough asphalt, cracks, and imperfect pavement. This results in a smoother, quieter ride and reduced foot fatigue during longer sessions.

Cloudwheel’s harder compound rolls efficiently and feels responsive, but transmits more vibration—something many riders start to notice during longer rides or on rougher roads.

For everyday riding and commuting, especially on real-world surfaces, the softer 70A compound of Mad Max wheels offers a comfort advantage without sacrificing control.

4. Wheel Diameter: Rolling Over Real-World Obstacles

Wheel size directly affects how easily a board rolls over debris, cracks, and uneven pavement.

1. Mad Max wheels: 125mm diameter
2. Cloudwheel options: 105mm and 120mm

The larger 125mm diameter of Mad Max wheels helps them roll over obstacles more smoothly, reducing sudden jolts when hitting cracks or small road imperfections. Compared to 105mm wheels, the difference is immediately noticeable, especially at speed.

While the 120mm Cloudwheel narrows the gap, the combination of larger diameter and wider contact patch still gives Mad Max wheels an edge in overall stability and confidence on rough roads.

5. Hollow Pour Core Design and Shock Absorption

Mad Max 125mm wheels use a hollow pour core design, featuring approximately 15 hollow pockets molded into the core structure. These pockets help absorb impacts and reduce vibration without compromising strength.

Cloudwheel wheels do not use a similar hollow core structure. While their tread pattern provides grip and flexibility, the lack of internal hollow pockets means less mechanical shock absorption from the core itself.

In real-world riding, especially on uneven pavement, Mad Max wheels feel noticeably more forgiving and controlled, particularly during longer rides.

6. Which Electric Skateboard Wheels Are Right for You?

Both options serve different riding styles:

Choose Cloudwheel if you:

1. Prefer relaxed cruising and low-speed carving
2. Ride mostly on smoother surfaces
3. Value agility and playful turning feel

Choose Mad Max 125mm wheels if you:

1. Ride faster electric skateboards
2. Want maximum stability at speed
3. Commute on rough or imperfect roads
4. Prioritize comfort, control, and confidence

As electric skateboards continue to evolve, many riders are shifting toward larger, wider electric skateboard wheels that offer real-world stability rather than just carving feel. In that context, Mad Max 125mm wheels are designed with modern riding demands in mind.

Final Thoughts

There’s no single “best” wheel for everyone—but for riders focused on high-speed stability, comfort, and real-world road conditions, Mad Max 125mm wheels are designed to deliver consistent performance on imperfect pavement.

As electric skateboards continue to get faster, stable contact with the ground becomes more important than ever—just like wide tires on high-performance cars.