Topmount Madness and Mountain Climbers
The 78mm Blastwaves have proven to be a reliable choice for both topmount pumping and uphill skating. I have been using these wheels consistently in uphill races and demanding mountain conditions, including extensive use in Norway, where steep terrain is common. Their performance makes challenging inclines noticeably more manageable.
View Uphill Race Schauinslandkönig here
View Uphill Skate in Norway here
Topmount performance:
Smaller wheels are particularly well-suited for topmount pumping setups. The 78mm size offers several practical advantages:
Easier acceleration due to reduced rotational mass
Prevention of excessively high ride height (Yes topmounts can become very high if you have to prevent wheelbite on loose trucks).
Seismic Defcon is a high performance urethane, delivering speed and efficiency during pumping. These wheels are designed for dry conditions and are not recommended for use in wet weather. However, topmount pumping is rarely chosen for rain skating due to safety and performance concerns.
Climbing Mountains on a Longboard:
The 78mm Blastwaves have also been successfully used in competitive uphill events. Their smaller size contributes directly to improved climbing efficiency:
Quicker acceleration when pushing uphill
Reduced overall weight, which minimizes fatigue
Lower board height, resulting in less movement needed for each push
Specs:
- 78mm diameter
- 47mm contact patch
- mint 80a (front wheels)
- mango 78,5a (rear wheels)


