Choosing skateboard wheels can be a little bit confusing. There are so many options, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But the truth is, it’s not that difficult! There are only a couple of things you need to consider before buying new skate wheels. In this guide, let’s cover everything from wheel size, hardness, durometer and type of setup your board will use.
What size wheel should I get?
The size of the skateboard wheels you should buy depends on what type of skating you plan to do. In general, smaller wheels are faster and harder to control, while larger wheels are slower but easier to handle.
Skateboarders use a variety of tricks like flip tricks and grinds to impress spectators, but some skateboarders prefer racing on their boards rather than performing complicated stunts. If you’re one of these people who would focus on speed rather than style, you should probably get larger wheels for your board.
What hardness wheel to use?
The hardness of skate wheels is measured on the durometer scale. The higher the number, the more complex the wheel. The typical range is between 70A and 100A (0A being the softest). Harder wheels require less rolling resistance to maintain speed, but they are also more prone to cracking because they’re not as flexible as softer wheels.
In general, you want your wheels to be within 15 points of each other if possible; an 80a wheel with an 85a truck will give you excellent cornering ability without sacrificing roll speed or slide capability.
What durometer wheel to use?
A durometer is a measure of the hardness of a material. The higher the durometer, the more complex the wheel and vice versa. A softer wheel will break in more accessible, but it is also more prone to flat spots and may not grip as well as a more rigid wheel on rougher terrain. A hard wheel has less given when you land tricks or skate around town, but it also wears down faster, so you may want to consider this if you’re planning on skating street or doing lots of tricks in your local park.
What setup is my skateboard for?
When upgrading your skateboard, the first thing to consider is your skateboard’s setup. The manufacturer’s specifications will tell you what size wheels and bearings it requires. If unsure, ask a professional to help you figure out what setup is right for your board.
Wheels for street skating
- Soft wheels are great for cruising, skatepark skating and downhill speed boarding. The softness of these wheels makes them more comfortable to push on during long sessions, but you have to be careful with them because they’re not as durable as harder wheels.
- Medium hardness is ideal for street skating and freestyle skateboarding at the park. This wheel type is also suitable for beginners looking to ride on the streets or in a skatepark (unless you’re looking at something like a pro model).
- Harder than most medium-hardness skateboard wheels and less bouncy than soft ones, hard-hardened wheels are great for those who want to do some tricks in the streets or do severe freestyle skating in a park.
Recommended wheels for different types of skating
Skating is a sport that requires a lot of skill and practice, so the type of skateboard wheels you choose can make or break your time on the board. Skateboard wheels are made from urethane, which is an elastic polymer.
Choosing skateboard wheels isn’t as difficult as it may seem.
Choosing the right skateboard wheels isn’t as difficult as it may seem. When shopping for new wheels, the most important thing to consider is your skating style and what you want to achieve with it.
Skateboards are a great way to have fun and stay active. With so many types of skateboards available, selecting the right one can be difficult. Skateboard wheels are an essential part of your board that will help determine how fast or slow it goes and how easy it is to control.
