When I first stepped onto a skateboard, I had no idea how much the wheels would impact my tricks. My initial setup came with crappy wheels that made every crack in the pavement feel like an earthquake. Over time, I realized that choosing the right wheels is crucial for comfort and performance. So, here’s what I’ve learned in my many years of skatebaording, to help you make an informed decision.
If you’re a visual learner, check out this explainer from the Tactics channel.
A video titled ‘How to Choose Skateboard Wheels | Tactics‘ from the Tactics Boardshop YouTube channel.
Key takeaways
- Opt for smaller wheels (49mm-54mm) for street tricks and larger wheels (55mm-75mm) for cruising and vert to match your skating style.
- Softer wheels (78A-87A) are great for rough terrain and cruising, while harder wheels (96A-101A+) excel on smooth skatepark surfaces.
- Round (radial) wheels enhance slide initiation, while square-edged wheels provide maximum grip and control, ideal for precision skating.
- Conical and square wheels with wider contact patches offer greater stability, perfect for park skating and bowls.
Understanding Skateboard Wheel Basics
Material
Skateboard wheels are primarily made of polyurethane, a durable and flexible polymer that provides the necessary grip and slide characteristics for different skating styles and terrains. Polyurethane’s versatility allows it to be formulated in various hardness levels, making it the ideal material for both soft cruising wheels and hard trick wheels.
Fun Fact: Wheels were first made of metal
The first skateboard wheels were made of clay and metal, which made for a rough and unpredictable ride. It wasn’t until the 1970s that polyurethane wheels became standard.
Diameter (Size)
The diameter of skateboard wheels is measured in millimeters (mm), typically ranging from 49mm to 75mm.
- Smaller wheels (49mm-54mm): Offer quick acceleration and greater control for technical tricks. Ideal for street skating. I prefer 52mm wheels when I’m practicing flip tricks because they provide the responsiveness I need.
- Larger wheels (55mm-75mm): Provide higher top speeds and are better suited for cruising, vert, and transition skating. When I cruise around town, I switch to 56mm wheels for a smoother ride.
I found that medium-sized wheels (52mm-54mm) offered a good balance between speed and maneuverability. I’ve had great experiences with Spitfire and Bones, which offer a wide range of sizes.
Also consider how wide the wheel is too.
- Wider wheels: Larger contact patches offer more grip and stability. When I was learning to drop into ramps, wider wheels gave me the confidence to commit.
- Narrower wheels: Easier to slide and lighter, aiding in flip tricks. For technical street skating, narrower wheels have helped me execute tricks more smoothly.
Hardness (Durometer)
When choosing wheels, the most important thing to consider is: What kind of skating do you want to do? With that in mind, let’s start with the biggest deciding factor, the hardness.
Wheel hardness is measured on the Shore A Scale, ranging from 78A to 101A and beyond.
- Softer wheels (78A-87A): Provide more grip and a smoother ride on rough surfaces. Perfect for cruising and longboarding. I remember using 78A wheels on a rough street, and it felt like gliding over butter.
- Harder wheels (88A-101A+): Faster and better for smooth surfaces like skateparks, allowing for easier tricks and slides. My go-to for park sessions are 99A wheels; they give me the speed and control I need.
Wheels with medium durometers (92A-95A) have been versatile for me when switching between street and park terrains. OJ Wheels offer softer options that are great for cruising.
Durometer A Scale for Skateboard Wheels
| Durometer (A Scale) | Wheel Hardness | Suitability | Example Terrain/Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78A-87A | Soft | Maximum grip, smoothest ride | Rough terrain, cruising, longboarding |
| 88A-95A | Medium | Balance of grip and speed | All-around skating, mixed terrain |
| 96A-99A | Hard | Less grip, faster | Street skating, skateparks |
| 100A+ | Very Hard | Minimal grip, highest speed | Technical tricks, smooth surfaces |
Explanation:
- 78A-87A (Soft Wheels): These wheels are ideal for beginners who are just starting out, as well as for skaters who need to navigate rougher surfaces. The softer urethane provides better shock absorption, making rides smoother and more comfortable. This range is particularly favored for cruising and longboarding.
- 88A-95A (Medium Wheels): Offering a balance between grip and speed, these wheels are versatile and can handle a variety of terrains. They are suitable for skaters who want to perform tricks but also need to ride over mixed surfaces.
- 96A-99A (Hard Wheels): Skaters who frequent skateparks or smooth surfaces prefer this hardness range. These wheels offer less grip, which is beneficial for slides and technical tricks. However, they can be a bit rough on uneven terrain.
- 100A+ (Very Hard Wheels): The hardest wheels available, these are designed for the most advanced technical skating. They provide the highest speed and are perfect for very smooth surfaces, but they offer the least grip and are unforgiving on rough streets.
Fun Fact: The scale goes back to the 1920s
The Durometer A Scale was developed by Albert Ferdinand Shore in the 1920s. This scale measures the hardness of the urethane used in skateboard wheels,
Wheel Profiles and Edges
- Conical wheels: Wider riding surface for more grip; ideal for stability. These were a game-changer when I started skating bowls.
- Radial wheels: Rounded edges make it easier to initiate slides; good for technical skating.
- Square (Sharp) wheels: Maximum contact with the ground, enhancing control.
This table breaks down the differences between wheel shapes—focusing on the roundness and squareness of wheels—and how each shape affects skating performance.
| Wheel Shape | Profile | Characteristics | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round (Radial) | Rounded Edges | Easier to initiate slides, more maneuverability | Technical tricks, street skating |
| Conical | Angled Edges | Wider contact patch, more stability | Park skating, bowls, stability-focused tricks |
| Square (Sharp) | Flat Edges | Maximum grip, strong control | High-speed skating, downhill, precision skating |
| Beveled | Tapered Edges | Combination of grip and slide capability | All-around skating, mixed terrains |
| Sidecut | Inset Profile | Reduced weight, increased control | Vert skating, speed control on ramps |
Explanation:
- Round (Radial) Wheels: Wheels with rounded edges offer more maneuverability and make it easier to initiate slides. This shape is commonly preferred by street skaters who perform technical tricks, as the rounded profile allows for smoother transitions during tricks.
- Conical Wheels: Featuring angled edges, conical wheels provide a wider contact patch with the ground. This results in increased stability, making them ideal for park skating, bowls, and any skating that benefits from a stable, controlled ride.
- Square (Sharp) Wheels: Square-edged wheels offer the most grip due to their flat edges and maximum contact with the ground. These wheels are perfect for high-speed skating, downhill racing, and any situation where control and precision are critical.
- Beveled Wheels: With tapered edges, beveled wheels strike a balance between grip and slide capability. These wheels are versatile, suitable for all-around skating on mixed terrains, offering both control and the ability to perform slides when needed.
- Sidecut Wheels: Sidecut wheels have an inset profile that reduces weight while maintaining a stable riding surface. This shape is excellent for vert skating, where weight reduction and control on ramps are essential for maintaining speed and precision.
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Popular skateboard wheel brands
- Spitfire: Known for durability and performance; offers Formula Four wheels with various shapes and durometers. Their wheels have lasted me through some tough sessions.
- Bones Wheels: Renowned for Street Tech Formula (STF) and Skatepark Formula (SPF) wheels; excellent for street and park skating.
- Ricta Wheels: Offers innovative core technologies and a variety of durometers for different terrains. I’ve found their wheels to be incredibly smooth.
- OJ Wheels: Specializes in softer wheels suitable for cruising and rough surfaces.
- Powell-Peralta: Provides high-quality wheels for both street and cruising, including the versatile G-Slides.
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Choosing the Right Wheels for Your Style
- Size: Smaller (49mm-53mm)
- Hardness: Hard (99A-101A+)
- Use: Quick acceleration and responsive tricks on smooth surfaces.
- Brand Examples: Spitfire Formula Four, Bones STF
- Size: Slightly larger (53mm-56mm)
- Hardness: Hard
- Use: Optimized for skatepark terrains; balance between speed and control.
- Brand Examples: Ricta Park Crushers, Element Skateboards
- Size: Larger (56mm-65mm)
- Hardness: Softer (78A-90A)
- Use: Smooth ride over rough surfaces; ideal for commuting and casual riding.
- Brand Examples: OJ Hot Juice, Powell-Peralta G-Slides
- Size: Largest (65mm-75mm)
- Hardness: Softest wheels
- Use: Designed for speed and stability during downhill rides and long-distance skating.
- Brand Examples: Sector 9 Wheels, Orangatang Wheels
Is there a do it all wheel?
There really aren’t any wheels that are the “best of both worlds”—that are fast and smooth on rough pavement and good for sliding and doing tricks. If you get a wheel that’s somewhere in the middle around 88A-92A, you’re not getting a wheel that is good for tricks and for transportation, but rather a wheel that performs mediocre for both.
It’s better to have one set of each. You can swap between wheels when you need to get around, but that’s a hassle. The best option is to have a completely separate cruiser set up for your soft wheels. Since the primary purpose of the cruiser board is transportation, you can build it with any old parts or a worn-out deck that you have laying around.
The deck and trucks will last a long time because you’re not abusing them the same way as you would on your “trick board” and you can gradually upgrade your cruiser parts over time as you get new stuff for your trick board. It’s also fun to personalize your cruiser with a crazy shaped deck, custom art, or some accessories like rails or lappers. Just have fun with it and make it your own.
Experimenting with different brands helped me find the perfect wheels for my style.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
The color of your wheels is largely a cosmetic choice. It lends a personal touch to your board. But remember, performance is key. Handling and control won’t change whether your wheels are neon green or midnight black.
Yes, beginners can use hard wheels, especially if they’re primarily skating at concrete parks or smooth, paved surfaces. Harder wheels provide a faster and smoother ride on these terrains. Remember, they’re not as forgiving as softer ones on rough terrain. Curious to know more about it? Check out my post on when to replace skateboard wheels.
The lifespan of your skateboard wheels depends greatly on how often and where you’re skating. Wheels can last from a year to a year and a half for an average skater hitting the parks or streets a few times a week.
Skateboard wheels are interchangeable. But swapping them is more than a style statement. Each wheel type serves a specific purpose and terrain. So choose wisely.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right skateboard wheels has made a significant difference in my skating journey. Understanding the nuances of wheel size, hardness, shape, and features like cores and profiles allowed me to customize my setup to fit my style and the terrains I skate on. Don’t hesitate to try out different wheels and brands—you might discover that the perfect setup was just a swap away.
So tell me, What type of skateboard wheels have you been riding, and how has your experience been so far? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below. I read and reply to every comment. If you found this article valuable, share it with a skate buddy, and peruse my full blog for more tips and tricks in the skate-verse. Thanks for hanging out, and keep rolling!
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