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Guide to Purchasing Skateboard Wheels
Skateboard wheels are crucial for your performance – regardless of your skill level. They play a major role in your skateboarding experience, and changing the type of wheel can fully alter your skateboard setup. Therefore, it is wise to consider the available choices when selecting skateboard wheels.
This guide is designed to offer insights to those looking to buy new skateboard wheels. Please explore the sections below and navigate to the area of your interest, so we can assist you in finding the ideal wheels for your skateboard.
Overview
Overview
Choosing the Right Skateboard Wheels
There are two primary considerations when choosing skateboard wheels for your setup: size and hardness. Selecting the proper size can prevent issues like wheel bites.
Besides size and hardness, other factors such as shape, which affects the contact patch (the part of the wheel touching the ground), and wheel material, which affects features like grip, rebound, and weight, should also be contemplated.
Your preferences and riding style will steer your choices. Ultimately, the best skateboard wheels are those that match your style and ensure maximum enjoyment on the board, whether at a beginner or advanced level!
Below are more detailed guidelines on finding the right skateboard wheels for your requirements.
Sizes of Skateboard Wheels
Wheel sizes are measured by diameter, considerably affecting the speed, acceleration, and manoeuvrability of your skateboard.
Skaters who are agile and technical typically favour smaller wheels, whereas larger wheels are ideal for cruising or vert skating. Here's a general comparison between large and small skateboard wheels:
Smaller Wheels:
- Agile, manoeuvrable, and excellent for tricks; though they may not achieve the same speeds as larger ones, they respond more quickly.
- Less forgiving and can suddenly halt if obstructed by a small pebble.
- Milder pop angle allows for less effort in flip tricks and ollies.
- Small wheels are compatible with low trucks, allowing for a lower centre of gravity.
Large Wheels:
- Higher speeds with slower acceleration and reduced agility.
- More forgiving when encountering pebbles or irregular surfaces.
- Steeper pop angle provides more leverage for big tricks but requires more effort.
- Might require higher trucks or riser pads to prevent wheel bites.
Commonly, skateboard wheels fall within the 52-56 mm range. If you do not primarily engage in vert shredding or cruising, you are likely to find suitable wheels within this size range.
Below is a size chart providing a quick glance at wheel diameters and their commonly associated skateboard disciplines.
| Size | Size in mm | Recommended for |
| Medium Sized Wheels | 50-53 mm | Street, park |
| Medium Sized Wheels | 53-56 mm | Street, park, bowl, mini ramp |
| Large Skateboard Wheels | 56-60 mm | Cruising, vert |
You can filter our selection of skateboard wheels by diameter to find the perfect ones for your needs:
Understanding Skateboard Wheel Hardness – The Durometer Scale
Wheel hardness is measured by the durometer scale, usually represented by a number followed by an A. For example, 100A wheels are harder compared to 99A ones. Occasionally, a B will replace an A, reducing the A-scale by 20 units, thus an 83B is equivalent to a 103A.
The following guidelines may assist in deciding whether to choose skateboard wheels that are harder or softer than your current set:
Harder Wheels
- More speed and durability
- Reduced grip and shock absorption
- Shaky and noisy on uneven surfaces
- Fast and responsive on smooth terrains
- Excellent for skatepark or street tricks
Softer Wheels
- Better grip but less speed and longevity
- Smooth over vibrations and rough surfaces
- Ideal for filming as they minimise shaking and noise
- Perfect for cruising anywhere
| Hardness | Durometer | Recommended Usage |
| Very Soft Wheels | 78A - 90A | Cruising, filming, commuting, beginners |
| Medium Soft Wheels | 90A - 97A | Cruising, rough surfaces, commuting, beginners |
| Medium Hard Wheels | 97A - 99 | Street skating, mini ramps, skateparks |
| Hard Wheels | 99A + | Technical skateboarding |
While browsing, you can refine results by wheel hardness and other crucial specs to view only wheels pertinent to your needs:
Shape of Skateboard Wheels - Contact Patch & Lip Shape
The contact patch plays the most significant role in wheel shapes. 'Contact patch' pertains to the wheel area in touch with the ground during skating.
A narrow contact patch offers heightened responsiveness, reduced friction, and increased sliding propensity (ideal for blunt slides!). With narrow wheels, weight is concentrated on less surface, amplifying vibrations from coarse surfaces. Additionally, narrow wheels weigh less due to reduced sidewall material.
Conversely, a broad contact patch provides a grippier and stable wheel less prone to sliding than its narrow counterpart. However, wider wheels are less responsive and heavier.
Moreover, a rounded profile, or lip shape, facilitates skate transitions by easily rolling over copings and preventing hang-ups.
Wide Contact Patch:
- More grip and more stability
- Less prone to sliding
- Reduced responsiveness
- Heavier weight
Narrow Contact Patch:
- Higher responsiveness
- Lower friction
- Greater sliding propensity
- Increased vibration from coarse surfaces
- Reduced weight
Composition of Skateboard Wheels
Skateboard wheels are made from polyurethane, with manufacturers continually enhancing urethane formulas to improve performance. By altering the urethane mixture, they modify hardness, durability, smoothness, rebound, and sliding properties.
Rebound of Skateboard Wheels (Urethane and Its Properties)
Prior to urethane wheels, skateboard wheels were metal or ceramic. The onset of urethane wheels marked a significant leap due to a key feature: rebound. Upon impact with hard surfaces, urethane wheels momentarily deform but quickly return to shape, generating the bounce effect. This bounce transformed the sport, ushering in modern skateboarding.
Rigorous production standards, PU formulas, moulding processes, curing, and baking temperatures are core to innovations in skateboard wheels. When choosing, focus on size, hardness, and shape. Since precise PU formula adjustments and production techniques greatly affect quality, selecting trustworthy reputable brands for high-grade wheels is always beneficial.
Optimal Skateboard Wheels For Park
Park skateboard wheels should be small to medium (usually 50-56 mm) with a hardness rating (durometer) of 99A to 101A, offering smooth, responsive performance on polished surfaces. A rounded form provides versatile manoeuvrability for tricks and transitions, while premium polyurethane construction guarantees durability and superior grip on ramps and bowls.
Ideal Skateboard Wheels for Street
Street skateboard wheels should be small to medium (50-56 mm) with a hardness rating (durometer) from 97A to 101A for optimal control and responsiveness on urban terrain. A wider contact patch improves stability for slides and grinds, while a conical or rounded shape ensures rapid acceleration and manoeuvrability. High-quality polyurethane is necessary for durability and dependable grip on concrete and asphalt.
This guidance suits street skateboarding. However, for simple street cruising, larger and softer wheels than 97A would be preferable (For cruising only, select wheels 78A - 85A!).
