Choosing the right skateboarding wheels can significantly enhance your riding experience, whether you’re hitting the streets, cruising through town, or shredding the park. Wheels affect your speed, control, and how your board grips different surfaces. If you’ve ever wondered about what size or hardness you should pick, this skateboarding wheels guide is here to break down everything you need to know to find the perfect wheels for your style and terrain.
Understanding Wheel Size and Diameter
One of the first factors to consider when choosing skateboarding wheels is their size, often referred to by diameter and measured in millimeters. Skate wheels generally range from about 50mm to 60mm in diameter. The size you choose can impact your speed, control, and how well your board rolls over different surfaces.
Smaller wheels, typically between 50mm and 54mm, are favored by street skaters. The smaller diameter makes the board lower to the ground, which means better control, quicker tricks, and a lighter feel. These wheels accelerate faster but tend not to roll as fast on flat ground because of their size.
Larger wheels, ranging from 55mm to 60mm and beyond, are common for park skating and cruising. They provide more speed and better momentum, especially useful for smooth surfaces and transitions in skateparks or long-distance cruising. They can roll over cracks and rougher terrain more easily than smaller wheels, making your ride smoother and more comfortable.
Wheel Hardness and Its Impact on Performance
Another crucial characteristic of skateboarding wheels is their hardness, expressed on the durometer scale, usually between 78A and 101A. Lower durometer numbers mean softer wheels, while higher numbers indicate harder wheels.
Softer wheels (78A to 87A) are ideal for cruising and riding on rougher surfaces like sidewalks, streets, or asphalt paths. These wheels absorb vibrations better, offering more grip and a cushier ride, which reduces foot fatigue on long rides.
Harder wheels (88A to 101A and above) are preferred for street and park skating. Hard wheels slide easier, which is great for performing tricks, grinds, and sharp turns. They also have less grip, making it easier to control slides and ollies. However, they can be less forgiving on rough surfaces, making your ride bumpier outside of smooth skatepark concrete or well-maintained streets.
Types of Wheels for Street, Park, and Cruising
Different wheel designs suit specific skating disciplines due to the variation in size, hardness, and shape.
- Street Wheels: Usually smaller (50-54mm) and harder (99A-101A), street wheels are built for technical tricks and tight maneuvering on pavement, rails, and ledges. Their hardness allows them to slide smoothly for tricks like powerslides and manuals.
- Park Wheels: Slightly larger (54-58mm) than street wheels and with a medium hardness around 95A to 101A, park wheels offer more speed and grip for ramps, bowls, and smooth skatepark surfaces. They balance control with the ability to achieve speed in transition skating.
- Cruising Wheels: These are softer and larger (typically 56-60mm or higher) with durometers between 78A and 87A. Their focus is on comfort, smooth rolling, and stability, making them perfect for commuting or casual rides over cracking and rough terrain.
How to Pick Wheels Based on Terrain
Your choice of wheels should be closely tied to the environment where you’ll most often ride.
- Rough Streets and Sidewalks: Choose softer, larger wheels (78A-87A, 56mm+) that absorb shock and handle cracks, pebbles, and uneven pavement smoothly.
- Smooth Skateparks and Pools: Harder wheels (95A-101A) of medium size around 54mm to 58mm give you the grip and speed needed to flow around bowls and ramps without losing control.
- Street Skating and Technical Tricks: Smaller, harder wheels (50-54mm, 98A-101A) provide quick acceleration and precision for flip tricks, grinds, and ledge work.
- Longboarding or Cruising on Pavement: If your focus is distance and comfort, even larger wheels (60mm+) with a softer durometer offer a smooth and stable ride, minimizing road vibrations.
Think about your skating style and terrain first because the wheels that suit your style will help improve your performance and enjoyment.
Brands and Popular Wheel Models
The skateboarding world is rich with great wheel manufacturers. Here are some top brands and models to consider:
- Spitfire: Known for their durability and performance, Spitfire’s Formula Four wheels are a favorite in street and park skating, offering excellent grip and slide control.
- Ricta: Ricta wheels come in a variety of sizes and durometers, making them versatile for street, park, and cruising styles. Their Clouds line is especially popular among cruisers.
- OJ Wheels: Widely favored in the longboarding and cruising scenes, OJ’s Big Juice wheels are large and soft for smooth rides over rough terrain.
- Powell Peralta: Classic shapes and reliable durability have made these wheels a staple among old-school and modern skaters alike.
- Bone Brothers: Popular with technical skaters, Bone Brothers wheels offer a good balance of hardness and control for street skating.
Trying wheels from these trusted brands will give you reliable performance. Many skaters prefer testing a few before settling on a favorite.
Wheel Maintenance and Replacement Tips
Knowing how to care for your wheels can extend their lifespan and keep your ride smooth.
- Regular Cleaning: Dirt and grime build-up can affect wheel grip and speed. Clean your wheels occasionally with warm water and mild soap, removing embedded debris and grime.
- Check for Flat Spots: Flat spots develop when you slide or lock your wheels abruptly. They make rides bumpy and reduce wheel performance. If you notice flat spots, it might be time to replace your wheels.
- Rotate Wheels: To promote even wear, rotate your wheels regularly. This helps maintain performance and lengthens wheel life.
- Bearings Check: Though technically separate from wheels, bearings influence wheel performance. Keep bearings clean and lubricated for the best ride.
- Replace When Needed: If wheels show significant wear, cracking, or flat spots, replacing them will improve safety and comfort.
Get the Most Out of Your Skateboarding Experience
Skateboarding wheels are a key component of your board that influence speed, control, and comfort. Taking the time to understand wheel size, hardness, and types ensures you pick the ideal set for your skating style and the terrain you ride most often. Whether you’re tearing up street ledges, cruising scenic paths, or bombing transitions at the park, the right wheels make a world of difference in your session.
Invest in high-quality wheels from reputable brands, maintain them properly, and swap them out when needed to keep your ride smooth and fun. With the perfect wheels, you can push your skills further and enjoy every ride to the fullest.
