Choosing soft or hard skateboard wheels is crucial for cruising. It depends on the wheel’s hardness, known as the durometer rating. This choice affects your ride, whether you’re on city streets or rough paths.
Soft wheels are best for cruising, with a hardness rating between 78A and 85A. They absorb shocks well, making your ride smoother. Hard wheels, rated above 99A, are for tricks on smooth surfaces. They’re fast but not as comfy for cruising.
Deciding between soft and hard wheels requires knowing their features. Also consider wheel size and the places you skate. Next, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each wheel type to help you choose wisely.
Key Takeaways
- Soft wheels (78A to 85A durometer) are ideal for cruising due to their shock-absorbing capabilities.
- Hard wheels (above 99A durometer) are better suited for tricks and park skating on smooth surfaces.
- The durometer rating is crucial in determining a wheel’s hardness and performance.
- Wheel size for cruising skateboard wheels generally ranges from 55mm to 65mm.
- Choosing the right wheels depends on your specific riding style and preferred terrain.
Understanding Wheel Hardness and Its Impact
The wheel durometer scale is key to knowing how wheel hardness affects skateboarding. It uses a 100-point scale to measure hardness. High numbers mean harder wheels. This impacts your ride’s quality, grip, and speed.
Hard wheels, like those rated 99A or more, are great for street and park skating. They offer quick speeds and good bounce on smooth surfaces. But, they’re less comfy on rough ground due to less shock absorption.
On the other hand, wheels softer than 95A are better for bumpy paths. They smoothly handle cracks and debris, ideal for cruising. Knowing both skateboard wheel size and durometer helps in picking the right wheels.
Here’s a breakdown to show how durometer ratings and wheel sizes can change your skating:
| Wheel Hardness (Durometer A Scale) | Wheel Size (mm) | Ideal For | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75A – 87A | 60 mm and above | Cruising, Rough Surfaces | High grip, Maximum comfort |
| 88A – 95A | 54 – 59 mm | Street Skating, Tricks | Balance of speed and grip |
| 96A – 99A | 50 – 53 mm | Beginners, Smooth Surfaces | Good speed and grip |
| 100A+ | 50 – 53 mm | Technical Skating, Competitions | Fast, Least grip |
Choosing the right wheel hardness for cruising or any style depends on your needs. Think about whether you want fast tricks or a smooth and steady ride.
The Benefits of Soft Wheels for Cruising
Soft skateboard wheels, typically softer than 95A, offer many advantages for cruisers. They can absorb shock from rough spots like street cracks and pebbles. This results in a smoother ride that’s easier on your body, making longboarding and city cruising more comfortable.
They also grip the ground better, which keeps you stable and safe on uneven paths. This grip is great for filming skateboarding, helping get steady shots. Brands like Ricta Clouds and OJ Super Juice create wheels just for these needs.
Soft wheels usually come in bigger sizes, around 54-60mm. This size helps them roll over obstacles smoothly. So, whether you’re moving through crowded streets or just cruising, the ride is enjoyable.
Choosing the right soft wheels makes your skateboard more comfortable and functional. For best performance on uneven ground, pick wheels with a durometer rating of 78-90A. This lets you enjoy all the benefits of soft wheels for cruising.
The Advantages of Hard Wheels for Cruising
Skaters often think cruising means needing soft wheels for a smooth ride. Yet, hard skateboard wheels offer unique benefits for cruising. With a hardness level between 99A and 101A, these wheels are perfect for street skating and tricks. They allow skaters to move fast and with great precision, especially on smooth skatepark surfaces.
Hard wheels let skaters reach higher speeds. This is because they have less resistance on smooth surfaces. Companies like Bones STF and Spitfire Formula Four make durable hard wheels. These wheels resist wear and tear, making them ideal for fast rides in the city or skateparks.
These wheels also help with performing stunts and tricks. If you like to do ollies, flips, or other moves while cruising, hard wheels are helpful. They’re chosen by skaters who want to mix cruising with tricks. Hard wheels reduce bouncing, which improves performance.
Furthermore, hard skateboard wheels are great for sliding. They make power slides and grinds easier, thanks to their unmatched slide capacity. This makes them popular in skateparks where smooth and controlled moves are essential.
| Feature | Hard Wheels | Soft Wheels |
|---|---|---|
| Durometer Range | 99A to 101A and above | 78A to 90A |
| Ideal Surface | Smooth/Skateparks | Rough/Varied |
| Speed | Higher on Smooth | Moderate |
| Precision | High | Low |
| Durability | Long-Lasting | Moderate |
| Tricks and Slides | Excellent | Good |
In conclusion, hard skateboard wheels might not be the first pick for cruising. But their benefits in speed, precision, and trick capacity make them a strong option. They offer a thrilling skating experience in smooth, skatepark-friendly places.
Choosing the Right Wheel for Your Riding Style
When selecting skateboard wheels, think about where you’ll skate and what you want from your wheels. For street skating, go for smaller wheels between 50-53mm. They’re slower but stable, ideal for tricks and younger skaters. For cruising on city streets or uneven ground, pick larger, softer wheels over 60mm. They give you better grip and smooth rides. Choose softer urethane wheels, between 78a-87a, for the best skateboard customization.
Knowing about wheel hardness and size can boost your skateboarding. A middle option, with hardness from 90a to 97a, balances speed and grip nicely. If you love smooth surfaces and going fast, choose harder wheels (101a+). They have less grip but are great for skate parks.
To match wheels with riding style right, look at the wheel sizes. Average sizes (54-59mm) are good for beginners. They work well for street skating, skate parks, bowls, and ramps. Big wheels (60mm+) suit those who like speed or skating on bumpy surfaces.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide:
| Wheel Type | Diameter | Durometer | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venom Skateboards Magnum Mach-1 | 78mm | 74a | $85.99 |
| Spitfire Wheels Formula Four Radial | 58mm | 93a | $43.99 |
| Snot Wheel Co. Lil Wide Boys | 50mm | 101a | $31.99 |
| ABEC 11 Superfly | 111mm | 74a | $138.99 |
Choosing the right skateboard wheels not only boosts your performance but also makes skating more fun. For advice on wheel hardness and finding your ideal type, check out the Skateboard Wheels Buying Guide. Learning about these details can help you match wheels with riding style. This ensures your board is just right for what you love doing.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for You
Choosing the right skateboard wheels depends on what you need and how you skate. If you love cruising through city parks, going to the beach, or making smooth videos, soft wheels are for you. They should have a durometer between 78A and 92A for a better ride. Wheels like the OJ Super Juice or Powell Peralta Snakes are perfect for moving over rough surfaces smoothly.
If you enjoy doing tricks, spending time in skateparks, or skating in street setups, you’ll need harder wheels. Choose wheels with a durometer from 95A to 101A for doing moves like ollies, grinds, and flips. Harder wheels, such as Ricta Clouds, help you skate better in these areas. They make your ride fast and controlled.
But there’s more to picking wheels than just their hardness. You also need to look at wheel size, the contact patch, and the deck you use. Skate decks, longboards, and tech designs all need different wheels for the best skate. Matching your wheels with your deck and trucks makes your skateboard unique. It helps you get the most out of skating, safely and with great performance. Think about your deck width, truck height, and where you skate most to choose wisely. This ensures your setup is perfect for your skateboarding style.
I’m John Peterson, a passionate skater, blogger, and lifelong enthusiast. I’ve been skating for over 9 years and have gone on to write a blog dedicated to the sport of skating and its culture. Through my blog, I strive to share my knowledge and experience of the sport with all who are interested. From beginner tips, tricks, and equipment reviews to interviews and event coverage, I cover it all. So read my blog as I explore the wonderful world of skating!