Cruising Comfort: Are 83a Wheels Good for You?

Looking for the best durometer for cruising? Many riders love 83a wheels for their blend of comfort and flexibility. Unlike the harder wheels used for street or park skating, longboard wheels for cruising glide smoothly over obstacles like pebbles and small rocks. So, why pick 83a wheels, and will they suit your cruising style?

Longboard wheels vary in size from 60-75mm and have a durometer rating between 75-85a. Sitting on the higher end, 83a wheels strike a great balance. They’re tough enough for rough surfaces yet soft enough for long, smooth rides.

The 83a wheels benefits include their just-right hardness for a smoother and more forgiving ride. They’re ideal for city streets or beach paths, giving both comfort and performance.

Want to pick the best skateboard wheels? Learn more here.

Key Takeaways

• Longboard wheels for cruising generally range from 60-75mm in diameter and have a durometer rating of 75-85a.
• An 83a durometer offers a perfect balance, providing a smoother ride on rough surfaces while maintaining durability.
• 83a wheels are versatile, making them suitable for various terrains and long-distance cruising.
• These wheels can manage pebbles, small rocks, and uneven surfaces more efficiently than harder wheels.
• If you prioritize comfort and flexibility in your ride, 83a wheels are worth considering.

Understanding Wheel Durometer Ratings

When choosing skateboard wheels, knowing the wheel durometer scale is key. This scale measures the hardness of skateboard wheels. It uses numbers from 0-100A. Here, higher numbers mean the wheel is harder.

Wheel hardness impacts your ride. Softer wheels, around 75A to 87A, are great for smooth rides on rough grounds. They absorb road bumps well. Harder wheels, like those 96A and above, are faster on smooth grounds. But, they are less forgiving on bumps, making them good for skateparks.

An 83A durometer falls in the soft range. It balances comfort with performance. These wheels make your ride smooth and controlled. They’re perfect for cruising or slightly rough paths. Yet, for speed lovers, harder wheels like 100A+ might be better.

Dual-durometer wheels offer different hardness on the inside and outside. They give you both speed and durability. The best choice depends on how you skate and where you skate.

The Benefits of 83a Wheels for Cruising

If you’re on the hunt for wheels that give you both comfort and versatility, you might wonder why choose 83a wheels. They strike a perfect balance between being soft and hard. This balance makes them great not just for cruising but also for doing some freeride and freestyle tricks.

With a durometer rating of 83a, they’re soft enough to roll smoothly over bumpy surfaces but still fast. They’re perfect for anyone wanting to cruise smoothly without losing speed. Their hardness also gives good grip around corners, essential for stability and maneuverability.

83a wheels fit many riding styles well. While cruiser wheels are usually between 54-60mm in diameter with a 78-90a durometer, and longboard wheels range from 60-75mm with a 75-85a durometer, 83a wheels find the sweet spot in the middle. This makes them versatile for both easy rides and more hardcore scenarios.

Let’s look at some data to see why different wheels can be better for specific uses:

Choosing 83a wheels means you can enjoy smooth rides and still go fast. They’re great for skaters who want one wheel for all types of surfaces and situations. So, why choose 83a wheels? They give you the perfect mix of comfort, grip, and flexibility. This makes them great for both beginners and experienced skaters.

Comparing 83a Wheels to Other Durometers

Choosing the right longboard wheels is crucial for your ride. Comparing wheel hardness helps, especially in the 83a vs 78a debate. It shows what suits your skating style best.

An 83a wheel stands in the middle of the durometer scale. It balances comfort and performance. Let’s look at some common choices:

Comparing 83a to 78a wheels, 78a ones are softer. They offer better grip and shake less on rough roads. This means more stability and a smoother ride. But, they might wear out faster and leave marks.

More rigid wheels, rated above 86a, fit smooth park skating better. They move easily over surfaces, lasting longer but offering less grip. Yet, they might feel bumpy on streets.

In the hard vs soft wheels discussion, 83a wheels are a good middle choice. They work well on streets and for smooth rides, fitting many skating activities.

Choosing the Right Setup for Cruising

For the best skateboard setup for cruising, mix wheel size, durometer, board type, and your style. Use wheels from 65mm to 75mm for good speed and control. With a durometer around 83a, you’ll enjoy smooth rides everywhere. This mix is an ideal cruising configuration.

Consider the type of board and its flex in a longboard setup guide. A longboard with soft to medium flex is great for comfortable cruising. But, if you like fast downhill rides, go for a stiff flex board. Choose based on how you like to ride.

When picking wheels, know the durometer ratings. Wheels from 78a to 92a are best for cruising. Soft wheels, near 78a, let you ride smoothly with more grip. Medium durometer wheels, like 83a, work well on different surfaces.

Here’s a comparative table showcasing various wheel types and their suitability for different riding styles:

Adding riser pads with your wheels prevents wheel bite and gives more clearance. If your wheels are over 60mm, consider riser pads for smooth cruising.

To wrap it up, choosing the best skateboard setup for cruising means selecting the right wheels, durometer, and board type. Tailor these to your speed and control preferences for the best cruising experience.

Tips for Maintaining Your Wheels

Maintaining your skateboard and longboard wheels is crucial for their lifespan and performance. Whether cruising, dancing, or going downhill, taking care of your wheels is important. Follow these steps on how to maintain skateboard wheels for smooth and safe rides.

First, always clean your wheels regularly. Dirt and debris on wheels and bearings reduce performance. Wipe wheels with a damp cloth and use a lubricant for the bearings. Avoid water and rough terrains to prevent damage to your wheels.

Rotating your wheels is also key. It ensures even wear, which is especially important for longboard wheels. Avoiding uneven wear keeps your rides smooth and extends wheel life. Keep your slides under 90° to avoid flat spots that can ruin your wheels.

Be mindful of where you skate. Longboards handle rough surfaces better than skateboards. For example, longboard wheels are larger and softer, offering a better ride over obstacles. Try to skate on smoother surfaces to help your wheels last longer.

Store your skateboard or longboard in a cool, dry place. Excessive heat or humidity can damage the urethane in wheels. This preserves both wheels and the deck’s quality.

By following these steps, you improve your wheel care routine. Regular maintenance enhances rides and saves money on replacements. Keep your rides enjoyable with these maintenance tips.

Riding Techniques with 83a Wheels

Skating on 83a wheels means understanding their medium hardness. They offer both grip and slide, perfect for different skating styles. Learning the techniques for riding 83a wheels will improve your skating a lot.

First, get good at weight distribution and control. This makes using the perks of 83a wheels easier, whether cruising or doing tricks. Keep your stance balanced for better stability and movement.

Carving and sliding work well on 83a wheels because of their semi-hard nature. Carving is about smooth turns and is great for cruising. To carve well, lean into your turns, shifting your weight from toes to heels.

Sliding is more advanced but offers exciting speed control. How to skate 83a wheels for slides involves gripping and releasing perfectly. To start a slide, push your back foot out. Keep your weight even to prevent wheel bite and stay safe.

Here’s a comparative table highlighting the unique aspects of different wheel types:

In summary, getting good at these techniques for riding 83a wheels will boost your skating. Focus on managing your weight well, carving smoothly, and sliding skillfully. This will make riding on 83a wheels fun and lively.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using 83a wheels for longboarding and skateboarding gives a smooth ride. But, picking the wrong surface is a mistake. These wheels are better for cruising, not for technical street skating or rough grounds. Make sure your wheels match the surface they are used on.

Not adjusting the skateboard setup for the rider’s weight and style is another mistake. Skaters up to 75kg should use wheels that are 77a to 80a. Those weighing between 80kg and 90kg should go for 80a to 83a wheels. And, those over 90kg might prefer an 82a durometer. This helps avoid mistakes and improve performance.

Forgetting about wheel maintenance can ruin your ride and cause more wear. It’s key to clean and check your wheels often. Dirt can get into the wheels, leading to uneven wear. Keeping up with maintenance helps stop these issues.

Below is a table detailing the durometer ratings and their ideal use cases:

To avoid common longboarding mistakes, ensure a safer and better ride. For deeper insights, read this guide on what longboard wheels are best. Keeping your wheels in good shape and matching your setup with your style and weight reduces errors and improves your cruising.

Conclusion: Are 83a Wheels Right for Your Riding Style?

Deciding if 83a wheels are good for you depends on your skateboarding style and where you skate. 83a wheels are great for a mix of smooth cruising and some freestyle. They are perfect if you skate on different kinds of surfaces, from smooth to a bit rough.

When picking wheels, consider their size and hardness. Street skating usually needs smaller, harder wheels, around 50-55mm in diameter and 99a in hardness. For cruising and longboarding, bigger and softer wheels, like the 83a, are better. Changing up your wheels’ size and durometer can make your skateboarding better or worse. Companies like FREEDARE and Orangatang have wheels in various specs to fit how you skate.

Asking “is 83a right for me?” means thinking about where and how you skate. If you mostly skate on very rough or very smooth surfaces, you might need a different hardness. But if you want your ride to be smooth over many surfaces, 83a wheels are a solid pick. Testing different wheels is key to finding the best ones for your skating.

John Peterson

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!