Choosing the best hardness for skate wheels is key to better skating. Whether you’re in smooth parks or on rough grounds, knowing your wheel’s hardness matters. This guide will make it easy to pick wheel hardness that fits how and where you skate.
Skateboard wheels are made of polyurethane and vary in hardness. The right wheel hardness can make your ride smoother. It matches your skating style and where you skate.
Key Takeaways
- Skateboard wheels typically range from 50mm to 60mm in diameter.
- Younger skaters prefer smaller wheels (50-53mm) for street and park skating.
- Medium-sized wheels (53-56mm) are versatile for street, park, and bowl skating.
- Hard wheels (99A and above) are best for tech skating on smooth surfaces.
- Softer wheels (78A – 90A) offer great grip for cruising and commuting.
- Beginners should look at wheels with hardness 86-99A for more stability.
- Wheel hardness should match your weight; softer for lighter skaters, harder for heavier ones.
Understanding Skate Wheel Hardness
Diving into skateboarding means learning about skate wheel hardness. This hardness, or durometer, affects your ride. It changes how fast you go, how much grip you have, and how long the wheels last. Wheels are measured on the Durometer A Scale, from soft at 75A to hard at 101A. There’s also a B Scale for more detail, starting 20 points below A’s hardest.
Soft wheels, between 75A-87A, are best for rough ground. They grip well and soften impacts, perfect for longboards. Then, wheels from 88A-95A mix grip with speed. They’re good for street skating and some rough spots. These wheels are still a bit soft, offering a nice ride and speed over bumps.
Harder wheels, 96A and above, are for smooth city areas. They’re less about grip and more about speed. Skatepark lovers and pros prefer these for slides and fast moves. Wheels over 100A are mostly for indoor places, giving top speed and less grip.
Here’s a quick guide:
| Durometer Range | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 75A-87A | Extremely soft, high grip, impact absorption | Longboards, rough surfaces |
| 88A-95A | Moderately soft, good grip, moderate speed | Street skating, rough terrains |
| 96A-99A | Balanced hardness, medium grip, and speed | Street, skatepark, beginners |
| 100A+ | Hardest, least grip, highest speed | Professional use, indoor skateparks |
Choosing the right skateboard wheels based on hardness shapes your style. It makes a huge difference, from cruising easily to doing street tricks. Knowing these details helps you pick the best wheels for fun and performance.
Measuring Skate Wheel Hardness
Learning how to measure skateboard wheel hardness greatly improves your ride. A common way to check wheel hardness is using the durometer scale for skate wheels. This tool measures how hard wheels are. Wheels are usually tested with the Durometer A or B Scales. For instance, the A Scale rates wheels from 70a to 101a. Meanwhile, the B Scale reads harder wheels like 80b, equal to 100a on the A Scale.
Each level of hardness changes how skating feels. Wheels sized 48mm to 51mm with a hardness of 78a to 87a are perfect for new skaters. They offer slower speeds and easy starts. Wheels from 56mm to 60mm and a hardness of 88a to 95a balance cruising and tricks well. They also keep rides stable. For big downhill rides, larger wheels like 61mm to 70mm with a hardness of 75a to 85a are best. They give great speed and stick to the road tightly.
Wheel shapes also matter a lot. Rounded edge wheels make less contact, so they go faster and start quicker. But, straight-edge wheels stick better because they touch more ground. Here’s a table showing different skate wheels, their sizes, hardness, and what they’re good at:
| Skate Wheel Type | Diameter (mm) | Durometer Scale | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park / Street Wheels | 50-54mm | 95-101A | Technical Tricks |
| Cruiser / Soft Wheels | 54-60mm | 78-90A | Cruising and Rough Surfaces |
| Longboard Wheels | 60-75mm | 75-85A | Downhill and Transportation |
Knowing the durometer scale for skate wheels helps you pick the right wheels. It doesn’t matter if you’re into street tricks or just relaxing rides.
Choosing the Right Hardness for Your Style
Matching your skateboard wheels to your style matters for fun and how well you skate. When selecting skateboard wheels, remember that wheel hardness affects your ride. Hard wheels (99A or more) are great for street skating and tricks because they respond well and slide easily. Wheels between 52mm and 54mm are ideal for doing technical tricks.
If cruising is more your thing, go for softer wheels. These range from 78A to 87A in hardness. They soak up bumps and cut down on vibrations. This makes your ride smoother and quieter, perfect for chilling out. Cruiser wheels are usually between 54mm and 60mm, making rides on rough ground stable and comfy.
Wheel size and hardness combine to customize skateboard wheels for your needs and goals. For skaters who want something for every situation, try wheels with a hardness of 90A to 97A. They offer a sweet spot of speed, grip, and control on different surfaces. Bigger wheels (bigger than 56mm) might need riser pads. This prevents wheel bite and ensures enough space.
Here’s a quick skateboarding wheel guide to help you choose:
| Skating Style | Diameter Range | Durometer Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Street / Park Skating | 50-54mm | 95-101A |
| Cruising | 54-60mm | 78-90A |
| Longboarding | 60-75mm | 75-85A |
Knowing how wheel size and hardness work with your skating goals is key. Whether you want speed on smooth ground or comfort on uneven paths, the right wheels are crucial.
Recommendations for Different Skaters
Choosing skateboard wheels requires considering your skill level and where you skate. Beginners should look for the best skateboard wheels for beginners to help them gain confidence. Wheels between 54-59mm and a hardness of 90A to 98A are good for starting out. They offer a nice balance of speed and grip for various surfaces.
More skilled skaters heading to skate parks should consider wheels designed for these areas. They best fit wheels from 50-54mm with hardness between 95A to 101A. The hardest wheels, over 99A, are great for doing tricks and handling the skate park surfaces.
Street skaters face many types of surfaces and might prefer wheels sized 54-56mm with a medium hardness (96A-99A). This setup offers a good mix of speed and grip. It helps skaters deal with rough spots and cracks smoothly.
Specialty riders, like longboarders or downhill skaters, should choose bigger, softer wheels (60mm+ and 75A-85A). Such wheels give better grip and speed for these adventurous styles. Companies like Bones Wheels and Spitfire make great options for these activities, including the Bones STF Formula and Spitfire F1 Park Burners.
In conclusion, picking the right skateboard wheels is about finding the best size and hardness for your skating. The right wheels can make a big difference in your skating, whether you’re a beginner or need something for the skate park.
Maintaining Your Skate Wheels
Taking good care of your skateboard wheels helps them last longer and work better. You should often check your wheels for signs of damage, like flat spots or getting too thin. It’s important to do this often since wheels used on streets and parks wear out quicker.
Make cleaning your skate wheels a regular task. This is crucial if you skate where it’s dusty or dirty. First, take the wheels off your board and wipe away any dirt with a damp cloth. To clean them well, you might need to remove the bearings and wash the wheels gently. Put some lubricant on the bearings after cleaning to make them work better and last longer.
It’s a good idea to rotate your skateboard wheels every few months. This makes their wear more even, which is especially useful for harder wheels. Also, check that your wheels are aligned right and that their contact patch isn’t damaged. Wheels that aren’t straight can wear out unevenly and change how you skate. Following these tips can help your skateboard wheels stay in great shape for a long time.
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!