When you're seeking the best skateboard wheels for a smooth street glide, you can't overlook the top contenders: CREAJOY, OJ, and FREEDARE. Each offers unique features like durability and comfort tailored for all levels of skaters. But what truly sets them apart? The answer might surprise you, as each wheel caters to different street conditions and skating styles. Curious to find out which will transform your ride?
key Takeaways
- OJ Skateboard Wheels offer a smooth, nostalgic ride with their 87a durometer, ideal for cruising on various surfaces.
- CREAJOY Skateboard Wheels, at 60mm and 95a durometer, ensure durability and speed for skate enthusiasts.
- FREEDARE 58mm Wheels, with ABEC-7 bearings, provide a smooth ride, perfect for street cruising and early tricks.
- Larger wheels, like 58mm-60mm, improve handling over bumps and cracks, enhancing cruising comfort.
- Softer wheels under 85A durometer absorb shocks effectively, ensuring a smoother ride on rough terrains.
Skateboard Wheels, 60mm 95a with Bearings, Set of 4 (Black)
If you're searching for the perfect cruising wheels for your skateboard, the CREAJOY Skateboard Wheels, 60mm 95a with Bearings, are a standout choice. These wheels, crafted from durable 95a polyurethane, offer a smooth, stable ride across various surfaces. With a 60mm diameter, they're perfect for hill runs and slides, while the pro-grade precision bearings enhance speed and responsiveness. They fit most standard skateboard trucks, making them a versatile upgrade. Customers appreciate the quality and understated design, with an average rating of 4.0 stars. Whether you're replacing old wheels or building a new board, these wheels deliver exceptional performance.
Best For: Skateboard enthusiasts looking for durable, high-performance wheels for smooth rides and versatility on various surfaces.
Pros:
- Durable 95a polyurethane construction ensures long-lasting use.
- Equipped with pro-grade precision bearings for enhanced speed and responsiveness.
- Universal compatibility with most standard skateboard trucks.
Cons:
- Warranty is not available for this product.
- Some users may find the hardness of the wheels less suitable for softer surfaces.
- Limited color options as only black is available.
OJ Skateboard Wheels Plain Jain Keyframe 87a (Set of 4)
The OJ Skateboard Wheels Plain Jain Keyframe 87a are perfect for skaters seeking a smooth and reliable ride, especially on rough surfaces. These wheels, with their soft 87a urethane formula, promise comfort and speed, whether you're at the skatepark or cruising the streets. They're ideal for beginners and seasoned skaters alike, providing stability on rugged pavements. Users love the nostalgic feel, reminiscent of the 80s and 90s. Versatile enough for cruiser boards or standard setups, they're a hit among both kids and adults. Pair them with new bearings for enhanced performance and enjoy the quick delivery that users rave about.
Best For: Skaters of all skill levels seeking comfortable and smooth rides on rough surfaces, with a nostalgic appeal for those who enjoyed skating in the 80s and 90s.
Pros:
- Smooth and fast rides suitable for both skatepark and street cruising.
- Comfortable for beginners and enhances the experience for seasoned skaters.
- Versatile and can be used on various skateboard setups, including cruiser boards.
Cons:
- May not provide the hard grip needed for technical tricks or competitions.
- Limited to casual and moderate skating activities, not ideal for high-intensity sports.
- Soft urethane formula may wear out faster on extremely rough surfaces.
FREEDARE 58mm Skateboard Wheels with ABEC-7 Bearing (Pack of 4)
Looking for an upgrade to your skateboard setup? Consider the FREEDARE 58mm Skateboard Wheels with ABEC-7 bearings. These wheels, measuring 58mm in diameter and 45mm in width, offer a smooth and durable ride with their 82A polyurethane construction. They're perfect for cruising and early street tricks, handling sidewalk bumps and cracks with ease. Users love the enhanced speed and handling, though some suggest upgrading the bearings for peak performance. Installation is a breeze, fitting most setups without hassle. While tricks might be tougher for beginners, experienced riders find these wheels a worthy addition to their skateboarding experience.
Best For: Skateboarders looking for a smoother ride and improved handling on street and park terrain, especially when cruising or performing early street tricks.
Pros:
- Smooth and durable ride on smooth concrete or asphalt surfaces.
- Easy installation, compatible with various skateboard setups.
- Larger size helps navigate sidewalk bumps, rocks, and cracks.
Cons:
- Bearings may need upgrading for optimal performance.
- Tricks can be more challenging for beginners due to the larger wheel size.
- Some users experienced issues with the included bearings.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Cruising Wheels for Skateboard
When choosing cruising wheels for your skateboard, focus on factors like wheel size, durometer, and material. Consider how these elements impact durability and performance, as well as how they pair with the board's bearings. Ensuring compatibility with your board will enhance your ride's smoothness and efficiency.
Wheel Size Importance
Choosing the right wheel size is essential for optimizing your skateboard's cruising performance. Larger wheels, typically ranging from 58mm to 60mm, offer smoother rides over bumps and cracks, making them perfect for cruising. If you're planning on long rides, these wheels enhance comfort and stability, ensuring a pleasurable experience. They also improve speed on flat surfaces, reducing the effort needed to maintain momentum during long-distance cruising.
In contrast, smaller wheels (50mm to 54mm) are better suited for tricks and technical skating but might not provide the same smoothness on rough terrain. For casual riders, a diameter between 55mm and 60mm balances speed and control, offering a versatile option. Remember, choosing the right size directly impacts your ride quality and cruising efficiency.
Durometer and Hardness
Understanding durometer and hardness is essential when picking the best cruising wheels for your skateboard. The durometer measures wheel hardness, ranging from 78A (soft) to 101A (hard). Softer wheels, typically under 85A, offer excellent shock absorption, making them perfect for cruising on rough surfaces. They provide a smoother ride and are great for beginners and casual skaters seeking comfort. On the other hand, harder wheels, above 88A, excel in speed and slide performance, ideal for tricks and skatepark use on smoother terrain. However, they offer less grip and comfort on uneven surfaces. Your choice should balance comfort and performance, depending on where you plan to skate. Picking the right durometer guarantees a satisfying ride tailored to your skating environment.
Material and Durability
While selecting cruising wheels for your skateboard, focus on the material and durability to guarantee a long-lasting and smooth ride. Opt for wheels made of polyurethane, as this material is known for its resistance to wear and excellent shock absorption. It assures your wheels can handle various terrains without quickly degrading. Pay attention to the durometer rating, which indicates wheel hardness. Softer wheels (78A-87A) provide more grip and comfort on rough surfaces, while harder ones (above 90A) are more durable and suitable for tricks. Consider larger wheels, like 60mm or 58mm, to enhance durability and performance over obstacles. Remember, regular maintenance, such as cleaning and lubricating, can greatly extend the lifespan of your wheels, assuring a smoother ride.
Bearing Quality Impact
After ensuring your skateboard wheels are made of durable materials, it's time to focus on something equally important: bearing quality. The bearings you choose greatly affect your speed and responsiveness. Opt for higher-grade options like ABEC-7, known for smoother rolling and superior performance. Precision bearings reduce friction, essential for maneuvering varied surfaces while cruising. High-quality materials and design enhance durability, making pro-grade bearings ideal for street skating and rough terrain. Many skaters report major improvements in their rides after upgrading bearings, noting smoother rides and better control. On the other hand, poor-quality bearings can hinder performance, making it tough to maintain speed and control, especially on uneven or bumpy surfaces. Choose wisely to elevate your skating experience.
Compatibility With Boards
Selecting the right cruising wheels involves verifying they're compatible with your skateboard's truck width and axle size. Most wheels have a universal fit for standard trucks, so you can easily install them on various setups. However, watch out for the size of the wheels; larger options like 58mm or 60mm may need additional clearance. Make certain that the durometer rating suits your needs—softer wheels, such as 82A or 87A, offer better grip and comfort, ideal for cruising on rough terrain. Also, check if the wheels include bearings. Having them pre-installed simplifies the process and guarantees a smooth ride. By considering these factors, you'll verify that your cruising wheels provide the best performance and fit for your skateboard.
Surface Adaptability
When choosing cruising wheels for your skateboard, consider their surface adaptability to guarantee a smooth ride across various terrains. The durometer, or hardness, of wheels plays a significant role; softer wheels, like 82A, offer better grip and shock absorption on rough surfaces. Wheel diameter is also essential—larger wheels, around 58mm, handle cracks and bumps more effectively. Material composition, such as high-quality polyurethane, assures durability and smoothness, adapting to different conditions seamlessly. Additionally, the shape and profile matter; wider wheels provide more stability on uneven pavement. Don't overlook compatibility with your skateboard setup; wheels must fit standard trucks to perform at their best. By considering these factors, you'll cruise effortlessly whether on city streets or bumpy paths.
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!