Understanding the role of 78a wheels in skateboarding is key. They are on the softer side of the wheel hardness scale. This makes your ride smooth and comfortable, especially on rough terrains. Unlike harder wheels, like those rated 99A and above, 78a wheels offer better grip and cushioning.
78a wheels are great for street skaters and rough pavements. They are made from a soft material, usually polyurethane, that reduces vibrations. So, you get a smooth ride without losing on performance. For a comfortable ride on tough surfaces, 78a wheels are your best bet.
Key Takeaways
- 78a wheels are classified as soft on the durometer scale, providing a smooth skateboard ride.
- These wheels are ideal for rough surfaces due to their excellent vibration absorption capabilities.
- 78a wheels offer a perfect blend of speed and stability, making them great for street skating.
- Softer wheels, such as 78a, are known to wear down more quickly compared to harder wheels.
- Polyurethane 78a wheels strike a balance between grip and control, perfect for tricks and slides.
Understanding Wheel Durometer Ratings
Every skateboarder should know about wheel durometer ratings. They show how hard skateboard wheels are. This hardness level affects how the skateboard moves on different surfaces.
The A or B scale measures durometer ratings. The A scale, used in the *skateboard wheel durometer* rating, goes from 1 to 100. A higher number means a harder wheel. For example, a wheel rated at 84B on the B scale equals 104a on the A scale.
Skateboard wheels usually fall between 78a to 101a in hardness. Here’s how various ratings change the way a skateboard rides:
| Durometer Rating | Characteristic | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| 78a-87a | Soft | Rough surfaces, smooth ride, cruising |
| 88a-95a | Slightly harder | Good grip for street and rough surfaces |
| 96a-99a | Medium/All-around | Beginners, smooth surfaces, mixed use |
| 101a and above | Hardest | Skateparks, street tricks, smooth surfaces |
Wheels with ratings like 78a are soft. They grip well and absorb vibrations for a smooth ride. These are great for rough grounds and cruising. Harder wheels, starting from 99a, are speedy and durable. They work best on smooth grounds.
Knowing about *skateboard wheel durometer* and its *durometer impact on performance* can make skateboarding better. It’s crucial, whether you’re just starting or are experienced. Picking the right wheel hardness for your style and where you skate will improve your comfort and skills.
Characteristics of 78a Wheels
The 78a skateboard wheels are known for being soft. They offer many benefits that make skating better. They have great grip, so they handle cracks, pebbles, and uneven ground well. This makes them perfect for people who love to cruise and value comfort.
These wheels are made to provide smooth rides. They do this by soaking up the bumps from rough surfaces. This is especially good for longboarding and street boards. It helps keep the ride steady and comfy. Plus, their traction makes sure you can do your moves confidently and safely.
Skateboard wheels usually range from 50 mm to 59 mm in diameter. For street skateboarding, smaller wheels, 50 mm to 53 mm, are recommended. Wheels between 53 mm and 56 mm are good for ramps. And for vert skating, bigger wheels up to 59 mm are best. Most skaters find the 53 mm to 56 mm range ideal.
Wheel hardness is measured on the A scale, from 75A to 100A. The 78a wheels are on the softer side, between 78A and 87A. They’re great for gripping rough surfaces. Both beginners and pros like them for better cruising and comfort.
The average skateboard wheel has a contact patch of 18-20 mm. This offers a balanced ride. Bones Wheels is a well-known brand. They have wheels for different skating styles. For example, their 100’s wheels resist flat spots, while the STF Easy Streets wheels are 99A. They’re good for rough surfaces, giving you smooth slides and grip.
Ultimately, 78a wheels are great for many skateboarding activities. They work well for street skating and cruising. Riders get a smooth and comfy ride. These wheels mix performance and comfort flawlessly. They’re a must-have for those looking for a great cruising experience.
Ideal Surfaces for 78a Wheels
The 78a wheels are perfect for many skateboarding spots due to their softness. They shine on rough or uneven ground. They give a smooth and comfy ride by soaking up shocks from bumpy areas.
Thinking of best terrain for soft wheels? Sidewalks and rough pavements are great fits. The 78a wheels let you skate smoothly over cracks and small rocks. This makes daily rides and fun cruising better. They also work well for carving down small hills, giving more grip and control. Here’s why these wheels are top-notch for certain places:
- Urban Sidewalks: They make riding in cities a breeze.
- Boardwalks and Piers: You’ll move smoothly on wooden surfaces, as these wheels cut down vibration.
- Asphalt Paths: They’re great for long trips, making rides less tiring by cushioning impacts.
Also, 78a wheels often come in larger sizes. This helps them roll over things like small rocks easily without losing speed. This is handy in different skateboarding environments where surfaces keep changing. A big contact patch also means more stability and smooth rides.
| Terrain Type | Recommended Wheel Diameter | Durometer |
|---|---|---|
| Sidewalks | 60mm+ | 78a |
| Boardwalks | 58mm-65mm | 78a-84a |
| Asphalt Paths | 60mm+ | 78a-87a |
Knowing how 78a wheel compatibility works can change your skateboarding. For the best experience, pick places where the wheel’s softness can shine. This means choosing spots that enhance your ride by cushioning and gripping on rough surfaces. Whether you’re cruising on sidewalks or exploring, 78a wheels make your adventure stable and enjoyable.
Best Skateboards for 78a Wheels
Choosing the right skateboards for 78a wheels boosts your ride’s performance and comfort. Soft wheels grip well and easily roll over objects. This makes them perfect for some skateboard setups.
Longboards are great for soft wheels. Their bigger wheels and softer durometer work well with 78a wheels. This combo provides a stable ride at high speeds and on rough ground.
Cruiser boards match well with 78a wheels too. They have wheels that are not too large or too hard. This setup is good for moving quickly through cities and handling bumpy roads.
Regular skateboards can also use 78a wheels. Even though harder wheels are common, the softer 78a wheels offer better grip and comfort on streets. They make rides smoother and are easier on your body.
When picking a skateboard, think about where and how you’ll ride. Adding soft 78a wheels can make your rides better, especially on tough roads or long trips. Be sure your deck, trucks, and risers fit the larger wheels to avoid problems and get top performance.
To sum up, longboards, cruisers, and street boards for 78a wheels give you many options. They ensure a comfortable ride and great grip, no matter your skateboarding style.
Riding Style and Soft Wheels
It’s key to know how soft wheels change your skateboarding. The hardness, or wheel durometer, shifts how you ride. For rough spots, wheels around 78A work best since they grip well and keep you steady, perfect for cruising and carving.
Soft wheels are between 78A and 90A. They grip better and make the ride smoother. This is great for controlled riding. If you’re on city streets or in skate parks, 78A wheels will make your ride better by softening the bumps.
- Cruising: For smooth rides over tough ground, big, soft wheels (78A-87A) are best. They offer comfort and stability for longer rides.
- Carving: Softer wheels help keep control during tight turns. This makes them key for carving.
- Street Skating: Though softer wheels deal with cracks and pebbles well, harder wheels (95A and up) are better for fast, technical tricks.
Choosing the right wheels means looking at hardness and size. For cruising, wheels of 60mm or more are good. They make the ride smoother. For downhill racing, bigger wheels around 70mm or more are better. They give more speed and grip.
Studies say softer wheels (78A-87A) are good for rough ground and grip. Wheels that are a bit harder (88A-92A) mix grip with speed. They’re good for freeride, dancing, and pumping. The hardest wheels (93A+) are quick and slide well, great for downhill and fancy moves.
| Wheel Type | Durometer (A Scale) | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|
| Soft | 78A-87A | Cruising, Rough Surfaces |
| Medium-Hard | 88A-92A | Freeride, Dancing, Pumping |
| Hard | 93A+ | Downhill, Technical Maneuvers |
To learn more about the best wheels for skateboarding and improving your ride, see this detailed guide on best longboard wheels. Knowing about soft wheels will get you the best ride for what you need.
Maintenance Tips for Soft Wheels
Taking good care of your 78a wheels will make them last longer and work better. Doing regular upkeep helps keep your 78a wheels in great shape for more time.
Clean your wheels often. Dirt, oil, and gravel can damage them, making your skateboard ride not smooth. Wash them with gentle soap and water, and dry them well before putting them back on your skateboard. This easy step makes your wheels last longer and your rides smoother.
It’s important to check your wheels for damage after you skate. Look for uneven wear, cracks, or flat spots. Soft skateboard wheel maintenance includes turning your wheels every few months. This makes them wear down evenly and last longer.
How you store your skateboard matters a lot for your wheels’ life. Keep it in a place that’s cool and dry. This stops the wheels from getting ruined by heat or moisture. Don’t leave your skateboard where it’s too sunny or wet.
Lastly, make sure your wheels are on tight. Also, keep your bearings clean and oiled. If wheels are loose, they might wobble and make skating unsafe. Tighten them well and change the locknuts if needed, but not more than twice. This keeps your wheels firmly in place.
Follow these care tips to make your 78a wheels last and ensure great rides. Regularly looking after your soft skateboard wheels means they’ll keep performing well for their whole life.
Popular Brands Offering 78a Wheels
Several brands shine when we talk about quality skateboard wheels, especially those with 78a durometer options. Venom Skateboards and Spitfire Wheels lead the pack. They offer high-performance wheels that suit many skateboarding activities. Whether you need soft wheels or smooth riders, these brands are reliable.
CCS offers a wide range of skateboard wheels. This includes the CCS Cruiser Skateboard Wheels in sizes like 52mm, 54mm, and 57mm. All have a 78a durometer. They’re known for making affordable, yet sturdy wheels. This makes them popular among skaters who don’t want to spend too much.
Jivaro Emoji-varo wheels are worth mentioning too. They’re 56mm with a 78a durometer, perfect for softer rides. Also, SML Coffee Cruiser Monsters wheels are great for cruising. They’re 52mm with a 78a durometer, ideal for smoother rides on rough terrain.
Landyachtz and Loaded also have fantastic 78a wheels. Landyachtz has 60mm EZ Hawgs and 63mm Fatty Hawgs. Loaded offers 65mm Love Handles in either 77a or 80a. These brands have options for everyone. For a wide selection, check out where to buy soft wheels for great recommendations.
Choosing these reputable brands means getting reliable and fun skating experiences. They’re known for their quality and creativity in the skateboarding world. They’re highly recommended for anyone looking for the best 78a wheel brands and quality skateboard wheels.
Final Thoughts on 78a Wheels
Our journey into 78a skateboard wheels shows they’re great for some skaters because of their soft urethane. These wheels make riding smoother and more comfy by soaking up bumps. They also grip well on rough ground. This makes them awesome for street skaters who want more comfort and control. Yet, the balance between speed and grip changes based on the wheel’s quality. So, picking wheels from trusted brands is key.
Looking at the summary on 78a soft wheels, we see they wear out faster than harder ones. This means you’ll need to check and replace them often to keep skating well. But, for those who skate on streets, in parks, or just cruise around, 78a wheels are a solid choice. They suit many skating styles.
In the end, picking the right wheel hardness, like the 78a, makes a big difference in how you skate. Whether you’re roaming city streets or just cruising, focusing on comfort and control matters. The right wheels improve grip and absorb shocks better. Choosing the right wheels for your board boosts your skateboarding fun.
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!