When you start cruising on a skateboard, choosing the right wheels is key. 93A durometer wheels catch the eye of many riders. They offer a balanced blend of firmness and smoothness, making them potentially perfect for cruising. Understanding wheel hardness and its effect on your ride is crucial. It can turn a rough trip into an enjoyable glide.
Cruising skateboard wheels come in many forms to suit different skating styles and needs. 93A wheels sit in a sweet spot, offering the benefits of both hard and soft wheels. Picking the right wheels is essential for a great daily skate. Let’s explore if 93A wheels are right for your skating style and the surfaces you ride on. For more info, read this detailed article on cruiser wheels on skateboards.
Key Takeaways
- 93A durometer wheels offer a balance of hardness and smoothness.
- Ideal for skaters who need both speed and grip during their rides.
- 93A wheels combine the attributes of hard and soft wheels, enhancing versatility.
- Perfect for cruising on medium rough terrains and smooth surfaces alike.
- 93A wheels can improve your overall skateboard cruising experience.
Understanding Wheel Hardness: What Does 93A Mean?
In the skateboarding world, it’s key to know about wheel hardness to pick the right wheels. The durometer scale goes up to 100 to show if a wheel is hard or soft. Wheels at 93A are in the middle, offering a good balance for many skating styles.
Soft wheels, between 78A and 87A, work best for cruising. They grip on bumpy surfaces for a smooth ride. But, harder wheels, from 96A to 99A, suit street tricks better because they’re fast and less grippy. The 93A wheels mix these qualities, making them versatile for various skating spots.
Park and street skaters often go for wheels with a durometer of 95-101A for their agility. Yet, 93A wheels fit right in an in-between space. They grip enough for street skating and do well in parks too. The Skateboard Wheels Buying Guide says this balance improves skateboarding by offering steady rides on uneven ground.
The size of the contact patch also plays a role. Bigger patches mean less rolling resistance, and smaller ones are better for quick turns. With 93A’s medium hardness, you get reliable performance on many terrains.
Benefits of Using 93A Wheels for Cruising
Choosing the right skateboard wheels matters. For cruising, 93a wheels stand out. They blend performance with comfort for various riding settings.
93a wheels are versatile, ideal for medium hard wheel fans. They work well on both smooth and rough surfaces. This means you get a smooth ride whether on city streets or at skate parks.
They offer a good mix of speed and grip. With their hardness, they’re fast but also grip well. This is great for any skater, making rides smooth, stable, and fun.
93a wheels are also long-lasting. They don’t wear out as fast as softer wheels, saving money over time. Next time you set up your board, think of 93a wheels. They make cruising efficient and enjoyable.
Comparing 93A Wheels with Other Durometers
When looking at skateboard wheels, knowing the durometer ratings is key. The 93A wheels are moderately hard. Understanding how they compare with other hardness levels helps pick the right wheels.
Skateboard wheels vary from 50mm to 75mm in diameter. Their hardness is rated from 78a (the softest) to 101a+ (the hardest). Each level of hardness serves a unique purpose:
- 78a-87a: Best for rough surfaces. These soft wheels provide excellent grip and smooth rides on cruisers and longboards.
- 88a-95a: A bit harder, they give a good mix of speed and grip, perfect for street skating.
- 96a-99a: These harder wheels are great for beginners and skateboarding on smooth surfaces.
- 101a+: The hardest wheels, chosen by professionals for top speed and easy tricks.
Doing a comparison is crucial in selecting wheels that fit your skate style.
| Durometer Rating | Wheel Type | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| 78a-87a | Soft Wheels | Rough Surfaces, Cruisers, Longboards |
| 88a-95a | Medium Wheels | Street Skating, Rough Surfaces |
| 96a-99a | Hard Wheels | Beginners, Smooth Surfaces |
| 101a+ | Pro Wheels | Professional Tricks, Speed |
The average durometer for skate wheels is about 99a, great for speed and grip. For speed on rough terrains, go for larger wheels over 60mm with a softer 78a durometer. But, for technical street skating, smaller wheels around 50mm-53mm and harder 101a durometers are better for stable tricks.
Comparing wheel durometers is a must. It makes a big difference in cruising and trick performance.
The Ideal Cruiser Setup: Beyond Wheels
When picking the perfect complete cruising skateboard setup, think about the deck. You’ll want it made from Canadian maple, fiberglass, and carbon fiber. This mix gives you strength and enough flex to make sharp turns. The deck is 6.5 inches wide and its tail is 4 inches long for normal use, but it can go down to 3 inches when flipping it around. Over time, the deck gets more flexible, which makes cruising smoother.
Now, let’s look at the trucks. The skateboard configurations come with baseplate angles of 50°, 40°, and 30°, crafted from cast aluminum. This material choice ensures your rides are stable yet able to make smooth turns. Bear Gen 6 trucks stand out because they let you lean smoothly, giving you more control at higher speeds. They fit different widths — 130mm, 155mm, and 180mm, with a slight 4mm rake, and cost $60 for the Gen 6 model. The bushing hardness differs between 83a for 130mm trucks and 90a for 180mm, adding to how your cruiser performs.
Bushing choice also affects how your skateboard feels. Using 83a APS Riptide Magnum bushings and 78a Powerdyne bushings strikes a good balance. This setup makes your board stable and smooth, even on rough surfaces, and fast. In fact, with the right parts, the author hit speeds of 27 mph.
Choosing wheels is another key decision. Powell Peralta G-Slides wheels are 56mm with an 85a durometer and a 31.5mm contact patch, providing excellent bounce. Then, there are the 93a Dragon Formula Wheels, great for sliding with little effort. Pairing these with the right aftermarket bushings, like Venom HPF, enhances your custom setup for top performance.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Deck Composition | Canadian maple, fiberglass, carbon fiber |
| Deck Width | 6.5 inches |
| Tail Length | 4 inches (general), 3 inches (nose as tail) |
| Truck Widths | 130mm, 155mm, 180mm |
| Baseplate Angles | 50°, 40°, 30° |
| Wheel Diameter | 56mm |
| Wheel Durometer | 85a (G-Slides), 93a (Dragon Formula) |
Riding Conditions: When to Use 93A Wheels
Understanding when to use 93a wheels is key for a great skateboarding adventure. These medium-hard wheels are perfect for different places. They offer a good balance of grip and speed. This makes them ideal for beginners and experienced skaters alike.
93a wheels are best on city streets where you need speed and traction. They’re great on rough surfaces. This allows you to move smoothly over small bumps. They’re perfect for skating on city sidewalks and asphalt parking lots.
These wheels also work great on small ramps and mini-ramps. They offer the right mix of speed and control. This is important for tricks and maneuvers. Plus, they’re good on smooth skatepark surfaces, keeping you stable.
When it comes to bigger ramps, skaters often go for faster wheels. These are usually between 56 mm to 59 mm. 93a wheels can work, but some prefer harder wheels for more speed. Yet, for everyday skating, 93a wheels are a top choice.
| Skateboarding Style | Recommended Wheel Hardness | Wheel Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Street Skateboarding | 88A-95A | 50mm-53mm |
| Small Ramps/Mini Ramps | 93A-95A | 53mm-56mm |
| Vert Skateboarding | 96A-99A | 56mm-59mm |
Choosing the right 93a wheels for your skateboarding can make a big difference. These wheels give you a balanced ride on many surfaces. For the best skateboarding experience, pick the right terrain. This way, you’ll get the most out of your 93a wheels.
Common Misconceptions About 93A Wheels
There are several myths about 93a wheels that have circulated within the skating community. One myth is that only softer wheels offer a comfortable ride. But 93A wheels, like those from Spitfire or Powell Peralta, balance softness and hardness. They reduce vibrations while maintaining good performance.
Some think riser pads aren’t needed for wheels around a 93A durometer. Yet, for wheels over 55 millimeters, riser pads are crucial to avoid wheelbite. The riser pad’s height depends on the wheel size:
- 55-58 millimeters: 1/8 inch riser pad
- 59-65 millimeters: 1/4 inch riser pad
- Larger than 65 millimeters: 1/2 inch riser pad
Don’t forget about choosing the right length mounting screws for the pads, usually between 1 inch and 1 1/2 inches. Also, for those looking to improve their board’s “pop angle,” riser pads help. They make for higher jumps, but you’ll need more strength.
Choosing the proper trucks is another point often missed by skaters. Using low or mid trucks with wheels over 52 millimeters can cause wheelbite. But, the right riser pads and bushings can lower that risk. Medium durometer setups, when used with cup washers for carving and cruising, boost stability. They even reduce wheelbite by up to 30% at high speeds.
Last, there’s a false belief that only shock pads cut vibrations. Actually, softer wheels around 93A are also great at smoothing rides for cruising. Heavier skaters might struggle more with wheelbite on soft setups. Still, the right gear can help solve that issue.
Care and Maintenance for Your 93A Wheels
To keep your 93A wheels in top shape, it’s key to maintain them well. Doing so helps your rides stay smooth and keeps you safe from wheel damage.
Always watch for wear and tear on your wheels. Frequent use makes them smaller, changing how they move. Look for flat spots from rough surfaces, as these can make your ride rough and lower wheel quality.
Keeping your wheels bouncy is also important. When they lose bounce, bearings might not hold as tight. This can make your board shake and slow you down. Using quality wheels like the Spitfire Wheels Formula Four Radial, at $43.99 a set, helps them last longer. These wheels are hard at 93A and smaller at 58mm.
Clean your wheels often to keep them fast. Dirt and dust can make them drag. A brush and compressed air can clean the surface and inside parts.
Changing old wheels is a good idea too. High-performance wheels like Dragon Formula (DF) Urethane boost your ride on tough paths and grip well. Try wheels with rounded edges for better moves and ride.
Watch for deals and member perks, like free shipping over $50 or CCS+ offers. These deals save money and keep you up-to-date on the best skateboard care products.
| Brand | Model | Price | Size | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spitfire Wheels | Formula Four Radial | $43.99 | 58mm | 93a |
| Snot Wheel Co. | Lil Wide Boys | $31.99 | 50mm | 101a |
| Venom Skateboards | Magnum Mach-1 GALLO24 | $85.99 | 78mm | 74a |
| ABEC 11 | Superfly | $138.99 | 111mm | 74a |
Final Thoughts: Are 93A Wheels Right for Your Cruising Style?
When picking skateboard wheels, it’s key to think about how 93A wheels match your ride. These wheels balance softness with hardness well. This makes them good for different skating styles. They’re great for those who face rough spots but also like time in the park and on the street.
Big names like Spitfire, Powell-Peralta, and Ricta make wheels in the 93A range. Each brand has its own perks. Spitfire Formula Four Classic Wheels, for example, vary from 93A to 101A, letting you pick based on your needs. Powell-Peralta’s Dragon Formula sticks to a consistent 93A, giving a smooth feel on various grounds. This makes choosing your skateboard setup easier, fitting both relaxed rides and street tricks.
So, when you’re thinking about getting 93A wheels, consider how you skate. If you roam city paths or enjoy light park areas, 93A wheels adapt well to both. For those who skate over different surfaces and styles, these wheels might just be the right pick for your board.
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!