Choosing the right skateboard wheels is key. Wheels with a 99a durometer are popular for being balanced. They offer a good mix of grip and speed for different skate styles. The durometer A scale ranges from 1 to 100. It helps skaters find the best wheel for their style. Knowing about this scale will make your skating better, whether you’re in the park or doing tricks.
Key Takeaways
- The common skateboard wheel diameter ranges from 50 mm to 75 mm.
- 99a durometer wheels balance speed and grip, fitting various skating styles.
- Smaller wheels (50-53 mm) are ideal for technical tricks and smaller riders.
- Medium durometer wheels (90A-98A) are perfect for beginners and rough surfaces.
- Skaters looking for a versatile wheel often choose an average hardness of 99a.
Understanding Durometer Ratings for Skate Wheels
Picking the right skateboard wheels includes knowing about durometer ratings. These ratings are crucial because they affect how smooth your ride is and how well your wheels perform. The durometer scale is what measures wheel hardness. The scale mostly used is the Durometer A Scale. It goes from 75A (the softest) to 101A (the hardest).
Learning about skateboard wheel durometer is made easier with a skateboard wheel durometer explanation. It breaks down the ratings. This helps pick the best wheels for how you skate. Softer wheels (75A-87A) are great for smooth rides on bumpy surfaces. Harder wheels (100A+) are fast on smooth grounds but don’t grip as well.
Many skateboarders prefer wheels that are not too soft or too hard. Wheels rated 96A-99A are a sweet middle ground. They offer a good mix of speed and grip. This makes them great for beginners and those into street or park skating.
For a wider understanding, let’s compare the A and B durometer scales:
| Durometer Rating | Type | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|
| 75A-87A | Soft | Longboards, cruising on rough surfaces |
| 88A-95A | Medium Soft | Cruising, street skating with slight bumps |
| 96A-99A | Balanced | Street, park skating, versatile use |
| 100A+ | Hard | Professional use, smooth surfaces |
Choosing the perfect skateboard wheel hardness is a game-changer. By understanding the durometer scale, picking wheels that suit your skate style and the terrains you tackle becomes simpler.
Are 99a Wheels Considered Soft or Hard?
99a skateboard wheels aren’t the hardest nor the softest on the skateboarding wheel scale. They fall neatly in the middle. This balance in hardness makes them ideal for skaters who want versatility.
These wheels are on the higher side of medium hardness. They provide a good balance of speed and grip. They’re perfect for those who need an in-between option—not too soft, not too hard.
Skaters like 99a wheels because they work well on different surfaces. They’re hard enough for smooth slides but have enough grip for tricks. This makes them great for both street skating and park use.
Ideal Uses for 99a Wheels
When talking about best uses for 99a wheels, their versatility and performance stand out. These versatile skate wheels are perfect for those skating in parks and on the street.
In skateparks, 99a wheels offer speed and grip. This lets skaters control their moves during tricks. On smooth surfaces found in parks, their performance is even better.
For street skating, 99a wheels shine too. They provide good control and comfort on city rides. Their hardness works well on different skate terrain types for 99a wheels, from smooth paths to rougher roads.
Their size, usually between 50mm to 60mm, is ideal for both street and park skating. Wheels sized 50-56mm, with a hardness of 99a to 101a, offer the best mix of speed, handling, and toughness.
These features show why the best uses for 99a wheels cover various skating styles. They give skaters a flexible and dependable choice for many activities.
Benefits of Choosing 99a Wheels
Choosing 99a skateboard wheels opens up many benefits for different skating styles. They are great for skate parks and rough streets alike. Their hardness strikes a perfect balance between speed and grip, offering great control.
99a wheels also improve your skateboarding performance. They let you skate faster while still keeping a good grip. This makes them ideal for both beginners and experienced skaters. Beginners get stability, while advanced skaters enjoy consistent performance.
These wheels are not just about performance; they last a long time too. They’re a smart choice for saving money in the long run. You can find them from top brands like Spitfire and in specialized types like Bones STF. This makes choosing skate wheel hardness a personal choice.
Knowing the benefits of 99a wheels makes choosing easier. They boost your performance and are durable. 99a wheels are perfect for tricks or smooth cruising, providing the right balance for a great skate.
How to Choose the Right Hardness for You
When selecting skate wheel hardness, think about where you skate and how you skate. Skaters often choose between softer and harder wheels. This choice depends on their skating activities and what they like.
Softer wheels, from 78a to 87a, are good for rough places. They help you grip better and move easier. They’re great for cruising, filming, and bumpy grounds, giving a smooth ride over small rocks and gaps.
Harder wheels, starting at 99a, are better for fast moves and smooth areas. They work well in skate parks and for tricky moves. For street skating tricks, choose wheels harder than 99a for better performance.
Wheels between 90a to 97a are versatile, fitting many surfaces. They’re ideal for beginners. These wheels mix speed with control, important for new skaters.
Wheel size also matters in skateboarding. For street skating, pick wheels from 52mm to 54mm. Larger wheels, 55mm to 58mm, are better for uneven grounds and ramps. For a steady and fun cruise, choose wheels 59mm or bigger.
| Wheel Size | Surface | Skating Style |
|---|---|---|
| 50-53mm | Smooth | Technical Tricks |
| 54-59mm | Varied | All-around |
| 60mm+ | Rough | Cruising |
Think about your skate style and where you skate to choose the right wheel hardness. The right wheels improve both fun and how well you skate. For more skateboarding tips, try different wheels until you find what works best for you.
Maintenance Tips for 99a Wheels
Keeping your 99a skateboard wheels in good shape is key to their lifespan and performance. It’s important to clean them regularly. If you skate in cities a lot, dirt builds up fast. Use a soft brush or cloth to remove any dirt. Sometimes, you might need to rinse the wheels with water. Just make sure they are dry before you put them back to stop the bearings from rusting.
Checking your wheels often for damage is also crucial. Look for flat spots, cracks, or signs of uneven wear. These issues can mess with how your skateboard rides. To avoid uneven wear, rotate your wheels now and then. You can switch the front wheels with the back ones or do it diagonally. This helps your wheels last longer and keeps your ride smooth.
Try to avoid skating on very rough surfaces too. Even though 99a wheels are tough, hard terrains can wear them down quickly. Stick to smoother grounds or skateparks to make your wheels last longer. By doing these things, you’ll keep your 99a wheels fast and reliable, whether you’re cruising the streets or hitting the skatepark.
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!