You're on the hunt for the best hard skateboard wheels to take your skills to the next level. Whether you're aiming for speed, slide control, or durability, selecting the right wheels is essential. With options like Bones STF and Spitfire Formula Four, there's a perfect match for every technical skater. Curious about which wheels will elevate your performance and why they're the top choices? Let's break it down and find out your ideal setup.
key Takeaways
- Hard wheels (99A to 101A) provide excellent speed and slide control on smooth surfaces.
- Urethane composition ensures durability and a smoother ride, ideal for enhancing skating performance.
- High-carbon chromium steel bearings improve wheel longevity and maintain performance under harsh conditions.
- Larger wheels (54mm to 56mm) offer better speed and obstacle navigation, ideal for experienced skaters.
- Balancing wheel hardness and size enhances execution of technical tricks and skating precision.
OJ Skateboard Wheels Elite Nomads 95a Skateboard Wheels – Set of 4 Wheels
If you're a skater who loves versatility and needs wheels that can handle both smooth parks and rough concrete, the OJ Skateboard Wheels Elite Nomads 95a are an excellent choice. These wheels feature a mid-width shape with a sharp edge, providing easy lock-in for tricks. Their 95a urethane is forgiving, perfect for power slides over rough terrain. At 53mm, you'll get a balance of grip and slide, making them ideal for varied skate styles. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars, skaters appreciate their performance and durability. Although some users noted bearing fit issues, overall, they're a reliable, versatile option.
Best For: Skaters who need versatile wheels that perform well on both smooth and rough surfaces, excelling in various skateboarding styles.
Pros:
- Forgiving 95a urethane for smooth power slides on rough terrain.
- Mid-width shape with sharp edge for easy lock-in and consistent slide.
- Durable design that resists flat spotting, maintaining performance over time.
Cons:
- Some users reported issues with bearings not fitting properly.
- Limited color options available (White/Black).
- May not suit skaters who prefer extremely hard or soft wheels.
Jizmo Skateboard Trucks and Wheels Starter Set
The Jizmo Skateboard Trucks and Wheels Starter Set is perfect for novice skaters seeking a complete and affordable setup to kickstart their skateboarding journey. With 139mm aluminum trucks, 52mm wheels at 99A hardness, and ABEC-11 bearings, you'll experience smooth rides and easy assembly in just four minutes. Compatible with 7.75-8.25 inch decks, it's ideal for beginners aiming for casual cruising or learning tricks. While some users mention the need for upgrades as skills advance, the set's value and beginner-friendly features make it a strong contender for your first skateboard build. Get ready to roll with confidence and style!
Best For: Novice skaters and young enthusiasts who are looking for an affordable and complete setup to begin their skateboarding journey.
Pros:
- Easy assembly in approximately four minutes.
- Complete set including trucks, wheels, bearings, and tools.
- Affordable option providing good value for beginners.
Cons:
- Some users report truck quality and bearing performance as subpar.
- May require upgrades as skills advance.
- Not ideal for professional or advanced skaters seeking high-end performance.
Triclops Skateboard Wheels Vertigo 56mm 99A White with Bones Reds Bearings
For skateboarders seeking ideal performance on park surfaces or street skating, Triclops Skateboard Wheels Vertigo 56mm 99A with Bones Reds Bearings are a fantastic choice. These larger, harder wheels provide the perfect balance of speed and grip, thanks to their 99A durometer. The high-quality urethane material guarantees durability, while the added Bones Reds bearings, made of high-carbon chromium steel, deliver nearly Swiss-level performance at a fraction of the cost. With positive customer feedback and a solid 4.2-star rating, these wheels greatly enhance your skating experience. They're inspected twice for quality, making them reliable for any skateboarding enthusiast.
Best For: Skateboarders looking for excellent performance on park and street surfaces with a focus on speed and grip.
Pros:
- High-quality urethane material ensures durability.
- Bones Reds bearings provide near Swiss-level performance at a lower cost.
- Positive customer feedback highlights significant improvement in board performance.
Cons:
- Only available in one size and durometer, limiting customization options.
- Average rating of 4.2 out of 5, indicating some level of dissatisfaction among users.
- Best sellers rank suggests it may not be the most popular choice compared to other options.
Spitfire Bighead Skateboard Wheels – Set of 4
Skateboarders seeking durable, hard wheels with excellent control will find the Spitfire Bighead Skateboard Wheels – Set of 4 an ideal choice. These 51mm wheels, crafted from high-quality polyurethane, boast a 99Duro rating, perfect for street skating on smooth concrete. You'll appreciate the wider riding surface that enhances control and grip, making your ride smoother and more enjoyable. With a striking white and blue design, these wheels are as stylish as they are functional. Despite some reports of flatspotting, many skaters rave about their performance, quality, and the added Spitfire sticker. Trust in Spitfire's reputation for a reliable skate experience.
Best For: Skateboarders looking for durable, stylish wheels with excellent control for street skating on smooth concrete.
Pros:
- High-quality polyurethane material with a 99Duro rating for durability.
- Wider riding surface enhances control and grip.
- Stylish white and blue design with an included Spitfire sticker.
Cons:
- Some users report the wheels can flatspot easily.
- Not as resilient as Formula 4 wheels.
- Best performance is limited to smooth concrete surfaces.
Skateboard Wheels 52mm 95A with Tool Set
Looking for the perfect wheels to up your street skating game? Check out the Skateboard Wheels 52mm 95A with Tool Set. These Wicked Wolf wheels, made of durable polyurethane, are ideal for street tricks on surfaces like ramps, sidewalks, asphalt, and concrete. The 95A hardness guarantees performance, while the 52mm size is perfect for plazas and skate parks. You'll appreciate the included special bearings, spacers, washers, and all-in-one tool. Customers love the quality and stability, though a few find the bearings a bit rough. Plus, there's a satisfaction guarantee—return or exchange within 30 days if you're not thrilled.
Best For: Beginners and freestyle skateboarders looking to enhance their street skating experience on various surfaces.
Pros:
- Durable polyurethane wheels designed for heavy use.
- Includes special bearings, spacers, washers, and all-in-one tool.
- Positive reviews for quality and stability with a satisfaction guarantee.
Cons:
- Some users report rough bearings despite greasing.
- May not be suitable for professional or competitive use.
- Limited to street tricks, not ideal for all skateboarding styles.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Hard Wheels for a Skateboard
When picking hard wheels for your skateboard, you'll want to think about the durometer and hardness, which affect grip and speed. Consider the wheel size options to match your riding style and guarantee the material and durability fit your needs. Don't forget to align the wheels with your skill level and the terrain you'll be skating on.
Durometer and Hardness
While choosing the right skateboard wheels, understanding durometer and hardness is key to optimizing your ride. The durometer scale, ranging from 78A to 101A, indicates wheel hardness. Harder wheels, like those rated 99A, are perfect for smooth surfaces such as skate parks, offering more speed and better performance for tricks. However, they're less forgiving on rough terrain, leading to a bumpier ride. If you want versatility, wheels with a hardness of 95A strike a balance between grip and slide, making them suitable for different environments. Your skating style and the surfaces you frequent should guide your choice. Remember, harder wheels are great for speed and tricks, while softer ones cushion your ride on uneven surfaces.
Wheel Size Options
Choosing the right wheel size is essential for tailoring your skateboard to your riding style. If you're into technical street tricks, opt for smaller wheels, typically between 50mm and 52mm. These provide excellent control and responsiveness on smooth surfaces, making them perfect for flips and intricate maneuvers. For cruising and park skating, consider larger wheels, around 54mm to 56mm. They offer more speed and a smoother ride over rougher terrain.
A 52mm wheel is a great starting point for beginners, balancing maneuverability and stability. Remember, your choice affects the board's height and your center of gravity, influencing stability during tricks. Smaller, harder wheels (99A durometer) excel on smooth surfaces, while slightly softer ones (95A) in larger sizes are better for rough grounds.
Material and Durability
Considering both material and durability is essential when selecting hard wheels for your skateboard. Urethane is the go-to choice due to its durability and smooth ride over different surfaces. Hard wheels, with durometer ratings from 99A to 101A, excel on smooth surfaces with enhanced responsiveness and speed. They might not grip well on rough terrain, but their higher durometer reduces compression, extending their lifespan and boosting trick performance. Pairing your wheels with quality bearings, often made from high-carbon chromium steel, can further enhance durability and performance, impacting speed and smoothness considerably. Keep in mind that harsh conditions and heavy use can wear them down faster, so choosing the right material and construction is key to maintaining performance.
Rider's Skill Level
When selecting hard wheels for your skateboard, it's important to match them to your skill level. If you're a beginner, you might prefer softer wheels (around 78A to 95A) since they offer better grip and stability, helping you learn balance and control on rough surfaces. As you gain experience, shifting to harder wheels (99A and above) can enhance your performance, especially in skateparks or on smooth concrete where speed and slide control are vital.
Experienced riders often choose harder wheels for tricks, as they provide better speed and slide control on smooth surfaces. However, if you're focused on street skating or need more grip, consider wheels rated between 95A and 98A for a balance of hardness and softness tailored to your needs.
Terrain Compatibility
Although the thrill of skateboarding lies in its versatility, the terrain you ride on plays a crucial role in choosing the right hard wheels. With a 99A durometer or higher, hard wheels are perfect for smooth surfaces like skate parks and indoor ramps, maximizing speed and minimizing drag. On well-maintained concrete, they allow for sharp turns and slides while maintaining grip and control. However, on rough terrains like cracked pavement or gravel, expect a harsher ride and reduced performance since these wheels aren't forgiving on uneven surfaces. Consider the wheel size too; larger wheels (56mm) roll over obstacles better, whereas smaller wheels (52mm) are more responsive for technical tricks. Balance hardness and size based on your skating style and environment.
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!