When you're hunting for the best wheels to elevate your street skateboarding performance, you want options that balance speed, grip, and durability. Whether you're eyeing the Bones Wheels STF for their legendary toughness or the innovative Shark Wheel for better debris deflection, each choice offers unique advantages. Curious about which ones will boost your ride to the next level? Let's explore the top picks and see which fits your style.
key Takeaways
- Bones Wheels STF offer tailored performance with 99A and 103A durometers, ideal for balanced street skateboarding.
- SPORTYOUTH wheels come with 95A hardness and pre-installed bearings, ensuring durability and easy setup.
- BRAVORD 101A wheels provide excellent impact resistance and are perfect for tricks and street skating.
- Shark Wheel Twisted's unique wave pattern deflects debris, enhancing performance on varied terrains.
- Stoked Ride Shop wheels, with 99A hardness and high-rebound polyurethane, ensure a fast, smooth ride on the streets.
Bones Wheels Street Tech Formula (STF) Skateboard Wheels (99A or 103A)
If you're a street skateboarder seeking ideal performance, the Bones Wheels Street Tech Formula (STF) Skateboard Wheels are an excellent choice. Available in 99A and 103A durometers, these wheels cater to different needs. The 103A formula offers increased speed and slide-ability, perfect for smooth surfaces. Meanwhile, the new 99A provides greater roll and control, softening landings on rough terrain. Their 52mm diameter and 31mm width guarantee a balanced ride, while the V1 Standard shape enhances stability. With urethane construction, these wheels grip when you need them to and slide without flat spotting, assuring a confident ride every time.
Best For: Street skateboarders looking for a combination of speed, control, and durability on both smooth and rough terrains.
Pros:
- Offers increased speed and slide-ability with the 103A formula.
- New 99A formula provides greater roll and softer landings on rough surfaces.
- Durable urethane construction prevents flat spotting for a consistent ride.
Cons:
- May not be suitable for those preferring softer wheels for cruising.
- Limited to a single wheel diameter and width, potentially restricting customization.
- Higher durometer options might not provide enough grip for beginners.
SPORTYOUTH Skateboard Wheels and Bearings Set (52mm, 95A Hard Wheels)
The SPORTYOUTH Skateboard Wheels and Bearings Set stands out as an excellent choice for skaters who value durability and performance across various surfaces. With a diameter of 52mm and a hardness of 95A, these high-quality polyurethane wheels excel on streets, skate parks, and asphalt roads. The set includes pre-installed 608RS ABEC-9 bearings and spacers, making assembly a breeze. Lightweight and designed with a grippy edge, these wheels offer stability during downhill rides. While some users mention wheel softness, the overall feedback is positive, highlighting smoothness and ease of installation. Perfect for beginners and casual skaters seeking reliable performance.
Best For: Beginners and casual skaters who need durable and high-performance wheels for various surfaces.
Pros:
- High-quality polyurethane material with 95A hardness for durability.
- Pre-installed bearings and spacers for easy installation.
- Lightweight design with a grippy edge for stability in downhill skating.
Cons:
- Some users report softness in the wheels.
- Occasional issues with bearing retention.
- Not suitable for professional or advanced skaters looking for specialized performance.
52mmX32mm 101A Skateboard Wheels (Set of 4)
Looking for skateboard wheels that offer precision and control? Check out the BRAVORD 52mmX32mm 101A Skateboard Wheels. These red wheels, weighing 11.2 ounces, are crafted in China from high-quality polyurethane, ensuring durability and impact resistance. Their unique design features recessed edges and a wider central rim, distributing force evenly and enhancing grip with a 20mm contact patch. These wheels excel in stability during sharp turns, preventing slips at high speeds. Ideal for tricks and street skating, their 101A hardness provides excellent ground sensing and control. Enjoy BRAVORD's commitment to freedom, individuality, and exceptional customer support.
Best For: Experienced skateboarders seeking durable wheels with excellent control and stability for tricks and street skating.
Pros:
- High-quality polyurethane material ensures durability and impact resistance.
- Unique design enhances grip and stability during sharp turns.
- 101A hardness provides precise ground sensing and improved control.
Cons:
- May not be suitable for beginners due to high hardness level.
- Limited color options available (only red).
- Not ideal for softer surfaces or rough terrains.
Shark Wheel Twisted Skateboard Wheels (54mm, White)
For skateboarders seeking high performance on challenging terrains, Shark Wheel Twisted Skateboard Wheels stand out with their innovative design and functionality. These 54mm white wheels are crafted from durable polyurethane and proudly made in the USA. Their unique wave pattern deflects debris, reduces friction, and offers an impressively smooth ride on rough surfaces, ramps, and even rocky roads. While they boast increased longevity and abrasion resistance, some users have reported flat spots with minimal use. Despite mixed reviews, many appreciate the wheels' aesthetic and smooth performance, making them a popular choice among street skateboarders looking for a stylish edge.
Best For: Skateboarders looking for high-performance wheels that can handle challenging terrains and offer a stylish aesthetic.
Pros:
- Unique wave pattern that deflects debris and obstacles.
- Reduced friction and increased longevity.
- Made in the USA with durable polyurethane material.
Cons:
- Some users report flat spots after minimal use.
- Mixed reviews regarding performance and durability.
- Performance degradation noted by some customers.
Stoked Ride Shop 99a Hard Skateboard Wheels Set for Street & Park
Stoked Ride Shop's 99a Hard Skateboard Wheels Set is perfect for beginner skateboarders seeking a fast, smooth ride on both street and park terrains. With a 54mm size, these white wheels offer a high-rebound polyurethane formula, ensuring you get that swift, seamless experience. Despite being tough enough for rough riding, they're beginner-friendly.
Customers rave, giving it a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, and it's ranked #985 in Skateboard Wheels. You can count on Stoked Ride Shop's quality, backed by a 30-day warranty. Plus, they're competitively priced, with feedback encouraged for even better deals. Enjoy your ride!
Best For: Beginner skateboarders looking for a fast and smooth ride on both street and park terrains.
Pros:
- High-rebound polyurethane formula for a swift, seamless experience.
- Suitable for both street and park skateboarding.
- Competitively priced with a 30-day warranty.
Cons:
- Limited availability since the first release in April 2021.
- Ranked lower in overall Sports & Outdoors category.
- Only available in one color, white.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Wheels for Street Skateboarding
When you're picking wheels for street skateboarding, consider the size, as it directly affects your ride's agility and speed. Don't overlook the hardness and durability since these factors determine how well your wheels will handle rough surfaces and how long they'll last. Material quality, shape, and stability also play essential roles in ensuring you maintain control and achieve the right balance between speed and maneuverability.
Wheel Size Importance
Although often overlooked, choosing the right wheel size is essential for street skateboarding. Wheel size greatly impacts your skateboard's performance. Smaller wheels, typically around 52mm, enhance maneuverability and control, making them ideal for street tricks and technical skating. They allow you to perform flip tricks and navigate tight spaces with ease. On the other hand, larger wheels, 54mm or above, provide increased speed and stability, especially on rougher terrains, but they might compromise some responsiveness for tricks.
The diameter affects how your wheels interact with surfaces. Smaller wheels are perfect for smooth surfaces, while larger ones absorb more shock on rough ground. A standard wheel width of 31mm to 32mm enhances grip and stability, boosting your confidence during tricks and sharp turns.
Hardness and Durability
Skateboard wheel hardness and durability are vital factors to take into account for street skating. The hardness is measured in durometers—higher numbers mean harder wheels. Opt for wheels rated at 99A or 101A for street skating. Harder wheels, like 101A, offer better control and ground sensing, perfect for tricks and speed on smooth surfaces. If you need more comfort on rough terrain, go for softer 99A wheels, which provide excellent shock absorption. Durability is imperative; quality polyurethane guarantees wheels withstand street skating's wear and tear without deformation. Balancing hardness and durability impacts performance markedly. Hard wheels maintain speed and grip, while softer ones prevent slipping and improve landing comfort, giving you the best of both worlds.
Material Quality Impact
While hardness and durability are key, material quality profoundly impacts your street skateboarding experience. High-quality polyurethane (PU) wheels stand out by offering excellent impact resistance and longevity across various surfaces. If you prefer smoother rides on rough terrain, softer durometer wheels, like 99A, provide better grip. Conversely, harder wheels, such as 101A, enhance speed and control, essential for executing tricks and technical maneuvers.
Choosing wheels made from high-rebound PU materials can greatly improve your ride quality. These materials offer better shock absorption and reduce vibrations, making your skateboarding smoother and more enjoyable. Additionally, pairing quality bearings with durable wheels enhances your skateboard's efficiency, ensuring improved speed and smoother rolling across different ground types. Prioritizing material quality elevates your overall skateboarding performance.
Shape and Stability
When selecting wheels for street skateboarding, understanding the relationship between shape and stability is crucial. Wider wheels give you a larger contact patch, enhancing grip during sharp turns and high-speed maneuvers. Consider the durometer rating; harder wheels (above 99A) provide stability at high speeds, while softer ones (below 99A) grip better on rough terrain. The V1 Standard shape is popular for distributing force evenly, helping you maintain balance during tricks. Larger diameters improve roll speed and stability over rough surfaces, making obstacle navigation smoother. Features like recessed edges and unique contact patches prevent slipping and guarantee better force distribution during aggressive skating. Choose the right shape to enhance your performance and stability on the streets.
Speed and Control
Given the importance of speed and control in street skateboarding, choosing the right wheels can greatly impact your performance. Start by considering the durometer rating: harder wheels, like 101A, offer better control and ground sensitivity, while softer 99A wheels provide grip and comfort on rough surfaces. Wheel diameter also plays a significant role; larger 54mm wheels excel over obstacles, whereas smaller 52mm wheels allow quicker acceleration, ideal for technical tricks. Prioritize high-quality polyurethane for durability and consistent speed. A wider contact patch enhances grip during sharp turns, guaranteeing stability. Aim for a balance between speed and grip to secure a smooth ride, enabling you to execute street tricks confidently. Your wheel choice directly influences how you handle various challenges in skateboarding.
Terrain Compatibility
Traversing varied terrains is a fundamental aspect of street skateboarding, and selecting the right wheels can make all the difference. You'll encounter surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and ledges, so choosing wheels that balance grip and slide is vital. For rough terrains, opt for softer wheels in the 99A to 95A durometer range. They offer better shock absorption, helping you manage cracks and bumps with ease. On smoother surfaces, harder wheels above 101A enhance speed and responsiveness, perfect for quick tricks. Consider wheel diameter too; smaller wheels (around 52mm) are ideal for technical tricks, while larger ones boost stability on uneven ground. Wheel design, like recessed edges, enhances grip during turns, further improving your performance.
Brand Reputation Matters
As you choose wheels for street skateboarding, consider how brand reputation plays an essential role in the decision-making process. Established brands often reflect quality and performance, thanks to their rigorous testing and quality control processes. These companies typically invest heavily in research and development, leading to innovative wheel designs that enhance your skating experience. High customer ratings and positive reviews can signal a reliable brand, favored by experienced skaters for street use.
A brand that offers warranties against defects and delamination shows confidence in its products, assuring you of durability and longevity. Recognition in best sellers rankings further indicates a brand's trustworthiness and popularity among skateboarders. By focusing on reputable brands, you're more likely to find wheels that offer maximum performance and reliability.
Installation and Maintenance
When considering wheels for street skateboarding, don't overlook the importance of proper installation and maintenance to maximize performance and safety. First, confirm bearings are pre-installed or have the right tools handy for efficient installation. This saves time and effort. Regularly check and tighten axle nuts to keep wheels securely attached and prevent wobbling. Clean bearings periodically with a suitable solvent to remove dirt and debris, boosting performance and longevity. Inspect wheels for flat spots, especially after heavy use, as these can affect smoothness and may need replacement. Finally, maintain proper wheel alignment for even wear and peak performance. Uneven wear can decrease control and stability, making regular checks vital for a smooth, safe street skating experience.
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!