Choose the Right Skating Wheels – Quick Guide

Stepping into skating means choosing the right wheels is key. It can change how you skate, whether you’re new or experienced. Consider diameter and durometer ratings to impact your skate performance and comfort.

This easy guide helps pick the best wheels. You’ll learn what matters for fun and efficient skating.

Key Takeaways

• Wheel diameter ranges from 50 mm to 75 mm, influencing speed and stability.
• Durometer ratings measure the hardness of wheels, affecting grip and speed.
• Smaller wheels (50-53 mm) are ideal for technical tricks and stability, especially for smaller riders.
• Mid-range sizes (54 mm-59 mm) are versatile, suitable for beginners and larger riders.
• Harder wheels (95A and above) are perfect for skate park and street skating.
• Softer wheels (below 90A) are better suited for cruising and longboarding on rough surfaces.
• Top brands offer specialized wheels for different skating styles and needs.

Understanding Different Types of Skating Wheels

Choosing the right wheels for your roller skates is very important. The wheels you pick can change how you skate depending on your style and where you skate.

Different wheels have different hardness levels, measured on the A scale. There are soft wheels (78A-84A), medium wheels (85A-91A), and hard wheels (92A-100A). Soft wheels are great for outside because they grip well and absorb bumps. Medium wheels are good for inside and outside, offering a mix of grip and slide. Hard wheels, however, are best for skating inside because they allow you to move faster.

Wheel size also affects your skating. Smaller wheels, from 57mm to 62mm, help you make quick turns, perfect for dance or roller derby. Bigger wheels, from 63mm to 70mm, help you go faster over longer distances, which is great for skating outside.

The shape of the wheel matters too. Narrow wheels let you turn quickly, important for roller derby players. Wide wheels give you more grip and stability, making them good for outdoor skating.

Each skating style needs a certain type of wheel. For artistic skating, you’ll want medium to hard wheels that are narrow for quick moves on smooth floors. Roller derby players use medium-hard wheels that are narrow for the right mix of grip and slide. Speed skaters pick hard, wide wheels to go fast. For just having fun, choose medium, wide wheels to skate well on different surfaces.

Remember, soft wheels can feel too sticky on soft surfaces. And outdoor wheels used inside can make you slip and fall. Mixing wheel hardnesses can give you benefits like better grip or more speed.

If you want to really understand how to pick roller skate wheels, take a look at this comprehensive guide.

Having an extra set of wheels and bearings means you can switch between skating outside and inside easily. This way, you’re prepared for any skating situation.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Wheels

Choosing the right skating wheels is crucial. It boosts your enjoyment, whether you love tricks, street skating, or longboarding.

Wheel diameter affects your skating. Skate wheels range from 50mm to 75mm. Smaller wheels, between 50-53mm, make trick riding stable and suit smaller riders. Average-sized wheels, from 54-59mm, are great for beginners and big riders. They balance well. Wheels larger than 60mm are for speed on rough terrains.

Hardness, or durometer, is key too. Skate wheels are usually 99a hard. Soft wheels, from 78a-87a, glide smoothly on rough surfaces. Medium hard wheels, 88a-95a, mix grip and speed well for streets and rough places. For smooth places, go for 96a-99a wheels. The hardest wheels, 101a and up, are for pros seeking speed but offer less grip.

Think about your skating style for wheel shape and contact patch. Rounded wheels cause less friction, perfect for tech street skating. Square ones have more grip and stability, ideal for transport and bowl skating. A big contact patch means smoother rides.

Different skating types need specific wheels. Park or street skating? Choose 50-54mm wheels, 95-101A hard. For cruising, pick 54-60mm wheels, 78-90A hardness. Longboarding? Go for the biggest, 60-75mm wheels, 75-85A soft.

To avoid wheel bite with wheels over 56mm, try riser pads. Mixing wheel hardnesses can improve your ride. Extra wheels and bearings make changing for your environment easier.

Skating Style and Wheel Selection

Choosing the right wheels for your skating is key to a great experience. For jam or derby skating, you need agility and the ability to turn quickly. Smaller wheels, from 57mm to 62mm, work best for this.

If you love speed skating, then larger wheels (63mm-70mm) are your go-to. They let you skate fast and far. Plus, a wider wheel profile helps you stay stable and grip better on outdoor grounds.

Artistic skating requires wheels that are medium to hard with a narrow profile. This helps with control and precision. For roller derby, wheels that are medium-hard give you the right mix of grip and the ability to slide. They have a narrow profile but differ in hardness based on the venue.

For just skating around for fun, go with medium wheels (85A-91A) that have a wide profile. This setup is great for different surfaces, offering a balance of speed and stability. For more tips on choosing wheels, check out this guide.

Mixing up the hardness of your wheels improves skating indoor and outdoor. Softer wheels (78A-84A) are better outside for grip and comfort. Harder wheels (92A-100A) are best inside for their smooth glide.

Many skaters switch wheels for different surfaces instead of changing skates. Just ensure your wheels match top-quality bearings. Look for at least a 3 ABEC rating for the best rolling.

Terrain and Environment Impact

Understanding how terrain and environment impact your skating is key. Each type of terrain, like smooth streets or steep hills, needs different skills and wheels. This choice affects how well you skate.

Street skating happens mostly on smooth concrete. Here, small wheels make moving around easier. But, bigger wheels can handle cracks and small rocks better. Vert skating, on the other hand, includes ramp skating. Skaters use tough wheels for ramps to avoid getting hurt. It’s also why wearing helmets and pads is important.

Downhill skateboarding is exciting but risky. It’s fast-paced on steep hills. Beginners should use 78-80mm wheels for control. Experienced skaters might choose bigger, 100mm wheels to tackle obstacles better. Safety gear like full-face helmets and gloves are must-haves.

Start small with pool skating to improve safely. Using under 60mm wheels helps in executing tricks by keeping you low. For speed skating, 4x100mm or 4x110mm wheels help in faster, smoother rides.

Choosing the right wheels is crucial, no matter the surface. All-terrain skates work well on pavement and off-road. Matching wheels to terrain and your experience keeps you safe and boosts your performance.

Matching Wheels to Your Skating Skills

Choosing the right skating wheels for your skill level is very important. You need to know about wheel hardness, diameter, and bearing ratings. These factors make a big difference.

Beginner skaters should go for softer wheels. These provide more control when you’re moving slow. The hardness of skate wheels is measured on a scale from 74 (the softest) to 106 (the hardest). For outdoor skating, softer wheels from 74A to 84A are perfect because they stick to the ground better.

Intermediate skaters might prefer wheels that are a bit bigger and harder. This helps as you get faster and more confident. For example, Xino Sports wheels, at 70 mm diameter and an 82A hardness rating, are right in the middle. They come with ABEC-7 bearings for smooth and fast rides. They’re great for skaters who are getting better.

Advanced skaters usually choose harder wheels, falling between 88A and 103A. These are best for indoor skating, where you need speed and quick moves. Your bearings should be at least ABEC-3 or better. Atom Juke Alloy Wheels offer hard options and are light. Atom Savant Wheels, for instance, are only 68 grams each. This lightness helps with quick techniques and better skating.

It’s good to remember that softer wheels might wear out faster but they grip better. This is crucial for doing fancy moves. On the other hand, harder wheels last longer but might slip more when you’re going slow. Trying out different wheels as you get better can help you find what works best for your skating style.

Popular Wheel Brands to Consider

Choosing the right skateboard wheels can make a big difference in how you skate. Let’s check out some top brands known for their quality and performance. They offer something for everyone, from new skaters to pros.

When picking wheels, think about the diameter and durometer to fit your skate style. Small wheels, from 50-53 mm, are great for tricks and street skating. Wheels that are 54-59 mm are good for park and vert ramp riding.

If you love speed or skating on rough surfaces, go for wheels that are 60 mm or bigger.

Durometer is key too. A durometer of 99a hits a sweet spot between speed and grip. Softer wheels, between 78a-87a, are great for bumpy roads and longboards because they’re smooth. Wheels that are 88a-95a speed up and grip well, making them perfect for street skating. The hardest wheels, 96a-101a+, are for pros who need speed in parks and when doing technical tricks.

Brands like Venom Skateboards, Spitfire Wheels, Snot Wheel Co., and ABEC 11 lead the way. The right wheels mix what you like with what you know about skating. Match your wheels to your skate style to get the best ride.

How to Care for Your Skating Wheels

To have fun and smooth skating, taking care of your wheels is key. Here are some tips to keep them in great shape and make them last longer.

First, rotate your wheels often. Rotate them after every 2-3 sessions for casual skating. For aggressive skating, do it every 1-2 sessions. Swap the first and third wheels with the second and fourth. Not rotating can cut their life in half.

Wheels need good bearings to work well. Only use bearings with an ABEC rating of 3 or more. Xino Sports wheels come with ABEC-7 bearings. If your bearings sound rough, it’s rust, but you can clean them. Use a citrus cleaner, then oil them.

Know the difference between indoor and outdoor wheels. Indoor wheels grip better on smooth floors because they’re softer. Outdoor wheels are grippier and more stable for outside use. Softer wheels are good for slow, controlled skating. Harder wheels are better for going fast.

Check your skating brakes too. Even skilled skaters should look at them before skating. Brakes have a wear line that shows when to replace them. It’s smart to have extra brakes just in case.

Below is a quick guide to caring for your wheels:

Follow these tips to keep your skating wheels in top shape. This will help you enjoy skating even more.

Testing Out Your Wheels Before Purchase

It’s super important to try skate wheels before buying them. This ensures they match how you skate. Whether you need them for outside or inside skating, a quick test can reveal a lot. By doing this, you avoid buying wheels that don’t fit your skating surface or level.

When looking at outdoor wheels, check their hardness and size. They usually range from 74A to 84A to endure rough spots. For example, BankRoll X4 Outdoor Wheels, rated at 78A and sized 62mm, offer great grip and last long. Indoor wheels are harder, ranging from 84A to 106A, for smoother moves on slick floors. Inline skates have wheels from 68mm to 110mm, perfect for outdoor skating with less drag and more speed.

Quad skate lovers should try out wheels like the Atom Pulse Wheels. They work well on different surfaces. If you skate on ramps and streets, the wheel’s hardness and size matter a lot. Softer wheels, like 75A, provide grip but are slower. Harder wheels, up to 106A, make for fast moves but less grip. Testing wheels first can save you hassle and make skating more fun.

John Peterson

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!