Skateboard wheels are key to how well you skate. They are measured by diameter and durometer. These factors affect speed, control, and how smooth your ride is. Wheels range from 50-75mm in diameter. The durometer rating tells us how hard they are.
Choosing the right wheels is crucial for your skating style. Whether you do street skating, cruising, or hit skate parks, there’s a perfect wheel for you. Brands like Venom Skateboards and Powell Peralta offer many options. They help skaters find the best fit for their needs.
This guide will explain skateboard wheel sizes and what they mean for you. We’ll talk about the diameter, width, and durometer. With our sizing chart, you’ll easily pick the best wheels. Make your skating better and more fun.
Understanding Skateboard Wheel Sizes
Choosing the right skateboard wheel size is key to good performance. It affects how fast you accelerate, how well you control the board, and the overall feel of your ride. This guide will explain how to measure skateboard wheels.
Wheel Diameter
Skateboard wheel diameter varies between 49mm and 75mm. This size impacts your speed and agility. Street skaters often go for smaller wheels, between 50-54mm, for better control at slower speeds.
For cruising and big ramps, bigger wheels, from 60-75mm, are chosen for their speed. If you’re new to skateboarding, try starting with 52-55mm wheels for a nice balance. Knowing how to measure the diameter helps pick the right wheels.
Wheel Width
Wheel width also plays a big role. It changes how much your wheels grip and respond. To measure wheel width, look at the contact patch. This part touches the ground. Wider wheels are more stable, great for cruising and bowls. Narrow wheels slide easier, perfect for street tricks.
Standard Sizes for Various Styles
Different skateboarding styles need different wheel sizes. For example:
- Street Skating: Uses 50-54mm diameters and about 98A hardness for advanced flips and tricks.
- Park/Transition Skating: Picks 54-60mm diameters and about 101A hardness for quick rides on smooth surfaces.
- Cruiser Skating: Prefers 54-60mm diameters with 78A-90A hardness for a cushy ride.
- Longboarding: Goes for 60-75mm diameters with a softer 75A-85A hardness for cruising over rough ground.
Each style has its own perfect wheel type to make skating better and more comfortable. Knowing how to measure your wheels helps you choose better.
If you’re not sure what size is best for you, check out this detailed guide on longboard and skateboard sizes.
Skateboard Wheel Hardness: Durometer Explained
Understanding skateboard wheel hardness is key for a great skateboarding experience. It matters a lot when you’re just rolling around town or doing tricks. Choosing the right durometer impacts how well you skate and have fun.
Understanding the A Scale and B Scale
The skateboard wheel durometer is measured on two scales: the A Scale and the B Scale. The A Scale goes up to 100 to show hardness, while the B Scale covers harder wheels by adding 20 points. For example, an 84B wheel equals a 104A wheel. This approach lets you pick the best wheel size and hardness for your skating.
| Durometer Scale | A Scale | B Scale | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft Wheels | 78a – 87a | – | Cruising, rough surfaces |
| Medium Wheels | 90a – 97a | – | Versatile, all-around |
| Hard Wheels | 99a and above | 80b and above | Street and trick skating |
Choosing the Right Hardness
Choosing the correct skateboard wheel hardness depends on your style and where you skate. Soft wheels, rated 78a to 87a, are great for smooth rides on rough grounds. They grip well and glide smoothly. Medium wheels, between 90a to 97a, give a good balance for all skate styles.
Harder wheels, with ratings of 99a and up, suit street skating and tricks best. They’re fast and slide easily, ideal for smooth places. Picking the best skateboard wheel size is critical. Knowing about durometer helps you make the right choice for better skateboarding.
Skateboard Wheels Measurement
Understanding skateboard wheels’ size makes a big difference in your skateboarding. You need to know about wheel diameter and width. These sizes affect how fast you go, your grip, and how well you skate overall.
Diameter Measurement
Choosing the right skateboard wheel diameter is key for your skating style. Street skaters often pick wheels from 50mm to 56mm. Smaller wheels help with tricks like flips because they offer better control and slide. But for cruising or going downhill, bigger wheels over 55mm work better. They keep your speed up and smooth over bumps.
Width Measurement
Wheel width matters too. Wider wheels spread your weight out for more stability, great for cruising and vert skating. Narrow wheels, on the other hand, move quicker. They are best for street and park skating. Matching the right width with hardness makes your skating better. For all-around skating, choose wheels that balance trick performance with cruising ability.
Knowing about your skateboard wheel sizes, like width, helps make your skateboard perfect for you. It boosts both your speed and how well you can steer on different surfaces.
Impact of Wheel Shape and Contact Patch
It’s key to understand skateboard wheel shape and contact patch importance when skateboarding. Different wheel shapes and contact patch sizes can change how your skateboard moves. This affects your speed, grip, and how well you can do tricks.
Shapes: Rounded vs. Square
Rounded wheels are a hit with street skaters. They make the contact patch smaller, allowing for faster rides and better moves. Skaters find it easier to do quick flips and slides with them.
Square wheels, however, increase the contact patch. They offer the stability and grip needed for skating on ramps and bowls. This design is perfect for transition skating, where balance and control are crucial.
Skaters looking for easy slides might choose classic shapes. Those preferring grip in pool skating go for conical wheels with their big contact patch. Radial and lock-ins shapes also have benefits, like better grind stability and surface control.
Importance of Contact Patch
The contact patch importance is huge because it affects how weight spreads and rolling resistance. Bigger contact patches distribute weight over a wider area. This can slow down the wheels but gives a smoother ride, especially with 80A durometer wheels.
Contact patch sizes cater to different skating styles:
- Narrow (10-15mm): Great for street skating’s need for agility and speed.
- Medium (15-20mm): Offers a grip and maneuverability mix for park, bowl, and vert skating.
- Wide (20-30mm): Ensures comfort and stability on both smooth and rough terrains.
For those intrigued by skateboard wheel features, Supply Network’s blog offers in-depth information.
In conclusion, picking the right skateboard wheel shapes and contact patches can greatly enhance your skating. It lets skaters find the perfect wheels for their skating style and surfaces, boosting both their skills and fun.
Choosing the Best Skateboard Wheel Size for Your Style
Finding the perfect skateboard wheels is essential for a great skate. You need to think about what kind of skating you do. There are specific wheels for street, park, and cruiser skating.
Street Skating Wheels
Street skaters usually pick smaller wheels for more control and better tricks. Wheels for the street are 50mm to 54mm wide. They’re hard, between 97A and 101A. Smaller wheels help do flip tricks and complex moves easily. For street skating, it’s important to choose wheels that are responsive and light.
Park Skating Wheels
Park skaters like medium wheels for a mix of speed and control. These wheels are 50mm to 56mm wide. They have a hardness of 99A to 101A. Medium wheels are good for smooth surfaces and various park features. They keep speed up on ramps and in bowls.
Cruiser Skating Wheels
Cruiser wheels focus on smooth rides and are bigger for stability. These wheels range from 54mm to 60mm. They’re softer, from 78A to 90A, for better grip and less vibration. For a great cruiser experience, find wheels that match your riding needs.
Maintenance and Longevity of Skateboard Wheels
Keeping skateboard wheels maintained is key for their long life. Make sure to clean them regularly. By wiping the wheels with a damp cloth or a soft brush and mild soap, you remove harmful dirt and debris.
Pay attention to how your wheels wear out. Look for any uneven wear, flat spots, or cracks. These signs mean it might be time to rotate or get new wheels. By changing the position of each wheel, they wear down more evenly. This is crucial for making them last longer.
Proper storage plays a huge role in keeping your wheels in good shape. Store your skateboard in a place that’s dry and cool. This helps avoid damage from moisture or heat. Also, choosing high-quality urethane wheels is smart. They’re much more durable than old options like steel or clay. By following these care tips and picking good materials, your skateboard wheels will last longer. You’ll enjoy a smooth ride for years.
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!