Choosing the right skateboard wheels is key for a great ride. There are three main types: park/street wheels, cruiser wheels, and longboard wheels. This guide will help all skaters, from beginners to pros. It will detail what each wheel type offers for different skating styles.
Park/street wheels are 50mm to 60mm in size, perfect for tricks. They have a hardness rating of 95a to 101a. Cruiser wheels, which are 54mm to 60mm, offer a softer ride with a durometer of 78a to 90a. Longboard wheels are the largest, ranging from 64mm to 80mm. Their softness, from 75a to 90a, makes them ideal for smooth cruising and downhill riding.
Knowing about each wheel type helps you pick the best for your style. With the right wheels, you can improve your ride and enjoy skateboarding more.
Introduction to Skateboard Wheels
Skateboard wheels are crucial for a good skateboarding experience. They affect how you maneuver, your speed, and overall performance. It’s important for skaters at all levels to know about skateboard wheels.
These wheels are made from polyurethane and vary in size and hardness. The size is measured in diameter, from 50mm to 59mm for smaller wheels, and 60mm to 75mm for larger ones. Hardness is measured on the Durometer scale, from 75A to 104A.
Smaller wheels are great for technical skating and street use because they’re light and responsive. On the other hand, larger wheels work well for transportation and longboarding. They keep speed better and absorb shocks well.
The wheel hardness matters too. Hard wheels, with a durometer over 90A, are good for skate parks and street skating. They slide better on rough surfaces.
Softer wheels, rated between 78A and 90A, offer a smoother ride and better grip. They are perfect for cruising around. Wheels with a durometer between 90A and 98A are medium hardness. They’re good for beginners and street skating on rough grounds.
Your choice of wheels should match how you skate and where you skate. For street skating, you’d likely choose wheels around 50-54mm in diameter and a hardness of 99A or higher. For smooth rides or commuting, cruiser wheels are ideal. They have a diameter of 54-60mm and a durometer of 78A-90A.
Longboard wheels are the biggest, between 60-75mm in diameter. They have a hardness of 75A-85A. These wheels offer stability, grip, and good shock absorption for longboard riding.
Knowing about wheel sizes, hardness, and types helps you pick the right wheels. This ensures a great skateboarding experience and top performance from your skateboard.
Types of Skateboard Wheels: Park/Street, Cruiser, and Longboard
Knowing about skateboard wheels is key for a great skate. Wheels are split into three types: park/street, cruiser, and longboard. Each type matches a certain skate style and surface.
Park/Street Wheels
Park/street wheels are small and hard. They measure 50-54mm and have a durometer of 95-101a. These wheels help skaters do technical tricks and smooth slides.
They’re stable for trick riding in skate parks and on the street. They’re quick to pop and respond well, suiting technical skating.
Cruiser Wheels
Cruiser wheels are bigger and softer, 54-60mm wide with a durometer of 78-90a. They give better grip and stability on rough grounds. Their softness eases impacts for smoother rides over uneven places.
Longboard Wheels
Longboard wheels are the biggest, sizing 60-75mm with a durometer of 75-85a. They give top grip and balance, best for downhill and cruising. Their big size and softer touch keep rides stable at fast speeds, great for long journeys.
| Type of Wheels | Diameter (mm) | Durometer Rating | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park/Street Wheels | 50-54 | 95-101a | Technical tricks, skate parks |
| Cruiser Wheels | 54-60 | 78-90a | Cruising, commuting |
| Longboard Wheels | 60-75 | 75-85a | Downhill riding, long rides |
Understanding Skateboard Wheel Durometer
Learning about skateboard wheel durometer is key for all skaters. It measures wheel hardness. This is crucial for shaping your skateboarding. The Durometer A Scale is mainly used. Here, a bigger number means a harder wheel.
On the Durometer A Scale, park and street wheels’ hardness falls between 95a and 101a. Harder wheels, those above 99a, are best for skate parks and streets. They offer great sliding. Wheels softer than 90a are ideal for cruising and longboarding. They provide a smooth ride and strong grip, with a usual hardness of around 85a.
The Shore B scale is also crucial to know. Bones Wheels and others use it to gauge hardness. An 84b on the Shore B equals about 104a on the A Scale. This means the wheel is very hard. For starters or anyone skating rough streets, medium-hard wheels (90a-98a) are advised. They give a good mix of grip and firmness.
| Wheel Type | Diameter | Durometer (A Scale) | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park/Street Wheels | 50-54mm | 95-101a | Skate Parks, Tricks, Technical Skating |
| Cruiser Wheels | 54-60mm | 78-90a | Cruising, Transportation |
| Longboard Wheels | 60-75mm | 75-85a | Downhill, Long-Distance Skating |
With a full understanding of wheel hardness on the Durometer A Scale and Shore B scale, you can pick wheels better. This lets you match your skating style and where you skate.
Skateboard Wheel Sizes and Their Impact
Wheel diameter and contact patch are key in picking skateboard wheels. The size affects speed, stability, and how easy it is to move.
Smaller Wheels
For technical tricks and street skating, wheels from 50-54mm work best. They respond quickly and help with complicated tricks. Smaller wheels, with their small contact area, are great for skaters who like tricks and speed. Check out Doctor Skate to see which wheels fit your skating style.
Larger Wheels
Larger wheels, sizing 55-75mm, are good for cruising and rough paths. These wheels keep speed well and are stable on different surfaces. Their wide contact patch offers a smooth ride and strong grip, perfect for relaxed skating. They offer better shock absorption and stability for bowls, ramps, or uneven streets.
Here is a comparison of wheel sizes:
| Skating Style | Wheel Diameter | Contact Patch |
|---|---|---|
| Technical / Street | 50-54mm | Narrow |
| Cruising / Transportation | 55-75mm | Wide |
Choosing the right wheel size for your style makes a big difference. It helps your performance and control in your favorite skateboarding type.
The Importance of Skateboard Wheel Shapes
The shape of skateboard wheels is key to how well you skate. Different shapes affect grip, weight, and function. Knowing about wheel shapes will guide you to pick the best for your style.
Rounded Edges
Rounded edges help skaters move fast and do tricks easily. They let you slide smoother without sticking to surfaces. This makes the skateboard light and quick, great for complicated tricks on the street. For more details, check out which skateboards have the best pop about wheel shapes.
Square Edges
Square edges, however, increase stability and grip. They’re good for high-speed control and rough paths, perfect for downhill and longboarding. This design helps with precise movements, although it makes the skateboard heavier. Yet, it offers unmatched control and stability.
Materials Used in Skateboard Wheels
Polyurethane is the top choice for skateboard wheels. It’s known for lasting a long time and performing well. These wheels can take on different skateboarding styles, from easy rides to tricky moves. Because of its versatility, polyurethane is the go-to material for skaters wanting steady and reliable rides.
Choosing the right skateboard wheel materials is key. The best pick for professionals is high-end MDI polyurethane. It’s better than cheaper types and makes the wheels last longer. This choice affects how much you’ll enjoy skateboarding.
Skateboard wheel materials impact how the wheels work, how long they last, and if they’re right for different skateboarding styles. The type of material can change how well a skateboard does in various conditions. So, picking the right material is crucial for top performance.
For a clear comparison, check out this table. It shows the benefits of different materials used in skateboard wheels:
| Material | Advantages | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| High-End MDI Polyurethane | Durability, Performance, Longevity | Pro Skating, All-Around Performance |
| Low-Cost Polyurethane | Affordability | Beginner Setups |
| Hybrid Polyurethane Compounds | Customized Performance | Specialty Riding Styles |
It’s crucial to think about wheel hardness and what they’re made of when choosing skateboard wheels. Knowing these things helps you pick the best wheels. You’ll need to consider this whether you’re just starting or have been skateboarding for years.
Role of Wheel Profiles in Skateboarding
The role of skateboard wheel profiles is crucial for a skateboarder’s performance. They affect how wheels touch the ground and get past obstacles. This affects sliding and grinding abilities. Knowing about wheel profiles helps you pick the best wheels for your style and where you skate.
There are three main types of wheel profiles: flat, round, and bullet. Flat wheels have a wide area touching the ground. They are very stable but don’t roll as fast. They are great for new skaters because they make balancing easier.
Round wheels are something between fast and grippy. They’re perfect for skateboarding in the city and doing various tricks. They also slide better than flat wheels because of their rounded edges.
Bullet wheels are all about speed and quick moves. They’re often chosen for racing and performing complex tricks. But, they don’t last as long because they touch the ground in a small area. Their design is excellent for sliding and performing grinds.
Let’s take a closer look at different wheel profiles and their characteristics:
| Profile | Contact Patch | Speed | Stability | Slide Capability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat | Wide | Low | High | Low |
| Round | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Bullet | Narrow | High | Low | High |
Choosing the right wheel profile can really change your skateboarding. Whether you’re just starting or already a pro, knowing about these profiles will help you pick wheels. This will improve how you skate on different surfaces.
Skateboard Wheel Cores Explained
Understanding skateboard wheel cores is key for a better skateboarding experience. The core sits at the wheel’s center, affecting how smoothly and stably it rolls. It’s usually made from plastic or a composite material, holds the bearings, and supports the urethane outer part.
Different core types change how a wheel performs. There are mainly three kinds:
- Centerset cores – These are in the middle of the wheel, distributing weight evenly. They suit skaters who enjoy both cruising and doing tricks.
- Sideset cores – Located near the wheel’s inner edge, sideset cores better control slides. They’re great for freestyle and downhill skating.
- Backset cores – Placed closer to the wheel’s outer edge, they’re uncommon but offer benefits under specific circumstances.
The material and design of a core impacts rolling efficiency. Harder cores, for example, give firm support. This means faster speeds and smoother riding. It’s a plus for those skating long distances or for transport.
Now, let’s look at the core types:
| Core Type | Weight Distribution | Appropriate for |
|---|---|---|
| Centerset | Balanced | Cruising, Technical Tricks |
| Sideset | Weighted to Inner Side | Freestyle, Downhill |
| Backset | Weighted to Outer Side | Specialty Conditions |
Choosing the right skateboard wheel cores can boost your skateboarding, whether it’s for speed, doing tricks, or a mix of both. Think about the core’s type, material, and design. It should fit your skating style and needs. This way, you’ll enjoy skating even more.
Differences Between Longboard and Skateboard Wheels
Longboard wheels and skateboard wheels vary in size and hardness. This affects their use in different skating styles. Longboard wheels, larger and softer, range from 78a to 85a. They provide a better grip and smooth rides, even on rough surfaces. Skateboard wheels, on the other hand, are smaller and harder. They usually range from 95a to 101a+, perfect for street skating tricks and park moves.
The design of the wheels, especially the edges, also matters. Longboard wheels have round edges for easy sliding and stability at high speeds. This makes them great for cruising and downhill rides. Skateboard wheels, however, have sharp edges. These are crucial for good grip in street skating tricks and flips.
Another difference lies in the core size and placement within the wheels. Longboard wheels have larger, center-placed cores. This improves speed control and resistance to wear. Skateboard wheels have smaller cores near the edges. This design suits high-impact tricks and even wear. Choosing the right wheels is key to a better skate experience. To learn more, visit this longboard wheel guide.
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!