If you’re looking for new skateboard wheels, it’s key to know about wheel hardness. The right wheels can change how well you skate. They offer a mix of speed, grip, and life span. This guide aims to simplify skate wheel hardness for you. We want you to pick the best skateboard wheels for your skating style and needs.
This skate wheel hardness guide touches on everything from tricks to cruising. You’ll learn how to choose skateboard wheels that meet your needs. This info will help you have better, smoother rides. We’ll go over the different hardness types, how they help you, and what top brands are doing with their wheels.
Key Takeaways
- Skateboard wheel sizes vary from 50 mm to 75 mm in diameter.
- Small wheels (50-53 mm) are great for trick riding.
- The average hardness for skateboard wheels is 99a.
- Softer wheels (78a-87a) grip well on rough surfaces.
- Harder wheels (101a+) bring the most speed, ideal for expert skaters.
Understanding Skate Wheel Hardness
Choosing the right skateboard wheels means understanding their hardness, or durometer. The durometer measures how hard materials like rubber and plastic are. It uses the Durometer A Scale and the Durometer B Scale to do this.
The Durometer A Scale goes up to 100, with 75A being very soft and 101A very hard. The Durometer B Scale is 20 points lower than the A Scale, but it goes up an extra 20 points for the hardest wheels. So, a 101A wheel is also an 81B on the B Scale.
Wheels from 75A to 87A are super soft, good for longboards or skateboards on bumpy roads. They grip the surface well. Wheels harder than 100A are the hardest and fastest, great for pro skaters or skating indoors.
For beginners, wheels between 96A and 99A are often best. They offer a good balance of speed and grip for different surfaces. There are also hybrid wheels, from 90A to 97A, that are versatile but not as common.
- 75A-87A: Extremely soft, perfect for rough terrains and longboards.
- 88A-95A: Slightly harder and faster, good for city riding on various surfaces.
- 96A-99A: Balanced for speed and grip, ideal for new skaters.
- 100A+: Hardest and quickest, mainly for pros or indoor skating.
- Hybrid Wheels 90A-97A: Versatile but rare.
Starting with a 97A wheel is a good idea for a mix of grip and speed. Soft wheels, from 78A to 87A, are best for rough surfaces. Hard wheels are better for street and ramp skating. They keep speed well on smooth grounds. For more advice, check out this useful guide.
The right skateboard wheel choice depends on understanding these hardness scales. It also depends on your skate style and where you skate.
Types of Skate Wheel Hardness
Knowing about skate wheel hardness is key for setting up your skateboard. Wheel hardness is measured with the durometer scale, mainly the Durometer A Scale. It goes from 78A (soft) to 100A (hard). Soft wheels, rated between 78A and 87A, are best for bumpy roads. They offer great grip, which makes them perfect for cruiser skateboard wheels.
Wheels with a hardness of 88A to 95A are ideal for street skating. They provide a balance of speed and grip for different surfaces. Most skateboards use wheels around 99A in hardness. This gives a good mix of performance and toughness for street and park skating.
For longboards, wheel hardness is very important. Wheels that are softer, from 78A to 87A, are great for downhill and cruising because they grip well. But, there are harder wheels too. They’re used for fast rides because they slide better and resist less.
The contact patch is also crucial. It’s the part of the wheel touching the ground. Bigger contact patches make your ride smoother by reducing rolling resistance. This is especially good for longboards. Some wheels have two levels of hardness for even better speed and wear.
Choosing the right hardness for your skate wheels is all about your skating style. Whether you need wheels for street, cruiser, or longboard, understanding hardness helps. It makes your skateboarding experience better.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Hardness
Choosing skateboard wheel hardness involves several factors that impact your ride. If you’re into specific types of skating, wheel hardness matters a lot. Softer wheels (78a to 87a) work best on uneven ground, giving you great grip for longboards and street skating. On the flip side, harder wheels (101a and above) are best for speed and flips on smooth surfaces, as they offer less grip.
The size of the skate wheels also plays a big role. Smaller wheels (50-53mm) are slower, making them great for tricks and new riders. Bigger wheels (54-59mm) help beginners and those with more weight feel balanced. For challenging terrains or special tricks, wheels over 60mm are best as they enhance both speed and stability.
When customizing your board, understanding durometer scales is key. The durometer A Scale goes up to 100, while the B Scale is 20 points less. For instance, Bones Wheels translates 82B to 102A, offering a wider hardness range.
The size of the contact patch affects your ride too. Big contact patches mean less whee compression and lower rolling resistance, ideal for cruising and bowl skating. Small contact patches, found on narrow wheels, are better for street skating tricks due to less friction.
Finding the right balance between durometer rating and wheel size shapes your skating experience. For park and street skating, wheels are usually 50-54mm in diameter with a hardness of 95-101A. Cruiser wheels, meant for smooth riding, measure 54-60mm with a softness of 78-90A.
Benefits of Soft vs. Hard Wheels
Understanding the differences between soft and hard skateboard wheels is crucial. Soft wheels range from 75A to 95A and are great for absorbing shocks. This makes them perfect for riding on rough surfaces and filming.
Hard skateboard wheels have ratings of 99A or more, with some even higher. They’re chosen by street and park skaters for their precision and speed on smooth areas. Plus, they last longer and don’t get flat spots as easily.
When picking skateboard wheels, think about these points:
| Feature | Soft Wheels | Hard Wheels |
|---|---|---|
| Durometer Rating | 75A – 95A | 95A – 101A and above |
| Ideal Usage | Cruising, Filming, Longboarding | Street & Park Skating |
| Performance | Excellent Shock Absorption | Precision for Tricks |
| Surface Suitability | Rough Terrain | Smooth Surfaces |
| Durability | Moderate | High |
Soft wheels, often larger than 54mm, might need riser pads to avoid wheelbite. They’re great for longboards or cruisers. On the flip side, hard wheels work best for traditional skateboards. They range from 50mm to 54mm, making them speedy and agile.
Choosing the right wheels depends on how and where you skate. Use a detailed skateboard wheel selection guide to pick the best wheels. This will make your skating better, whether you’re cruising or doing tricks.
Popular Brands and Their Hardness Options
Choosing the right skateboard wheel brands is crucial. Brands like Venom Skateboards and Spitfire Wheels have many options for different skate styles.
Learn more about the specifics of skateboard wheels. This includes their size, hardness, and the surface area that touches the ground.
Spitfire Wheels offers Formula Four Classic Wheels. They have a hardness range of 93A to 101A. This range is great for both new and pro skaters.
Their 101A wheels are best for smooth places. They let you do advanced tricks smoothly.
Venom Skateboards also offers versatile wheel designs. They work for everything from street skating to just cruising around. The right balance is essential for enjoyable skating.
Think about your skate style and where you skate when choosing wheels. Wheels from 50-52mm are good for street skating. But wheels bigger than 56mm are better for speed and bumpy places. Wheels from 53-56mm are good for both park and street.
The firmness and shape of the wheel are very important too. Softer wheels, like 78A-87A, are good for bumpy terrains and cruising. Harder wheels, from 96A-99A, are better for smooth places and doing tricks.
By checking out these famous brands, you can find the best wheels for your skating. This ensures a great skate experience.
Putting It All Together: Selecting Your Wheels
Choosing the right skate wheels involves understanding hardness, diameter, and specific needs. Whether for street skating, cruising, or longboarding, different wheels can improve performance and comfort. We’ll help you match these factors to make a smart choice.
For street skating, focus on tricks and slides. Use wheels with a 99A or higher durometer rating, sized 50-54mm. Bones Wheels offer a hard, fast option with their 82B (equal to 102A) rating. On the other hand, cruisers and longboarders often choose softer wheels, 78-90A for cruising and 60-75mm for longboarding, for a smoother ride.
New skaters and those on rough terrain should look at medium durometer wheels, 90A-98A. These wheels, sized 54-59mm, balance grip with slide. Smaller wheels, 50-53mm, boost agility, while larger ones, 60mm and up, suit speed and bumpy roads. Use riser pads with wheels over 56mm to prevent wheel bite when turning.
Finally, think about how you skate when picking wheel shape and width. Narrow wheels are great for tricks, offering less grip for easier slides. Wider wheels support better control and stability for faster riding and bowl skating. The best wheel setup will make your skateboard work better for you, enhancing your 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!