Are you wondering what wheels top skaters use? Their choices are based on good reasons. Skateboard wheels for pros stand out for being strong, light, and making tricks easier. For those who skate on streets, wheels usually go from 50mm to 60mm. This size helps them speed up faster and move more smoothly.
When it comes to the best wheels for the pros, brands like Spitfire, Bones, and Ricta lead. They’re praised for quality and how well they perform. Spitfire wheels are a hit for their longevity and usually cost between $40 and $48. Bones’ STF wheels are also favorites, known for being super hard (99A-101A) and very long-lasting.
New tech in wheel making has also changed what wheels pros pick. Hard wheels, like Spitfire Formula Four and Ricta Speedrings, are great for smooth places because they’re fast. For bumpy roads, softer wheels like Ricta Clouds are best. They give a better grip, good for cruising or filming.
Key Takeaways
- Pro skaters prioritize lightweight and durable wheels to enhance technical trick performance.
- Street skating wheels usually range from 50mm to 60mm for quicker acceleration.
- Popular brands like Spitfire, Bones, and Ricta are widely endorsed by professionals.
- Hard wheels are faster on smooth surfaces and last longer, whereas soft wheels offer better grip on rough surfaces.
- Technological innovations in wheels significantly affect pro skaters’ gear choices.
Understanding Skate Wheels: A Beginner’s Guide
Picking the right skateboard wheels can seem tough if you’re new to it. There’s a lot to think about. But don’t worry, our skate wheels guide breaks down the essentials to make choosing easier.
Skateboard wheel sizes vary from 50mm to 75mm. The small wheels from 50-53mm are perfect for tricks and little riders. They’re slow but offer good control. For most beginners and bigger riders, 54-59mm wheels are best. They work well for skating on streets, parks, and ramps. And, wheels that are 60mm and bigger are best for going fast and riding on rough surfaces.
The durometer rating tells you how hard the wheels are. This changes how fast they go and how much grip they have. Softer wheels from 78a-87a are good for bumpy places and offer a smooth ride. Wheels between 88a-95a are a mix of speed and grip, great for street skating. Then, harder wheels from 96a-99a are good for smooth places. They’re often picked by newbies. The hardest wheels, 101a and up, are really fast but not great on slick or rough spots.
The shape and profile of your wheels impact your skateboarding too. Broader wheels help with grip and are stable, which is nice for transportation and bowls. Street skaters might like narrower wheels for tricks. A round wheel edge helps with sliding and a sharp edge offers more grip, especially for grinding.
For newcomers, try starting with wheels of medium hardness. As you get better, you can pick wheels that fit your style. Taking care of your wheels, like rotating them, makes them last longer and keeps you skating well. Also, high-quality wheels called SHR (Super High Rebound) urethane are durable and guarantee a smoother ride.
With these basic points, you’re ready to choose skateboard wheels that suit how you skate. Next time you need new wheels, remember this skateboarding wheels explained guide to find the best fit for you.
Top Wheel Brands Endorsed by Professionals
Professional skaters pick a few top best skateboard wheel brands for their quality and performance. Spitfire, Bones, and Ricta lead the pack as popular skateboarding wheels. They’re known for their durability and top-notch performance.
Spitfire wins praise for its tough wheels and pro skater fans like Andrew Reynolds. Spitfire’s Formula Four Wheels are perfect for any skate style with durometers from 93A to 101A. Bones wheels stand out with their super bearings and toughness, cheered on by pros like Tony Hawk. For street skating, Bones’ STF Wheels are a top choice.
Ricta wheels are also a hit, especially for their tough yet nimble make. Skaters like Nyjah Huston go for Ricta Cloud Wheels, great for uneven surfaces with a 78A to 86A durometer. OJ’s Double Duro Wheels mix a hard outer layer with a soft inside for better grip and control.
A detailed look at these professional skateboard wheel brands reveals why they’re a favorite:
| Brand | Model | Durometer | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spitfire | Formula Four Classic | 93A-101A | Versatile Use |
| Bones | STF | 99A-101A | Street Skating |
| Ricta | Cloud | 78A-86A | Rough Surfaces |
| OJ | Double Duro | Variable | Enhanced Grip |
Skate legends trust these professional skateboard wheel brands for their cutting-edge designs and durability. Choosing from these popular skateboarding wheels can seriously uplift your skate game.
Size Matters: What Wheel Size Do Pros Prefer?
For professional skaters, picking the right skateboard wheel size is key. It really depends on the kind of skating they do. Pros often choose smaller wheels, usually between 50mm and 60mm, for street skating. Small wheels help skaters speed up faster, which is important for doing ground tricks in competitions.
Most pro street skaters like wheels that are on the smaller side, about 50mm to 53mm. These wheels are not just smaller, but also lighter. That means skaters can control their boards better and do tricks easier. Plus, being closer to the ground helps with stability and making quick moves.
But, when it comes to skating in bowls or parks, bigger wheels are often the choice. These wheels are usually between 54mm to 59mm. They’re good for a mix of speed and grip, which suits many skating styles. Skate pros like these wheels because they work well for both tricks and going fast.
Choosing the right wheel size for your skateboard depends on how you like to skate. Yet, for street skating, smaller wheels are usually the top choice. This is because they offer more control and make doing tricks easier.
Wheel Durometer: Finding the Right Hardness
It’s key to know about skateboard wheel hardness for better skateboarding. The durometer measures this hardness, affecting how the board performs and fits different skating styles. For street skating, harder wheels (99a to 101a) are chosen for more speed and less grip. But for longboarding on rough ground, softer wheels (75a to 87a) are better as they absorb shock and grip well.
The ‘A Scale’ rates wheel hardness from 0 to 100, with higher numbers meaning harder wheels. A common skateboard wheel hardness is 99a. The ‘B Scale’ is 20 points less than the ‘A Scale,’ making an 80b wheel as hard as 100a. For a comparison of wheels, see some top ones:
| Brand | Model | Diameter | Durometer | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venom Skateboards | Magnum Mach-1 GALLO24 | 78mm | 74a | $85.99 |
| Spitfire Wheels | Formula Four Radial | 58mm | 93a | $43.99 | Snot Wheel Co. | Lil Wide Boys | 50mm | 101a | $31.99 |
| ABEC 11 | Superfly | 111mm | 74a | $138.99 |
Choosing the right wheel durometer means thinking about your skating type. For skateparks and technical tricks, go for harder wheels (99A and up). They offer fast rides with less stick. Softer wheels (78A to 87A) are great for cruising and longboarding, smoothing out bumpy rides. Wheels between 90A and 98A are good for new skaters or street skating on uneven grounds.
If picking the perfect wheel seems tough, check out a detailed guide on longboard wheels at Doctor Skate.
Innovations in Skate Wheel Technology
The skateboarding world is always changing. Now, new skateboard tech is breaking limits of what’s doable. Brands like Spitfire and Bones are leading in skate wheel innovation. They make wheels that last long and perform well for today’s skateboarders. Their work focuses on fresh materials and clever designs.
Spitfire’s formula four urethane is one example. It offers an amazing ride and hardly ever gets flat spots. This material is a big leap forward, giving skaters wheels that last longer and perform better. Bones is also making waves with its top-notch materials and design. This ensures skaters get better control and consistent rides.
Shark Wheel is changing the game with its unique wheel shape. This shape has been shown to work better than traditional wheels. These wheels lower friction and bump up speed. Their special design lessens shocks too. With features like a 30-degree angle and three lips for slides, they’re great for cruising. Studies from San Diego State University even found Shark Wheels last 15% longer because they resist flat spots well.
Materials like the Aluminum hub (ALU Core) are also worth noting. They improve how weight is spread out and stability. The DFT core is made for better energy use. It mixes flexibility and stiffness for improved grip in fast turns. This core gives extra energy back and comes in different stiffness levels for various skating needs.
Sustainability is a big part of these new developments. For example, Undercover is using at least 40% recycled materials in their wheel cores. Their urethanes are also 45% made from corn. This is part of a bigger move to make skateboarding more eco-friendly. It’s important as the industry looks to cut down on its environmental impact.
Then, there are wheels like the Shark Wheel 54mm with options for how hard they are. These wheels are priced well and can really change your skateboarding. They come in packages that include high-quality bearings and trucks. Think about how these innovations can improve your skate skills. By choosing the latest tech, you’ll stay ahead in skateboarding.
Tips for Choosing Wheels Inspired by Pros
Looking at pro skateboarders’ advice helps a lot when picking skateboard wheels. Choose based on your skate style and the places you skate. For street skating and tricks, pros like small, hard wheels, from 50mm to 54mm. They also prefer a hardness of 99A or more. This combo gives you control and precision for fancy moves.
On the flip side, for cruising or longboarding, bigger, softer wheels work best. They vary from 60mm to 75mm in size and have a softness between 75A to 85A. Bigger, softer wheels mean a smoother ride on bumpy roads and better grip at fast speeds. They’re great for long rides and going downhill.
Finding the perfect mix of speed and grip is key. If you’re just starting, go for wheels that are mid-sized (54mm to 59mm) with a medium hardness (96A-99A). Think about trying wheels with dual hardness for even better performance. Try out different brands like Spitfire Wheels’ Formula Four Radial or Bones Wheels to see what suits you best.
Trying out different wheels can really help you discover what’s best for you. Remember to consider things like the wheel’s contact area and the shape of its edge. You might also need riser pads to stop wheel bite. By taking these professional tips into account, you’ll find the right wheels for your skating.
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!