Skateboard wheels are an important part of the skateboarding process – they determine how fast you go and allow you to move as you wish. Any skateboard wheel is measured by two ways – the diameter and the durometer, which is the hardness of the wheel. Choosing the wheels are a matter of personal preference, determined by how you use your skateboard. The biggest advantage of custom building is that you can choose the best wheels which match your hardware and your skating style. The skateboard is made of a material called Polyurethane.
Why are Skateboard Wheels Made of Polyurethane?
The main reason polyurethane is used in all top quality skateboard wheels is that it is versatile and well as sturdy material. It has a good grip when it comes in contact with the surfaces and thus the potential of how you use your skateboard is vastly improved. It has high tensile strength and does not break due to strong impacts.
The hardness of polyurethane can also be changed which could have an effect on how you slide as well as the length and traction. It is lightweight and abrasive, which is great when it comes to sliding.
How to pick the right size wheel for your truck
Skateboard wheel diameter is measured in millimeters (mm); most wheels range from 50-75 mm, and the lower the number, the smaller the wheel. As you can probably guess, wheel diameter affects how you accelerate and how you can turn. Small wheels offer slower rides and large wheel, bigger ones. Small wheels are also ideal for street skating and beginners can settle for larger wheels when they use them on a daily basis. Large diameters offer speed and balance all in one. Skateboard wheel diameter is measured in millimeters and most wheels range from 50-75 mm.
Choosing wheels based on size
50-53mm – Wheels are small and slower; Stable for flip tricks and for smaller riders indulging in street skating, skate parks, etc.
54-58mm – Suitable for concrete parks and street skating. Right wheel size for beginners and bigger riders indulging in a skating street, skate parks, and vert ramps.
59mm + –Suited for special riders skating longboards, downhill, and dirt boards; they are good for carving and cruising Suitable for speed and rougher surfaces.
Choosing wheels based on deck size
Wheels can also be chosen based on the deck. The skateboard deck actually differs in terms of width, the range is from 7.5 to 8.25 inches.
7.5 to 8.0-inch decks – Standard size for adult riders. Used to ride street and for technical tricks. For such decks, the ideal wheel size would be 48-58 mm.
8.0 to 8.25-inch decks – Casual size decks best suited for parks, rails, ramps, and skating pools. For this width of the skate deck, you need bigger wheels ranging from 52 to 60 millimeters.
8.25 to 8.5-inch decks– These decks are for tall riders and those with bigger and wider feet. Great for pool and park riding. These decks need a minimum of 54 mm diameter for wheels. Max’s wheel diameter would be 60 mm.
8.5-inch and bigger decks – Works for cruising and mini-ramps. For decks greater than 8.5 inches in width, wheels should be at least 58 mm.
Choosing according to skateboard wheel durometer
Durometer refers to the hardness of the skateboard wheels. It is also an important factor in choosing the right wheels. Most manufacturers use Durometer A scale, which determines the hardness and is a 100-point scale. The average wheel durometer is usually 99a. Some manufacturers that may use the B Scale, which measures 20 points fewer than the A Scale. Hard wheels are faster, while softer wheels are slower but with more grip. Soft wheels are for street skating and rough surfaces while hard wheels are for smooth surfaces.
| 78a-87a | Soft wheel great for rough surfaces, longboards, offers plenty of grips and can be used for hills, and rough surfaces. |
| 88a-95a | Harder, faster but with reduced grip. Good for street and rough surfaces. |
| 96a-99a | Firm grip, high speed. Good for beginners into the skating street, ramps, pools, and other smooth surfaces. |
| 101a + | Pro wheels, hardest and fastest, less grip |
| 83b-84b | Wheels using the B scale are extremely hard allowing the scale to extend further for the hardest wheels. |
Top Wheel Brands
The bestsellers which you can check out include:-
- Ricta Clouds 78a Skateboard Wheel
- Mini Logo A-Cut Hybrid Black Skateboard Wheels – 55mm 90a
- Santa Cruz Slime Ball Vomits Skateboard Wheels (60mm 97a)
- Spitfire Classic Series High-Performance Wheel
Hope you find this guide useful and choose the right wheels which will help you skate to the best of your ability and interest.
