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Skateboard wheels are more than just round things that make your board move. They're the key to unlocking your skating potential, whether you're carving up the streets, hitting the skatepark, or cruising down the sidewalk. At kizworld, we understand that choosing the right skateboard wheels can be overwhelming. With so many options available, how do you know which ones are right for you? This guide will break down everything you need to know about skateboard wheels, from durometer to size, and help you find the perfect set to elevate your skating experience.
Factor | Description |
|---|---|
Durometer | Measures the hardness of the wheels, ranging from 78A (softest) to 101A (hardest). Softer wheels offer more grip and smoother rides on rough surfaces, while harder wheels provide speed and durability on smooth surfaces. |
Size | Measured in millimeters (mm), typically ranging from 50mm to 60mm. Smaller wheels offer better maneuverability and are ideal for street skating, while larger wheels provide more speed and stability for vert skating and cruising. |
Brand | Numerous reputable skateboard wheel brands exist, each with its unique characteristics and offerings. Some popular brands include Spitfire, Bones, and OJ Wheels, known for their quality and performance. |
Choosing the Right Skateboard Wheels
Picking the right skateboard wheels is like choosing the right shoes for a race. You wouldn't wear flip-flops for a marathon, right? It all depends on what you want to do! If you're into street skating, zipping around, doing tricks like ollies and kickflips (check out our guide on how-to-do-an-ollie!), you'll want smaller, harder wheels. Think of them like tiny race cars, quick and agile. They're perfect for grinding rails and popping over obstacles. But if you're more of a cruiser, enjoying a smooth ride on sidewalks or at skateparks, bigger, softer wheels are your best friend. Imagine them as comfy sneakers, gliding over bumps and cracks. They're great for carving and flowing, just like surfing on concrete.
- Street Skating
- Skateparks
- Cruising
Remember those awesome skateboards from WKND Skateboards? Well, the wheels matter just as much as the board itself! Don't be afraid to experiment. You might start with one type of wheel and realize another suits you better. It's all part of the fun!
Choosing the Right Skateboard Wheels
Understanding Skateboard Wheel Durometer
Durometer – sounds complicated, right? It's actually pretty simple. It's just a fancy way of saying how hard your skateboard wheels are. Think about it like this: a marshmallow is super soft, while a rock is super hard. Skateboard wheels are somewhere in between.
The Durometer Scale
We measure durometer using the A scale, which goes from 78A (super soft) to 101A (super hard). The higher the number, the harder the wheel. So, a 101A wheel will feel like a rock compared to a 78A wheel, which will feel more like a bouncy ball. But which one is right for you? Well, that depends on what you're into!
- 78A-87A: These are the marshmallows of the skateboard world. They're smooth and grippy, perfect for cruising on rough surfaces or learning new tricks. They're like comfy sneakers for your skateboard!
- 88A-95A: Now we're getting a bit firmer. These wheels are great for street skating, hitting the skatepark, and doing tricks. They're fast and responsive, like a good pair of running shoes.
- 96A-101A: These are the rocks – super hard and durable. They're built for speed and slides, perfect for experienced skaters who want to push their limits. You need a good pair of skate shoes to handle these bad boys!
Remember those amazing skateboards from WKND Skateboards? Well, the right durometer is key to getting the most out of your board! Choosing the right durometer is all about finding the right balance between grip and speed. It's like Goldilocks trying different bowls of porridge – you want to find the one that's just right!
Experiment and Find Your Perfect Durometer
Don't be afraid to experiment with different durometers to find what works best for you. It's like trying on different shoes – you won't know what you like until you try them on! And remember, your skating style might change over time, so your ideal durometer might change too. So go out there, experiment, and have fun!
Durometer | Best For |
|---|---|
78A-87A | Cruising, beginners, rough surfaces |
88A-95A | Street skating, skateparks, tricks |
96A-101A | Speed, slides, experienced skaters |
Understanding Skateboard Wheel Durometer
Skateboard Wheel Sizes and Their Uses
Now, let's talk about wheel size! Just like your shoes, skateboard wheels come in different sizes. Think about it: you wouldn't wear snow boots to play basketball, right? Skateboard wheel size is measured in millimeters (mm), and it can make a big difference in how your board feels. Smaller wheels (50-53mm) are like nimble sneakers - perfect for quick turns, street skating, and technical tricks. They're awesome for grinding rails and popping those ollies like a pro! Larger wheels (54-60mm) are like comfy cruisers - great for smoother rides, cruising long distances, and carving at the skatepark. They'll roll over cracks and bumps like they're not even there! So, what size is right for you? It depends on your skating style and what you want to do.
- 50-53mm: Street skating, technical tricks, quick turns
- 54-60mm: Cruising, long distances, smooth rides, carving
Skateboard Wheel Sizes and Their Uses
Top Skateboard Wheel Brands
Choosing the right skateboard wheels can be overwhelming, especially with so many brands vying for your attention. It's like trying to pick a favorite candy in a candy store – so many choices! But don't worry, we're here to help you navigate the world of skateboard wheel brands and find the perfect set for your skating adventures.
Spitfire Wheels: The Industry Leaders
Spitfire Wheels are like the rockstars of the skateboard world. They're known for their high quality, durability, and iconic "Formula Four" urethane. This special urethane makes their wheels super fast, grippy, and resistant to flat spots. Spitfire offers a wide range of durometers and sizes, so you can find the perfect wheels for any skating style. Whether you're into street skating, hitting the skatepark, or cruising down the sidewalk, Spitfire has got you covered. Think of them as the all-around champions of skateboard wheels!
- Spitfire
- Bones
- OJ Wheels
Bones Wheels: Built for Speed and Performance
If you're all about speed and performance, Bones Wheels are your go-to. They're known for their high-rebound urethane, which gives you that extra "pop" when you're skating. Bones wheels are also super durable, so you can push your limits without worrying about them breaking. They offer a wide variety of shapes and sizes, designed for different skating disciplines. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner just starting out, Bones Wheels can help you take your skating to the next level. They're like the sports cars of the skateboard world – sleek, fast, and always ready for action!
Brand | Known for |
|---|---|
Spitfire | High quality, durability, iconic "Formula Four" urethane |
Bones | Speed, performance, high-rebound urethane |
OJ Wheels | Classic style, smooth ride, wide range of colors and designs |
Top Skateboard Wheel Brands
Final Thought
Finding the perfect skateboard wheels is a journey of experimentation and personal preference. By understanding the factors discussed in this guide, you'll be well-equipped to choose wheels that match your skating style and elevate your experience. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, the right skateboard wheels can make all the difference. So, explore the options, try different sets, and enjoy the ride!