Table of Contents
Welcome to Kizworld, your ultimate destination for skateboarding enthusiasts seeking The best skateboarding wheels and bearings. Whether you're a beginner looking to make your first roll or a seasoned pro aiming to elevate your riding experience, we've got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you on a journey through the world of skateboarding wheels and bearings, helping you understand the different types, materials, and factors to consider when making your choice. Discover the top brands and learn essential maintenance tips to keep your wheels and bearings rolling smoothly. Get ready to unlock a world of skateboarding possibilities with kizworld, your trusted source for the best skateboarding wheels and bearings.
I. Skateboard Wheel Anatomy
Skateboard wheels are the point of contact between your board and the ground, so it's important to choose the right ones for your riding style and needs. Wheels come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials, each with its own unique characteristics.
The most common type of skateboard wheel is the urethane wheel. Urethane wheels are made of a durable plastic material that provides a good balance of grip and speed. They are also relatively inexpensive, making them a good choice for beginners.
- Size: Skateboard wheels are typically measured in millimeters (mm). The diameter of a wheel determines how fast it will roll, with larger wheels rolling faster than smaller wheels.
- Shape: Skateboard wheels come in a variety of shapes, including round, square, and conical. The shape of a wheel affects its grip and stability.
- Hardness: Skateboard wheels are also rated for hardness, which is measured on a scale from 0 to 100A. Harder wheels are more durable and provide more grip, while softer wheels are more comfortable to ride and provide better shock absorption.
In addition to urethane wheels, there are also a number of other types of skateboard wheels available, including:
- Plastic wheels: Plastic wheels are less durable than urethane wheels, but they are also less expensive. They are a good choice for beginners who are just starting out.
- Metal wheels: Metal wheels are very durable and provide excellent grip, but they are also very heavy. They are typically used for downhill skateboarding or other high-speed applications.
- Wooden wheels: Wooden wheels are very lightweight and provide a smooth ride, but they are also very fragile. They are typically used for cruising or other low-speed applications.
When choosing skateboard wheels, it's important to consider your riding style and needs. If you're a beginner, you'll want to choose a wheel that is durable and provides good grip. If you're an experienced rider, you may want to choose a wheel that is faster or provides better shock absorption.
No matter what type of skateboard wheel you choose, it's important to keep them clean and well-maintained. This will help to extend their lifespan and keep your board riding smoothly.
Here are some tips for maintaining your skateboard wheels:
- Clean your wheels regularly with a damp cloth.
- Inspect your wheels for wear and tear. If you see any cracks or chips, it's time to replace them.
- Rotate your wheels regularly to ensure even wear.
- Store your skateboard in a cool, dry place when you're not using it.
By following these tips, you can keep your skateboard wheels in good condition and enjoy a smooth ride for years to come.
If you're looking for more information on skateboard wheels, check out our article on The Best Skateboarding Wheels and Bearings.
II. Skateboard Wheel Sizes
Skateboard wheels come in a variety of sizes, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. The size of your wheels will depend on your riding style, the terrain you'll be skating on, and your personal preferences. Here's a guide to help you choose the right size wheels for your skateboard:
- Small wheels (50-53mm): Small wheels are great for technical skating, such as flip tricks and grinds. They're also good for skating on smooth surfaces, such as skateparks and indoor ramps.
- Medium wheels (54-59mm): Medium wheels are a good all-around choice for most skaters. They're large enough to provide stability and speed, but they're not too big that they make it difficult to do tricks.
- Large wheels (60mm+): Large wheels are best for cruising and longboarding. They provide a smooth ride and can roll over rough surfaces more easily. However, they can make it more difficult to do tricks.
In addition to size, you'll also need to consider the durometer of your wheels. Durometer is a measure of how hard or soft a wheel is. Softer wheels (78a-87a) are better for absorbing shock and providing a smooth ride. Harder wheels (90a-101a) are faster and more durable, but they can also be more uncomfortable to ride on rough surfaces.
Once you've considered all of these factors, you can start shopping for skateboard wheels. Be sure to try out different sizes and durometers to find the perfect combination for your riding style.
Here are some additional tips for choosing skateboard wheels:
- If you're new to skateboarding, start with a medium-sized wheel (54-59mm). This will give you a good balance of stability and speed.
- If you're planning on doing a lot of technical skating, choose a smaller wheel (50-53mm). This will make it easier to do tricks.
- If you're planning on cruising or longboarding, choose a larger wheel (60mm+). This will provide a smooth ride and make it easier to roll over rough surfaces.
- Consider the durometer of your wheels. Softer wheels (78a-87a) are better for absorbing shock and providing a smooth ride. Harder wheels (90a-101a) are faster and more durable, but they can also be more uncomfortable to ride on rough surfaces.
- Try out different sizes and durometers to find the perfect combination for your riding style.
With a little bit of research, you can find the perfect skateboard wheels for your needs. So get out there and start skating!
Related posts:
- How to Choose the Right Skateboard for Your Skill Level and Style
- The Benefits of Skateboarding for Fitness and Fun
- The Best Skateboarding Equipment and Accessories
III. Skateboard Wheel Durometer
The durometer of a skateboard wheel is a measure of its hardness. It is measured on a scale of 0 to 100, with 0 being the softest and 100 being the hardest. The durometer of a wheel affects its performance in a number of ways, including its grip, speed, and durability. Softer wheels (durometer of 78A or below) provide more grip and are better for rough surfaces, while harder wheels (durometer of 82A or above) are faster and more durable. The durometer of a wheel is also important for different types of skateboarding. For example, street skaters typically prefer softer wheels for better grip on rough surfaces, while vert skaters typically prefer harder wheels for more speed and durability.
Here is a table that shows the different durometers of skateboard wheels and their corresponding performance characteristics:
Durometer | Performance Characteristics |
---|---|
78A or below | Soft, more grip, better for rough surfaces |
82A or above | Hard, faster, more durable |
When choosing the right durometer for your skateboard wheels, you should consider the following factors:
- Your skill level: If you are a beginner, you may want to choose a softer wheel for better grip. As you progress, you can move to a harder wheel for more speed and durability.
- The type of skateboarding you do: If you do a lot of street skating, you may want to choose a softer wheel for better grip on rough surfaces. If you do a lot of vert skating, you may want to choose a harder wheel for more speed and durability.
- The terrain you skate on: If you skate on rough surfaces, you may want to choose a softer wheel for better grip. If you skate on smooth surfaces, you can choose a harder wheel for more speed and durability.
Once you have considered these factors, you can choose the right durometer for your skateboard wheels and enjoy a smooth and enjoyable ride.
Here are some additional tips for choosing the right skateboard wheels:
- Consider the size of your wheels. Larger wheels are faster and more stable, while smaller wheels are more maneuverable.
- Choose the right bearings for your wheels. Bearings are the small metal balls that allow your wheels to spin. Higher quality bearings will spin more smoothly and last longer.
- Keep your wheels clean. Dirt and grime can build up on your wheels and make them less grippy. Clean your wheels regularly with a mild detergent and water.
By following these tips, you can choose the right skateboard wheels for your needs and enjoy a smooth and enjoyable ride.
If you are looking for more information on skateboard wheels, check out our other articles on the topic:
- How to Choose the Right Skateboard Wheels for Your Skill Level and Style
- The Best Skateboard Wheels for Street Skating
- The Best Skateboard Wheels for Vert Skating
IV. Skateboard Wheel Materials
Skateboard wheels are made from a variety of materials, each with its own unique properties. The most common materials are polyurethane, plastic, and metal. Polyurethane wheels are the most popular choice for skateboarding because they offer a good balance of grip, durability, and shock absorption. Plastic wheels are less durable than polyurethane wheels, but they are also lighter and less expensive. Metal wheels are the most durable, but they are also the heaviest and most expensive.
In addition to the material, the hardness of the wheel is also an important factor to consider. Harder wheels are faster and more durable, but they also provide less grip. Softer wheels are slower and less durable, but they provide more grip. The hardness of the wheel is typically measured on a scale of 1 to 100, with 100 being the hardest. Most skateboard wheels have a hardness of between 78 and 87.
The size of the wheel is also important. Larger wheels are faster and more stable, but they are also heavier and more difficult to maneuver. Smaller wheels are slower and less stable, but they are also lighter and easier to maneuver. The size of the wheel is typically measured in millimeters, with most skateboard wheels ranging in size from 50 to 60 millimeters.
When choosing skateboard wheels, it is important to consider the type of skateboarding you will be doing. If you are planning on doing a lot of street skating, you will need wheels that are durable and have good grip. If you are planning on doing a lot of park skating, you will need wheels that are fast and stable. And if you are planning on doing a lot of cruising, you will need wheels that are comfortable and easy to roll.
Material | Properties |
Polyurethane | Good balance of grip, durability, and shock absorption |
Plastic | Less durable than polyurethane, but lighter and less expensive |
Metal | Most durable, but also the heaviest and most expensive |
Here are some additional tips for choosing skateboard wheels:
- Consider the type of skateboarding you will be doing.
- Consider the hardness of the wheel.
- Consider the size of the wheel.
- Consider your budget.
With a little research, you can find the perfect skateboard wheels for your needs.
Once you have chosen the right skateboard wheels, you need to make sure that they are properly installed. Skateboard wheels are typically attached to the trucks with nuts and bolts. It is important to make sure that the nuts and bolts are tight so that the wheels do not come off while you are skating. You should also check the wheels regularly for wear and tear. If the wheels are worn down, they need to be replaced.
With proper care and maintenance, your skateboard wheels will last for a long time. So get out there and start skating!
Here are some related posts that you may find interesting:
- How to Choose the Right Skateboard for Your Skill Level and Style
- The Benefits of Skateboarding for Fitness and Fun
- The Best Skateboarding Equipment and Accessories
V. Conclusion
Choosing the best skateboarding wheels and bearings is crucial for a smooth, enjoyable, and safe ride. Consider your riding style, terrain, and personal preferences when making your selection. With the right setup, you can elevate your skateboarding experience and take your skills to the next level. Remember to properly maintain your wheels and bearings to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Explore our website kizworld.com for an extensive range of high-quality skateboarding wheels and bearings from top brands. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, we have the perfect gear to help you ride with confidence and style.