Table of Contents
Ready to buy skateboard wheels that will take your skating to the next level? At kizworld, we've got you covered! Choosing the right wheels can make a huge difference in your performance, whether you're cruising the streets or hitting the skatepark.
Feature | Description | Impact on Skating |
---|---|---|
Durometer | Measures wheel hardness (A Scale: softest, 100A: hardest) | Softer wheels (78A-87A) better for grip and rough surfaces; harder wheels (88A-100A) ideal for speed and smooth surfaces. |
Diameter | Measured in millimeters (mm). | Smaller wheels (50-53mm) offer slower speeds and better control; larger wheels (54-60mm+) provide faster speeds and smoother rides. |
Shape | Classic, conical, or wider profiles. | Classic wheels offer stability; conical wheels enhance maneuverability; wider wheels provide more grip and stability. |
Contact Patch | The area of the wheel that touches the ground. | Wider contact patch = more grip and stability; narrower contact patch = less friction and faster speeds. |
Understanding Skateboard Wheel Components
So, you're looking to buy skateboard wheels? Awesome! You've come to the right place. Before we jump into the fun stuff, let's break down the key parts of a skateboard wheel – it's like knowing the ingredients before baking a cake, except way cooler.
Durometer: The Hardness Factor
First up is durometer, basically how hard or soft your wheels are. It's measured on the "A" scale, with 100A being the hardest. Imagine trying to bounce a bowling ball – that's 100A! Softer wheels, around 78A to 87A, grip better on rough surfaces like sidewalks or streets, perfect for cruising or street skating. They're like the comfy sneakers of the wheel world. Harder wheels, 88A to 100A, are all about speed and smooth surfaces, ideal for skateparks or super-smooth concrete. They're like the racing shoes of the wheel world – fast and sleek!
Durometer Range | Ideal For |
---|---|
78A - 87A (Soft) | Cruising, street skating, rough surfaces |
88A - 100A (Hard) | Skateparks, smooth surfaces, speed |
Choosing the right durometer depends on where you'll be skating and what feels good to you! If you're just starting out, softer wheels can be more forgiving and easier to control. Want to learn more about getting started with skateboarding? Check out our guide on how to get started with skateboarding as a beginner!
Diameter: Size Matters!
Next up, we've got diameter, which is the size of your wheels measured in millimeters (mm). Think of it like choosing pizza sizes – smaller wheels are like personal pizzas, while bigger wheels are like those giant party pizzas. Smaller wheels (50-53mm) are awesome for beginners because they offer more control and stability. They're also great for street tricks because they're super responsive. Larger wheels (54mm and up) are like the monster trucks of skateboarding, giving you more speed and a smoother ride over cracks and bumps.
- 50-53mm: Slower speeds, better control, ideal for street skating and beginners.
- 54-60mm: Faster speeds, smoother ride, great for cruising and skateparks.
- 60mm+: Super fast, best for longboards and cruising.
Just like with durometer, the best diameter for you depends on your skating style and where you'll be skating. If you're into street skating or just starting out, smaller wheels are a good bet. If you're all about speed and cruising, larger wheels might be your jam. If you're interested in trying out longboarding, you might want to explore surf skateboards – they often use larger wheels!
Choosing the Right Skateboard Wheels to Buy
Alright, so you've got the lowdown on wheel parts. Now comes the fun part – picking the perfect set! It's like choosing your superhero sidekick – you want one that matches your style and helps you conquer any challenge. Think about where you'll be skating mostly. Cruising around town? Softer wheels for a smooth ride. Hitting the skatepark? Harder wheels for speed and tricks. My first set was super hard, and man, did I feel every bump! I learned my lesson and switched to softer wheels for street skating – much better!
Top Brands For Skateboard Wheels
Okay, so you're ready to buy skateboard wheels – that's awesome! But with so many brands out there, it can feel like choosing a flavor at an ice cream shop with a million options. Don't worry, we'll break it down. Here are some of the top dogs in the skateboard wheel world:
Spitfire Wheels: The Legends
Spitfire is like the rockstar of skateboard wheels. They've been around forever and are known for their iconic "Bighead" logo. They make wheels for every kind of skating, from street to park. They're known for their durability and classic designs. I remember my first set of Spitfires – they felt indestructible! They lasted forever, even after countless slams and grinds.
Bones Wheels: The Smooth Operators
Bones Wheels are famous for their super-fast and smooth ride. They use special formulas to make their wheels roll like butter, whether you're cruising down the street or hitting a ramp. They also make some of the best bearings in the game, so your wheels will spin like crazy! If you're all about speed and a buttery smooth roll, Bones are a great choice. Want to improve your skateboarding skills? Check out our guide on how to train like a skateboarder!
OJ Wheels: The Street Kings
OJ Wheels are the kings of the streets. They make wheels specifically designed for street skating, with a focus on grip and durability. They're known for their classic shapes and signature urethane formulas that grip like glue, even on rough surfaces. If you're a street skater, OJ's are your best friend.
Ricta Wheels: The Tech Wizards
Ricta Wheels are all about technology. They're constantly innovating and developing new urethane formulas and wheel designs. They offer a wide range of wheels for different skating styles, from street to park. If you're looking for the latest and greatest in wheel tech, Ricta is worth checking out. If you're new to skateboarding, our guide on how to get started with skateboarding is a great resource.
Brand | Known For | Ideal For |
---|---|---|
Spitfire | Durability, classic designs | All-around skating |
Bones | Speed, smooth ride | Cruising, skateparks |
OJ | Grip, durability | Street skating |
Ricta | Innovation, technology | Various styles |
Maintaining Your Skateboard Wheels
So you've bought your awesome new skateboard wheels, learned how to do a 180, and you're ready to shred! But hold up – just like your favorite pair of sneakers, your wheels need some TLC to keep them rolling smoothly. Don't worry, it's not rocket science. It's more like giving your wheels a quick tune-up, so they stay in tip-top shape.
Keep 'Em Clean
First things first, let's talk about dirt and grime. Imagine trying to ride your skateboard through mud – it wouldn't be much fun, right? Your wheels feel the same way! Dirt and pebbles can get stuck in your bearings, making them slow and clunky. It's like having rocks in your shoes – not cool! So, give your wheels a quick wipe down every now and then with a damp cloth. You can even use an old toothbrush to scrub away any stubborn grime. It's like giving your wheels a mini-car wash – they'll thank you for it!
- Use a damp cloth to wipe down your wheels.
- Use an old toothbrush to scrub away stubborn grime.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners.
Rotate for Longer Life
Ever noticed how one side of your shoe wears out faster than the other? The same thing can happen to your skateboard wheels. Rotating your wheels is like giving them a chance to wear evenly. It's super simple – just swap the front and back wheels, and maybe even switch the sides too. This helps them wear down at the same rate, so you get more life out of them. Think of it like sharing your toys – everyone gets a turn!
Check Your Bearings
Remember those bearings we talked about? They're like tiny engines that make your wheels spin. Over time, they can get dirty and worn out. You can clean and lubricate them to keep them running smoothly. It's like giving your skateboard's engine a little oil change! If you're unsure how to do this, check out our guide on the best skateboarding wheels and bearings.
Maintenance Task | How Often |
---|---|
Clean your wheels | Every few skate sessions |
Rotate your wheels | Every few weeks |
Check your bearings | Every month or so |
Final Thought
Buying skateboard wheels doesn't have to be confusing. Remember to consider your skating style, the terrain you ride on, and your personal preferences. By following our guide, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect wheels for an awesome skating experience!