Unpopular Opinion: 90s Skateboard Wheels Were Awesome

Remember the days of baggy jeans, grunge music, and epic skateboarding sessions? At kizworld, we're taking a trip back to the 90s to explore the world of 90s skateboard wheels. These weren't just chunks of plastic; they were game-changers that influenced skating styles and propelled the sport forward. Let's drop in and explore the trends, tech, and top brands that defined this iconic era.

The Rise of Street Skating and 90s Skateboard Wheels

From Ramps to Streets: A Revolution on Wheels

Picture this: it's the early 90s. Grunge music is blasting, baggy jeans are all the rage, and a new breed of skateboarding is exploding onto the scene. Skaters were getting bored with just hitting the ramps and wanted to take their tricks to the streets. This shift from vert skating to street skating changed everything, and 90s skateboard wheels were along for the ride. Imagine trying to do a kickflip down a handrail with those big, soft wheels meant for vert ramps – it just wouldn't work!

Smaller, Harder, and Ready to Grind

Street skating required a different kind of wheel – something smaller, harder, and more durable. That's where 90s skateboard wheels came in. Companies started making wheels with smaller diameters, typically around 52mm to 54mm, perfect for navigating curbs, stairs, and gaps. Plus, they were poured in harder durometers, usually 95a or higher, making them super tough and able to withstand the abuse of street skating. Remember trying to grind a ledge with softer wheels? Yeah, it was basically a recipe for a faceplant.

The Birth of the "Street Tech" Wheel

As street skating evolved, so did the wheels. Companies like Spitfire and Bones started experimenting with new shapes, profiles, and formulas to create the ultimate "street tech" wheel. They played around with things like the shape of the lip (the outer edge of the wheel) to find the perfect balance between grip and slide. And let me tell you, finding that sweet spot was a game-changer. It's like the difference between trying to write with a crayon and a perfectly sharpened pencil – precision and control were everything. These innovations made it possible to do even more technical and creative tricks, pushing the boundaries of what was possible on a skateboard.

• Spitfire
• Bones
• Powell Peralta

Popular 90s Skateboard Wheels Brands We Loved (and Some We Tried to Forget)

Spitfire: The Undisputed King of Cool

Let's be real, in the 90s, if you weren't rocking Spitfire wheels, were you even really a skater? Those iconic Bighead and Classic shapes were like badges of honor. They were known for their speed, durability, and that unmistakable "clack" sound they made when you landed a trick perfectly. Spitfire sponsored some of the biggest names in skateboarding, like Andrew Reynolds and Jamie Thomas, which only added to their coolness factor. It was like wearing Air Jordans on your skateboard - instant street cred.

Bones: Built for Speed and Durability

Bones wheels were like the workhorses of the 90s skate scene. They were known for their super hard formulas and long-lasting performance. While they might not have had the same "cool kid" image as Spitfire, Bones wheels were all about performance. They were the go-to choice for skaters who wanted wheels that could handle anything they could throw at them. Think of them like the trusty pickup truck of skateboard wheels - reliable, tough, and always up for a challenge. Plus, remember their "STF" (Street Tech Formula) wheels? Those things were indestructible!

How 90s Skateboard Wheels Changed the Game (From Vert to Street)

From Big and Soft to Small and Mighty

Remember those massive vert ramps from the 80s? Skaters were flying high, doing insane airs, and they needed wheels that could handle the speed and impact. Those wheels were big, sometimes over 60mm, and made of softer urethane to grip the ramp's smooth surface. Think of them like the monster truck tires of the skateboard world! But as skating evolved, so did the terrain. Street skating started taking center stage, with skaters ditching the ramps for handrails, stairs, and curbs. Those big, soft wheels were like trying to drive a monster truck through a city – not exactly ideal! Street skating needed something different, something smaller, harder, and more agile.

A New Breed of Wheels for a New Era of Skating

Enter the 90s skateboard wheel – a game-changer in every sense! Companies started making wheels specifically for street skating, with smaller diameters (around 52mm-54mm) for quicker pops and tighter turns. They also cranked up the durometer (hardness) to 95a or higher, making the wheels super durable and slide-ready. It was like skaters suddenly had a brand new set of tools, and they were eager to put them to the test! These harder wheels could withstand the abuse of grinding ledges and rails, opening up a whole new world of technical tricks and possibilities. Suddenly, skaters weren't just rolling down the street; they were ollieing over trash cans, grinding down handrails, and busting out flip tricks like it was nothing! For more on mastering those tricks, check out our guides on how to do a heelflip and how to do a manual. This shift in wheel technology mirrored the evolution of skateboarding itself, from a niche hobby to a full-blown cultural phenomenon.

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Finding Your Perfect Set of 90s Skateboard Wheels Today

So, you wanna roll like it's 1999? Finding authentic 90s skateboard wheels today might be trickier than landing a kickflip down El Toro, but it's not impossible! It's like searching for a vintage band tee – you might have to dig through some racks (or in this case, online stores), but when you find that gem, it's pure gold!

Embracing the Reissue Revolution

Thankfully, many brands have hopped on the nostalgia train and released reissues of their classic 90s wheels. Think of it like your favorite band getting back together for a reunion tour – all the hits, but with a fresh coat of paint! Spitfire, Bones, and Powell Peralta are just a few brands that offer reissues of their iconic 90s wheels. You can find these online or at specialty skate shops. It's like stepping into a time machine and reliving the glory days of street skating! Now, where did I put my baggy jeans?

Navigating the Online Skate Market

eBay, Craigslist, and even Facebook Marketplace can be goldmines for finding vintage 90s skateboard wheels. It's like going on a treasure hunt – you never know what hidden gems you might uncover! But be warned, just like buying a used skateboard, you gotta be careful. Check the condition of the wheels, look for cracks or wear and tear, and make sure the seller is legit. You don't want to end up with a set of wheels that are more flat spots than round! For more tips on buying used skate gear, check out our guide on choosing the right skateboard.

• Spitfire
• Bones
• Powell Peralta

Final Thought

90s skateboard wheels weren't just about function; they were a statement. They reflected the raw energy and rebellious spirit of the decade, leaving an unforgettable mark on skateboarding history. Whether you're a seasoned skater reminiscing about the good old days or a newcomer eager to learn about skateboarding's roots, understanding the evolution of 90s skateboard wheels offers a glimpse into a pivotal era of the sport's evolution. So, grab your board, throw on some grunge, and appreciate the legacy of those iconic polyurethane circles that rolled us into the new millennium.