Easy Guide: What Skateboard Wheels Should I Get?

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Thinking about getting a skateboard? Awesome! One of the super important parts you'll need to think about are the wheels. It might seem like all skateboard wheels are the same, but guess what? They're totally not! Picking the right wheels can make learning tricks easier and just make riding way more fun. Imagine trying to ride a bike with square wheels – that would be bumpy and not very fast, right? It's kind of the same with skateboard wheels. This guide will help you figure out exactly what skateboard wheels should i get so you can roll smoothly and have a blast!

Understanding What Skateboard Wheels Should I Get: The Hardness Factor

Alright, so you're staring at a bunch of skateboard wheels, and maybe you've seen a number with an "a" next to it. That, my friend, is the hardness rating, and it's kinda like the difference between a gummy bear and a jawbreaker. Seriously! Think about it: a gummy bear is soft and squishy, right? That's like a softer skateboard wheel. A jawbreaker? Super hard and doesn't give much when you bite it (though I don't recommend biting your skateboard wheels!). That's like a harder wheel. This squishiness, or lack thereof, is super important for how your board feels and rides. It's measured with something called a durometer scale.

Figuring Out What Skateboard Wheels Should I Get: Size Really Does Matter

Big Wheels vs. Little Wheels: What's the Deal?

Okay, so we talked about how hard the wheels are, but the size of your skateboard wheels is also a big deal, like choosing between monster truck tires and the tiny wheels on a shopping cart. Imagine trying to roll over a crack in the sidewalk with those little shopping cart wheels – you'd probably get stuck, right? Bigger skateboard wheels are kind of like those monster truck tires; they roll over bumps and cracks much easier. They also keep their speed better, which is cool if you want to cruise around. Smaller wheels, though, are lighter, which can make doing tricks a bit easier because you're not swinging as much weight around.

Finding Your Goldilocks Size

So, how do you pick the right size? Well, it depends on what you want to do! Think about it like this: if you're mostly going to be skating at a skatepark where the ground is smooth, smaller wheels are often the way to go. They make your board feel more responsive when you're trying to do ollies and kickflips. But, if you're planning on riding around your neighborhood, where the sidewalks might be a bit rough, bigger wheels will give you a much smoother ride. It's all about finding that sweet spot, just like Goldilocks finding the perfect porridge! Speaking of smooth rides, did you know there are things you can do to keep your skateboard rolling nicely, even if you can't avoid puddles? You might find some helpful tips in this post about skateboards and water.

Millimeters Matter: The Numbers Game

You'll see skateboard wheel sizes listed in millimeters (mm). Most wheels are somewhere between 50mm and 60mm. Smaller wheels, like 50mm to 53mm, are popular for street skating and skateparks. They're light and make it easier to pop your board up for tricks. Wheels in the 54mm to 56mm range are kind of like the all-arounders – good for a bit of everything. If you go bigger, like 57mm to 60mm, those are better for cruising and going over rougher stuff. Some longboards even use even bigger wheels! It’s a bit like choosing the right shoes for a sport. You wouldn’t wear cleats for basketball, right? The same idea applies to your skateboard wheels. And if you're curious about where skateboarding even came from, it has a pretty cool history connected to another board sport - surfing! You can read more about that in this article: the origins of skateboarding.

Matching What Skateboard Wheels Should I Get to Your Skating Style and Skill

Finding Wheels That Fit Your Vibe

Okay, so now we're talking about matching your wheels to how you actually like to ride. Think of it like choosing shoes for different activities. You wouldn't wear flip-flops to play basketball, right? It's the same with skateboards! If you're dreaming of grinding rails and doing kickflips at the skatepark, you'll want harder wheels. They slide easier on smooth concrete and make popping your board for tricks feel snappier. Imagine trying to do a kickflip with super soft wheels – they'd grip the ground too much, and it'd be like trying to jump with sticky feet! But if you're more into cruising around town, maybe heading to the store or just enjoying the scenery, then softer wheels are your jam. They soak up all those little bumps and cracks on the sidewalk, making your ride way smoother and more comfy. It's all about what feels good for what you're doing. Are skateboards vehicles? Well, maybe not in the eyes of the law, but they're definitely your vehicle for fun!

Skill Level Steers Your Wheel Choice

Your skill level also plays a part in figuring out what wheels are best. When you're just starting out, it can be a bit wobbly, and you're mostly focused on just staying on the board. For this stage, those all-around wheels we talked about earlier (around 53mm-56mm and a mid-range hardness) are usually a safe bet. They're not too big to feel clunky, and not too small to get caught on every little pebble. As you get better and start trying different things, you might find you want wheels that are more specialized. Someone learning to powerslide, for example, might actually prefer harder wheels because they break traction more predictably. It's like learning to ride a bike – you start with training wheels, and then you take them off once you get the hang of it. It's all part of the learning process.

Putting It All Together for Your Perfect Roll

So, to wrap it up, picking the right wheels is like finding the missing piece of your skateboarding puzzle. Think about where you're going to be skating the most. Are you hitting up the skatepark to try and land that elusive ollie? Then grab some harder wheels. Planning on cruising down the boardwalk and enjoying the sunshine? Softer wheels will be your best friend. And don't forget about size! Smaller for tricks, bigger for cruising. It might even be worth having two sets of wheels, like some skaters do. One set for shredding at the park, and another for those chill rides around town. It's like having different shoes for different occasions. And hey, if you're wondering if can skateboarding help with snowboarding, the answer might surprise you! Ultimately, the best way to figure out what you like is to try different things and see what feels right under your feet.

Rolling into the Sunset

So, you've learned a lot about skateboard wheels. Remember, there's no single "best" wheel, it all boils down to what you want to do on your board and how comfortable you feel. Don't be afraid to try different sets as you get better. Chat with other skaters at the skatepark, see what they're using. Most importantly, get out there and have fun rolling around on your perfectly chosen wheels!