Absolute Guide: Which Skateboard Wheels Are Best For Street?

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So, you're hitting the streets on your skateboard. Awesome! But wait, are your wheels up to the challenge? Choosing the right skateboard wheels can make a huge difference between a smooth cruise and a bumpy struggle. Think of it like this: you wouldn't wear flip-flops for a hike, right? Same goes for skateboard wheels. This article will break down which skateboard wheels are best for street skating, making it easy peasy to understand. We'll look at how hard or soft your wheels should be, what works best on different types of street surfaces, and even some cool brands that skaters love. Get ready to roll!

Which Skateboard Wheels Are Best for Street: Understanding Durometer

What's the Deal with Durometer?

Okay, so when we talk about skateboard wheels, you'll hear this fancy word "durometer" thrown around. It's really just a way to measure how hard or soft the wheel is. Think of it like this: imagine a gummy bear and a rock. The gummy bear is super soft, right? A skateboard wheel with a low durometer is kind of like that gummy bear – squishy and grippy. Now, the rock? That's hard and doesn't give much. A skateboard wheel with a high durometer is similar – firm and rolls fast. The number with the "a" next to it, like 99a, tells you exactly where on that gummy bear-to-rock scale the wheel sits.

Hard or Soft: What Does It Mean for Your Ride?

So, why does the hardness matter? Well, harder wheels, like those 99a ones, are like speedy race cars on a smooth track. They roll super fast on smooth concrete because they don't get slowed down by the little bumps. But, hit a crack or a pebble, and you'll feel it – bam! It's like hitting a speed bump in that race car. Softer wheels, on the other hand, are like monster truck tires. They can roll over those cracks and pebbles a lot easier, giving you a smoother ride. If you're skating on rougher streets, maybe check out if skateboards are dangerous with harder wheels!

Finding the Sweet Spot: Which Skateboard Wheels Are Best for Different Street Surfaces

Cruising on Smooth Concrete

Alright, so imagine you're at a skatepark, right? The ground is smooth as butter. That's where those harder wheels, like the 99a and up, really shine. They're like having super-fast racing tires. You push once, and you just keep rolling. It feels awesome! Think about it like trying to push a toy car on a carpet versus a wooden floor – it's way easier on the smooth surface. That's why if you're mostly skating at skateparks or on really nice, new sidewalks, those harder wheels are your best friend. They let you keep your speed up, which is key for doing tricks and just feeling like you're flying. Ever wondered if skateboards are vehicles? On smooth surfaces, they sure feel like it!

Tackling the Rough Stuff

Now, let's talk about the real world, where streets aren't always perfect. You know, those sidewalks with cracks, pebbles, and that weird bumpy stuff? That's where softer wheels come into play. Think of them like the suspension on a monster truck. They soak up all those little bumps so your ride isn't all shaky and uncomfortable. If you've ever tried riding hard wheels on a rough road, you know what I'm talking about – it feels like your teeth are gonna rattle out! Softer wheels, like those in the 80a range, make those bumpy rides way smoother. It's like the difference between riding a bike with flat tires and one with properly inflated ones. Big difference, right?

Finding Your Perfect Street Setup

Honestly, finding the "best" wheel for street skating really depends on where you skate the most. If your usual spots are a mix of smooth and rough, a medium durometer wheel, like in the 90a to 98a range, might be the sweet spot. It's like finding that perfect level of spice in your food – not too bland, not too hot, just right. These wheels give you a decent amount of speed on smoother patches but still have enough give to handle some of the rougher stuff without making you feel like you're riding a jackhammer. Plus, if you're just starting out, medium wheels are often a good choice because they're a bit more forgiving. Have you thought about whether with the wrong wheels? It definitely can be less fun!

Popular Choices: Which Skateboard Wheels Are Best for Street Skating and Why

Bones STF: The Street Skating Champ

Alright, let's talk specifics! When you're wandering around a skate shop or scrolling online, you'll probably see Bones STF wheels pop up a lot. STF stands for "Street Tech Formula," and trust me, they live up to the name. These wheels are seriously popular for a reason. They're made to be hard – usually around 99a or even higher – which makes them lightning-fast on smooth concrete. Think of them like the tires on a race car; they're designed for speed and minimal friction. Lots of street skaters swear by these because they hold their shape well and slide predictably, which is key for doing tricks on ledges and rails. If you're mostly at the skatepark and want that classic, clickety-clack sound and a fast roll, Bones STF are a solid choice. But yeah, you'll feel those pebbles a bit more, so maybe check if skateboard helmets can be used for snowboarding if you bail!

Spitfire Formula Four: The Burner

Another big name you'll hear is Spitfire, especially their Formula Four wheels. These are like the slightly cooler cousin of the Bones STF. They come in different hardnesses, but the "Conical Full" or "Lock-Ins" in the 99a-101a range are super popular for street. What's cool about Formula Fours is that they're known for being really resistant to flat spots. Ever left your board sitting on the same spot for ages and then it feels bumpy? That's a flat spot, and Spitfires are pretty good at avoiding that. They also have a really nice, consistent slide. Imagine trying to draw a perfect circle – that's what a good slide feels like, smooth and controlled. Plus, they just look cool, right? A lot of pros ride Spitfires, and that says something. Thinking about trying grinds? Maybe consider if are skateboard trucks universal to ensure a good fit.

Powell Peralta Rough Riders: For the Real Streets

Now, what if your "street" is more like a cracked sidewalk jungle? That's where softer wheels like the Powell Peralta Rough Riders come in. These are totally different beasts. We're talking 80a or even softer. Imagine bouncing a basketball versus a stress ball – that's the difference in feel. Rough Riders are designed to soak up all those bumps and cracks, giving you a much smoother ride on rough terrain. They won't be as fast as the harder wheels on smooth ground, but they'll save your teeth on those crusty spots. If your typical skate session involves navigating less-than-perfect pavement, these are your go-to. Plus, you can roll over small pebbles without feeling like you're going to eat it! Just remember, softer wheels mean more grip, which is great for cruising but might make some tricks a bit stickier. Ever wondered can skateboards get wet? With these softer wheels, you might not feel every little puddle as much!

Rolling Away with the Right Wheels

Picking the perfect street skating wheels doesn't have to be a headache. Remember, the goal is to find that sweet spot between speed and grip. Think about where you usually skate. Is it smooth concrete or rough asphalt? Experimenting is key. What works for your friend might not be the best for you. Don't be afraid to try different durometers and brands until you find your perfect match. Now get out there and shred those streets!