Buyer’s Guide: Choosing The Right Skateboard Wheels For You

Just like in most other modes of transportation the wheel is the most critical part of getting from point A to point B. In skateboarding, picking the right set of wheels can have a huge of an impact on your ride. Skate wheels are like people, they come in different shapes, sizes, and they all serve different purposes. Some are suited for more specific tasks while other wheels fit in a different.. Umm.. wheelhouse.. So we’ve constructed a simple guide to help you choose the right set of wheels, for the next time you step in your local skate shop to pick up a set. Check out our entire skate shop [HERE].

• Finding the right wheels for you

In order for you to determine the right wheel for you, there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration. Think about how you skate, where you skate, what type of skating you enjoy doing, is it transitions, flat ground tricks, street skating, parks, or are you just cruising? Check out our selection of skate wheels [HERE].

• Durometer rating. What does it mean?

Every wheel is going to have a durometer rating. This rating varies from anywhere 75-100, the lower the rating the softer the wheel.  The durometer rating is going to help you decide which wheel is going to work best for your riding style. Generally, softer wheels absorb a lot more bumps, cracks and other things you may run into along the way and harder wheels add more pop for when you need to ollie your board on to a feature. Harder wheels also slide a lot easier on smoother surfaces for pivots and reverts. Now if you skate a bit of everything we recommend a rating of anywhere between 90-97.

• The size of the wheel

The size of a wheel is represented by diameter in millimeters. Different size wheels are used for different styles of riding. Generally, a larger wheel will cover more ground per rotation, therefore, ride faster, handle high speeds better, and absorb the vibration and bumps you encounter when riding on bumpy roads. A smaller wheel is more ideal in slower circumstances, providing faster turn initiation, and easier trick performance when riding on well-manicured, smooth surfaced parks. Anything bigger than 56mm in diameter will generally be considered large, while many riders prefer a 52mm-56mm.

Following these guidelines will help ensure you get the best satisfaction out of the wheels you choose. With these tips in mind, it is also important to remember that after skateboarding for a number of years and trying different products, will help you develop a preference of what you like. This inclination may not match up with the industry recommendations and that’s fine! It’s not uncommon to encounter riders who skate flat ground with huge wheels or people who skate transitions and bomb hills with smaller and harder wheels. So don’t be afraid to try new things once in a while, with products such as wheels, trucks, bearings, shoes, etc, because it might turn out to be that sweet spot you’ve been looking for.

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