Collection: Skateboard Wheels
A Beginner’s Guide to Skateboard Wheels: Types and Styles Explained
Skateboard wheels play a huge role in how a board rides. They affect speed, grip, and feel. For beginners and experienced riders, choosing the right wheel makes all the difference. This guide explains the main types and styles of skateboard wheels. It’s designed to help surf shop... Read More
A Beginner’s Guide to Skateboard Wheels: Types and Styles Explained
Skateboard wheels play a huge role in how a board rides. They affect speed, grip, and feel. For beginners and experienced riders, choosing the right wheel makes all the difference. This guide explains the main types and styles of skateboard wheels. It’s designed to help surf shop customers pick the best option for their needs.
1. Wheel Diameter – Size Matters
Wheel size is measured in millimeters (mm) and usually ranges from 48mm to 75mm. Smaller skateboard wheels, around 48mm–53mm, are great for street skating. They’re lighter and lower to the ground, perfect for tricks and flips. Mid-sized skateboard wheels, 54mm–59mm, are more versatile. They’re good for parks, bowls, and general cruising. Larger wheels, 60mm and above, are built for speed and rough surfaces. These are ideal for longboards and cruisers.
2. Durometer – How Hard is Your Wheel?
Durometer measures wheel hardness. Most skateboard wheels use the “A” scale. Softer wheels are rated between 78A and 87A. They grip better and absorb bumps, ideal for cruising or rough pavement. Medium-hard wheels range from 88A to 95A. These work well for street and mixed terrain. Hard wheels, 96A and above, are best for smooth surfaces like skate parks. They slide more easily and give more speed.
3. Street Wheels – Built for Tricks
Street wheels are small and hard, usually between 50mm and 54mm with a durometer of 99A or higher. These are made for tricks, grinds, and technical skating. They have a narrow shape that helps reduce weight and improve control. Skaters who ride ledges, stairs, and rails prefer street wheels. They don’t handle rough roads well, so they’re best on smooth concrete.
4. Cruiser Wheels – Smooth and Soft
Cruiser wheels are larger and softer, usually 60mm or more with a durometer around 78A. They offer a smooth ride over cracks and bumps. These wheels are perfect for commuting, casual riding, and boardwalk cruising. Many surf-style skateboards use cruiser wheels. They grip well and offer a fluid carving feel, much like surfing on land.
5. Park and Bowl Wheels – Versatile and Fast
Park wheels are medium-sized and fairly hard, often 54mm to 59mm and 95A to 101A. They are designed for transitions, ramps, and bowls. These wheels balance grip and speed. Riders can carve tight turns and still perform tricks. Their shape is often wider, giving more stability during fast runs or slides.
6. Longboard Wheels – Built for Speed and Stability
Longboard wheels are the largest of the bunch, often 65mm to 75mm or more. They’re soft and wide, offering maximum grip and shock absorption. These wheels are made for downhill speed, carving, and long-distance cruising. Their softness helps prevent speed wobbles. Many have a square lip shape to improve traction. Some also have a stone-ground surface for smooth sliding.
7. Slide Wheels – For Drifting and Freeride
Slide wheels are used by freeride and downhill skaters who want to drift and powerslide. These wheels are usually mid-to-large in size with a medium durometer. They often come pre-broken-in with a stone-ground finish. This makes them slide more predictably. They also tend to have rounded edges and a harder core to reduce resistance while drifting.
8. Core Placement – Center, Side, or Offset
The core of a wheel can change how it performs. Center-set wheels have the core in the middle. They wear evenly and are easy to rotate. Side-set wheels have the core close to the edge, making slides easier but wearing out faster. Offset wheels place the core slightly inward, balancing grip and slide. Different core placements suit different riding styles.
9. Wheel Shapes – From Sharp to Round
Wheel shape affects how a board grips and turns. Sharp-edged wheels offer more traction. These are used in downhill and carving setups. Rounded edges are better for sliding and tricks. Some wheels mix features to balance grip and drift. The contact patch (the part of the wheel that touches the ground) also matters. Wider patches give more grip, while narrow patches help with slides and tricks.
Choosing the Right Wheels
The best wheels depend on where and how you ride. Trick skaters should go small and hard. Cruisers and surfers-at-heart will enjoy big, soft wheels. Downhill racers need grip and control. Park riders want something in between. At our surf shop, we offer a wide selection for every style. Whether you're just starting or upgrading your setup, we’ve got the perfect wheels for your board.
Roll smooth. Ride your style.
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