Skateboard Wheels

Skateboard Wheels Are Essential for Your Setup

Though small, skateboard wheels play a crucial role in shaping your skateboarding experience. Any minor adjustment to your wheel choice can significantly alter how your ride feels.

While skateboard wheels vary in sizes, hardness levels, and designs, they all share a common material. Today’s skateboard wheels are crafted from polyurethane (PU), offering much superior durability and grip compared to materials used in the past.

Your skating style and riding frequency will determine how often you may need to change your skateboard wheels, as they are prone to wear and damage over time.

Key Attributes of Skate Wheels

The primary attributes of skateboard wheels are their size and durometer.

Wheel size, measured by its diameter in millimetres (mm), impacts the board's speed and manoeuvrability. Larger skateboard wheels generally offer more speed but less agility. Conversely, smaller skateboard wheels usually allow for easier control but are slower.

The wheel's hardness is shown by a specific number followed by the letter A. A higher number signifies harder wheels. The durometer influences the wheels' durability, grip on roads, and ability to absorb shocks.

Technical specifications aren’t everything, though. With a vast array of colours and designs available, skateboard wheels are also a fantastic way to customise and personalise your board.

Which Skateboard Wheels Should I Choose?

Choosing skateboard wheels is often a matter of personal preference, but some standard guidelines can help. Generally, select your wheels according to your skating style.

For technical street skaters, smaller, harder skateboard wheels could be more suitable. These lighter wheels facilitate tricks by making it easier to lift the board. Some vert and bowl skaters also opt for harder wheels, although they tend to choose larger and wider ones to enhance stability, speed, and grip.

If your preference leans towards leisurely cruising, a set of softer skateboard wheels might be ideal. Soft wheels offer a smoother ride as they better absorb road surface vibrations, so you won't feel every tiny stone beneath you.

Still not certain about which skateboard wheels are right for you? Visit our Skateboard Wheel Guide for further insights on different wheel sizes and durometers.