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Skateboard Wheels

Within the punk culture of rebellion and distain for organization that comes from the skateboarding culture is the skateboard. The skateboard wheels are typically made of polyurethane and come in a variety of sizes to accommodate which ever form of boarding that you enjoy.

The preference of the rider is the key determining factor for which type of skateboard wheel is the best. They are sold in larger or smaller mm diameters, from 32-54 mm on the smaller scale, to 54-85 mm on the higher, larger scale. Also, you should take into consideration what the hardness of your wheels should be. A harder wheel will roll more easily on rough surfaces and will not stop or catch on obstacles as easily. Typically the hardness is measured on the Shore durometer “A” scale, although some manufacturers use a B or D scale that is more accurate to the individual harnesses of the wheels, as the A scale ends at 100, so there are commonly many larger 101 “hardness” wheels that are put out without an understanding as to how hard they are.

Skateboarders who want to do tricks typically desire skateboard wheels that are small, because it brings the skateboard lower to the ground, which makes kickflips easier to do because less spin in required on the board itself. Also, vertical ramp skating requires larger wheels, generally from 55-65 mm, so that the boarder can maintain speed as well as minimize the impact from each of the gaps in the pipe or ramp. Slalom skateboarding requires larger wheels, and longboarding requires even larger wheels than that, with some over 100mm. Either way, wheels are an essential part of the skateboarding experience.

 

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