Skateboarding is one of the most popular sports around the globe. From a mere street hobby, it has grown into a world-famous sport, paving the way for pro-level competitions globally. If a skateboarder wishes to be a pro, he needs to own a top-of-the-line skateboard that could help him perform his best flips and tricks.
Suppose you’re planning to go pro or want to improve your performance. In that case, you may need to consider installing the best wheels on your skateboard to take your skating skill to the next level. For more of these, here’s an article to guide you. So, read on!
Wheel Size Affects Speed
Each wheel size has its strengths and weaknesses. If you usually skate on rough surfaces, you may want to choose bigger wheels as they could work properly in this area. Big wheels are ideal for changing terrains and can give a more comfortable ride. For this purpose, you may choose from a range of electric skateboard wheels in any local and online skateboard store.
On the other hand, if you skate on paved or smooth surfaces, you may select smaller wheels. Small wheels are better for performing tricks and flips as they’re lighter and are more manageable in most cases. If you’re merely practicing on skating rinks, you may use skateboards with small wheels or replace large wheels with smaller ones.
For more ideas, you may deep-dive into the following wheel sizes:
Street Wheels: These normally range from 52mm to 54mm. They’re appropriate for street skating.
Park Wheels: They range from 55mm to 58mm and are excellent for bowls and ramps. These are ideal transitional wheels from street to cruiser skateboards.
Cruiser Wheels: They usually measure 59mm and above. They are generally more extensive than the first two types and are common in traditional skateboards. Today, they’re typically installed in off-road skateboards as they’re exceptional in downhill and rough terrains.
Wheel Shape Affects Grip, Slide, And Overall Performance
Wheel shape covers wheel width, contact patch, and wheel cut. To have an in-depth look at these elements, you may jump into the following:
Wheel Width
This refers to the measurement between each edge. Some wheels are slim, standard, and wide. Slim wheels range from 28mm to 30mm. They suit quick flips and have better slide ability. Standard wheels, on the other hand, range from 31mm to 32mm. They provide better balance and offer all-around performance. Lastly, wide wheels range from 33mm to 34mm. They’re known for their stability, great jumps, and exceptional landings.
Contact Patch
Otherwise known as the riding surface, a contact patch refers to the wheel’s outermost part that contacts the ground. A large contact patch provides better grip but may not slide more easily in any place. On the other hand, a small contact patch is appropriate for slides but could be more slippery and more challenging to control.
Wheel Cut
This refers to the shape of the wheel’s sidewalls. The cut is typically grouped into three types: classic, conical, and radial. Classic cuts have round profiles and are better in riding on angular spaces. Pros suggest this type to beginning skaters.
On the other hand, transition and pool skaters prefer conical wheels. These types feature cutoff profiles and are typically lighter. They’re also less prone to hang-ups. Alternatively, radial wheels also feature a round profile but have a wider patch. They’re also more suitable for locking grinds.
Wheel’s Hardness Works Hand In Hand With The Type of Terrain
The wheel’s hardness is measured by a durometer. It’s typically maximized by the type of terrain a skater is on. In other words, if the wheel’s hardness and the terrain perfectly match, the skater is likelier to do his best tricks and flips. For ideas of what types of wheels to use, here are the following:
Hard Wheels: These have a durometer of 99a and above. Many skaters use this type in streets and rinks. They’re also ideal for tricks.
Medium Wheels: These range from 90a to 97a. These are exceptional transitional wheels for those who change terrains, from parks to streets.
Soft Wheels: These range from 78a to 87a and are appropriate for rough surfaces.
When considering the hardness of wheels, think about the hardness and roughness of a skating surface. In many cases, soft wheels absorb shock better, while hard wheels tend to be springy. However, harder wheels have a better grip, especially on traditional skateboard ramps. They may also have better abrasion resistance than other types.
Wrapping Up
If you’re looking forward to a more tailored skating experience, you may need to choose your wheels carefully. Before choosing the most appropriate skateboard wheels, you must first consider the type of terrain you’d be in. You may also consider your experience level as some wheels may require more advanced skills than others.
Suppose you’re buying or replacing skateboard wheels anytime soon. In that case, you may need to consider reading this article for insights, tips, and tricks. You may also ask seasoned skaters about their preferences and join skating communities for more ideas.
