Getting a set of skateboard wheels can sometimes be hard, but this guide will help sort out the different kinds.
If you are a skateboarder, then you know how important wheels are. There are many, many different types of wheels out there.
The first item you need to learn about wheels is that they come in different hardness's. There are two different scales of durometer. The D scale is used for harder materials, while the A scale is used for softer materials, such as the urethane used in a skateboard wheel.
A good rule to follow is that 78a to 88a are great cruising/longboarding wheels, as they're extremely soft wheels that can roll over bumps very easily, whereas 88a to 97a or higher make excellent wheels for street skaters. A harder wheel is also less likely to develop a flat spot if you're a powerslider.
Another thing a skater must take into account for a wheel is the shape of it. There are a couple different shapes of wheels, and each one is designed for a different purpose. Downhill longboarders sometimes use soft freeride wheels because they make it easier to go down a hill. The beveled edges also give the skateboarder some extra traction while carving.
(If this does not make sense, do a quick image search and you will know what I'm talking about.) Conical wheels are often used for cruisers, as they're light weight and absorb the street very well. Since they're light weight, longboarders don't have to push as often as they would with a full wheel.
Liking this? Here's more:
Sliding a Longboard
The Earths Biggest Skateparks
How to do an Ollie
How to do an Ollie
Transportation Via Skateboard
Next you will have to think about is the size of the wheel. Regular skateboard wheels often come in sizes from 50 to 54mm. Longboarders use larger wheels than street boarders because it is much easier to skate over flaws in the road. The bigger the wheel, the more speed a skater will gain on a hill.
If you are a street cruiser, you might want to check out getting some 78a 60mm tunnel/conical wheels. A few skateboard shops have boards that they will be happy to let you try out.
In conclusion, we learned about what the durometer of a wheel is, how the shape matters, and the differences in size. If you're still not understanding wheels after consuming all this information, take a trip down to your local skateboard shop. They'll be enthralled to help out a fellow skater.
If you are a skateboarder, then you know how important wheels are. There are many, many different types of wheels out there.
The first item you need to learn about wheels is that they come in different hardness's. There are two different scales of durometer. The D scale is used for harder materials, while the A scale is used for softer materials, such as the urethane used in a skateboard wheel.
A good rule to follow is that 78a to 88a are great cruising/longboarding wheels, as they're extremely soft wheels that can roll over bumps very easily, whereas 88a to 97a or higher make excellent wheels for street skaters. A harder wheel is also less likely to develop a flat spot if you're a powerslider.
Another thing a skater must take into account for a wheel is the shape of it. There are a couple different shapes of wheels, and each one is designed for a different purpose. Downhill longboarders sometimes use soft freeride wheels because they make it easier to go down a hill. The beveled edges also give the skateboarder some extra traction while carving.
(If this does not make sense, do a quick image search and you will know what I'm talking about.) Conical wheels are often used for cruisers, as they're light weight and absorb the street very well. Since they're light weight, longboarders don't have to push as often as they would with a full wheel.
Liking this? Here's more:
Sliding a Longboard
The Earths Biggest Skateparks
How to do an Ollie
How to do an Ollie
Transportation Via Skateboard
Next you will have to think about is the size of the wheel. Regular skateboard wheels often come in sizes from 50 to 54mm. Longboarders use larger wheels than street boarders because it is much easier to skate over flaws in the road. The bigger the wheel, the more speed a skater will gain on a hill.
If you are a street cruiser, you might want to check out getting some 78a 60mm tunnel/conical wheels. A few skateboard shops have boards that they will be happy to let you try out.
In conclusion, we learned about what the durometer of a wheel is, how the shape matters, and the differences in size. If you're still not understanding wheels after consuming all this information, take a trip down to your local skateboard shop. They'll be enthralled to help out a fellow skater.
