How to Choose a Skateboard Wheel: Size, Materials & More

There are three main types of skateboard wheels that are fun and functional for different types of riding. Watch the video and read below to decide whether park/street wheels, cruiser wheels, or longboard wheels are the right fit for you.

There are three main types of skateboard wheels that are fun and functional for different types of riding. Watch the video and read below to decide whether park/street wheels, cruiser wheels, or longboard wheels are the right fit for you. 

• Park / Street Wheels
• Cruiser Wheels
• Longboard Wheels

When choosing skateboard wheels, it's important to consider their hardness, which is measured in durometers. Skateboard wheels typically range from 75a to 104a, with softer wheels falling in the 78a to 90a range and harder wheels above 99a.  

Generally, harder wheels are ideal for skate parks and street skating on obstacles like ledges, rails, gaps, and manual pads. They provide a faster ride, better slide, and greater durability for performing tricks.  

Softer wheels, on the other hand, are better suited for cruising, transportation, and longboarding, as they offer a smoother ride and better grip. Medium durometer wheels, which fall in the 90a to 98a range, are a good choice for beginners and for street skating on rough surfaces. 

It's worth noting that some companies, like Bones Wheels, use the Shore B scale to measure wheel hardness, which is 20 points lower than the A scale. This means that a wheel with a rating of 82b is equivalent to a 102a wheel on the A scale. Understanding the durometer rating of your skateboard wheels can help you choose the best wheels for your riding style and the type of terrain you'll be skating on. 

Choosing the right skateboard wheels can make a significant difference in the way a skateboard performs. The size of the wheel, contact patch, and shape all impact the wheel's behavior and affect the overall ride experience. 

The diameter of the wheel: Determines the weight and responsiveness of the skateboard.  

The contact patch: is the part of the wheel that touches the ground, affects the amount of grip the wheel will have.  

The shape: The wheel's edge impacts grip, weight, and how the wheel locks into grinds.  

Understanding how each of these factors contributes to the way a wheel performs can help you choose the right skateboard wheels to suit your style and skill level.  

The diameter of a wheel is a crucial dimension to consider. Smaller wheels are ideal for street and technical skating as they are lighter, provide a quicker pop, and are more responsive.  

On the other hand, bigger wheels are heavier but roll faster and retain speed better, making them great for transportation and bowl skating. It's important to note that if you choose wheels larger than 56mm, it's recommended to add riser pads to prevent wheel-bite and add clearance. 

The contact patch, which is the part of the wheel that touches the ground, affects the amount of grip the wheel will have. Narrower wheels with a smaller contact patch are preferred by street skaters for technical street skating as they slide more easily for some tricks. Wider wheels, with a larger contact patch, are better for transportation and bowl skating as they retain their grip when skating at faster speeds.

The profile or shape of the wheel's edge can impact grip, weight, and how the wheel locks into grinds. A more rounded edge makes the wheel slide more easily, while a sharper edge provides more grip, helping you lock into grinds better without slipping out of place.