So, you want to buy a new set of skateboard wheels. But how do you choose all the different brands, materials, sizes, and shapes? In this article, we will break down everything you need to know about skateboard wheels so that you can make the best decision for your skating style. We’ll cover the types of wheels available, what factors to consider when choosing your custom skateboard, and where to buy the best ones.

What to look for in skateboard wheels

Wheel sizes:

When choosing skateboard wheels, the first thing to consider is the type of skating you’ll be doing. If you’re primarily going to be street skating, you will want smaller, harder wheels for more control. If you’re mainly going to be skating ramps or doing high-speed tricks, you will wish for larger, softer wheels for more speed and airtime. The size and hardness of the wheels that will suit your board the best are determined by your riding style.

Wheel sizes are measured in the diameter of the wheel. Small wheels are typically between 50 to 53 mm in diameter, average-sized wheels are 54 to 59 mm, and the larger class of wheels are 60 mm plus in diameter. The size of your wheels will significantly affect how quickly you will get to top speed. Wheels on the larger side will accelerate faster than smaller wheels and typically are beginner friendly.

Wheel Hardness (Durometer):

Once you’ve decided on the right size of the wheel for your skateboard, it’s time to think about the durometer. A durometer is a measure of how hard or soft a wheel is. Softer wheels are better for smoother surfaces like concrete and asphalt, while harder wheels are better for rougher surfaces like wood or metal. So, if you plan to cruise the streets or tear up the skatepark, get some softer wheels. In addition, the harder the wheel, the faster the board will accelerate and the softer the wheel, the slower it will accelerate.

As a point of reference when choosing your wheel hardness, the durometer is on a 100-point scale. The higher the number, the harder the wheel will be.

The Core:

Finally, consider the core. The core is the inner part of the wheel that attaches to the axle. Some cores are made from plastic, while others are made from metal. Metal cores are generally stronger and longer lasting than plastic cores, but they’re also more expensive.

When it comes to choosing skateboard wheels, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best way to find the perfect wheels for your skating style is to experiment with different sizes, durometers, and cores until you find something that feels just right.

The different types of skateboard wheels

When choosing skateboard wheels, there are a few things to remember: the wheel’s size, the hardness of the wheel, and the third is the wheel’s material.

The most common size for a skateboard wheel is 52mm. However, some people prefer smaller wheels, and some prefer larger ones. It just depends on your personal preference.

The hardness of a skateboard wheel is measured in a durometer. The higher the durometer, the harder the wheel. Harder wheels are better for street skating because they roll faster and last longer. Softer wheels are better for ramp skating because they have more grip and absorb more shock when you land tricks.

There are two main types of skateboard wheels: polyurethane (PU) and urethane (U). PU wheels are made of a softer, more shock-absorbent material, while U wheels are made of a harder, faster-rolling material.

Contact Patch

Contact patches on your wheels are an essential component of your wheel’s performance as it’s the part of the wheel that makes direct contact with whatever surface you are riding on. The larger your wheels, the larger the contact patch will be.

Contact patches are important to your wheels’ performance; the larger the contact patch, the more weight will be distributed over a larger area. This will affect rolling resistance and, in turn, will slow you down.

The shape of your wheels also matters as rounder wheels make less contact with the ground, whereas squared wheels make more.

How to care for your skateboard wheels

To keep your skateboard wheels in good condition, you must regularly clean and lubricate them. You can clean your wheels with a mild soap and water solution or buy a commercial skateboard wheel cleaner. Be sure to rinse the wheels well after washing them.

To lubricate your skateboard wheels, you can use light mineral oil or WD-40. Apply the lubricant to a clean, dry cloth and wipe it over the surface of the wheels. Allow the lubricant to soak in for several minutes before wiping off any excess.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to pick the perfect skateboard wheels for your skating style and level get out there and start shopping! With so many great options on the market, it should be easy to find a set of wheels that suit your needs perfectly. And remember, if you’re ever unsure about which wheels to choose, always ask an experienced skater or skate shop employee for their opinion.