The wheels remain an essential part of the skateboard. While certain wheels have been designed for a rough asphalt terrain, others have been created for slick concrete ramps. Top quality skateboard wheels have the ability to grip the riding surface during high-speed turning maneuvers. Follow this skateboarding guide to find the best wheels for your setup.
Thickness
The width of the skateboard wheel varies depending on the genre of skateboarding. Thin wheels remain ideal for the asphalt terrain of street skateboarding. Utilize thin skateboard wheels to execute a stopping technique known as the power slide. When you reach a dangerous speed, simply rotate your shoulders to slide the thin skateboard wheels across the ground. Street skateboarding wheels commonly have a width of around 1 inch. Thin wheels help to decrease the overall weight of your skateboard which, in turn, increases your speed capability.
Diameter
The diameter remains a crucial feature of the skateboard wheel. Street skaters utilize a more compact skateboarding wheel. Ramp skaters and longboarders prefer wheels with a larger diameter. For high speed maneuvers, professional street skateboarder Ryan Gallant recommends wheels that have a diameter of 49 to 50 mm. Longboarders opt for larger wheels that have a diameter of around 60 mm. The longboard wheel helps to provide stability for cruising down steep and winding hills.
Durometer
The durometer of the skateboard wheel refers to the hardness of the construction. Skateboard wheels receive a hardness rating based on the A-scale. Skateboard wheels with a soft design have a rating of around 75A while harder wheels have a rating of around 95A. The hardness of the wheel will affect its ability to grip the riding terrain. According to Skate Log, softer skate wheels offer a smoother ride and can grip the ground better. Soft wheels will allow you to remain stabilized while executing a high-speed turn.
Hollow Core
As of 2011, skateboard wheel manufacturers offer a special design known as the hollow core. The hollow core eliminates a great deal of the material used in the construction of the skateboard wheel. As opposed to a solid urethane core, the hollow wheel features an empty core. Equip your skateboard with a pair of hollow core wheels to cut down on the weight of setup. While hollow cores remain ideal for street skating, they will not offer the necessary weight for longboarding and ramp skating maneuvers.
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