Slick Guides: Which Skateboard Wheels do I Need?

What size wheels do you need?
Skateboard wheels usually made from polyurethane and are available in different colours, sizes, shapes and durabilities. Skateboard wheels are measured by diameter (size) and durometer (hardness) and change the way your board feels and rides. Always choose a wheel that suits your style and the type of skateboarding you intend to do, baring in mind your height and weight can also affect what size wheel feels right for you.

 

Diameter affects how quickly you accelerate and how tight you can turn. Smaller wheels are slower and larger wheels are faster. Also, with smaller wheels, you are lower to the ground which means the board should be easier to control, ideal for street and technical skateboarding.

We recommend beginners and commuters opt for larger wheels, as they offer speed and balance, perfect for cruising or vert skating.

50-53mm
Small and slower. Stable for trick riding, smaller street skaters, skate parks and bowls.

54-59mm
Average wheel size for beginners and bigger street skaters, skate parks, bowls and vert ramps.

Cruiser, Longboard and 60mm+
Specialty riders skating longboards, old-school boards, downhill and dirt boards. These larger wheels are ideal for speed and rougher surfaces.

What durometer (hardness) do I need?
Durometer measures a wheel’s hardness. Harder wheels are faster whereas softer wheels are slower but grip more. Durometer is traditionally measured on the A Scale which ranges from 1-100a however, there are companies who use the B Scale. The B Scale measures 20 points fewer than the A Scale in order to allow the scale to extend another 20 points for the hardest wheels. For example, a 100a durometer is the same as 80b durometer. The average wheel durometer is 99a.

78a-87a
Soft. Designed for smooth rides, cruising, longboards, street boars, hills, and rough surfaces. They have a lot of grip and can easily roll over bumps and cracks.

88a-95a
Slightly harder and faster with a little less grip. Good for street skateboarding and rough surfaces.

96a-99a
Nice speed and grip. Ideal for beginner street skateboarding, skate parks, ramps, pools, and other smooth surfaces.

101a +
Hardest and fastest wheel with the least grip. Ineffective on slick and rough surfaces.

83b-84b
Extremely hard, measuring 20 points fewer than the A Scale in order to allow the scale to extend another 20 points for the hardest wheels.

There are a multitude of options and brands to choose from and you can view our huge range here.