Ready to level up your skateboarding skills and take your street tricks to the next level? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the world of skate wheels and help you discover the best ones for mastering those technical street tricks. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, finding the right skate wheels can make all the difference in your performance. From stability and grip to durability and speed, we’ll break down everything you need to know to ensure you’re equipped with the perfect set of wheels to conquer the streets with style. Get ready to roll! When it comes to choosing the best skate wheels for technical street tricks, there are several factors that you need to consider. From the size and hardness of the wheels to their shape and durability, each aspect plays a crucial role in determining the performance and functionality of your skateboard. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore these factors in detail, along with some of the top brands in the market, customer reviews, and price ranges. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect wheels for your street tricks!
Size
The size of the wheels is an important factor to consider when selecting skate wheels for technical street tricks. Smaller wheels tend to offer better maneuverability and responsiveness, making them ideal for performing quick and precise tricks. On the other hand, larger wheels provide more stability and are better suited for cruising and high-speed skating. It ultimately depends on your personal preference and the type of tricks you want to perform.
Hardness
The hardness of skate wheels is typically measured on a durometer scale, which ranges from 0 to 100. Softer wheels have a lower durometer rating and are known for their grip and shock absorption. These are great for tricks that involve lots of landings and impacts, as they provide a smooth and comfortable ride. Harder wheels, on the other hand, have a higher durometer rating and offer greater slide ability and speed. They are often preferred by skaters who focus on technical tricks and slides.
Shape
The shape of skate wheels can greatly impact their performance and functionality. There are three main shapes to consider: classic, conical, and square. Classic-shaped wheels have a symmetrical profile and are versatile for all types of skating. They offer a good balance of stability and maneuverability. Conical-shaped wheels have a narrower contact patch, which provides increased maneuverability and responsiveness. They are often favored by skaters who focus on technical tricks. Square-shaped wheels have a wider contact patch, offering more stability and grip. These are great for riders who prefer a stable and controlled ride.
Durability
Durability is a key factor to consider when selecting skate wheels, especially for street tricks that involve constant impact and abrasion. Look for wheels made from durable materials such as polyurethane, urethane, or nylon, as these are known to withstand the wear and tear of street skating. It is also important to take into account the wheel’s resistance to flat spots, as some wheels are more prone to developing flat spots after repeated use. Choosing wheels with good flat spot resistance will ensure a longer lifespan and better performance.
Top Brands
With so many skate wheel brands available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your street tricks. To help you make an informed decision, let’s take a look at some of the top brands known for their quality and performance.
Spitfire
Spitfire is a renowned brand in the skateboarding industry, known for its high-quality wheels that cater to the needs of street skaters. Their wheels are known for their durability and resilience, making them a popular choice among professional skaters.
Bones
Bones is another reputable brand that produces top-notch skate wheels. Their wheels are known for their excellent slide ability and overall performance. Whether you are a street skater or a vert skater, Bones offers a wide range of wheels to suit your needs.
Ricta
Ricta is a well-respected brand that specializes in high-performance skate wheels. They offer a variety of sizes, hardness levels, and shapes to cater to different skating styles. Ricta wheels are known for their quality construction, durability, and smooth ride.
OJ Wheels
OJ Wheels is a trusted brand known for its high-quality wheels that are designed to handle the demands of street skating. Their wheels are known for their durability, grip, and overall performance. OJ Wheels offers a wide range of sizes and hardness levels to suit various skateboarding styles.
Size
When it comes to the size of skate wheels, it’s important to choose the right size that suits your skating style and preferences.
Smaller Wheels
Smaller wheels, typically ranging from 50mm to 54mm, are preferred by skaters who focus on technical street tricks. These wheels offer better maneuverability and responsiveness, allowing you to perform quick and precise tricks with ease. They are also lighter in weight, making it easier to execute flip tricks and other technical maneuvers.
Larger Wheels
Larger wheels, usually ranging from 54mm to 60mm and above, are more suited for cruising and high-speed skating. These wheels provide more stability and a smoother ride, making them ideal for long-distance cruising and downhill skating. However, they may be less maneuverable compared to smaller wheels, so they are not as suitable for technical street tricks.
Hardness
The hardness of skate wheels plays a significant role in their performance and functionality. It is measured on the durometer scale, which indicates the wheel’s resistance to deformation. The hardness of wheels is typically represented by a number followed by an “A” on the durometer scale.
Soft Wheels
Soft wheels, usually ranging from 78A to 87A, offer excellent grip and shock absorption. They are more forgiving on rough surfaces and provide a smooth and comfortable ride. Soft wheels are ideal for street tricks that involve lots of impacts and landings, as they absorb the shock and reduce vibrations.
Hard Wheels
Hard wheels, usually ranging from 90A and above, offer greater slide ability and speed. They are less grippy than soft wheels, making them ideal for tricks that require slides and maneuvers on smooth surfaces. Hard wheels are often preferred by skaters who focus on technical tricks and slides, as they allow for faster rotations and better control.
Shape
The shape of skate wheels can greatly impact their performance and functionality. Here are the three main shapes to consider:
Classic Shape
Classic-shaped wheels have a symmetrical profile, with a rounded edge on both sides. They are versatile and suitable for all types of skating styles. Classic-shaped wheels offer a good balance of stability and maneuverability, making them a popular choice among many skaters.
Conical Shape
Conical-shaped wheels have a narrower contact patch and a conical profile. The contact patch refers to the surface area of the wheel that makes contact with the ground. Conical-shaped wheels offer increased maneuverability and responsiveness, making them ideal for performing technical tricks that require quick turns and precise movements.
Square Shape
Square-shaped wheels have a wider contact patch, offering more stability and grip. They are great for riders who prefer a stable and controlled ride, especially on rough or uneven surfaces. Square-shaped wheels provide excellent traction, making them ideal for street skating and tricks that require high levels of grip.
Durometer
Durometer refers to the measurement of the hardness of skate wheels. Here are three common durometer ratings to consider:
80A
80A wheels are relatively soft and offer excellent shock absorption. They provide a smooth and comfortable ride, making them ideal for cruising and tricks that involve lots of impacts and landings. 80A wheels are also great for riders who prefer a more forgiving ride on rough surfaces.
83A
83A wheels offer a good combination of grip and slide ability. They provide a balance between soft and hard wheels, making them versatile for various skating styles. 83A wheels are suitable for both street and park skating, offering a smooth ride and a good amount of slide when needed.
86A
86A wheels are harder than the previous two options and offer increased slide ability and speed. They provide less grip compared to softer wheels, making them ideal for technical tricks and slides. 86A wheels are popular among skaters who focus on street and transition skating, as they allow for faster rotations and better control.
Material
The material used in the construction of skate wheels greatly affects their performance and durability. Here are three common materials used in skate wheels:
Polyurethane
Polyurethane (PU) is the most commonly used material in skate wheels. It offers a good combination of durability, grip, and shock absorption. PU wheels are known for their versatility and can cater to various skating styles and preferences. They are a popular choice among skaters due to their overall performance and reliability.
Urethane
Urethane wheels are known for their smooth ride and excellent grip. They offer good rebound and slide ability, making them versatile for different types of skateboarding. Urethane wheels are often favored by professional skaters for their performance and durability.
Nylon
Nylon wheels are less common compared to PU and urethane wheels. They are known for their lightweight and smooth ride. Nylon wheels offer good shock absorption and durability, making them suitable for street tricks and cruising. However, they may not provide the same level of grip as PU or urethane wheels.
Wheel Profile
The profile of skate wheels refers to their shape and design, which can greatly affect their performance. Here are some key aspects of wheel profiles to consider:
Flat Spot Resistance
Flat spot resistance refers to a wheel’s ability to resist developing flat spots. Flat spots occur when a wheel wears unevenly, resulting in a flat spot or worn-down area on the surface. Wheels with good flat spot resistance will maintain their shape and performance for a longer period. This is particularly important for street skaters who frequently perform tricks that involve sliding and landing with high impact.
Round Profile
Wheels with a round profile offer a smooth ride and predictable slide. They have a larger contact patch, which provides increased grip and stability. Round profile wheels are often favored by riders who prefer a consistent and controlled ride.
Wide Contact Patch
Wheels with a wide contact patch offer more stability and grip. The contact patch refers to the area of the wheel that makes contact with the ground. Wheels with a wider contact patch have more surface area touching the ground, providing increased stability and control. This can be beneficial for skaters who focus on technical street tricks and require maximum grip.
Price Range
Skate wheels come in a wide range of price points, depending on factors such as brand, material, and performance. Here are three common price ranges to consider:
Budget-friendly
Budget-friendly skate wheels are affordable and suitable for beginners or casual skaters. While they may not offer the same level of performance and durability as higher-end options, they can still provide a decent ride and functionality for those on a tight budget.
Mid-range
Mid-range skate wheels offer a good balance between affordability and performance. They are often made from high-quality materials and offer better durability and performance compared to budget-friendly options. Mid-range wheels are a popular choice for intermediate skaters who want reliable performance without breaking the bank.
High-end
High-end skate wheels are designed for professional skaters who demand the best performance and durability. These wheels are often made from top-quality materials and undergo rigorous testing to ensure optimal performance. While high-end wheels may come with a higher price tag, they offer superior performance and longevity for serious skaters.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews can be a valuable resource when it comes to choosing the best skate wheels for technical street tricks. Here are the three types of reviews to consider:
Positive Reviews
Positive reviews highlight the strengths and benefits of specific skate wheels. They often mention factors such as grip, durability, and performance, which can help you gauge the overall quality of the wheels. Look for positive reviews that align with your skating style and preferences to ensure a good fit.
Negative Reviews
Negative reviews point out the weaknesses or drawbacks of certain skate wheels. Take note of any recurring issues or concerns mentioned in these reviews, as they may indicate potential problems or limitations. However, it’s important to consider the overall consensus and weigh the negative reviews against the positive ones to make an informed decision.
Average Ratings
Average ratings provide a general overview of customers’ experiences with specific skate wheels. They can give you a sense of the overall satisfaction level and reliability of the wheels. Pay attention to the average rating and consider it alongside individual reviews to form a well-rounded understanding of the product.
In conclusion, choosing the best skate wheels for technical street tricks requires careful consideration of various factors such as size, hardness, shape, durability, and price range. By understanding these factors and exploring the top brands in the market, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your skating style and preferences. Don’t forget to take into account customer reviews to gain insights into the performance and functionality of specific wheels. With the right set of skate wheels, you’ll be well-equipped to take on any technical street trick with confidence and style. Happy skating!