Do you ever find yourself wondering which skateboard wheels are best suited for different types of terrain and riding styles? Whether you’re a street skater, a park skater, or a downhill racer, the choice of wheels can greatly impact your performance and overall experience. In this article, we will explore the different factors and considerations to keep in mind when selecting skateboard wheels for specific terrains and riding styles, helping you make the right choice and enhance your skateboarding experience. From rough concrete to smooth ramps, we’ve got you covered.
Types of Skateboard Wheels
When it comes to skateboarding, the type of wheels you choose can greatly impact your performance and riding experience. There are various types of skateboard wheels available, each designed to excel in specific terrain and riding styles. From street skateboarding to off-road adventures, there’s a perfect wheel for every occasion. Let’s explore the different types of skateboard wheels in detail.
Street Skateboarding Wheels
Street skateboarding is all about tricks, grinds, and flips on urban landscapes. To excel in street skateboarding, you need wheels that offer excellent grip, control, and durability. Street skateboarding wheels are typically smaller in diameter and have a harder durometer to provide a solid base for performing technical tricks on rough surfaces. These wheels excel on concrete, asphalt, and other hard surfaces commonly found in urban environments.
Park Skateboarding Wheels
Park skateboarding is often done in skateparks and ramps, where smooth surfaces and transitions are abundant. Park skateboarding wheels strike a balance between hardness and grip, allowing for quick acceleration and smooth rides on park features. With a slightly larger diameter than street wheels, park wheels offer increased stability and speed. These wheels are perfect for tackling ramps, bowls, and other park obstacles.
Vert Skateboarding Wheels
Vert skateboarding involves riding on large ramps and vertical structures, where high speeds, big airs, and smooth transitions are the focus. Vert skateboarding wheels are typically larger in diameter and have a softer durometer to provide maximum grip and shock absorption. These wheels allow riders to maintain control at high speeds and provide the necessary traction for executing vert tricks with precision.
Cruiser Skateboarding Wheels
Cruiser skateboarding is all about enjoying a smooth and comfortable ride, whether it’s on the streets or a scenic boardwalk. Cruiser wheels are typically larger and softer, offering superior shock absorption and a smoother ride over rough terrain. These wheels feature a wider contact patch, providing stability and traction on various surfaces. If you’re looking to cruise around town and soak in the surroundings, cruiser wheels are the way to go.
Downhill Skateboarding Wheels
Downhill skateboarding is all about speed and precision while navigating steep mountain roads and challenging terrains. Downhill skateboarding wheels are the epitome of speed, featuring a larger diameter and a harder durometer for minimal rolling resistance. These wheels offer excellent grip and stability, allowing riders to maintain control at high speeds. Choose downhill wheels if you’re an adrenaline junkie seeking the thrill of racing down hills.
Freeride Skateboarding Wheels
Freeride skateboarding combines elements of downhill, street, and park skateboarding, focusing on slides, tricks, and an all-around versatile riding style. Freeride wheels are typically softer and offer a good balance between grip and slideability. These wheels provide predictable and controlled slides, allowing riders to perform various tricks and maneuvers while maintaining control on different terrains.
Slalom Skateboarding Wheels
Slalom skateboarding involves racing through a series of cones while making tight turns and quick maneuvers. Slalom wheels are typically smaller in diameter and have a slightly harder durometer to provide quick acceleration and responsive turns. These wheels excel in providing grip and agility, allowing riders to navigate through slalom courses with precision.
Longboard Skateboarding Wheels
Longboard skateboarding is all about commuting, cruising, and long-distance rides. Longboard wheels come in various shapes and sizes, offering different levels of stability and maneuverability. Whether you prefer carving, sliding, or cruising at high speeds, there’s a longboard wheel that suits your riding style. The choice of longboard wheels depends on your preferences and the specific type of riding you enjoy.
Off-Road Skateboarding Wheels
Off-road skateboarding takes skateboarding adventures to the next level, allowing riders to conquer rough terrains and explore the great outdoors. Off-road wheels are large and feature a special tread pattern, designed to provide maximum traction on dirt, gravel, and other uneven surfaces. These wheels absorb shocks and bumps, offering a smooth and stable ride off the beaten path.
Electric Skateboarding Wheels
Electric skateboarding has gained popularity in recent years, allowing riders to effortlessly travel at higher speeds. Electric skateboard wheels come in various sizes and durometers, depending on the type of terrain and riding style. Whether you’re commuting through the city or tackling off-road adventures, there are electric skateboard wheels designed to enhance your electric skateboarding experience.
Factors to Consider for Different Terrain and Riding Styles
When choosing skateboard wheels, several factors come into play, depending on the terrain and your preferred riding style. Let’s dive into these factors and understand how they can affect your skateboarding experience.
Surface Texture
The texture of the surface you ride on greatly affects the grip and performance of your skateboard wheels. Smooth surfaces like skateparks require wheels with a balance of grip and slideability, while rougher surfaces like city streets may call for harder wheels with increased durability and impact resistance. Consider the texture of the terrain you’ll be riding on when selecting your skateboard wheels.
Wheel Diameter
The diameter of your skateboard wheels determines their size and directly impacts their performance. Smaller wheels, usually ranging from 49mm to 53mm, are ideal for technical tricks and street skateboarding. Medium-sized wheels, ranging from 54mm to 56mm, strike a balance between agility and stability, making them suitable for park skateboarding. Larger wheels, measuring 58mm and above, provide speed and stability, making them ideal for downhill and cruising.
Durometer/Hardness
The durometer or hardness of skateboard wheels is measured using the ‘A’ scale. The higher the number, the harder the wheel. Harder wheels, typically ranging from 99A to 101A, excel in street skateboarding and technical tricks. Softer wheels, ranging from 78A to 87A, offer a smoother ride and better grip, making them suitable for cruising and off-road adventures. Choose the durometer that matches your riding style and the terrain you’ll be skating on.
Wheel Shape
Skateboard wheels come in various shapes, each offering unique characteristics. Traditional skateboard wheels have a symmetrical shape, providing an equal performance when riding both regular and switch stances. Some wheels have a directional shape, optimized for specific riding styles like downhill skateboarding. Consider the shape of the wheels and how they align with your preferred riding style.
Contact Patch Width
The contact patch is the area of the wheel that comes into contact with the ground. A wider contact patch provides more stability and grip, making it suitable for downhill, freeride, and cruising. A narrower contact patch offers increased maneuverability, making it ideal for technical tricks and street skateboarding. Consider the width of the contact patch based on your riding style and the level of stability or agility you require.
Lip Profile
The lip profile refers to the shape of the wheel’s edge. Rounded lips offer smoother and more predictable slides, making them suitable for freeride and cruising. Square-edged lips provide more grip and traction, making them ideal for carving and downhill skateboarding. Consider the lip profile of the wheel based on the type of slides and maneuvers you frequently perform.
Street Skateboarding Wheels
Ideal Features
When it comes to street skateboarding, durability and performance are key. Street skateboarding wheels should have a small diameter, typically ranging from 49mm to 53mm, for quick acceleration and maneuverability. They should also have a harder durometer, usually around 99A to 101A, for improved slideability and impact resistance. Look for wheels with a round lip profile, providing smooth slides and excellent grip on various urban surfaces.
Suitable Terrain
Street skateboarding wheels are designed to excel on concrete, asphalt, and other hard surfaces commonly found in urban environments. They perform well on ledges, rails, stairs, and other street features where technical tricks and grinds are the focus. Street wheels are not suitable for rough terrains or off-road adventures.
Recommended Brands
Some popular brands known for their street skateboarding wheels include Bones, Spitfire, Ricta, and OJ Wheels. These brands offer a wide range of wheel models with different diameters, durometers, and shapes to cater to various preferences and riding styles.
Park Skateboarding Wheels
Ideal Features
Park skateboarding wheels should strike a balance between hardness and grip. They are typically sized between 54mm and 56mm in diameter, providing stability and a smooth ride over park features. The durometer range for park wheels is usually between 99A and 101A, offering a combination of slideability and grip. Look for wheels with a square or round lip profile, providing excellent traction on ramps, bowls, and other park obstacles.
Suitable Terrain
Park skateboarding wheels are designed for skateparks and ramps with smooth surfaces and transitions. They perform exceptionally well on concrete and plywood, delivering a smooth ride and enhanced control on park features. Park wheels are not suitable for rough or off-road terrain.
Recommended Brands
Popular brands that offer high-quality park skateboarding wheels include Spitfire, Bones, Ricta, and Powell Peralta. These brands have developed a strong reputation for producing wheels that excel in park settings and provide the necessary performance for experienced park riders.
Vert Skateboarding Wheels
Ideal Features
Vert skateboarding wheels require maximum grip and shock absorption for high-speed runs and big airs. They are typically larger in diameter, ranging from 57mm to 60mm, providing stability and speed. Vert wheels have a softer durometer, usually between 78A and 87A, for enhanced traction on vertical structures. Look for wheels with a round lip profile, ensuring smooth transitions and reliable grip during vert tricks.
Suitable Terrain
Vert skateboarding wheels are designed for riding on large ramps, halfpipes, and vertical structures. They excel in providing the necessary traction and control required for high-speed runs, big airs, and steady landings. Vert wheels are not suitable for street or rough terrains.
Recommended Brands
Bones and Powell Peralta are two reputable brands known for their high-quality vert skateboarding wheels. These brands offer a range of wheel models specifically designed to withstand the demands of vert skateboarding and provide the required grip and stability.
Cruiser Skateboarding Wheels
Ideal Features
Cruiser skateboarding wheels prioritize comfort and a smooth riding experience. They are typically larger in diameter, ranging from 56mm to 60mm, providing enhanced shock absorption and stability. Cruiser wheels have a softer durometer, usually between 78A and 87A, offering a smooth and comfortable ride on various terrains. Look for wheels with a square or rounded lip profile, ensuring reliable grip and maneuverability.
Suitable Terrain
Cruiser skateboarding wheels are designed for a variety of terrains, including city streets, boardwalks, and rougher surfaces. They offer superior shock absorption and smooth rides over cracks, bumps, and other imperfections commonly found in urban environments. Cruiser wheels are not suitable for technical tricks or skatepark features.
Recommended Brands
Popular brands offering high-quality cruiser skateboarding wheels include Orangatang, OJ Wheels, Bones, and Powell Peralta. These brands specialize in producing wheels that provide a comfortable and enjoyable cruising experience while maintaining stability and traction on various terrains.
Downhill Skateboarding Wheels
Ideal Features
Downhill skateboarding wheels are all about speed and stability. They are typically larger in diameter, ranging from 60mm to over 75mm, providing maximum momentum and speed on downhill runs. Downhill wheels have a harder durometer, usually between 78A and 87A, minimizing rolling resistance and ensuring a smooth ride. Look for wheels with a square or round lip profile, offering reliable grip and control at high speeds.
Suitable Terrain
Downhill skateboarding wheels are designed for steep roads, mountain descents, and high-speed runs. They excel in providing stability, control, and traction, allowing riders to maintain speed and navigate turns with confidence. Downhill wheels are not suitable for street or park skateboarding.
Recommended Brands
Popular brands known for their high-quality downhill skateboarding wheels include ABEC 11, Venom, Orangatang, and Remember Collective. These brands offer a range of wheel models specifically designed to withstand the demands of downhill skateboarding and provide unmatched speed and stability.
Freeride Skateboarding Wheels
Ideal Features
Freeride skateboarding wheels strike a balance between grip and slideability. They are typically sized between 58mm and 62mm in diameter, providing stability and control for various slides and tricks. Freeride wheels have a medium to softer durometer, usually between 78A and 88A, offering a smooth slide while maintaining grip on different terrains. Look for wheels with a square or round lip profile, providing predictable slides and excellent control.
Suitable Terrain
Freeride skateboarding wheels are designed for a combination of street, park, and downhill skateboarding. They excel in performing slides, tricks, and maneuvers while maintaining grip and control on different surfaces. Freeride wheels are suitable for a wide range of terrains, including concrete, asphalt, and other hard surfaces.
Recommended Brands
Brands like ABEC 11, Cult Wheels, Remember Collective, and Orangatang offer high-quality freeride skateboarding wheels. These brands have developed a strong reputation for producing wheels specifically designed for performing slides and tricks while providing the necessary grip and control for freeride skateboarding.
Slalom Skateboarding Wheels
Ideal Features
Slalom skateboarding wheels prioritize quick acceleration and responsive turns. They are typically smaller in diameter, ranging from 60mm to 68mm, providing agility and maneuverability through slalom courses. Slalom wheels have a harder durometer, usually between 83A and 91A, offering the necessary traction and grip for quick and precise turns. Look for wheels with a square or round lip profile, ensuring reliable grip and quick transitioning between cones.
Suitable Terrain
Slalom skateboarding wheels are designed for racing through slalom courses, typically set up with strategically placed cones. They provide the necessary grip and maneuverability to navigate tight turns and quick direction changes. Slalom wheels are not suitable for street or park skateboarding.
Recommended Brands
Brands like ABEC 11, Seismic, and Powell Peralta offer high-quality slalom skateboarding wheels. These brands specialize in producing wheels specifically designed for slalom skateboarding and have earned themselves a reputation for their performance and durability.
Electric Skateboarding Wheels
Ideal Features
Electric skateboarding wheels vary depending on the type of terrain and riding style. For city commuting and street riding, smaller and harder wheels around 80mm to 90mm in diameter and 78A to 85A in durometer are ideal. These wheels provide a balance between speed, maneuverability, and comfort on various urban surfaces. For off-road adventures with electric skateboards, larger and softer wheels around 100mm to 120mm in diameter and 75A to 85A in durometer are recommended. These wheels offer enhanced shock absorption, traction, and stability on rugged terrains.
Suitable Terrain
The suitability of electric skateboarding wheels depends on the specific terrain you’ll be riding on. Smaller and harder wheels are suitable for city streets, sidewalks, and other paved surfaces. Larger and softer wheels are designed for off-road adventures, conquering grass, dirt, gravel, and other uneven surfaces. Choose the appropriate electric skateboarding wheels based on the terrain you’ll be exploring.
Recommended Brands
Various electric skateboard manufacturers offer their own range of wheels designed specifically for their electric skateboards. Brands like Boosted, Evolve, Meepo, and Ownboard provide high-quality electric skateboarding wheels that enhance the performance and comfort of their electric skateboard models.
In conclusion, choosing the right skateboard wheels plays a crucial role in your overall skateboarding experience. Whether you’re a street skateboarder performing technical tricks or an electric skateboarder exploring off-road terrains, there’s a perfect wheel for every terrain and riding style. Consider factors such as surface texture, wheel diameter, durometer, wheel shape, contact patch width, and lip profile when selecting your skateboard wheels. With the right wheels under your deck, you’ll be ready to conquer any terrain and enjoy the thrill of skateboarding to the fullest.