What sizeskateboard wheel is right for you?
Simply put, skateboard wheels are the part of your skateboard that allows you to move and help determine how fast you can go.
Typically made of polyurethane, skate wheels come in a range of sizes, colors, and hardnesses to suit your style and skill level.
Skateboard wheels are measured by both diameter and hardness.
The diameter is the size of the wheel while the hardness indicates the use of the wheel.
Both of these factors are a matter of personal preference and what you plan to do on your skateboard.
How to choose the size of your skateboard wheel
Skateboard wheel diameter is measured in millimeters (mm); most wheels range from 50mm to 75mm, and the lower the number, the smaller the wheel.
The diameter of the wheel also affects how quickly you accelerate and how hard you can turn.
Smaller wheels are slower, while larger wheels are faster.
And because they're lower to the ground and generally easier to control, smaller skate wheels are ideal for technical tricks and street riding.
If you are a beginner or use your skateboard as a means of transportation, we recommend using soft skate wheels (78A to 82A) with a large diameter.
Their larger diameters offer speed and balance on rough and uneven terrain, a feature that hard skateboard wheels do not offer.
Skateboard Wheel Sizes and Uses
• 50-53mm > Small, slow skateboard wheel; ideal for technical tricks and smaller skaters. Suitable for street use.
• 54-59mm > Medium and versatile skateboard wheel, suitable for street, skate park, bowl, pool and vert.
• 60mm and above > Skateboard wheel for cruisers and longboards, soft and suitable for rougher surfaces.
In addition to different sizes, skateboard wheels are also available in different shapes and profiles, from very thin and narrow ones ideal for technical tricks to wider and more stable ones suitable for all terrains.
Skateboard Wheels Hardness
The hardness of the skateboard wheel indicates whether that particular wheel is best suited for skateboards, cruisers, or longboards.
Most manufacturers use the A scale, a 100-point scale that quantifies the hardness of a wheel.
The higher the number, the harder the wheel, although the average wheel durometer is 99A.
There are some manufacturers who may instead use the B scale, which measures 20 points less than the A scale and therefore allows for the creation of hard skateboard wheels.
For example, 80A hardness is identical to 100A. These skateboard wheels have a wider and more precise hardness range.
Some brands also use dual-hardness wheels. In this case, the inside of the wheel is hard, while the outside is softer.
Doing so results in greater speed and durability, creating skateboard wheels with unique performance.
Generally speaking, harder wheels are faster and softer wheels are slower with the added benefit of having more grip.
Softer wheels are suitable for rough and uneven surfaces; harder wheels are better for smooth surfaces, like skate parks.
Below are the most common hardnesses for skateboard wheels
• 78A-87A > Soft skateboard wheel suitable for rough surfaces, cruisers, or longboards. Excellent grip thanks to the wide tread.
• 88A-95A > Slightly harder and faster skateboard wheel with a little less grip. Ideal for streets and rough surfaces.
• 96A-99A > Skateboard wheels with good speed and grip, these are all-round wheels, meaning they're suitable for most smooth surfaces. Excellent for beginners and ideal for street, skate park, bowl, and pool use.
• 101A and up > Hardest, fastest skateboard wheel with the least grip. Great on smooth surfaces.
Choosing the shape of the skateboard wheel and tread
Contact surface is an important feature in the performance of skateboard wheels.
The contact patch of a wheel refers to the area of the wheel that actually comes into contact with the ground.
Why is the tread important on skateboard wheels? If you have a wide tread, your weight will be distributed over a larger area. This better distributes your weight, providing greater balance and stability, while reducing speed.
The shape of the wheel also affects the size of the contact patch. Rounded wheels make less contact with the pavement, while square wheels have maximum contact.
Ghetto Blasters areskateboard wheels for smooth asphalt or skate parks with a conical profile, with a wide tread to guarantee balance on these terrains.
The conical profile helps you hook tricks and gives you greater stability, they are not suitable for overly technical tricks but they are the best in terms of versatility.
We're sure this guide has answered most of your questions, but if you still need assistance, please use the WhatsApp chat on this page 😀
