Skateboard Wheels:
- The larger the wheel the faster the wheel. However, if you are a street skater you will want a smaller wheel for flip tricks. Why? Having a lower center of gravity (ie. smaller wheels) makes flipping your board easier. So, find something not too big nor too small. If you are less interested in flip tricks and more interested in cruising or going fast, go with a bigger wheel.
- Technically speaking white wheels are faster then colored wheels. Why? The more dye used in the wheel, the slower the urethane compound becomes. Pure urethane discolors fast (turns yellow). For example, the fastest wheel you can buy would be a naturally white wheel that turns yellow in a few weeks. Many kids don't want to ride yellow wheels because they don't understand the chemical compound in urethane. Almost all wheel manufacturers put some sort of dye in their wheels so they don't turn yelow, even white wheels. This makes the wheels slightly slower, but keeps the kids happy. Would you be able to tell the difference between colored wheels and white wheels, probably not its a very small difference. Softer wheels are much better for rough terrain. Softer wheels give a much smoother ride. Softer wheels are found on old school skateboards and longboards. Most street skating wheels are 100a durameter. These are very hard with the least amount of grip. They are not very smooth, but are good for slides and other street tricks.
Sizes (How Tall Are The Wheels)
- Under 50mm - Not recommended for any type of skateboarding; too small. We used to call them bearing covers in the early 90's.
- 50-56mm - The most common skateboard wheel sizes; the average being around 53mm. These range of sizes are perfect for street skating.
- 56-60mm - Used mostly for people that ride transition or like cruising in skateparks.
- 58-68mm - Used mostly on old school skateboards.
- 60-80mm - Used mostly on longboards. These wheels are for cruising. The larger the wheel, the better the ride.
Durometer: (The Hardness Of A Wheel)
- 99a-101a - For street skating or ramp skating. 99% of all skateboard wheels are in this range. Because almost all skatebaord wheels are made this hard, most wheel companies do not even list the durometer on their wheels. They are very hard with the least amount of grip. They are not very smooth, but are good for slides and other street tricks.
- 92a-98a - Generally for old school skateboards. They are not rock hard, but not too soft either. They are good for cruising, but you also can do tricks with them.
- 70a-90a - Generally just for cruising. These are good for old school, longboarding, or just going down the street and enjoying the ride.
Bottom Line: Skateboard Wheels should be made out of urethane. Before you buy, make sure they are not plastic or pvc. All our wheels are 100% urethane. If you are not sure, ask before you buy.
Links:
Skateboard Wheels
Longboard Wheels
Skateboard Truck And Wheel Packages
Longboard Truck And Wheel Packages
Skateboard Decks
Skateboard Completes
Longboard Completes
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