How Skateboard Wheels' Size and Durometer Impact Your Performance

When choosing skateboard wheels, size matters. Measured in millimeters, the diameter of your wheels plays a crucial role in shaping how your board handles, accelerates, and navigates different terrains. From mastering technical tricks to cruising effortlessly over rough streets, the right wheel size can enhance your skateboarding experience. Let’s break down the specifics:

Small Wheels (50mm–54mm): Precision and Control for Technical Skaters

If you’re into technical tricks or street skating, smaller wheels are your best bet.

• Small wheels accelerate quickly but are slower overall, giving you precise control during flips, slides, and grinds.
  
  
• Their reduced size and weight make them ideal for complex maneuvers like kickflips and heelflips.
  
  
•  They perform optimally on polished skatepark floors or smooth urban pavements.
  
  

Medium Wheels (55mm–59mm): The Best of Both Worlds

For skaters who want versatility, medium-sized wheels provide a balanced performance.

•  These wheels work well in a variety of environments, from skateparks to less-than-perfect streets.
  
  
•  While they offer more speed than smaller wheels, they still maintain control for technical tricks.
  
  
• If you’re unsure where to start, medium-sized wheels are often the safest and most versatile option.
  
  

Large Wheels (60mm and Above): Speed and Smooth Rides

For downhill bombers, cruisers, or skaters tackling rough terrain, large wheels are essential.

•  Their larger diameter makes them perfect for reaching top speeds, especially on long downhill runs.
  
  
•  They handle rough surfaces with ease, offering a comfortable ride even on uneven streets.
  
  
•  Longboarders often prefer large wheels for their enhanced stability and ability to maintain momentum.
  
  

Size and Performance - A Delicate Balance

Wheel size directly impacts acceleration, stability, and overall control:

• Small wheels accelerate faster, making them ideal for quick technical maneuvers, but sacrifice stability at high speeds.
  
  
• Large wheels take longer to accelerate but provide unmatched stability and momentum, perfect for high-speed cruising.
  
  
• Medium wheels strike a compromise, offering a mix of both worlds for skaters who want adaptability.

Choosing the right size depends on your skateboarding goals and the terrain you frequent. Small, nimble wheels are best for tricks on smooth surfaces, while larger, stable wheels dominate rough streets and downhill slopes. In the next section, we’ll explore how durometer, or wheel hardness, further fine-tunes your performance.

When it comes to skateboard wheels, hardness—or durometer—is just as important as size in determining performance. The durometer of a wheel directly affects how it grips the surface, handles speed, and interacts with different terrains. Understanding this key factor can elevate your skateboarding experience, whether you’re grinding rails, cruising streets, or carving down hills.

What is Durometer?

Durometer measures the hardness of a skateboard wheel, typically using the A scale . It ranges from soft (78A) to extremely hard (101A+), with softer wheels providing more grip and cushioning, and harder wheels offering greater speed and precision. Some brands also use the B scale , which measures 20 points lower (e.g., 80B = 100A) for better differentiation at the harder end of the spectrum.

Soft Wheels (78A–87A): Superior Grip and Comfort

Soft wheels are ideal for skaters who prioritize grip and smooth rides.

• These wheels excel on uneven surfaces like cracked pavements, gravel, or rugged streets.
  
  
•  Soft wheels absorb vibrations, making for a smoother, quieter ride—perfect for cruising or commuting.
  
  
•  Their extra grip can create resistance, reducing speed on polished floors or skateparks.
  
  
• Their stability makes them a go-to choice for filming or long-distance rides.
  
  

Medium Wheels (88A–95A): A Balanced Option

For skaters seeking versatility, medium-hardness wheels offer a blend of speed and grip.

•  These wheels work well for skaters transitioning between smooth skateparks and slightly rough streets.
  
  
• They provide enough grip for stability without sacrificing too much speed.
  
  
•  Medium wheels are often recommended for skaters still exploring their preferred style and terrain.
  
  

Hard Wheels (96A–101A+): Speed and Precision for Technical Skaters

Hard wheels are favored by street and park skaters looking to execute technical tricks.

• Their reduced grip allows for faster speeds and easier slides, making them perfect for tricks like powerslides and reverts.
  
  
•  Hard wheels shine in skateparks, ramps, and other polished environments.
  
  
•  Their hardness amplifies vibrations, making them less ideal for uneven streets or long commutes.
  
  

How Durometer Impacts Performance

• Harder wheels make sliding easier, while softer wheels grip more, making slides more controlled but harder to initiate.
  
  
•  Soft wheels grip better, offering superior stopping power, while hard wheels may skid more easily.
  
  
• Softer wheels provide a smoother, more cushioned ride, while harder wheels give a raw, responsive feel underfoot.
  
  

Choosing the Right Durometer for Your Style

• Street Skaters : Hard wheels (96A–101A+) for tricks and speed.
  
  
• Park Skaters : Medium-hard wheels (88A–95A) for balance and versatility.
  
  
• Cruisers : Soft wheels (78A–87A) for comfort and grip.
  
  
• Downhill Riders : Softer to medium wheels (78A–88A) for enhanced control at high speeds.
  
  

Pro Tip : Experiment and Customize

Don’t hesitate to test different durometers to find what works best for you. Often, the perfect setup is a mix of wheel size and durometer tailored to your unique style and skating environment.

With durometer demystified, you’re one step closer to optimizing your skateboard for peak performance. Next, we’ll explore how to match wheels to your skateboarding style and terrain for ultimate success.

Choosing the right skateboard wheels isn’t just about size and durometer; it’s about finding the perfect match for your skating style and the surfaces you ride on. Different setups work better for specific terrains and disciplines, and understanding these nuances can dramatically enhance your performance. Here’s a breakdown of wheel recommendations based on skateboarding styles and terrains.

Street Skaters: Precision and Lightweight Control

Street skating demands precision, agility, and a lightweight setup to nail tricks like kickflips and grinds.

• Wheel Size : Smaller wheels (50mm–54mm) are ideal for their quick acceleration and reduced weight.
  
  
• Durometer : Harder wheels (96A–101A+) allow for faster speeds and smooth slides on flat, polished urban surfaces.
  
  
• Terrains : Best suited for smooth concrete, sidewalks, and ledges.
  
  
• Example Setup : Pair 52mm, 99A wheels with a narrow deck for maximum maneuverability during technical tricks.
  
  

Park Skaters: Versatility on Ramps and Bowls

Park skaters need wheels that strike a balance between grip, speed, and adaptability.

• Wheel Size : Medium-sized wheels (55mm–59mm) provide enough stability for ramps and bowls while maintaining speed.
  
  
• Durometer : Medium-hard wheels (88A–95A) give grip for carving but still allow for sliding and quick turns.
  
  
• Terrains : Perfect for skateparks, ramps, and smooth bowl surfaces.
  
  
• Pro Tips : Experiment with slightly harder wheels if you focus on tricks or softer wheels if you enjoy flowing through bowls.
  
  

Cruisers and Longboarders: Comfort and Smooth Rides

For skaters who prioritize comfort and long-distance rides, larger, softer wheels are essential.

• Wheel Size : Large wheels (60mm and above) roll smoothly over cracks, pebbles, and uneven streets.
  
  
• Durometer : Softer wheels (78A–87A) offer superior grip and vibration absorption.
  
  
• Terrains : Designed for rough pavements, city streets, and boardwalks.
  
  
• Example Setup : A 65mm, 78A wheel setup on a cruiser deck provides an effortless ride for commuting or relaxed cruising.
  
  

Downhill Skaters: Stability and High-Speed Control

For downhill skaters, speed and stability are key. Larger, grippier wheels prevent slides and provide control at high speeds.

• Wheel Size : Extra-large wheels (70mm–75mm) maintain momentum and roll over obstacles effortlessly.
  
  
• Durometer : Soft to medium wheels (78A–88A) ensure a balance of grip and slideability on steep descents.
  
  
• Terrains : Best for steep hills, rough asphalt, and racing tracks.
  
  
• Pro Tips : Consider wheels with a wider contact patch for added grip during tight turns at high speeds.
  
  

Quick Compatibility Chart

Here’s a quick reference to help you select the right wheels based on your needs:

The performance of your skateboard is deeply tied to the wheels beneath it. The balance between size and durometer directly affects your speed, control, and comfort, making it essential to choose the right setup for your style and terrain. By understanding these factors, you can take your skateboarding to the next level—whether you’re cruising city streets, grinding rails, or bombing downhill runs.

Key Points for Wheel Size:

• Smaller wheels are ideal for technical tricks and smooth surfaces.
  
  
• Medium wheels offer versatility for street and park skating.
  
  
• Larger wheels deliver speed and comfort for cruising and downhill riding.
  
  

Key Points for Durometer :

• Softer wheels grip better and absorb vibrations, perfect for rough terrain.
  
  
• Harder wheels are faster and slide more easily, making them great for technical tricks on smooth surfaces.
  
  The ideal wheel setup depends on your personal skating style and the surfaces you frequent.
  
  

Test Different Setups

• Don’t be afraid to experiment with various wheel sizes and hardness levels. Trying different setups will help you understand how each combination affects your skating and fine-tune your preferences.
  
  

Consider Your Terrain and Goals

• Match your wheels to where and how you skate. For example, go for softer wheels if you frequently ride on rough streets, or harder wheels for skateparks and technical tricks.
  
  

Rotate Your Wheels

• Periodically rotating your wheels prevents uneven wear and extends their lifespan. Unevenly worn wheels can affect your stability and make tricks harder to land.
  
  

Invest in Quality Wheels

• Cheap wheels may seem appealing, but high-quality wheels last longer and offer better performance. They’re worth the investment, especially if you skate regularly.

Skateboarding is about creativity, adaptability, and pushing your limits. The right wheels can unlock new possibilities and make every ride more enjoyable. Take the time to understand your needs, test different setups, and customize your board to suit your unique style. With the right wheels beneath you, the possibilities are endless.

Now it’s your turn—hit the streets, ramps, or hills and experience the difference the perfect wheel setup can make. Keep experimenting, keep evolving, and most importantly, keep skating!