Finding the perfect skate skateboard wheels can feel like a quest for the holy grail of skateboarding. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking to shave seconds off your downhill runs or a beginner just starting to carve the streets, the right wheels make all the difference. They dictate your speed, grip, and how smoothly you roll over different surfaces. With a dizzying array of shapes, sizes, and durometers on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. This guide is designed to cut through the noise and help you identify the best skate skateboard wheels for your specific riding style and needs, ensuring your next session is your best yet.
In this comprehensive review and buying guide, we’ll dive deep into what makes a great skateboard wheel. We’ll explore the key factors to consider, from urethane compounds that offer superior durability and rebound to the intricate details of wheel profiles and bearing seats. By examining popular brands and their standout models, we’ll provide you with honest assessments and actionable advice. Get ready to upgrade your ride and discover which wheels will help you conquer any obstacle, from smooth skateparks to gritty urban landscapes.
Before we get to our review of the best skate skateboard wheels, let’s browse through some relevant products on Amazon:
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Understanding Skate Skateboard Wheels
Choosing the right skate skateboard wheels is a fundamental aspect of tailoring your skateboarding experience to your specific needs and riding style. These seemingly simple components are engineered with distinct characteristics that significantly influence how your board performs. From the material they’re made of to their size and hardness, each detail plays a crucial role in your ride, whether you’re cruising the streets, grinding rails, or launching into the air.
The primary material used in skateboard wheels is polyurethane, a durable and versatile plastic. The specific formula of this polyurethane can vary, leading to differences in grip, rebound, and slide. A harder wheel will generally roll faster and slide more easily, ideal for technical tricks and smooth surfaces. Conversely, a softer wheel offers more grip and a smoother ride over rough terrain, making it a popular choice for cruising and rougher street skating.
Size is another critical factor. Smaller wheels accelerate faster and are lighter, making them suitable for street skating and technical tricks where quick ollies and flips are paramount. Larger wheels maintain momentum better, roll over obstacles more easily, and offer a smoother ride, making them excellent for transition skating, cruising, and rougher surfaces.
Ultimately, understanding these fundamental differences will help you make an informed decision when seeking the best skate skateboard wheels for your particular setup and preferred skating discipline. Experimentation and consideration of your riding environment are key to unlocking the optimal wheel for your needs.
5 Best Skate Skateboard Wheels
Bones STF V5 Sidecut 52mm 103a Wheel
Bones STF V5 Sidecut wheels are a top-tier choice for skaters who prioritize speed and control on smooth surfaces. The 103a durometer offers a firm ride that translates directly into excellent roll speed and minimal energy loss. The V5 shape provides a balanced profile, offering enough surface area for grip during slides and grinds, while the Sidecut design helps reduce weight and allows for quicker flip tricks. These wheels are a favorite among many experienced street skaters for their reliable performance and durability.
What truly sets the STF V5 Sidecut apart is the STF (Street Tech Formula) urethane. This proprietary blend is known for its exceptional rebound, resistance to flat spots, and smooth sliding capabilities. Whether you’re hitting ledges, rails, or just cruising, these wheels offer a consistent and responsive feel. They excel in technical street skating where precision and a predictable slide are crucial for landing tricks.
Spitfire Formula Four Lock-In 54mm 99a Wheel
Spitfire Formula Four Lock-In wheels are a fantastic all-around option, particularly for skaters who enjoy a blend of street and park skating. The 54mm size is versatile, offering a good balance of speed and agility, while the 99a durometer provides a softer ride than harder wheels, leading to more grip and a smoother experience on rougher terrain. The Lock-In shape is designed to minimize wheel bite, allowing for tighter turns and more confidence when leaning into carves.
The Formula Four urethane is legendary for its durability and consistent performance, and the Lock-In variant is no exception. These wheels are incredibly resistant to flat spotting, meaning they’ll maintain their shape and feel for a long time, even with heavy use. The slightly wider contact patch of the Lock-In shape offers excellent grip for transition skating and general cruising, making them a reliable companion for a variety of skating styles.
OJ Elite Super Juice 55mm 78a Wheel
OJ Elite Super Juice wheels are the ultimate choice for cruising and long-distance skateboarding. Their incredibly soft 78a durometer provides an unparalleled smooth ride, absorbing vibrations from rough surfaces like cracks and pebbles with ease. The 55mm size is a comfortable middle ground, offering enough momentum for cruising without being too cumbersome for occasional tricks. These wheels are perfect for anyone looking to make their commute more enjoyable or simply enjoy a buttery smooth ride.
The “Super Juice” formula is renowned for its soft, grippy nature, making them ideal for rougher asphalt and pushing through debris. They offer exceptional traction, allowing you to lean into turns with confidence and feel connected to the ground. While not designed for technical flip tricks or aggressive sliding, the OJ Elite Super Juice wheels deliver an unmatched level of comfort and stability for cruising and carving.
Ricta Clouds 54mm 78a Wheel
Ricta Clouds are another excellent option for skaters who prioritize comfort and smooth rolling, especially on imperfect surfaces. The 54mm size and 78a durometer combine to create a soft, forgiving wheel that excels at eating up cracks, pebbles, and rough pavement. These wheels are perfect for commuters, beginners, or anyone who wants a more relaxed and forgiving skating experience.
The “Cloud” urethane is specifically formulated to provide a plush ride, making rougher terrain feel significantly less intimidating. They offer plenty of grip for carving and cruising, allowing you to maintain momentum and enjoy the ride without being constantly jarred. While they may not be the choice for advanced street skaters looking for precise slides, the Ricta Clouds provide a superior level of comfort and a forgiving feel that makes skateboarding more accessible and enjoyable for many.
Bones STF Pro John Cardiel 56mm 99a Wheel
Bones STF Pro John Cardiel wheels are a highly respected choice for skaters who appreciate a blend of grip, speed, and durability, especially in a slightly larger size. The 56mm diameter offers increased momentum and stability, making them ideal for transition skating, bowls, and cruising, while still being manageable for street skating. The 99a durometer strikes a great balance, providing enough softness for grip and a smoother ride on imperfect surfaces, without sacrificing too much speed.
The STF (Street Tech Formula) urethane used in these wheels is a key factor in their performance. It’s known for its superior rebound, resistance to flat spotting, and smooth sliding characteristics, making them versatile enough for both rougher terrain and polished skateparks. John Cardiel’s signature wheel is a testament to his legendary skating style, offering a reliable and responsive feel that allows skaters to push their limits with confidence.
Why Do People Need to Buy Skateboard Wheels?
Skateboard wheels are the unsung heroes of any skating setup. While the deck, trucks, and bearings often get more attention, the wheels are directly responsible for how your board interacts with the ground. They dictate your speed, your grip, and your ability to perform various tricks. Over time, like any moving part, skateboard wheels wear down. They can develop flat spots from constant braking, chip from impacts with obstacles, or simply become so worn that their original performance characteristics are lost. Replacing them is essential for maintaining a functional and enjoyable skating experience.
The necessity of buying new skateboard wheels also stems from the desire to upgrade or tailor your setup to specific skating styles. Different terrains and trick types call for different wheel types. For instance, softer, larger wheels are ideal for cruising on rougher surfaces, providing a smoother ride and better grip. Conversely, harder, smaller wheels are preferred by street and park skaters, allowing for faster acceleration, easier slides, and more responsive tricks. Investing in the right set of wheels can significantly enhance your ability to perform your chosen style of skateboarding.
Furthermore, wear and tear aren’t the only reasons to purchase new wheels. The sheer variety of designs and colors available allows skaters to personalize their boards, adding a visual flair to their ride. Beyond aesthetics, advancements in urethane compounds and manufacturing techniques constantly lead to improved wheel performance. Skaters may seek out newer models to experience better durability, faster speeds, or enhanced grip. This continuous innovation ensures that there’s always a reason to explore the market for the best skate skateboard wheels to suit evolving needs and preferences.
Ultimately, buying skateboard wheels is a fundamental aspect of maintaining and optimizing a skateboard. Whether it’s to replace worn-out components, adapt to a different skating discipline, or simply to enhance performance and appearance, new wheels are an indispensable purchase for any serious skateboarder. They are a consumable part that directly impacts the feel, functionality, and fun of riding a skateboard, making their regular replacement or upgrade a core part of the skateboarding hobby.
Wheel Diameter: Finding the Right Size for Your Ride
Selecting the correct wheel diameter is crucial for a skater’s performance and the overall feel of their skateboard. Smaller wheels, typically in the 50-53mm range, are favored by street skaters for their agility and quicker acceleration. They are lighter, making it easier to perform flip tricks and maintain speed on flat ground. However, they offer less rolling speed and can be more challenging to maneuver over rough terrain or obstacles.
On the other hand, larger wheels, generally 54mm and above, excel in cruising, transition skating, and rougher surfaces. Their increased surface area provides better grip and a smoother ride, absorbing vibrations from cracks and pebbles more effectively. While they offer higher top speeds and maintain momentum better, they are heavier, which can make flip tricks more demanding and might require a slightly larger deck or riser pads to prevent wheel bite.
The choice of diameter ultimately depends on your primary skating style. If you’re focused on technical street skating, smaller wheels are likely your best bet. For transition parks, bowls, or simply cruising around town, larger wheels will offer a more comfortable and efficient experience. Experimenting with different sizes can also be a valuable part of finding your perfect setup.
Wheel Durometer: Understanding Hardness and Grip
Wheel durometer, measured on the Shore A or the more common (and often confusing) B scale, dictates how hard or soft your skateboard wheels are. This hardness directly impacts grip, speed, and how well the wheels slide on surfaces. Softer wheels (lower durometer numbers) offer more grip and a smoother ride, while harder wheels (higher durometer numbers) provide less grip, allowing for easier slides and faster rolling on smooth surfaces.
For street skaters who perform grinds and slides, harder wheels (99A-101A) are the standard. This hardness allows for controlled slides on coping and ledges without sticking. They also tend to roll faster on smooth pavement. However, on rougher surfaces, these harder wheels can feel very jarring and can lead to a less stable ride due to reduced contact with the ground.
Conversely, softer wheels (78A-95A) are ideal for cruising, longboarding, and rough terrain. Their increased urethane content allows them to absorb shock and vibrations, resulting in a much smoother and quieter ride. These wheels offer superior grip, making them excellent for carving and maintaining control on uneven surfaces. While they grip well, they are not ideal for sliding tricks as they tend to stick rather than slip.
Wheel Shape: Profile and Contact Patch Considerations
The shape of a skateboard wheel, particularly its profile and contact patch, plays a significant role in its performance characteristics. The contact patch refers to the area of the wheel that actually touches the ground. A wider contact patch generally provides more grip and stability, while a narrower one can feel more agile and facilitate easier slides.
Wheels with a more conical or rounded shape tend to have a narrower contact patch at the edges. This design is favored by street skaters because it reduces the likelihood of wheel bite (when the wheel touches the deck during a turn) and makes it easier to initiate and control slides on ledges and rails. The rounded edges also contribute to a more forgiving feel during tricks.
In contrast, wheels with a straighter profile and a wider contact patch offer increased stability and grip. These are often preferred by transition skaters for bowl riding and vert skating, where maintaining momentum and having a solid connection to the ground are paramount. The broader surface area also provides better traction on transitions and reduces the chance of slipping out during powerful turns.
Urethane Formulas: The Science Behind Wheel Performance
The specific urethane formula used in skateboard wheels is a critical factor in their durability, speed, grip, and slide. Manufacturers invest heavily in developing proprietary urethane compounds that optimize these characteristics for different skating disciplines. The quality and type of urethane can significantly differentiate one wheel from another, even if they share similar dimensions.
Different urethane blends have varying levels of resilience and abrasion resistance. High-quality urethane will resist flat-spotting (where the wheel wears down on one side from braking or sliding) and maintain its shape and performance for longer. Some formulas are engineered for maximum speed and a slicker slide, while others are designed to provide superior grip and shock absorption.
Understanding the nuances of urethane formulas can help skaters choose wheels that best suit their needs. For instance, if you primarily skate rough surfaces and value a smooth ride, you’ll look for wheels with a softer urethane that’s also formulated for impact absorption. If speed and sliding are your priorities, a harder, more resilient urethane with a slicker finish will be more beneficial.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for the Best Skate Skateboard Wheels
Choosing the right skateboard wheels can significantly impact your riding experience, from the smoothness of your ride to the tricks you can perform. With a dizzying array of options available, it’s essential to understand the key factors that differentiate one wheel from another. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision and find the perfect set of wheels for your skateboarding needs, ultimately helping you discover the best skate skateboard wheels for your setup.
Diameter (Size)
Size Matters: Understanding Wheel Diameter
The diameter of your skateboard wheels, measured in millimeters (mm), is one of the most crucial specifications to consider. This measurement directly influences how your board feels and performs. Smaller wheels, generally in the 50-54mm range, are lighter and provide a quicker acceleration, making them ideal for technical street skating and flip tricks. They offer less momentum once rolling but are easier to pop and manipulate in the air.
Conversely, larger wheels, typically 55mm and above, maintain their speed better and are more forgiving over rough terrain and cracks. They offer a smoother ride and greater stability at higher speeds, making them excellent choices for cruising, transition skating (like in bowls and on ramps), and rougher street spots. The trade-off for this increased speed and stability is a bit more weight, which can make flip tricks slightly more challenging for beginners.
Durometer (Hardness)
Hardness is Key: Navigating Wheel Durometer
Durometer refers to the hardness of your skateboard wheels, usually measured on the A scale (e.g., 99a, 101a). This rating is critical as it dictates how your wheels grip, slide, and handle different surfaces. Softer wheels, typically below 95a, offer more grip and a smoother ride on rough surfaces. They absorb vibrations well, making them comfortable for cruising and long-distance skating. However, their softness can make them slower on smooth surfaces and prone to flat spots if you frequently lock into grinds.
Harder wheels, generally 98a and above, are best for smooth surfaces like skateparks and smooth street spots. They slide easier for grinds and powerslides, and their hardness means they resist flat spotting more effectively. While they can be harsher on rough terrain, their speed and responsiveness are often preferred by street skaters and those focused on advanced tricks. Many skaters find a sweet spot in the 99a to 101a range, offering a good balance of grip, slide, and durability for most skateboarding disciplines.
Shape
Form Follows Function: Choosing the Right Wheel Shape
The shape of your skateboard wheels also plays a significant role in their performance. This refers to the width of the wheel and the shape of its contact patch – the part of the wheel that touches the ground. Narrower wheels, often found on street-focused setups, have a smaller contact patch, which reduces friction and makes it easier to perform flip tricks and slide. They are also lighter.
Wider wheels, on the other hand, offer more stability and grip due to their larger contact patch. They are more forgiving when landing tricks and provide a smoother ride on rougher surfaces. Many transition skaters and cruisers prefer wider wheels for their increased stability and control, especially when taking corners or riding at higher speeds. Some wheels also feature a conical shape, which helps protect the bearings from damage during grinds and provides a good balance of slide and grip.
Urethane Formula
The Magic of Urethane: Understanding Wheel Compounds
Beyond size and hardness, the actual urethane compound used to manufacture the wheels is a critical factor that influences their overall performance, durability, and feel. Different brands and even different lines within brands utilize unique urethane formulas, each with its own characteristics. Some formulas are designed for maximum speed and durability, while others prioritize grip and a smoother ride.
Experimenting with different urethane formulas can lead to discovering your preferred feel on the board. For instance, some formulas might be known for their exceptional slide-ability, making them a favorite among technical street skaters. Others might offer superior shock absorption, ideal for rougher terrain or for skaters who prioritize comfort. Reading reviews and understanding the specific properties attributed to a wheel’s urethane can be incredibly beneficial in selecting the best skate skateboard wheels for your style.
Intended Use
Matching Wheels to Your Riding Style
The most crucial factor when selecting skateboard wheels is to align your choice with your primary riding style and the terrain you’ll most often encounter. If you’re a street skater focused on flip tricks and technical maneuvers on smooth concrete or asphalt, you’ll likely want smaller, harder wheels (e.g., 52-54mm, 99a-101a) with a narrower profile for easier flicking and sliding.
If you spend your time cruising around town, navigating various surfaces, or riding transition in bowls and skateparks, larger, slightly softer wheels (e.g., 56mm+, 95a-99a) might be a better fit. These will provide a smoother, more stable ride and handle cracks and rough patches with greater ease. For downhill or longboarding, even larger and softer wheels are typically used for maximum speed and grip. Understanding where and how you’ll be skating will be your strongest guide.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
Trust the Experts: Leveraging Brand Reputation and Reviews
While the technical specifications are important, the reputation of the brand and the collective experience of other skaters can be invaluable resources. Established wheel manufacturers have spent years refining their urethane formulas and designs, often resulting in consistent quality and predictable performance. Brands known for producing high-quality skateboard wheels tend to offer durable products that meet the demands of various skating styles.
Reading online reviews and watching video comparisons from trusted skateboarding sources can provide real-world insights into how different wheels perform. Look for reviews that discuss specific aspects like durability, slide behavior, grip, and how the wheels hold up over time. Fellow skaters often share their experiences with specific urethane compounds, sizes, and shapes, which can help you narrow down your choices and avoid potential disappointments when searching for the best skate skateboard wheels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important factors to consider when choosing skateboard wheels?
The most crucial factors when selecting skateboard wheels are size (diameter), hardness (durometer), and shape. Wheel diameter significantly impacts how quickly you accelerate and your top speed; smaller wheels are faster to get going but have a lower top speed, while larger wheels are slower to accelerate but maintain momentum better and roll over obstacles more easily. Durometer measures the wheel’s hardness on a scale from 75A to 101D and beyond; softer wheels (lower durometer) provide more grip and a smoother ride, ideal for cruising and rougher surfaces, while harder wheels (higher durometer) are better for tricks, slides, and smoother terrain.
Shape also plays a role, with narrower wheels generally being lighter and easier to slide, while wider wheels offer more stability and a larger contact patch for better grip. Consider the type of skateboarding you primarily do – street, park, cruising, or downhill – as each discipline benefits from different wheel characteristics. Reading reviews and understanding how these factors interact will help you make an informed decision for your specific needs.
How does wheel hardness (durometer) affect my skateboarding experience?
Wheel hardness, measured by durometer, directly influences grip, speed, and ride comfort. Softer wheels, typically in the 75A to 90A range, offer superior grip and absorb vibrations from rough surfaces, making them ideal for cruising, longboarding, and skating on less-than-perfect pavement. This increased grip allows for tighter turns and a more stable ride, but they can be slower to slide.
Harder wheels, usually 95A to 101D and higher, are less forgiving on rough terrain but excel in speed and sliding capabilities. They are the preferred choice for street and park skating, as they allow for easier ollies, quicker spins, and smooth board slides. While they transmit more vibration, their responsiveness and ability to maintain momentum are key advantages for performing tricks.
What is the difference between urethane and polycarbonate skateboard wheels?
While urethane is the dominant material in modern skateboard wheels, polycarbonate wheels exist, though they are far less common and typically found in niche applications or older skateboard designs. Urethane is a highly versatile polymer known for its durability, rebound, and ability to be formulated with varying degrees of hardness and grip. This adaptability makes it the material of choice for virtually all types of skateboarding wheels.
Polycarbonate, on the other hand, is a type of plastic known for its rigidity and transparency. While it can be durable, it generally lacks the rebound and shock absorption qualities of urethane, leading to a harsher ride and potentially less grip. Polycarbonate wheels might be found on some older cruiser boards or as novelty items, but for any serious skateboarding, urethane wheels are the industry standard due to their superior performance characteristics.
How does wheel size affect acceleration and top speed?
The diameter of your skateboard wheels has a direct and noticeable impact on both how quickly you can get up to speed (acceleration) and how fast you can ultimately go (top speed). Smaller wheels, typically those under 54mm, are lighter and have less rotational mass. This means they require less force to get them spinning, resulting in quicker acceleration, which is beneficial for responsive tricks and getting moving quickly in skate parks.
However, due to their smaller circumference, smaller wheels have a lower top speed; they need to spin more times to cover the same distance as larger wheels. Larger wheels, generally 56mm and up, have more rotational mass, making them slower to accelerate initially. Once they are rolling, though, their larger circumference means they travel further with each rotation, allowing you to achieve and maintain a higher top speed. They also have the advantage of rolling over cracks and pebbles more easily.
What are the best skateboard wheels for cruising and transportation?
For cruising and everyday transportation, the primary considerations are comfort and the ability to roll smoothly over varied surfaces. This generally means opting for wheels that are on the softer side of the durometer scale, typically between 78A and 90A. Softer wheels absorb road vibrations and bumps, providing a much more comfortable ride and preventing you from feeling every pebble on the sidewalk.
In terms of size, larger wheels (56mm and up) are also highly recommended for cruising. Their bigger diameter allows them to roll over cracks, debris, and rough patches of pavement more easily, maintaining momentum and preventing you from getting stuck. Look for wheels with a decent width as well, as this provides a larger contact patch with the ground, enhancing stability and grip, which are essential for confident transportation.
How do I know when it’s time to replace my skateboard wheels?
You’ll know it’s time to replace your skateboard wheels when their performance is significantly degraded or they become unsafe to ride. Common signs include flat spots, which are areas where the urethane has been worn down to the core due to locking into slides; these cause a bumpy, jarring ride and can affect your ability to slide smoothly. Excessive chunking, where pieces of the urethane have chipped off the edges, can also compromise grip and create an uneven rolling surface.
Another indicator is if your wheels have become significantly smaller than their original size due to wear. Over time, repeated skating, sliding, and impact will reduce the diameter of your wheels. If your wheels are noticeably smaller, your acceleration will be affected, and your top speed may be reduced. Additionally, if you notice that your wheels no longer grip as well as they used to, or if they feel brittle and prone to cracking, it’s likely time for a fresh set.
Can I mix and match skateboard wheel hardness and sizes on my board?
While it’s technically possible to mix and match skateboard wheel hardness and sizes on your board, it’s generally not recommended for optimal performance and a consistent riding experience. Different wheel diameters will affect your board’s balance and how it turns; for instance, a larger wheel on one side might cause the board to subtly pull in that direction. This can feel awkward and make it harder to control your board, especially during tricks or when carving.
Similarly, mixing different durometers can lead to an inconsistent feel between the front and back trucks, impacting grip and sliding characteristics. For example, having softer wheels in the back might offer more grip for carving, but if the front wheels are harder, it could lead to unpredictable sliding behavior. For a balanced and predictable ride that allows you to fully utilize your skills, it’s best to use four wheels of the same size and hardness that are suited to your preferred style of skateboarding.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right skate skateboard wheels is a fundamental step in elevating your skateboarding experience, impacting everything from cruising comfort to street trick precision. As we’ve explored, the market offers a diverse range of options, each designed to cater to specific riding styles and preferences. Whether you prioritize speed and smoothness for park skating, durability and grip for street riding, or a versatile all-around performance, understanding the nuances of durometer, diameter, and shape is paramount. By leveraging the insights and reviews presented in this guide, you are now empowered to make an informed decision that will undoubtedly enhance your time on the board.
Ultimately, investing in the best skate skateboard wheels is an investment in your progression and enjoyment of skateboarding. Don’t settle for mediocrity; seek out the wheels that will unlock new possibilities and make every session more rewarding. With the knowledge gained here, you’re well on your way to finding the perfect set that complements your board and your skills, ensuring every push, carve, and ollie is as satisfying as it can be.