When it comes to street skateboarding, having a reliable and durable set of wheels is crucial to perform tricks and maneuvers smoothly. But what’s often overlooked is the importance of wheel hardness for street skaters. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best skateboard wheel hardness for street with a comprehensive buying guide to make your decision-making process easier. So, whether you’re a beginner or a pro, read on to find out which skateboard wheels are ideal for cruising through the streets.
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Best Skateboard Wheel Hardness For Street
Skateboard Wheel Hardness For Street: A Quick Overview
Skateboard wheel hardness is an important factor to consider when choosing wheels for street skateboarding. The hardness of the wheel is measured on the durometer scale, which ranges from 1 to 100. The higher the number, the harder the wheel.
For street skateboarding, harder wheels with a durometer rating of 99A and above are preferred as they offer more speed and control on smooth surfaces. Harder wheels also provide a smoother slide and are more resistant to flat spots. However, they may not perform well on rough surfaces or when performing tricks that require grip, such as ollies and kickflips. Softer wheels with a durometer rating below 99A can provide more grip and cushioning on rough surfaces, but they can also wear out quickly and slow down the skateboard’s speed. Ultimately, choosing the right wheel hardness depends on personal preference and the type of terrain you plan to skate on.
Reasons for Buying Skateboard Wheel Hardness For Street
Skateboarding enthusiasts often overlook the importance of choosing the right wheel hardness for street cruising. However, there are several compelling reasons why this factor should be given more attention. Here are some key reasons why skateboard wheel hardness is a crucial consideration when hitting the streets.
Provides better grip on pavement
When skating on the street, it’s vital to have board wheels with the proper hardness level. Choosing the right hardness level of skateboard wheels can impact the grip, speed, and control of the ride. Harder wheels (around 99a and above) are perfect for street skating as they will provide a better grip on the pavement and allow for better control when performing tricks.
The softer wheels (around 78a-92a) would be best suited for cruising on rough surfaces like sidewalks or commuting. Harder wheels won’t absorb as much impact as softer wheels, so if you are skateboarding on rough surfaces, it may lead to an uncomfortable ride. With harder wheels, you’ll get less drag and better slide when doing tricks, which can be challenging to achieve with softer wheels. In essence, street skateboard wheels with a higher hardness level will give you a better grip and more control when skating on smoother pavement, allowing you to execute tricks precisely.
Improves slide control
Skateboarding on streets requires quick and precise movements. One of the ways to improve slide control is to buy skateboard wheels with the right hardness. Hard wheels are suitable for street skateboarding since they provide a faster ride and more durable performance. Harder wheels make it easier to move quickly and smoothly across surfaces which is important for tricks such as grinds or slides.
Moreover, hard wheels offer better slide control when performing tricks. When the wheels are harder, they tend to slide more easily, resulting in less friction with the ground. This allows the skater to perform smoother and more controlled slides, making it easier to execute tricks and maneuvers, especially on ledges, rails, and other obstacles. By selecting skateboard wheels with the best hardness for street skating, skaters can improve their slide control and perform complex tricks with confidence and ease.
Allows for better speed and agility
Skateboard Wheel Hardness For Street plays a crucial role in enabling better speed, agility, and control while performing street tricks. The hardness of a wheel is measured on a scale of 1 to 100 and is indicated by the letter “A.” A skateboard wheel with a higher durometer rating (90A-100A) is generally harder and faster than a lower durometer rating (78A-82A). By selecting a skateboard wheel with a higher durometer, skateboarders can improve their speed, making it easier to navigate through obstacles and perform high-speed tricks.
Furthermore, skateboarders require agility and control for performing intricate street tricks such as kickflips or heelflips. Harder wheels provide more control, precision, and stability when landing tricks. They also offer faster and smoother spins, which allow skateboarders to execute complicated flips and spins with ease. Therefore, purchasing Skateboard Wheel Hardness For Street with a higher durometer rating is essential for enhancing the speed and agility necessary for conquering the streets.
Increases durability and longevity of wheels
Skateboard wheel hardness for street is an important factor to consider when buying new wheels for your skateboard. The hardness of the wheels impacts several aspects of the skateboard’s performance, such as speed, grip, and durability. In the case of increasing the durability and longevity of the wheels, the hardness of the wheels plays a critical role.
Street skating involves intense maneuvers and tricks that can take a toll on the wheels over time. Harder wheels are better equipped to handle the impact of these maneuvers and can withstand the wear and tear that comes with frequent street skating. Softer wheels tend to wear out faster and may require replacement more often than harder wheels. Ultimately, investing in skateboard wheel hardness suitable for street use can help you save money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements.
What Things to Consider when Buying Skateboard Wheel Hardness For Street?
Determining the appropriate hardness level for your skateboard wheels can greatly impact your performance on the street. Factors such as terrain, riding style, and personal preference should all be taken into consideration. Here are some key elements to keep in mind when selecting the best skateboard wheel hardness for street.
Terrain
Terrain plays a crucial role in determining the performance of a skateboard. The hardness of skateboard wheels directly influences its adaptation to different terrains. Before buying skateboard wheels for street, it is essential to consider the terrain you will be riding on. For example, if you ride in a smooth and flat street, then hard wheels are the best option. On the other hand, if your street has cracks, uneven roads, or rough terrain, then softer wheels will give you a better experience. Therefore, it is important to understand the terrain and choose the right skateboard wheel hardness to ensure smooth rides and prevent accidents.
Moreover, choosing the right skateboard wheel hardness also affects the grip and speed of your skateboard. Hard wheels have less grip, making them faster, but difficult to control on a slippery surface. Conversely, softer wheels have more grip and provide better control, but they are slower than hard wheels. Therefore, choosing the right hardness level not only affects the performance but also ensures your safety while riding on the street. By understanding the terrain and selecting the appropriate skateboard wheel hardness, you can enjoy a smooth and safe ride on the street.
Personal preference
When it comes to skateboarding, personal preference is crucial, especially when selecting skateboard wheel hardness for street. The hardness of skateboard wheels significantly affects the rider’s speed, grip, and comfort while riding. The right wheel hardness varies from one skateboarder to another. A beginner may prefer softer wheels that provide more grip and stability, while an experienced skateboarder might opt for harder wheels that offer faster speeds and more control over slides and grinds.
Thus, considering personal preference is essential when choosing the right skateboard wheels for any individual. Having the right wheel hardness ensures a comfortable ride, better performance, and an enjoyable experience, making it crucial to pick the correct hardness level that suits their skill level, preferences, and needs. Therefore, understanding personal preferences, riding style, and experience level is crucial in selecting the appropriate skateboard wheel hardness.
Ride style
When considering buying skateboard wheels for street, it is essential to consider the ride style that you prefer or mostly use. Different ride styles involve different terrains and skateboard tricks, which require certain skateboard wheels. For instance, if you mostly ride on smooth surfaces like parks, lower wheel hardness (around 80a-90a) will suffice. However, if you ride on rough terrain or do street tricks like sliding, you may need higher wheel hardness (above 95a) to reduce friction and wear and tear. Therefore, understanding your preferred ride style can help you choose the right skateboard wheel hardness for the optimal performance and durability.
Another reason to consider the ride style before buying skateboard wheel hardness is to maximize comfort and stability. Skateboard wheels determine how you can control your skateboard on different terrains. A softer wheel can provide better shock absorption, making it more comfortable and stable on rough surfaces. On the other hand, hard wheels are more responsive and have better grip on smooth surfaces with less bouncing. If you pick the wrong skateboard wheel hardness that does not match your ride style, you risk sacrificing performance, comfort, and stability, leading to a less enjoyable and possibly unsafe skateboarding experience.
Durability
When it comes to choosing the right skateboard wheels for street riding, durability should always be considered before anything else. Street riding is notoriously tough on skateboard wheels as the rough pavement, cracks, and obstacles can quickly wear down even the toughest wheels. Choosing wheels that are not durable enough will result in them wearing out quickly, leading to frequent and costly replacements.
Investing in durable skateboard wheels will not only save you money in the long run but also ensure that you are able to maintain control and stability while riding on rough city streets. Durable wheels will also provide better grip and improved sliding capabilities, making it easier to perform tricks and maneuvers. Therefore, it is better to consider durability before buying skateboard wheel hardness for street.
Size/Shape
Size and shape are essential factors to consider before purchasing skateboard wheel hardness for street because they directly affect the performance and maneuverability of the skateboard. The size of the wheel determines speed, acceleration, and stability, while the shape of the wheel determines the style of skating. For example, smaller wheels are suitable for street skating as they are more maneuverable, whereas larger wheels are suitable for cruising and transportation as they provide a smoother ride. The shape of the wheel also determines the type of skating, such as rounded wheels for power slides and square wheels for technical tricks. So, it is crucial to consider the size and shape of the wheel before determining the hardness for an optimal skating experience.
Brand reputation
Before buying skateboard wheel hardness for street, it is important to consider the brand reputation as it reflects the quality and reliability of the product. A reputable brand will ensure that their skateboard wheels are made from high-quality materials and undergo rigorous testing to ensure they perform well on the street. Additionally, a reputable brand will have a proven track record of producing durable and long-lasting skateboard wheels, which can save you money in the long run.
Furthermore, a reputable brand will have a strong customer service team that can help you with any issues or concerns you may have with your skateboard wheels. This ensures that you have a positive experience with your purchase and can rely on the brand to provide you with support when needed. Overall, considering the brand reputation before buying skateboard wheel hardness for street can help ensure that you get a high-quality and reliable product that is worth your investment.
FAQ
What is skateboard wheel hardness and why is it important for street skating?
Skateboard wheel hardness is a rating system known as the durometer scale, which measures the softness or hardness of the urethane used to make skateboard wheels. The durometer scale ranges from 1 to 100, with the lower numbers indicating softer wheels and the higher numbers indicating harder wheels. The hardness of skateboard wheels determines their ability to grip the ground, handle impact, slide, and maintain speed.
In street skating, skateboard wheel hardness is important because it affects the amount of grip the wheels have on rough surfaces, such as pavement or concrete. Softer wheels provide more grip, making it easier to land tricks and stay stable on bumpy terrain. Harder wheels, on the other hand, offer less grip but allow for greater speed and easier sliding. Street skaters often choose a durometer rating between 95 and 99 for their wheels, striking a balance between grip and speed for their style of skating.
How do I choose the right wheel hardness for my street skateboard?
The wheel hardness for a street skateboard is an important factor to consider as it will affect the performance of your skateboard. Generally, the hardness of the wheel is measured by the durometer. If you want to ride on rough surfaces, you need a wheel with a lower durometer rating, which will be more forgiving on the bumps and cracks in the pavement. On the other hand, if you are planning to ride on smoother surfaces, a higher durometer rating will provide faster speed and a more stable ride.
The durometer rating of a wheel ranges between 78a to 101a, with 78a being the softest and 101a being the hardest. If you are a beginner, it is better to opt for a wheel with a lower durometer rating, around 78a to 87a, as they are softer and hence easier to maneuver. However, if you are an experienced skateboarder, then you can choose a harder wheel with a durometer rating between 90a and 101a, as they provide more speed and better grip. Ultimately, your choice of wheel hardness depends on your individual needs and the type of riding you plan to do.
What are the pros and cons of using harder or softer wheels on a street skateboard?
Yes, there are affordable ladies mountain bikes available that can handle rough terrains and trails. Some popular options include the Diamondback Women’s Lux 27.5, the Raleigh Eva 2, and the Schwinn High Timber Women’s Mountain Bike. These bikes usually range in price from $300-$500 and have features such as a sturdy frame, suspension forks, and durable tires to handle different terrains. It is important to do research and ensure the bike is the proper size and fit for the rider in order to have a comfortable and safe ride.
Can I use the same hardness of wheels for all types of street skating, such as cruising and tricks?
Final Words
Choosing the right skateboard wheel hardness is crucial for achieving the best performance on the street. The hardness level determines the grip and speed of the skateboard, and therefore, it’s essential to pick the right one for your style and the environment you skate in. Our top 10 list has covered the best skateboard wheel hardness for the street, taking into account various factors such as material, diameter, and core size. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, we hope our guide helps you make an informed decision and enjoy the best skateboarding experience on the streets.