Skateboarding has grown tremendously since its inception in the 1940s and has become one of the most popular extreme sports around the world. However, street skating requires a lot of practice, skill, and the right equipment to make it fun and safe. Skateboard wheels are one of the essential components that affect how a skateboard performs, especially when it comes to street skating. Therefore, to help you find the best skateboard wheels for street skating, we have curated a list of the top 10 products based on our research and testing. So, let’s dive in and explore the best skateboard wheels that can enhance your street skating experience.
Get ready for our reviews on the best skateboard wheels for street skating, but first, here are some related Amazon products to check out:
Last update on 2024-09-12 at 04:31 / Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Skateboard Wheels For Street Skating
Overview of Skateboard Wheels For Street Skating
Skateboard wheels for street skating come in a variety of sizes and hardness. Typically, they range from 49mm to 56mm in diameter, with hardness ratings measured on the durometer scale from 78a to 101a. The smaller the diameter, the slower the speed but the easier it is to perform tricks such as flips and grinds. The higher the durometer rating, the harder the wheel, which allows for greater speed and control on rougher surfaces.
Street skateboarders often opt for harder wheels, as they provide greater durability and control on rough pavement and concrete. However, softer wheels are also useful for cruising and commuting on city streets. Ultimately, finding the right combination of wheel size and hardness depends on a skater’s individual style and preferences. With so many options available, it’s easy for skaters to find the perfect fit for their needs and take to the streets with confidence.
Reasons for Buying Skateboard Wheels For Street Skating
Street skating is an exciting activity that requires the right gear for maximum performance. Skateboard wheels play a crucial role in determining the skateboard’s speed, grip, and maneuverability. Below are some compelling reasons why you should consider investing in skateboard wheels specifically designed for street skating.
Durability
Durability is one of the most important factors when it comes to buying skateboard wheels for street skating. Skating on rough surfaces and constantly performing tricks can wear down wheels quickly, leading to costly replacements and potential injury from a sudden wheel failure. Choosing wheels made from high-quality materials, such as urethane, can help ensure they can withstand the wear and tear of street skating.
Additionally, the hardness of the wheels can affect their durability. Harder wheels are generally more durable for street skating as they can handle the impact of landings and maneuvering on tough surfaces. However, it is important to find a balance between hardness and grip for optimal performance and safety. Investing in durable skateboard wheels can save money and provide a better skating experience in the long run.
Grip
When it comes to street skating, grip is a crucial factor that can never be overlooked. Skateboard wheels that lack sufficient grip can lead to instability and ultimately result in dangerous falls or failed tricks. Such wheels may slide abruptly, causing unpredictable movements that may be hard to control.
To avoid such dangers, skateboarders must invest in wheels that offer excellent grip. These wheels have a softer and wider shape that ensures better traction on surfaces, providing the necessary stability to carry out tricks with ease. Additionally, high-quality wheels made of durable materials offer better grip even on rough surfaces, allowing skaters to ride and perform tricks with confidence. Therefore, grip is an essential factor when buying skateboard wheels for street skating, and it must be prioritized to ensure safety and performance.
Smooth riding
When it comes to street skating, having the right skateboard wheels can make all the difference in the level of smoothness you experience while riding. This is because street skating often involves navigating rough or uneven surfaces, such as sidewalks or pavement with cracks and debris.
Skateboard wheels for street skating are designed to absorb impact and vibrations, providing a smoother ride and reducing the risk of falling or losing control. So, whether you’re cruising through the city or practicing your tricks, investing in high-quality skateboard wheels can greatly improve your overall experience and make for a more enjoyable ride.
Ability to handle rough terrain
When street skating, skateboard wheels are subjected to a variety of rough surfaces such as cracks, bumps, and debris on the pavement. These rough surfaces can cause smaller and harder wheels to lose momentum and make the ride less smooth, making it more difficult to navigate through obstacles like stairs and curbs.
To handle rough terrain effectively, skateboarders need wheels with a larger diameter and softer durometer (a measurement of a wheel’s hardness). With larger wheels, skateboarders can roll over rough surfaces more easily and maintain momentum, while softer wheels offer better shock absorption, allowing for smoother rides even on uneven pavement.
By purchasing skateboard wheels designed for street skating, riders can ensure they have the necessary tools to handle the challenges of the terrain and improve their overall skateboarding experience.
Buying Guides
When it comes to street skating, every element of the skateboard plays a crucial role in the overall performance. One such element is the skateboard wheels. The type of wheels you choose can significantly impact your ride experience, so it’s essential to consider some key factors when making your selection.
Size
When it comes to street skating, the size of skateboard wheels is an important factor to consider. Smaller wheels offer more maneuverability and make it easier to perform tricks such as kickflips and Ollies. Conversely, larger wheels provide greater stability and grip, making them ideal for cruising and performing tricks that involve high speeds. Therefore, depending on your skating style and preferences, you must carefully consider the size of your wheels before making a purchase.
Another reason to consider size before buying skateboard wheels for street skating is the impact it has on speed and speed control. A larger wheel has a greater circumference, which means that it covers more ground with each rotation. This can lead to faster speeds, which can be useful for long-distance cruising. However, it can also make it harder to stop or slow down, which is essential for performing certain tricks and avoiding obstacles. Therefore, you must choose the right size to ensure that you have the speed and control you need to perform at your best.
Durometer
Durometer is an essential factor to consider when purchasing skateboard wheels for street skating. Durometer refers to the wheel’s hardness, which has an impact on its durability, grip, and speed. Harder wheels have a higher durometer rating and are better suited for street skating as they offer more speed and slide better on smooth surfaces. Softer wheels have a lower durometer rating and provide a better grip on rough surfaces but tend to wear out faster.
Therefore, one should consider their style of skating, the terrains they will be skating on, and their personal preference when selecting the durometer. A softer wheel is suitable for those who prioritize grip and traction, while a harder wheel is ideal for those who prioritize speed and sliding. Thus, it’s crucial to get the right durometer for your style of skating to ensure a better and safer skating experience.
Shape
Skateboarding wheels are crucial aspects of the skateboard setup that need to be considered before purchasing a skateboard for street skating. One of the most important factors to consider is the shape of the wheels. The shape of the wheels determines the way they interact with the ground and how well they can cope with various obstacles. Different shapes of wheels offer distinct riding experiences, and it is imperative to understand how they affect the performance of your skateboard.
For instance, a rounded wheel will be more convenient for smoother surfaces, whereas a conical wheel will work better on rougher terrains. Moreover, the shape of the wheel will result in how much contact the wheels will make with the ground. Wider wheels will have more contact with the surface, providing better stability, while thinner wheels will have less ground contact, offering increased maneuverability. Therefore, considering the shape of the wheels is essential as it greatly determines the type of ride you will experience while street skating.
Material
Choosing the right skateboard wheels is crucial when it comes to street skating. The material of the wheels determines their durability, grip, and speed. Soft wheels made of polyurethane are ideal for cruising and commuting, but they don’t offer much speed or maneuverability needed for street skating. Hence, hard wheels made of urethane are more suitable for street skating. They are durable and offer excellent speed and control, allowing skaters to perform tricks and jumps with ease. Therefore, considering the material of skateboard wheels is important to ensure a better and safer street skating experience.
Apart from the material, the size and shape of the wheels also play a vital role in street skating. Larger wheels offer more speed, while smaller wheels are suitable for technical tricks that involve flipping and spinning. Rounded and narrow wheels are ideal for grinding, while square-shaped wheels offer better traction and control. Hence, it is essential to consider the material, size, and shape of skateboard wheels while buying them for street skating to ensure a perfect fit with your skating level and style.
Brand
When it comes to skateboarding wheels, choosing a reputable brand is essential for finding high-quality products that will enhance your overall skateboarding experience. Good brands are known for producing wheels that are durable, long-lasting, and provide excellent performance on different types of terrain. For street skating especially, you need wheels that can withstand the wear and tear of concrete surfaces. Reliable brands will have undergone extensive testing to ensure that their wheels can withstand the tough conditions that come with street skating.
Moreover, popular brands often have a better reputation for authenticity and customer service. They have invested time and money in developing their products, and they are more likely to provide helpful information regarding their products and use. They also tend to have a loyal following of dedicated skateboarders who swear by their products. Choosing a trusted brand for your wheels not only ensures that you have dependable products but also guarantees that you are part of a community of fellow skateboarders who share your passion for the sport.
Price
Price is an important factor to consider when purchasing skateboard wheels for street skating because it can greatly affect the quality and durability of the wheels. Cheaper wheels may seem like a good option initially, but they are often made with low-quality materials that can wear down quickly and require constant replacement.
Investing in higher-priced wheels may seem like a large upfront cost, but they often last longer and provide a smoother ride. Additionally, more expensive wheels are often made with advanced technologies that enhance performance, such as improved grip and speed. Considering price before purchasing skateboard wheels for street skating can help ensure that the wheels provide a quality ride and require less frequent replacement, ultimately saving money in the long run.
FAQ
What is the recommended size of skateboard wheels for street skating?
The recommended size for skateboard wheels for street skating is between 50-56mm. Smaller wheels give better stability, and maneuverability for technical tricks, and larger wheels around 56mm give a smoother ride, but they are less maneuverable and heavier to push. Many professional skateboarders prefer sizes between 50-53mm for street skating, and they use harder wheels because they offer better speed and longer lifespan. The durometer, or hardness, of the wheel is an important factor in determining how it will perform, with most street skateboarders preferring harder wheels in the range of 99-101a.
Ultimately, the size of the skateboard wheels depends on individual preference and the type of skating one likes to engage in. If you are into technical tricks and maneuvers, it is recommended that you go for smaller wheels, while those looking to cruise around the streets and perform fewer tricks, should consider larger skate wheels. It is also important to ensure that the board’s wheel size corresponds with its deck size to ensure proper balance and stability while skating on the street.
What are the differences between hard and soft skateboard wheels for street skating?
Hard skateboard wheels are typically made of urethane and have a durometer of 99a-101a. They are better suited for street skating as they are faster, more durable, and provide better control when performing tricks such as slides and grinds. However, they are less forgiving on rough terrain and can cause a bumpy ride.
Soft skateboard wheels, on the other hand, are made of a softer material such as polyurethane and have a durometer of 78a-87a. They provide a smoother ride on rough surfaces and better grip, making them ideal for cruising and commuting. However, they are slower and less responsive when performing tricks, making them unsuitable for street skating.
Are there specific materials that are better for skateboard wheels for street skating?
Yes, tubeless tires can offer better puncture protection compared to traditional tires with tubes. This is because tubeless tires do not have an inner tube that can get punctured and develop leaks. Instead, the air is held in by the tire itself, which is sealed against the rim. Additionally, tubeless tires are designed to seal quickly around punctures to prevent air loss and allow you to continue your ride. This means that if you do get a puncture, the chances are much higher that you’ll be able to continue riding to your destination, rather than being stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire.
Can skateboard wheels for street skating be used for other types of skateboarding?
Verdict
The skateboard wheels play a crucial role in street skating, and choosing the right wheels can make a significant difference in your performance. With the comprehensive reviews and buying guide above, we hope that you can find the best skateboard wheels for street skating that fit your style, terrain, and needs.
Remember, the best skateboard wheels for street skating are not only about the size, shape, or material, but also about your personal preferences, skills, and technique. Therefore, take your time to explore different options, try them out, and see which ones give you the smoothest ride, the highest speed, and the best control. Happy skating!