Skateboarding is a popular sport among teenagers, and it is imperative to have the right equipment to make the most of this activity. Choosing the right skateboard wheels is crucial for a smooth ride and better grip. Skateboard wheels come in varying levels of hardness, and selecting the right one can make all the difference. In this article, we have reviewed the top 11 best hardness for skateboard wheels to help you make an informed purchase decision. Our comprehensive buying guide will ensure that you end up with the best hardness for skateboard wheels that suit your style and preferences.
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Best Hardness For Skateboard Wheels
Hardness For Skateboard Wheels: A Quick Overview
The hardness of skateboard wheels is measured on a scale known as durometer. Durometer is a unit that refers to the amount of resistance a material has to indentation. In skateboarding, the durometer scale ranges from 0 to 100, with higher numbers indicating harder wheels. The rule of thumb is the harder the wheel, the faster and less grippy it will be, while softer wheels provide better grip but are slower.
The choice of skateboard wheel hardness is determined by personal preference and the type of skateboarding one engages in. For instance, street skaters often opt for harder wheels for quicker speed and the ability to slide easily. In contrast, vert skaters typically prefer softer wheels, which provide better grip and stability during high-speed turns and vertical maneuvers. Additionally, factors like surface pavement, weight, and environment also play a role in determining the ideal hardness rating of skateboard wheels for any given scenario.
Reasons for Buying Hardness For Skateboard Wheels
There are several convincing arguments when it comes to purchasing hardness for skateboard wheels. By investing in the right hardness level, you can enjoy a smoother, faster, and more stable ride – ultimately improving your overall skateboarding experience. Here are some key reasons why you should consider buying hardness for your skateboard wheels.
Better grip
Hardness in skateboard wheels is measured in durometer, which is expressed as a number followed by an A. Higher the number, harder the wheel. Hardness plays a crucial role in the grip of the skateboard wheels on different surfaces.
When skating on rough surfaces such as concrete, higher durometer wheels with a harder outer layer provide better grip due to their ability to bounce back quicker. They are less likely to flatten out or deform under the rider’s weight, providing a more stable ride. On the other hand, softer wheels have more give and are better suited to smoother surfaces such as indoor skateparks or ramps, offering more traction which is necessary for doing tricks.
Choosing the right hardness for skateboard wheels is essential as it can impact the rider’s ability to control the board on different surfaces. A harder wheel will provide more grip and stability which are important factors for street and vert skaters whereas a softer wheel is desired for cruising or filming.
Longer lasting wheels
Skateboard wheels are made of polyurethane and they are an important component of your skateboard. The hardness of the skateboard wheels can greatly impact the performance of your board. Softer wheels provide more grip and smooth rides, but they wear out faster. On the other hand, harder wheels provide less grip, but they last longer.
If you are someone who puts a lot of wear and tear on your skateboard wheels, then investing in harder wheels with higher hardness rating may be a good idea. These wheels will have a longer lifespan, and you won’t need to replace them as frequently. This can save you money in the long run and keep your board rolling smoothly for longer. Additionally, harder wheels are also better suited for rougher surfaces such as concrete and asphalt, which can cause quicker wear on softer wheels. Therefore, if you want a long-lasting skateboard wheel that can withstand tough surfaces, you should consider buying a hardness for skateboard wheels that corresponds to your intended use.
More stability
Hardness for skateboard wheels can play a significant role in providing better stability while riding. Skaters who prefer more stability generally require harder wheels to ensure less grip on the surface. When the wheels are too soft, they tend to grip onto the ground more, which makes the skateboarder lose balance and wobble. With harder wheels, the skateboarder can maintain a better balance, allowing for more control while performing tricks and riding at high speeds.
The stability factor is especially important for skateboarders who ride on rough surfaces or those who prefer riding downhill. Hard wheels can absorb the shocks and bumps while riding on uneven surfaces, providing a smoother and more stable ride. They also offer better grip, which is important, especially when riding down slopes that are steep and require more control. Therefore, buying Hardness For Skateboard Wheels can play a significant factor in providing better stability and control while riding.
Improved speed and performance
Skateboard wheels are an essential component of the skateboard, and the level of hardness in the wheels significantly impacts the performance of the skateboard. Harder skateboard wheels provide better speed, control, and power for skaters. This is because harder wheels roll faster, and they offer less grip on the pavement, allowing skateboarders to slide and skate with more speed and less friction.
So, if you want to improve your speed and performance on the skateboard, you may want to consider buying hardness for skateboard wheels. Harder wheels will give you more speed, better control, and enhanced power for more aggressive moves. Additionally, they are ideal for skating on smooth surfaces such as skate parks and smooth pavements. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned skateboarder, improving your speed and performance with the right hardness of skateboard wheels is crucial.
Guide to Choose the Best Hardness For Skateboard Wheels
To make the most out of your skateboarding experience, it is essential to have the right set of wheels. While there are a variety of factors to consider, hardness is undoubtedly one of the most crucial.
Durometer
Durometer is an important factor to consider when purchasing skateboard wheels because it determines the hardness level of the wheels. A high durometer rating indicates a harder wheel that is better suited for smoother surfaces such as concrete or a skate park. On the other hand, a lower durometer rating signifies a softer wheel that is more suitable for cruising on rough terrains or sidewalks. Therefore, understanding the durometer of the wheels can significantly impact the skateboarder’s overall experience, including how the board handles and its ability to absorb shocks.
Moreover, the durometer rating also affects the grip and slide properties of the wheels. Harder wheels with a high durometer rating have less grip and more slide while softer wheels provide better grip and less slide. Therefore, it is important to consider the type of maneuvers or tricks a skateboarder wants to perform before purchasing wheels with a certain durometer. Overall, understanding the durometer rating of the wheels is a crucial aspect to consider as it can affect the skateboarding experience and performance.
Size
The size of skateboard wheels plays an important role in determining the overall performance of the skateboard. The size of the wheels determines the speed, stability and maneuverability of the skateboard. Larger wheels are faster and more stable, while smaller wheels are slower but more maneuverable. It is important to choose the right size of wheels depending on the type of skating you do and the terrain you skate on.
Hardness is another important factor to consider when buying skateboard wheels. Hardness determines how fast the wheels wear out and how much grip they have. Softer wheels have more grip and are better for smooth surfaces, while harder wheels are better for rough surfaces and offer less grip. It is important to choose the right hardness of wheels depending on the type of skating and the terrain you skate on. Overall, it is important to consider both size and hardness before buying skateboard wheels to ensure that you have the right wheels for your skating style and terrain.
Shape
Shape is an important factor to consider before buying hardness for skateboard wheels because different shapes are suited for different types of skating. For example, larger wheels with rounded edges are more suitable for cruising or commuting on rough surfaces, while smaller wheels with sharper edges are better for technical street skating. The shape of the wheel also affects its performance in terms of speed, grip, and control.
Additionally, the shape of the wheel can affect how it interacts with other components of the skateboard, such as the trucks and deck. Wheels with a wider contact patch (the part of the wheel that touches the ground) provide more stability and control, while wheels with a narrow contact patch are better for tricks and maneuvers that require quick turns and spins. Considering the shape of the wheel in conjunction with its hardness can help ensure that you choose the right wheels for your specific skating style and needs.
Core material
Core material is an important factor to consider before buying hardness for skateboard wheels because it determines the overall durability and performance of the wheel. The core material is the inner construction of the skateboard wheel, and it plays a significant role in providing stability, strength, and speed. Different core materials have their own unique properties and benefits. For example, plastic cores are lightweight and affordable, while metal cores are heavy-duty and offer maximum strength. Understanding the core material will ensure that the skateboard wheel will withstand the desired type of riding, whether cruising, carving, or sliding.
Ignoring the core material can lead to buying skateboard wheels that do not match the skateboarder’s riding style, causing the wheels to wear out faster, compromising the overall performance of the board. Coreless wheels are also available, but they do not offer the same stability and durability as wheels with a core. By taking core material into consideration when purchasing skateboard wheels, individuals can make an informed decision and select the right wheel that will withstand intensive boarding sessions.
Brand
Brand consideration is crucial before buying skateboard wheels as it determines the quality of the product. Reputable brands are generally associated with high-quality products that meet the necessary standards for optimal performance and durability. On the other hand, low-quality brands may produce wheels that easily wear out or fail to deliver the expected performance.
By choosing a reputable brand, you can also benefit from various customer services, such as warranty, customer support, and trusted reviews. You can also trust that the brands invest in research and development to make sure that their products are of high quality. It is therefore essential to consider the brand before buying skateboard wheels to get the best value for your money and ensure a safe and enjoyable skateboarding experience.
Price
Price is an important consideration when buying skateboard wheels, primarily because skateboarding is a high-impact sport that requires durable equipment. Cheap wheels may seem like a cost-effective solution, but they often wear down quickly and need to be replaced frequently, ultimately costing more in the long run. Higher-priced wheels, on the other hand, tend to be made from better quality materials that provide better grip, speed, and longevity.
Furthermore, the price of skateboard wheels is often a good indicator of their hardness, which is a crucial factor to consider when choosing wheels. Softer wheels are better for cruising and provide a smoother ride, but harder wheels are ideal for tricks and provide better control and stability on flat surfaces. When making a purchase decision, it’s important to balance affordability with durability and performance to ensure a safe and enjoyable skating experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the hardness rating of skateboard wheels indicate?
The hardness rating of skateboard wheels is a measurement of how soft or hard the wheels are. This rating is usually indicated by a number followed by the letter “A,” such as 80A. The higher the number, the harder the wheels are.
Skateboard wheels with a higher hardness rating are better for smooth surfaces such as skateparks and ramps, as they provide more speed and better control. However, they may feel less comfortable on rougher surfaces or roads. On the other hand, wheels with a lower hardness rating are better for cruising and commuting as they absorb shocks and vibrations better. Ultimately, the hardness rating of skateboard wheels is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing the right wheels for your skating needs.
How does the hardness of skateboard wheels affect performance?
The hardness of skateboard wheels affects performance in various ways. Soft wheels provide better grip and are ideal for cruising and performing tricks that require better control, such as slides. On the other hand, hard wheels provide less grip and are ideal for performing tricks that require more speed and momentum, such as vert riding and grinding.
Additionally, the hardness of the wheels affects the amount of shock absorbed by the skateboard. Softer wheels absorb more shock and can provide a smoother ride, while harder wheels transmit more shock to the rider, making it more difficult to ride on rough terrain. Overall, choosing the right wheel hardness for your riding style is crucial in achieving optimal performance on the skateboard.
What is the recommended hardness for skateboard wheels based on terrain?
Yes, folding mountain bikes can be used for off-road trails. These bikes are designed with features that make them suitable for mountain biking, such as suspension systems, sturdy frames, knobby tires, and gears. Folding mountain bikes are also lightweight and portable, which makes them easy to transport to different locations for off-road trails. However, the quality of the bike will determine its performance on rough and technical trails, so it is important to choose a good quality folding mountain bike for off-road use.
While they may not be as durable or high-performing as regular mountain bikes, folding mountain bikes have the advantage of being compact and easy to store. This can make them a great option for riders who want to go on off-road adventures but have limited space for storage. Additionally, they can be a convenient option for travelers who want to bring a mountain bike on their trips, as they can easily fit in a car trunk or checked luggage for air travel. Overall, folding mountain bikes can be a versatile and practical choice for off-road trails, but it is important to choose the right model for your needs and preferences.
How do I measure the hardness of my skateboard wheels?
Key Takeaways
When it comes to choosing the best hardness for skateboard wheels, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on the type of skating you’ll be doing, your personal preferences, and the condition of the surfaces you’ll be skating on. However, by taking into consideration the factors mentioned above and using our list of the top 11 best hardness for skateboard wheels as a guide, you can narrow down your options and find the best skateboard wheels for your needs. Remember, the best hardness for skateboard wheels is the one that allows you to ride comfortably and with control, so choose wisely.