Skateboarding is all about cruising down the street, carving smooth lines and performing gravity-defying tricks. It’s an adrenaline-fueled sport that requires just the right combination of skills and equipment. When it comes to equipment, skateboard wheels play a crucial role in determining the performance and feel of your ride. If you’re looking for the best skateboard wheels for sliding, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 13 best skateboard wheels for sliding, along with a detailed buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
Get ready for our reviews on the best skateboard wheels for sliding, but first, here are some related Amazon products to check out:
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Best Skateboard Wheels For Sliding
Overview of Skateboard Wheels For Sliding
Skateboard wheels for sliding are designed to help skaters easily slide and glide across surfaces. These wheels are typically made from a harder material than regular skateboard wheels, allowing them to slide more easily. They also tend to be smaller in size and have a flatter surface, giving skaters more control when performing slides and other tricks.
One of the main benefits of skateboard wheels for sliding is that they can help skaters execute tricks more easily and smoothly. They allow for smoother transitions between tricks and also help skaters maintain their speed, which is especially useful in downhill skating. Additionally, these wheels are often designed to be more durable than regular wheels, making them a great choice for skaters who are hard on their equipment. Overall, skateboard wheels for sliding can help skaters enhance their skills and take their skating to the next level.
Reasons for Buying Skateboard Wheels For Sliding
Skateboarders who are looking to enhance their sliding abilities may want to consider investing in a set of skateboard wheels specifically designed for sliding. Not only can they improve your overall performance, but they can also make your ride smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some key reasons why skateboard wheels for sliding are worth considering.
Durable material for longevity
Skateboarding is a tough and rigorous sport, and skateboarders need wheels that can withstand the wear and tear that comes with it. Skateboard wheels for sliding are made from durable materials that can endure the constant sliding, grinding, and impact that occurs when skateboarding. These wheels typically have a harder durometer, which means they are less likely to wear down quickly or chip away when exposed to rough surfaces.
Durable skateboard wheels for sliding also tend to be made from specialized materials, such as high-grade polyurethane or a harder resin-based material. These materials have properties that make them ideal for skateboarding, including resistance to abrasions and impacts. As a result, skateboarders can slide comfortably without worrying about the wheels wearing down or breaking apart mid-skate. Additionally, the durability of these wheels means that they can last a long time, minimizing the need for frequent replacements. Overall, if you want to get the most out of your skateboarding experience, investing in durable skateboard wheels for sliding is a smart choice.
Provides better grip and control while sliding
Skateboarding sliding or “powersliding” is a popular technique used to control speed, change direction, and perform tricks. It involves sliding the skateboard’s wheels sideways while the board is in motion. To achieve a smooth and controlled slide, skateboarders need wheels that provide a good balance of grip and slip.
Skateboard wheels designed for sliding are typically made with a harder durometer, which means they are firmer and less likely to deform under pressure. This firmness allows the wheels to slide more easily over rough or textured surfaces, promoting a faster and smoother slide. Additionally, the wheels may have a special shape or profile that enhances their sliding properties. These wheels provide better grip and control while sliding, giving skateboarders the confidence they need to execute advanced tricks and maneuvers.
Allows for smoother and faster slides
When it comes to sliding on a skateboard, having the appropriate wheels is crucial. If your wheels don’t allow for smooth and fast slides, it can cause frustration and hinder your performance. Skateboard wheels for sliding are designed to provide a smooth and low friction experience, making it easier to initiate slides and maintain control throughout the slide.
These wheels are typically made from a harder durometer urethane, which allows for a more controlled slide and reduces the chance of flat spots. Additionally, the shape and size of these wheels play a significant role in their performance for sliding. Typically, these wheels are smaller in size and have a square-edge shape, which helps to provide a consistent and predictable slide on various surfaces.
Overall, investing in skateboard wheels for sliding can make a significant difference in your performance on the board. By allowing for smoother and faster slides, you can improve your ability to execute tricks and maneuvers that require sliding, ultimately giving you greater confidence and control on the board.
Improves overall performance while riding
Skateboard wheels play a significant role in determining the overall performance of a skateboard. Wheels that are designed for sliding are specially crafted to offer a smooth slide, which greatly enhances performance while riding. These wheels are made with a unique formulation of high-quality urethane material, which ensures a smooth and consistent slide on various surfaces.
When riding with sliding wheels, skaters can easily execute slides, tricks, and maneuvers that require smooth transitions between surfaces. These wheels provide more control and precision, which ensures a safer ride without compromising speed or agility. Furthermore, the improved performance of sliding wheels means they last longer and require less maintenance compared to regular wheels, which can save money and time in the long run. In summary, investing in skateboard wheels for sliding can significantly improve a skateboarder’s overall performance.
What Things to Consider when Buying Skateboard Wheels For Sliding?
One of the most important aspects of skateboarding is having the right gear, and this includes selecting the best skateboard wheels. For those looking to get into sliding, there are several key factors to keep in mind when choosing the right wheels for their setup.
Durometer
Durometer is a measure of hardness and stiffness of skateboard wheels. It ranges from 1-100 with lower numbers being softer and higher numbers being harder. When buying skateboard wheels for sliding, durometer plays a crucial role. Softer wheels (around 78a-85a) provide a good grip on the concrete while sliding but may wear out quickly. On the other hand, harder wheels (around 85a-101a) offer greater durability, but may not provide a good grip on the concrete surface, causing the rider to lose control and balance while sliding. Therefore, considering the durometer of skateboard wheels before buying them is crucial, as it can affect the performance of the rider and also the longevity of the skateboard wheels.
In addition to durometer, the rider’s weight, riding style, and the terrain they skate on also affects the choice of skateboard wheels for sliding. Heavy riders require harder wheels, while lighter riders can opt for softer wheels. Sliders who skate on rougher terrains may benefit from using harder wheels, while riders who skate on smoother surfaces can use softer wheels. Therefore, before buying skateboard wheels for sliding, it is essential to consider durometer and other factors mentioned above to ensure the best performance and durability.
Shape
When it comes to sliding on a skateboard, the shape of the wheels is an important factor to consider. A flat or squared-off wheel shape provides a larger surface area for slide contact, allowing for more consistent and controlled slides. In contrast, an angled or rounded shape can cause the wheels to catch or grip during a slide, resulting in an uncontrolled or abrupt halt. Therefore, it is essential to choose a wheel with the right shape that suits your intended sliding style to maximize your performance and minimize the chances of injury.
Additionally, the shape of the wheels also affects the speed and grip while cruising or performing tricks. A rounder shape provides more grip and control, making it suitable for carving or cruising, while a more angular shape provides faster speeds and maneuverability, making it a better choice for tricks like ollies and kickflips. Therefore, choosing the right wheel shape that caters to your riding needs and preferences is crucial for an enjoyable and safe skateboarding experience.
Size
One of the most important factors to consider when buying skateboard wheels for sliding is size. This is because the size of your wheels will directly impact your ability to slide and control your board. Smaller wheels will allow you to slide more easily, but may also make your board less stable. On the other hand, larger wheels will provide more stability for tricks and riding, but may not be as conducive to sliding. It’s important to find the right balance between size and function for your individual skateboarding needs.
Additionally, the size of your skateboard wheels will also affect your speed and acceleration. Generally, larger wheels will roll faster and provide more momentum, while smaller wheels will be slower but easier to control. If speed and acceleration are important factors in your skating style, you may want to consider larger wheels. Ultimately, understanding how the size of your wheels will impact your specific skating style is essential for making an informed choice when buying skateboard wheels for sliding.
Contact patch
Contact patch is an important factor to consider before buying skateboard wheels for sliding because it directly affects the amount of grip and slide you can get. The larger the contact patch, the more traction you will have. This means that your wheels will have a better grip on the surface, making it easier to control your board and make turns. However, if you want to slide, you need a smaller contact patch as it allows for less grip and more sliding.
Additionally, the shape and size of the contact patch will affect the speed, durability, and weight of the wheels. A larger contact patch will make the wheels heavier and slower, but more durable. On the other hand, a smaller contact patch will make the wheels lighter and faster, but less durable. Therefore, considering the appropriate size and shape of the contact patch is crucial to ensure that your skateboard wheels align with your skateboarding style.
Core placement
The placement of the core in skateboard wheels affects their performance and usability. A centered core provides a smoother and more consistent slide while an offset core provides a deeper and more controllable slide. Therefore, it is important to consider the preferred style of sliding and choose wheels with the appropriate core placement.
Additionally, core placement can also affect the longevity of the wheels. Wheels with a centered core tend to wear out more evenly while those with an offset core may wear faster on one side. This information can help in choosing the right wheels for a particular skating style and ensure that they last longer.
Brand reputation
When it comes to skateboarding wheels, brand reputation holds significant importance. This is because the reputation of a brand is typically built over time through consistent delivery of high-quality products that meet the needs of its users. By considering the brand reputation before buying skateboard wheels for sliding, you can ensure that you are investing your money in a reliable and trustworthy product that is likely to last longer and perform better.
A well-known and established brand is more likely to have invested in research and development to produce skateboard wheels that are durable, responsive, and can handle the demands of sliding. They are also more likely to use high-quality materials and manufacturing processes, resulting in wheels that have good traction and slide execution. Ultimately, by focusing on brand reputation, you can ensure that you are getting a product that is reliable, durable, and fits your budget and needs.
FAQs
What size skateboard wheels are best for sliding?
Skateboard wheels that are around 60mm to 70mm in diameter and have a hardness level of around 78A to 86A are the best for sliding. These wheels provide a good balance between grip and slip, allowing the rider to maintain control while sliding at high speeds. Additionally, larger wheels help to maintain momentum, making it easier to initiate and maintain a slide.
Harder wheels with a durometer rating of around 86A to 90A are better for sliding than softer wheels because they offer less traction, making it easier for the wheels to break loose and slide. However, wheels that are too hard can also become unstable and difficult to control. Ultimately, the best size and hardness for sliding will depend on personal preference and the type of sliding being done.
Is it necessary to have a specific shape of wheels for sliding?
Yes, having a specific shape of wheels is necessary for sliding. A key factor in sliding is having a wheel that can break traction and slide easily. In order to achieve this, the wheel must be made of a harder durometer (measurement of hardness) and have a rounded shape with a smaller contact patch. This allows the wheel to easily break traction and slide smoothly. Additionally, some wheels may have a beveled edge that also aids in initiating and maintaining a slide. Therefore, having a specific shape of wheels designed for sliding is important for achieving the desired performance and maneuvers.
Can harder or softer wheels affect sliding?
Yes, most Maxxis mountain bike tires are compatible with tubeless systems. Many Maxxis tires come with a Tubeless Ready (TR) designation, which means they have a specialized bead shape and construction that makes them easier to install and more compatible with tubeless systems. Additionally, Maxxis offers many of their tires in a variety of widths and compounds specifically designed for tubeless use.
Maxxis also offers a range of tubeless accessories, such as sealant and rim tape, to ensure proper installation and performance. However, it’s always important to check the specific tire you are interested in to ensure it is compatible with your intended tubeless system.
How do I choose the best skateboard wheels for sliding on different surfaces?
Final Words
In conclusion, choosing the best skateboard wheels for sliding requires careful consideration of various factors such as size, shape, material, and durometer. Among the top 13 wheels reviewed in this article, it is evident that each option has unique characteristics that cater to different riders and skateboarding styles. However, one thing is clear – all of them are capable of delivering an incredible sliding experience. Whether you prefer cruising around town or tackling downhill slopes, the right set of wheels can make all the difference. So, make sure to choose wisely and enjoy the thrill of sliding with the best skateboard wheels for sliding.