Skateboarding is a popular sport and mode of transportation that requires the perfect combination of skateboard wheels to achieve the best performance. Whether you are into performing tricks or cruising, having the best skateboard wheels can make a huge difference in your overall experience. In this article, we have compiled a list of the top 13 best skateboard wheels for tricks and cruising, along with a detailed buying guide to help you choose the right wheels for your needs. So, let’s explore the best skateboard wheels for tricks and cruising and find out which ones suit you best!
Get ready for our reviews on the best skateboard wheels for tricks and cruising, but first, here are some related Amazon products to check out:
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Best Skateboard Wheels For Tricks And Cruising
Skateboard Wheels For Tricks And Cruising: A Beginner’s Overview
Skateboarding is an exciting and exhilarating sport that offers riders the freedom to explore and push their limits. Skateboard wheels play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride, enabling riders to perform tricks and cruise along the streets with ease. Skateboard wheels come in different sizes, materials, and shapes, and choosing the right one largely depends on your skill level, riding style, and personal preference.
For those who love cruising, larger and softer wheels are the ideal choice as they offer more stability and cushioning, especially on rougher terrains. They also provide a comfortable and smooth ride, allowing riders to travel longer distances without feeling fatigued. On the other hand, wheels for tricks and stunts are smaller, harder, and lighter, making them perfect for flips, rails, and slides. These wheels offer more control and precision, allowing riders to perform tricks more efficiently. However, they may not be as comfortable for cruising as they have less cushioning and grip. Ultimately, choosing the right skateboard wheel depends on your personal preference, riding style, and the type of surfaces you will be riding on.
Why is it Important to Consider Buying Skateboard Wheels For Tricks And Cruising?
Skateboarding is a fun and thrilling sport that requires the right equipment to perform well. Skateboard wheels are a crucial part of any skateboard, and they impact how it performs on various terrains and tricks. If you’re looking to improve your skateboarding skills, choosing the right wheels for tricks and cruising can make a remarkable difference. Here are some key reasons why you should consider investing in the right skateboard wheels.
Quality material for durability
When it comes to skateboarding, durability is key. Skateboard wheels that are made with quality materials will last longer and withstand the wear and tear of tricks and cruising. The material used in the production of skateboard wheels can greatly affect their performance and lifespan.
High-quality skateboard wheels are typically made of polyurethane, which is a highly durable material that can withstand the impact of jumps, flips, and other tricks. Cheaper wheels made of plastic or lower grade materials can quickly wear down or crack, leading to a less enjoyable skateboarding experience.
Investing in a set of high-quality skateboard wheels made with durable materials will not only improve your skateboarding experience but also save you money in the long run by lasting longer and not requiring constant replacements.
Appropriate size for better performance
Choosing the appropriate size of skateboard wheels for tricks and cruising is essential for better performance. The size of the wheels directly affects the speed, stability, and maneuverability of the skateboard. For example, smaller wheels are ideal for performing tricks as they offer better control and grip, allowing skaters to perform technical maneuvers with ease. On the other hand, larger wheels are suitable for cruising as they offer more speed and a comfortable ride over rough surfaces.
Selecting the wheel size based on personal preference and the type of skateboarding will help to improve performance. Many professional skaters choose to use smaller wheels for street skating as they need more control and grip to perform complex maneuvers. Whereas, longboarders usually prefer larger wheels for cruising as they offer a comfortable ride over long distances. In summary, choosing the appropriate size of skateboard wheels is crucial for better performance and an enjoyable skateboarding experience.
Optimal hardness for desired level of grip
Skateboard wheels are an essential part of the skateboard that plays a crucial role in the performance of the rider. The hardness of the wheels determines the level of grip and control that a skateboarder has over their board. For tricks and cruising, it is important to have optimal hardness to achieve the desired level of grip.
For cruising, softer wheels with a lower durometer rating of 75-85 are ideal. These wheels provide better shock absorption and a smooth ride, making it easier to cruise around on various surfaces with minimal effort. On the other hand, for doing tricks, harder wheels with a higher durometer rating of 95-101 are recommended. These wheels provide better stability and control, allowing skateboarders to land flip tricks and other maneuvers with ease.
In summary, having the right hardness of wheels for tricks and cruising is crucial for achieving maximum performance and control while riding. It is important to choose the right durometer rating for the type of riding that you enjoy and to ensure that you have the best possible experience on your skateboard.
Smooth ride for comfortable cruising
Skateboarding is not just a sport or hobby, it is a lifestyle. Many skateboarders enjoy cruising along the streets and boardwalks, feeling the wind in their hair and the sun on their face. But cruising on rough terrain can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. That’s why it’s important to choose the right skateboard wheels for tricks and cruising.
When it comes to cruising, the most important factor is wheel size and hardness. Larger wheels provide a smoother ride, as they can roll over cracks and bumps more easily than smaller wheels. A wheel with a hardness rating of 78A-87A is also ideal for cruising, as it absorbs vibrations and provides grip without sacrificing speed. So, if you want to enjoy a comfortable cruise around town, choose skateboard wheels that are larger in size and moderate in hardness.
Guide to Choose the Best Skateboard Wheels For Tricks And Cruising
Before diving into the world of skateboard wheels, let’s take a moment to consider some important factors that can make a big difference in your skating performance.
Size and shape
Considering size and shape is important when buying skateboard wheels for tricks and cruising because it affects the overall performance of the skateboard. Larger wheels can smooth out rough terrains, making them ideal for cruising, but they also make the board heavier and slower, making it harder to perform tricks. On the other hand, smaller wheels are lighter and faster, perfect for tricks, but they can also make your ride bumpy on rough or uneven surfaces.
Shape is also a factor to consider because different shapes support different types of skating. For example, a rounded shape is great for cruising and carving, while a square shape provides more stability for performing tricks. It’s essential to choose the right size and shape of skateboard wheels that will cater to your skating style and help you perform at your best.
Durometer (hardness)
Durometer is a measure of hardness and is an important factor to consider when buying skateboard wheels for tricks and cruising. A wheel with higher durometer is harder and slides easily, which is ideal for performing tricks that require a lot of controlled movements. On the other hand, a wheel with lower durometer is softer and provides better grip, making it perfect for cruising and commutes.
Choosing the right durometer helps in ensuring a smooth riding experience and improving the overall performance of the skateboard. A hard wheel with high durometer is not ideal for cruising as it can vibrate and be uncomfortable for longer rides, while a soft wheel with low durometer may not provide the required grip for performing tricks. Therefore, it is important to consider durometer when buying skateboard wheels to ensure you have the right wheels for your specific needs.
Contact patch
Contact patch is an important factor to consider before buying skateboard wheels for tricks and cruising. The contact patch is the area on the wheel that comes in contact with the ground and determines the amount of grip and speed the rider will have. A wider contact patch provides more grip and stability for tricks and cruising, whereas a smaller contact patch allows for faster speeds and easier sliding. So, depending on your preference and style of skateboarding, you need to choose the right contact patch size that suits your needs.
Moreover, contact patch size affects the overall performance of the skateboard, especially when it comes to tricks and cruising. Wheels with a larger contact patch tend to have a slower rotation speed and require more effort to perform tricks, while wheels with a smaller contact patch offer quicker turns and improved maneuverability. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider the contact patch size before buying skateboard wheels for tricks and cruising to ensure you get a wheel that matches your skill level and riding style, and enhances your overall skateboarding experience.
Core placement
Core placement refers to the position of the plastic center (core) within the wheel. It greatly affects the overall performance of the wheel. Wheels with a centered core are better suited for cruising as they provide better stability and a smoother ride. On the other hand, wheels with an offset core are ideal for tricks and maneuvers as they offer improved lateral stability and grip.
Therefore, it is essential to consider core placement before purchasing skateboard wheels. Choosing the wrong core placement can result in difficulty performing specific tricks or an uncomfortable cruising experience. As such, it is recommended to opt for wheels with a centered core for cruising and those with an offset core for tricks and maneuvers.
Material
Choosing the right material for your skateboard wheels is essential as it can impact your performance while cruising or performing tricks. Typically, skateboard wheels are made from either urethane or plastic, and each material offers different benefits. Urethane wheels are softer and more suitable for cruising as they absorb shock and provide better grip. On the other hand, plastic wheels are harder and more suitable for performing tricks as they offer more speed and are more durable than urethane wheels.
Therefore, it is essential to consider your skating style and the terrain you will be riding on before choosing the material for your wheels. Cruisers want softer wheels, while tricksters need harder wheels. Also, if you primarily ride on rough terrain, you may want to opt for softer wheels for better shock absorption. Similarly, if you ride on smooth, flat surfaces, harder wheels may be better suited to your needs. By considering the material and its properties, you can choose the perfect skateboard wheels that fit your skating style and needs.
Brand reputation
Brand reputation is important to consider when buying skateboard wheels for tricks and cruising because it can determine the overall quality and performance of the product. Reliable and reputable brands are likely to use high-quality materials, advanced manufacturing techniques, and rigorous testing procedures to ensure that their wheels can withstand the wear and tear of skating and provide optimal performance. By choosing a reputable brand, you are more likely to get wheels that can handle the tricks and techniques you want to perform and provide a smooth and enjoyable riding experience.
In addition, a brand’s reputation can reflect their commitment to ethical business practices, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Supporting brands with a positive reputation can align with our personal values and beliefs, contributing to our sense of social responsibility and wellbeing. Moreover, reputable brands often provide better customer service, warranties, and after-sales support, ensuring that you get the most out of your investment and have a positive experience with the product and the company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same skateboard wheels for both tricks and cruising?
It is possible to use the same skateboard wheels for both tricks and cruising, but they may not perform optimally for both activities. Skateboard wheels designed for cruising tend to have a larger diameter and a softer durometer (measuring the hardness of the wheel), which provides a smoother ride and better grip on rougher surfaces. On the other hand, wheels designed for tricks typically have a smaller diameter and a harder durometer, which allows for better control and faster speeds on smooth surfaces. If you plan on doing both activities, it may be best to choose a wheel with a middle ground diameter and durometer rating to balance both needs.
What size skateboard wheels should I use for tricks and cruising?
For tricks, smaller wheels in the range of 49-54mm are generally preferred as they allow for quick movements and better control. These wheels are also lighter and more responsive, which is beneficial for executing tricks such as kickflips, ollies, and grinds. Smaller wheels also have a lower center of gravity, which increases stability while riding in the park or on the street.
For cruising, larger wheels in the range of 55-60mm are recommended as they provide a smoother ride and can handle rougher terrain. These wheels are also faster and roll over obstacles easier, making them ideal for commuting and cruising around town. Larger wheels also have a higher top speed, which is useful for long-distance riding. They provide more traction and stability for carving and riding on uneven surfaces like cobblestones or cracks in the pavement.
What is the difference between hard and soft skateboard wheels?
Winter conditions require tires that offer good traction on snow and ice. Electric fat bikes are best suited with wide tires with aggressive treads that can provide better grip and stability on snowy and slick surfaces. These tires are usually referred to as fat bike winter tires or snow tires, and they come with a lower pressure that allows the tire to stretch to maximum contact with the surface and provide more control and grip.
The size of the tire should be at least 3.8 inches wide and have a diameter of 26 inches to ensure the best possible traction. The tires must be made with high-quality rubber compounds, such as ones with a softer composition, so they won’t freeze in the cold weather. Moreover, it’s recommended to use studded winter tires to ensure additional traction, particularly on icy surfaces.
How often should I replace my skateboard wheels for optimal performance?
Key Takeaways
To conclude, choosing the best skateboard wheels for tricks and cruising can greatly enhance your skating experience. It’s important to consider factors such as size, hardness, and shape when selecting the right wheels for your needs. Our top 13 picks are some of the best on the market, with options for both beginners and experienced skaters alike. Don’t let subpar wheels hold you back – invest in quality and enjoy the ride with the best skateboard wheels for tricks and cruising.