Skateboarding is all about cruising with style and comfort. And when it comes to comfort, nothing plays a more crucial role than the wheels. The softness of the wheels determines how smooth your ride will be, especially on rough roads or crooked sidewalks. That’s why we have brought you the top 10 best soft skateboard wheels, specifically designed to provide a comfortable and stable ride on any terrain. Whether you are a professional skateboarder or a beginner, these wheels will take your skateboarding experience to the next level. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of the best soft skateboard wheels.
Get ready for our reviews on the best soft skateboard wheels, but first, here are some related Amazon products to check out:
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Best Soft Skateboard Wheels
Everything you Need to Know About Soft Skateboard Wheels
Soft skateboard wheels are a popular choice for skateboarders who prioritize comfort and a smooth ride. They are made of a softer material such as polyurethane that provides better shock absorption and makes for a more comfortable ride. The softer material also enhances grip and offers better control during turns, making them an ideal choice for cruising.
Soft skateboard wheels come in a range of durometers (hardness levels), with lower durometers typically providing a smoother ride and higher durometers offering better durability for tricks and park skating. They are also available in various sizes, with larger sizes offering better speed and smaller sizes offering more maneuverability. Overall, soft skateboard wheels are an excellent choice for skateboarders who desire a comfortable, smooth ride.
What Makes Purchasing Soft Skateboard Wheels Essential?
Soft skateboard wheels offer a host of benefits that all skateboard enthusiasts should take into consideration. From better grip to a smoother ride, there are several key reasons why soft wheels might be the right choice for you. Here are just a few of the reasons why you should consider investing in a set of soft skateboard wheels.
Improved grip
When it comes to skateboarding, grip is a crucial factor for maintaining balance and control. The wheels of a skateboard are responsible for providing grip on surfaces and absorbing shocks during riding. Soft skateboard wheels are designed to offer improved grip on surfaces, especially on rough or uneven terrain. The softness of these wheels allows them to deform slightly under the pressure of the rider’s weight, which increases the contact area between the wheels and the ground. This feature adds to the wheels’ grip, making it easier to maintain control on slippery or bumpy surfaces. Soft skateboard wheels can also reduce vibrations, which can make for a smoother ride and less fatigue for the rider. Overall, if you want to improve your grip and control on your skateboard, opting for a set of soft wheels might be a good idea.
Better shock absorption
Soft skateboard wheels are designed to offer better shock absorption compared to their harder counterparts. This is particularly beneficial for skateboarders who love to perform tricks or ride on rough and uneven surfaces. The soft wheels tend to compress more upon impact, which helps to absorb any shocks or vibrations that may result from landing a trick or riding on a bumpy surface.
In addition, the increased shock absorption can also help to reduce the stress placed on the skateboarder’s joints, such as the knees and ankles. This is especially important for athletes who skate for long periods or those who are recovering from injuries. In general, the softer the wheels, the better the shock absorption. However, softer wheels also tend to wear out faster and may not be ideal for high-speed skating or cruising on smooth surfaces.
Smoother ride on rough/uneven surfaces
Soft skateboard wheels can be a great option for skaters who like to cruise around on rough or uneven surfaces. These wheels are made from softer materials, usually around 78A durometer or less, which allows them to absorb more of the impact from bumps and cracks in the pavement. This means that skaters can often ride over rough terrain with less vibration and discomfort, making for a smoother overall experience.
Another benefit of soft skateboard wheels when riding on rough surfaces is improved traction. The rubber-like material used in these wheels can better grip the pavement, giving skaters more control as they make their way over bumpy terrain. This can be especially important for beginners or those who are less confident on a skateboard, as it can help prevent slips and falls that might be more common with harder wheels. Overall, if you’re looking for a more comfortable, stable ride on rough surfaces, soft skateboard wheels could be a great choice.
Reduced risk of flat spots
When a skateboard is ridden on tough surfaces, such as asphalt or concrete, it subjects the wheels to considerable pressure. This constant pressure over time can result in flat spotted wheels. The flat spots on the wheels can cause an annoying and jarring experience for the rider, as well as hinder the performance of the skateboard. This is where soft skateboard wheels can help.
Soft skateboard wheels have a higher amount of urethane, which makes them more comfortable to ride and absorb the impact better when rolling over rough surfaces. This reduced impact pressure means reduced wear and tear on the wheels. Additionally, the soft wheels’ ability to absorb impact can also help reduce the risk of flat spots forming on the wheels. This makes them an excellent option for skateboarders who ride frequently or on rough surfaces. In summary, buying soft skateboard wheels can reduce the risk of flat spots, making for a more enjoyable and smoother riding experience.
Buyer’s Guides
Finding the perfect set of soft skateboard wheels can greatly enhance your riding experience. Here are some important factors to keep in mind when searching for the best ones.
Size
The size of soft skateboard wheels is an important factor to consider before making a purchase because it affects the overall performance and ride of the skateboard. The larger the wheel size, the faster the skateboard can travel and the smoother the ride will be over rough surfaces. On the other hand, smaller wheels are more maneuverable and easier to control, making them ideal for tricks and technical riding. Additionally, larger wheels are typically better for cruising and commuting, while smaller wheels are better suited for park and street skating. Ultimately, the size of soft skateboard wheels you choose should depend on your personal preferences and riding style.
Another reason to consider size before buying soft skateboard wheels is that it can affect the durability of the wheels. Smaller wheels tend to wear out faster than larger ones, as they make more contact with the ground and are subjected to more friction. Larger wheels, on the other hand, have more surface area and can therefore last longer. Choosing the right size of wheels for your skateboard can help ensure that they last as long as possible, saving you money in the long run. Additionally, it’s important to consider the size of the wheels in relation to the trucks and deck of your skateboard, as the size of all these components should be balanced for optimal performance and stability.
Durometer
Durometer is a measure of a material’s hardness, and it is an important factor to consider when purchasing skateboard wheels, especially for those who prefer a softer ride. Soft skateboard wheels typically have a lower durometer rating, indicating that they are more pliable and better able to absorb shocks and vibrations. Softer wheels are ideal for those who prefer to ride on rough terrain or who want a more comfortable ride, but they may not be as durable or provide as much speed as harder wheels.
When choosing soft skateboard wheels, it is crucial to consider the durometer rating carefully. This will allow the rider to select a wheel that is suitable for their level of experience, style, and the terrain they will be riding on. Selecting the right durometer can make all the difference in the rider’s experience and can help them avoid injuries due to falls or sudden stops.
Shape
When buying soft skateboard wheels, the shape of the wheel plays a crucial role in determining the performance of the skateboard. Soft wheels are made for cruising and commuting, hence they require a unique shape that offers stability at high speeds while still maintaining adequate grip and control. The square shape is the most common for soft wheels as it offers good grip and stability. It is also useful for maintaining control on rough surfaces and providing a comfortable ride.
Another important consideration when it comes to the shape of soft skateboard wheels is their overall diameter and width. Wider and larger wheels provide better stability and are ideal for cruising and commuting. They also offer excellent shock absorption and are comfortable while riding on rough terrain. Smaller and narrower wheels are ideal for manoeuvrability and performing tricks. Overall, the shape of soft skateboard wheels must be selected based on the intended use, and the overall performance desired.
Contact patch
The contact patch is the area of the wheel that makes contact with the ground while riding a skateboard. It is an important consideration when buying soft skateboard wheels because it affects the level of grip and traction of the board. A larger contact patch provides more grip and stability, ideal for cruising and carving. A smaller contact patch, on the other hand, offers less grip but provides more speed and agility, suitable for tricks and park skating. Therefore, considering the contact patch helps in choosing the right set of soft skateboard wheels for a specific type of skating.
Furthermore, the size and shape of the contact patch also determine the wear and tear of the wheels. A larger contact patch distributes the weight evenly, resulting in a slower wear rate and a longer lifespan. On the other hand, a smaller contact patch wears out quickly, requiring frequent replacement. Therefore, understanding the contact patch is essential in selecting a set of soft skateboard wheels that offer good grip, stability, and durability, leading to a better overall skating experience.
Material
Material is an important factor to consider when buying soft skateboard wheels because it determines the wheel’s durability and performance. Different materials, such as urethane and polyurethane, have different properties that affect how the wheels will behave on the skateboard. For example, urethane wheels tend to be softer, providing a smoother ride on rough surfaces, but they may wear out faster than polyurethane wheels, which are more durable. Additionally, material can affect other factors such as grip, slide, and speed, so it’s important to choose the right material for the type of skateboarding you plan to do.
Choosing the right material for your soft skateboard wheels can also save you money in the long run. Investing in high-quality wheels made from durable materials means you’ll have to replace them less frequently, reducing your overall cost of ownership. Moreover, getting the right material will help you skate safely and enjoy the sport more, as you’ll avoid experiencing wheel failures or accidents due to inadequate materials. Therefore, considering the material before buying soft skateboard wheels is a crucial step to ensure you get the best possible performance and value.
Brand
Brand plays a crucial role in determining the quality and durability of soft skateboard wheels. Established and reputable brands invest in research and development to craft top-quality wheels that offer excellent performance and longevity. On the other hand, lesser-known brands may compromise on quality to cut costs and increase profits, resulting in wheels that wear out quickly and fail to deliver optimal performance. Therefore, it’s advisable to consider the brand before purchasing soft skateboard wheels to ensure that you invest in a reliable and high-quality product that offers a smooth and comfortable ride.
Another reason to consider the brand of soft skateboard wheels is the availability of replacement parts and warranty policies. Established brands offer replacement parts with their products, making it easier for customers to replace worn-out parts without having to replace the entire wheel. Additionally, reputable brands typically back their products with reliable warranty policies that protect customers from defects and manufacturing issues. By choosing a reputable and established brand, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to access replacement parts and customer support in case the need arises.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are soft skateboard wheels and how do they differ from harder wheels?
Soft skateboard wheels are made from a softer urethane compound that provides a smoother ride and better grip on rough surfaces. They are typically measured on the durometer scale between 78A and 87A. These wheels are ideal for cruising and carving, and they absorb vibrations better than harder wheels, providing a more comfortable ride. Soft skateboard wheels provide more grip and control on wet surfaces, but they tend to wear down faster than harder wheels.
Hard skateboard wheels, on the other hand, are made from a harder urethane compound and typically measure between 90A and 101A on the durometer scale. They are better for performing tricks and performing on smooth surfaces, as they provide more speed and maneuverability. However, they are less forgiving on rough surfaces and can cause a rough ride. Choosing between soft and hard skateboard wheels ultimately depends on personal preference and the type of skating you plan to do.
Who should use soft skateboard wheels and for what type of skating?
Soft skateboard wheels are best suited for cruising and commuting and are ideal for those looking for a more comfortable ride. They have a lower durometer, meaning that they are softer and absorb more shock, giving the rider a smoother experience on rough surfaces like sidewalks and street cracks. Soft wheels also offer better grip, which translates to better control and stability at slower speeds.
Beginners especially may find soft wheels more forgiving as they learn to balance and control their board. Additionally, those who enjoy street or urban skating, as opposed to more technical tricks and maneuvers, may prefer the smoother ride and increased stability provided by soft wheels. Overall, soft skateboard wheels are a great choice for those looking for a comfortable, smooth ride in a variety of environments.
How does the durometer rating affect the performance of soft skateboard wheels?
Yes, any type of fender can be installed on a hybrid bike as long as it is compatible with the size and design of the bike. Full coverage fenders are ideal for hybrid bikes as they provide maximum protection against mud, dirt, and water splashes. However, other types of fenders such as clip-on or mountable fenders can also be installed depending on the rider’s preference and the bike’s compatibility. It is important to ensure that the fender is properly installed and secured to avoid any accidents or damage to the bike.
How often should I replace my soft skateboard wheels and how do I know when they need to be changed?
Final Verdict
Soft skateboard wheels provide comfort and a smoother ride, allowing skaters to navigate rough surfaces and perform tricks with ease. As we have seen, the best soft skateboard wheels are made from high-quality materials, have a durometer rating between 78A and 87A, and offer the right balance between grip and slide.
In this article, we have compiled a list of the top ten best soft skateboard wheels, along with a comprehensive buying guide that will help you make an informed purchase. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skateboarder, choosing the best soft skateboard wheels can make a significant difference in your skating experience and performance. So, invest in the best soft skateboard wheels today and enjoy a smooth, comfortable ride.