DIAMETER & DUROMETER 101

Skateboard wheels are measured by DIAMETER (height of the wheel) and DUROMETER (hardness of the wheel). The diameter will always be measured in millimeters and for the most part, a majority of wheels use the “A-Scale” to determine the durometer (i.e. 75a or 99a) The diameter and durometer are printed on the side of each wheel. Some companies do not utilize the durometer rating system.

Nearly all wheels are made out of polyurethane; however there are companies providing a more “green” alternative using soy based products. Sector 9 has produced a wheel made from a soy compound. Their “Biothane” formula uses soy oils to offset the use of petroleum. Soy-based urethane is just another step towards a greener earth.

Choosing a skateboard wheel should be a personal decision based on what you expect your board to be able to do.  This means you should make an informed decision and not necessarily base everything on what your friends ride.

First off, let’s figure what type of skating you’re going to do to figure out the best wheel for your board.

LONGBOARDING/CRUISING WHEELS

For more info check out our page on LONGBOARD WHEELS

If you’re cruising around campus or just going from point A to point B you’ll want larger, wider wheels (64mm-78mm+) for speed with a softer durometer (75a-85a) which will deliver a more comfortable ride. The softer wheels allow you to travel over small debris and will grip the road more easily than a harder wheel.

Wheels larger than 60mm are typically only found on longboards. For the most part the larger the wheel, the wider the wheel. The larger wheels deliver a much faster ride for cruising. If you want to get that surfing feeling when you're carving down hills choose a softer durometer that will deliver better traction.

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STREET/TECHNICAL WHEELS

Wheels used for technical street flip tricks tend to be much smaller and harder. You’ll want smaller wheels because they keep your board closer to the ground and the lighter wheel allows you to perform tricks faster and easier.

The harder durometer delivers more of a pop when doing tricks but prepare for a harder landing. Stick with wheels with a diameter of around 50mm-55mm and a durometer between 97a-101a. The pros typically stick with a durometer of around 100a.

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TRANSITION/VERT WHEELS

If you plan on riding ramps you’ll need a slightly larger wheel than if you were just doing technical street tricks. The larger wheel will allow you to pick up and maintain more speed.

The rule of thumb would be to get a wheel between 55mm-65mm; however if you’re brand new to ramps don’t go any smaller than 60mm when you first start out. Ramp wheels should have a durometer in the range of 95a-100a.

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BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

If you skate the streets just as much as ramps you can test out wheels in the range of 52mm-60mm with a durometer between 95a-100a. Again, your wheels are your preference so switch it up once in a while to see what works best for your style of skating.

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