The Way to Determine the Hardness of a Skateboard’s Wheels

The Way to Determine the Hardness of a Skateboard’s Wheels

Skateboard wheels can help or hurt your riding, so choosing wheels with the right hardness is crucial. Soft wheels can provide more grip and are a good choice for street skating, but they are slower than harder wheels, which are a better choice for smooth roads, especially in skate parks.

The company uses a durometer scale to show the hardness of the skateboard wheels they make. The lower the number, the softer the wheel. Most manufacturers use the Durometer A scale. For example, a skateboard wheel with a hardness of 78a will be considered very soft, and a skateboard wheel with a hardness of 100a will be considered very hard.

The Durometer B scale is 20 points lower than the A scale, which tends to be more accurate, especially for measuring harder skateboard wheels. In other words, a wheel marked 80b has the same hardness as one marked 100a.

Skateboard wheel hardness guide

Most skateboard wheels are between 78 and 100 on the Durometer A scale.

78a to 87a are soft wheels, suitable for rough roads, such as sidewalks, roads, and other pavements with cobbles, rocks, and cracks, because they provide smoother driving and better grip. Longboards or street boards usually have soft wheels.

88a to 95a have a little less grip but still grip well, making them suitable for rough surfaces and street skating. They are just a bit hard and a bit fast.

96a to 99a are good wheels suitable for all-around use. They provide a balance between grip and speed, making them a choice for beginners on smooth surfaces such as street skateboarding and skate parks and ramps.

101a plus is a professional wheel. They are the fastest, hardest, and have the least grip, and are only used on smooth surfaces.

Although the softer wheels have a better grip on the ground, they can soon be torn or turned into flat spots. Harder wheels may last longer, but the grip is poor. Longboards usually have very soft wheels, and street skaters may want harder wheels if their riding surface is not too rough.

Some manufacturers design their wheels specifically for specific purposes for the convenience of buyers.

Skateboard wheel diameter

Another number to know when choosing a skateboard wheel is the diameter, which is generally between 50 mm and 75 mm. The larger wheels are faster and more suitable for longboards and cruisers, as well as the rough roads you encounter when skating on the street. Smaller wheels are slower but are the best choice for skills on shortboards and for the smooth surfaces of ramps, bowls, and skate parks. For starters, an average size of 54 mm to 59 mm is usually best.

Because your weight and height are also factors in choosing wheels, seek help from an expert in a skateboard shop.

Skateboard contact patch

The contact patch is the part of the wheel that touches the ground. The size and shape of the wheel determine the appropriate size of the contact patch. Get the correct size patch to ensure the best performance by distributing your weight reasonably.

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