The Best Skateboard Wheels
A skateboard is only as good as its wheels. To navigate the streets, sidewalks, and other surfaces skateboarders find themselves on, it is key to have the right equipment. Finding a skateboard is the easy part. When it comes to the wheels, things get a bit more complicated. Wheels are the most important part of the skateboard package, and there are seemingly countless ones to choose from. The key is knowing what you want to do with the wheels, and what you want to get out of them. Are you planning to use your skateboard only for tricks? There are special wheels for that. Are you planning to use your skateboard for commuting? There are special wheels for that, too. So the first step is determining what the main use of your skateboard is, and going from there. We did some of the dirty work and found the best skateboard wheels on the market.
Freedare Skateboard Wheels 52mm and Bearings
Versatile Wheels
The 52mm size is a great place to start if you are new to skateboarding. This is a mid-sized wheel that will allow you to cruise smoothly. They are lightweight and roll easily and quickly on smooth surfaces. You can also use these Freedare wheels to master your ollies. This is thanks not only to the lighter weight but also to the high-quality bearings that come with the wheels. The grip edge on these keeps you grounded while going downhill and also helps you to do tricks on ramps. Despite the grip, these wheels also allow you to slide easily so you can roll out all the tricks.
Pros:
- Great wheel for beginners and advanced skaters alike
- Lightweight and roll easily
- High-quality bearings
Cons:
- Bearings are a bit slow
Losenka Skateboard Wheels Set
If you are new to skateboarding, this set is perfect for you. Rather than trying to figure out all the different pieces you need to make your board roll, you can get it all in one package. Included in this are skateboard trucks, wheels, bearings, screws, riser pads, and a spacer. The truck is made of aluminum alloy via a die-casting process and finished with metal baking to make it able to endure more weight and pressure than other trucks. The hardness of the wheels in this set is 95a, which means it’s great for beginners — not too high, not too low. And the bearings will give you a smooth ride.
Pros:
- Pieces fit all 7.5-8” decks
- Great value
- Includes all screws needed
Cons:
- Need your own tools to install
Shark Wheel 72 mm 78a Longboard Wheels
In It For the Long Haul
Longboard wheels are the biggest and softest wheels out there. They are made to withstand rough surfaces and keep you grounded when making turns on the wide-open road. This option from Shark Wheel is built with tough terrain in mind, making it a great choice for all sorts of riding. Their slide control keeps you safe and the low friction allows you to move fast without having to try too hard. They are great for going over rocks on roads, crosswalks, and any other ground that other wheels may stop you on. Experience the true meaning of a smooth ride with these wheels on your board.
Pros:
- Available in five different colors
- Wave design helps the board move faster without additional effort
- Last longer than competitors
- Keep sliding under control
Cons:
- On the more expensive side
Orangatang Caguama 85mm Longboard Wheels for Cruising
Zoom Through The Neighborhood
These 85mm wheels are perfect for electric skateboards. Big and smooth, these babies are built to go the distance. They provide a high level of comfort thanks to their softness, as well as their ability to roll right over rocks, sticks, and other rough road conditions that may come your way. Orangatang has its own urethane formula called Happy Thane that makes wheels smooth and fast. It also gives them grip and stability. The core on these reduces weight while simultaneously providing the ability to accelerate and retain momentum. In short, these wheels will make you feel like a speed demon, but a safe one.
Pros:
- Provide high speed and strong grip
- Make ride more comfortable
- Come in three different colors with three different durometers
Cons:
- Color may fade
LOSENKA 52mm Skateboard Wheels with ABEC-9 Bearings and Spacers
Start Fresh With These
It is recommended for new skaters to use 52mm wheels. This size rides lower to the ground and isn’t as fast as the bigger ones. This helps new skaters keep more control over their rides and keeps them safer as they’re learning the tricks of this new mode of transportation. These LOSENKA wheels are not only great for beginners, but also for seasoned skaters looking to up their trick game. They make flip tricks and other technical tricks easier to do, so they’re perfect for street skating and skateparks. To make the wheel stronger and more resistant to wear, LOSENKA uses cold fusion processing when making them.
Pros:
- The smaller size means lower to the ground and safer for beginners
- Great for seasoned skaters looking to do tricks
- Strong and able to withstand a lot of wear
Cons:
- Bearings are not as high quality as hoped
Frequently Asked Questions
What wheels do pro skaters use?
Many pro skaters use 54mm wheels while others use 51mm. They tend to go on the smaller side so that they can do more tricks. The bigger wheels are meant for riding longer distances and for rough terrain.
Why aren’t soft wheels good for tricks?
Soft wheels are made for cruising, not for tricks. Because soft ones are made to make your ride comfortable, they have more bounce to them and also stick to the ground more. This makes them able to deal with small objects in the road and rough terrain, but it makes them not ideal for ollies and other technical tricks.
What is the ideal-size wheel for the street?
88a-95a wheels are harder and faster. They don’t have as strong of a grip as some of the bigger wheels. If you go up to a 96a-99a size, you will get a faster speed and a stronger grip. Most longboards have bigger wheels because they are built for traveling, not so much for tricks.
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