The size or diameter of your skateboard wheels will noticeably affect your skateboard’s performance. A wheel of large diameter will go faster and weigh a little more than a smaller wheel. A large wheel will also raise you and your deck off the ground higher than a smaller wheel. A smaller wheel will weigh less, sit you closer to the ground, and will be easier to maneuver.
Technical street skaters will prefer wheels on the smaller end of the spectrum as the small wheels’ light weight allows street skaters to perform flip tricks more easily. Transition skaters will usually opt for something larger that will carry more speed.
Skateboard wheel diameter is measured in millimeters and the size range is generally 49mm to 75mm. 26 millimeters may seem insignificant if you haven’t experimented much with different sized skate wheels, but even a couple millimeters will make a difference to experienced skaters. To break down wheel size by general riding style, see the table below.
42mm - 52mm
Technical street skating wheels
52mm - 55mm
All around skating, geared more towards street
55mm - 60mm
All around skating, geared more towards transition
60mm - 65mm
Transition skating wheels
65mm - 70mm
Some transition wheels in this size, many cruiser & longboard wheels
70mm+
Basically all downhill longboard wheels
WHEEL DUROMETER
The hardness or durometer of a skateboard wheel determines how much grip the wheel has and the amount of shock it can absorb. To break it down, a softer wheel will compress when pressure is applied to it, giving it more grip and allowing it to absorb more shock. A harder wheel will barely compress under pressure, giving it less grip, and less shock absorption. A soft wheel will create a very smooth ride, but hard wheels are preferred by most street and transition skaters for their responsiveness.
Riding hard wheels will allow you to feel everything you are rolling over. This awareness will be beneficial as you navigate through rolling transitions in the park or negotiate a collage of concrete and asphalt in the urban jungle. Hard wheels will also respond directly to your movements. When you snap into an ollie, all of the pressure you apply transfers directly to your deck and wheels, giving you maximum pop.
Softer wheelsare great for cruising around and bombing hills at high speeds. They absorb a lot of shock from the road creating a super smooth ride. For some awesome cruiser wheels, take a look at the lineup fromOJ Wheels.
Soft wheels are generally not ideal for street or transition skating, as their grippy-ness will cause them to stick to obstacles rather than grind or slide across them. They are also less responsive to your movements, which makes tricks like ollies and kickflips more difficult.
Wheel durometer is most commonly measured using the “A” scale, the same one used to determine bushing hardness. The A scale is a ranking system of numbers followed by the letter “A”. The larger the number, the higher the durometer, and the harder the wheel. For example 101A would be a very hard skateboard wheel, while 75A would be a very soft one. You can usually see the durometer listed in this manner on a skateboard wheel, along with the wheel’s size. Image of a wheel with size and durometer printed on it. Almost all street and transition wheels are harder than 98A. Cruising wheels are usually around 78A, but can be anywhere between 78A and 90A.
Bones Wheelsuses a “B” rating scale to signify durometer. The B scale is a different way of measuring the same thing, and is mainly used for the hardest wheels on the spectrum. The conversion is simple, the B scale reads 20 values below the A scale:
Lubricant and cleaning kits are used to keep the bearings in the wheels turning quickly and smoothly; if this is your first board, these upgrades are not necessary. Make sure you love to ride first!
Nothing's goes with a new set of wheels better than a fresh set of bearings. If you're not sure what bearings do, they're what makes the wheels (and the entire board) move. They fit tightly and stay inside the wheel hubs using pressure. All skateboard bearings are sold in sets of 8 (2 per wheel).
If the board is to be used for all-around riding or getting around town, spacers are NOT needed. Spacers sit between the bearings in the wheel and provide additional stability for more advanced riding.
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Flargus
Flargus on 07/10/18
Part of a complete I put together their, can't wait to ride!
Pro kid soon
Pro father on 01/17/19
Super smoth
Pro kid soon
Pro father on 01/17/19
Super smoth
Pro kid soon
Pro father on 01/17/19
Super smoth
Keep on Rolling
Jimothy on 09/16/19
Wheels look and feel like heaven. I got these for a cruiser build and am very pleased with how these preform.
Only ones like it.
Nick on 01/31/21
These wheels grip like a horror film. They are smoother than glass. Since I've allready worn out one pair (Down to 50mm measured with calipers) I can say they don't last the longest. However, I live in a hick town so the pavement absolutely sucks, these are almost a must. Flat ground with these isn't a problem. Ofcourse, the filmer/commuter role is how these excell. You still gotta watch out for rocks. There are two reasons I gave it only 4 stars. The first, They wore down quickly. The had small divots appear in the sides, they cupped, and one had a cut in the to of it. This never affected how they rode, but it rubbed me the wrong way. Second, the price. These things aren't made of unicorn farts. It's a simple combo. Wide wheels with a soft durometer. It's not genius idea, and shouldn't cost like it is. The only reason I buy these instead of something like Bones atf is that these LOOK like skateboard wheels instead of longboard style wheels. If this doesn't bother you then you could also look at the bones or something similar. These are 4 star though!
Great wheels fast af
Steve on 03/28/17
I love these wheels they are super smooth and really fast great for just old man cruising.
The Best of Both Worlds
Matt S on 04/19/17
The clouds give you the comfort of riding a long-board, yet the maneuverability to skate street. They're perfect for commutes on rough roads where you want to ollie up a curb or kickflip over a sewer grate as well as filming. With my first set of them I was a bit worried that they'd fall apart because they're so soft, but they lasted me several years.
Sick
Leo on 12/09/17
So soft and can basically ride over anything.
nice!
Benjamin on 08/21/19
these are nice!
nice!
Benjamin on 08/21/19
these are nice!
Super fast
danielc on 09/20/20
Smooth and fast wheels. Great for cruising over rough roads or sidewalks.
Great wheel to Cruze
Pete Beach on 02/03/21
I love these wheels they are super smooth and skating around the city fast and fun.
literally the best thing to happen to skateboarding
Hayden Vanwinkle on 11/07/21
if you think i'm over selling it, im not dude buy some rn idc if you're homeless, you need theseÂ
