Imagine this: you’ve finally got your dream skateboard, but the wheels just aren’t cutting it. They feel slow, bumpy, or just plain wrong. Ever felt that frustration? Choosing the right skateboard wheels can be a real puzzle. So many sizes, colors, and types! It’s easy to get lost and pick wheels that don’t match your style of skating.
But don’t worry, we’ve all been there! This post is here to clear up all the confusion. We’ll break down exactly what makes skateboard wheels tick. By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand the secrets behind picking the perfect set. You’ll know how to choose wheels that make your rides smoother, faster, and more fun.
Get ready to roll with confidence. Let’s dive into the awesome world of skateboard wheels and find the ones that will take your skating to the next level.
Our Top 5 Wheels For Skateboards Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Wheels For Skateboards Detailed Reviews
1. TLHB Skateboard Truck
Rating: 9.0/10
Ready to upgrade your ride or just starting out? The TLHB Skateboard Truck, Skateboard Wheels 52mm, and Hardware Combo Starter Kit in sleek black is a fantastic choice for any skater. This kit gives you all the essential parts to get your skateboard rolling smoothly and reliably.
What We Like:
- The trucks are built tough! They use strong aluminum alloy and have been hardened, so they can handle a lot of weight and pressure.
- The wheels are just right for everyone. With a 95a hardness and good rebound, they work great for both experienced skaters and beginners. You won’t have to worry about slipping too much or the wheels cracking.
- You’ll get a super smooth ride thanks to the ABEC-9 bearings. They spin for a long time without any load, giving you a great feeling as you skate.
- This kit is designed to fit most skateboards. The trucks work perfectly with decks that are 7.5 to 8 inches wide.
- It’s a complete set! You get the trucks, 52mm wheels, ABEC-9 bearings, 1-inch screws, 2mm riser pads, and spacers. Everything you need is in one box.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the kit is great for standard setups, some very advanced skaters might want to customize their truck size or wheel hardness further.
- The “black” color is classic, but a wider variety of color options could appeal to more skaters who want to personalize their board’s look.
This TLHB skateboard combo kit offers excellent quality and performance for its price. It’s a solid choice that will help you enjoy your skateboarding adventures.
2. AXDT Skateboard Wheels Set
Rating: 9.4/10
The AXDT Skateboard Wheels Set is a fantastic all-in-one package for anyone looking to build or upgrade their skateboard. This set includes everything you need: trucks, wheels, bearings, hardware, and even riser pads. The black on black design looks super cool and is ready to hit the streets or the skate park.
What We Like:
- This set has all the essential parts for a skateboard.
- The 5.0 trucks are made of strong magnesium aluminum alloy.
- They can handle a good amount of weight and pressure.
- The 52mm wheels have a 100a hardness, perfect for beginners.
- These wheels are made with PU infusion, so they won’t crack easily.
- The ABEC-9 bearings are really fast and spin smoothly for a long time.
- This set fits most 7.5-inch to 8-inch skateboard decks.
- It comes with riser pads to give you a little extra clearance.
- The 1-inch hardware is a good standard size.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 2mm riser pads might be too thin for some setups, and you might need thicker ones.
- While good for beginners, more experienced skaters might want harder wheels for specific tricks.
This AXDT Skateboard set offers great value and makes getting started or upgrading simple. It’s a solid choice for skaters of many levels.
3. Spitfire 52mm Wheels Bighead White/Red Skateboard Wheels – 99a with Bones Bearings – 8mm Bones Reds Precision Skate Rated Skateboard Bearings (8) Pack – Bundle of 2 Items
Rating: 8.8/10
Level up your ride with the Spitfire 52mm Bighead Skateboard Wheels and Bones Reds Bearings bundle. This package brings together two essential parts of any skateboard setup. You get the awesome Spitfire 52mm Bighead wheels in a cool white and red design. These wheels are known for their smooth performance. Plus, they come with the super-reliable Bones Reds bearings. These bearings are a favorite among skaters for a reason. They help your wheels spin fast and true. This bundle makes getting your board ready to shred super easy.
What We Like:
- The Spitfire Bighead wheels offer great grip and a smooth ride for street and park skating.
- Bones Reds bearings are known for their speed, durability, and smooth rolling.
- This bundle saves you time and hassle by combining two top-quality skateboarding essentials.
- The 52mm size is a versatile choice for many types of skateboarding.
- The classic white and red design looks sharp on any board.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some skaters might prefer slightly larger or smaller wheels depending on their style.
- While durable, bearings will eventually wear out and need replacement, as is standard.
This bundle is a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to upgrade their skateboard or build a new one. You get quality performance right out of the box.
4. LONTOHCE Skateboard Wheels 52mm 95A with Tool Set
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready to shred with the LONTOHCE Skateboard Wheels 52mm 95A! This awesome package includes everything you need to get your board rolling smoothly. You’ll find four durable polyurethane wheels, special skateboard bearings for a fast ride, and all the washers, spacers, and an all-in-one tool to make sure your setup is perfect. These wheels are built tough for street skating and tricks.
What We Like:
- The 52mm diameter is just right for street skating and performing all sorts of cool tricks.
- The 95A hardness makes these wheels great for various surfaces like sidewalks, ramps, and different kinds of pavement.
- You get a complete package with wheels, bearings, washers, spacers, and even a skateboard tool – super convenient!
- The wheels are made from strong polyurethane (PU) and the bearings are carbon steel, meaning they can handle lots of use.
- LONTOHCE offers a 30-day return or exchange if you’re not happy with your purchase.
What Could Be Improved:
- The white color might show dirt easily after a few sessions.
- While great for beginners, more advanced skaters might want to explore different hardness levels for specific styles.
This set is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to upgrade their skateboard or start out with quality gear. You’ll be hitting the streets and parks with confidence.
5. NONMON 4pcs Skateboard Wheels 52mm with Bearings
Rating: 8.8/10
Ready to upgrade your ride? The NONMON 4pcs Skateboard Wheels 52mm with Bearings are here to help you conquer the streets and master new tricks. These wheels are designed for skaters who love to cruise and perform street stunts. They offer a great balance of speed and control for a fun skateboarding experience.
What We Like:
- These wheels are a perfect size at 52mm, making them ideal for street skating and tricks.
- The 95A hardness PU material is super tough and lasts a long time.
- They offer a good rebound, about 80%, which makes your ride feel smooth.
- The included 608RS ABEC-9 bearings are fast and slide really well.
- A grippy edge on the wheels helps you stay in control, even when going downhill.
- Everything comes pre-assembled – wheels, bearings, and spacers are all ready to go!
- They are lightweight, which is great for doing tricks.
- These wheels work on many different surfaces, like ramps, sidewalks, and smooth concrete.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for street, they might be a bit small for very rough terrain or long distance cruising.
- The 95A hardness might feel a little stiff for absolute beginners on very bumpy surfaces.
These NONMON skateboard wheels are a fantastic choice for any skater looking for a reliable and fun upgrade. Get ready to roll and show off your skills!
Choosing the Best Wheels for Your Skateboard
Picking the right skateboard wheels makes a big difference in how your board rides. Whether you’re cruising around town, grinding rails, or learning new tricks, your wheels are super important. This guide will help you find the perfect set for your skateboarding adventures.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for skateboard wheels, keep these important things in mind:
1. Size (Diameter)
Wheel size is measured in millimeters (mm). Smaller wheels are lighter and speed up faster, which is great for tricks and skateparks. Bigger wheels roll over cracks and bumps more easily, making them good for cruising and rougher streets.
- Small Wheels (50-53mm): Best for technical tricks and skateparks.
- Medium Wheels (54-56mm): A good all-around size for street and park.
- Large Wheels (57mm+): Ideal for cruising, downhill, and rough surfaces.
2. Hardness (Durometer)
Wheel hardness is measured using the “A” scale. A higher number means a harder wheel.
- Softer Wheels (78A-87A): Offer more grip and a smoother ride. They are quieter and absorb vibrations well, making them excellent for cruising and rough pavement.
- Medium Wheels (88A-95A): A good balance between grip and slide. They work well for street skating and learning tricks.
- Harder Wheels (96A-101A+): Provide less grip and slide easily, which is perfect for tricks, grinds, and smooth surfaces like skateparks.
3. Shape and Contact Patch
The shape of the wheel and how much of it touches the ground (contact patch) affect grip and speed.
- Narrow Wheels: Have less contact with the ground, reducing friction and making them faster. They are good for grinds.
- Wide Wheels: Offer more grip and stability. This is helpful for landing tricks and riding rough terrain.
Important Materials
Skateboard wheels are almost always made from polyurethane. This material is tough, durable, and can be made in different hardnesses. Different types of polyurethane can change how the wheel feels and performs. Some brands use special formulas to make their wheels last longer or roll faster.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your skateboard wheels depends on a few things:
- Brand Reputation: Well-known skate brands often use better materials and have more experience making good wheels.
- Urethane Formula: The specific way the polyurethane is made really matters. Some formulas are more resistant to flat spots (when the wheel gets a flattened part from sliding) and wear down slower.
- Core: Some wheels have a strong inner core made of harder plastic or even aluminum. This core helps keep the wheel’s shape and makes it lighter and more responsive.
Poor quality wheels might wear down quickly, get flat spots easily, or feel wobbly. They might also not grip or slide as well as you need them to.
User Experience and Use Cases
Your choice of wheels should match how you want to skate:
- Cruising: If you ride your skateboard for fun and getting around, you want comfortable wheels. Softer, larger wheels (like 78A, 56mm+) will give you a smooth ride over bumps and cracks. They grip well and don’t make much noise.
- Street Skating: For tricks on sidewalks, stairs, and ledges, you need wheels that can handle impact and slide. Medium-hard wheels (90A-99A) offer a good mix of grip for landing and slide for grinds. A common size is around 52-54mm.
- Skatepark and Vert: If you spend your time at skateparks, ramps, and half-pipes, you’ll want faster, harder wheels. Harder wheels (99A+) allow you to slide on coping and maintain speed on smooth surfaces. Smaller to medium sizes (50-54mm) are good for quick acceleration.
- Downhill: For riding down hills fast, you need stability and speed. Larger, harder wheels (57mm+, 95A+) help you maintain control and roll over debris.
Choosing the right wheels is like choosing the right shoes for running. They help you perform at your best and enjoy your ride more!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main key features to look for in skateboard wheels?
A: The main key features are the wheel’s size (diameter), its hardness (durometer), and its shape/contact patch. These all affect how your skateboard rides.
Q: What are skateboard wheels usually made of?
A: Skateboard wheels are almost always made of polyurethane. Different formulas of polyurethane change their performance.
Q: How does wheel size affect my skateboarding?
A: Smaller wheels speed up faster and are lighter, good for tricks. Bigger wheels roll over obstacles better, good for cruising.
Q: What does the “A” number mean on skateboard wheels?
A: The “A” number, called durometer, tells you how hard the wheel is. Higher numbers mean harder wheels.
Q: Should I get soft or hard wheels for cruising?
A: For cruising, you should get softer wheels (like 78A). They give a smoother, grippier ride over rough surfaces.
Q: What kind of wheels are best for doing tricks?
A: For tricks, you usually want harder wheels (like 96A-101A). They slide easier and are good for grinds.
Q: Can wheel shape change how my board rides?
A: Yes, the shape and how much of the wheel touches the ground (contact patch) affect grip and speed. Narrow wheels are faster, while wide wheels offer more stability.
Q: How can I tell if a skateboard wheel is good quality?
A: Good quality wheels come from trusted brands, have a good urethane formula that resists wear, and might have a strong inner core.
Q: Will different wheels make my skateboard feel different?
A: Yes, changing your wheels can completely change how your skateboard feels and performs. It’s one of the easiest ways to upgrade your ride.
Q: Where do I find the size and hardness of a skateboard wheel?
A: The size (in mm) and hardness (in A) are usually printed on the side of the skateboard wheel or listed in the product description when you buy them online.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.