How To Choose The Best Skateboard Wheel | Durometer

If you’re looking for the best skateboard wheel, you’ll want to know about durometer. Durometer is the international standard for the hardness measurement of rubber, plastic and other non-metallic materials. Regarding skateboard wheels, the higher the durometer the harder the wheel. This is important to know, for instance, if you plan on doing power slides you’ll probably want a harder wheel that is more resilient to flat spots. On the other hand, if you’re planning on cruising around town and going over cracks with ease, you’re going to want a soft wheel with a low durometer rating. Most of the time you’ll see durometer measured using the “A Scale”, occasionally you’ll come across wheels measured using the “B Scale.” According to Bones, an 84B wheel is comparable to a 104a wheel.

Generally, hard wheels are preferred for skating street and transition. Both require wheels that slide easy, hold their speed on smooth surfaces and are more responsive. Wheels with a durometer rating of 99a and up meet these requirements and are ideal for the skatepark and doing tricks in the streets.

If you skate mainly for transportation and don’t plan on doing many flip tricks then soft wheels are the best choice for you. They are the main choice for cruising around town because they easily roll over cracks, debris and rough surfaces. Cruiser wheels can also be known as filmer wheels. They are best for getting from point A to B but their smooth, quiet ride and ability to maintain speed allowing you to push less make them great for filming too. If you’re setting up a cruiser board, filmer board or you just want some softer wheels for your current set up, 78a to 87a is going to be your range.

Wheels ranging from 90a to 97a or hybrid wheels are in between hard and soft wheels and are less common. They can be considered an “all-around” wheel. Keep in mind, this does not mean these wheels are the best of both worlds; more like mediocre of both worlds. These wheels can be a good choice for transitioning from soft to hard wheels or, if you’re not sure what type of skating your planning on doing but you want to skate now and decide later.

Durometer determines the hardness of your wheels and plays an important role in deciding what kind of skateboarding you’ll be doing. Hard wheels are best for doing tricks and soft wheels are better for cruising. All-around wheels exist but are less common and are great for beginning skateboarders choosing what type of skating they prefer.