Polyurethane wheels come in various sizes, colors, and durability.

How do you pick one out from all the various specs and sizes? Which is right for you?

Besides color, consider 2 other important attributes:

• Diameter - Measurement of the width or size of your wheels.
• Durometer - Measurement of the “hardness” of your wheels.

Choosing the Diameter of the Skateboard Wheel

The diameter of skate wheels is measured by millimeters (mm). Sizes available are from 50mm to 75 mm. The small wheels (50-53 mm) are recommended for kiddie riders who skate street, skate parks and bowls. The medium size wheels (54-59 mm) are the average size for usual beginners who are teenagers and adults skating street, skate parks, bowls and vert ramps. Large wheels (60mm and bigger) are usually for specialty riders who skate longboards and cruisers for downhill skating.

Choosing the Durometer of the Skateboard Wheel

In choosing the hardness of your wheels, there are two point scales to choose from: Durometer A or B Scale. Most wheel manufacturers use the A Scale which has a maximum hardness of 100a+. The B Scale is 20 points less to allow a wider range by adding an extra 20 points. (but why is this? – maybe the manufacturers were high on something when making up this scale?)

Therefore, skate wheels with a durometer of 80b are the same hardness with a durometer of 100a. (confused yet?)

The average preferred durometer is 99a.

So generally speaking, just buy 99a or 79b.

Soft wheels in the range of 78a-87a are good for rough surfaces.

They are good to attatch to long boards or street boards that need stability over cracks and pebbles.

Slightly harder wheels in the range of 88a-95a are faster with a less grip.

They are ideal for streets and rough surfaces. A durometer of 96a-99a is a good hardness for versatile wheels ideal for use in streets, skate parks, ramps, pools and other smooth surfaces.

Wheels with 100a+ durometer are the hardest and fastest but are not effective on slick and rough surfaces. These are usually the reserved for ProSkaters and advanced riders.

Durometer Summary:

1. Harder wheels are faster.
2. Harder wheels are more slippery and provide less grip.
3. 78a to 87a is considered soft.
4. 88a to 99a is considered hard.
5. 100a and up are reserved for advanced skaters
6. If you plan on skating on uneven surfaces with a lot of gravel, pebble and rocks, then choose softer wheels, under 87a.