Skateboard wheels significantly impact the skateboarding experience by affecting both speed and maneuverability. For avid skateboarders, selecting the right set of wheels is crucial for enhancing performance on different surfaces. Ideal performance wheels provide a swift, smooth ride with excellent grip and control. It’s essential to carefully consider the material, size, and durometer of the wheels when making a choice.
The best skateboard wheels should have a balance between hardness, speed, durability, and grip. We can tell you from extensive testing that using the wrong skateboard wheels for a given environment can lead to subpar performance and a less enjoyable ride. It’s quite possible that a certain wheel which handles well on a smooth, indoor skatepark floor can underperform when faced with a gritty street surface.
When making a purchase, it’s essential to check the wheel durometer. The lower the durometer, the softer the wheels, offering more grip and a smoother ride. Alternatively, harder wheels (higher durometer) provide better speed and slide but less grip on surfaces. Your choice should depend on your preferred skating style and usual terrain.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best skateboard wheels. We have conducted comprehensive research and rigorous testing across numerous skateboard wheel variations to identify the ones that are sure to improve your skateboarding experience. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the vital information you need to select the best skateboard wheels to match your style and needs.
Best Skateboard Wheels
There are countless options when it comes to choosing skateboard wheels, but with the right information, you can easily pick the best set for your skating needs. The ideal skateboard wheels for you depend significantly on your style, preferred terrain, and overall skating objectives – be it speed, control, tricks, or cruise. In this article, we have handpicked a list of skateboard wheels that, based on our extensive use and testing, we believe to be best suited for enhancing your skating experience.
Jizmo Skateboard Trucks, Fits 7.75-8.25″ Deck, Skateboard Wheels 52mm, Skateboard Bearings ABEC-11, Skateboard Pads, Skateboard Hardware Tool Combo Starter Set
If you’re looking for a complete skateboard starter kit, the Jizmo Skateboard Trucks Combo Set is a great option.
Pros
- The set includes everything you need to get started, including a deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, and pads.
- The deck is made of 7-ply maple wood, which is durable and provides a smooth ride.
- The trucks are made of aluminum alloy and have a maximum load capacity of 220 lbs, making them sturdy and able to handle most riders.
Cons
- The deck may be too small for some riders, as it only fits skaters between 5′ and 5’7″.
- The wheels may not be suitable for advanced skaters, as they are only 52mm in size.
- The bearings are ABEC-11, which may not be the highest quality available.
Overall, we would recommend the Jizmo Skateboard Trucks Combo Set for beginners or those looking to upgrade their basic setup. The included deck may be on the smaller side, but it’s perfect for riders within the recommended height range. The trucks are sturdy and able to handle most riders, and the set includes everything you need to get started. While the wheels and bearings may not be the highest quality available, they are suitable for beginners and those looking for a basic setup.
If you’re looking for a complete skateboard starter kit that includes everything you need to get started, the Jizmo Skateboard Trucks Combo Set is a great option. The set includes a deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, and pads, making it easy to get started without having to purchase each component separately. Additionally, the 7-ply maple wood deck is durable and provides a smooth ride, while the aluminum alloy trucks have a maximum load capacity of 220 lbs, making them sturdy and able to handle most riders.
However, it’s important to note that the deck may be too small for some riders, as it only fits skaters between 5′ and 5’7″. Additionally, the wheels may not be suitable for advanced skaters, as they are only 52mm in size. Finally, the bearings are ABEC-11, which may not be the highest quality available.
Overall, we would recommend the Jizmo Skateboard Trucks Combo Set for beginners or those looking to upgrade their basic setup. While it may not be suitable for advanced skaters, it’s a great option for those looking to get started with skateboarding.
OJ Skateboard Wheels Plain Jain Keyframe 87a Skateboard Wheels -Set of 4 Wheels
If you’re looking for a set of skateboard wheels that can handle any terrain, the OJ Skateboard Wheels Plain Jain Keyframe 87a Skateboard Wheels -Set of 4 Wheels is a great option.
Pros
- The 53mm size of the wheels provides a smooth ride and allows for easy maneuvering.
- The 87a durometer rating makes the wheels perfect for all types of skating, from streets to parks.
- The contact patch of the wheels is just right, providing good grip without being too sticky.
Cons
- The wheels are quite heavy, which can make them difficult to spin.
- The price point is a bit higher than some other options on the market.
- Some users have reported that the wheels can wear down quickly with heavy use.
We’ve been using the OJ Skateboard Wheels Plain Jain Keyframe 87a Skateboard Wheels -Set of 4 Wheels for a few weeks now, and we’re really impressed with their performance. The 53mm size of the wheels provides a great balance between speed and stability, making it easy to cruise around the skatepark or hit up some street spots.
One of the things we really like about these wheels is their durometer rating. At 87a, they’re perfect for all types of skating, from technical street skating to big park transitions. They provide just the right amount of grip without being too sticky, making it easy to control your board and pull off tricks.
Another thing we appreciate about these wheels is their contact patch. It’s just the right size to provide good grip without wearing down too quickly. We’ve noticed that these wheels hold up well even with heavy use, which is a big plus.
While there are some downsides to these wheels, such as their weight and price point, we think they’re worth the investment for serious skaters. They provide a smooth ride, great grip, and are durable enough to handle daily use.
Overall, we highly recommend the OJ Skateboard Wheels Plain Jain Keyframe 87a Skateboard Wheels -Set of 4 Wheels for anyone looking for a high-quality set of skateboard wheels that can handle any terrain.
Spitfire Formula Four 99D Tablet Skateboard Wheels – Set of 4
If you’re looking for a high-performance skateboard wheel, the Spitfire Formula Four 99D Tablet Skateboard Wheels are a great option.
Pros
- The wheels are incredibly durable and long-lasting, making them a great investment for serious skaters.
- They offer excellent grip and control, allowing you to make tight turns and perform tricks with confidence.
- The wheels are compatible with a wide range of skateboard setups, making them a versatile choice for any skater.
Cons
- The wheels are relatively heavy, which may affect their performance and speed.
- They may not be suitable for beginners or casual skaters who are looking for a more forgiving wheel.
- The wheels are on the pricier side, which may not be ideal for skaters on a tight budget.
We’ve been using the Spitfire Formula Four 99D Tablet Skateboard Wheels for a while now, and we’re impressed with their performance and durability. The wheels are made from a special proprietary formula that makes them incredibly strong and resistant to wear and tear, which means they’ll last longer than most other skateboard wheels.
One of the standout features of these wheels is their excellent grip and control. Whether you’re cruising down the street or hitting the skate park, the wheels provide a solid connection to the ground, allowing you to make tight turns and perform tricks with confidence. The wheels are also relatively soft, which helps to absorb shock and provide a smooth ride.
Another great thing about these wheels is their versatility. They’re compatible with a wide range of skateboard setups, including both traditional and reverse kingpin trucks, which means you can use them on just about any skateboard. This makes them a great choice for serious skaters who want a high-performance wheel that they can use in a variety of situations.
Of course, there are a few downsides to these wheels as well. For one thing, they’re relatively heavy, which may affect their performance and speed. This may not be a big deal for experienced skaters who are used to heavier wheels, but it could be an issue for beginners or casual skaters who are looking for a more nimble wheel.
Another potential downside is the price. These wheels are on the pricier side, which may not be ideal for skaters on a tight budget. However, if you’re a serious skater who is looking for a high-performance wheel that will last a long time, the Spitfire Formula Four 99D Tablet Skateboard Wheels may be worth the investment.
Overall, we highly recommend the Spitfire Formula Four 99D Tablet Skateboard Wheels to anyone who is looking for a durable, high-performance skateboard wheel. They may be a bit pricey, but their excellent grip, control, and durability make them a great choice for serious skaters who want a wheel that will last.
Powell Peralta Dragon Formula Skateboard Wheels
If you’re looking for a high-performance skateboard wheel that can provide you with excellent grip and durability, then the Powell Peralta Dragon Formula Skateboard Wheels might be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- The Powell Peralta Dragon Formula Skateboard Wheels offer excellent grip, making them perfect for skateparks, streets, and ramps.
- These wheels are made from a proprietary formula that provides a longer-lasting wheel, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
- The Powell Peralta Dragon Formula Skateboard Wheels come in a variety of colors, allowing you to customize your skateboard to your liking.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the Powell Peralta Dragon Formula Skateboard Wheels are a bit heavy, which may affect their overall performance.
- These wheels may not be suitable for beginners or those who are looking for a more budget-friendly option.
- The Powell Peralta Dragon Formula Skateboard Wheels are a bit more expensive than some other high-performance wheels on the market.
We’ve had the opportunity to test out the Powell Peralta Dragon Formula Skateboard Wheels, and we must say that we’re impressed with their performance. These wheels offer excellent grip, even in wet conditions, which makes them perfect for skateparks and streets. We also appreciate the fact that they’re made from a proprietary formula that provides a longer-lasting wheel, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
One thing to keep in mind is that these wheels are a bit heavier than some other high-performance wheels on the market. This may affect their overall performance, but we didn’t find it to be too much of an issue. Additionally, these wheels may not be suitable for beginners or those who are looking for a more budget-friendly option.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-performance skateboard wheel that can provide you with excellent grip and durability, then the Powell Peralta Dragon Formula Skateboard Wheels are definitely worth considering.
Spitfire Bighead Wheels Set of 4, Unisex, Bighead
If you’re looking for a set of wheels that can handle rough terrain and provide a smooth ride, the Spitfire Bighead Wheels Set of 4 might be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- The Bighead 60mm x 36mm wheels offer a smooth ride and are perfect for rougher terrain.
- The urethane formula provides superior grip and control.
- The wheels are lightweight and easy to maneuver.
Cons
- The wheels might not be suitable for beginners or those who prefer a slower speed.
- The wheels might wear out faster than expected with frequent use.
- The wheels might not be suitable for skating in wet conditions.
We’ve been using the Spitfire Bighead Wheels Set of 4 for a while now, and we’re impressed with their performance. The 60mm x 36mm wheels offer a smooth ride, even on rough terrain, and provide superior grip and control. The wheels are also lightweight, making them easy to maneuver.
However, we noticed that the wheels might not be suitable for beginners or those who prefer a slower speed. The wheels might also wear out faster than expected with frequent use. Additionally, the wheels might not be suitable for skating in wet conditions.
Overall, if you’re looking for a set of wheels that can handle rough terrain and provide a smooth ride, the Spitfire Bighead Wheels Set of 4 is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best skateboard wheels, there are several factors to consider. We have tested and reviewed various skateboard wheels to help you make an informed decision.
Durometer
The durometer is a measure of the wheel’s hardness. A higher durometer means a harder wheel, which is ideal for smooth surfaces and high-speed skating. On the other hand, a lower durometer means a softer wheel, which is better for rough surfaces and tricks.
Size
The size of the wheel is also an important factor to consider. Larger wheels are ideal for high-speed skating and rough surfaces, while smaller wheels are better for tricks and maneuverability.
Shape
The shape of the wheel can also affect its performance. Round wheels are the most common and are suitable for all-around skating. However, some skaters prefer the stability of a wheel with a slightly flared shape, while others prefer the grip of a wheel with a concave shape.
Bearing Size
The size of the bearing can also affect the wheel’s performance. Larger bearings are ideal for high-speed skating, while smaller bearings are better for tricks and maneuverability.
In summary, when choosing the best skateboard wheels, it is important to consider the durometer, size, shape, and bearing size. By taking these factors into account, you can find the wheels that are best suited to your skating style and preferences.
