Skateboard wheels with bearings

Types of skateboard wheels with bearings

All skateboards have wheels, and bearings are essential components that enable the wheels to rotate. Bearings are small metal rings that fit inside the wheel and are accompanied by two metal shields. They are a crucial part of any skateboard, as they are what allow the wheels to turn. Most skate wheels are 55mm to 60mm in diameter for street and park skating. Larger wheels, about 54mm to 60mm, are more suitable for vert ramps and tricks that require more speed. There are different types of skateboard wheels with bearings, and the choice usually depends on the kind of skateboarding one intends to do. Here are some common types:

• Hard wheels

  These wheels are typically between 99A and 101A durometer and are best suited for smooth surfaces, such as skate parks with concrete and asphalt. Hard wheels provide a smooth ride and great control on smooth surfaces. However, they are not suitable for rough surfaces, as they can easily crack or chip off.

• Soft wheels

  These wheels have a durometer rating between 78A and 88A. They are excellent for rough surfaces, such as sidewalks and bumpy skate parks. They absorb shocks and vibrations from uneven surfaces, thus providing a smoother ride. However, soft wheels are slower and less precise on smooth surfaces.

• Freestyle wheels

  This wheel is a hybrid of both hard and soft wheels. They are usually between 88A and 96A durometer and are suitable for a variety of terrains. Freestyle wheels are more versatile than hard and soft wheels. They allow riders to perform tricks and have great control and stability on different surfaces.

• Park wheels

  These wheels have a durometer rating of about 83A to 88A. They are specifically designed for skate parks and are used on longboards and roller skates. Park wheels are larger than traditional skateboard wheels, providing more stability and smoother rides on ramps and bowls. They also have a greater roll-up than standard wheels, which enables riders to maintain speed through transitions and curves.

• Street wheels

  These wheels are designed for street skating. They are smaller than park wheels and have a durometer rating of about 50mm to 55mm. Street wheels are lighter than other wheels, making it easier to flip and spin them. They also have a greater amount of urethane, which provides better shock absorption and smoother rides on rough surfaces.

Scenarios of skateboard wheels with bearings

Bearings are essential for the performance of skate wheels. They are small metal rings that help the wheels spin efficiently and smoothly. Skateboard wheels with bearings are vital in many activities. They relate to different scenarios, such as:

• Cruising

  This is a common skateboard activity that involves moving smoothly around the neighborhood, school, or place of hangout. Skateboards with larger wheels, 55mm to 60mm, are ideal for this kind of skating. Such wheels are better than smaller ones since they can easily roll over rough terrain and bumps. Additionally, the wheel's hardness is crucial when considering cruising. A durometer rating of 78A is appropriate for a smooth ride. Skateboards with bearings enable the wheels to turn effortlessly, providing a hassle-free skating experience.

• Park skating

  Skating in parks entails performing tricks in skate parks with ramps, rails, and other obstacles. It includes street-style tricks and larger ramp tricks. The ideal wheel size for park skating is medium, ranging from 50mm to 54mm. Such wheels are small enough to allow easy maneuverability during flips and spins but large enough to absorb impacts from jumps and tricks. The wheels' hardness is also crucial. A durometer rating of 101A is more suitable for park skating because of its increased durability and responsiveness. Bearings are also essential at this stage since they help the wheels maintain speed and perform tricks effortlessly.

• Street skating

  This involves skating on sidewalks, curbs, stairs, and other obstacles. Smaller wheels, ranging from 48mm to 52mm, are more appropriate for street skating. Smaller wheels are light and make it easy to flip and spin. However, they may not absorb impacts as larger wheels do. The wheels are also more durable and can withstand rough surfaces. A durometer rating of 101A is also appropriate for street skating. Bearings help street skaters achieve high levels of acceleration and top speed, allowing for increased trick difficulty and complexity.

• Vert skating

  This involves performing tricks on vertical ramps or half pipes. Vert tricks include aerial maneuvers and flips. Vert skating requires large and heavy wheels, ranging from 52mm to 56mm. Large wheels can absorb impacts from falls. They are also more stable at high speeds. A durometer rating of 98A is more appropriate. Such wheels are less prone to damage and are more predictable. Bearings are also crucial since they enhance the durability of the wheels.

How to Choose Skateboard Wheels with Bearings

Choosing the right skateboard wheels with bearings is crucial for performance and ride quality. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting skateboard wheels:

• Skateboarding Style

  Different skateboarding styles require different wheels. Street skaters who perform tricks on curbs and rails typically need smaller wheels (50-54mm) for easier maneuverability. In contrast, skaters who ride ramps or park skate (54-60mm) require larger wheels for better stability. Similarly, longboarders and downhill skaters prioritize speed and require larger wheels (60mm+) for smooth rides over rough surfaces.

• Hardness of the Wheels

  Wheels hardness also affects the ride quality and performance. Durometer scale determines the hardness of skateboard wheels. It uses a “A” suffix on its scale. A softer wheel (78A-87A) absorbs shocks from bumps and rough patches on the street, providing a smoother ride. However, it sacrifices speed. A harder wheel (88A-101A) offers a greater speed level and better roll but has a rough ride on uneven terrains.

• Material of the Wheels

  Skateboard wheels are usually made of urethane. The type and quality of the urethane greatly impact the wheel's performance, durability, and ride quality. Higher-quality urethane offers better grip and durability, while a slower wheel has a softer durometer and provides a smoother ride.

• Bearings Quality

  Bearings are an essential part of the wheel's performance. Good-quality bearings reduce friction, increase speed, and enhance the overall longevity of the skateboard. Look for bearings made from high-quality steel or ceramic, with proper lubrication and seals to maintain their performance.

• Personal Preference

  Personal preference also plays a vital role in selecting skateboard wheels. Some skaters prefer a smoother ride, while others opt for a rougher feel. Test different wheels to determine which suits individual skating style and comfort level.

Function, Feature, and Design of skateboard wheels with bearings

Below are the functions, features, and designs of skateboard wheels with bearings:

Functions

• Enabling movement

  This is the primary function of skateboard wheels. Without them, there would be no skateboarding. Wheels of all sorts are what make skateboarding possible; they allow the rider to roll and perform tricks.

Features

• Diameter

  The diameter of a wheel, measured in millimeters, affects how easily the wheel can roll over rough terrain. Because of this, larger wheels are better suited for uneven surfaces and tricks like freestyle and street.

• Hardness

  The durometer scale is used to measure a wheel's hardness. Skate wheels with a higher durometer rating (greater hardness) are more durable and less prone to abrasion. Conversely, harder wheels provide more excellent acceleration and speed. Conversely, softer wheels offer better shock absorption and grip. The wheel's durometer level determines its ability to absorb vibrations from the ground.

• Material

  Wheels are typically made from urethane, a strong and flexible material that provides a balance between durability and performance. While some high-performance wheels might use alternative materials, urethane remains the standard due to its shock absorption and smooth ride.

• Shape

  Wheels can have square-cut edges or round-edged profiles. The wheel's shape affects how well it grips the ground and its ability to roll over bumps. For instance, wheels with a more rounded profile are better at rolling over rough terrain, while those with a square edge offer increased grip and sharper turns.

Designs

• Core size

  The core of a wheel is the part that holds the bearings. It can vary in size and shape. Larger cores provide more stability and support, while smaller cores can reduce weight. The core's design also impacts the wheel's strength and how well it transfers energy from the truck to the ground.

• Profile

  The skate wheel's profile refers to its shape when viewed from the side. There are two primary options: conical and square. The conical profile is tapered and lighter, while the square profile is flat and provides more surface area for contact with the ground. The profile design is essential for how well the wheel grips and its cornering abilities.

Q&A

Q: What are the different types of skateboard wheels with bearings?

A: The two main types of skateboard wheels are flat spot resistant and hubless wheels. Also, skateboard wheels are classified based on their diameter. Generally, larger wheels (52 mm to 59 mm) are used for street and park skating, smaller wheels (50 mm to 51 mm) are ideal for technical street skating, and cruiser wheels (54 mm to 60 mm) are used for cruising and commuting.

Q: What are the benefits of cruiser wheels?

A: Cruiser wheels offer a smooth ride, increased speed, better performance over rough terrain, and versatility.

Q: How to tell if a wheel is good?

A: A good skateboard wheel is durable, smooth, and has the right durometer and diameter.

Q: What is the role of bearings in a skateboard?

A: Skateboard bearings reduce friction and help the wheels spin. They play an important role in the performance and speed of a skateboard.