The type of wheel you choose determines the speed, comfort, and agility you'll experience on your skateboard. Typically made of polyurethane, skate wheels are available in a variety of sizes, colors, hardness, and ground contact at Homies. Note: Skate wheels are measured in diameter (thickness) and durometer (hardness).
We recently published an article on the components of skate shoes, we invite you to read it to make a good combination with your skateboard and ride with the best equipment for you.
The size of skateboard wheels
Wheel diameter is measured in millimeters (mm). Most wheels measure between 50mm and 80mm. Wheel size affects speed, precision, and comfort. Smaller wheels will require more effort, but they will be more precise and lighter. Larger skateboard wheels, on the other hand, will be faster, easier to use, and more comfortable.
50mm – 54mm
Ideal for easy surfaces (skatepark or new asphalt) and for technical riding or beginners in skateboarding.
54mm – 58mm
Ideal for more aggressive than technical riders and for skating on the street, due to the poor quality of the asphalt.
60mm and +
Wheels above 60mm are generally associated with a softer hardness, for cruisers and longboards. Comfort is guaranteed.
The hardness of skateboard wheels
The durometer measures the wheel's hardness; it will determine whether it is a skateboard, cruiser, or longboard wheel. Most manufacturers use grade A on a 100-point scale. The higher the number, the harder the wheel. Some manufacturers use the B scale, which is 20 points lower than the A scale. Example: 80b = 100a
Generally, harder wheels are faster, and softer wheels are slower. Soft wheels, on the other hand, offer more grip, are more comfortable, and are ideal for street riding. Hard wheels are better suited for smooth surfaces, such as indoors or on concrete.
78a-87a:
Soft, ideal for rough surfaces, longboarding and some cruisers.
80a-90a:
Good grip, ideal for cruisers.
90a-99a:
Ideal for the park and smooth surfaces.
99a +:
Very hard, pro wheels. Ideal for the street.
Ground contact of skateboard wheels
The ground contact area indicates how much of the wheel touches the ground. Why is this important? If you have a good contact width, it distributes the weight over a wider area. This will reduce the compression of your wheel's urethane and decrease rolling resistance, which could slow your wheel down.
Bones SLIMS:
Slim width for a lightweight wheel, better rolling and slide.
Bones Locks:
A tighter profile for better control.
Bones STANDARD:
Perfect mix of radius and width for an all-around wheel.
Bones SIDECUT:
Special design to reduce wear and for better grinding.
Bones WIDE:
Highest ground contact for great stability and solid landings.
