What is a skateboard?
Best Wheels for Street Skating The skateboard, an iconic symbol of urban culture and sport, is more than just a piece of wood with wheels. The skateboard is versatile and ever-evolving, from professional athletes performing jaw-dropping tricks in skateparks to daily commuters gliding through city streets. At the heart of this equipment is its unique construction and the pivotal role of its wheels.
What is a skateboard made of?
1. Deck:
The deck is the main flat part of the skateboard where a rider stands. It is typically made of:
Canadian Maple Wood: Renowned for its durability and responsiveness, this is the most common material for decks. Usually, several thin layers (plies) are glued together to form the deck.
Bamboo: A lighter and more flexible alternative to maple. It’s eco-friendly and offers a different feel, preferred by some riders.
Carbon Fiber and Fiberglas: Sometimes used with wood to provide added strength and decrease weight. Click here
2. Grip Tape:
Applied to the deck’s surface, the grip tape is a grainy, sandpaper-like sheet that provides traction, ensuring the rider’s feet remain firmly on the board.
3. Trucks:
These metal T-shaped pieces are attached beneath the deck and hold the wheels. They play a crucial role in turning the skateboard. They’re made of various alloys, with aluminum being the most common because of its mix of lightness and strength.
4. Bearings:
Located inside the wheels, these circular devices help reduce friction, enabling the wheels to spin smoothly. They’re typically made of steel, ceramic, or titanium.
5. Wheels:
Last but not least, the wheels are the points of contact between the skateboard and the ground. They’re made from polyurethane, a versatile plastic known for its balance of grip and durability.
Street skating, a captivating blend of creativity, agility, and pure skill, is one of the most iconic forms of skateboarding. While a skater’s technique is undeniably vital, the choice of gear, particularly skateboard wheels, plays a significant role in optimizing performance. Click here
Skateboarding has transformed from a simple pastime to a global phenomenon. While the board’s deck and trucks often receive a lot of attention, the wheels play an equally pivotal role, especially in street skating. Choosing the right wheel can drastically affect your ride, influencing grip, speed, stability, and even the tricks you can pull off.
This article dives deep into the world of wheels to bring you the best options for street skating in this 2023 year.
Understanding Wheel Basics
Before we begin our list, it’s important to understand the parameters that influence wheel performance:
Diameter:
Measured in millimeters (mm), wheel diameter typically ranges from 50-75mm. Smaller wheels (50-53mm) are ideal for technical or trick skating, while larger wheels (54-59mm) suit skaters looking for speed and transition skating.
Durometer:
This represents the hardness of the wheel. A wheel’s durometer is generally measured on the A scale, with higher numbers indicating harder wheels. Street skaters often opt for wheels in the range of 99a-101a for the right balance of grip and slide.
Shape:
The wheel’s profile can affect its contact with the ground. A narrower or cuter profile is typically chosen for street skating to reduce friction and aid in tricks.
The Significance of Skateboard Wheels
The wheels might appear as mere circular objects, but they’re pivotal for several reasons:
1. Performance Variety:
Different wheel types cater to various skateboarding styles. Hard wheels are perfect for street skating and tricks since they slide easily, while softer wheels are ideal for cruising and provide a smoother ride on rough surfaces.
2. Control and Safety:
Wheels influence the board’s grip on the road. A good wheel can provide stability, especially at high speeds, reducing the risk of accidents.
3. Agility:
The size and hardness of the wheels determine how agile and responsive the board is. This is crucial for maneuvers and tricks.
4. Aesthetic Appeal:
Believe it or not, wheels add a visual flair to skateboards. With various colors and designs available, they allow skaters to personalize their boards.
5. Durability:
Good quality wheels extend the board’s life, resisting wear and tear and offering consistent performance over time.
Every part of a skateboard has been meticulously designed to offer optimal performance, from its multi-ply deck to the intricate bearings and dynamic wheels. While each component has its role, the wheels hold a special significance. They’re not just the board’s point of contact with the ground but also dictate how the skateboard feels and reacts to different terrains and tricks. Whether cruising down a serene beachside walkway or navigating the gritty streets of an urban jungle. The right set of wheels can make all the difference.
The Top Best Wheels for Street Skating
If you are planning to purchase or customize a stylish and durable skateboard, it is suggested that you research thoroughly the board and the quality of the wheels. Here, various wheels are described with their top features that can be helpful for a good performance.
Now, let’s delve into the best wheels available:
Spitfire Formula Four:
Diameter: 52-58mm
Durometer: 99a
Highlight: Recognized for their unparalleled flat-spot resistance and excellent surface grip, these wheels provide longevity and precision, making them a top choice for many street skaters.
Bones Street Tech Formula (STF):
Diameter: 52-56mm
Durometer: 83b (103a equivalent)
Highlight: STFs are famed for their slide capabilities, providing controlled slides without compromising on grip. Perfect for those technical tricks in the streets.
Ricta Clouds:
Diameter: 52-58mm
Durometer: 92a
Highlight: The perfect in-between wheel. It combines softness for a smoother ride over rough streets with enough hardness to pop tricks and power slides.
OJ Wheels Elite Urethane:
Diameter: 53-56mm
Durometer: 101a
Highlight: Known for their speed and durability, these wheels maintain their shape and combat flat spots effectively.
Santa Cruz Slime Balls:
Diameter: 54-60mm
Durometer: 97a
Highlight: While they might be on the softer side for some, their traction on the streets, especially in parks with smoother surfaces, is exemplary.
Welcome Orbs Specters:
Hardness: 99a
Size: 52mm-56mm
Highlight: With a rounded profile and wide surface area, these wheels offer excellent grip and stability, making them perfect for technical street skaters.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Wheels
Riding Surface:
If you predominantly skate on smooth parks, you can opt for slightly softer wheels. For rougher terrains like city streets, harder wheels are ideal.
Skating Style:
Technical skaters focusing on flip tricks might prefer smaller, harder wheels for quick spins and less friction. Those leaning towards cruising and big tricks might opt for larger wheels.
Wheel Flatspot Resistance:
One of the nuisances for street skaters is the risk of flat spots, which occur when you slide on your wheels at an angle. Opt for wheels known for their resistance to flat spots.
Personal Preference:
Despite all the technical aspects, sometimes it’s just about how the wheel feels beneath your feet. Trust your instinct and experience.
Maintaining Your Skateboard Wheels
To get the most out of your wheels:
Rotate Them Regularly:
Just like car tires, skateboard wheels wear unevenly. Swap them around every few weeks to ensure even wear.
Clean Them:
Dirt can slow you down. Remove the wheels, take off the bearings, and give the wheels a good clean with soapy water.
Monitor for Damage:
While the wheels listed above are durable, nothing is invincible. Regularly check for chips, cracks, or flat spots.
Why is it necessary to maintain the wheels of the skateboard?
The wheels of your skateboard are like the tires of a car. Just as you wouldn’t drive a car with bald or damaged tires, you shouldn’t ride a skateboard with wheels that are in poor condition. Regular maintenance ensures safety and optimal performance and you get the most out of your investment in the long run.
Maintaining your skateboard’s wheels is crucial for various reasons, from ensuring safety and optimal performance to prolonging the life of the board. Here’s a breakdown of why wheel maintenance is necessary:
1. Safety:
Avoid Accidents: Worn-out or damaged wheels can be unpredictable. They might not grip the road correctly or could suddenly lock up, leading to accidents.
Consistent Performance: Regularly checked and maintained wheels perform consistently, allowing you to anticipate how your board will respond in different situations, which is vital for safety.
2. Optimal Performance:
Smooth Ride: Well-maintained wheels offer a smoother ride, ensuring that you glide effortlessly without any unnecessary jitters or vibrations.
Better Maneuverability: Regularly checking and adjusting your wheels guarantees that they rotate freely and uniformly, directly impacting your board’s responsiveness and maneuverability.
Trick Precision: For those into street skating and tricks, consistent wheel performance is crucial for executing moves accurately.
3. Prolonged Lifespan:
Prevent Uneven Wear: Regularly rotating your wheels ensures they wear out evenly. If wheels are left in one position for too long, they can develop uneven wear patterns, which means they’ll need to be replaced sooner.
Avoid Wheel Flatspots: Flatspots are sections of the wheel that have been worn flat due to excessive sliding or braking. Regularly checking wheels can help in identifying early signs of flat spots, ensuring timely action to prevent further damage.
4. Cost-Efficiency:
Avoid Replacements: Regular maintenance can prolong the life of your wheels, saving you from frequent replacements.
Bearings Longevity: Clean and well-lubricated bearings are less prone to rust and wear, saving costs in the long run. Dirty or damaged bearings can also damage the wheels.
5. Enhanced Experience:
Noise Reduction: Well-maintained wheels are quieter. If you hear unusual sounds coming from your wheels, it’s a sign that there might be an issue with the bearings or the wheel itself.
Vibration Reduction: A smooth wheel ensures you don’t feel unnecessary vibrations, especially when riding at higher speeds or on rough surfaces.
6. Aesthetic Appeal:
Clean Look: Regular cleaning keeps your wheels looking new and visually appealing.
Personal Care: Taking care of your skateboard wheels is also a sign of personal responsibility and pride in your equipment.
How you can check the quality of the skateboard wheels:
Remember, the “best” wheels are also subjective and depend on your skating style, preferred terrain, and personal preferences. Understanding your needs and matching them with the right wheel quality and specifications is essential.
Checking the quality of skateboard wheels involves both visual inspection and performance tests. A combination of these checks will help you determine the condition and quality of your skateboard wheels. Here’s how you can go about it:
1. Visual Inspection:
Surface Check: Look for any visible cracks, chips, or splits in the wheel. A quality wheel should be free of such imperfections.
Evenness: Check if the wheels have worn out evenly. Uneven wear can be spotted if one side of the wheel appears more worn.
Flatspots: Look for any flat areas on the wheel’s surface. Flatspots are caused by excessive sliding or braking and can hinder the wheel’s performance.
Logo/Brand Wear: While this isn’t a definitive sign if the wheel’s logo or brand marking wears off too quickly, it might indicate a softer wheel material or lower-quality printing.
2. Touch & Feel:
Texture: A wheel that feels overly soft could be of lower durometer and might not be suitable for all types of skating. Conversely, if it feels extremely hard, it might not provide enough grip, especially for cruising or on smoother surfaces.
Consistency: Feel the entire surface of the wheel. It should be consistently smooth, without any bumps or raised sections.
3. Performance Tests:
Spin Test: Spin the wheels with your hand. They should spin freely without any wobbling or excessive noise. If they don’t spin smoothly or stop quickly, it could be an issue with the wheel’s core or the bearings.
Rebound Test: Drop the skateboard from a short height. Quality wheels will have a good rebound, causing the board to bounce slightly upon hitting the ground.
4. Check the Specifications:
Durometer: This measures the hardness of the wheel. A wheel’s durometer can give you an idea of its intended use. Street skating often requires harder wheels (around 99a-101a), while cruising or longboarding might use softer wheels (78a-90a).
Diameter: Smaller wheels (50-54mm) are generally used for street skating and tricks, while larger wheels (55-60mm and above) are used for cruising and longboards.
5. Brand Reputation:
Established brands like Spitfire, Bones, Ricta, and OJ Wheels have built their reputation over time. While brand name isn’t the sole indicator of quality, opting for wheels from reputable manufacturers can often assure a certain level of quality.
Conclusion
In last, the world of street skating wheels is vast and diverse. With evolving technology and design, skaters today have many excellent choices. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, investing in wheels that resonate with your skating style and the terrain you ride on is essential. Remember, the right wheels will enhance your performance and keep your sessions enjoyable and safe. So gear up, hit the streets, and let the wheels guide your journey.