Skateboard wheels might seem identical to newcomers, but significant variations exist in quality, performance, and suitability for different riding styles. Understanding these differences is crucial for any beginner looking to enhance their skateboarding experience. This guide will break down the key factors to consider when choosing your first set of wheels, ensuring you have the knowledge to make an informed decision.
How to Choose the Right Skateboard Wheels for Beginners
Before diving into specific wheel recommendations, it’s vital to understand the characteristics that differentiate one wheel from another. These include the intended use, quality, contact patch, durometer, and size. By understanding each of these factors, beginners can confidently select the perfect wheels for their needs.
Identify Your Skateboarding Goals
The type of skateboarding you want to pursue should heavily influence your wheel choice. If your primary goal is simply to learn how to ride, opt for larger, softer wheels. These provide superior stability and can handle rough terrain, making the learning process smoother and more forgiving. The larger contact patch also provides better grip, which is essential for beginners finding their balance.
For those aiming to progress towards more technical skateboarding, smaller, harder wheels are recommended. These wheels offer less bounce, which helps in landing tricks more effectively.
If you’re unsure, a versatile set of 99A/53mm or 99A/54mm wheels is generally a safe starting point. You can always choose a softer durometer if you often ride on rough surfaces. A practical approach is to begin with wheels around 54mm, as they will eventually wear down to a size more suitable for technical tricks.
The Impact of Wheel Quality
Not all skateboard wheels are created equal. While they may appear similar, there’s a significant difference in quality, performance, and intended use. Brands like Bones and Spitfire are renowned for their high-quality wheels due to their use of superior polyurethane blends. Their stringent quality control processes and top-tier materials result in wheels that are resistant to flat spots and perform consistently.
While these premium brands may be more expensive, they prove to be a worthwhile investment in the long run. Cheaper wheels often require more frequent replacement. However, if you’re on a tight budget, consider pairing cheaper wheels with high-quality trucks like Thunder or Independent.
Understanding the Contact Patch
The contact patch, or the surface of the wheel that touches the ground, is a vital factor, especially for beginners. A larger contact patch distributes your weight over a wider area, resulting in smoother, more balanced rides. This reduces stress on your board and enhances stability when attempting tricks.
skateboard wheels differrent sizes
The Significance of Durometer
The durometer scale measures the hardness of an object, and for skateboard wheels, it’s typically measured using the Duro-A scale. Bones utilizes the B-scale for some wheels. The A-scale can be less accurate towards its upper end, which is why some brands use the B-scale for harder wheels, avoiding inaccurate measurements like 101A or 104A, which are actually 81B and 84B respectively.
Softer wheels provide more grip and a smoother ride, which is ideal for beginners learning to maintain balance. They also reduce noise and are less distracting on rough surfaces. It’s recommended that beginners start with softer wheels and then adjust as they gain experience and understand what works best for their riding style. Trying out different setups is a great way to gain this experience.
skateboard wheel durometer a scale
Choosing the Appropriate Wheel Size
Generally, wheels between 53mm and 54mm are an excellent starting point for beginners. Larger wheels offer higher speeds due to their increased leverage over the truck axle, which helps to overcome friction. However, larger wheels also make landing tricks harder due to their increased weight and bounce.
Larger, softer wheels are best for cruising, while smaller, harder wheels are ideal for performing tricks. Choosing the correct size significantly impacts the overall performance of your skateboard, so choosing wisely is key to a positive skating experience.
skateboard wheel size and speed
Top 10 Skateboard Wheels for Beginners
Now, let’s explore ten excellent skateboard wheels suitable for beginners, covering a variety of styles and preferences. These wheels have been selected for their performance, quality, and ability to enhance the learning experience for new skateboarders.
1. Ricta Clouds 54mm/92A
Ricta Clouds Wheels
Although primarily designed for filming, the Ricta Clouds are an excellent choice for beginners. Their 92A durometer offers a balanced feel that works well on both street and skate park surfaces. The wide 34mm contact patch provides added stability and grip, which is essential for beginners. These wheels are smooth, sticky, and capable of rolling over pebbles and cracks with ease. Once you become more skilled, switching to harder wheels is advisable for better trick performance.
| Size (MM) | Width (MM) | Durometer | Contact Patch (MM) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52mm | 31.8 | 78A/92A | 19.4 | Kids, rough roads |
| 53mm | 34 | 86A | 20.5 | Rough roads, short commutes |
| 54mm | 34 | 78A/92A | 18.36 | Cruising (78A), Street/Park, Film |
| 56mm | 34 | 78A/92A | 21.5 | Cruising (78A) and/or Tricks (92A) |
| 57mm | 35 | 86A | 21.5 | Cruising |
| 60mm | 43 | 78A | 32 | Cruising, Film, requires risers |
2. Spitfire Conical Full 54mm/99D
spitfire formula four conicall full skateboard wheels
The Spitfire Conical Full wheels are a premium option with high versatility, suitable for various terrains, including skate parks, street, and mini ramps. Their 99D durometer (likely referring to a proprietary Spitfire hardness scale) and high-quality polyurethane blend provide excellent grip and performance. The 34mm contact patch enhances stability, while their resistance to flat spotting ensures long-lasting performance. Starting with 54mm wheels allows them to naturally wear down to a more technical size.
| Size (MM) | Width (MM) | Durometer | Contact Patch (MM) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52mm | 32.5 | 99A/101A | 21 | Street and park |
| 53mm | 33.5 | 99A/101A | 21.5 | Street and park |
| 54mm | 34 | 97A/99A/101A | 22 | Street, park , bowl |
| 56mm | 36 | 97A/99A/101A | 25 | Park, bowl (97A) |
| 58mm | 37 | 97A/99A/101A | 27.3 | Bowl, vert |
3. OJ Super Juice 78A/55mm/60mm
OJ super juice wheels on a cruiser board
The OJ Super Juice wheels are ideal for cruising due to their soft 78A durometer and smooth ride. Although not designed for tricks, these wheels are perfect for learning to ride confidently, easily rolling over cracks, pebbles, and twigs. They are affordable, fast, stable, grippy, and forgiving, making them a top choice for beginner cruisers. Available in 55mm and 60mm, these wheels are a reliable option for various setups.
| Size (MM) | Width (MM) | Durometer | Contact Patch (MM) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55mm | 32.5 | 78A | 21 | Cruising, ollie curbs |
| 60mm | 33.5 | 78A | 21.5 | Cruising |
4. Bones All Terrain Formula 56mm/80A
Bones ATF skateboard wheels
Bones ATF wheels are versatile, performing well on a variety of terrains, from rough asphalt to skate parks. While they are suitable for both cruising and tricks, beginners should be aware of the potential for primo landings due to their softer nature. The 80A durometer provides a smooth ride while still allowing for some trick capabilities.
| Size (MM) | Width (MM) | Durometer | Contact Patch (MM) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56mm | 40 | 80A | 31 | Cruising, ollie curbs |
| 59mm | 40 | 80A | 33 | Cruising (consider 1/8″ risers) |
5. Mini Logo C-Cut 52mm/101A
Mini Logo skateboard wheels
Mini Logo wheels offer a budget-friendly option for beginners. While they may not boast the same quality as premium brands, they provide good value and are great for those wanting to get into technical tricks. Their 101A durometer is grippy enough for concrete and asphalt, though the small 18mm contact patch offers less stability. These wheels are a good option if you want to allocate more of your budget towards high-quality trucks.
| Size (MM) | Width (MM) | Durometer | Contact Patch (MM) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50mm | 30 | 101A | 17 | Street, park |
| 51mm | 31 | 101A | 17.5 | Street, park |
| 52mm | 31 | 101A | 18 | Street, park |
| 53mm | 32 | 101A | 18.5 | Street, park |
| 54mm | 34 | 101A | 19 | Street, park , mini ramp |
6. Spitfire Bighead 54mm/99D
Spitfire Bighead skateboard wheels
The Spitfire Bighead wheels are high-quality street wheels suitable for beginners ready to progress towards technical skating. The 99D/54mm version provides extra grip and stability, while their smaller size helps with flipping and landing tricks. These wheels are durable and offer exceptional performance on the streets.
| Size (MM) | Width (MM) | Durometer | Contact Patch (MM) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53mm | 33.5 | 99A | 17 | Street, park |
| 54mm | 34.5 | 99A | 17.5 | Street, park, mini ramp |
| 57mm | 35 | 99A | 18 | Street, park, mini ramp |
7. Orbs Specter Conical Swirls 53mm/99A
Orb Specters skateboard wheels
The Welcome Orbs Specter wheels are a great choice for beginner street skaters, known for having a wide contact patch for a smaller wheel. This provides additional stability and allows for easier flipping and landing tricks. They perform well in bowls and mini ramps, making them a great option for skate parks and technical street skating.
| Size (MM) | Width (MM) | Durometer | Contact Patch (MM) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52mm | 31.75 | 99A | 20.5 | Street, park |
| 53mm | 31.75 | 99A | 22 | Street, park |
| 54mm | 31.75 | 99A | Unknown | Street, park, mini ramp |
| 56mm | 31.75 | 99A | Unknown | Street, park, mini ramp |
8. Spitfire OG 52mm/99A
Spitfire OG skateboard wheels
The Spitfire OG wheels offer a blend of speed, grip, and slide performance, making them suitable for both transition and street skateboarding. Their wider contact patch provides increased stability, while their durable construction ensures long-lasting performance. Available in various sizes, they are suitable for different skating styles.
| Size (MM) | Width (MM) | Durometer | Contact Patch (MM) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52mm | 31.3 | 99A | 21.5 | Street, park |
| 53mm | 32 | 99A | 22 | Street, park |
| 54mm | 32.5 | 99A | 22 | Street, park, mini ramp |
| 55mm | 33 | 99A | 22.5 | Street, park, bowl, mini |
| 56mm | 33.5 | 99A | 23 | park, bowl, mini ramp |
| 58mm | 35 | 99A | 24 | Bowl and vert |
| 60mm | 36 | 99A | 24.5 | Bowl and vert |
9. Fireball Tinder 60mm/81A
Fireball Tinder Cruiser Wheels
Fireball Tinder wheels are designed for cruising and performing basic tricks. The soft 81A durometer provides a comfortable ride, while the plastic core makes them more sturdy for ollies. Although large at 60mm, they are perfect for those who want to cruise around town and ollie curbs.
| Size (MM) | Width (MM) | Durometer | Contact Patch (MM) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60mm | 44 | 81A | 35 | Cruising and tricks |
10. Bones STF 54mm/99A
Bones STF v1 Skateboarding wheels
Bones STF wheels are high-quality street wheels that offer both grip and slide capabilities. They are comfortable on rough surfaces and perform exceptionally well for flip tricks. The Bones STF series includes six different shapes, each designed for different types of riding. For beginners, the STF V4 is recommended due to its wider contact patch.
| Size (MM) | Width (MM) | Durometer | Contact Patch (MM) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54mm | 34 | 99A/103A | 18.5 | Street, park |
| 56mm | 36 | 99A/103A | 20.5 | Street, park |
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right skateboard wheels is crucial for a positive and progressive learning experience. The ideal wheel depends on your riding style, the terrain you usually encounter, and your personal preference. By understanding the key factors like durometer, size, contact patch, and quality, you’ll be able to select the best wheels for your specific needs.
For beginners, softer wheels with wider contact patches are recommended for stability and a smoother ride. As you become more experienced, you can experiment with different wheel characteristics. Always consider the specific types of skating you want to pursue. Cruising often benefits from larger, softer wheels, while technical street skating requires smaller, harder wheels.
Remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but this guide should give you a solid starting point. And if you’re looking for more options, check out our best skateboard wheels article for further insights.
