Skateboarding on rough surfaces can be a challenging experience, but with the right set of wheels, even the bumpiest roads can become enjoyable. Choosing the appropriate skateboard wheels for rough terrain is crucial for a smooth and controlled ride, whether you’re navigating cracked pavements or gritty asphalt. This guide will explore the best options available, helping you make informed decisions to enhance your skateboarding experience.
6 Top Skateboard Wheels for Uneven Surfaces
Navigating rough roads requires a different approach than smooth skateparks. The following wheels are designed to handle various degrees of roughness while allowing for some trick capability. Here’s a breakdown from softest to hardest:
1. OJ Super Juice 55mm 78A
OJ Super Juice 55mm 78A skateboard wheels ideal for rough roads
The OJ Super Juice wheels are a popular choice for their softness and smooth ride, making them excellent for extremely rough surfaces. At 78A durometer, these wheels are among the softest, effectively absorbing bumps and vibrations. While they offer a comfortable ride, their softness can make technical tricks a bit more challenging due to their bounce. They excel at basic tricks like ollies and shuvits, and they come in 55mm and 60mm sizes, offering versatility for different preferences.
Pros:
- Very smooth ride, ideal for the roughest roads.
- Highly affordable, making them accessible to most skaters.
Cons:
- Prone to chunking with ledge tricks, affecting durability.
- Not the most durable option for aggressive skating.
2. Bones ATF 54mm 80A
Bones ATF skateboard wheels designed for rough surfaces
The Bones ATF wheels are known for their exceptional resilience and resistance to flat spots. With an 80A durometer, they offer a very smooth ride even on the most cracked surfaces. Their polymer core provides excellent rebound, maintaining momentum over bumps. While the 80A hardness makes them less ideal for advanced tricks, they are perfect for a smooth ride and basic maneuvers. These wheels are ideal for skaters wanting a comfortable ride while maintaining good stability on rough roads, and come in 54mm, 56mm and 60mm sizes.
Pros:
- Highly durable and resistant to flat spots.
- Excellent for a very smooth ride on severely damaged surfaces.
- Great rebound capabilities for maintained momentum.
- Provides added stability on cracks.
Cons:
- A bit too soft for performing advanced tricks.
3. Powell Peralta G-Slides 56mm 85A
Powell Peralta G-Slides 85a skateboard wheels for cruising and rough roads
The Powell Peralta G-Slides are popular for their versatility, coming in various hardness levels. The 85A version is ideal for rough roads, with a harder inner component for speed and a softer outer layer for grip. These wheels maintain speed on various terrains, making them great for cruising and some basic tricks. However, their larger sizes make them less suitable for technical street skating, and the softness may cause issues with certain flip tricks. They are available in 56mm and 59mm sizes.
Pros:
- Great for sliding and maintaining speed.
- Ideal for slippery surfaces and bowl skating.
Cons:
- Not ideal for advanced flip tricks due to their softness.
- Can be a pricier option compared to others.
4. OJ Plain Jane Keyframe 54mm 87A
OJ Plain Jane Keyframe skateboard wheels for rough roads
The OJ Plain Jane Keyframes are a balanced option for rough roads, offering softness for absorbing vibrations but enough firmness for tricks. Their 87A durometer provides good cushioning while still allowing for reliable performance. These wheels are great for cruising around neighborhoods and streets, and are a good option for skaters seeking a versatile set of wheels, while also being reasonably priced. They are available in 52mm, 54mm, 56mm and 58mm sizes.
Pros:
- Absorbs vibrations well for a smooth ride.
- Suitable for performing tricks without risking damage.
- Good value for the price.
Cons:
- May require more effort to maintain speed on rough spots.
5. Ricta Clouds Wheel 56mm 92A
Ricta clouds cruiser wheels for smooth and rough terrains
The Ricta Clouds are a well-known choice for their durability, smooth performance on bad roads, and suitability for tricks. The 92A durometer offers a balance of street skating and a comfortable ride, making them capable for a variety of skateboarding styles. These wheels offer good grip but may feel a bit bouncy at first. It may take a bit of time to get used to them, but they are a reliable option for rough surfaces. They are available in 52mm, 54mm and 56mm sizes.
Pros:
- Good balance between trick performance and smooth riding.
- Durable construction.
- Good grip for various surfaces.
Cons:
- Can feel bouncy, requiring an adjustment period.
- A bit too grippy initially.
6. OJ Elite Nomads 53mm 95A
OJ Elite Nomads 95A skateboard wheels for gritty surfaces
The OJ Elite Nomads, with a 95A durometer, are designed for responsiveness, making them ideal for gritty asphalt and trick performance. They are not the smoothest for extremely rough terrain but are great for responsive riding. The WTF (Way Too Fast) formula provides good grip and faster rolling, making these wheels suitable for both smooth and rough surfaces. They are available in 53mm and 54mm sizes.
Pros:
- Ideal for rocky and gritty roads.
- Great for pivoting stunts.
- Versatile for both smooth and rough terrains.
- Provides extra grip and balance.
Cons:
- Not the smoothest option for very rough surfaces.
Choosing the Right Skateboard Wheels for Rough Roads
Selecting the right wheels for rough roads depends on several factors, including size, hardness, width, and the specific type of skateboarding you do.
Wheel Size
The diameter of your wheels impacts how well your skateboard handles cracks, bumps, acceleration, and speed.
Small vs Large Wheels
Smaller wheels are lighter and more agile for tricks but have slower acceleration and lower top speeds. Larger wheels accelerate slower but maintain speed far better and offer better stability, but are bulkier and may be more challenging to pivot or slide.
Ideal Wheel Size for Rough Roads
For rough roads, consider a diameter between 52mm and 55mm. These sizes provide a good balance between handling cracks and maintaining some agility. A 50mm wheel is too small to handle rough roads.
Wheel Hardness
The durometer rating (A-scale) measures a wheel’s hardness, with higher numbers indicating harder wheels. The B-scale, used by some brands, is 20 points lower than the A-scale (e.g., 79b = 99a).
Soft vs Hard Wheels
Softer wheels absorb vibrations better but can be less responsive for tricks. Harder wheels are faster but less comfortable on rough terrain. A balance of 85a-92a is ideal for tricks on rough roads.
Ideal Wheel Hardness for Rough Roads
For rough roads, aim for a durometer between 85a and 92a. This range provides a good balance of vibration absorption and control. Softer wheels will offer a more comfortable ride, but can be less ideal for performing tricks.
Wide vs Narrow Wheels
The width of the wheels also plays a significant role in your skateboarding experience on rough terrain.
Narrow Wheels
Narrow wheels offer less friction on rough surfaces, providing a smoother ride and faster response to movements. They can be less stable for beginners.
Wide Wheels
Wide wheels provide better balance and grip, making them ideal for beginners, commuters, and larger riders. They are slower than narrower wheels but offer greater stability.
Skateboarding Purpose
Your skateboarding style will influence the best wheel choice for you.
Technical Skateboarding
Technical skaters focused on tricks prefer wheels that are easy to handle and slightly softer. A 99a-104a durometer with a 52mm-53mm diameter is suitable, but they will not be as smooth on rough roads as softer wheels.
Cruise Skateboarding
Cruise skaters need softer, larger wheels (78a-85a, 55mm+) for comfortable rides, especially on rough terrains.
Beginner Skateboarding
Beginners should seek a versatile wheel that feels good in most circumstances. An 87a-92a wheel with a diameter of 52mm-55mm is ideal for most situations that beginners will encounter.
Types of Rough Surfaces
Understanding the specific challenges of different rough surfaces is crucial for selecting the appropriate skateboard wheels.
Gritty Asphalt
Gritty asphalt, with its loose stones, is difficult to skate on. Softer wheels, around 80a durometer, are recommended to grip better on this type of surface. Wheels sized 52-55mm are also ideal for this type of surface.
Cracked Pavements
Skateboarder on a Bustin Maestro longboard riding on rough pavement
Cracked pavements require softer wheels that can roll over cracks smoothly and provide cushioning. Wheels with a durometer around 77a to 80a, and larger sizes (65mm+) are ideal for cracked surfaces.
Badly Maintained Roads
Badly maintained roads, with uneven textures and rugged features, require softer wheels, around 80a-90a to prevent getting stuck and to roll smoothly.
Additional Tips for Rough Roads
Skateboarding on rough roads requires additional considerations.
Longboard vs Cruiser Wheels
Longboards are often better for rough terrain due to their bigger, softer wheels (60-75mm, 75A-80A) and larger decks. Cruiser boards, while more portable, also feature larger, softer wheels which makes them better than street skateboards for rougher roads.
Avoid Wet Surfaces
Wet surfaces can be dangerous and damage your skateboard. Water can cause rust, deformation of the deck, and reduce grip.
Learn the Basics
Before attempting to skate on rough surfaces, master basic skills. Learn to shift your weight, elevate the front of the board, and use pressure on the tail to navigate bumps more effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a contact patch?
The contact patch is the area of the wheel that touches the ground. A larger contact patch disperses weight evenly and reduces rolling resistance.
Do wheel shapes matter?
Yes, wheel shapes like narrow or wide lips affect stability and performance. Wide lips offer more stability for beginners, while narrow wheels are preferred by technical skaters.
What is the B Durometer rating?
The B-durometer scale is an alternative to the A-scale, and is more accurate at the high end of the A scale.
Conclusion
Selecting the best skateboard wheels for rough roads requires careful consideration of various factors, including wheel size, hardness, shape, and the specific type of terrain you’ll be skating. Generally, a wheel with a durometer of 92A-95A provides a great balance for gritty asphalt, while softer and larger wheels are more suited for extremely rough roads. While no single wheel excels at both rough surface riding and tricks, the options discussed in this guide provide a starting point for finding the right balance of performance and comfort.
Ruben Vee
Ruben vee, author of this skateboard wheel guide
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