Are you heading to the skate park for the first time, or perhaps you’re just tired of struggling to gain speed? Finding the right skateboard wheels can make a world of difference. For skate parks, you’ll want wheels with a durometer of 100A+ and a size between 53mm and 55mm. Harder wheels minimize friction, making them ideal for ramps, bowls, and verts. This guide explores the best options based on personal experience and technical specifications, focusing on the Bones Skate Park Formula P5 wheels.
Best skateboard wheels for skate parks
Why Bones SPF P5 Wheels Are a Top Choice
Switching to Bones SPF P5 wheels was a game-changer for me. I’d been using 58mm 84B Bones Hawk wheels and had no idea how much I was missing out. I tend to stick with my gear until it’s worn out, so changing wheels wasn’t something I did often. Bones is renowned for making some of the best skateboard wheels, and their Skate Park Formula is specifically designed for transition skating.
The first time I saw them, I was hesitant to use them. Their design and pale white color made them look almost too good to use. However, once I tried them at my local mini ramp, I was immediately impressed and there was no going back.
Update: While Bones wheels are exceptionally fast, also consider Spitfire Conical Full wheels as a great all-around alternative.
Spitfire Formula Four Conical Full skateboard wheels
Performance
The speed was the first thing I noticed. I was moving so fast, I almost lost my balance and had to bail. It took a few sessions to adjust my posture and riding style. Good equipment makes a noticeable difference in performance. While cheap boards can be a struggle, investing in premium wheels significantly enhances your ride.
The hardness and size of the Bones SPF P5 wheels require very little effort to gain speed. The first drop-in was almost too fast. I was used to pushing right after dropping in, but with these wheels, it’s simply not necessary. Once I got the hang of them, I realized that I had been using the wrong wheels for a long time. Tricks like hang-ups and 50-50s feel more stable, and reverts became much easier.
Durometer (Hardness)
The SPF p5 series have a Durometer of 84 on the B-scale, comparable to a 104A wheel on the A-scale. The A-scale maxes out at 100, but the 104A is often used for marketing purposes to emphasize the hardness. If you’re curious about skateboard wheel hardness, take a look at our comprehensive skateboard wheel buyer’s guide. Despite their hardness, these wheels don’t slip when you don’t want them to and resist flat spots.
Size
Bones SPF P5 wheels are available in sizes ranging from 54mm to 58mm. The larger 58mm wheels offer maximum speed, while the slightly smaller 54mm wheels allow for tricks on rails and funboxes. I haven’t experienced any issues with getting stuck on copings, and the wheels move smoothly, increasing confidence. If you tend to have issues with getting caught up, 55mm wheels are a good compromise.
Most riders suggest using risers, but I haven’t encountered any wheel bite. I added shock pads for extra clearance to be safe. I usually keep my trucks pretty tight, except when riding bowls.
Shock pads on a skateboard
Grip
I feel very confident dropping in from bigger ramps, and a vert skater friend of mine even prefers them over Spitfires for their increased grip. He mentioned that Spitfires sometimes slip, which is not ideal when dropping in from a big vert. Bones Skate Park Formula wheels come in various sizes, so you can choose what suits you best. The 58mm versions are excellent for bowls, verts, and mini ramps, and with the correct technique, you barely need to push.
Bonus: They Sound Great
I love doing fakie tailslides, it’s a trick that comes naturally to me. The sound these wheels make is an added bonus, they squeak like a rooster, which my son finds hilarious. Reverts and slides have an extra dimension because of the sound and it might sound ridiculous, but it feels great!
Technical Specs
Bones has been pushing the boundaries of skateboard wheel technology for years. They constantly refine their polyurethane mix, and they’re very successful at it. Before polyurethane wheels were invented in the early 1970s by Frank Nasworthy, skateboard wheels were made of steel or clay.
The Bones website states that their high-quality SPF p5 urethane is specifically designed to prevent flat spots and create durable skateboard wheels. They perform exceptionally on smooth surfaces, maintain a high rebound for responsiveness, and are incredibly fast. My personal experience confirms all these claims. They have high abrasion resistance, don’t feel slippery despite their hardness, and flat spots aren’t an issue.
While they may be more expensive, they are very durable. You could potentially go through three sets of Mini Logo wheels before needing to replace one set of Bones SPF P5’s, they’re truly some of the most durable skateboard wheels available.
Wrapping Up
While there’s no single “best” skateboard wheel for everyone, my experience with Bones SPF P5 wheels has been overwhelmingly positive. I’ve been riding them for a year, and they show no signs of cracks or flat spots. These wheels are outstanding for skaters who enjoy transition riding. If you try them and have a different opinion, I’d love to hear about it.
Remember that bearings also play a crucial role in performance. If you’re looking for affordable, high-quality bearings, check out my bearing recommendations.
Note: This page will be updated as I learn more about skateboard wheels.
Ruben vee
By: Ruben Vee
