Understanding Skateboard Wheel Hardness: A Comprehensive Durometer Guide

Choosing the right skateboard wheels can be confusing, especially when it comes to hardness, often referred to as durometer. The durometer scale is crucial for understanding how a wheel will perform, impacting your riding experience significantly. This guide will explain everything you need to know about skateboard wheel durometer, helping you select the perfect wheels for your skating style.

The Shore durometer scale measures the hardness of skateboard wheels, typically ranging from 77A to 104A. Lower numbers indicate softer wheels, which are ideal for smooth cruising, while higher numbers represent harder wheels designed for technical tricks and skate parks. Let’s delve into the specifics of each durometer range and its recommended usage.

This comprehensive guide will break down the most common durometers and their applications, helping you make an informed decision. We’ll also explore the pros and cons of hard versus soft skateboard wheels.

Skateboard Wheel Durometer Explained

Hard skateboard wheels with 99A and 101A durometer ratings

Some brands use the term “Duro,” like Spitfire, while others, such as Bones, utilize the B-scale, which offers greater accuracy at the higher end of the spectrum. A 99A wheel from one brand might feel different from a 99A wheel from another due to variations in the manufacturing process. The A-scale technically maxes out at 100, but some brands push it to 104A, which is why Bones introduced the B-scale, offering more precision for harder wheels. When you see a wheel marked as 84B, adding 20 will give you the equivalent A-scale rating of 104A, which represents the hardest skateboard wheels available.

77A to 80A Skateboard Wheels

Soft skateboard wheel with an 80A durometer rating

These wheels are primarily designed for cruising, often larger than standard skateboard wheels. The soft nature of 77A wheels provides exceptional grip and a very smooth ride, ideal for beginners learning to ride without focusing on tricks. However, these wheels can feel overly bouncy when attempting tricks like ollies. While basic tricks are possible, softer wheels make it more difficult for beginners. Another downside is that they wear down faster than harder wheels. If you’re looking for a setup that combines cruising and tricks, consider wheels between 85A and 92A, which provide a good balance.

85A to 90A Skateboard Wheels

Wheels in this range are versatile and suitable for rougher surfaces like gritty asphalt. An 85A wheel is still closer to a cruiser wheel but provides better performance on rough terrain compared to harder wheels. While they offer excellent grip, they aren’t ideal for sliding and can be slower on smooth concrete. A 90A wheel is an excellent option for beginners who want to learn basic tricks on rough surfaces while still enjoying a comfortable ride. As you progress and gain confidence, upgrading to harder wheels will enhance your ability to perform more advanced tricks.

92A to 96A Skateboard Wheels

These wheels perform well on rough surfaces, offering a smoother ride than harder wheels on gritty asphalt but are less suitable for general cruising. A 92A wheel provides a smoother ride compared to a 96A. If you frequent skate parks with worn concrete and cracks, choosing wheels within this durometer range can improve your riding experience. They offer good grip, making them suitable for bowl skating, though you will need to pump a little harder because of the increased resistance. Sliding can be challenging with these wheels, especially at the lower end of the scale.

97A Skateboard Wheels

Soft skateboard wheel with a 97A durometer rating

A 97A wheel is a popular choice for a balanced feel, performing well in slippery bowls or on asphalt. While they may not be as fast as harder wheels, they offer a good blend of grip and control, making them suitable for a variety of skating environments. The extra grip can prevent unwanted sliding, which is beneficial for skaters who want more stability.

99A Skateboard Wheels

The 99A durometer is widely used by both beginner and experienced skaters. However, it’s important to note that 99A wheels can vary from brand to brand due to minor inconsistencies in manufacturing. Some brands will be closer to 99A than others, and this can impact performance. Bones and Spitfire are known for producing more accurate 99A wheels. 99A wheels provide a good balance between speed and grip, making them a reliable option for skaters of all levels. They aren’t as fast as 104A wheels but offer a solid choice for those seeking a versatile wheel for tricks.

100A to 104A (84B) Skateboard Wheels

Hard skateboard wheel with a 101A durometer rating

Wheels in this category are the hardest in the durometer A-scale and beyond and are designed for technical tricks. They minimize bouncing when landing tricks, resulting in a more stable feel. 100A wheels are fast, especially on concrete, and they offer less grip which can aid in sliding and correcting minor imbalances when landing. Wheels rated 101A and above are even faster and offer even less grip. The 103A and 104A, sometimes represented as 84B are the hardest wheels you can purchase for skateboarding.

Durometer B-Scale

The B-scale was introduced by Bones to provide a more accurate representation of harder wheels. As previously mentioned, some brands use the A-scale and artificially extend it beyond 100, while Bones uses the B-scale for greater precision. To convert between A and B scale, you simply add or subtract 20. The B-scale is essential for understanding the hardness of high-performance wheels and allows for more precise comparisons between different brands.

The Advantages of Softer Skateboard Wheels

OJ and Orangatang cruiser wheels for smooth rides

Softer wheels are best known for delivering smooth and stable rides. They excel at absorbing minor imperfections in the road, allowing you to roll over pebbles and small objects with minimal disruption. Softer wheels are the preferred choice for cruiser and longboard setups, particularly for long-distance riding. For longer distances, wheel size also matters, as larger wheels can cover more ground with each push.

The Disadvantages of Softer Skateboard Wheels

Softer wheels aren’t suitable for trick skating due to their tendency to bounce back upon impact. This can make it difficult to land tricks cleanly, potentially leading to falls and injuries. They also tend to wear down faster than harder wheels, particularly with excessive sliding, which can result in chunking.

The Advantages of Harder Skateboard Wheels

Spitfire Classics skateboard wheels designed for tricks

Hard skateboard wheels are ideal for technical tricks because they provide a firm and stable surface for landing. Depending on the brand, these wheels can withstand significant abuse and prevent flat spots, a common issue with softer wheels. Additionally, hard wheels are exceptionally fast on smooth concrete, requiring less effort to maintain speed, particularly at skateparks.

The Disadvantages of Harder Skateboard Wheels

Hard wheels can be noisy and uncomfortable when used on rougher surfaces, which can impact the overall riding experience. While they perform exceptionally well in skate parks, they aren’t ideal for long-distance riding or navigating rough roads. They require more effort to maintain momentum and are generally unsuitable for casual cruising.

Conclusion

Understanding the durometer scale is key to selecting the right skateboard wheels for your specific needs. This guide will help you make informed decisions based on your preferred skating style and the conditions you encounter. Ultimately, personal preference also plays a crucial role; some skaters may not notice a significant difference between wheels with slightly different durometers. Remember that aspects like size, width, and shape also impact overall performance. We will explore these topics further in future articles. For now, consider checking out our recommendations for the best skateboard wheels to help you make the perfect choice.

Ruben Vee, author of the article

Ruben Vee
An experienced skateboarder with over 25 years of experience and a passion for skateboard gear.