Skateboard wheel selection can be daunting, especially for beginners. The sheer variety of options can be overwhelming. If you’re unsure about the differences between hard and soft wheels, or which type suits your needs when setting up your first board, you’ve come to the right place.
Soft skateboard wheels are ideal for cruising and offer a comfortable ride, easily navigating rough surfaces and small obstacles. However, they aren’t the best for technical tricks due to their bounciness and tendency to grip the surface. Hard wheels, on the other hand, are preferred by skateboarders who focus on technical tricks, but they are less suitable for cruising.
This guide will explain the nuances of hard, medium, and soft wheels, helping you determine the best option for your skateboarding style.
Understanding the Differences: Soft, Hard, and Medium Wheels
A skateboard with one hard wheel and one soft wheel
As a general rule, softer wheels are designed for cruising and longboarding, while hard wheels are best for technical tricks. If you’re just starting out and want to cruise, navigate curbs, or commute, soft wheels are the way to go. Hard wheels will vibrate excessively and make it difficult to maintain speed, and are generally not suitable for cruising. Conversely, if you’re interested in learning tricks like ollies and kickflips, harder skateboard wheels are the better option. Soft wheels don’t provide the responsiveness necessary for technical maneuvers. While some wheels offer a balanced performance across different terrains, no single wheel excels at both cruising and performing tricks.
It’s important to invest in quality wheels from reputable brands like Bones or Spitfire. Cheaper wheels are prone to flat spots and will require more frequent replacement than their higher-quality counterparts.
Here’s a comparison table to guide you:
| Skateboarding Style | Recommended Hardness | Recommended Durometer | Recommended Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skateparks | Hard | 99A+ | 52mm – 54mm |
| Bowl & Transition | Medium / Hard | 97A – 104A (84B) | 55mm – 58mm |
| Cruising & Commuting | Soft | 78A – 87A | 56mm – 65mm |
| Street Skating | Medium | 92A – 99A | 51mm – 54mm |
| Flat Ground Skating | Hard | 101A – 104A | 50mm – 53mm |
| Beginner | Medium / Hard | 92A – 99A | 54mm – 55mm |
Soft Skateboard Wheels
OJ and Orangatang cruiser skateboard wheels
Soft wheels, typically ranging from 77A to 87A on the durometer scale, are ideal for comfortable rides and cruising. These wheels, often larger in size, are preferred by longboarders and cruisers because they require less effort to push and make it easier to maintain speed. If technical street tricks aren’t your focus, this hardness range is what you should consider. (More about the Durometer scale is discussed later in this article.)
Soft wheels are also safer because they handle small rocks, cracks, and other obstacles better than hard wheels. Harder wheels can cause you to suddenly stop when encountering an object, potentially throwing you off your board. However, soft wheels are not suitable for skate parks or transition skating as their grip makes it difficult to gain speed and balance on ramps. They tend to stick to the surface, making it harder to maintain a consistent push and focus on performing tricks.
Cons of Soft Wheels:
- More prone to flat spots
- Bouncier and harder for landing tricks
- Not ideal for technical maneuvers
Pros of Soft Wheels:
- Excellent for cruising
- Less effort required when pushing
- Maintain speed more effectively
Hard Skateboard Wheels
A close-up of CCS brand skateboard wheels
Hard wheels generally fall between 96A and 104A (or 84B) on the durometer scale, with the hardest wheels often favored by experienced and professional street skaters. For regular street skaters, wheels in the 96A to 100A range are suitable, while many pros use wheels between 100A and 84B (equivalent to 104A).
Hard wheels are not comfortable for rough surfaces and can slide on slick surfaces. They require more effort to push and can generate a lot of noise, depending on the riding surface. On the other hand, hard wheels excel at power slides, rotational flips, and slide tricks like boardslides. They also make it easier to pivot and correct your stance when landing off-balance. While not ideal for beginners, wheels in the 95A to 99A range offer a good balance of performance and stability for those new to skateboarding.
Pros of Hard Skateboard Wheels:
- Ideal for technical tricks
- Less likely to bounce unpredictably
- Faster acceleration on smooth surfaces
- More control in confined spaces
- Less prone to flat spots (depending on urethane quality)
Cons of Hard Skateboard Wheels:
- Uncomfortable for longer rides
- More noise and vibrations on rough surfaces
- Less suitable for beginners
Medium-Hard Wheels
Brands like Bones offer wheels that perform well in various conditions. These wheels may not excel in one specific area but are a safe choice if you’re unsure about the kind of skating you’ll be doing.
Bones All Terrain Formula (ATF) skateboard wheels
Bones ATF (All-Terrain Formula) wheels are a good example, offering versatility for both street and transition skating. A size of 53 or 54mm is usually a good place to start. Many skaters find them suitable for street skating, grinding rails, and even transitioning back to the bowl.
Wheel Size and Hardness
A graphic comparing skateboard wheel size and speed
While wheel size and hardness are different metrics, they do correlate. Larger wheels accelerate more slowly but maintain speed better. Cruisers should look for large, soft wheels between 60mm and 70mm with a durometer of 78A to 87A. Note that larger wheels (above 60mm) often require riser pads to avoid wheel bite. Smaller wheels accelerate faster and are often used for technical tricks. Larger wheels can also get stuck on ledges and rails, making tricks harder to land.
Spitfire wheels use the letter “D” to denote durometer, and this is equivalent to the “A” scale. For example, 99D Spitfire wheels are the same hardness as 99A wheels.
The Durometer Scale: A and B
A graphic of the skateboard wheel durometer A scale
The durometer scale, invented by Albert Ferdinand Shore, measures the hardness of materials. Most skateboard wheel brands use the “A” scale, which officially goes up to 100. However, since this scale has limitations, some brands use the “B” scale for a more accurate description of hardness exceeding 100A. For instance, wheels rated at 101A or 104A are often expressed on the “B” scale as 81B and 84B, respectively. You can convert from “A” scale to “B” scale by subtracting 20 points.
For those looking to cruise and ride with confidence, wheels at the lower end of the durometer scale, like 78A, offer a very smooth ride but can be quite bouncy. Wheels around 87A still give a smooth ride but with less bounce.
Rebound and Bounce
The quality of a wheel isn’t solely defined by its hardness. Rebound, or bounce, refers to how quickly a wheel returns to its original shape after impact. Wheels are made of polyurethane, and some formulas are much better than others in this regard. High-quality wheels, like those from Bones and Spitfire, bounce back into shape quickly, thanks to their optimized urethane formulas. Lower-quality wheels, on the other hand, have poor rebound, which can be checked by simply dropping them on the ground and observing how they bounce.
Urethane Quality
Not all skateboard wheels are made equal, even if they have the same size and hardness. The polyurethane formula can vary widely, and higher-quality urethane translates to increased durability and less likelihood of flat spots. They also tend to rebound more quickly. You can tell the difference between a 99A Spitfire and a 99A generic wheel: Spitfires will generally feel much smoother, enhancing rider confidence. Since it’s hard to assess urethane quality just by looking at the wheel, sticking with reputable brands like Bones or Spitfire is a good approach.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between hard and soft wheels is essential for a better skateboarding experience. This knowledge can guide you in selecting the right wheels for your skateboarding style and goals. If you’re looking for more in-depth information about skateboard wheels, please check out the buyers guide or the best skateboard wheels list. The technology behind skateboard wheels has made significant advancements in recent years. Choosing the right wheels can greatly impact your performance and confidence, potentially being the difference between landing a trick and landing primo.
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right wheels is to discuss your needs with your local skate shop. Let them know whether you plan to cruise, do long rides, try tricks, or something in between. They’ll be able to help you find the perfect set for your style.
A headshot of Ruben Vee
Ruben Vee
A seasoned skateboarder with 25 years of experience, still riding and testing gear to share findings.
