|
Jun
09
|
Skateboards are made up of decks, trucks and wheels. Each part is very important, but it is the wheels that keep you grounded and roll to give that rush you savor as you pick up speed. Therefore, choosing the right skateboard wheels is important, especially when you are building your own board.
Skateboard wheels are made of polyurethane, which is a rubber-like material. The wheel can be molded in different sizes and shapes. They are also made in different degrees of hardness, depending on where and how you intend to skateboard.
Large wheels come in sizes between 54 mm and 85 mm. These roll faster and can move unimpeded over cracks. Small wheels are made in sizes between 48 mm and 54 mm. They attain lower top speeds but they provide more stability, as they are closer to the ground and put your center of gravity nearer to the deck. They are also easier to accelerate.
Street skaters prefer smaller wheels because it allows them to easily spin the board and if it comes with light trucks, do tricks too. Vertical ramp skating, on the other hand, requires larger wheels (55mm to 65mm) because you need to maintain a high speed without sliding. Even larger wheels (65 mm to 100mm) are used in longboarding and downhill skateboarding.
The hardness of skateboard wheels is measured with the Shore durometer “A” scale. The scale goes from very soft wheels at 75 A up to 100 A for hard wheels. Wheels labeled 101 A and over are not strictly graded according to the Shore scale; they are just harder than usual. Some manufacturers now use the “B” and “D” scale to more accurately label these harder wheels.
Street wheels are usually harder so that they can easily slide on waxed surfaces. Soft wheels are used for vertical ramp skating to maintain high speeds without sliding and for slalom skating for tight grips during maneuvers.
Wheels of extreme sizes are, however, made of hard plastic instead of polyurethane. The hard plastic can be made thinner and lighter, and is suitable for smooth skateboarding over any terrain.
Choosing the right skateboard wheels is central to your skateboarding experience. The one you choose will depend on the style of skateboarding you prefer, how much control you want and how fast you want to go. Whichever you choose though, fun is guaranteed.