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Skateboard wheels are a crucial component in determining the speed, grip, and maneuverability of your ride. As a skateboarder, it’s vital to sport the best possible wheels suitable for your style and needs, whether that’s cruising, freestyle, or downhill racing. It would be a tragedy to not enjoy your skate journey due to the use of inappropriate wheels.
The best skateboard wheels should be durable, provide excellent grip, roll smoothly, and most importantly, be tailored to your specific type of skating. Wheels that are too hard or too soft for your style can vastly affect your performance and skate experience. The inappropriate wheels can lead to problems such as poor maneuverability, uneven wear, and even accidents.
When shopping for the perfect skateboard wheels, consider factors like durometer (the hardness of the wheel), size, material, and contact patch width. Ranging between 75A (very soft) to 101A (very hard), the durometer should match your skating style. Smaller wheels offer quicker accelerations, while larger wheels maintain speed better. Wheels made of urethane prove more durable and provide better grip, while the width of the contact patch influences your balance and maneuverability.
Through extensive testing and research, we aim to guide and advise you to select skateboard wheels central to your skating aspirations. From the streets to the park, downhill, or even cruising, we’ve taken into account every possible skate variation to aid you in a seamless, enjoyable skating experience. By the end of this article, you will be well equipped with the information required to choose the best skateboard wheels that suit your taste and style.
Best Skateboard Wheels
Selecting the right skateboard wheels is crucial for your skateboarding adventures. They should be durable, offer excellent grip, roll smoothly, and be tailored to your specific style of skating. With a plethora of options available in the market, it may be challenging to choose the perfect set for you. Hence, we have put together a curated list of the best skateboard wheels to assist you in making an informed choice.
Spitfire 52mm Wheels Bighead White/Red Skateboard Wheels – 99a with Bones Bearings – 8mm Bones Reds Precision Skate Rated Skateboard Bearings (8) Pack – Bundle of 2 Items
If you’re looking for a complete skateboard wheel setup that’s ready to ride out of the box, the Spitfire 52mm Wheels Bighead White/Red Skateboard Wheels – 99a with Bones Bearings – 8mm Bones Reds Precision Skate Rated Skateboard Bearings (8) Pack – Bundle of 2 Items is a great option.
Pros
- The Spitfire Bighead 52mm wheels are a great size for cruising and commuting, and the 99a durometer rating provides a smooth and fast ride.
- Bones Reds bearings are known for their high quality and precision, and they come pre-installed in the Spitfire wheels for easy setup.
- The wheels and bearings come as a bundle, so you can save money by purchasing them together instead of buying each component separately.
Cons
- Some users may prefer a different color or design for their wheels, as the Spitfire Bighead wheels come in a simple white and red color scheme.
- While the 99a durometer rating is great for cruising and commuting, it may not be suitable for more aggressive skating or tricks.
- The Spitfire Bighead wheels are a bit larger than standard skateboard wheels, which may require some adjustments to the truck height or wheelbase.
We’ve had the opportunity to test the Spitfire 52mm Wheels Bighead White/Red Skateboard Wheels – 99a with Bones Bearings – 8mm Bones Reds Precision Skate Rated Skateboard Bearings (8) Pack – Bundle of 2 Items, and we’re impressed with the overall quality and performance of the setup. The wheels provide a smooth and fast ride, and the Bones Reds bearings are incredibly precise and durable. We appreciate that the wheels and bearings come as a bundle, as it makes the purchasing process much simpler and saves us some money.
If you’re in the market for a complete skateboard wheel setup, the Spitfire 52mm Wheels Bighead White/Red Skateboard Wheels – 99a with Bones Bearings – 8mm Bones Reds Precision Skate Rated Skateboard Bearings (8) Pack – Bundle of 2 Items is definitely worth considering. It provides a great balance of speed, durability, and ease of use, making it a solid choice for cruising and commuting.
Spitfire Bighead Wheels Set of 4, Unisex, Bighead
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable set of wheels for your longboard, the Spitfire Bighead Wheels Set of 4 is a great option.
Pros
- The Bighead formula provides an excellent grip and allows for high-speed sliding.
- The hub provides extra strength and stiffness, making it ideal for downhill and freeride applications.
- The 60mm diameter and 38mm width provide ample contact patch for optimal performance.
Cons
- The wheels are quite heavy, which may affect the overall performance of your longboard.
- The hardness of the wheels may not be suitable for all types of terrain or riding styles.
- The price point may be a bit high for some budget-conscious buyers.
We’ve been using the Spitfire Bighead Wheels Set of 4 for a while now, and we’re impressed with their performance. The Bighead formula provides excellent grip and allows for high-speed sliding, which is great for those who enjoy downhill racing or freeride applications. The hub is also a standout feature, as it provides extra strength and stiffness, which is crucial for high-speed riding.
One thing to note is that the wheels are quite heavy, which may affect the overall performance of your longboard. Additionally, the hardness of the wheels may not be suitable for all types of terrain or riding styles. Finally, the price point may be a bit high for some budget-conscious buyers.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and durable set of wheels for your longboard, the Spitfire Bighead Wheels Set of 4 is definitely worth considering.
OJ Skateboard Wheels Plain Jain Keyframe 87a Skateboard Wheels -Set of 4 Wheels
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable set of skateboard wheels, the OJ Skateboard Wheels Plain Jain Keyframe 87a Skateboard Wheels -Set of 4 Wheels is a great choice.
Pros
- The OJ Skateboard Wheels Plain Jain Keyframe 87a Skateboard Wheels -Set of 4 Wheels are made of high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity.
- The wheels are designed with a unique shape that provides better grip and control, making them ideal for all types of terrains.
- The OJ Skateboard Wheels Plain Jain Keyframe 87a Skateboard Wheels -Set of 4 Wheels come in a classic design that is both stylish and timeless.
Cons
- The wheels may be a bit too hard for some skaters, which can make for a rough ride.
- The OJ Skateboard Wheels Plain Jain Keyframe 87a Skateboard Wheels -Set of 4 Wheels may not be the best choice for beginners, as they require a bit of skill to maneuver effectively.
- The wheels may not be as fast as some other options on the market.
Overall, we highly recommend the OJ Skateboard Wheels Plain Jain Keyframe 87a Skateboard Wheels -Set of 4 Wheels for anyone looking for a high-quality, reliable, and durable set of skateboard wheels. The unique shape of the wheels provides better grip and control, making them ideal for all types of terrains. While they may be a bit too hard for some skaters and not the best choice for beginners, they are still a great choice for anyone looking for a stylish and timeless design.
Spitfire Formula Four 99D Tablet Skateboard Wheels – Set of 4
If you’re looking for a high-quality skateboard wheel, the Spitfire Formula Four 99D Tablet Skateboard Wheels – Set of 4 is a great choice.
Pros
- The 99A durometer is a great balance of speed and control, making it perfect for all types of skating.
- The formula four hub is lightweight and durable, ensuring that your wheels will last for a long time.
- The included Spitfire tablets are a nice touch and make for a fun skate session.
Cons
- The wheels are on the smaller side, which may not be ideal for some skaters.
- The price point is a bit higher than some other skateboard wheels on the market.
- The included Spitfire tablets may not be to everyone’s taste.
We’ve been using the Spitfire Formula Four 99D Tablet Skateboard Wheels – Set of 4 for a while now, and we’re really impressed with their performance. The 99A durometer provides a great balance of speed and control, making it easy to navigate through skateparks and cruise down the streets. The formula four hub is also really impressive, as it’s lightweight and durable, ensuring that your wheels will last for a long time.
One thing that we really appreciate about these wheels is the included Spitfire tablets. They’re a nice touch and add a fun element to your skate sessions. Plus, they’re a great way to show off your love for the Spitfire brand.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Spitfire Formula Four 99D Tablet Skateboard Wheels – Set of 4 to anyone in the market for a high-quality skateboard wheel. They’re a bit pricey, but their performance and durability make them worth the investment.
Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers & Washers Bundle
If you’re looking for a reliable set of bearings for your skateboard, the Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers & Washers Bundle is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- These bearings are made in the USA and come with a lifetime warranty, so you can trust that they’re built to last.
- They’re designed to be fast and durable, with a removable rubber shield that allows for easy cleaning and quick bearing replacement.
- The pre-lubed Skate Rated™ performance and quality make these bearings a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their skateboard’s performance.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the bearings can be a bit noisy, although this seems to be a relatively minor issue.
- While the bearings are undeniably durable, they may not be quite as smooth as some other high-end options on the market.
- At around $20, these bearings are a bit on the expensive side compared to some other options.
Overall, we think that the Bones Reds Bearings 8 pk w/Spacers & Washers Bundle is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable, high-performance set of bearings for their skateboard. While they may not be the cheapest option on the market, their durability and speed make them well worth the investment.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best skateboard wheels, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Durometer
The durometer is a measure of how hard or soft the wheel is. A higher durometer means a harder wheel, which is better for high-speed riding and durability. A lower durometer means a softer wheel, which is better for grip and control.
Size
The size of the wheel is important because it affects the wheel’s contact with the ground. A larger wheel provides a smoother ride and is better for long-distance riding, while a smaller wheel provides better control and is better for tricks.
Shape
The shape of the wheel affects its grip and control. A wheel with a round shape provides a smooth ride and is better for high-speed riding, while a wheel with a more square shape provides better grip and control.
Bearing Size
The size of the bearing affects the wheel’s performance. A larger bearing provides a smoother ride and is better for high-speed riding, while a smaller bearing provides better control and is better for tricks.
Price
Price is always a consideration when purchasing any product. While it’s important to find a wheel that fits your needs and budget, it’s also important to remember that the most expensive wheel isn’t always the best. Look for a wheel that provides a good balance of features and price.
By considering these factors, you can find the best skateboard wheel for your needs and riding style.
