Picking out the right skateboard wheels isn’t just about grabbing the ones that look cool. Wheel size and durometer (hardness) both play a major role in how your board performs. Whether you’re cruising, hitting the park, or skating street, the wrong wheels can hold you back—or worse, make your setup feel sketchy.
Size: Diameter Matters
Skateboard wheel size is measured in millimeters (mm). Smaller wheels, typically 50–54mm, are lighter and lower to the ground, which makes them ideal for technical street skating. They help with quicker acceleration and flip tricks.
Larger wheels, around 55–60mm and up, are better for transition skating (like bowls and vert ramps) and cruising. They roll faster, handle rougher terrain better, and hold speed longer, but they’re heavier and can make your setup feel a bit clunkier for tricks.
Durometer: Hardness Ratings and What They Mean
Durometer measures how hard or soft a wheel is. Most wheels use the A-scale, which tops out at 100A. You might also see some wheels using the B-scale, which is 20 points lower than the A-scale. So, a 100A wheel is about the same hardness as an 80B wheel—they’re just measured differently for more accuracy at the harder end of the spectrum.
Here’s a basic breakdown:
- 78A–87A: Super soft, grippy wheels—great for rough pavement and cruising.
- 88A–95A: Still soft, but with a little more speed and slide potential. Ideal for cruisers or hybrid setups.
- 96A–99A: All-around street and park wheels. They offer decent grip with some slide when you need it.
- 100A+ / 83B: Hard wheels with minimal grip—great for clean parks, ledges, and consistent street spots.
Why Hard Wheels for Street?
Hard wheels (99A and up) let you slide and lock in for tricks like nose slides, tail slides, and blunt slides. They also respond quicker and feel snappier underfoot, which is a big deal when you’re doing flip tricks or skating ledges and rails. Just keep in mind they won’t smooth out rough pavement, so you’ll feel every crack and pebble.
Whether you’re a beginner or building out your fifth setup, understanding wheel size and durometer helps you ride smarter and skate better. Need help picking a set? Stop by Fixion Skate Shop or check out our selection online—we’ll get you rolling.