Skateboard Wheels Hardness Durometer Guide & Explained
Size and hardness are two factors that must be addressed and taken into consideration when selecting a new set of urethane wheels.
The size and toughness scale of the majority of wheels are printed somewhere on the wheel design. So what exactly is the durometer scale for skateboard wheels hardness?
A chart, or ranking system, is used to determine how much grip a skateboard wheel has as well as how much impact and shock it can withstand.
The hardness level frequently includes an “A” next to it since most wheel manufacturers employ the Durometer A scale.
As a result, it gives the toughest wheels an extra 20 points. The durometer of a skateboard wheel is measured using the durometer A scale and ranges from 75a to 101a skateboard wheels.
A highly soft skateboard wheel delivers a smooth ride, maximum comfort, and good grip. Nonetheless, it ages quite slowly.
A very hard skateboard wheel and good skateboarding wheels have a high rate of reaction, are very quick, and wear slowly. It has a terrible grip, though, and rattles with even the smallest blow.
We will inform you about skateboard wheels hardness in this article.
75A-87A wheels of Skateboard
These wheels are incredibly supple. They were made to be utilized while skating over rough terrain on longboards or regular skateboards.
They have a lot of grips and will cushion the blow from uneven streets, roads, and pavement cracks.
The best setup for cruising, commuting, and downhill skating is 75A wheels since they provide the smoothest ride.
88A-95A Skateboard Wheels
These wheels are a little bit faster and tougher. Although they offer less traction, they are nevertheless suppl enough to glide over uneven terrain.
For street skaters looking for a pleasant ride in an urban setting, it is an intermediate setup.
96A- 99A Skateboard Wheels
These are the best wheel hardness for street skating, they are a rather well-balanced set of wheels that are suitable for use on practically all smooth surfaces, including skateparks, bowls, and ramps.
Because it offers a decent grip and moderate pace, the configuration is frequently employed by beginners.
It is a versatile skateboard wheel that won’t falter on uneven or plain concrete terrain.
100 A+ Skateboard Wheels
They are the quickest and toughest skateboard wheels available. They are not designed for riding in rough and slick conditions because they have the least grip.
They are frequently used by professional skateboarders in competitions, inside skateparks, and on upscale surfaces created expressly for sidewalk surfing.
It is the preferred tool in technical and park skating.
Durometer B Scale
There are not many brands that employ the skate wheel hardness rating, as briefly discussed. Bones is the most well-known brand.
For its SPF Pro wheels, Bones also make use of the Durometer B-Scale. They also use the A-Scale for other wheels, so I am not sure why this is the case.
They are merely very hard and quick, and the B-Scale provides a more precise evaluation of the wheel hardness scale. Simply add or subtract 20 to convert Durometeer A wheels to Durometer B wheels.
| Durometer A-scale | Durometer B-scale |
| 100A | 80B |
| 101A | 81B |
| 102A | 82B |
| 104A | 84B |
Skateboard Wheel Hardness Chart
The skateboard wheel hardness scale is given below:
| Durometer Scale | Skateboard Wheel Purpose |
| 77A to 80A | For smooth and comfortable cruising |
| 81A to 83A | More focus on cruising, also work in dusty bowls |
| 85A to 90A | Cruising and tricks |
| 92A to 96A | Wheels for rough roads, tricks, and a smooth ride |
| 97A to 99A | Wheels for tricks with grip and park/bowl skating |
| 100A to 104A | Technical street and park skateboarding |
Pros of using Harder Wheels
Skateboarders who want to learn complex tricks should use hard skateboard wheels. They make landing stunts much simpler and can withstand a lot of damage.
In contrast to softer wheels, higher quality skate wheel hardness scale won’t flat spot as quickly. However, in concrete skate parks, hard skateboard wheels are quick and require less pushing.
Cons of using Harder Wheels
Hard wheels are noisy and uncomfortable to ride on grittier surfaces. While they are extremely quick on skate parks, they are useless on more challenging terrain.
You can ride on most sidewalks and streets, yes, but it takes more work. Harder wheels are designed for tricks; they are not intended for long-distance riding.
Conclusion
I hope I was able to clarify the skateboard wheels hardness. That frequently boils down to personal taste as well. Some people won’t even notice the difference between wheels that are 99a or 104a.
Skateboard wheels are far more complex than merely their hardness. Depending on the skating style you prefer, the size, width, and shape also affect performance.
FAQ‘s
What Level of Hardness is Ideal for Skateboard Wheels?
Those wheels who is 99a hard wheels and higher are suggested for the majority of street skating. On smooth terrain, harder skate wheels are more responsive, glide more easily, and maintain speed better. As they do not absorb the smooch energy as their softer sibling, popping and flipping routines benefit from using them.
78A Wheels too Supple?
Higher numbers indicate tougher wheels; for instance, a 78a hardness wheel would be regarded as being very soft. Scales for durometer can go from 1 to 100 or more.
What is Meant by Skateboard Wheels Hardness?
The hardness of skateboard wheels, which are constructed of polyurethane, is expressed in durometers. Most fall in the 75a to 104a range. Any wheel in the 78a to 90a range is categorized as mild, 90a to 98a is considered intermediate, and 99a+ is categorized as hard.
Who Is Roy Harris
Hey there, I’m Roy Harris, and skateboarding is my life.
Growing up in sunny Southern California, I fell head over heels for skateboarding at an early age. From the moment I stepped on a skateboard, I knew it was my calling.
