Skateboard Wheel Hardness⁚ The Durometer Scale
Skateboard wheel hardness is measured using the durometer scale, typically expressed as a number followed by “A”․ This scale, ranging from 78A to 101A+, indicates the wheel’s resistance to deformation․ A higher number signifies a harder wheel, affecting grip and speed․
Understanding Durometer Ratings
The durometer scale, specifically the Shore A scale, is the key to understanding skateboard wheel hardness․ This scale uses a numerical rating (e․g․, 78A, 95A, 101A) to represent the wheel’s resistance to indentation․ A higher number indicates a harder wheel․ It’s crucial to note that this hardness directly impacts several aspects of your skating experience․ Harder wheels (higher durometer ratings) generally offer increased speed and smoother rolls on smooth surfaces, but sacrifice grip․ Conversely, softer wheels (lower durometer ratings) provide exceptional grip, making them ideal for rough terrain or technical tricks where maximum control is essential․ However, they may feel slower and less responsive on smooth surfaces․ Understanding the durometer rating is paramount in selecting the optimal wheel for your style and preferred riding conditions․ The A scale, while common, is not the only scale used; some manufacturers use the Shore B scale, which is offset by 20 points (an 82B wheel is roughly equivalent to a 102A wheel)․
The A Scale vs․ the B Scale
While the Durometer A scale is the most prevalent method for measuring skateboard wheel hardness, it’s not the only one․ Some manufacturers, notably Bones Wheels, utilize the Durometer B scale․ Understanding the difference is crucial to avoid confusion when comparing wheels from various brands․ The A scale, ranging from 0A to 100A, is primarily used for softer materials like rubber, plastics, and elastomers commonly found in skateboard wheels․ The B scale, also ranging from 0B to 100B, is employed for harder materials․ A key distinction is the numerical offset⁚ a reading on the B scale is approximately 20 points lower than its equivalent on the A scale․ For instance, an 82B wheel is roughly comparable to a 102A wheel․ Therefore, when comparing wheels, always pay close attention to which scale the manufacturer uses to avoid misinterpreting the hardness rating․ This awareness ensures accurate comparisons and helps you select the appropriate wheel hardness for your individual skating needs and preferences, regardless of the scale used․
Choosing the Right Wheel Hardness for Your Riding Style
Wheel hardness significantly impacts your skateboarding experience․ The ideal hardness depends on your preferred riding style and the surfaces you typically skate on․ Matching your wheels to your style enhances performance and enjoyment․
Soft Wheels (78A-87A)⁚ Grip and Rough Terrain
Soft wheels, ranging from 78A to 87A on the durometer scale, are characterized by their exceptional grip․ This makes them ideal for navigating rough terrains, such as cracked pavement, gravel paths, or uneven surfaces commonly found in skateparks․ The increased surface contact area provided by softer wheels enhances traction, minimizing the risk of wheel slippage during tricks or while cruising․ This superior grip comes at a cost, however․ Soft wheels tend to wear down more quickly than harder wheels due to increased friction against the ground․ They also generate more rolling resistance, resulting in less speed and requiring more effort to maintain momentum․ Despite this trade-off, the enhanced grip of soft wheels makes them a preferred choice for skaters who prioritize control and stability over speed, particularly on challenging surfaces․ For longboarding or street skating where grip and shock absorption are crucial, soft wheels offer a significant advantage․
Medium Wheels (90A-98A)⁚ All-Around Performance
Medium-durometer wheels, falling within the 90A to 98A range, offer a balanced compromise between grip and speed, making them a versatile choice for various skating styles and terrains․ These wheels provide sufficient grip for street skating, allowing for controlled slides and maneuvers on moderately rough surfaces․ The reduced rolling resistance compared to softer wheels translates to better speed and less effort required to maintain momentum․ This makes them suitable for cruising and commuting, offering a comfortable ride without sacrificing too much grip․ While they might not offer the same level of grip as softer wheels on extremely rough terrain, nor the same speed as harder wheels on perfectly smooth surfaces, their adaptability makes them a popular option for beginners and intermediate skaters․ They represent a good middle ground, providing a satisfactory balance of control, speed, and durability for a wide range of skating conditions and preferences․ This makes them a suitable choice for skaters who want a versatile wheel that performs adequately in most situations․
Hard Wheels (99A and Above)⁚ Speed and Smooth Surfaces
Hard wheels, boasting durometer ratings of 99A and higher, prioritize speed and performance on smooth surfaces․ Their increased hardness minimizes friction, allowing for rapid acceleration and sustained high speeds․ This characteristic makes them ideal for street skating where smooth surfaces are prevalent, enabling quick transitions and effortless gliding․ However, this hardness comes at the cost of grip; hard wheels offer less traction on rough surfaces, making them less suitable for terrains with cracks, pebbles, or significant imperfections․ Skating on rough terrain with hard wheels may result in a less controlled ride and increased risk of wheel slippage․ The reduced grip is a deliberate trade-off for increased speed and responsiveness, making them a preferred choice for experienced skaters who prioritize speed and precise control on smooth, well-maintained surfaces․ Therefore, the choice between hard and softer wheels depends greatly on the intended skating environment and personal preferences․
Wheel Hardness and Riding Surface
The ideal skateboard wheel hardness directly correlates with the riding surface․ Harder wheels excel on smooth surfaces for speed, while softer wheels provide superior grip on rougher terrain, enhancing control and stability․
Harder Wheels for Smooth Surfaces
For those who prioritize speed and effortless gliding, harder wheels (99A and above) are the optimal choice․ These wheels, often favored by street skaters and those who frequent smooth skateparks, minimize friction, allowing for rapid acceleration and sustained momentum․ The reduced rolling resistance translates to less energy expended per push, enabling longer distances covered with less effort․ This characteristic is especially beneficial during high-speed runs or when executing technical maneuvers that demand quick transitions and responsiveness․ However, it’s crucial to note that this reduced friction comes at the cost of grip․ Harder wheels offer less traction, making them less suitable for uneven surfaces or wet conditions․ Skating on rough terrain with hard wheels increases the risk of wheel slippage and loss of control, potentially resulting in falls or injuries․ Therefore, selecting harder wheels is an informed decision contingent on the riding style and surface preference․
Softer Wheels for Rougher Surfaces
When navigating uneven terrain, opting for softer wheels (78A-87A) significantly enhances the ride quality and control․ These wheels, characterized by their higher level of grip, provide superior traction on rough surfaces, effectively absorbing shocks and vibrations․ This characteristic is particularly beneficial for longboarding, cruising, or street skating where encountering cracks, pebbles, or other obstacles is common․ The increased grip minimizes the risk of wheel slippage, enhancing stability and rider confidence․ Softer wheels excel at dampening the impact of bumps, leading to a smoother and more comfortable ride․ However, the improved grip comes with a trade-off⁚ reduced speed․ The increased friction caused by the softer material generates more rolling resistance, resulting in slower speeds compared to harder wheels․ This is a significant consideration for skaters prioritizing speed and efficiency on smooth surfaces․ Ultimately, the selection between softer and harder wheels depends on the type of terrain and the rider’s priorities regarding speed versus grip and comfort․
