Skateboard wheel durometer explainer 101.
Skateboard wheel durometer is a scale that quantifies the hardness of a material – in this instance urethane.
Skateboard wheel durometer is important as it tells the rider what type of feeling to expect when using wheels of a particular hardness or softness.
When it comes to skateboard wheels, durometer measures how much the wheel resists deformation under pressure. The scale typically ranges from 1 to 100, with higher values indicating harder wheels.
Here’s what you need to know about skateboard wheel durometer:
Shore Durometer Scale:
The Shore Durometer scale is commonly used for measuring skateboard wheel hardness. It spans from 77A (soft) to 104A (hard).
The lower the number on the scale, the softer the wheel. Softer wheels are great for smooth rides, but they’re not ideal for tricks.
Harder wheels, on the other hand, are used for technical tricks on the street and in skate parks.
Specific durometer ranges and purposes:
77A to 87A: These wheels are actually cruiser wheels, often larger than regular skateboard wheels. They can handle pebbles and cracks without abruptly stopping. At 77A, you’ll experience a very grippy wheel that offers a buttery smooth ride. However, they feel quite bouncy when attempting basic tricks like ollies. Beginners might struggle with tricks on 77A wheels. People often find these wheels ideal for surfskate cruising.
88a-95a: These wheels are slightly harder and faster with somewhat less grip, but they are still grippy. Good for street and rougher surfaces.
96a-99a: Nice speed and grip. An all-around good wheel, great for beginners on smoother surfaces. Not Ideal for surfskate.
101a +: Hardest and fastest wheel with the least grip (BEWARE!).