What is the right size skateboard wheel for you?

Skateboard wheels are one of the most important parts of your boards set up. They are the part of your skateboard that allow you to move, and help determine the speed you can go. Wheels are generally manufactured from polyurethane, and come in a range of sizes, colors, and durability levels to complement your skateboard style and preference.

The wheels that go onto a skateboard are measured in both diameter and durometer. Diameter is will be the size of the wheel, and durometer is how hard the material of the wheel is made of. Both the size and durometer will be based on your personal skating preference, and what your intention are with the skateboard. Custom building allows you to decide what the best wheels work best for you.


Choosing a diameter skateboard wheel size

 

A skateboard wheel diameter is measured in millimeters (mm); on average wheels range from 50-75 mm, the lower the number means the smaller the wheel.

The diameter of the wheel affects how quickly you can accelerate and how tight your turns can be. The smaller the wheel the slower the ride, The larger the wheel the faster the ride. Because smaller wheels are lower to the ground they are typically easier to control, smaller wheels are ideal for technical or street skating. If your new to skateboarding or use a skateboard as your daily transportation, your going to want to look into larger wheels. The increased diameter of the larger wheels offer both speed and balance in one package, making them ideal for low-key cruising or vert skating.

Keep in mind that your height and weight can affect what size wheels feels right for you.

50-53mm Small, slower wheels; stable for trick riding and smaller riders skating street, skate parks, and bowls.
54-59mm Average wheel size for beginners and bigger riders skating street, skate parks, bowls, and vert ramps.
60mm + Specialty riders skating longboards, old-school boards, downhill, and dirt boards; made for speed and rougher surfaces.

 

The size variations are not the only thing you should consider when selecting your wheels, skateboard wheels come in different shapes and cuts, including narrow or wide lip, and cruiser wheel shape. If you are wanting a ride with less friction and weight, the narrow lip wheels are what you want, these can help you master that next cool trick sense they’re more responsive to those quick movements. Conversely, those newer and who are daily commuters will be more interested in investing into cruiser wheels sense they tend to have the best grip as well as rounded outer lips. Hold on though, if you prefer an option that includes the best of both worlds, consider standard wide lip wheels; they are less inclined for speed than the narrower styles, these wheels are sturdy and balanced, making them ideal to average skaters both around the skate park or on the street.

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