Skateboard Wheels

One of the main parts you may need to pay close attention to when buying a skateboard are the skateboard wheels. These tiny skateboard wheels are essential to the proper operation of your skateboard and choosing the wrong skate board wheels for your skateboard may affect your performance, so a careful look at this integral skateboard part is important.

The typical skateboard wheel is made of urethane or polyurethane. Although these tiny wheels used to be made of rubber in the earlier days of the skateboard, urethane and polyurethane have shown that they are more durable and suited for the new needs of the sport. Urethane and polyurethane skateboard wheels come in different sizes, depending on a skateboarder's personal preference.

There are wheels that measure 65 to 90 mm which can give skateboards faster acceleration. There are also wheels that keep the board more stable due to their rather diminutive size of 45 to 85 mm which keeps the board closer to the ground. The smaller wheels, however, makes the board slower.

Aside from wheel diameter, other things that have to be considered with skateboard wheels include skateboard wheel hardness and the wheel's width. There are skateboard wheels that range from soft to hard with a wheel hardness scale that determines the hardness or softness of a wheel. Most trick skateboarders use a harder wheel since it absorbs less energy as compared to the softer ones. The width of a skateboard wheel also varies and is left to the choice of the user. There are wide skateboard wheels and thin skateboard wheels.

As with other skateboard parts, there are numerous wheel brands to choose from. Among the more popular choices are Autobahn skateboard wheels,
Spitfire skateboard wheels, Hubba skateboard wheels and Blank skateboard wheels. Other skateboard wheels that may warrant a second look include OJ skateboard wheels and the first ever produced urethane skateboard wheels since way back in 1973, the Cadillac skateboard wheels.

While there are numerous designs, widths and brands to choose from when it comes to your skateboard wheels, there are people who still want a skateboard wheel that is distinctly different from all the rest. Here is where custom skateboard wheels come in.

For those who are not so finicky however, finding a reasonably passable set of cheap skateboard wheels from any skateboard wheels and bearings store online or in a nearby sports shop in any town will suffice. Finally, bear in mind that your skateboard is only as good as the skateboard wheels.