Top 10 Best Skateboard Wheels in 2022

The best skateboard wheels

Are you exhausted from searching for the best skateboard wheels?

 Poor quality wheels slowly suck the fun out of the sport. Then, it is time you invest in good skateboard wheels. Wheels determine whether you will love or hate your skateboarding activities. For a sport meant to be fun and adventurous, feeling disappointed afterward beats the purpose.

 Most people who have given up on skateboarding do not realize that the likely reason they did not enjoy it was the choice of wheels. Skateboard wheels determine stability, safety, speed, and the ability to do tricks and street skate. Knowing what wheels work best for what surfaces/ terrains will also significantly improve your general view of skateboarding.

Whether you are looking to learn, do tricks, or cruise, we have compiled a list that will help you get the best skateboard wheels. I have reviewed the wheels based on their features, durability, ease of use, and price. We hope these skateboard wheels restore your confidence to learn or keep enjoying the fantastic sport of skateboarding.

Best overall

The Powell Peralta G-Bones 64mm Skateboard Wheels are ideal for skaters who need a durable and reliable set of wheels to get them from one place to another. They have a hardness of 97A, which makes them excellent for skating on different surfaces. The hardness of the wheel also provides better grip and control.

The wheels are made of urethane material, ensuring a smooth ride on all surfaces. The material is also durable, enabling you to use it for a long time before you replace them. Hence, allowing you to realize value for your money.

The wheels are circular, come in a set of four, and are available in black, blue, green, or white, depending on your preferred color. They are easy to install, making them an excellent choice for beginners.

However, despite being the best skateboard for professional skaters and beginners, the wheels are not suitable for street skating as they do not have the right properties to withstand such surfaces.

Best for powerslides

The Fireball Tinder Skateboard Wheels are designed in California to offer you an amazing skating experience. They measure 60 mm in diameter with a durometer rating of 81A, making them ideal for skating on varying terrains. They have a 35mm contact patch, 40mm width, and a center set core of 50%.

The skateboard wheels are made of high-quality urethane, which you can use for an extended period. They leave large lines on the pavement and are perfect for cruising, bombing hills, longboarding, and skating on rough surfaces. 

The Fireball Tinder Skateboard Wheels come in a set of four with lightbulb cores and are available in black, blue, and white. Thus, you can select a color of your choice. They have a rounded lips break that allows for an easy break-in.

Despite their unique features and durability, I do not recommend the wheels for beginners. However, they are excellent for skaters with some experience, allowing for proper control without challenges.

Best premium

Spitfire is one of the best wheel-producing companies founded in 1987 by Jim Thiebaud. The Formula Four Skateboard Wheels are NAT/Blue and weigh one gram. The wheels are built with the highest quality materials and offer a fast ride to enhance your skateboarding experience.

 The 54mm diameter wheels have a 99D durometer, and they come in a set of four. They are made of urethane, which lasts long even when used outdoors under harsh weather conditions. The wheels are available in different sizes, including 51mm, 52mm, 53mm, and 55mm, making them suitable for various skates.

They have a high abrasion and flat spot resistance that enables you to use them for different riding styles without worrying about wear and tear. The wheels are also resistant to chunking, making them durable.

However, some skaters have expressed that they are not ideal for extremely rough terrain.

Best smooth

Spitfire Bighead wheels are your best pick if you need skateboard wheels that you can use on any bearing. The wheels are designed to fit perfectly with all bearings on the market. They are available in different colors that you can choose from depending on your skateboarding preferences. 

The wheels have an ideal shape that allows easy roll-over cracks and rough surfaces. They are available in different sizes including 48, 50, 51, 52,53 , 54, 57, 59 and 63 millimeters. They come in various colors you can choose from according to your preferences.

The 53mm wheels come in a set of four. They are best for skating on the streets, ramps, and skate parks. They have a 99D durometer that makes them ideal for different surfaces. The wheels have a low rebound formula that enhances their speed and mobility.

However, these fantastic wheels collect chunks that you need to remove after using them.

Best for rough roads

One of the best skateboard wheels you can have is the MBS All-Terrain Longboard Wheels. These longboard skateboard renegade wheels are perfect for street skating, cruising around your neighborhood, and even freeriding at the local park. 

The MBS Renegades come in various sizes and colors, allowing you to select your preference. The 100mm wheels have a soft durometer of 78A and weigh 2 pounds. They are made from durable urethane, and they are center set with a removable core.

The MBS All-Terrain Longboard Wheels are perfect for all types of skating, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater. The wheels provide a smooth ride over cracks, bumps, and debris. They are also great for downhill skating as they provide plenty of traction and grip.

However, the wheels are not suitable for electric boards as they will slow it down.

Best for cruising

Skating should be a fun experience. Imagine having noisy wheels on your skateboard that do not roll smoothly on the track. You will likely hate it. These wheels are designed to give you smooth skating on the terrain of a skate track. They work silently and are capable of rolling over rocks.

The wheels have a 60mm diameter x 45mm width. With a durometer of 83A, they are sturdy and durable. A package contains four wheels. These wheels are stable due to their widespread nature, making your cruising safer. Stability also makes them good wheels for those learning how to skate. The bearings and spacers are also robust, making these wheels inexpensive since they are long-lasting and do not cost much money.

Installing these wheels is an easy process. The wheels work like regular wheels, where you only need to fix them on an axle. Cleaning and lubricating them is not taxing, making them easy to maintain.

Despite the great features of these wheels that make them suitable for cruising, they tend to chip when tricking as you skate. They still make excellent and affordable wheels for simple long-distance skating.

Best for asphalt

You do not want to be getting stuck on rocks and pebbles when on a skateboard. Similarly, if you are in an area where the ground is asphalt, you can get disappointed trying to skate using the wrong wheels. Lovers of tricking will also have a tough time on asphalt unless you get wheels like these. They are rigid yet smooth, rolling, and fast.

The wheels have 60mm (outside diameter) * 45mm (width) and 22mm * 8mm bearing size. They come in a pack containing four wheels. You can use these wheels on many different surfaces, including smooth concrete, ramps, and asphalt.

The wheels are solid and durable, with a hardness of 83A, suitable for their size. Going downhill is ideal since they offer more safety through their edges that grip the ground. These wide wheels also provide enough stability and security for beginners.

However, other users of longboards have found these wheels to be loud and slow. They work better with cruiser, regular and standard boards.

Best for long board

Longboard users need unique wheels for efficient skating experiences. These wheels roll smoothly and fast. With a firm grip on a surface and large size, they are perfect for the kind of stability and safety that a longboard requires. Thanks to their firm grip, the wheels allow skating over pebbles with less risk of being thrown off.

The wheels have a size of 70mm diameter x 51mm width. A purchase contains four black wheels and bearings. The hardness of 83A makes them durable. If you are looking for value for your money, you can get these wheels at a budget-friendly price and still enjoy the features of good quality wheels. Unlike most wheels, these come with preinstalled bearing, making them very easy to use and saving your time.

Even though these wheels are sturdy, strong, and durable, some users find the bearings less stable. Such bearing can lead to slow and wobbly skating after a short period of use. To enhance their performance, you need to keep your bearings clean, lubricated, and smooth after use.

Best for street & tricks

Tricking takes skating to a whole new level. You need wheels that allow you to turn comfortably without getting wheel bites. Doing tricks on the wrong wheels can be dangerous. These wheels ensure you get the thrill of skating on the streets and tricking without compromising on safety.

The wheels have a size of 54mm*36mm and have a hardness of 90A, making them very strong and durable. The bearing is equally as hard, with 22mm * 8mm dimensions. They glide over grounds such as smooth concrete, sidewalks, and asphalt with ease. You also do not need to worry about noise since they roll smoothly and quietly on surfaces without getting stuck on pebbles.

Compared to the unique experience these wheels offer, they are inexpensive. These wheels are your way of getting quality wheels on a low budget. Besides, they are easy to install and maintain.

Whereas most users love these wheels, others have found them less stable due to their small size. Wider wheels usually offer more grip on the ground. However, the small size makes these wheels lighter and ideal for skating tricks.

Best for beginners & best affordable

Many people give up learning how to skate due to lack of experience. Such experiences can make you deem skating unsafe. However, these wheels give you a reason not to hold back on this convenient adventure. When learning how to skate, stability and safety are essential. You need wheels that provide you with the confidence to keep learning. These wheels are suitable for a smooth, quiet, and exciting learning experience.

The wheels are not expensive to purchase and are suitable for all surfaces. Their edges give a grip that keeps you from falling off when going downhill. Similarly, their small size makes them light, and the 92A durometer makes them durable. These wheels come in a set of four, and the bearings are pre-installed to save your time.

While these wheels offer a perfect opportunity for kids to learn, more experienced skaters find them slow and too soft. However, they will make perfect wheels for you if you need stable and safe wheels to learn and practice.

What to look for in good skateboard wheels

Skateboard wheels have a crucial role in your board’s performance, control, and durability. They are equally important when it comes to stability on different terrains. The following are factors to consider before making your purchase.

Material

The best material for a wheel is polyurethane, which gives the wheels their hardness and durability. Most of the top-rated wheels consist of this material to ensure strong enough to handle even rocky terrains while maintaining stability. Durometer rating refers to the hardness or softness of a wheel. A higher durometer rating means that the wheel will be sturdy and less likely to wear out quickly. In addition, a higher durometer rating also helps to provide you with more stability and control.

You need to avoid a wheel material that is too soft. Soft wheels are not suitable for rough terrain as they wear out quickly and may also cause your board to flip over or lose control.

Wheel diameter

The diameter of the wheel is another factor that determines its performance, which you should consider when buying wheels for your skateboard. Most standard-sized wheels are around 50mm or 52 mm in diameter, while others may go up to sixty-five millimeters. The larger the diameter of the wheel, the faster it will roll. It is a vital consideration if you intend to use your skateboard for long-distance commuting or racing.

I do not recommend wheels whose diameter is too large as they may be difficult to control on smaller surfaces and can also cause your board to flip over.

Shape

The wheel’s shape is also an essential factor to consider when making your purchase. The most popular shapes for skateboard wheels include the following:

Round wheels

These wheels have a standard round design that helps them roll easily over most surfaces. They are suitable for beginners as they provide maximum stability and control.

Square-edged wheels

These have square edges that help them grip the surface better as you ride, making them ideal for use on rougher terrains. They also offer more stability than round-edged wheels.

Progressive wheels

These have a convex shape to roll smoothly over most surfaces. However, they also have a concave section that provides extra grip and control when needed.

You should consider the type of terrain you will be skating on before making your purchase. Square-edged and progressive wheels are better suited for rougher terrains, while round-edged wheels are ideal for most surfaces.

Bearings

The bearings are the small metal balls that help your wheel to rotate. They come in different sizes and grades, which affects the speed and smoothness of your ride. The higher the bearing grade, the faster it will spin, and the smoother your ride will be. Most skateboarders use Abec-seven or nine bearings for a quicker and smoother ride.

You do not need to worry about the grade of bearing that comes with your wheels, as they are usually good enough for most skaters. However, if you want to upgrade your bearings, you can easily purchase some Abec-seven or nine bearings separately.

Width

The wheel’s width is also a factor to consider, affecting stability and control. A narrower wheel provides more stability than a wider one when rolling over cracks and bumps. However, a wider wheel provides more control when turning. Most skateboarders use wheels between fifty-eight and sixty-two millimeters in width to give the best balance of stability and control. You should consider your riding style before making your purchase. If you can use a broader wheel that will provide more stability, then go ahead. Otherwise, choose one of the standard widths to get an optimum balance.

Bearing seat type

The bearing seat is where you place the bearings on your skateboard truck. There are two main types of bearing seats.

The first is a concave seat, an indentation that provides extra space for your bearings to spin smoothly and fast. It is usually found in the center or near one side of the board deck, but some manufacturers may also use it across both sides. The second type is the radial seat, which comes with a hole in the center of your board deck. You need to place the bearings on a spot and secure it with an adhesive or screw.

Radial seats provide more space for extra bearings, thus allowing you to use up to eight ball-bearings simultaneously. However, they do not offer as much stability as concave seats.

Contact patch

The contact patch is the area of your wheel that makes contact with the ground as you ride. It is an important consideration when choosing your wheels as it affects grip, speed, and stability. A larger contact patch will provide more grip and stability than a smaller one. Conversely, a small contact patch will offer less grip and tranquility but allow you to move faster.

Most skateboarders prefer a wheel with a medium-sized contact patch as it offers the best balance of speed and stability. However, you should choose the size that works best for you, depending on your riding style. If you need more grip and stability, go for a wheel with a larger contact patch. Otherwise, choose a wheel with a small contact patch for more speed.

Price

Wheels come at various prices, depending on the type and quality of the wheel. You can purchase a set of essential wheels for as little as twenty dollars, or you can invest in some high-end wheels that cost up to two hundred dollars.

It is essential to consider your budget and needs when choosing your wheels. If you are on a tight budget, go for a basic set of wheels to get the job done. However, if you want the best performance possible, invest in some high-quality wheels.

Traction

The amount of traction that your wheels provide is also an important consideration. Traction determines how well your wheels will grip the ground as you ride, which affects your control and stability. A wheel with good traction will allow you to make tight turns and maneuver around obstacles with ease.

Skateboarders prefer a wheel with high levels of traction for a more stable and controlled ride. If you need a wheel that can handle rougher terrain, go for one with high levels of traction.

FAQ

Final verdict

The best skateboard wheels offer you excellent stability and control. Not all skateboards are perfect. You need to select the best made from durable material. They should also have the correct dimensions, bearings, and price. This article will help you make the best decision that will serve you for a long time. I wish you all the best in your selection.