You probably know that there are many different types of roller skating, but did you know there are even more types of skate wheels? There are certainly generic wheels for skates, but there are also wheels that were created for certain types of skating. When you’re looking at getting new wheels for your skates, it’s important to choose the right wheels for the type of skating you enjoy. Here are the 3 main categories of wheel differences you should look into before purchasing a new set of wheels:
Hardness
Wheel hardness can also be referred to as the grip level. You can find it as a number with an A behind it. The higher the number is, the harder the wheel and the less grip it has. For example, a high hardness with no grip would be 103A. When outdoor skating, a softer wheel is needed. Softer wheels will absorb more shock as you roll over cracks and any other small debris outside. A good wheel hardness to look at for outdoor skates would be 78A.
Size
Sometimes there are differences in the outer width and height of the wheels. The other measurements of the wheel are height and width and they are measured in millimeters (mm). If you tend to skate a certain style, it would be good to check with other skaters that skate that style to see what they prefer. Wheels also come in several heights. Large wheels make it easier to maintain speed, but smaller wheels are better for quick movement. It may take a bit of experimenting to decide which height is best for you and your skating style.
Hubs
There are 2 main styles of hubs, nylon and aluminum. Nylon is lighter and most common in skate wheels. Aluminum is sturdier and has less give to it. If you find yourself needing to change your wheels frequently, it may be time to invest in aluminum hubs.
We hope these tips help you choose the best roller skating wheels! We can’t wait to see your wheels hitting the rink at Rainbow Rink!
Leave a Reply