Ever stared at a wall of skateboard wheels and felt totally lost? You’re not alone! Choosing the right wheels can feel like a puzzle, especially when you want to shred at your best. It’s frustrating when you’re ready to hit the skatepark, but the wrong wheels make everything feel clunky or slow.
This is where understanding “Rated” skateboard wheels becomes super important. These ratings aren’t just random numbers; they tell you a lot about how the wheels will perform. Knowing these ratings helps you pick wheels that will grip the pavement just right for smooth cruising, lock onto ledges for grinds, or feel light and fast for ollies.
By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what those ratings mean and how they can help you find the perfect set of wheels for your style. Get ready to ditch the confusion and start skating with confidence!
Our Top 5 Rated Skateboard Wheels Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rated Skateboard Wheels Detailed Reviews
1. Spitfire 52mm Wheels Bighead White/Red Skateboard Wheels – 99a with Bones Bearings – 8mm Bones Reds Precision Skate Rated Skateboard Bearings (8) Pack – Bundle of 2 Items
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready to roll with the Spitfire 52mm Bighead White/Red Skateboard Wheels and Bones Reds Bearings bundle! This awesome package brings together two of the most important parts of skateboarding. Spitfire wheels are known for their quality, and Bones Reds bearings are super fast and smooth. This combo is perfect for skaters who want a reliable setup right out of the box.
What We Like:
- Spitfire’s classic Bighead graphic looks super cool.
- The 52mm size is great for street skating and tricks.
- Bones Reds bearings are a top choice for speed and durability.
- This bundle saves you time and money by combining two essential items.
- The 99a durometer is perfect for most skating surfaces.
What Could Be Improved:
- This bundle is a great starting point, but advanced skaters might want to customize their setup further.
This bundle is a fantastic way to upgrade your skateboard or start fresh with trusted gear. You’ll be ready to hit the streets and have a blast!
2. TLHB Skateboard Truck
Rating: 8.6/10
Ready to hit the streets or the skate park? The TLHB Skateboard Truck, Skateboard Wheels 52mm, and Hardware Combo Starter Kit in sleek black is your ticket to a smoother, more reliable ride. This all-in-one set is designed to get you rolling with quality parts that can handle your skateboarding adventures.
What We Like:
- Built to Last: The trucks are made with tough aluminum alloy and steel. They can handle a lot of weight and pressure without a problem. The cool black paint looks great too.
- Great for Everyone: Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, these wheels are perfect. They have a good grip and bounce, so you won’t slip easily, and they won’t crack.
- Super Smooth Rolling: The ABEC-9 bearings are top-notch. They let your wheels spin for a long time without any effort. This means you get a super smooth ride every time you push off.
- Fits Most Boards: These trucks are made for skateboard decks that are 7.5 to 8 inches wide. This makes them a great fit for many popular skateboard sizes.
- Complete Package: You get everything you need to upgrade your skateboard: trucks, 52mm wheels, ABEC-9 bearings, screws, a lifting pad, and a spacer. It’s a fantastic starter kit.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Deck Size Range: While it fits 7.5-8″ decks well, those with significantly wider or narrower decks might need to look elsewhere.
- Basic Aesthetics: The black finish is classic, but the kit doesn’t offer color options for those who want to personalize their setup more.
This TLHB kit offers a fantastic combination of durability and performance, making it an excellent choice for any skateboarder looking for a reliable upgrade. Get ready to shred with confidence!
3. LONTOHCE Skateboard Wheels 52mm 95A with Tool Set
Rating: 9.0/10
Ready to hit the streets and show off your skills? The LONTHCE Skateboard Wheels 52mm 95A with Tool Set is your all-in-one ticket to a smoother, more controlled ride. This set includes everything you need to get your skateboard rolling, from durable wheels to essential tools and bearings. Whether you’re a beginner just learning to push or a seasoned skater looking for reliable gear, these wheels are designed to help you master your tricks.
What We Like:
- Complete Package: You get 52mm Wicked Wolf wheels, special skateboard bearings, bearing washers and spacers, and an all-in-one skateboard tool – everything to get you rolling.
- Built Tough: The wheels are made of strong polyurethane (PU) and have carbon steel bearings. This means they can handle lots of use, especially for street skating and tricks.
- Just Right Hardness: The 95A hardness is perfect for many different surfaces like roads, ramps, sidewalks, and pavement. It offers a good balance for cruising and performing tricks.
- Great for Tricks: The 52mm size is a popular choice for street tricks and is favored by many freestyle skateboarders for plazas and skate parks.
- Quality Assurance: LONTHCE stands behind their product. If you’re not happy within 30 days, you can contact them for a return or exchange.
What Could Be Improved:
- Color Options: The set only comes in white, which might not suit everyone’s style. More color choices would be a nice addition.
- Bearing Performance (for advanced skaters): While the included bearings are good for general use, very advanced skaters might want to upgrade to higher-end bearings for maximum speed and precision.
This LONTHCE skateboard wheel set offers a fantastic value, especially for those starting out or looking for a reliable upgrade. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to improve their street skating experience.
4. Powell Peralta Andy Anderson Nano Cubic Dragon Formula Skateboard Wheels 52mm x 36mm 97A 4 pk
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready to shred with the Powell Peralta Andy Anderson Nano Cubic Dragon Formula Skateboard Wheels! These wheels are designed for skaters who want to do it all. They are 52mm in diameter and 36mm wide, making them a great size for street, park, and pool skating. The 97A Dragon Formula urethane is super tough and rides smoothly on almost any surface. You’ll feel the difference with every push and trick.
What We Like:
- The outer lip gives you extra stability and helps you pop coconut wheelies.
- These wheels let you climb over curbs and ledges easily.
- The inner lip helps you lock into grinds and grab onto obstacles.
- The Dragon Formula urethane is great for skating everything – it’s fast in pools, smooth on ledges, and forgiving on rough streets.
- They protect your axle nuts, so you don’t have to worry about them getting damaged.
- The 97A hardness is perfect for a balanced ride, offering grip and speed.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 52mm size might be a little small for skaters who primarily do downhill or cruising.
- While versatile, some very advanced street skaters might prefer a slightly harder wheel for more slide control.
These Powell Peralta wheels are a fantastic upgrade for any skateboarder looking for performance and durability. They offer a fun and versatile ride that will help you push your skills.
5. Triclops Skateboard Wheels Burst 50mm 95A Blue with Bones Reds Bearings
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to roll with the Triclops Skateboard Wheels Burst 50mm 95A in a cool transparent blue, now paired with legendary Bones REDS bearings! This setup is designed for skaters who want a smooth ride, no matter where they’re skating. The 50mm wheels are a bit smaller, and the 95A durometer means they’re softer. This combination is awesome for handling bumpy streets or even for smooth skating sessions indoors. The vibrant blue urethane with its colorful print looks as good as it rides.
What We Like:
- The 50mm, 95A wheels are great for rough streets and indoor parks, offering a comfortable ride.
- Bones REDS bearings are top-notch, giving you speed and durability without breaking the bank.
- The transparent blue wheels with multi-color printing add a stylish touch to your skateboard.
- This setup provides excellent performance for its price.
What Could Be Improved:
- The smaller wheel size might not be ideal for very fast downhill skating or for clearing large obstacles.
- While great for general skating, serious street skaters who grind a lot might prefer harder wheels.
This Triclops Burst wheel and Bones REDS bearing combo is a fantastic upgrade for any skater looking for a versatile and enjoyable ride. You get quality performance and cool style all in one package.
Choosing the Right Skateboard Wheels: Your Ultimate Guide
Picking the perfect skateboard wheels can make a huge difference in how you ride. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned skater, the right wheels help you go faster, smoother, and perform tricks better. Let’s dive into what you need to know.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re looking at skateboard wheels, keep these important things in mind:
- **Diameter (Size):** This is how big the wheel is. Smaller wheels (around 50-53mm) are lighter and good for street skating and technical tricks. They spin up faster. Bigger wheels (54mm and up) are heavier but roll over rough surfaces better. They are great for cruising, vert ramps, and rougher spots.
- **Durometer (Hardness):** This measures how hard the wheel is. It’s shown by a number followed by an “A” (like 99A). Softer wheels (around 78A-90A) grip the road well and are quiet. They are perfect for rough ground and cruising. Harder wheels (95A-101A+) are faster and slide easier. They are best for smooth surfaces, skateparks, and tricks.
- **Shape:** Wheels come in different shapes. A classic shape is good for most skaters. Wider wheels give you more stability and grip. Narrower wheels are lighter and help with board flips.
Important Materials
Skateboard wheels are almost always made from a type of plastic called polyurethane.
Why polyurethane? It’s super strong and durable. It bounces back well, which is important for rolling and landing tricks. Different types of polyurethane can make wheels harder or softer. The quality of the polyurethane affects how the wheels feel and how long they last. Better polyurethane means less wear and tear.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make skateboard wheels better or worse:
- **Manufacturing Process:** How the wheels are made is a big deal. High-quality wheels use advanced machines and careful steps. This makes them round and perfectly balanced. Poorly made wheels might be wobbly or not smooth.
- **Urethane Formula:** The exact mix of chemicals in the polyurethane matters. Some formulas are better at resisting flat spots (when a wheel gets a flat patch from sliding). Others offer more grip or roll faster.
- **Core (sometimes):** Some wheels have a plastic or metal core inside. This can make them lighter and stronger. It also helps the bearings fit snugly.
- **Brand Reputation:** Well-known skateboard brands often use better materials and have more experience. They usually make higher-quality wheels.
User Experience and Use Cases
The type of wheels you choose really changes your skating experience.
- **Cruising and Commuting:** If you want to roll smoothly over sidewalks and roads, pick larger, softer wheels (like 78A-90A). They absorb bumps and vibrations, making your ride comfortable and quiet. You can cover more ground without getting tired.
- **Street Skating:** For tricks like ollies, kickflips, and grinds on street obstacles, smaller, harder wheels (around 99A-101A) are best. They are light, quick to spin up, and slide well on ledges and rails.
- **Skatepark and Vert:** At the skatepark, especially on ramps and bowls, you need speed and control. Medium to larger, harder wheels (95A-101A) work well. They give you the speed to get up ramps and the stability to land tricks.
- **Beginners:** If you are new to skateboarding, a good all-around wheel is a 52-54mm size with a durometer of around 99A. This size and hardness work for most types of skating and help you learn.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does “durometer” mean for skateboard wheels?
A: Durometer measures how hard the wheel is. A higher number means a harder wheel, which is faster and slides better. A lower number means a softer wheel, which grips more and is good for rough surfaces.
Q: Should I get big or small wheels?
A: Smaller wheels (50-53mm) are good for tricks and street skating because they are light. Bigger wheels (54mm+) are better for cruising and rough ground because they roll over things easily.
Q: What is the best wheel hardness for beginners?
A: For beginners, a hardness of around 99A is a good starting point. It works for many types of skating and helps you learn.
Q: Can I use cruiser wheels on a street skateboard?
A: You can, but cruiser wheels (softer and often larger) are not ideal for street tricks. They might feel too soft and slow for grinds and flip tricks.
Q: How do I know when to replace my skateboard wheels?
A: You should replace your wheels when they get very flat spots, cracks, or are worn down too much. If they are making weird noises or not rolling smoothly, it’s time for new ones.
Q: What is polyurethane?
A: Polyurethane is a strong plastic that skateboard wheels are made from. It’s durable and gives wheels good bounce and grip.
Q: Do wheel cores matter?
A: Some wheels have cores. These can make the wheel lighter and stronger. They also help the bearings fit tightly.
Q: What’s the difference between street wheels and park wheels?
A: Street wheels are usually smaller and harder for tricks and sliding. Park wheels can be a bit bigger and harder for speed and stability on ramps.
Q: How do I clean my skateboard wheels?
A: You usually don’t clean skateboard wheels. If they get very dirty, you can wipe them with a damp cloth. The bearings inside are what need cleaning, not the urethane wheel itself.
Q: Can I mix different kinds of wheels on my skateboard?
A: While you can, it’s not recommended. Using four wheels of the same size and hardness gives you the best balance and performance.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.