Skateboard Wheels

What size skateboard wheels do you need?

Wheel size is measured in millimetres of diameter, and it changes how the board rolls:

• 50 to 53mm — smaller and lighter, quicker to accelerate, lower to the ground. Suited to technical street skating.
• 54 to 56mm — the all-round sweet spot, versatile across street and park. The most popular range.
• 56 to 60mm — larger, faster rolling and better over rough ground. Suited to transition, bowl and vert.
• 60mm and up — cruiser and filmer wheels, fast and smooth over rough surfaces but heavier.

What does wheel hardness (durometer) mean?

Durometer is the hardness rating, and it decides grip versus slide and which surfaces feel good:

• 99a to 101a (hard) — fast and slick on smooth surfaces, best for technical street and skate parks. The standard for most street and park skating.
• 88a to 95a (mid) — a bit more grip and cushioning, good general street and park use.
• 78a to 87a (soft) — absorb rough concrete, cracks and gravel, grippy and smooth. Best for cruising, rough city streets and filming.

Most street and park skaters run 99a in the 52 to 54mm range. If you are cruising rough Melbourne footpaths, go soft.

Which wheel brand should you get?

Spitfire Formula Four is the street and park benchmark, holding speed and resisting flat-spotting. Bones STF (Street Tech Formula) is the other benchmark, especially on slick surfaces, with Bones SPF for smooth transition. OJ, Ricta, Pig and Powell Peralta all make quality wheels across the range. Across the real brands, urethane quality is high, so choose on size, hardness and the shape you want.

When should you replace your wheels?

When they wear unevenly (coning), flat-spot from slides, or drop below a size that feels good. Uneven wheels make the board feel unpredictable, and rotating them regularly helps them wear evenly and last longer. A fresh set of good wheels is a cheap way to make a tired setup roll properly again.

Buying skateboard wheels in Australia

Spitfire, Bones, OJ, Ricta, Pig, Powell and more across every size and hardness, free shipping on orders over $90, same and next-day dispatch from our Richmond showroom. Replacing worn wheels or building a setup and want a recommendation? It is a quick conversation — come in or message us.

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