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Home --> Wheels --> Specifications --> Skate Wheel Durometer - aka Skate Wheel Hardness

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Kathie Fry, Editor

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Skate Wheel Durometer

A definition and explanation of skate wheel durometer and which durometer is best for different types of skating.


DEFINITION: The hardness of a skate wheel is also called the "durometer". For most wheels, durometer is measured on the A-scale, with 74A being a very soft wheel and 95A being a very hard wheel. The hardness of a wheel will affect its durability, shock absorption and ability to grip an indoor or outdoor skating surface.

Soft Wheels
Soft wheels will give a smoother ride and will grip the road better, but a wheel that is too soft will feel sluggish and slow.

Hard Wheels
Hard wheels can give you a rough ride, but they are usually faster than soft wheels and the will slide more easily (meaning they will not grip the road as well as a soft wheel).

Speed Skate Wheel Hardness
Hard wheels are faster than soft wheels, but very hard wheels don't grip the road well and they provide a rough ride. Long distance speed skaters will often use a softer wheel than short distance racers because hard wheels can become very uncomfortable when skating long distances. Racers also will sometimes use a softer wheel when skating in the rain because they need the extra grip provided by a softer wheel.

Aggressive Skate Wheel Hardness
Vert and street skaters typically use very hard wheels (90A to 95A) because of those wheels are the most durable and also because the low-grip attribute of hard wheels allows a skater to do sliding and grinding tricks.

Recreational Skate Wheel Hardness
Skates designed for recreational skaters typically come with a medium width wheel that has a slightly rounded skating surface. Fitness and recreational skaters can use the information in the speed and aggressive sections above to adjust their wheel hardness to meet their needs.

Wheel Durometer Information on the Web
Articles, tips, and special features on the Internet with information about skate wheel durometer.

More Skate Wheel Specifications -->


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