Choosing Inline Skate Wheels

 
It is best to choose your wheels based on hardness and size, as those are what have the greatest impact on your skating. IW advises you to mainly take notice of size and hardness of the wheel based on four criteria:

•    Body Weight
•    Skating Ability
•    Skating Style
•    Speed   

In considering the above, you can then narrow your selection of wheels based on the four main wheel components:
   

•     Core or Hub Size
•     Hardness
•     Profile

Cores and profiles can still be considered, but the differences are more subtle compared to that of size and hardness.


Core or Hub
The Core (or Hub) refers to the center of the wheel where the bearing is inserted.   The Core is what gives a wheel its stability and takes on the stress as the urethane is pulled in different directions when skating.  Some cores are designed from a hard urethane themselves to increase durability, decrease weight, or control rebound. The design and material of this core, determine the strength of the wheel.  Aggressive wheels use a solid core to take on the punishment of tricks and jumping.  Fitness and Speed skates vary from solid, spoke, and even hollow cores.

The inner hub (or core) houses the bearings. As with bearings, hubs are either Standard 608 (size of a nickel), or Micro 688 (size of a dime) in size. Standard Hub wheels may only use Standard 608 Bearings, just as Micro Hub Wheels may only use Micro 688 Bearings.

Most common are Standard Hub wheels and bearings.  Knowing your bearings size, quickly narrows your focus to wheels of the same hub size.
 


Considering body weight, a solid hub construction best suits heavier skaters or those with skating styles that create a lot of stress on the urethane.  If a long distance skater, a hollow core or advanced spoke hub may be more desirable to help reduce weight.


Size
The size of a wheel is the outside diameter and is measured in millimeters (mm). The larger the wheel, the less rolling resistance there will be.  Meaning the larger the wheels, the faster the skate. Check your owner’s manual, or simply look on the frames of the skates. Most brands make it easy and list the maximum wheel for a particular skate right on the frame.  For example, someone that purchased a skate stock with 80mm wheels but has a Max Size of 84mm, can replace their wheels up to 84mm if they are seeking greater speeds.  Below are some sizing recommendations using the criteria mentioned above.

Reducing speed CAN be done by reducing your wheels size. Keep in mind that installing smaller wheels also lowers the brake pad on the skate. This may result in the brake engaging when not intended.
 

72mm - 80mm
Beginning to intermediate recreational and fitness skaters, and/or freestyle skaters. Provide good maneuverability and control, while still able to skate trails and longer distances. 
 
84mm - 90mm
Larger in size, they are able to obtain faster speeds. Designed for more intermediate to advanced skaters that can handle and enjoy such speeds.  Work great for training, performance skating, longer skates, and even marathon skating at 90mm.  Maneuverability and control is lessens as wheels increase in size.

100mm  - 110mm
Larger and even faster, they are designed for advanced to expert levels of skating. Racers and marathoners are those that typically use wheels in this range.  Speeds are fast, and the strength in stride to get wheels of this size up to speed, are best suited for experienced skaters. Maneuverability and control are reduced even further at this size.
 
 
Hardness / Durometer
Durometer is the international standard for the hardness measurement of rubber, plastic, and other nonmetallic materials.  There are several types of durometers, each designed to measure a particular range of materials.  Inline skate-wheel urethane is most commonly measured in the A scale.  The higher the number on the A scale, the harder the wheel will be. 74A through 91A, with 91A being the hardest, are most common.

Recreational skates mainly fall in the range of 78A to 82A. There are pros and cons to both a hard and soft wheel.  Where and how you skate will help to decide which hardness is best. The below guidelines may help, but it isn’t uncommon to try several different wheels to learn which work best for you and your skating surface.
 
Hardest Wheels (85A +)
    Best for skating on smooth surfaces, even indoor track
    More vibration on rougher surfaces
    Grip less to skating surface
    Allow greater speeds due to lack of grip
    Last longer and are more durable

Hard Wheels (82A – 84A)
    Good for skating outdoors and sustaining rough surfaces
    Vibration on rougher surfaces
    Gives up grip to be hard enough to limit wear
    Better for heavier skaters
    Good durability

Softer Wheels (78A  - 80A)
    Absorbs vibrations and bumps better on rough surfaces
    Increased traction for control and maneuverability
    Slower speed due to increased grip
    Faster wheel wear
    Best for beginning skaters and/or those seeking maneuverability

 
 
Profile
The profile is the cross-section of the wheel where it meets the ground, if viewed head on. The profile refers to how much of the wheel comes into contact with the surface.

The more contact of the wheel to the surface, the greater traction and stability. Therefore, it makes sense that more entry-level skaters seek a flatter profile wheel where more contact exists. Speed skaters seek a more pointed wheel to reduce resistance, but they also will have less grip.
 
Conclusion
Inline skate wheels can greatly impact your skating performance. Wheels come in many different sizes, shapes, and even composition. The differences accommodate the many different styles of skating.  As mentioned previous, size and hardness have the greatest impact. Congratulations on taking the time to do a little research.  Our hope is that in doing so, you feel better qualified in choosing a wheel best suited for your skating style. As always, feel free to ask for help at any time at info@inlinewarehouse.com or 800-366-3070.