Does Size Matter? Navigate The Detailed World Of Different Roller Skate Wheel Sizes, Shape & Width!

[@kjones2008]

Katie, I have been skating a couple years now and always reach out to anyone who looks like they are having a rough start. When skaters ask me about wheels, it kicks off the marathon discussion session (hardness, D, W, shape, hub type, and compound). Now I have a video to send people to start our discussion. Thank you!

[@Skatie]

It’s such a complex subject isn’t it. I do secretly enjoy talking skating geek! 😂 🤫 😂

[@Alg3rian]

6:50 your editing keeps surprising me. You really make some really high quality content 🤍

[@Skatie]

Thank you so much. It’s all my husband, the talented man behind the camera. 💕💕 🎥

[@johnh1001]

Would there be some kind of a chart showing wheel diameters , wheel widths , wheel hardness/softness that you could show all of us ?

[@Skatie]

Not yet, but there should be. I feel like I need to add one to my website, Great idea. I shall get to work.

[@mr_ozzio5095]

Wheels with less running surface also spin better regardless of size and power slide easier, an example would be a rounded profile edge vs a square profile wheel!

[@liselotteguzmantorres6166]

Hi, can you please do a video about cushions, I recently view that cushions in roller skates can be combined for more maneuver and other things ❤️

[@Skatie]

Hi. I talk about cushions in this video and how you can have different softness skate and floor side. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXOainStdpZ2aLM

[@merimab.4866]

Wow, this is so helpful!! You put all the info about all kinds of wheels at one place.. and added examples.. thank you so much!!!

[@angellynette8258]

Very informative video. I’m a beginner skater and started with the stock sure grip boardwalk wheels that’s 57mm. I upgraded to 78a 65mm and they are just to clunky and a bit to fast for me right now. Plus the bigger wheels makes me feel to high since in just 5’2, I like to stay closer to the ground as possible.

[@Skatie]

Those big wheels make me feel too tall too. Definitely take some getting used to. Have fun xx

[@CreekCat1]

What is the green wheel with the hub that you like for outdoors?

[@Skatie]

Hi. They’re roll-line helium wheels.

[@brittanyfehlings6838]

Ive been skating for years, and yet every video i learn so much! When i did derby i was really disappointed that we never got into skate anatomy/adjustments, wheels, bearing etc. The small tweaks can make such an improvement

[@Skatie]

It’s so true. It’s ok to blame your skates. The setup is so important.

[@morgantalbert7103]

This is a very well made tutorial. Thank you for posting it. Great graphics and camera angles, too.

[@Skatie]

Thank you so much. Hubby really went to town with this one! 🎥

[@Agodders]

Just watched your wheel hardness video today and this has come along. Very helpful timing, thank you 😊.

[@Skatie]

Glad the videos are helping x 🛼⭐️💕

[@Krisstofers]

Well, that makes much more sense of my wheel issues!!! Remember I said my phenolic wheels that are really slippy, are very small, at 32Mils... But, I'd prefer a 55Mils... But, at 55Mils, I'm having more difficulty starting my 0-60mph (LoL) spin. Where I have no problem with my phenolics. Because it's all about that size issue... I'd be afraid to try that on a 65Mils!!! But this all makes sense, when I think about the fact that I'm used to a blade at 4.8Mils, and it's dead center of the foot. So naturally, I'm having to deal with drag, that I'd never have on my ice skate. However with a quad, I definitely have more stability without traveling, like I did on ice. Where I lose, I gain... At this point, I can't compare the two anymore, because I love them both so much!!! I just wish I could still go ice skating. This evening was cold enough, my nose felt like I was at the ice rink!!!😂 I should have gone while the sun was still up!

[@Skatie]

This is really interesting from an ice skaters point of view. Thank you for sharing. 🛼⭐️💕

[@bensk8in467]

Great topic. I haven’t really played with wheel sizes much but I have thought about them and how they could affect skating. My personal interest is rhythm/JB skating and being up on heels or toes is common. Though not much wheel sizes would affect not only the height of your body weight off the ground but the fulcrum point when on heels or toes. Which is the axle center. As a skater you’re creating a lever when you’re on heels and toes, like in basic physics. Some use tiny hard wheels in the styles I follow and some use more nominal sizes, but each seem to cater to different variations of the style. Those on the tiny wheels are noticeably closer to the floor too. Considering whole body weight, a little change in distance under the feet could go a long way.

[@Skatie]

I do prefer skating on smaller wheels. Around 55mm are my smallest but wheels go much smaller 48mm etc. the spooling up would be so easy on these tiny wheels. The position for heel toe manuals, as you say, is an interesting theory too.

[@notenrique666]

I find it laughable we call 65mm a BIG wheel on quads while 125mm & 135mm on inline skates pretty much makes them a vehicle.

[@Skatie]

😂 you have a very good point! When I wear my 65mm wheels I feel so tall not sure how I’d feel on those 125mm. 😟

[@Tiffany-Rose]

The part aboit the rounded vs flat edges was something i had not heard about before. Ty! That makes perfect sense and will probably save me from some falls later dowm the line 😂

[@Ash-nh6li]

All the wheels I had sure grips and atoms has rounded edges and i've done a lot of falling but since I got roller bones wheels without rounded edges, I haven't fallen since.

[@Skatie]

The wheels with edges are definitely my preference for the rink.

[@Tiffany-Rose]

@@Ash-nh6li it makes total sense! That's great to hear, Ty. I know falling is part of learning but the less I can do the better 😅

[@deanrugaard8118]

A wheel you might not have stumbled across, is the Super Mondo 72*36@78A one, they used to be insanely popular for outdoor hockey in the late 90's. And they surfaced again later, as a super popular fitness wheel, because they can basically run over a small tree, and all you feel is a slight disturbance, the amount of ureuthane is that silly on them. And still to this day, there are plenty of skaters that only want to skate on them when outdoors

[@Skatie]

Oh wow !! 72mm for a quad! I feel like I’m on stilts in 64’s. 😆

[@kuremotokyo]

Thank you for the info! I didn't know... I just bought 🦈Shark Wheels 72 mm x (49~58mm width) but I haven't bought my wide trucks yet. I'm waiting for the new Bont Discotrux model to come out next spring...I can't wait to try it! It should be fun outside!😆

[@a65-2]

@deanrugaard8118 where can i buy those? i would love to try, i live in seattle and the streets are shaking my brain way too hard, no smooth roads and sidewalks are not much better

[@RKKY-mf7fe]

I couldn't spin or turn well on bigger wheels. As a beginner it was very disheartening. Then I switched to the new Radar Crush 48mm wheels. My move set expanded instantly. It just unlocked skills I had but could not pull off on bigger stock wheels.

[@Skatie]

It could be this theory of the spooling up. Glad you found a solution xx

[@rosje6912]

Great video. Which one will be the best for beginner? 🙈 next week I go to buy one for me . cant wait to start Exercise

[@Skatie]

It depends if you’ll be skating inside or outside.

[@christiangiraldo3025]

Excellent video 👏🏽👏🏽 thank you for sharing.

[@Skatie]

💕💕🛼😎

[@Kiskadee8388]

Are (spare) wheels packaged with bearings installed or are wheels and bearings always separate purchases?

[@Skatie]

Usually wheels are shipped without bearings.

[@glenstanbury9747]

Katie what are the green wheels called and where can I buy them love your videos 😊

[@luablau]

The ones in the very beginning and which she brought up again to talk about the hub are Roll-line Helium

[@Skatie]

Yes. As Luablau says Roll-Line Heliums my very favourite outside wheels. They are available from Roll-Line dealers, most skate shops stock them too.

[@sk8er.panda.on.wheels]

Excellent !! Very informational as always !

[@Skatie]

Thank you 🛼⭐️💕

[@Kiskadee8388]

I'd like to get some square edged wheels for "basics" skating on concrete basement floor for better balance on my Chaya Melrose Deluxe skates. Can you rec. some brands of wheels?

[@Skatie]

I love my roll-line helium wheels for outside / concrete skating.

[@VeeBee81]

Nope! Still confused. What do the sizes mean? 58a 75a etc. Which are fast wheels, which are slower safer wheels? Which wheels are better for beginners on quads skating in a rink?

[@Skatie]

The numbers represent the hardness of the wheels. The higher the number, the harder the wheel. Generally, harder wheels (like 90a and above) are faster but less grippy, while softer wheels (like 85a and below) offer more grip but may feel slower. For beginners in a rink, I'd recommend starting with something in the 90a range for a good balance of speed and stability. But it’s always a good idea to roll what you have at first and see how they feel before spending £££⭐️🛼🌟

[@janestreeter8833]

What an excellent video - thankyou!

[@Skatie]

Thank you. Glad it was helpful!

[@OnceUponATime0]

Hello my favourite skater! I have a question, is it possible to have smalec wheels like 58mm in the front and slightly bigger 62mm in the back? Will it make a big difference?

[@Skatie]

I definitely wouldn’t recommend it. I think it would cause all sorts of issues with balance and putting stress on the trucks and plate etc.

[@OnceUponATime0]

@@Skatie thank you! What about the difference in hardness - 97 front and 100 at the back?

[@patrick_2309]

Which wheel is you favourite in free skating? I love the giottos and the Std plus wheels

[@Skatie]

Unfortunately most of my wheels are super old but my favourite free skating wheels are 55mm 70D. They’re made by Bioni Star.

[@patrick_2309]

@@Skatie you definitely have to get the Std plus 😉

[@vaishalirampersaud5112]

Hi it's me again, I used the stuff you said about the safety gears and the pad, but I am having problem with controlling weight, I tried the thing you said in your earlier video about beginners skating.

[@vaishalirampersaud5112]

As you can see, my weight is between normal and overweight so....... yea. Sorry I ask too many questions I just wanna that skating feeling into me.

[@Skatie]

Have you tried just in “feet” standing and feeling the weight transfer to the heels then to the toes then to the sides of the feet. Little toe, big toe. This really helps to wake up those foot muscles.

[@Skatie]

You can never ask too many questions. I’m always happy to answer. I have a Facebook group that has lots of helpful information too. The link is the description.

[@vaishalirampersaud5112]

Ok thank you so much I am 14 so I can't really used facebook right now. But I will try. If only you could be there to help instead of trying these on my own to understand and if I did something wrong you could be there to see and guide me and correct me. 😁🥰

[@Skatie]

@@vaishalirampersaud5112 we are going to be offering online one 2 one sessions soon. Maybe that could help. I know at 14 💰 is always hard xx but working on the fundamentals and practicing consistently will really help speed you along. If you have any questions please do ask me xx Have fun and the rest will come.

[@thetruthserum2816]

Want more glide indoors? use ceramic bearings, and larger or harder wheels... Or try wooden wheels for the ultimate slide...

[@Skatie]

Definitely 💯

[@Krisstofers]

I still have yet to get indoors to use my Sure-Grip woods. I've only used my Sure-Grip Phenolics., So far. Which do you personally prefer? Have you tried Sure-Grip Velvets?

[@ASMRTingledPink]

I have just ordered a pair of skates from Amazon, after watching your video of what skates to avoid. I had already ordered the very skates you said to stay away from! So I hope the skates I just ordered will be acceptable, because they had everything on your checklist except that they are vinyl boots. But they do have everything else. But, I am just about to start skating again after decades of not skating, so I really am a beginner at this stage. The wheels that will be coming on the new skates ( Chicago Women's Classic Roller Skates) are 60mm Urethane spoke core wheels with 608Z semi precision speed bearings. Is that good or bad? I will be starting off skating in my house, because I'm really nervous trying this again at age 55. But I hope to graduate to skating outdoors on concrete. Will these be ok? It says they're for indoor/outdoor, but some of the reviews say they are not good outdoors. Sorry this is a novel, but I really need help! I've been binge watching your videos to try and learn as much as I can, but I hope you can help with this.

[@kjones2008]

TP, 608 just refers to bearing type/size, 8 mm axle (inside diameter). Most skates (pretty much anything non-artistic) are an 8 mm axle. 60 mm is a middle of the road wheel by size. However, the wheels, bearings, and toe stops are likely to be poor quality (when the manufacturers goal is keeping the price down and you go for a higher quality boot and/or plate, the included extras are likely to be the lowest quality). The vinyl boot will not stretch to conform to your foot, from what I understand. So if it is tight/uncomfortable when you first put it on, it is likely to stay that way. I’ve been in derby with people using this level of skate, and the components do hold them back from progressing. However, no one realizes that until those components get switched out! When you want to take your skates outdoors, I would upgrade the toe stops and wheels as priority, and get yourself a well fitting set of pads. (You can switch the bearings from wheel set to wheel set.) For myself, I am blessed with several rinks within driving distance, and I have been able to take lessons for a couple years (and I am grateful for every instructor!) If this is an option for you, please take advantage; learning to fall, control edges, and just get more comfortable on my skates is an advantage akin to leveling up. Enjoy the learning process!

[@ASMRTingledPink]

@@kjones2008 thanks! Unfortunately where I live, there are no rinks. And not even anywhere to buy skates or parts. So that's why I ended up ordering from Amazon. I live in Thailand, and there aren't many options for a good place to skate outdoors. But up the road from where I live is a big open space of concrete. I went and checked it out the other day, and it seems pretty decent. But I wont be trying to skate there until I've gotten comfortable with the skates once I get them. I have ordered another set of wheels that are for outdoor skating, so I will use those when I do try skating outside. I just hope the skates I ordered will be ok. They have Double adjustable: aluminum base plate with double adjustable truck and chassis, jump bar and 5/8” adjustable toe stop. Those were things Katie said to look for in a skate, with the exception of the boot being vinyl and not suede. So I guess I will just have to wait and see.

[@Skatie]

Hi. The comment above from K.Jones has given you some solid advice. The Chicago are an entry level skate so ensure to check the components after every skate for cracks etc. I cannot find anywhere that states the wheel hardness just the size. Wheel hardness is measured in A scale 78a - 100a. The softer 78a are for outside. I would recommend investing in wheels as when you come to upgrade your skates, the wheels are transferable. Have lots of fun on your skating journey.

[@ASMRTingledPink]

@@Skatie Thank you! I did order some 82a wheels. So hopefully they will be ok. 😀

[@ASMRTingledPink]

@@kjones2008 would you happen to know if skateboard wheels also work on skates? When I search for 78a wheels that are available more locally, they all say they are for skateboards and longboards. It's so hard finding things in Thailand, and ordering from the states is extremely expensive for shipping. The Chicago skates I ordered were only $59.99. But with shipping, I'm paying $143.88! So if I can order the wheels offered here, it would really save me a ton of money. But I want to make sure they will be ok to use on my skates.

[@cerebrumexcrement]

im a noob. i feel like the smaller wheels will be easier to learn basic skating techniques and less of a distance when i fall. i think the bigger wheels is for skaters with more experience. idk im watching youtube to see if this is correct. 😅

[@Skatie]

Bigger wheels are good for ground clearance outside. Smaller wheels are good for rhythm skating and spins etc.

[@michelled9231]

Lol just means more skates for different wheels 😊😜😜 thanks

[@Skatie]

😂 🛍️

[@justpanda7478]

You will need to update when the new roll line ice wheels arrive! Everyone at club is raving about the groove!

[@patrick_2309]

Don't even know if the new ice wheel is very good, because the diameter is different and you cannot mix them with any other brand of dance wheels or with the old ice series.

[@justpanda7478]

@@patrick_2309 I know several competitive dance skaters who have started using them recently, and they're all raving about great they are. I will be having a set in my new skates once they arrive.

[@patrick_2309]

@@justpanda7478 a few of our international team tested them already and they said they are totally different to the old ice wheels and if they would have the old size it would be okay, with the new size you have to buy all ice wheels (for every floor) for new. They said it would be better if they would do it like at the professional series (one smaller and one bigger size)

[@patrick_2309]

@@justpanda7478 I never used the new ice wheels because I'm a free skater and not a dance skater 😅

[@justpanda7478]

@Patrick I skate dance, and not competitively, so one set will be fine for me. I'll still have my normal set of ice wheels, too.

[@ralu9457]

that haircolour makes you look a bit witchy

[@Skatie]

😂 *cackles* 😂 🧙🏻‍♀️

[@SaraKin123]

Great video, thanks once more dear!!! 🛼✨🫶 PS: 🤣 at 00:30

[@Skatie]

💕💕😂🛼 did you pause it to read the ridiculous disclaimer! I think my husband got bored during editing!! 😂