Durometer - Hard vs Soft Skateboard Wheels

[@jakobcampos5348]

Bones are the best wheels I ever had... and their bearings feel great! Bones may give false information but they are truly top of the line skateboard brand.

[@daiblaze1396]

This channel is a true gem for the skater that wants to understand what is going on with all the branding. Thanks for this one, I now know how to pich a wheel !

[@bendegros]

That was a fantastic explanation to an annoying question. Thank you!🙂

[@flambo1234HD]

This channel should be called debunking skate board companies

[@himynameisbrianw]

bones can put whatever duro for their stf formula but they make some damn good street skate wheels

[@kainethomson5869]

I just got the bone Felipe gustavo pro model and they shred

[@mnnmnnnnnnn]

i got the stf v4 and i love em

[@RatVision]

FINALLY!

[@ControlableChaos]

Rat Vision - Skateboard Tech YES YOU GUYS ARE BACK!

[@lololololololollololololololo]

Yeah youre back and f##k boens with a durometer (means in german HÄRTEGRADMESSER)

[@patricklusk1726]

Rat Vision - Skateboard Tech you should keep making newer videos

[@rickymatrin4574]

What's better rubber seal bearing or metal shield bearing for protection

[@ControlableChaos]

Ricky Matrin i use rubber seals but shieldes are good too the only problem is some have to be bent to open them up and that would destroy them... sooooo yeah

[@gregd6022]

THIS is a shockingly good video, i'm from the engineering world so i don't say that lightly (no tolerance for BS cause sh*t failing = dead). KZbin needs more of this, well done man (we're using skate wheels as cheap hardness test examples).

[@Buthezi]

thank you for this video. ive been searching high and low for this answer

[@TheReal_DeanD]

This is very educational video. I appreciate it. I wish there was more consistency across the skate wheel industry.

[@noreaster4194]

1:22 6 years later still waiting on that video 👀

[@Martial-Mat]

Nicely done. I am of the opinion that riders are falsely being taught to value meaningless micro differences in products. I challenge any rider to tell the difference between a 105a and 97a wheel in terms of riding, and as Bones itself shows with its "fewer flatspots" guarantee, and as you mention, it is the wheel COMPOSITION that matters in terms of durability, not the hardness.

[@Martial-Mat]

***** I think you have to ask if you have the riding sensitivity to detect a 5% hardness difference? Then consider that there is NO SUCH THING as 104a, because the scale only goes up to 100. I assume that what they are trying to say is "Really really hard", which is NOT a good thing anyway, but many skaters incorrectly conflate hardness with durability. Personally, I would just buy wheels that I like the look of that are in the ballpark of what I like, rather than obsessing over the marketing hype of a few percentage points of difference.

[@crimson1718]

I found you again Matt lol

[@Martial-Mat]

Lorenzo L. Boo! Yeah, these guys are very impressive. Had your birthday yet Renzo?

[@crimson1718]

Mat Broomfield yep my birthday was on the 23rd, thanks for asking ;) Got some new trucks and a board that I will skate soon

[@Martial-Mat]

Lorenzo L. I thought you were hoping to get wheels? Trucks and a board are better! Which did you get?

[@crimson1718]

Even though you upload one video per year they're still good !

[@metalcann]

Can't wait for the choosing wheels video.

[@RatVision]

+metalcann It's coming! Not sure when unfortunately.

[@purepk3rz4]

Rat Vision - Skateboard Tech are you ready??

[@KadirKucuk]

you should make a vid and test all the big wheel companies wheels on how flatspot resistent they are

[@tonyteh]

Hey bro, blader here from Malaysia. Love your videos, I'm learning so much from you although it's meant to be for skateboards. Keep it up!

[@AnklepantsSkateZine]

Strange - I was sanding a new skate deck this evening and thought about your video where you say, "You don't know what a cassette tape case is?" Welcome back! Have you done a video on different truck materials (titanium, steel, dolomite, etc.), different designs (hollow axles, hollow kingpins, those funky new Avenue Trucks), and high truck vs low trucks? I'd find that interesting and useful.

[@tomschwiehn]

What happened to this channel? I really like their Videos for their details given and honesty. There Website isnt avaliable either.

[@richardmedina707]

Yay! You guys are back! You guys taught me everything I know! You guys are my sensi

[@kainethomson5869]

Sensei

[@richardmedina707]

Kaine Thomson lol whoops cx

[@kainethomson5869]

+Kaine Thomson i don't even remember this

[@richardmedina707]

Kaine Thomson have they posted anything after this video? XD

[@catmalkovich2564]

i only watched 3 of your videos by now and i have to say thank you very much already. so much knowledge. so assuming you are telling the truth and are being neutral, THANK YOU MAN!

[@RatVision]

Yup, we do are best to provide the most accurate and thorough info as possible. Thank you the nice comment.

[@zborgerd]

Glad to see you've got a new video. Great detail. I was thinking about this quite a bit while doing powerslides a few days ago.

[@jackaslope]

so maybe that's why spitfire classics feel softer...they probably aren't 99a at all. They're probably closer to 97. I still love em, tho.

[@RatVision]

+ModernDinosaur Exactly right!

[@8d932]

If you want the wheels to feel like 99a get 101s they feel amazing

[@TehSuperWaffle3000]

OMFG WTF YOU'RE BACK

[@lukesinn8191]

Finaly another video any way I longborad and I want to switch to skate borad what brand of board or wheels and trucks should I get??

[@pauliewalnuts5241]

Love this channel! Wish they would upload new videos

[@enzostorti3532]

Guys congrats for your videos , you have a great channel, I thank you for all the these information, I also think there could be more quality control in the skate industry for the good and safety of the customers, we skate for fun and passion and want to spend our money with brands that don´t cheat on us. I appreciate your effort and researches.

[@RatVision]

THANK YOU! One of the greatest comments we've received in all our years on KZbin. People like you encourage us to keep doing what we do. Thank you.

[@Jonathan64451]

So in your opinion what is the best skating setup? Please make a video on it

[@mhakus]

Have you done a video discussing what is the best wheel to use for different genres? I like to tick-tack and coast, mainly. I'm using Ruff Stuff wheels now; 85A on the durometer scale.

[@ColonelFlickage]

this video is extremely informative and helpful

[@Sk8bordinAdiction11]

When are you guys gunna put out another video, this one should be about "what wheels to use for different skate genres" i could really use this information, im scared to spend my money on the wrong thing.

[@MrCapRoach]

Yeah! You're back! Please do a video about how to fix crooked trucks!

[@RatVision]

Verbs WB Crooked? Is one wheel off the ground, or does the board roll to one side?

[@MrCapRoach]

roll on side, bolts are tightened, I always have to press hard on the other side it was convenient to go, but it's only for a short time

[@MBsteller]

Verbs WB Yeah, I have a similar problem. When I go to lean-turn on my board, it always turns easier on the one side. Its like the truck bushings are much softer on one side of them or something. Ill skate with nose of the board forward, and the board.more easily leans towards me. Ill flip the board around and skate the nose, and the board leans forward easier, away from me. Hope that made sense

[@RatVision]

Nearly all trucks have terrible bushings. It's pretty weird. They wear out sooner than most people (including pros) think. They lose rebound, recovery time, and shape over a farely quick period of time. So, yes it could be easier to turn to one side. One wheel off the ground has to do with the truck hanger still leaning to one side when you step off the board. This is comppletely normal. Your own body weight corrects the problem. You guys may want to change your bushings to either harder or softer depending on how loose or tight you like your trucks. Don't rely more on the kingpin nut to adjust the functionality of the bushings or turning capability. Get the correct hardness first that you desire, then adjust with kingpin nut.

[@Ghrimvixon]

Wow that was a LOT of information!!! Thanks for the video!! I've been waiting for a new video for so long! I finally bought a 42' pintail longboard a few mths ago, and I haven't been able to give it the good ol' college try in learning to ride it yet. I saw some kids riding their skateboards today and they couldn't be anymore than 8-9 years old. I was so jelly!!! I want to ride mine so bad! One day... One day... But great insightful video! Please make more videos!!! Lol @ these companies lying on their wheel numbers. Now I know what to look for :).

[@LukeTieman69]

This was very helpful to me, I've always been curious about how the skateboard wheel durometer measuring system worked, I might consider getting one of those tools so I can measure the duro of my wheels.

[@franqi08]

my question is: These wheels are company from powell peralta, they have ATF, FRF in various "formulas" like FRF 717 and FRF 727, and other brands like Abec 11 with Classic Thane, Reflex and Slide Thane formulas; Free Wheel CO. with platinum formula, gold standar formula and cash money formula... So, all of these are diferent formulas, and i notice that FRF 717 are more slidy than FRF 727 but both of them have the 80a durometer: is the formula a diferent duro than the other? like, 717 can be a B durometer and viceversa

[@micTaconator]

Can you explain the difference between low and high trucks ?

[@DowntimeMedia]

Where did you go?! Glad you're back!

[@mtbird117]

Finally your back!!!! I leant everything from you. But have one question. Wouldn't it be easier on everybody just to stick with shore A. And keep it that way it's less confusing and most are used to the scale already?

[@JorgeMartinez-ym2pp]

Dude. Fucking awesome video. Liked and subscribed no questions asked.

[@SpiritLongboarding]

I think the true crux of this issue is the scale itself. Since there's no direct link between the Shore A, B, D etc. scales, it just ends up being confusing for the majority of people, since scales can't be compared off the top of your head - you need to look at a chart. I think a better solution would be to develop a new scale exclusively for skateboard/longboard wheels, with either a single scale that encompasses all wheels or a similar system to the Shore scale, but with a definitive link between the scales, such as a flat 20-point difference. I think this would remove a lot of the animosity in the current durometer rating system. Although it hasn't taken off hugely, we have a similar system for bearings; the skate-rated scale. If my proposed skate wheel scale and skate-rated bearing scale were to overcome the ABEC and Shore scales (which would be very, very difficult, I admit), I think that skaters would benefit, as it would be much clearer to the skater what they are buying/using. I'd love to know your guys opinion on this!

[@RatVision]

Spirit Longboarding There is not supposed to be a link between scales. Think of them like kitchen utensils. In a kitchen you'll find a spoon, fork, spatula, tongs, etc. Each tool is used for a specific(s) task with food, like durometer guages are used to measure the hardness of materials. Each one is separate. You would never use a fork to eat soup, or a spoon to flip eggs. Each durometer guage is separate from the rest, and each one should only be used to measure a material that falls in its range. However, you could use A, B, and D to measure one material. A new scale specific for skateboarding does not solve the issue. You're still introdcing a new scale by the way. Just like how every brand was using the A scale, the industry needs to switch to the B or D scale to cover all wheels. That will solve the issue. We do not have a simalir system for bearings! Where is the "skate-rated" scale? It doesn't exist. Bones made that whole thing up to fool you into thinking they have something special. What is the "skate-rating" of Bones bearings? They don't have a scale. There are no numbers that compare their line of bearings. It's ALL fake! Still don't believe me?... What is the skate rating for Bones Reds and what is the rating for Bones Swiss Ceramic bearings? If there is a rating or scale, why is it not printed on the bearing package? What are they measuring, testing, and what factors are considered in the scale? Bones has NO answers to these questions, because the whole skate-rated thing is all made up. It does not exist. You have to be careful not to get sucked into clever marketing and become "brand-washed". If you haven't seen our video about bearings, we highly recommend you do. There are too many factors that come into play that make one bearing better than another, however a bearing rating could be developed that provides a better rating than ABEC (which is meaniningless in skateboarding, for the most part, due to so many factors). Thanks for the comment.

[@SpiritLongboarding]

Rat Vision - Skateboard Tech Thanks for the quick reply! I'll admit I didn't do enough research on Bones' Skate Rating, so thanks for clearing that up. I've watched all of your videos several times, and I would agree that a better rating system than the ABEC rating could be developed for skate bearings. This would likely take a lot of time and hassle, and it's probably something that the WSF or any other skating body doesn't have the time to bother about right now, as there are more important things on their plate (such as the whole current argument over the 2020 Olympics, which is a whole other bag of worms). I know that there is no link between the Shore scales, since they measure different rubbers/urethane's/plastics - the true solution would be to educate skaters into what they're truly buying as best as possible, which is what this video does really well. Switching to the B/D scale would sort many of the problems I agree - it's likely to take several years for all companies to cotton on to the idea. I wasn't disagreeing with what you said in the video, I was just putting forward an alternative opinion/solution. It will take time for skaters to get a hold of any "new" scale that takes over, but then again that's the evolution of skateboarding, and it's bound to happen sometime. At the end of the day, the more skaters know about their wheels/bearings/trucks and the like, the more likely they are to make a good choice in purchase and be confident in what they ride, which I think Rat Vision has helped a lot towards. Also, welcome back, it's been a long time! If you're accepting any suggestions for videos, I'd agree with a certain comment I saw earlier that a video on the different types of trucks is sure to be very informative. In longboarding especially, there's several breakthroughs in technology coming in trucks that many people don't know the real differences between (cast, forged, precision trucks, hollows, adjustable baseplates, adjustable axles, springs (Original, Seismic)), so an explanatory video would be awesome! I would suggest something on helmets, but since the IDF is still working on their new helmet rules, I think it's a little too early for that. A video about helmet safety ratings and being careful about what you buy should go down a hit as well. Thanks again for the comment, and I appreciate you putting in the time to write a response as long as that!

[@bigroosterman12]

Are you still planning on releasing that video for choosing wheels?

[@Spicesee]

Yay you guys are back! Awesome!

[@nikolasgibson3438]

I find these so interesting

[@LegalSkateboarding]

Rat Vision - Skateboard Tech It's been so long since your last upload! May I ask what the hold up has been (if it's nothing too personal)? I can't express how much I enjoy seeing your videos. Not only are they enjoyable, they've also been the best source of education throughout all skateboarding video content. Never in my life would I've thought that skateboarding industries had so many flaws in their marketing displays. Or even neat little tricks and tips such as removing pesky hardware or grip from a board. And how many people can go around saying that they know what a durometer is? Let alone how the scales work! Without writing a novel, I just wanted to say I love the direction that this channel has gone in. I know that it takes a while make a video with good content and sometimes things such as schooling and work get in the way. But if possible, do you think you could continue these videos a bit more rapidly? It's always nice to keep the fan-base up because the absence of videos results in a tremendous drop in views. I hate seeing so many people miss out on good content! Also, if you ever get stuck on what to do for a video, I could give you a few pointers on myths and confusions throughout the skateboarding community. I'm sure you hear loads. But if you ever get stumped, I could give out a few that can be done factually. Keep them coming! LegalSkateboards

[@cluezco9323]

Glad to see u back

[@Rodri8bit]

Where is the "Chosing wheels" video? Love your channel. Thanks!!

[@RatVision]

We are working on that video. Super busy with other things right now. Stay tuned

[@Luisga1994]

Can you do a video on low vs high (medium) vs high (new stage) trucks?.....those new Avenue Trucks?.........molds of decks...flat concave medium or perhaps steep concave and very inclined tail and nose. Do company's actually have different shaped molds for each and every pro rider on there team?....That would be very interesting!

[@peterliem23]

Subscribed. Thank you for your videos. They are really informative. I am just curious to whether we can compare an 80A wheel to an 85A wheel just by looking/feeling the wheels. Is that possible?

[@papifredoo7488]

Could you please make a video on how to clean non removable bearings shields? Maybe a possibility of taking them off with out damaging them so? Please I have a longboard with all non removable bearings and I don't know how to lube them up with out removing the shields. Thanks

[@mctooch]

Holy crap. Amazing videos. Finally someone teach me.

[@luiza177music]

I wonder if bones had a decrease in sales after adopting the B scale, I couldn't help but notice they started printing 103A or 104A on their wheels since.

[@BreakYourMark]

I was thinking about getting that fireball wheel pictured. Would you recommend it?

[@RatVision]

It all depends. What size, duro, width, footprint, contact patch, lip shape, and core set do you want? But more importantly, what type of skating do you do the most and on what type of surface.

[@BreakYourMark]

I ussually just cruse on my long board so I was gonna get there 81a 76mm wheel. Do you think its a good choice?

[@feistaro2783]

Break Your Mark spitfire doesnt make longboard wheels i dont think

[@pillwolak]

Can you do a video on the best and worst decks on the market

[@cameronm.2976]

So what typenof wheels and what durometer do yall prefer? i didnt hear that in the video

[@TeemoCity1]

It's been so long! And what a way to come back, I've always been interested in this but never enough to look it up my self. Very informative video.

[@jakobwithak8252]

FUXKING GREAT SEE A NEW VIDEO ON THIS CHANNEL!

[@gavin4279]

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD YOUR BACK!!!!

[@LoudNoob]

I'd love to see a video, not only on hardness vs softness compared to the different styles of skating, but determining what width a board and their corresponding trucks would be in comparison to the style of skateboarding. E.g. wider board and trucks are for vert style, or so I'm always told. Would be nice too know why this is preferred and what benefits it would provide if any.

[@nivlac4150]

To measure the width of a board you use a measuring tape

[@vladimirlopez7840]

Manufacturers must hate this guy. I appreciate the info so I subscribed

[@cadu906]

this channel is sick.

[@cominatrix]

woah, thanks for making the technical videos, theyre really interesting

[@meekaeelwilliams9532]

Ratvision is still making vid, damn! His last vid was a year ago. I thought he was done.

[@stevensk8]

When doing the test does it make holes on the wheels?

[@RatVision]

No. The pin retracts inside.

[@pauliewalnuts5241]

Thinking about bringing your durometer gauge to the skate shop lol

[@pokehunter-ud9jp]

what type of skateboarding is most fun

[@RatVision]

That's totally up to you. In some cases it doesn't matter. It's usually the most fun just being with friends. It could be slapping on a red curb or mini ramp. It's whatever makes you happy.

[@michaelluna785]

So my spitfire wheels say 80D's and they are 56mm. Whats the real durometer? please answer

[@dimanatti]

About time your back!

[@bhangskateboards7971]

A great video with well needed info, thanks guys!

[@yakked_]

dang its been a while since the last video. keep up the good work

[@kevinskates940]

+ratvision can u gies make a vidio on diffrent types of wood and how they work and how they snap

[@istvankiss3776]

Rat Vision - Skateboard Tech Hy! I like your videos pretty well, so i just wanna ask u about your occupation, can u tell me?

[@dilansachinthaka3427]

Hey Sir, Can U Help me. My Instagram Account Disabled Yesterday. Not Yet Working :/ Do U Know How To Fix it. How About Your Account ? is it recovered ? help me Sir thank u

[@JeremyMossIsCool]

Dropping sick knowledge. You should site your sources.

[@RatVision]

Jeremy Moss Thanks. Google search "Shore durometer conversion chart" and they will all show up.

[@ImyurLoverboy]

You should upload more videos

[@FredZepplin]

Ive always had a hard time with wheels (no pun intended)I noticed this as I started to have a preference with products, everytime I buy a set of wheels, even if they are the same durometer, they always end up sliding different.I bought a two sets of spitfires. they were both 101a and one was 52mm and the other one was 53, they were also conical and what impressed me was that they slid different from each other. now I know why haha.Also a quick question, what wheels would you recomend? you seem to know your shit so I want to know

[@MBsteller]

So should I use a shore A or shore B duro. tester for testing skate wheels?

[@RatVision]

MBsteller It's better to use B or D. Bones for some dumb reason is using B, and other brands jumped on the band-wagon. Most manufacturers/industries use the D scale. It would be a good idea to not jump back and forth between A and B or D. You really need to just stick with one durometer.

[@kevinskates940]

+Rat Vision - Skateboard tech can u make a vidio on wood and how they work

[@michaelross1339]

Excellent video.

[@Skejtkejt]

Thanks a lot for that video, i totally agree that should be one shore scale for skateboard wheels, which is use for other poliurethanes. In addition to this spitfire describe hardness as for example "99 duro". Is it the same as 99a ?

[@mr.jamster8414]

Yeah i think

[@rickymatrin4574]

I was waiting so long and your back yes

[@bobbyparson9229]

Thx for this vid... I been wanting to buy some bones wheels but always thought they were just way to hard for me. This really has me thinking now. I just want to fins a wheel thats not so soft its slow and not so hard that its slipping out from under me. I rise Vert and pools and getting up there in age and trying to stay safe. thx

[@mr.jamster8414]

So spf wheels are 95a(ish)? Dang at least I think they would work for street skating on rough roads. Maybe.

[@Corinthians-kjv]

I have spitfire F4 58 m m 97a. And the oj nomads 57mm 95 a I like better. I bet a 56mm 97a speed will be great.

[@christianmoore3184]

YOU'RE ALIVE

[@Fallinldols]

I think companies put 101a + just to try and reassure you that it is the hardest they could possibly make to get to 100 or close. I have Bones STF's 52mm/83b and they do feel like 97a or below when i try to powerslide. I tried ordering some concrete rippers 52mm/58D but they are only available in Japan!I I just ordered some Rosewells 102a/52mm just to see if it will be better for sliding.

[@mr.jamster8414]

I like the way spitfires slide. They dont just rotate the back wheels until you go 90 and push hard, they actually slide like butter. Same as the classic formula, but they wear like erasers.

[@Luisga1994]

Yes! you are back!!!

[@jonaspeters5213]

Hahaha last video was last year!!! Your back!!! Yes!!!

[@Steelriter]

YES! New video keep them coming please excellent information.

[@drewgazmik1618]

Have been subbed for a year and no let downs, except the sudden end in videos....more?

[@RatVision]

Will have a few over the summer.

[@Angelica.Grace25]

How tight should your bolt be on the wheels? The wheel spins and makes a hissing sound. Is this good?

[@mr.jamster8414]

Ye.

[@pauliewalnuts5241]

That sound is your bearings hissing. Add a drop of skate oil to them. Watch the video they did on cleaning bearings

[@ChibaCityBlues]

Great information! Thanks for making the video!

[@aakaashram4349]

and what durometer is good for street and a bit of doing tricks to and what size to can you please tell me

[@RatVision]

The answer to some of this is personal choice. Most street skating is done with 97-100a durometer. The size/diameter is up to you, but diameter does effect pop. Changing the size, changes the leverage.

[@aakaashram4349]

would 85a be good for street skating to or if not what type of skating would it be good for

[@Talall]

Hey you're back!

[@koala_8027]

Can you make a video on shark wheels please

[@justincaseutube]

that would be nice. along with avenue suspension trucks

[@milesbuckley7088]

HES BACK!!!!

[@kilroywashere1]

Awesome video, very clear and informative. Thank you!

[@e6ensperception]

Now I know see this is why I'm subbed

[@RatVision]

+Uncleben1102 Word!

[@angelrendon5163]

U should do some trick tips

[@viatueur73]

yo you always answer my questions fucking exactly you rock man keep making videos please

[@pimvg7796]

can you bring out a video about how the textuur of wheels effect te wear of the wheel?? thx

[@bilalwilson1687]

Question if I'm cleaning my grip tape could I use the back of the sponge the scratch part

[@burtman9649]

I had 2 sets of the green Krooked krusherz that said they're 78D, but are super soft and will bounce 15 feet in the air ! So from what was said in this video about the D scale, I'm for sure confused now because those krusherz wheels in my opinion are probably a 74a-75a...??? Elephino🤔

[@mr.jamster8414]

D is just an abbreviation for durometer sometimes. They are 78a.

[@mr.jamster8414]

@Ondrya Wolfson no problem.

[@greenershoeswithalfredostb1677]

Oh yeah! I love Ratvision. Keep up the good work

[@hippie17]

Worth the wait, no bullshit.

[@mr.jamster8414]

hey, you got 97/98a and 77b on the same wheel!