How to Pick Skateboard Wheels (Finding the IDEAL Diameter/Durometer)

What are the best wheels for skateboarding? This video answers that question based on your style of skating, and tells you how to choose the best size (diameter) and hardness (durometer), as well as which ones you should consider buying.
When it comes to selecting your skateboard wheels, there are a lot of varieties out there, and the process can quickly become overwhelming. This video breaks down all of the important factors you should consider and gives you all of the information you'll need to make the perfect choice.
My Top Wheel Recommendations
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Trick Skating (Focusing on Flip Tricks/Grinds/Slides/etc)
-- On All Types of Concrete (Street and Park): Search for Bones STF 52mm on Amazon/Google
-- At Skateparks(Including Indoor/Skatelite): Search for Bones SPF 54mm on Amazon/Google
Transition/Vert Skating (Focusing on Half-Pipes/Bowls/Lip Tricks)
-- On All Types of Concrete (Street and Park): Search for Bones STF 54mm on Amazon/Google
-- At Skateparks(Including Indoor/Skatelite): Bones SPF 58mm: amzn.to/3u4yTK1
NOTE: For these wheels, you should also get 1/4" risers to put in between the board and the trucks (see 1:39 in the video)
Risers: amzn.to/2Jbpj0M
Longer Hardware: amzn.to/2Je4uSj
Filming/Cruising (Focusing on Rolling Smoothly and Quietly)
-- amzn.to/2L6ysoC (56-60mm and get 1/4"-1/2" risers!)
If you're interested in any of the other gear I use to skate and film my videos, here are some links to the equipment I use:
🛹 SKATEBOARD BEARINGS: amzn.to/32vgH0w
🛹 SKATE TOOL: amzn.to/3u3mPZh
🎥 A-CAMERA: Sony a6600 - amzn.to/3KFIUD7
📷 LENS: Sigma 16mm f/1.4 Lens - amzn.to/33ItMo5
📹 B-CAMERA: GoPro HERO8 - amzn.to/3tYxeW1
Note: I may receive a small commission if you purchase something through the affiliate links above, but at ZERO extra cost to you, so clicking on them is a great way to DIRECTLY support the channel!
How larger wheels allow you to achieve a faster top speed
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Skateboard wheels, regardless of size, will, due to the friction between the wheel bearings and the truck axle, have a tendency to dramatically resist acceleration once reaching the upper end of their RPM range, so, increasing the circumference of the wheel will increase the distance covered with each rotation of the wheel, thereby increasing your overall speed while within that upper portion of the RPM range.
#skateboarding #wheels #neverstopimproving
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Intro Music: ZEST - You. & Me?
• ZEST - You. & Me? | Tr...
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[@KENNY-ik4vn]

Hey Justin, I have been skateboarding for 3 months now and i want to know what wheel diameter and durometer, would be perfect for me to be skateboarding in both streets and skateparks, doing tricks,cruising and as well moving with high speed/acceleration. Hope you get this message. Love your videos btw

[@NeverStopImprovingSB]

I would go with something that would be considered a medium-high durometer and something toward the lower end on size, maybe something like Spitfire F4 52mm 99a. Here's a link to one of my favorites to give you the idea: amzn.to/2TZMblS Cheers and Never Stop Improving! 👊

[@KENNY-ik4vn]

Yes sir!✌

[@KENNY-ik4vn]

Hold on what about bones wheels tho? Like the bones OG 100 wheels (54mm and 100A). Are there any other bones wheels that you could recommended me to purchase.

[@NeverStopImprovingSB]

@@KENNY-ik4vn I love Bones wheels! The one you mentioned would be a great choice, but also take a look a the Bones STF (Street Tech Formula). They are VERY good as well ✌️

[@KENNY-ik4vn]

Alright. Thanks Justin

[@NeverStopImprovingSB]

Having the right wheels can really make a big difference in your skating, so if any of it is confusing or you have any questions about skateboard wheels, reply to this comment and I'll personally respond to you with my best advice :)

[@emmanuellakanga-dean7314]

Justin Lauria Skateboarding I previously watched your video of assembling a skateboard and you mentioned that 99a wheels are good for street skating. Do you still recommend these wheels?

[@NeverStopImprovingSB]

Yes, that is correct. To be more specific, my recommendation in that video was to shoot for wheels that were between 99a and 101a if you are a beginner to skateboarding (and that recommendation is to provide a slight amount of added grip over the 103a and 104a that I recommend for street and transition skaters with a little more experience). In this video as well (see 2:42) I recommend wheels that are 99a or higher for any type of skating that isn't purely cruising or filming. So, if you get a set of 99a wheels, they will be perfect for street skating =D These in particular are my best recommendation: amzn.to/2H3Ivs2 (49-52mm)

[@noctuadiscipulum9715]

Hi! I want to buy some wheels for street skating because I bump a lot on cracks of where I live but I still consider learning at least a flip trick on the future since I'm a beginner, which wheels do you recommend me? I'm using a 31*8 board with 54*36mm wheels but it doesn't say how hard tho

[@tankkill5283]

What are good wheels for cruising but doing tricks I’m pretty new to skateboarding

[@naomijacobs6070]

I need wheels the can support streats with crack and bumps but are also useful for basic tricks

[@bxman1659]

Quality has been progressing thats awesome !

[@MrTKorho]

Your videos are the top notch of skateboard education. Very high quality and exactly to the point. Thanks for all the videos over the years!

[@NeverStopImprovingSB]

I appreciate that very much Tommi! More to come in 2019 👊👊👊

[@FreeHugsNotDrugs]

Yo I thought he was doing the splits in the beginning of the video

[@mr.indeed2855]

Bruuhhh🤣🤣

[@RegularFootisChris]

@@mr.indeed2855 yes he does yoga with the ladies!

[@lucasthurston6109]

I've been street skating for ages and I really don't get the whole "harder wheels are faster" thing, I can't ride anything higher than a 99a and when I have I've just had a terrible time being slowed down by every single crack or bump I touch including at an extremely smooth skatepark. I'm looking to try and get some 97a wheels if I can get them in a smaller size. Obviously hard wheels are good for lip/tailslides on ledges but apart from that I'm not seeing the point of them, especially since I could size my wheels down if they where soft so my setup would be lighter and easier to flip instead of having 53 or 54mm hard wheels so the the board can somewhat roll

[@MaximumMetal123]

I know exactly what you mean and thats why I ride way better with 92a wheels than anything else, even in the skatepark. These hard wheels make my board feel cheap und my skating awkward.

[@SunLevi]

Nice to see you returned!

[@nono-gw7qm]

I can’t skate 99A’s cause the asphalt is terrible where I live. My bones 80A’s feel too bouncy to do tricks on though. Would something like Ricta clouds 92A work for me?

[@OvaltineClassique]

It's been a year and no response, did you get the clouds? Curious about the 92As as well

[@nono-gw7qm]

@@OvaltineClassique hey, yeah I did. If there’s a lot of pebbles where you live I would still recommend 80A’s if you wanna cruise around. Flew off my board a couple of times when using the rictas. But if the only problem is the asphalt being too rough the 92A would probably work perfectly (:

[@Lidaiju]

Hey, so I need wheels for cruising messed up roads but capable of doing not too hard tricks (ollie, kickflip, etc...), what do you recommend me?

[@lucky-mn3gm]

I'm not him, but check out the bones rough riders, they come in 55 and 59mm sizes I believe

[@Lidaiju]

@@lucky-mn3gm I actually took the Ricta Clouds Cruiser Formula 55mm 86A and they are doing just fine

[@Jack-xy4fy]

@@Lidaiju they are the best choice. Or the 92a clouds

[@owenguerrero8992]

@@Lidaiju hey, i’m thinking of getting this set, can u tell me how it rides through rlly ruff pavement?

[@Lidaiju]

@@owenguerrero8992 They're not the best on rough pavement but definitely better than 99a wheels

[@Aridity]

I ride tar so what size should I do I have 52mm but it's bumpy and gets stuck in cracks

[@dcmi5]

I got 95A, most of the time when I land something, they grip too much and push me off the board instead of sliding, getting 104’s now

[@jrvanderwest]

Hey man I wanted to ask what wheels do you think I should get. I'm from south Africa and the roads here aren't smooth whenever I ride it feels like my legs and feet are vibrating like crazy. What wheels do you think I should get if I wanna skate on really rough roads and perform tricks? ❤️

[@NeverStopImprovingSB]

For that application, you don't have a better option than Ricta Clouds 72a

[@elizabethshadrin8453]

This was so helpful

[@christopherrobinson9690]

Why haven’t there been a other number standard scale in between those numbers know being offered? Like 89 or 87, 88 etc. the other numbers you don’t see. Seems like a sales market to exploit. Why hasn’t anyone took advantage?!

[@dominicpiotrowski2785]

Hi Justin I'm just getting into skateboarding and mostly want to use it for transportation and maybe some trick's. Right now I've got 56mm 92a wheels, I thought these would be a good choice as I'd be riding long distances and theres mostly rough ground where I live but now I'm second guessing my decision, are bigger wheels really that difficult for beginners? Or just a learning curve I need to get over

[@paulrevere2928]

I ride as soft as 90 or 92 A hardness on street or ditches but usually 95 for all around, 97 is hard enough for parks and pools. Powell SPF/100 skate Park formula is ideal for ultra smooth surfaces. Personally I ride 60 to 64 mm 60-66 on vertical terrain, I have been skating for over 45 years and I never write anything smaller than about a 58 ever, I am about 5’8” 185 pounds.

[@maxaguzzi9919]

Hi Man if possible I would your advise please: 53mm stf 99a Bones are dangerous (pebbles) on normal and roughs roads? I found a great skating control with it. I'm adult and start skating again..I have also 56 mm spf 84b and 56mm rough riders but are too fast and quick to control for me at moment. Thank You all for answer.\m/

[@christinehaslam9480]

I get that the wheels are used for different things. But if for example, I order a bigger wheels, will it be to big for the piece the wheel slides onto. Or are the bearing things universal along with the risers. Made to fit any skateboard? Thanks:)

[@NeverStopImprovingSB]

Yes, they are universal, so you don't have to worry about having wheels that are too big to fit bearings into or bearings that are too big to fit onto the axle

[@christinehaslam9480]

@@NeverStopImprovingSB thanks a million for responding. Couldn't seem to find the answer to this ?. Appreciate it. Also, is it a bad idea, to get a wheel size, that may stick out past, the sides of the board? Im older and haven't been on a board since I was 10.. lol Looking for stability --- just so I can build my confidence:) Thanks

[@SosaInk]

What durometer would u recommend for skating wood mini ramps or bowls?

[@lucasthurston6109]

softer than 99a for sure

[@fredEVOIX]

bought a skateboard new after many years off, didn't remember anything so asked that he gives me whatever he tought was good, got Bones Bingaman pinup 100a O_O which ended up with me in the hospital for the usual skater wrist injury lol those wheels were way too fast in the skate park and hard for my technical level and omg the noise, passing by a heavily modified car my wheel noise was covering it's exhaust so I guess they must be around 90dB on a rough sidewalk or at least sound like it

[@nius3471]

Hi, i startes skateboarding about 1 month ago, in indonesia and the ground is mostly asphalt and a little bumpy, should i pick 90A or 95A?

[@NeverStopImprovingSB]

I'd go with the 90A 👌

[@bloodyroarer87]

Hi everyone! I started skating a couple months ago and I'm still learning. When I bought my board I got some mid-hardness wheels but it feels it is not possible to power-slide or do reverts with these. What hardness do you suggest for such 'tricks'? 83b-84b is ok? I'd like to focus on tricks and just ride on the street (more rarely at skate parks too). Is it also possible to do quarter pipes with these wheels? I'm trying to see it in the long shot lol

[@crowlc9416]

You should get 95a-101a wheels

[@rohankrishnan5907]

Hey, I have been skating street for 4 months and can Ollie and almost kickflip. But I have 51 mm diameter wheels and when riding on the street and sidewalk it’s way too bumpy. I am not interested in learning harder tricks than a kickflip. What is a good wheel size. Please respond need help

[@NeverStopImprovingSB]

I would recommend 54s or even 56s but also another thing to make the ride less bumpy would to get a softer wheel. Cheers Brohan!

[@mclark77991]

NSI Skateboarding [Justin Lauria] I strictly like to ride my skateboard in the neighborhood streets just for exercise and no tricks. What type of soft wheel and size would be best for way less noise?

[@NeverStopImprovingSB]

@@mclark77991 I'd say Ricta Clouds (92a) in a 54mm or 56mm

[@mackm3875]

@@mclark77991 My 2¢ is that it also depends on terrain. I've got a set of 54mm spitfire Chargers that are pretty soft, but don't cut it in some areas. We have BIG cracks and ruts in sidewalks and streets here, tho. I bought a set of Bones Rough Riders that eat that stuff up, and are really smooth for cruising. I also bought a set of old school Bones G Bones that are 64mm, I think. They're much harder tho, so they aren't as smooth, but they do slide pretty easily if you ever decide to powerslide.

[@sethnicholls7861]

Spitfire formula 4's 99a in a 53-55mm would be my choice for you brudda.

[@alal2192]

is 85a 54mm a good idea? I will be cruising but also using them for tricks in the skatepark. I live in the uk and the roads are rough

[@billyruben116]

Soft wheel will have a lot of grip and mush making it harder to do some tricks that involve sliding.

[@sk8ing_drawingandmore899]

Thanks for the guide

[@Torn-rz8tm]

Tbh I stick with one wheel and it works perfect for me and the wheel is Spitefire classic shape formula four 52mm 99a

[@wdoering01]

Thanks, that's very helpful!

[@santy1110]

Are 54mm good for street skating

[@NeverStopImprovingSB]

yup that is the most standard size 👍

[@Veganluke]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@robowtron6698]

Maaaaaannn where is all the vewis at??

[@elgenfranord1651]

I am pritty new to skating is 55d a good choise for me cuz the wheels i used before are ruind and i want the same kind of wheels

[@elgenfranord1651]

The once i used where 53mm i think

[@NeverStopImprovingSB]

If you liked your old ones, definitely go for the same kind again, that's the best case scenario

[@elgenfranord1651]

@@NeverStopImprovingSB cool

[@jtlk3568]

I wanna start skating but not sure what wheels to get. I would want wheels that i can do tricks easily but i can just skate around! What would you recomend?

[@voltaker3552]

Ricta clouds 92a

[@ghstkaspr]

Is there such thing as a medium sized wheel?

[@NeverStopImprovingSB]

Yes, 54mm is a pretty standard, medium size for skateboard wheels.

[@ph0o277]

Would be spitfire conical full be good for street and skatepark also ? 99a and 54mm by the way

[@billyruben116]

Of course. Ride them and enjoy.

[@spokx]

can someone help me.. i am just getting into staking and i just want to learn to ride and maybe just do an ollie (idk if that how you spell it) and i’m getting an 8.25 deck.

[@Tbot37]

The more narrow the board, the lighter it is so it will be easier to pop and flip, the wider it is the easier it will be to land on it. I wear a size 10.5 shoe and I ride a 8 mostly or somewhere not too far off from there. If you want to ride transition and skate around mostly a wider deck would be better but if you’re trying to do tricks and street skate I find it’s easier to go for something a little more narrow and light. Hope this helps!

[@allenchia9942]

Hi does a 95A, 19mm contact patch wheel slides/revert?

[@NeverStopImprovingSB]

Those aren't like the most ideal wheels for it (something a little harder might work better) but certainly they'll do a pretty good job as long as you're only sliding them every once in a while 👍

[@73dustpan]

Is it true it’s frown Upon if you have your wheel graphics facing out?

[@NeverStopImprovingSB]

Some people think it looks bad, but there isn't a consensus. I personally like rocking the Anerican flag facing out on mine.

[@adisahmetasevic7452]

So if I want my speed faster, would you recommend extra hard wheels? And bigger or smaller ones?

[@NeverStopImprovingSB]

Hardness is about matching the terrain (so soft wheels are faster on rough ground and hard wheels are faster on smooth) but getting bigger wheels will definitely increase your top speed as long as you have the right hardness.

[@adisahmetasevic7452]

@@NeverStopImprovingSB Thank you very much. Cause my Problem is that some people in the skatapark fly easily out of banks, hips and so on. I can barely make an ollie out cause I think my speed isnt that much even if I push harder. (Or maybe my weight is the Problem 196pounds/ 98 kilogram)

[@devilmoon_wwsr8280]

Are 50mm and 99 durometer wheels good or would you recommend something else

[@NeverStopImprovingSB]

Yes, those are great wheels all around 👍 Street, park, transition, they're fast and still have good traction on most surfaces.

[@mirandahill24]

Hey Justin thanks for all your videos, they're super helpful. I'm looking for some wheels mainly for cruising and doing a few tricks - the roads here are really bumpy sot i'm flying off too easily at the moment. I'm looking at the Bones STF Easy Streets V5 99A 53mm Wheels and STF Blanks V1 54mm wheels or Ricta 56mm 92A Chrome Clouds Skateboard Wheels - what would you recommend? Thanks a lot

[@GadsdenHomie1776]

I know I'm not Justin Lauria. However, I just thought I'd share some feedback that will hopefully help you find that "sweet spot of a wheel"). Ok... I have Ricta Clouds 54mm 92a (the regular clouds) but I found that they're better for crusty skateparks. Personally, I feel that the Ricta Chrome Clouds have a wider contact patch. Which is good in my opinion. Then again, maybe it's just me. My neighborhood used to have crusted out cracked, sketchy pavement as you have similarly described your terrain. I'm currently rolling on OJ Super Juice 55mm 78a duro wheels. They're my absolute favorite so far. They roll over the crust and they're really good for going super fast (Bronson g3 bearings). Black ring faces outward on wheel. Something about the deep groove raceway engineering. Spitfire Chargers 80hd's are pretty sick too. I've also tried the "Bones 53mm stf easy streets V5" shape. They're really good for smooth skateparks but they feel like unstable glass wheels on rough terrain and they flatspot easily. Spitfire formula 4's 99a lock-in or conical shape wheels are "do-able" on crusty roads, however, the Ricta cloud 92a's ride smoother by maybe 30- 40% more. It just depends I guess. If I'm cruising, I don't like my feet vibrating as if I'm gonna levitate at any moment. It's all up to what suits your personal style. I also never go above a 56mm wheel without any risers.

[@diddymelone2265]

yo its surely too late now, but I like talking about wheels :P so the difference between 99A and 92A is quite massive actually, the clouds will feel a lot softer and more grippy, so if you plan on skating really rough streets and not much smooth concrete, I'd go with those, but keep in mind the clouds will not slide quite as easily. for cruising the softer wheels are definetely the correct option, as cruising with hard wheels is just awful at times - every crack and most pebbles can spell your doom, dogs hate you and your feet will start to hurt from the constant massage. the Super Juice I know well, I also rode them and they are great for cruising indeed. however, they are true cruiser wheels, not only soft, but wide and fat and heavy, so riding around on them will be very pleasant, but doing tricks will be ... tricky. if tricks are a priority, I'd go with the clouds, otherwise the juice are awesome for making distance and feeling stable and comfortable.

[@vorpalblades]

@@diddymelone2265 OG Slimeballs are much smaller in width than the OJ's. I switched over to them. 2 durometers 90 A and 78 A.

[@b.k0101]

Hi Justin,what wheels whould you recommend for messed up streets?

[@NeverStopImprovingSB]

I'd definitely say go with something a little bigger and a softer than average. Have you seen these yet?: amzn.to/2XSbyMC They're my favorite for cruising on really rough streets, but normal looking wheels will have pretty much the same effect.

[@b.k0101]

No i dont want cruising wheels i want to do tricks.i currently have cruiser wheel on my board and i cant learn tricks on it because its too heavy.

[@NeverStopImprovingSB]

@@b.k0101 Ohh OK, I got you now. Check these out in a 54mm or you could even go down to a 52mm if you want them super light: amzn.to/2YaFUFk Ricta Clouds are the best in the industry for this specific application.

[@b.k0101]

@@NeverStopImprovingSB Ok,thanks!

[@mr.jamster8414]

@@b.k0101 get the 78a tho. They go super fast and make streets feel like skate parks, and can still do any tricks (but slower grinds) a normal board can do. My favourite wheels!

[@sliced_cheese_2895]

Hey i was looking at getting my first board online since everything is closed where i live its a complete and the wheels are 52mm 92a i wanna skate street and some park and mainly getting places im not sure if those wheels wouls be good can someone please help

[@gokartrascal]

if you wanna skate street you may want around 100 a those are good for park and street

[@gokartrascal]

it’s honestly up to you :)

[@ignoreme1343]

I need some help. I dont have a skate park anywhere near so I skate my streets. There's a lot of rough ground but I'd like to be able to go kinda fast but it's not my concern. I just want to a smooth ride and be able to do my tricks on rougher ground. I got bones 52mm, not sure the duro but its terrible. If you or anyone else could help me itd be very much appreciated!

[@NeverStopImprovingSB]

I'd say go with Ricta Clouds 78a

[@ignoreme1343]

@@NeverStopImprovingSB okay I'll try them out, thank you alot.

[@anthonynguyen7744]

What risers do you recommend for 75mm Mercer wheels on an element board?

[@julianmorales3417]

Anthony Nguyen yo the brand dosent matter, any risers will work just make sure there around 20 dollars

[@gfeast4518]

75mm wheels are big so like an inch of riser or .75 inch would probably be good

[@ChronicTacoz05]

Slime balls or Shark Wheels. Or Orangatang wheels ???????? For my santa cruz 29” board.

[@NeverStopImprovingSB]

All great cruising wheels! Mainly just pick the size you want and what you think will look the coolest and you should be more than happy with the formula for any of them.

[@leonel6269]

Hi Justin! Do you think that a pair of 101 duro spitfire f4 would be to hard and slick for riding a wooden bowl or wooden ramps such as richlite? im thinking about getting a pair but i dont know if they r to slick compared to a 99a. iam ridin both street and park.

[@NeverStopImprovingSB]

I would definitely say go with the 99s. The 101s are going to be quite slippery on the wooden ramps.

[@refalvyfatih6978]

@NSI Skateboarding [Justin Lauria] Do bigger wheels make ride smoother on rough grounds? (Even if its 101a)

[@NeverStopImprovingSB]

@@refalvyfatih6978 The ride will still feel bumpy, but it allows you to roll over bumps and pebbles without screeching to a halt and getting thrown to the pavement.

[@refalvyfatih6978]

NSI Skateboarding [Justin Lauria] Ok! Thanks justin!

[@refalvyfatih6978]

@NSI Skateboarding [Justin Lauria] Do smooth wheels (90a) wear faster than hard (101)?

[@dukedepasquale8021]

What would be best for vert pipe

[@NeverStopImprovingSB]

Bones SPFs 60mm (with 1/4" Riser Pads): amzn.to/2NnNIC4

[@skateboardingt-rex5046]

I got experience on both thin and thick wheels

[@harrisonbrun1205]

Will I still be able to do ollies and kick flips if I buy 59mm wheels?

[@NeverStopImprovingSB]

Absolutely yes!

[@theguywiththebighead5432]

For the whole video he looks like he's gonna burst in laughter. I don't know why I think so

[@Kevin-zm8uj]

True

[@BryanCoelhoFilms]

Fuck I thought he was doing the splits on that first shot. I need to go to bed

[@eddyy_3718]

So what will be good for good high speed

[@NeverStopImprovingSB]

Park: Bones SPF Street or Street+Park: Bones STF

[@eddyy_3718]

NSI Skateboarding [Justin Lauria] thnx man!

[@joegoodwin7292]

I recommend 55mm by the way check my Instagram @josephrobertgoodwin thanks for the pop shiv tip

[@NeverStopImprovingSB]

You have some good tricks on there man, looking forward to seeing more in the future!

[@sudo9866]

It's easy just buy SKRT Wheels

[@gabxln]

ADIO 😃

[@gfeast4518]

Rip adio

[@Ian_Wheatley]

Bring back adio

[@NeverStopImprovingSB]

I'm starting a petition!

[@sws126]

Omg does anyone else hate he constantly as he talks moves hands hahahhaha

[@harrisonbrun1205]

No