Hey, What About Wheels? What Do Skaters Use and Why? |
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Wheel Elements
DUROMETER
is the hardness of the wheel. The larger the number, the harder the
wheel. Most recreational skate wheels you will find range from 78 to 82A durometer. Harder
durometers are used more for aggressive skating and go up into the 90s. The harder
the wheel, the longer it lasts, but also the rougher the ride and less grip on the skating
surface.
DIAMETER is the height of the
skate wheel, measured in millimeters (mm). Most wheels are 70mm, 72mm, 76mm, or 80mm, except
aggressive skating wheels, which are in the low 60s and mid 50smm and speed wheels at
100mm. In general, given the same conditions, the taller the wheel, the faster you can
skate. Comparing Core Types Cores can vary a lot so choosing wheels based on a core isnt easy. Speed skating and racing wheels are comprised mostly of spokes, which make up most the wheel. This makes a lighter wheel and allows air to pass through to cool the bearings. A larger core also means there is less wheel material to wear down. If speed is what you are after then that shouldn't matter. If longer wear is more important then you dont want to go with larger core. Cores are usually made of nylon type materials, aluminum, and plastic. In general, there's not too much to worry about the core. The main exception is if you do lots of jumping then you should look for a sturdier, smaller core.
Choosing Your Inline Skate Wheel Profile Inline hockey wheels, recreational wheels, and speed wheels are somewhat interchangeable. Any of those types of wheels will work for any of those skating activities. You won't have to swap wheels every time you switch activities, but you dont get the best performance for your activity either.
Now it doesnt matter what profile you get any type of wheel will wear down past the point of the original profile. Whether you replace your wheels, or not, is mostly up to you. Unless your in a highly competitive mode, you will find the profile only makes a small difference, so I'd just use the wheels until they're worn all the way down.
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Choosing a Durometer
Diameter
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