78A (Multi-Surface) – Wheels with this rating are considered “multi-surface” because they provide enough hardness for use on (sealed) cement and wood surfaces. 78As provide enough grip on smooth indoor surfaces, especially for heavier players in the 190 to 250-lb range.

Table of Contents

What are 78A wheels good for?

78a to 87a are soft wheels appropriate for rough surfaces like sidewalks, roads and other surfaces with pebbles, rocks, and cracks because they provide a smoother ride and grip better. Longboards or street boards typically have soft wheels.

Is 78A a soft wheel?

The most popular hardness or durometer for cruiser and longboard wheels is 78A durometer. 78A wheels have a rubbery, soft bouncy feel that rolls very well over very rough surfaces.

Are 78A wheels good for outdoors?

For example, a soft wheel (78A-89A in the picture to the right) is best used for outdoor use or slippery indoor floors while a harder wheel (90A-103A) is best used for indoor use on sticky floors. The lower the number, the softer the wheel. The higher the number, the harder the wheel.

👉 For more insights, check out this resource.

What do the numbers mean on rollerblade wheels?

Hardness. Grip, speed and durability are all affected by the hardness of urethane. Typically measured as a Durometer rating, the hardness is displayed on the side of the wheel next to the size. Ratings range from 72A up to 103A; high numbers indicate a harder wheel whereas low numbers represent softer wheels.

20 related questions found

Are 82A wheels good?

82A (Outdoor) – These wheels perform very well on most outdoor surfaces and make a great general-purpose outdoor wheel for sidewalks and asphalt—especially for skaters under 180 lbs. 82As can be used on sealed or painted outdoor surfaces, but they will not perform as well as multi-purpose wheels due to their hardness.

👉 Discover more in this in-depth guide.

Are 82A wheels good for indoors?

These wheels are suitable for various fields, both outdoor and indoor. The durable and strong PU allows these wheels to absorb the impact on the surface and roll over most small debris.

What are soft roller skate wheels?

A softer wheel offers greater rebound, which allows the wheel to roll over uneven surfaces, rather than bouncing over them. A soft wheel typically has a lot of grip, while a harder wheel will give you a better (less "sticky") roll on smooth surfaces such as skating rinks, ramps, bowls and smooth concrete.

What are 98A wheels good for?

The softer the wheels the more grippy they are (78A-88A wheels are very grippy and used on slippery floors - 98A wheels are much less grippy and used on sticky floors). You must match the hardness of the wheels to the level of grip of your floor. If your floor is slippery you will need grippy soft wheels.

What are 85A wheels?

A hardness grade of a wheel is stated in "A" (shore hardness). As a rule aggressive wheels are between 85A and 105A. The higher the number, the harder the wheel. Wheels for skating are between 85A und 95A hard.

What does 99D mean?

99D (usually Blue): The softer of the two Formula Four Durometers are the 99D wheels. They won't be quite as fast on a skatepark as the Red 101D wheels, but will ride smoother in the streets. These are still slightly softer than a Bones STF Wheel (103 Durometer).

What is the difference between soft and hard wheels?

Harder wheels tend to be faster while softer wheels are slower because they grip better. Harder wheels are better suited for skate parks and rides on smooth surfaces. Some brands offer a dual-durometer wheel where the inside of the wheel measures one way while the outside of the wheel is either harder or softer.

Is 101a hard?

Diameter 50-60mm, Durometer 95-101a

These hard wheels are the best skateboard wheels for park and street skating because they are lightweight, roll fast on smooth surfaces, and slide easily. This makes it easier to do ollies, flip tricks, power slides, and other technical tricks.

Are 83a wheels soft?

Wheels rated between 80a to 83a are balanced between soft and hard, giving the rider the freedom of control, speed, and grip.

Is 85A soft?

Hardness – generally a soft wheel (85A-88A) will grip but won't roll as fast as a harder wheel (94A-98A). Harder wheels won't grip as well as softer ones.

Are 99A wheels soft?

These wheels have a hardness (durometer) of 99a, making them incredibly hard, solid wheels. This is the most common durometer found in skateboard wheels used for shortboards.

What is Vanathane?

Vanathane was a trademark of Vanguard Wheels/Classic International Sales Co in Tulsa, OK. Production of Vanathane wheels stopped in the late 1980s at Vanguard, and was continued for some years by Crest/Unarco Rubber Products also in Tulsa, OK.

Why are roller skates so slippery?

Roller skates may feel slippery because of the wrong wheel size, wheel diameter, or wrong bearings. They also might feel slippery because of the wheels themselves.

Can you use radar energy wheels indoors?

The Radar Energy wheel is perfect for anybody that wants to skate outside, inside, and do all the disciplines without ever changing wheels.

How often should you rotate rollerblade wheels?

There is no set time to rotate your inline hockey wheels—you should rotate them when you notice signs of uneven wear. Wheel wear is affected by several factors, including skating surface, skating frequency, a skater's weight and skating style, and wheel hardness and quality.

How often should you change your roller skate wheels?

Ideally, you should replace your wheels once every year or every 2 years or so.

What are hybrid roller skate wheels?

Hybrid wheels are a go-to for many skaters. The tire of the wheels -urethane- is made of a specific composition to work on different types of surface. You can use hybrid wheels outdoor, but also on indoor slippery surfaces.

What are roller skate wheels made of?

Most quad skate wheels are made from polyurethane, a long-lasting, durable material. In addition to its endurance, polyurethane also offers plenty of grip, or traction, on the skating surface.

Do all roller skate wheels fit?

Every roller skate wheel is different. They can vary in size, hardness, shape, and even hub material. It is important to choose a wheel that is suited to type of skating that you will be doing whether it is indoor, outdoor, artistic, or speed. The diameter or height of a skate wheel is measure in millimeters (mm).