How to Measure Skateboard Wheels? An ultimate guide

Choosing the right skateboard wheels for skateboarding can be quite a task. So many factors come into play. In this concern, choosing a bad set of wheels can result in a bad ride and hinder your ability to skateboard to the best of your abilities. This skateboard wheels measuring guide aims to break down all these factors and show you which wheels are best for your skateboard.

Skateboard wheels are a serious part of the skateboarding. The wheels’ urethane is the most important part of the skateboard, and with the different shapes and sizes of the wheels, a skateboarder can better customize their board for different terrains.

Skateboard wheels are usually made out of plastic or metal. They are often measured in inches, with the largest wheel being around 25 inches in diameter. The smaller wheels can be about 18 inches in diameter, while the smallest wheels can be just 6 inches in diameter.

Skateboards come in several sizes, and it can be hard to determine the perfect fit for your skating needs. One way to measure the size of a skateboard wheel is to use a tape measure and mark at the center of the wheel. Then, divide the wheel width by two and multiply that number by the wheel’s height to get your size.

In this blog, you’ll learn how to measure skateboard wheel size and why it matters. Let’s get dive into details for more information. Before knowing the exact diameter of the skateboard wheel, one should have a better idea about different types of wheels.

What are different types of skateboard wheels?

Skateboard wheels have a variety of shapes and sizes to choose from. There are thicker, wider, and shorter wheels for more stability on the ground. There are also bowls or slots on the wheel where you can place your feet to get a more comfortable ride. The wheelbase measures over 30 inches, but you can’t make it a full size longer because of the shorter deck length. However, you can always purchase a longer deck from your local skate shop if you want to go bigger.

· Park wheels

A park wheel is a skateboard wheel designed for use on concrete and other smooth surfaces. Park wheels are typically made from a harder plastic than street wheels, and they have a deeper tread pattern that helps to grip the surface. Park wheels are available in various sizes and are usually used for tricks and stunts.

They are usually smaller in diameter than cruiser or longboard wheels and have a harder durometer (a measure of hardness) for more control on the concrete.

· Cruiser wheel

A cruiser wheel is a skateboard wheel designed for cruising around smooth surfaces. They have a softer durometer for a smoother ride on rougher surfaces. Cruiser wheels are typically larger and quieter than other skateboard wheel types, making them ideal for cruising around town or at the skate park. Cruiser wheels can also be used for downhill skating, but they are not as well suited for this purpose as other wheel types.

· Longboard wheel

A longboard wheel is a skateboard wheel designed for use on a longboard. Longboard wheels are typically larger and wider than standard skateboard wheels and are often made of softer materials to provide a smoother ride. Longboard wheels can also be designed with special features such as dimples or spoke-like structures to improve stability and reduce vibration.

Tools to Measure the diameter of Skateboard Wheels

A few different tools can be used to measure the diameter of a skateboard wheel. A ruler measures the wheel’s width, and a large jaw caliper measures the wheel’s diameter. The main scale can also be used to measure the diameter of the wheel.

· Use of Ruler:

A ruler is the best tool for measuring the skateboard’s size in centimeters or millimeters. Roll the ruler over the wheel, starting at the edge of the wheel and working from the inside to the out. Do not roll the wheel; roll the ruler. Keep your distance from the wheel about a foot or two for accuracy. You should see the wheel’s diameter on the ruler’s scale as you proceed.

· Use of Caliper:

The caliper’s two moveable jaws make the skateboard’s measurement quite easy. Calipers are very easy to use; in this case, it will be best to use a digital caliper. You will first want to remove the wheel from the skateboard since you will want to measure the diameter of the axle. The diameter of the axle can easily be seen when the wheel is removed. Be sure to keep the wheel in a stable place when you measure it.

· Use of the main scale:

To measure the diameter of a skateboard wheel, you can also use the main scale. But what is the main scale? The main scale is a large, heavy, flat lever on a measuring device. The main scale balances a weighted clue when the scale is in a stable condition. To measure the diameter of a single wheel, you must use the main scale to balance the wheel. This is a good way to measure the skate’s wheel without breaking it because you can use the main scale without touching its surface.

What is the range of diameter for skateboard wheels?

Skateboard wheels are measured by their diameter. Their diameter ranges from 40 millimeters (mm) to about 70 mm. Most of the best skateboard wheels for beginners are in the 50 mm to 60 mm range.

A complete modern skateboard typically comes with 52mm wheels. The size of the trucks controls the wheels. A complete skateboard comes with a deck, two trucks, two wheels, and four bearings. A skateboard with larger wheels would be more stable, making it slower. On the other hand, a skateboard with smaller wheels would be slower but more stable. A typical skateboarder wants to be fast and stable at the same time. This is why complete skateboards use the most common size of wheels and trucks.

Different shapes of Skateboard wheels:

There are many shapes of skateboard wheels, making skating more fun and easier. Some shapes are more popular than others, but there is a shape for everyone.

· Standard Shape:

There are different skateboard wheels, but the most common and standard wheel shape is the wheel. Round wheels are the traditional choice for skateboarding and are still the most popular choice among skaters today.

They are versatile for various skating styles, from cruising and carving to street and transition skating. Wheels also tend to be durable, making them a good choice for skateboarders just starting or looking for a board that will last them a long time.

· Radial skateboard wheels:

Radial skateboard wheels are characterized by their round, donut-like shape. They are designed to provide a smooth ride and are ideal for beginners or those looking for an all-around wheel. Radial wheels are also a good choice for those who like to do tricks that involve grinding, as they provide a consistent surface for sliding.

· Cruiser:

Cruiser wheels are the most common type of skateboard wheel. They are typically made of hard plastic and are designed for street skating. They are available in various sizes, but the most common size is 7.5 inches. Cruiser wheels are a good choice for beginner and intermediate skateboarders.

What’s the Right Size of Skateboard Wheels for You?

There are a lot of factors to consider when purchasing skateboard wheels. The right size for your skateboard can make a big difference in how smoothly and evenly you ride the board and how quickly you can move around. Here are some tips to help you decide what size wheel is right for you:

Look at the width of the wheel

A wider wheel will provide more stability on the skateboard and make it easier to move around. The downside is that these bigger wheels may be too big for smaller skaters unless they have very large feet.

• Consider the type of skating

If you’re mainly into downhill or street skating, then a smaller diameter wheel might be better suited.

• Consider the weight of the skateboard

If you’re not a heavy rider, a smaller wheel might be better suited to your needs.

FAQs: Frequently asked questions:

What size of wheels do I need for my skateboard?

The size of skateboard wheels depends on which discipline you are practicing. Aggressive skating requires larger wheels, usually around 59-65mm. Sliding requires smaller wheels, usually about 50-55mm. Street skating, which falls between the two disciplines, requires 52-56mm wheels.

However, if you are learning to skateboard for the first time or are an aging skateboarder with a bad back, you might want to choose a smaller size. The reasoning here is that smaller wheels are easier to control and also easier on the joints, which can be a real concern for old or injured skaters. Smaller wheels are easier to learn on, which is another reason they are ideal for beginners.

How do I pick the right skateboard wheels?

Consider your budget, your style, and the surface you are skating on to select the right skateboard wheels for you. Wheels are categorized by size and durometer (how hard they are). The size of a wheel determines how fast it can move.

Most setups will use a combination of a hard and a softer wheel. The hardness of a wheel is determined by its durometer. The durometer is measured on a scale of 1 (softest) to 100 (hardest). You will need a harder wheel for an outdoor surface such as concrete or asphalt; however, a softer wheel works best for a slippery surface such as wood or tile.

Boards with larger wheels have a higher rolling resistance, which means it will be harder to push the board. They are not ideal for beginners. Boards with smaller wheels are lighter and more responsive. They are also better for doing tricks. They will have a lower rolling resistance than boards with larger wheels.

Can board speed be affected by the wheel’s softness?

Wheel’s softness does affect the board’s speed. Since the softer wheels will have less traction, it will be harder to control the speed of the skateboard. The softer wheels are good for cruising, freestyle, and sliding. The harder wheels are better for racing, sliding, and bombing hills because it is easier to control the speed with the harder wheels.

Conclusion:

There is a lot to know about skateboard wheels. If you want to learn about the different types of skateboard wheels, choose the right size, maintain your wheels, and ride with them, you’re in the right place. We wrote this ultimate guide to help you with all of this information and more, so read on!

We hope you enjoyed this article on how to measure skateboard wheels. With this knowledge, no need to worry about buying a skateboard wheel that is the wrong size. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start skateboarding with the help of our blog on how to measure skateboard wheels.